Recently I visited Kataragama. It was August 15th. It was really enjoyable. Our path was Kandy, Gampola,
Nuwara Eliya, Welimada, Bandarawela, Ella, Wellawaya, Buttala and then Kataragama.
On our way I found that there are several waterfalls, plateaus and mountains. I was really interested in waterfalls. I didn’t forget to take photographs.
Ravana Ella the most popular sightseeing spot in Sri Lanka is located in Ella and it has a really interesting historcal legend.
This fall has been named after the
legendary Hindu
character Ravana, who is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana
According to legend, it is said that Ravana had kidnapped Princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall,
now simply known as Ravana Ella.
This waterfall measures
approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and also it currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This place is one of the most sought after tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and is located seven miles away from Bandarawela.
The water falling from the Ravana Ella, finds its course down in three stages for nine metres and then bends itself in a stream. This picturesque fall can be observed from the main road. This place is quiet and a favoured stop to rest for pilgrims.
Moving further there was another picturesque reservoir. It was the Lunugamvehera reservoir. It was completed in the year of 1985. This reservoir is rather new. It had been created by damming the Kirindi Oya.
My father who is also a
nature lover, told me that King Dutugemunu, while making
preparations for the war with King Elara had stored salt for his army in this area and also he told me that the exact location where the salt was stored is where the Lunugamvehera Buddhist temple has been built on.
I didn’t forget to ask the meaning of Lunugamvehera from my father. In Sinhala, ‘Lunu’ is salt, ‘Gam(a)’ is village and ‘Vehera’, is dagaba /
temple.
That’s how I made use of my trip. I really enjoyed these places. I wish to visit these places on my way to Kataragama next time and to explore some more new places too. |
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