Zeylanica

As one of our journeys in exploring Sri Lanka, my beautiful motherland we planned a visit to the Anuradhapura cultural triangle, Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary and Sigiriya Rock fortress. When we left Minneriya National park, the next stop was Sigiriya. At that point one of my friends came up with this idea of visiting Pidurangala, an ancient Buddhist monastery dated back to same age of Sigiriya rock fortress. Since Sigiriya is frequently visited and Pidurangala is a place yet to be explored we picked Pidurangala over Sigiriya.

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Pidurangala is located one kilometer form Sigiriya. It is said to be the temple of the kingdom of Sigiriya. Even though authorities and visitors payed numerous attention to Sigiriya, Pidurangala has been, fortunately or unfortunately, overlooked. Only few dozen of visitors to Sigiriya visits this wonderful Buddhist cave temple. I heard that the name “Pidurangala” was created by Pidu + Ran + Gala, which means “worshiped golden rock”. It has also been noted the flowers carried by the maidens depicted in the Sigiriya frescoes face the Buddha image at Pidurangala, giving the impression that they were making their way to Pidurangala.

There is a Buddhist monastery at the bottom of 200m high Pidurangala.

Piduranhala Buddhist monastery – Entrance to Budumadura

Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery – Budumadura

From a side of Budumadura there is a small path through the forest up to the rock. The path to Buddha statue and mediation caves has been repaired recently into steps now. Even though it is so hot in day time during this season, when we enter in to forest area, it is a cooler atmosphere there. Farther up in the path there are ruins of about 6-7 meditation caves.

Path through rocks – Pidurangala

Farther above there is a reclining Buddha statue. It is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues created with bricks and mortar. Head and chest area of this wonderful creation has been dug by treasure thieves and repaired lately. But the top mortar layer has not been replaced.

Reclining Buddha statue – Pidurangala

There is no path beyond this statue, but through rocks you can climb up to the summit of the rock. Path is difficult but manageable (Not recommended for elder people or children). At the summit you can see beautiful Sigiriya Fortress.

Sigiriya rock to top of Pidurangala

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sunset at Pidurangala

Contributors, Culture, Danushka Senadheera, History, Icons, Places, Travel, Wildlife Buddha Statues, Cave temples, Pidurangala, rock temples, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

The mist lifting from the mountains

Photograph © by Ruwan Rajapakse

The morning we left Belihuloya to reach Bambarakanda, this beauteous sight awaited us. At the breaking light of day the mist covered the mountains like a wale, giving a glow of purity that took our breath away. It is at these special moments that yMother Nature speaks to your inner core.

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus)
Bambarakanda, Close to Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse

This beautiful little parakeet (*vulnerable, endemic) is found in the central montane vegetation of Sri Lanka. It is named after its habit of hanging onto branches upside down when feeding. We came across this rare opportunity in May 2006 on our way to the Bambarakanda waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

As we drove up the mountain path that leads to the famous waterfall, a companion saw something dart across the road. We stopped and stepped out slowly to see what it was, lo and behold! the most adorable little parakeet was there just a few yards away. What a treat it was!

The turn off to bambarakanda is close to Belihulouya. Its a long and winding road, but the destination is worth it.

At the top there is a small rest-house, a homely place where you can have a warm cuppa tea watching the waterfall and listening to its thunderous roar. We had lunch there that day with the rather alarming sound of beautiful Bambarakanda falling to her destination. It was like the sound of a stormy sea.. The air there is cold and chilly. The owner of the rest-house, a retired planter shared with us interesting some accounts of his past over tea. We felt quite at home…

Bambarakanda Waterfalls

The Bambarakanda Falls

Photograph © by Ruwan Rajapakse

Ruwan a great lover of waterfalls always manages to take beautiful shots.

Wildflowers at the top of the hill that faces Bambarakanda.

Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse

Wild Orchid

Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse

A beautiful wild orchid that caught my eye on the roadside near the guest house. Orchids are common in that part of the country. They thrive at higher elevations with the cool mountain air.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bambarakanda_Falls
http://zeylanica.com/blog/2009/02/10/bambarakanda-waterfalls/

Avifauna, Contributors, Culture, Explorer, Flora, History, Icons, Nature, Nilu Rajapakse, Places, Wildlife Badulla District, Bambarakanda Waterfall, Endangered, Endemic, Hanging Parrot, Kalupahana, Loriculus beryllinus, Waterfall