(SKU: LK60070300) Get picked up from Arugam Bay or a hotel in that area, and go on a whirlwind tour of eight places of historical and archaeological importance. Visit the Hulannuge Taru Len Gala Temple on the Hulannuge Mountain where one of the longest drip ledged caves in Asia can be found. Enjoy seeing the many caves with their primitive paintings and speaking to the monks that live here.
Highlights
- Comfortable transport in coach and excellent English speaking guide
- Visits to Hulannuge Taru Len Gala Viharaya, Lahugala Kotavehera, Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya, Sastrawela Mani Naga Pabbatha Viharaya, Kudumbigala Monastery, Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Neelagiri Maha Seya, and the Okanda Hill Murugan Temple.
- Meals not included
About Historical Tour From Arugam Bay
Get picked up from Arugam Bay or a hotel in that area, and go on a whirlwind tour of eight places of historical and archaeological importance. Visit the Hulannuge Taru Len Gala Temple on the Hulannuge Mountain where one of the longest drip ledged caves in Asia can be found. Enjoy seeing the many caves with their primitive paintings and speaking to the monks that live here.
Continue on to the Lahugala Kotavehera with its flattened stone temple and ruins of fallen monoliths, flower alters and more. Take a short walk down towards Lahugala to reach Magul Maha Temple, which is believed to have been built by King Dhatusena and refurbished by many following kings. Note the interesting ruins of the Magul maduwa (place where the bo tree was planted), the image house with its paintings, ancient sthupa, and the unique moon stone with mahouts on the elephants' backs.
Visit the ancient village of Sastrawela where many astrologers once lived and visit its ancient monastery, Mani Naga Pabbatha Viharaya, believed to date back to the time of the First King of Ruhuna. View the many caves nearby indicating that the area was first presented to meditating monks in the early 3rd Century B.C. Take a short break for lunch before visiting the Kudumbigala monastery, which dates back to over two thousand years ago, and see the only cylindrical dagoba surviving in Sri Lanka today. Wander through the ruins of another millenia old temple after this as you visit Muhudu Maha Temple in Pottuvil. See the ancient stone Buddha statues and statues of kings.
Return to Lahugala for a visit to the massive Neelagiri Maha Seya, the biggest stupa in the Eastern Province. Finish off with a visit to the Ukantha Malai (Okanda Hill) Velayudha Swami Temple in Okanda. Shrouded in myth and legend, this jungle shrine is believed to have existed for several millennia; and is visited and venerated by both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
