Ritigala | The Safety Rock | Sri Lanka

It is possible to determine that Ritigala is an ancient name based on its historical significance. Think about the meaning of the word Ritigala. It was developed from the word “Aritta,” which means “Aritta” in Hindi. “Security” is the literal meaning of this word, which was first mentioned in the ancient Pali language. The word gala is derived from the Latin word for “rock.” The term “Safety Rock” can be used to describe the structure as a whole in English.
Located in the North Central Province, Ritigala is sandwiched between the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The distance between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is 43 kilometers, and the distance between Polonnaruwa and Ritigala is 49 kilometers. Visitors can gain access to the Ritigala, which is located in the middle of the Habarana-Maradankadawala route. The settlement of Ganewalpola can also be reached by this route. Visitors to Ritigala, on the other hand, will find Habarana to be the most convenient transportation hub. The distance between Habarana and this road is 12 kilometers.
The Ritigala mountain contains 70 rock caverns, all of which have been discovered. As previously indicated, the Ritigala was known by the name of AittaPabbatha, and he served as minister to King Dewanampiyathissa during his reign in Mahawansa. He was the first monk, and he went on to become Arahath, who spent the rest of his monastic life in Ritigala. The most significant fact is that Ritigala has served as a king’s refuge on numerous occasions. As an example, consider the 7th-century fight against the Dravidian merchants who came to the island. In the same century, there was also king Dutugemunu and Jetta Tissa.

Located in the North Central Province, Ritigala is sandwiched between the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The mountain contains 70 rock caverns, all of which have been discovered. It has served as a king’s refuge numerous times, including during the 7th-century fight against Dravidian merchants.

According to the rock inscription, early Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were known to have lived in natural caves or rock shelters of this type. As a result, the caverns that can be seen in Ritigala are the remains of a Monastery where the Pansukulikas Monks had resided. We are unable to see any temples, image houses, or stupas in Ritigala as a result of this issue. After a short trek up the mountain, you will be able to glimpse the ruins of Ritigala. According to an inscription uncovered, King Lanji Tissa was the one who discovered Ritigala Monastery. When other attractions in the North Central Plains are taken into consideration, such as Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mihintale, Ritigala can be designated as the highest mountain range in Sri Lanka’s North Central dry plain, and hence the highest mountain range in the country. The Ritigala mountain range is comprised of four peaks. This peak rises to a height of 766 meters above mean sea level. The mountain range measured three miles in length and two miles in width. Ritigala’s highest summit, Ritigala Peak, was hidden by deep vegetation. The majority of wild Elephants, Leopards, and Bears may be found in this deep jungle habitat. During the North East Monsoon, the region of Ritigala receives the most rainfall. This jungle serves as the watershed for the Malwathuoya River. It is possible to witness a greater variety of flora and a greater range of bio diversity than is often found in the central hills of the wet zone. Some of this flora is endangered or endemic, while some of it is unusual. In addition, wild orchids can be found in abundance in the mountain’s upper reaches. It is home to a greater variety of unusual flora and fauna. Known as a biodiversity hotspot in the dry season, Ritigala is managed by the Department of Wild Life of Sri Lanka and the Forest Department of Sri Lanka in collaboration with them. We can recognize endemic bird species such as the Black Eagle, Grey Hornbills, Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, Malbar Pied Hornbill, and Spot Winged Thrush, as well as a variety of other species. The Ritigala mountain range is comprised of three distinct types of forest. Dry Mixes Evergreen Forest, which can be found in the lower part of the mountain ranges, Tropical Mountain Forest Type, which can be found in the middle of the mountain ranges, and Upper Mountain Forest Type, which can be found in the highest terrain are the types of forest that can be found in the mountains.

Ritigala is the highest mountain range in Sri Lanka’s North Central dry plain. It is comprised of four peaks and measures three miles in length and two miles in width. The majority of wild Elephants, Leopards, and Bears may be found in this jungle habitat. During the North East Monsoon, the region of Ritigala receives the most rainfall. This jungle serves as the watershed for the Malwathuoya River. It is home to a greater variety of unusual flora and fauna in the dry season than in the wet season.

Image Credit: amayaresorts.com

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