A journey to the forbidden: Ritigala strict nature reserve

Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve is located in the Anuradhapura district of the North central province. It is one of the few high altitude forests, encompassing an area of 1,528.1 hectares and was declared a Strict Natural Reserve in 1941. These areas are mainly declared for the purpose of research and for preservation and protection of large, unspoiled areas of wilderness. Since it is home to species which are rare and possibly extinct from the region, and also because its isolation provides ideal conditions for the evolution of species, the conservation of such ecosystem is considered extremely important.

Enough technicality, more about the trip. The hired bus proved very useful to sing in our sweet tones and be loud both the way there and the ride back. We were surprisingly on time and left at 5 in the morning. We took the Dambulla route as we had breakfast planned at Benthota bake house which had fantastic food and great service. It started raining for the rest of the drive but it slowed to a light drizzle when we finally got there. Ritigala does require informed access meaning you do need permission beforehand. We were escorted by a guide who took us through the history of Ritigala and its deep embedded relationship to Buddhism and the mind-blowing architecture that still stand strong 2600 years later. The knowledge you gain is fascinating. 

The guide first proceeded to give us a brief introduction to why as this reserve is so valued and treasured. He says Ritigala is believed to date back to the 2nd and 4th century B.C. It is believed to be an ancient Buddhist monastery and is believed to have no influence by any Kings or royal family. The most interesting part for me was how no one still knows who the creator of this unimaginable creation is. 

Ancient times called for innovative solutions. This is a clear depiction of a natural quarry system they used to crack large amounts of solid rock. This was possible by making holes on masses of rock and pouring hot water into them so they would expand and give-way. As you continue along the path you realise how much this technique was used. 

That is the largest pond in Sri-lanka, "Benda pokuna". It amounts to about 2 and a half acres of land and was efficiently designed to collect water flowing down from the mountain. It provided water for the monastic communities that lived there.

These are ruins of what used to be a complex building where the monastic communities resided to meditate and attain nirvana. These were destroyed during the "Chola" invasions and were subjected to degradation overtime. The structure to the left of the stairs is a natural air conditioning system that would trap the cool water coming down the mountain and maintain satisfying conditions inside the complex. 

The forest is a land filled with herbs and creatures of all origins. Because suitable environmental conditions are available within the reserve, a high proportion of endemism can be attributed to the survival of many wet zone species even though it is situated in the midst of the dry zone. Over 30 species of mammals, including the endemic Golden Palm Civet and Toque Macaque call Ritigala home.

After a hearty lunch and running away from "Elephants", we climbed the Dambulla rock temple which turned out to be a rainy but fun experience. The monastic ensemble of Dambulla is an outstanding example of the religious art and expression of Sri Lanka and South and Southeast Asia. The cave shrine, their painted surfaces, and statuary are unique in scale and degree of preservation. The monastery includes significant masterpieces of 18th-century art in the Sri Lankan school of Kandy.