The magnificent island nation of Sri Lanka is home to an exotic range of natural sites that have become adored by tourists near and far. Rumassala, a graceful hill located in the borders of Galle carries ancient history and admirable beauty, sheltering endemic fauna and flora of Sri Lanka.
An Institution So Old
Rumassala is home to a very old institution of learning that produced some of the most prominent figures in Sri Lankan history; Prof. Senarath Paranavithana, Martin Wickremasinghe and Sir Oliver Goonetileka. Located 20 minutes away from Fortress Resort and Spa is Buona Vista College which can be visited by tourists residing at Galle resorts as they explore Rumassala.
An Unusual Encounter
Rumassala holds dear, a mythical fable from the days of yore, revolved around the Ramayana. When Hanuman the Monkey God undertook the mission of collecting the Himalayan herbs required to heal Rama’s brother’s fatal battle wound, it is believed that he broke the chunk of the mountain and carried it as he forgot the names of the herbs. Once the herbs were taken, he then threw away the mountain, which landed in Sri Lanka and is known as Rumassala today.
The Mystery Behind Rumassala
It is also believed that the mystery of Rumassala is one that drew the attention of Sir Arthur C. Clarke, who made Unawatuna his first dwelling in Sri Lanka. While the fruit groves in Rumassala are discoverable by lost travellers, it also grows the life-giving herb, Kalu-Nika among the many herbs in the region, according to folklore.
In Popular Culture
This wonderful little paradise offering panoramic views of a clear blue ocean is also believed to be a blessing from above; a tragedy made into a miracle, as a meteorite crashed in the region. Whichever fable may be true, the undeniable beauty and lush greenery of Rumassala still attracts travellers in numbers, hiking for herbs and wild excursions to explore the Lankan fauna and flora.
