Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is a coastal town in Galle district of Sri Lanka. It’s a popular place for tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. It’s mainly famous for its glamorous beaches and its stunning colorful corals. Unawatuna is about 5 meters above sea level and it’s known as one of the most breath taking and mind blowing beaches in Asia. The Unawatuna beach stretches almost 4km along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna Beach is a place where there is, sandy and palm trees which shade the calm blue waters.

Moreover Unawatuna Beach is a good place for people who like to listen to the silent calm waves and explore the blue waters. Besides swimming in the beach it’s famous for a range of water sports like; snorkeling, surfing, sailing, water-skiing and wind surfing. The wreck of the sunken ships in Unawatuna makes the beach more popular especially for the scuba divers. If interested in diving you can take a boat ride to a location of wreck dives which will take 20 – 30 minutes. You can find 3 wrecked British ships called the Rangoon, Tango and lord Nelson which were sunken 10 – 100 years ago. However if you are lucky you could find 14 more wrecked ships. You can find all these ships in the same area, and it’s a popular area which attracts both local and foreign. For beginners or starters there are diving schools in Unawatuna which equips and guide tourists in diving activities and learn some extra skills. Unawatuna is one of the best and safest places for snorkeling and bathing for adults and kids as the beach is protected and surrounded by huge reefs.

Unawatuna is rich in biodiversity. Over 60 species of birds such as Kingfisher, Herons, Sandpipers etc. could be found. Additionally beautiful turtles could be sighted swimming through the blue shimmering calm waters. If tourists are lucky they could spot turtles laying eggs on the shore and be able to swim and feed them. Moreover you can take a nice walk to the pagoda statue enjoying the glazing view.

The best days to go to Unawatuna Beach are during the winter season which is from November-April. In these few months the beaches have fine weather and calm seas. Which are best mainly for families who would want to have a calm and peaceful vacation. However in the in the summer season also known as the offseason which is on May-October it’s more quieter but still popular during the weekends as local crowds from Colombo come to spend the day there.

Charges when travelling to Unawatuna Beach

Airport to Unawatuna {in Uber} Rs: 8000-8500lkr

Airport to Kadawatha {in Uber, TATA NANO} Rs: 1200lkr

Kadawatha to Galle {from bus} Rs: 490lkr

Distance From

Bandaranaike International Airport to Unawatuna-(via Southern Expy/E01) – About 151.3km (About 2hr 13mins)

Colombo to Unawatuna-(via Southern Expy/E01) – About 128.7km (About 2hr 3mins)

Mirissa to Unawatuna-(via-Colombo-Galle-Hambantota-Wellawaya-Rd/Matara Rd/A2) – About 30.3 km (About 48min)

Other Details

Type: Beach

Built: 2300 years ago

Surface Elevation: 5 meters (16ft) above sea level

Sri Lanka - Unawatuna Beach Aerial view 

Sri Pada ( Adam’s Peak )

 

Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is an ancient pilgrimage site, which has long attracted thousands of pilgrims from all faiths. This conical mountain is 7,360 feet (2,250 meters )high, soaring clear above the surrounding mountain ranges. The mountain is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands in the Ratnapura District and Nuwara Eliya district of the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province —lying about 40 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura and 32 km southwest of the city of Hatton. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby.

The region along the mountain is a wildlife reserve, housing many species varying from elephants to leopards, and including many endemic species. The region of Peak Wilderness Sanctuary that encompass the Sri Pada together with Horton Plains National Park and Knuckles Range, all in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is recognized as a World Heritage Site in the year 2011. 

Sri Pada is derived from Sanskrit, used by the Sinhalese people in a religious context; roughly translated as “the sacred foot”, It refers to the footprint-shaped mark at the summit, which is believed by Buddhists to be that of the Buddha. Christian and Islamic traditions assert that it is the footprint of Adam, left when first setting foot on Earth after having been cast out of paradise, giving it the name “Adam’s Peak”. The legends of Adam are connected to the idea that Sri Lanka was the original Eden, and in the Muslim tradition that Adam was 30 ft tall. Hindu tradition refers to the footprint as that of the Hindu deity Shiva, and thus names the mountain Shiva padam (Shiva’s foot) in Tamil. It is also fabled that the mountain is the legendary mount Trikuta the capital of Ravana during the Ramayana times from where he ruled Lanka. Another Sinhala name for the mountain is Samanalakanda, which refers either to the deity Saman, who is said to live upon and protect the mountain (a shrine dedicated to the deity can be found near the footprint), or to the butterflies (samanalayā) that frequent the mountain during their annual migrations to the region.

The summit of the mountain is a small plateau, and according to measurements it is 74 ft. in length and 24 ft. in breadth. On the top of the Peak broad steps lead up to a walled enclosure containing the rock over which is a tower-like structure. The real footprint on Adam’s Peak is believed to be set in jewels beneath the visible rock. The soles of the Buddha’s feet are said to be flat with all the toes of equal length. On each sole there are one hundred and eight auspicious marks (mangala­lakkhana), with the wheel (chakra) the principal mark at the centre while around it are grouped figures of animals, inhabitants of various worlds and other kinds of symbols. Access to the Adam’s Peak is possible by 6 trails: Hatton-Nallathanni; Ratnapura-Palabaddala; Kuruwita-Erathna; Murraywatte; Mookuwatte; Malimboda; the most popular routes are the Hatton-Nallathanni&Ratnapura-Palabaddala due to the picturesque views and postcard worthy scenery that can be encountered along them. Once a final node is reached (Nallanthanni or Palabaddala or Erathna), there begins the difficult journey through the jungle on foot.

 

Most of the pilgrims use the Hatton route as the journey can be reduced by more than five kilometers even though the slope of this route is much steeper than the others. The greater part of the track leading from the base to the summit consists of thousands of steps built in cement or rough stones. The trails are illuminated with electric light, making night-time ascent possible and safe to do even when accompanied by children. Rest stops and wayside shops along the trails serve refreshments and supplies. On the way up, after a few minutes climb the SamaChatiya, the World Peace Pagoda, can be found.This stupa was built by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk VenNichi Fuji in 1976 and stands out dramatically with the amazing backdrop of Adam’s Peak during the daytime.

The pilgrims’ season to Sri Pada traditionally starts on the full moon of December and ends on the full moon of April, with the crowd increasing during the latter half of the season. During other months it is hard to climb the mountain due to very heavy rain, extreme wind, and thick mist. Most people make the climb by night to reach the mountain top to watch the sun rise over the sea; the sun almost leaps over the eastern horizon drawing a perfect triangle of a shadow of the mountain spreading over the western backdrop of the mountain. As the sun keeps on rising, the shadow shifts towards the base of the mountain until it completely disappears, a grand finale to a breathtaking natural spectacle. Sri Pada is one of the rare places that people of four major religions in the world worship. Devotees of many religions climb the mountain daily to invoke blessings while trekkers enjoy an exhilarating hike through the different access routes to the summit.

Sigiriya the Eighth Wonder of the world

 

Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists annually. It is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

 

The palace is located in the heart of the island between Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level. Entrance to Sigiria can only be purchased at the site!

 

Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from the magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between nature and human imagination.

 The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys, and fountains.

 The surrounding territories of Sigiriya were inhibited for several thousand years. Since the 3rd century BC, the rocky plateau of Sigiriya has served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th-century king, Kasyapa constructed a royal residence here.

 After his death, Sigiriya again became a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century, when it was abandoned.

 The main entrance is located on the northern side of the rock. It was designed as a huge stone lion whose feet have survived until today, but the upper parts of the body were destroyed.

 Thanks to this lion, the palace was named Sigiriya. The term Sigiriya originates from the word Sihagri, i.e., Lion Rock.

 The western wall of Sigiriya was almost entirely covered by frescoes created during the reign of Kasyapa. Eighteen frescoes have survived to this day.

 The frescoes depict nude females and are considered to be either portraits of Kadapa’s wives and concubines or priestesses performing religious rituals. Despite the unknown identity of the females depicted in the frescoes, these unique ancient paintings celebrate female beauty and have incredible historical significance.

 One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror wall. In the old days, it was polished so thoroughly that the king could see his reflection. The Mirror wall is painted with inscriptions and poems written by the visitors of Sigiriya.

 The most ancient inscriptions are dated from the 8th century. These inscriptions prove that Sigiriya was a tourist destination over a thousand years ago. Today, painting on the wall is strictly prohibited.

Mysterious places in Sri Lanka-

 Mysterious places in Sri Lanka-

Sri Lanka is an island with natural wonders and many miracles since ancient times, where there are many places and events that have no proper explanation even today. There are so many factors that we cannot finish talking about it. Here is the information about such supernatural events and some places that are still being talked about among the people.

Lakegala – Meemure

There are many supernatural stories about this mountain with a wonderful location related to the story of Ravana. The villagers of Meemure say that torches can be seen from the side of this mountain on a clear night. Prof. Merando Obeysekera, who investigated this mountain, says that there is a gateway that can be connected with the universe from this mountain.



 Danigala Kanda – Aralagangwila

Located in the village of Kandegama, the mountain with a wonderful location is said by the local residents to be visited by aliens. A topography that is not found anywhere else in Sri Lanka can be seen in this mountain. How this place was created remains to be seen






Nalanda Gedige – Matale

Located in Matale area, there is a belief among many that this is the media center of Sri Lanka. It is said that this is due to a scientific method of special objects that can absorb the energy from the sun. And there is a belief that the original designer here is King Ravana. It should be mentioned that the original location of Nalanda Gedi has changed due to the reservoir built nearby.

Rumassala mountain range – Galle

Located near the city of Galle, a large number of very rare medicinal plants have been found in the Rumassala mountain, which is related to many supernatural stories. According to the legends of the Ramayana, this is a part of the Himalayas. But Arthur C. Mr. Clark has mentioned that this is part of a meteorite that fell to the earth thousands of years ago.

Meeyan Ella

 Meeyan Ella Ella is a waterfall that many environmentalists and waterfall lovers in our country, as well as the common people, have not heard of. At least not many people know where it is. This waterfall is located near Ulakotte railway station along the railway line to Kandy. The stream that creates Meeyan Ella Falls originates from a place called Helen-Maditta in Alagalla Hill. Initially, the waterfall falls as a single stream over a rock, flows through the villages of Varagoda and Talagolla and joins Talagolla Oya. I am connected to Talagolla Oya Boallen Kamai Oya.

Although it remains a large single waterfall, today the waterfall falls down into two parts with an interval of about 50 meters. It is an interesting story about how Miyan Falls, which used to be a large waterfall, turned into two smaller waterfalls. After the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka surrendered to Britain, they started building a railway line from Colombo to Kandy. The section of the railway between Polgahawela and Kandy was built in the mid-1800s. Also, the construction of the railway line through Alagalla Miyan Falls Ella Maha Ella was a challenging task.

 

To cross the meeyan Ella, the British had to build a 1000 feet tunnel through the Ellagalla rock. Realizing that this was a huge task, they looked for alternatives. The final decision of the British was to block the top of the waterfall and cut two deep holes in the rock so that the water falls into two small waterfalls. It is the second longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka and the longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka is the Singimalay Tunnel at 1865 feet (558 m).

Past flavors associated with meeyan Ella

"Grandma's rice dish" is a word that we often use, but if you think that you don't know much about its meaning, you will understand that I am right if you read this. On a heavy raining day, the water in this Meyen Falls has increased and water has hit the railway. So a train carrying rice from Colombo rolled down the hill along with both the waterway and the railway while passing through here. It is too expensive to collect the fallen rice, so they have not been opened. The people of the village have also collected rice for the competition. Because the rice was mixed with soil, the rice has also fallen. So, when the young people of the village go to help their grandmothers to harvest rice, they say that they are going to harvest rice for their grandmother. This saying became famous and now many people always call grandma Hal Garapang.

 

How to reach Meeyan Ella?

You can reach Meeyan Ella Waterfall from Ulakotte railway station. While traveling 275 meters along the railway line, Welivita came across Sangharaja Cave, a small cave where Sri Sarankara Thero used to live. After another 225 meters along the railway line, the tunnel can be taken. If you want to explore the subway, it is essential to talk to the train staff at Ulakotte and know the timings of the trains. Meeting a train in the 400 meter long tunnel can be a fatal accident.

Parallel to the railway tunnel you will find the old railway line running along the cliff of Alagalla rock. After going about 150 meters along this road, you will find the waterfall. Dressing appropriately before crossing this path will make the journey easier as this path is full of mana trees. The tunnel is constantly wet due to the flow of the Rat Falls waterfall. After about 75 meters you will find a large hole in the left wall. It is said that this hole was used to remove debris during tunneling. Now fresh air passes through this hole tunnel.

Another thing is that for people who want to take a bath, after going 100m from the station to the right side, there is a small pool with cold, healthy water. You can take a bath there. No. Don't come to that beautiful place after drinking sweet drinks and partying and leaving bottles and garbage there.

      Some more beautiful photos of Meeyan Ella👇👇👇

                                                                                                                                                                                

Aukana Buddha Statue

When considering the standing statues created during the Anuradhapura period, the Aukana Buddha statue can be mentioned as a very important creation. This is considered to be a creation of King Dhatusena, who is considered to be an excellent king who ruled in the 5th century AD.

It got its name because it is located in the village of Aukana, which is located near Kala Lake. This Buddha statue, built in the form of sitting on a padmasana, is 38 feet and 10 inches high on the granite rock. Abhaya Mudra is formed in the right hand while the left hand holds the wave of the robe. According to the uniform method, the robe has a rhythmic wave pattern and it can also be seen clinging to the body. It can be seen that the single wave in the robe, characteristic of the Anuradhapura period Buddha statues, has been well polished in this statue as well.

Some scholars are reluctant to accept this Buddha statue as the work of King Dhatusena, but Professor Senarath Paranavithana is of the opinion that this is the work of King Dhatusena.

Faces are oval shaped and the eyes are thought to express deep emotions. It is widely believed that the inscriptions seen on the top of the head had fallen to the ground and were fixed later. According to the inscriptions found here, it can be considered that the Padmasana of the Aukana idol belongs to the eighth and ninth centuries.

Many scholars and the elderly believe that this Buddha statue is not Gautama Buddha but Dipankara Buddha. Because although the Buddha statues that reflect Gautama Buddha are usually eighteen cubits tall, this one can be said to be taller than that. Scholars are of the opinion that this represents the Abhaya Mudra and thus reflects that Dipankara is the Buddha.

It is shown that the characteristics found in the Amaravati Buddha statues, which show the excellence in the art of ancient India, can also be seen in the Aukana Buddha statue.

As for the designer of the Aukana Buddha statue, it can be considered that he had a thorough knowledge of the human figure. Also, considering the verticality of this statue, the most surprising fact is that a drop of water falling on the nose falls right in the middle of the two feet. Another point of similar excellence is the parallelism seen in the body's curves. When we consider how even the fingernails are shown in a granite, we can undoubtedly come to a conclusion that how much the designer must have understood the human figure. And does this not show the excellence of the art and technology of our ancient ancestors?

Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya

Historical background

P.B. Mr. Rajanayake as chairman, A. W. Am. Written by Mr. Attanayake, M.G. Under the treasurership of Mr. Fernando, Somavathy Chaityawardena Samiti was established and the development of the pagoda began.

Built in 1953, after its destruction by terrorists in 1987, by 2002, only a few fragments of walls remained and was covered in jungle.

Since 1955, Polonnaruwa Shramadana Association, including Polonnaruwa High Commissioner Mr. Ridgway Thilakaratne, has been preparing the road annually due to the strong efforts and support of the colonists and devotees from various provinces of Lakdiwa, and by constructing the hall, well, vihara mandir, Sungawila Retirement Hall etc. near Dagaba until 1963. A lot of work was done.

Again on September 26, 1963, Sirimalwatte Sri Piyarathana Nayaka, who was the head of the Somavathy Rajamaha Vihara, and Anunayaka Thero of the Royal Pandita Pahamunea Sri Gunananda Malwathu, who was the head of the Somavathy Rajamaha Vihara, and the late Prime Minister Mr. Dudley Senanayake. Mr. Ridgway Thilakaratne as Chairman, Sub DSPW De Silva and R.B. Mr. Alawattegama also joined V.K.U. as joint secretaries. A society named Somavathy Chaityawardena Society consisting of 25 members including Mr. Ramanayake and Mr. Donald Hewagama and Mr. Albert Edirisinghe as treasurer was formed and the excavation work was started according to the guidance of the Department of Archaeology.

In 1964, during the excavation which started on Pozon full moon day, the crumbled stone soil was removed and dug into the dagaba. The inner dagaba was found when digging 5 feet, 5 inches, into the dagaba from the eastern direction.

A number of signs that have not been seen in the Dagabs that have been found so far appeared, so the archaeologists found the second Dagab while digging. According to this, the first Dagaba was built by Devi Somavati and Prince Giri Abha, and the second Dagaba was built in AD. It is also believed to have been built by King Kanittatissa in 164 and thus it can be said that it is a Kakdchuka Chaitya.

Along with this, in digging to a depth of 5 feet 5 inches from the ground level, 4 moon lamps with a length of 12 feet 6 inches and a width of 6 feet 3 inches, and three malasun houses around the dagaba were fully uncovered and the length of the malasunge was 14 feet. And its height is 22 feet. A gate of Malasungei is 8 feet high. Width is 2 feet. The distance between two Malasun houses is 50 feet. The other Malasung's have been preserved in the same way to see them with their own eyes. The moon lamps were made of white stone like limestone and were protected with bricks around the dagaba. The length of one side of that wall is 128 feet. The left corner of the right side of the inner Salapathala courtyard is a protective temple

Along with this, 6 inscribed stones, fragments of an inscribed clay pot and parts of several other pots were found in the courtyard. The length of this footprint is 3 feet 2 1/2 inches. A part of the broken cable and the chhatray are lying near Dagaba.

During the excavation around the pagoda, B.C. 1st century and AD Two inscriptions belonging to the 1st century, a Pohaya boundary called Maniagiya, a temple complex, 4 defensive temples on the four sides, ruins of buildings such as Sanghavasa, Sakmanmalu, Pan Pokunuu, etc. are 1000 feet to the east from Chaityarajaya and 600 feet away from the other three sides are the defensive gates of the wall. 4 and 8 protective temples in the inner courtyard, the stone-paved Salapathala court from Chaityaraja to the rampart, and the ruins of 60 sanghavas outside the rampart 1000 feet east of Chaityaraja, all of which were formally excavated. It was done according to the instructions of Archeology Director Mr. Charles Godakumbura and Director Mr. Roland Silva.

6 Siripa inscriptions 3 feet 2 1/2 inches long carved in a lighter stone than granite were found in each courtyard. It is possible to think that during the Pradakshina of Chaitya, these Siripa stopped and worshiped at the places where there were inscriptions. Many figures of elephants have been found carved from a different kind of bright stone than the black stone. At the same time, the following antiquities belonging to the period of Giriaba's reign, which were found during the excavation around Chaityarajaya and were found in the square fort and Devata fort, have been handed over to the Polonnaruwa Museum for safekeeping.

1. The metal manjusa of King Giriaba.

2. Dhatu Manjusa is one with gold leaf inside with jatra.

3. Dhatu Manjusa is the same without Jatra.

4. Dhatu Manjusa is the two parts.

5. The Three Rebellions.

6. The oblong relics are the Manjusa.

7. The two amphitheaters.

8. Two tridents with metal rods.

9. The two broken pieces.

10. There are 13 bowls.

11. An old oyster.

12. A lot of different stones with a ruby.

13. 4 pieces of pottery with Naga figures.

14. 3 pieces of clay animal figures.

15. 1 siripathul made of crystal.

16. 5 parts of a clay pot.

17. A block of bricks used to make the three-petal pesa of the first pagoda.

18. A block of bricks used to make the three-petal pesa of the second pagoda.

19. A stone in the Devata fort.

20. A stone in the womb.

21. 4 species of gemstones 4 inches long and 2 inches wide with a metallic stick attached in the middle.

On August 1, 1966, under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Mr. Dudley Senanayake, the foundation stone was laid and the restoration work of the pagoda started. On the day of laying the foundation stone of the pagoda, the laying of the foundation stone for a bridge across the Periyaru river was done by Minister CP De Silva and the then Local Government Minister R. By Mr. Preramadasa's hand, by the year 1969, the then Minister of Local Government R. Due to the strong efforts of the former President Premadasa, the foundation stone for the Chaitanya garbha was laid on the same day after the bridge was completed and opened.

Chaityarajaya's Garbha Nidhanotsava on June 04, 1974, presided over by the late Venerable Sri Ananda Mahanayake Mahanayake, and on July 1, 1977, the then President Sir William Gopalwa, Deputy Minister of Culture W. Mr. M.G. Under the leadership of Mr. Tikiribanda, the treasure of the relics of Devata Fort was done on July 19, 1978.

  At the end of the religious rituals such as Sati Pirith of donning the koth, sitting at the door and praying at the door, His Excellency JR. It was done on July 04, 1981 by His Excellency Jayawardena.

On December 15, 1987, the terrorists came to Chaityarajaya, took off the chudamanikya and destroyed the womb of the temple by about 1 1/2 feet. As a consequence of those crimes on the same day, the gun somehow went off in the hands of the terrorist leader and Chaityaraja died in front of him. The chudamanik, which was recovered by the terrorists, was kept in the custody of the Department of Archeology and was re-worn on 19 June 2002.

By August 28, 1999, trees had sprouted on Chaityarajaya, the water was tied up and the hearts of everyone who saw it was in a state of shock.

On February 27th, 2002, on the full moon day of the ninth full moon, and on the middle of March 28th, the venerable Maha Sangha of the area, ministers, chief state officials, and other dignitaries, held a religious ceremony called Maha Dalada Pujama and gave Sanghika Maharatna to over 200 Maha Sanghas. the goddess , King Giriaba and those Rajaraja Maha Matyadins and all the devotees who helped to find Chaityaraja today, as well as laymen and all those who died due to terrorist threat.

It should be recalled with gratitude that the Somavathy Temple was able to be put in such a state despite the threat of terrorism, even though the sacred grounds including the annual Somavathy Chaityarajaya were under flood after the Chudamanikya ceremony on June 24, 2002 Poson Full Moon Poho.

  

Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

               

 Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya is an archaeological site located in the north-western province of Sri Lanka. The city of Kurunegala is famous for its beautiful legends. Local and foreign tourists visit this temple. Km from Anuradhapura. About 85 km south and 25 km northwest of Kurunegala, the roads to Puttalam and Anuradhapura meet. This ancient temple is found at that place. The main house has 28 pillars and an attractive carved door. It is a beautiful, medieval temple. There is also an old library and a pulpit with unusual wood carvings.

Legend has it that the temple is where the giant named Theraputtapa, who was one of the 10 great giants in the army of King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC), later became a Buddhist monk and lived. There was a war between King Dutugemunu and the South Indian invader Elara. became known as the battle. In Vijitapura Mahasavana, Theraputtapa Yodha performed a great service.

 

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Nine Arch Bridge

In 1893 and in 1894, the construction of the railways to Haputale and Bandarawela came to a point where it was necessary to build a bridge with a bend. It is the location of the 100 feet high and 400 feet long Gotuvala Nine Arches Viaduct which was built in 1919. This is quite famous among Sri Lankans as it is a creation of a bass known as 'Appuhami' who lived in Demodara area.

The work on the railway from Bandarawela to Badulla started long after the initial construction of the Colombo-Badulla railway line, i.e. the departmental level construction work started in 1913. Accordingly, five years later, on the first day of July 1918, the road was opened for traffic up to Ella. The 39th basement of this railway, which was built through a very famous and suitable environment for vegetable cultivation, was excavated at the 161st mile. The distance of this plot is 660 feet. Similarly, on March 21, 1921, the road from Ella to Demodara was also opened for traffic. One important place mentioned in this special note that we are placing is also located in this section. That is, there is the "Arukku Navaye" or "Aas Navaye" bridge, which is called Demodara Bridge. By this time, due to the First World War, importing iron from England to Sri Lanka had become an extremely difficult task. Due to this, the construction of bridges was a very problematic task in the construction of roads in this country and other alternative methods had to be found for it. During this period, it was problematic for the whites to build railway bridges without iron, but it was not a big problem for some of our Sinhalese artisans. It is not for any other reason but because our ancient Sinhalese bass known as "Galveda" has died out. When speaking like that, we hear the name of a noble person who lived in Welimada at that time. His name is P. K. Unbelievable There is also a legend that the work of this nine-arched bridge was completed by Appuhami Basunnehe. However, one hears about an extraordinary task done by Galveda Dutt Appuhami Unnehe.

In other words, the whites who removed the embankment around a mountain that looked like an embankment between the railway tracks saw a huge rock. Appuhami Bass was asked about this by the white engineers who were thinking that it would take a long time to demolish it little by little according to their technology available at that time and he was walking nearby watching the construction of the road and he said that it can be removed in a few days. Taking responsibility for it, he carefully removed the mounds of earth under the stone and dug three basements under the stone from a distance of a few meters from the stone so that they meet at one point on three sides (in the middle of the stone).

       

An Appuhami Bass shot string filled with gunpowder was pulled out in the middle of it, closing all the three tunnels and then setting fire to the shot string, the stone broke and the roadblock was removed. When asked by the white man what is this countermeasure, he replied that the value of Buddhism is the power of our religion. The white man, who was deceived or impressed by it, has since promised to give two salt serums to a nearby temple every week. Because of this, our Sinhalese also have the honor of constructing this wonderful bridge built in Gotuwala, a beautiful village square near Allademodara. This bridge is built with 09 arches, connecting two small hills located on both sides of the flowing river at 169 miles Damvel 40 station, without using concrete or iron rods and holding together the stones cut in a certain pattern. The height of the pillars of the bridge is 97 feet. Pillars and arches are built using blocks of black stone measuring 2 feet, 8 inches, 3 inches and 1 foot, 8 inches, 3 inches. The width of one arch is 24 feet 6 inches. This beautiful, interesting and wonderful design is even more important because of the location of the 132-yard-long basement called number 40 near the bridge. And even if this bridge was built, the white engineers were a bit afraid to run a train through it.

Because of this, our Appuhami Baz, who challenged it, said that he should drive the train without any fear and that he will sit under the bridge until the train arrives.

Richmond Carsal

             Richmond Castle, which can be called the Taj Mahal of Sri Lanka, is located about 3 km inland from the center of South Kalutara city. Turn left from Kalutara Clock Tower, go to Palathota Junction, pass the Bhikshu Vivekarama which you meet while going along the Palathota-Kethena road, you can see a big name board with "Richmond Castle". From here, you have to walk about 500 meters again. It is in the middle of a fallen road in the middle of a coconut grove. Although many years have passed, the magnificence of Richmond Castle, which is built on top of a small hill on the border of the Kalu Ganga, has not diminished even today.

It was in the year 1910 that Richmond Castle was created. At that time, under the guidance of the Maha Mudali Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena Pandikara Mudali, who was in charge of the Kalutara Disa. He has developed a desire to build a mansion like this because he saw a grand mansion of a Maharaja when he went on a trip to India. Also, he wanted to surprise the family of the girl he was hoping to marry.

Many raw materials were brought from abroad to build this mansion. Only lime, sand and granite were used in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, this house was made of tiles, bricks, marble imported from Scotland, circular slabs and ceiling plates imported from England, and teak wood imported from Rangoon, Burma. Unique architectural features such as the windows made so that the natural coolness flows into the house, the lion's mouth with water flowing in the middle yard, etc. can be seen in this house.

Unfortunately, the love story of Arthur Mudali and his wife Claris Modi Matilda Suriyabandara did not end with happy tears. They were very sad because of the loss of their children. They couldn't get rid of the coin even from the pictures of the little children painted in the garden of Richmond Castle. It was during this time that Suriyabandara started an affair with one of his employees. Because of that, Mudali and she were estranged. Richmond Castle, which has an interesting history like that, is a must visit place on a trip to Madura and Kalutara.

                                   Another Image of Richmond Castle