Rajagala Monastery Ruins
Eastern Province
About Rajagala Monastery Ruins
Rajagala - the 'Monarch's Rock' - is the east's answer to Ritigala, and archaeologically perhaps its superior: a 1,000-acre forested mountain near Ampara strewn with the ruins of a vast monastic city of the early centuries BC - stupas cracked open by fig roots, meditation walkways, moonstone steps, stone bridges, urinal stones carved with palaces (the ascetics' comment on luxury), and over five hundred ruins barely catalogued. Its treasure is an inscription of world importance: a rock-cut record naming the relics of 'the elder Mahinda' - the missionary son of Emperor Ashoka who converted Sri Lanka - strong evidence that a stupa here held the ashes of the man who changed the island forever. Excavations continue; visitors climb forest paths with archaeology emerging on every side and hornbills overhead. It is, for now, gloriously untouristed.
Top Activities
- ✓Climbing the ruin-strewn mountain paths
- ✓The Mahinda relic inscription site
- ✓Stupas, moonstones and meditation walks
- ✓Birdwatching in the dry forest
- ✓Combine with Gal Oya National Park
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Wear proper shoes - the mountain paths are rooty and rocky.
A local guide from the site office finds the key inscriptions fast.
Carry water; allow three hours to do the mountain justice.
Quick Info
Best Time
May to September
Weather
Hot; the forest paths are shaded but the climb is real.
Estimated Daily Budget
7.5236°N, 81.6103°E
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