Kudumbigala Monastery is an ancient Buddhist monastic complex constructed in 246 BC, during the reign of the King Devanampiyatissa.  It is located in the Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. The site is paved with large rock boulders and rock surfaces surrounded by a thick jungle.  The monastic complex has been untouched for a long period of time and it was re-discovered in recent past. Archaeologists had recovered over 200 rock caves belonging to this forgotten monastery. According to a rock inscription found in the cave named “Maha Sudharshana Lena” itself, it has been built and offered to Arhats by the Read more...

Muhudu Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple located in the Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.  According to the historical evidence, the history of this temple goes back to the reign of King Kavantissa (205-161 B.C.). The temple is located on the Potuvil coast and it is believed to be the place where Viharamahadevi,  the daughter of King Kelani Tissa was landed as said in the legend. External Links මුහුදු මහ විහාරයේ අද කතාව – Silumina Muhudu Maha Vihara – Department of Archaeology Three women in Sinhala history – The Island Read more...

The Fort Frederick is a fort built in 1624 CE by Portuguese as a military encampment at Trincomalee District in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. It was built from the debris of the famous ancient Hindu Koneswaram temple that was destroyed by the Portuguese. It has been an important military site for centuries. In 1665 the fort was rebuilt by the Dutch and again it was taken over by the British in 1795. Although the Fort Frederick is used today by the Sri Lankan military you are allowed to explore some parts of it. The Gokanna Temple and the rebuilt Koneswaram Read more...

Koneswaram Temple is a Hindu temple in Trincomalee District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. The temple is located in the top of the Swami Rock promontory that overlooks the Indian Ocean, Trincomalee Harbour, and the Trincomalee District. The exact date of construction of the temple remains vague. However, according to the historical evidence, the temple was likely to found before 400 B.C. External Links Koneswaram temple – Wikipedia.org Swami Rock and Koneswaram temple   Read more...

Among the number of hot water springs in Sri Lanka, the Mahaoya hot water springs are the hottest. These wells are located in Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. In Mahaoya, there are well-maintained 7 wells with different temperatures. The temperature of hottest well is around 56oC. Tourists throughout the world got attracted to this place due to its mythical healing powers. Enter your current location in the search box below the map to find the best route to the Mahaoya hot water springs. Click here to find a list of accommodations around Mahaoya, Sri Lanka.   Read more...

The Rajagala Monastery is a sacred site in which history dates back to the Advent of Arhath Mahinda Thera. This place is in the Uhana area of the Ampara District in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. The archaeological excavation is still underway and it is one of the largest archaeological sites in Sri Lanka with 1025 acres. The rock inscription found here regarding the Arhat Mahinda Thera is the most valued inscription of archaeological interest. According to the archaeological discoveries, the area had been inhabited from the prehistoric times. You can read more about this site from the external links given below. Read more...

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. It is located in 1km off the coast of Nilaveli in Trincomalee District in Eastern Province and the total area is 47,429 hectares. You can reach the island by 15 minutes boat ride from the Nilaveli beach. The coastal length of the island is 8.34km. In 1963 it was designated as a sanctuary and redesignated as a National Park in 2003. The name of the Island “Pigeon” was derived from the Rock Pigeons which colonized it. This national park contains some of the best remaining Read more...

The Girihandu Seya stupa is located in Thiriyaya in Trincomalee District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. According to the legend, this is the stupa mentioned in the story of Thapassu and Bhalluka two traders. As such, it is considered to be the first Stupa built by enshrining the relic of Lord Buddha and probably it was built around 528 B.C. The stupa was originally a small in size and had been renovated in the 8th century A.D. The Vatadage encircling stupa was built during the renovation. External Links Thiriyaya Girihandu Seya Thiriyaya – Department of Archaeology Read more...

Deegawapi Stupa is one of the Solosmasthana (16 most sacred places to be worshiped by Buddhist in Sri Lanka), located in Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Deegavapi has always been a place of reverence for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. According to the legends, the Lord Buddha in his third visit to Sri Lanka proceeded to Deegavapi after placing an imprint of his foot on a gemstone at the summit of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). It is said to be that the stupa we see today is located in the place where the Lord Buddha and 500 arhats spent Read more...