• Latest

Ratnapura A treasure trove of Adventures

January 23, 2023
Investec Cape Town Art Fair

Investec Cape Town Art Fair

March 3, 2023
Discipline and Precepts are Favorable for Self-Development

Discipline and Precepts are Favorable for Self-Development

March 3, 2023
DY Patil University Centre of Excellence Opens in Navi Mumbai

DY Patil University Centre of Excellence Opens in Navi Mumbai

March 3, 2023
A Walk Down Cobblers’ Street

A Walk Down Cobblers’ Street

March 3, 2023
The Colombo Cultural Show: A Soiree into Sri Lanka’s Heart

The Colombo Cultural Show: A Soiree into Sri Lanka’s Heart

February 7, 2023
Kandy Central Market: The epitome of local ambiance

Kandy Central Market: The epitome of local ambiance

February 7, 2023
The Art of Local Writing

The Art of Local Writing

February 7, 2023
Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic

February 7, 2023
Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling

Ponniyin Selvan 1: Leveraging the Lure of History and the Power of Storytelling

January 11, 2023
Rumination and Emotional Process

Rumination and Emotional Process

January 13, 2023
Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

Segar Represents Sri Lanka in Asia Art Bienniale in Dhaka

January 11, 2023
Good Conversations Start with Mlesna

Good Conversations Start with Mlesna

January 11, 2023
Retail
Friday, March 31, 2023
Subscription
Advertise
  • Home
  • Issues
    • 201_
      • 2010
        • January 2010
        • February 2010
        • March 2010
        • April 2010
        • May 2010
        • June 2010
        • July 2010
        • August 2010
        • September 2010
        • October 2010
        • November 2010
        • December 2010
      • 2011
        • January 2011
        • February 2011
        • March 2011
        • April 2011
        • May 2011
        • June 2011
        • July 2011
        • August 2011
        • September 2011
        • October 2011
        • November 2011
        • December 2011
      • 2012
        • January 2012
        • February 2012
        • March 2012
        • April 2012
        • May 2012
        • June 2012
        • July 2012
        • August 2012
        • September 2012
        • October 2012
        • November 2012
        • December 2012
      • 2013
        • January 2013
        • February 2013
        • March 2013
        • April 2013
        • May 2013
        • June 2013
        • July 2013
        • August 2013
        • September 2013
        • October 2013
        • November 2013
        • December 2013
      • 2014
        • January 2014
        • February 2014
        • March 2014
        • April 2014
        • May 2014
        • June 2014
        • July 2014
        • August 2014
        • September 2014
        • October 2014
        • November 2014
        • December 2014
      • 2015
        • January 2015
        • February 2015
        • March 2015
        • April 2015
        • May 2015
        • June 2015
        • July 2015
        • August 2015
        • September 2015
        • October 2015
        • November 2015
        • December 2015
      • 2016
        • January 2016
        • February 2016
        • March 2016
        • April 2016
        • May 2016
        • June 2016
        • July 2016
        • August 2016
        • September 2016
        • October 2016
        • November 2016
        • December 2016
      • 2017
        • January 2017
        • February 2017
        • March 2017
        • April 2017
        • May 2017
        • June 2017
        • July 2017
        • August 2017
        • September 2017
        • October 2017
        • November 2017
        • December 2017
      • 2018
        • January 2018
        • February 2018
        • March 2018
        • April 2018
        • May 2018
        • June 2018
        • July 2018
        • August 2018
        • November 2018
        • December 2018
      • 2019
        • January 2019
        • February 2019
        • March 2019
        • April 2019
        • May 2019
        • June 2019
        • July 2019
        • August 2019
        • September 2019
        • October 2019
        • November 2019
        • December 2019
    • 202_
      • 2020
        • January 2020
        • February 2020
        • March 2020
        • September 2020
        • October 2020
        • November 2020
        • December 2020
      • 2021
        • January 2021
        • February 2021
        • March 2021
        • April 2021
        • May 2021
        • June 2021
        • July 2021
        • August 2021
        • September 2021
        • October 2021
        • November 2021
        • December 2021
      • 2022
        • January 2022
        • February 2022
        • March 2022
        • April 2022
        • May 2022
        • June 2022
        • July 2022
        • August 2022
        • September 2022
        • October 2022
        • November 2022
        • December 2022
      • 2023
        • January 2023
        • February 2023
        • March 2023
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Archive
  • Find Us on Magzter
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Ratnapura A treasure trove of Adventures

in Featured, July 2013, Slider
0 0
0
The midst of vibrant Ratnapura

Leaving behind the hectic hustle and bustle of Colombo we leisurely inched towards Ratnapura or the City of Gems. Cruising along the Panadura-Horana-Ratnapura Highway, by and by the buildings gave way to rubber plantations and beautiful green vistas. We marvelled at the sudden change in the climate and the cool clime that so easily engulfed us – a mere two hours or so away from the commercial capital of Colombo.

Words Krishani Peiris Photographs Indika De Silva

Sabaragamuwa or Saparagamuwa? I stared at a plaque and let my mind ravel through this intriguing puzzle. And apparently the correct terminology of the Province is deemed by many experts to be Saparagamuwa, which may have been influenced by tourists visiting the country in the first century AD. As saplar, sapar and similar names were used to identify gems that were quite abundant in Saparagamuwa, historians believe that the name Saparagrama could have been derived through the ages as Saparagamu, Saparagomu and finally Sabaragamuwa during the Kotte Kingdom for convenience in pronunciation. However, the story that unravels here is not about the Province but about Ratnapura, the main city in Sabaragamuwa – the treasure or rather the gem-trove of Sri Lanka.

Built during the Dambadeniya Kingdom, the Dewalaya has an extensive history that is riddled with wonders

Saparagamu Maha Saman Dewalaya

Ratnapura is famous for mainly three things. They are gems, the Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) and the Saparagamu Maha Saman Dewalaya. Ancient tales and volumes chronicling Lord Buddha’s visits to Sri Lanka tells of Sumana, a provincial ruler of the Deva clan, who was a devout follower of Lord Buddha and His teachings. It is said that after Lord Sumana’s demise he was elevated to the prominence of a god and is considered to be the guardian deity of Sri Pada and the Sabaragamuwa Province.

Built during the Dambadeniya Kingdom (1220-1354), the Dewalaya has an extensive history that is riddled with wonders and chaos at times. The origination of the Dewalaya is attributed to a monk by the name of Seelavansha Himi, who has brought a statue of Saman Deviyo from Sri Pada to be placed in the then Saparagrama Vehera or Temple. Since that time many Kings of Sri Lanka has held the Dewalaya in much eminence, constructing and adding their own touches to show their devotions and belief in the temple. The Dewalaya has also been a place where the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha was kept and where the Dalada Perahera was conducted for 11 years.

The structure present now is believed to have been built by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe after the Portuguese and Dutch destroyed the Dewalaya to build their own strongholds. Therefore the influence of the Kandyan Kingdom architecture and art could be seen throughout the sacred grounds. Before stepping into the Dewalaya a quick tour in the newly built museum where parts of the olden temple and other historical findings were displayed accompanied by an overview of the countless exciting tales spun around the temple aided us to understand the history of the Dewalaya better.

We zig zagged our way around the people who thronged the Dewala grounds seeking the blessings of Sumana Deviyo. Lotuses and other variant flowers in hand, first they would stop at the Shrine room to worship Lord Buddha before carrying pooja baskets to the Shrine of Sumana Deviyo. Heads bent in reverence, like one, all listened to the chants read by the priest and the periphery filled with a silence that was only broken by the low murmurs from outside.

Pothgul Viharaya

A long flight of stairs, 469 steps to be exact, awaited us as we set out to the Pothgul Viharaya in Karangoda situated atop a rock. In the distance we could make out a white building as we concentrated on putting one step over the other to reach the summit. However, when we reached the top the breathtaking panorama that could be witnessed made us forget the weary climb and rejuvenated us to explore this fascinating Temple with vigor.

The Temple was built by King Valagamba of Anuradhapura, under the guidance of Kushikkala Tissa Thero in 2nd Century BC. When the Tripitaka – the Dhamma – was written in Aluvihare, Matale, under the sponsorship of King Valagamba, palmyrah trees that were abundant in the area were used. One of the Temple caves was used to store the books bound by the ola leaves, obtained by the palmyrah trees, till they were carried to their destination and the cave was named the Pothgala (Poth for books and gala for rock), which later became Pothgul once the Temple was built.

Stepping into the Main shrine room, our gaze was at once drawn to the reclining Buddha statue, built by King Valagamba, that is about 18 cubits long. A small waterhole in front also caught our attention as it is said that if a lotus is placed in the water, it emerges in a pond located at the Samana Dewalaya. The cave roof was adorned with motifs that were painted in the ancient times. Though faded we were still able to see the exquisite artistry that were possessed by the people of old.

Going through a passageway that led behind the Buddha statue, we observed a doorway that framed the entrance of a tunnel. It is believed that King Valagamba and his army have used this tunnel as a hideaway and an escape route in turbulent times. The engulfing darkness and urban lore about disappearances hindered us from venturing inside. Treading the passageway farther, we stopped by two old statues of gods Vishnu and Saman before retracing our steps.

Outside of this shrine room were more structures and most of these were thought to have been built by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe and show telltale signs of the Kandyan Kingdom artistry.

Chasing Waterfalls

Ratnapura with many mountainous terrains is renowned for the captivating waterfalls such as Bopath Ella, Alupola Ella, Dehena Ella and more. After learning that Dehena Ella is the seventh widest waterfall in Sri Lanka, we went in search of its beauty, first treading the historic Ratnapura-Palabaddala road to Adam’s Peak before diverting towards Alupolla.

Sprawling tea estates and green foliage flagged the sides of the narrow road and rain was our constant companion along the winding climb. Reaching the Dehena Ella we were entranced by its splendour, pouring forth readily sprinkling its cooling droplets in all directions. As we watched the water seemed to swell and the width of the fall seemed to expand with the rainfall and it was clear that during rainy weather venturing into the waters for a cool dip would be unwise.

Even then, just enjoying the beauty that flowed through was enough to make the trail up to the falls a worthwhile journey.

More…

Ratnapura District is filled with many interesting things to explore. Sneak-a-peek into a gem mine to experience gem mining up close and step into a gem museum to discover the wonders of the gem world. For those who are interested in trekking, Ratnapura offers alluring as well as exciting nature trails while Sinharaja is also located in close proximity for nature lovers. Whitewater rafting in the Kelani River, safaris to the Udawalawe sanctuary and much more could further be easily accessed for the thrill seekers to get that extra bit of adrenaline pumping.

To top it all, the Ehelepola Walawwa, a residence of the Ehelepola Nilame of the Kandyan Kingdom now turned into a museum, will without a doubt fascinate those who wonder in, by the past artifacts unearthed from the area.

Ratnaloka Tour Inns

Located adjacent to tea estates and covered by lush greenery all around, the Ratnaloka Tour Inns stands resplendent in the enchanting nature that surrounds it. Built nearly 40 years ago, the hotel boasts of a vast experience in hospitality and encompasses an area of about 50 acres with flourishing tea estates.

Sri Lankan culture, values and artwork have taken the centre stage as the furniture, the art  and the decorations reflect the cultural aspects of the Island. The foyer of the hotel is arranged as a lobby area where guests could enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee overlooking the lush fields during the day or revel in the cooling breeze at night. The pool area, lined with cardamon trees depicts an excellent area for a dip or to relax enjoying the warming rays of the sun.

Equipped with 53 rooms, where 11 are deluxe rooms, the hotel presents much comfort and tranquillity for guests who are in quest for respite. The rooms are arrayed with a variant of amenities such as mini bar facilities, wifi and much more. Decked in soothing colours such as orange and white with dark hues thrown in for contrast, the rooms pose an ideal area to relax while seated in the balcony or even stretched out in bed.

The main restaurant of Ratnaloka Tour Inns situated in the first floor could accommodate an ample amount of guests and serve western, eastern and local cuisines to make certain that guests are spoilt for choice when selecting through each mouthwatering dish. The Orchid Restaurant, air conditioned, paves the way for a cooling get together if one is trying to escape the heat during the dry seasons. Further, the cozy little bar area arranged with comfy sofas and stools sets the perfect ambience for a drink or a cocktail from the extensive selection at hand.

Excursions are arranged by the hotel and include gem mining, treks to the Sinharaja Tropical Rain Forest, Adam’s Peak and safaris to the Udawalawa National Park to name a few. A gem museum is housed within the hotel complex and without travelling far, guests could get to know the marvels of gems right within the comfort of the Hotel.

For those who seek adventure, leisure time or sightseeing, steeped in history with many ancient temples and places scattered around the District, Ratnapura holds a myriad of activities that would take days and days to tire of.

Kosgala, Kahangama, Ratnapura.
Tel: (+94 45) 222 2455

ratnaloka@eureka.lk

rathnaloka.com

[nggallery id=637]

TweetShareShare
Please login to join discussion

Search

No Result
View All Result

Recent News

Investec Cape Town Art Fair

Investec Cape Town Art Fair

Discipline and Precepts are Favorable for Self-Development

Discipline and Precepts are Favorable for Self-Development

DY Patil University Centre of Excellence Opens in Navi Mumbai

DY Patil University Centre of Excellence Opens in Navi Mumbai

Explore Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka Online, the web edition of Sri Lanka’s leading monthly corporate publication. Founded in 1996, the magazine currently has a distribution of over 6,000 copies island-wide.

Recent News

  • Investec Cape Town Art Fair
  • Discipline and Precepts are Favorable for Self-Development
  • DY Patil University Centre of Excellence Opens in Navi Mumbai

Find Us

Explore Sri Lanka
20-2/1 Lauries Place Facing
R. A. De Mel Mawatha
Colombo 04
Sri Lanka.
(+94 11) 259 7991
(+94) 715 134 134
info@btoptions.com
btoptions.com

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 Explore Sri Lanka | Designed by Lithic Labs

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Issues
    • 201_
      • 2010
      • 2011
      • 2012
      • 2013
      • 2014
      • 2015
      • 2016
      • 2017
      • 2018
      • 2019
    • 202_
      • 2020
      • 2021
      • 2022
      • 2023
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Archive
  • Find Us on Magzter

© 2022 Explore Sri Lanka | Designed by Lithic Labs

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In