Trek the Forest Monastery of Ritigala

Trek the Forest Monastery of Ritigala

On the forested mountainside sits the ancient monastery of Ritigala, whose mysterious ruins date back to the 1st century and are steeped in legend.
Ritigala is just over forty kilometres away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, making it a great place to explore while in the area. The ruins of the monastery spread out over an area of 60 acres and are situated on the eastern side of the Ritigala Mountain – a Strict Nature Reserve and homes to many species of animal.
Trek the Forest Monastery of Ritigala

Embrace the Beauty of Sri Lanka’s Turtle Hatcheries with The Unique Travel Company

Immerse Yourself in the Marvels of Sri Lanka’s Turtle Hatcheries
Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches and rich biodiversity make it a perfect destination for families seeking adventure, education, and relaxation. Experience the wonders of the island’s turtle hatcheries, where you can witness the incredible journey of sea turtles and contribute to marine conservation efforts. With The Unique Travel Company’s affordable holiday tours to Sri Lanka, your family can enjoy unforgettable experiences without exceeding your budget. Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastal conservation and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
A Jewel of Conservation on Sri Lanka’s South Coast
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa is a premier turtle conservation project on Sri Lanka’s picturesque south coast. This renowned hatchery is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, providing a safe haven where they can recover and thrive. Visitors can participate in educational tours and interactive exhibits, learning about the life cycle of sea turtles, the threats they face, and the hatchery’s crucial conservation efforts. Located in a beautiful coastal setting, Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa offers a unique opportunity for families to engage in marine conservation and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka.
Key Highlights of Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa
See the Muthumariamman Temple in Matale

See the Muthumariamman Temple in Matale

While you’re exploring the historic treasures situated within the Cultural Triangle region of Sri Lanka, be sure to schedule a stop off at the Muthumariamman Temple in Matale.
Most travellers touring the island will come across Matale as they travel between the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa toward Kandy. Matale is about fifteen miles from Kandy, close to the spice gardens we visit on our Sri Lanka Itinerary15 Day Group Family Tour8 Day Group HighlightsLuxury Tour and Honeymoon Tour of Sri Lanka.
As well as the spice gardens, the Aluvihara Rock Monastery is also located on the outskirts of the city and is well worth a visit while you’re in the area.
Visit the Munneswaram Temple near Chilaw

Visit the Munneswaram Temple near Chilaw

A collection of five individual temples, the Munneswaram Temple Complex near Chilaw is a particularly important site for Hindus in Sri Lanka and is thought to date back to as early as 1000 CE.
The largest and most prominent of the five temples is the central temple which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The other temples are dedicated to Ganesha, Kali and Ayyanayake, while the last of the five temples is for Buddhists.
The three temple loop near Kandy

The three temple loop near Kandy

In Sri Lanka’s ancient capital of Gampola sits three revered Buddhist temples – Embekke, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya.
Each legendary temple is a short distance from one another and are usually visited by intrigued travellers in succession, known as the ‘the three temple loop’.
The three temples are revered for their excellent craftsmanship and historic importance to the Gampola era of Sri Lanka and are well worth a visit when close to Kandy.
Aukana Buddha statue in Kekirawa

Aukana Buddha statue in Kekirawa

Aukana is the tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, standing 12 metres tall. Located in the village of Aukana (close to Kekirawa), central Sri Lanka, the imposing statue dates back to the 5th century and is one of the best and most well preserved statues on the island.
Now a magnet for tourist to Sri Lanka, the forty foot statue is carved out of an imposing slab of granite rock and is an example of Abhayamudra, or a “gesture of fearlessness”, with the right arm bent and raised to shoulder height, palm exposed. This gesture represents peace, protection and the dispelling of fear.
Carved into the granite rock face, the statue is widely considered the best example of a Buddha statue on the island and was skilfully carved. The robe was delicately carved and beautifully conveys the realistic form and shape of the underlying body. The face is placid in expression, projecting and reinforcing the fearlessness the statue represents.