Ritigala Forest Monastery
Ritigala Forest Monastery
Ritigala Forest Monastery
4.5
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4.5
322 reviews
Excellent
182
Very good
110
Average
25
Poor
2
Terrible
3
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skimadam
Battaramulla, Sri Lanka36 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This is not on the regular tourist list but I had read about it and asked our driver to take us from sigirya. Took about an hour and 1
/4. The last bit of road (2k) is unmade but driveable in a van. We got there at about 8.30 am. We took a local guide as not much written about this place. We had to walk for about 1.5 hours through some jungle but mostly uncovered archeological walkway. 1080 lkr entry fee. 2000 lkr for the guide. He didn't ask for that but we felt he was worth it. I am so glad I have seen this. It is an amazing place. Not commercialized yet. Very few tourists. They are still uncovering parts of the site. I have a bad knee but managed the walk. Guide and husband assisted on long flights of steps.
/4. The last bit of road (2k) is unmade but driveable in a van. We got there at about 8.30 am. We took a local guide as not much written about this place. We had to walk for about 1.5 hours through some jungle but mostly uncovered archeological walkway. 1080 lkr entry fee. 2000 lkr for the guide. He didn't ask for that but we felt he was worth it. I am so glad I have seen this. It is an amazing place. Not commercialized yet. Very few tourists. They are still uncovering parts of the site. I have a bad knee but managed the walk. Guide and husband assisted on long flights of steps.
Written 9 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anja H
12 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Very interesting old forest monastery in very quiet and fascinating nature. We had a very good guide who studied archaeology and gave us a lot of information about the lives of the monks. Likewise the importance of the steps on the various levels with philosophical stories on them. We really enjoyed it and are worth a visit who is interested in Buddhist history.
Automatically translated
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann K
Denmark59 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This site is perfect for travellers who wants a non-touristic experience. There are no signs and it's not all that easy to find the right way on your own. We almost missed out on most of the fun, because we couldn't seem to find the track, but luckily a guide saw us and guided us around, which included a exciting walk in the forest. The trees there are so beautiful!
Don't miss out on this!
Don't miss out on this!
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P H
London, UK41 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Literally a jungle path of steps to nothing except a few badly decayed columns every so often. Each level looked the same and I also had no idea what anything was. We got to the 'top', which was a tree and assumed there was more - but no. It was a tree. So basically a collection of unexplained stone pillars in the middle of a boiling jungle that you have to sweat your ass off to reach the top which is a whole load of nothing not even anymore columns! (instead a tree, some bracken and a fence stopping you going any further)
Written 25 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 of 4 Seniors in Sri Lanka
Goole, UK32 contributions
Feb 2020
Unesco Site an ongoing archaelogical dig. Very interesting. Bit of a clinb to get to main building over rocks and streams but worth the effort. The viewes for the Library was great.plenty of trees and plants, very restful place.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne B
Autun, France21 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
So 1850 rupees or x 6 in 5 years... well done...
Friendly and quiet
Except the mosquitoes who had fun with me
2 hours round trip wet ride
And the staff who sweep the path...
Lost deep in the forest. Great view at bridge number 2
Friendly and quiet
Except the mosquitoes who had fun with me
2 hours round trip wet ride
And the staff who sweep the path...
Lost deep in the forest. Great view at bridge number 2
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albia-Newton
Evanton, UK4,745 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A fantastic walk through unspoiled forest with lots of wildlife. The remains of a nearly two thousand year old monastery dot the hillside. Beautiful environment and very peaceful. Walk tales about 1.5 hrs. Ensure you have mosquito spray if bites trouble you
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nik_sing
Hong Kong, China73 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Ritigala Nature Reserve is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its tranquil atmosphere, ancient ruins, and diverse flora and fauna, it offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Don't miss the chance to hike through lush forests, discover ancient Buddhist monasteries, and immerse yourself in the serenity of this mystical place. Highly recommend for a memorable adventure off the beaten path.
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silver Wings Tours
Wattala, Sri Lanka220 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Ritigala is a strict natural reserve in Sri Lanka. There was an ancient Buddhist monastery within the forest. Ritigala mountain range consists of four peaks. The highest peak at the south of the range is called Ritigala Mountain.
Written 12 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seevali D
Colombo, Sri Lanka8,965 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
A group of 18 of us visited Ritigala Ruins with “Flamingo Lanka Travels” on 10th December 2017. This was my third visit to this fascinating mystical ruins. These Ruins, open to the public, is within the ‘Strict Natural Reserve’ that encompasses the larger Ritigala Mountain. We purchased our tickets at the entrance. The cost of a ticket is Rs 20 for locals (including residents) and Rs 500 for foreigners.
The tour began with our tour leader visiting the Department of Archaeology site office to seek the services of a guide from the Department. Starting from the Department offices we walked the first 100 metres of difficult terrain climbing up to “Banda Pokuna” (Built Pond). The guide sat us down here and gave an introduction to the ruins and indicated on a map of the places we were to visit. The ruins had been a monastery of a sect of Buddhist monks practicing extreme austerity wearing only robes made out of rags. Theirs was a life of meditation, seeking the ultimate truth, coming down from their caves only to accept food brought by visitors. There had been a great deal of support for these monks from the ancient kings who built up this monastery for their use.
This reservoir had been built in the 4th century bc and has a circumference of around 370 metres. The inner surface is made up of steps using cleanly cut uniform stones (of about neatly cut 1000 x 30 x 15mm). The top of the bund too is paved with similarly cut stones. It is thought that the reservoir had been used by devotees who visited the temple.
To get to the ruins we walked along the bund and across the stream that flows into this man made reservoir. The walk across the stream is somewhat difficult as there are no built up steps. However after we crossed the river and walked uphill we came to a neatly laid path, about 1.5 metre wide, constructed using cleanly cut interlocking four sided rectangular stone slabs lined with kerbs on either side demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. Even though our visit was around noon (between 1000 and 1300 hrs), the light along the path was soft and diffused from the overhanging branches of large trees. The air itself was quite cool and comfortable. The meandering stone paved path leads you to the many ruins scattered over an area of about 120 acres.
Three circular platforms (roundabouts) called ‘Gimanhala’ built at locations along the way had been to provide rest to devotees while walking along the hilly pathway. The guide took us off the main path to the ruins of a hospital (Janthagara) for monks with a sunken bath complete with grinding stones for preparing herbal medicines and a hearth that had been used to boil water and preparation of herbal concoctions. We saw the ruins of a number of twin buildings with raised platforms enclosed within a courtyard, built atop a large boulder or rock foundation, joined with a stone bridge (Padhanagara). One of these twin buildings is larger than the other and believed to have had a roof while the other was open. There are also walking paths for meditation as well as the ruins of a library. Bridges with stone slabs provide for crossing water streams. Photos are attached with limited explanation. Photos nor a description such as this can never do justice to what you see, feel and experience at the location.
The guide showed us some stone slabs that had been drilled at a spacing of about 15 cm apart. He explained that this had been the method used to split the rock. The holes had been filled with a chemical or stuffed with material that would expand within the holes to split the rock. The stones then were smoothed out using chisels or similar tools.
Unlike at other Buddhist places of worship, there are no Buddha statues nor any decorations in any of the buildings demonstrating the beliefs and austerity of the monks who inhabited this monastery. The only item with decorations was a urinal, perhaps demonstrating the aversion to decoration.
The guide recounted a number of interesting legends related to these mountains. This description is already too elaborate for me to recite these legends. The visitor is encouraged to read about these at various internet forums as these depict the history and beliefs of the local people.
It is a somewhat tiring walk. Wear a pair of shoes with a good grip. If you feel you are not up to go through the whole distance of about 3 km, you can stop in the shady undergrowth and sit on one of many stone structures. Even if you see part of the forest and the ruins it is well worth your while!
The tour began with our tour leader visiting the Department of Archaeology site office to seek the services of a guide from the Department. Starting from the Department offices we walked the first 100 metres of difficult terrain climbing up to “Banda Pokuna” (Built Pond). The guide sat us down here and gave an introduction to the ruins and indicated on a map of the places we were to visit. The ruins had been a monastery of a sect of Buddhist monks practicing extreme austerity wearing only robes made out of rags. Theirs was a life of meditation, seeking the ultimate truth, coming down from their caves only to accept food brought by visitors. There had been a great deal of support for these monks from the ancient kings who built up this monastery for their use.
This reservoir had been built in the 4th century bc and has a circumference of around 370 metres. The inner surface is made up of steps using cleanly cut uniform stones (of about neatly cut 1000 x 30 x 15mm). The top of the bund too is paved with similarly cut stones. It is thought that the reservoir had been used by devotees who visited the temple.
To get to the ruins we walked along the bund and across the stream that flows into this man made reservoir. The walk across the stream is somewhat difficult as there are no built up steps. However after we crossed the river and walked uphill we came to a neatly laid path, about 1.5 metre wide, constructed using cleanly cut interlocking four sided rectangular stone slabs lined with kerbs on either side demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. Even though our visit was around noon (between 1000 and 1300 hrs), the light along the path was soft and diffused from the overhanging branches of large trees. The air itself was quite cool and comfortable. The meandering stone paved path leads you to the many ruins scattered over an area of about 120 acres.
Three circular platforms (roundabouts) called ‘Gimanhala’ built at locations along the way had been to provide rest to devotees while walking along the hilly pathway. The guide took us off the main path to the ruins of a hospital (Janthagara) for monks with a sunken bath complete with grinding stones for preparing herbal medicines and a hearth that had been used to boil water and preparation of herbal concoctions. We saw the ruins of a number of twin buildings with raised platforms enclosed within a courtyard, built atop a large boulder or rock foundation, joined with a stone bridge (Padhanagara). One of these twin buildings is larger than the other and believed to have had a roof while the other was open. There are also walking paths for meditation as well as the ruins of a library. Bridges with stone slabs provide for crossing water streams. Photos are attached with limited explanation. Photos nor a description such as this can never do justice to what you see, feel and experience at the location.
The guide showed us some stone slabs that had been drilled at a spacing of about 15 cm apart. He explained that this had been the method used to split the rock. The holes had been filled with a chemical or stuffed with material that would expand within the holes to split the rock. The stones then were smoothed out using chisels or similar tools.
Unlike at other Buddhist places of worship, there are no Buddha statues nor any decorations in any of the buildings demonstrating the beliefs and austerity of the monks who inhabited this monastery. The only item with decorations was a urinal, perhaps demonstrating the aversion to decoration.
The guide recounted a number of interesting legends related to these mountains. This description is already too elaborate for me to recite these legends. The visitor is encouraged to read about these at various internet forums as these depict the history and beliefs of the local people.
It is a somewhat tiring walk. Wear a pair of shoes with a good grip. If you feel you are not up to go through the whole distance of about 3 km, you can stop in the shady undergrowth and sit on one of many stone structures. Even if you see part of the forest and the ruins it is well worth your while!
Written 25 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time is needed to see the monastery?
Written 15 July 2019
We spent a couple of hours there with a guide so there was list to see and have explained, it would also depend on fitness levels as its climbing upwards - such a beautiful spot
Written 18 July 2019
Opening and closings timings
Written 9 August 2018
It is best to visit between 9 AM to 4:30 PM as this mountain is surrounded by animals such as Elephants.
I guess the closing time would be around 5 pm.
Written 13 August 2018
The road from Habarana to the turn-off to Ritigala is 11 km along the main A11 road. From the turn-off too you will travel about 4 km on a tarred road. The last kilometre after a further turnoff is reasonably well maitained and motor cars do travel along this road until the designated car park. From there it is about 2 km of walking along the sloping track laid with rectangular smooth stones. Do contact the Archaelogy office near the car park. They will give you a guide free of charge to take you along and show you the ancient interesting structures used by meditating monks.
Written 21 June 2018
Thilak M
Colombo, Sri Lanka
This place is said to be one of the most sacred places in lord Buddha's era .Why not go in to details & search for real truth in it & to publish for the benefit of the people who visit & others to know?
Written 9 November 2017
I too agree with you but if you do it then you will completely damage the current environment. Also the local community will be effected. Better not ruin the place with thousands of people and let the environment be as it is
Written 10 November 2017
Is there an entrance fee to Ritigala Forest Monastery?
Written 27 December 2016
When we were there there was no admission (august 2016). There is a donation box, we put some money there. They anyway need the place running.
Written 28 December 2016
hello,
Could you please tell me how much time you need to reach the ruins, once you arrive at the entrance.
Written 26 February 2016
It depends on whether you want to just walk up and walk back or if you want to sit in the beautiful forest. My wife used the opportunity to meditate and my boys and I put our feet in the little creek. We were there for 2 - 3 hours. If you do put your feet in the water watch out for the little little leeches.
Written 27 February 2016
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