Sri Lanka tour is a magical journey to a place blessed with beautiful nature, culture, friendly people, beautiful sandy beaches, greenery and interesting historical backgrounds. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in the middle of the Indian Ocean and offers its guests an incredible variety of travel destinations, including historical and archeological sights, nature, mountains, cities, and national parks. If you are an adventure lover or a beach lover or a combination of both, Srilanka touris your key to a memorable trip. Welcome to Sri Lanka, the island of immense beauty, warmth and cultural experiences as much as it is a visual delight.
Below are eight exciting historical places in Ratnapura that you should not miss out on if you love history and exploring.
1. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is one of the most important place of worship in Sri Lanka and an archeological treasure. Being sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, there is a mysterious footprint near the top believed to be of the Buddha, Shiva or Adam. This 2,243-meter mountain has always been an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, even during the Sri Lankan pilgrimage season that runs from December to May. Apart from that, the journey has religious connotations and the best panoramic view of the landscape especially in the morning.
2. Maha Saman Devalaya
Sited in the city of Ratnapura, Maha Saman Devalaya is a sacred Temple that worships God Saman, the deity protecting Sri Pada. Constructed in the early 13th century it was remodelled in the mid 15th and has been an important shrine and annual pilgrimage site. The structure of the temple has been designed with all the traditional feel of Sri Lankan art work that complements the cultural background of the country. The Perahera (procession) event held once a year is a major tourist attraction as devotees from all parts of Sri Lanka come to witness this religious parade.
3. Ratnapura National Museum
Located in an old Dutch structure the Ratnapura National Museum is a treasure trove of history of the area. The Ratnapura museum has relics of weapons, ornaments, tools which were used in gem mining and prehistoric fossils. Historical site provides a perfect overview of Sri Lanka’s gem stones, colonial period and the life of the monarchs and rulers of Sri Lanka. Especially for those who seek to know more about the history of Sri Lanka it is a perfect place to visit.
4. Bopath Ella Falls
Although most famous for its scenic value, Bopath Ella Falls has historical and mythological importance in Sri Lanka. Namaste is represented by a 30 meters tall waterfall with the shape of the Bodhi tree leaf signifying prosperity and rebirth. It is said that for generations the people of the area have considered the falls a place of spiritual significance and the water of the falls has the power to heal. There are many places to relax and take pictures nearby and the area is popular among both, tourists interested in nature and history.
5. Kurusawadya Temple
Kurusawadya Temple which is situated in the hilltop has the blend of history, art and spirituality. This temple belongs to the Kandyan period and has beautiful carving and beautiful paintings that depict the scenes of Buddhist legends. A visit to this temple will afford a glimpse of the religious architecture and the artistic endowment of the historical Sri Lanka. The temple’s location and lack of explicit historical or artistic significance makes it a well kept secret for visitors seeking a calm, historical place with great views on the city.
6. A site of biological importance is Diva Guhava (Diva Guhava Cave).
According to the local mythology, the Diva Guhava Cave is one of the places where Lord Buddha had spent sometime during his visit to Sri Lanka. This cave is situated near the Sri Pada and exudes a very peaceful and mystical aura and it is surrounded by a thick forest which makes it even more attractive. People have been going there to pray and to ask for blessings for many centuries, having become the traditional place for pilgrims and travelers. Diva Guhava is mentioned in local folktales and legends as well as in historical literature as a place of significance in the pilgrimage of Lord Buddha.
7. Wewelwatta Village
Wewelwatta village is historical village in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka which has preserved the rural traditions of Sri Lanka. The village is famous for stilt fishing, rice cultivating fields, and beautiful scenery of Sri Lankan countryside that give a view of how the local people used to live their lives. Wewelwatta is known for its historical tales and legends and listening and seeing them in this village is like going back in time. There are walking tours for the site that will allow visitors to understand the lifestyle, culture, and practices that surround this historical village.
8. Gem Mines of Ratnapura
The mines for gems in Ratnapura date back more than one thousand years. Famous as the gem city of Sri Lanka, Ratnapura has provided gems to kings and queens and lovers of jewelry across the world. Tour of gem mines gives the tourists an understanding of how gems are mined in Sri Lanka and also gives them a glimpse into the traditional methods of mining. Just a tour to these mines is in itself a historical tour as it takes you through the history and the participation of this region in the production and supply of gems in the world.
Conclusion
The city of Ratnapura is blessed with sacred temples and historical museums, legends and rich cultural experience for those who would like to dig into the history of Sri Lanka. These are historical places in Ratnapura and apart from making tourists realize the tradition of Sri Lanka, they also make them see the natural allure of the country. If you have interest in history, you are in a search of spirituality or just love nature, there are so many historical places to visit in Ratnapura that you will never be disappointed. So, do carry your bags, your cameras and get ready to explore the history and heritage of Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.
