A tropical paradise renowned the world over, Sri Lanka has long been a favourite holiday destination of travellers throughout the globe. Boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage, the island has been blessed with abundant natural splendour with pristine beaches, lush green rainforests, diverse wildlife and more, making it a dream holiday getaway. Visitors to this enchanting nation have the options of touring local nature reserves, delving into the island’s fascinating historical heritage and indulging in sightseeing excursions.
Situated within the Yala National Park in the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka, Sithulpawwa is a famed rock temple built back in the 2nd Century BC. Set amidst an enchanting backdrop, the temple has served as a centre of Buddhist scholarship and continues to serve as a place of worship for devotees. The main dagoba of the temple, which is located atop the rock is said to have been built by King Kawantissa and can be reached by a quite steep climb. An elaborate cave complex is housed within the dagoba.
The ancient temple was once home to nearly 12,000 monks or Arhats who are believed to have achieved the highest level of mind in Buddhism. Popularly known for its fragments of paintings, ruins of the preaching house and early Brahmi script, the temple’s name simply translates to mean ‘the hill of the quiet mind’.
Various ponds, chapter houses, pagodas, rock caves and other structures can be seen within Sithulpawwa. Paintings belonging to the Anuradhapura period are displayed on the walls of the main cave temple. These paintings are of high value, given that very few paintings of this period have been found.
Although the climb to the top of the rock outcrop on which the temple is located, is a tiring and sometimes difficult one, the sense of achievement on reaching the top will be astounding, especially owing to the spectacular view of the surroundings it affords.
Travellers in search of a safari hotel Sri Lanka to unwind in after their sightseeing journey, should not look beyond Chaaya Wild Yala. Located in close proximity to Sithulpawwa itself, this Yala hotel is the ideal choice of accommodation for wildlife buffs who seek to spend their holiday within easy access of wildlife and natural surroundings.
