TRANQUIL HAMLET

The wonders of Kandalama

Nimanthi Bandaranayake discovers serenity amidst the forests and hills

Surrounded by dense green forests, cool lakes, and stunning fauna and flora lies the serene village of Kandalama. It is located in the Central Province, and offers visitors an impeccable range of attractions and experiences that make it an unforgettable destination.

Kandalama is ideal for lovers of history, the outdoors and those looking for some R&R. It’s home to two of Sri Lanka’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Rangiri Dambulla cave temple from the 1st century BC and Sigiriya rock fortress built in the 5th century AD.

It’s also home to one of Sri Lanka’s first five-star hotels (Heritance Kandalama) and the Kaludiya Pokuna Archaeological Forest Site.

Another prominent historical artefact in this neck of the woods is the ancient irrigation tank built by King Vasabha in the Anuradhapura period. It sits at the foot of Ereulagala and Dikkandahena, which are 696 metres and 618 metres above mean sea level respectively.

Fact File

CAVE TEMPLE Located at an elevation of 340 metres above sea level and surrounded by the plains of Dambulla, this is one of the largest cave temples in the island. Its origins go back to the 1st century BC in the reign of King Valagamba. There are five notable caves within the complex, and their walls and ceilings are covered in informative murals, which highlight the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. All the unique features that the caves possess stem from different time periods and show how Dambulla was at the crossroads of almost every major kingdom in the island. So take a stroll around the caves, and appreciate the illustrious history and kaleido­scope of artistry that the Rangiri Dambulla cave temple complex has to offer.

KALUDIYA POKUNA Situated closer to Kumbukkandanwela is a forest filled with archaeological remains. If you’re interested in birdwatching, this part of the world is for you as it’s home to around 120 species of birds, along with many other endemic and non-endemic flora and fauna. Of the 33 species that are endemic to the island, 80 percent can be found in this forest. Both types of large lizards – Bengal and water monitor – can also be spotted here. The forest also houses a 1,200-year-old dagoba, caves with inscriptions under their drip ledges, the remains of a monas­tery and a residence for Buddhist monks. This is the ideal place to enjoy a nature trek while exploring ancient ruins.

SCENIC LAKE Located close to Dambulla, and created by building a dam across the Kala Oya and Mirisgoni Oya, is the Kandalama Reservoir. It’s one of the most beautiful reservoirs in the island as it is fringed by hills, which provide a natural barrier. In the evenings, you will see fishermen arriving at the reservoir – and some of them will be using traditional fishing methods such as spearfishing, hand gathering and netting in shallow water. Others use their traditional fishing boats. You can hop onto a boat if you like and gaze at the stunning vistas that surround this area as the vessel gently rocks on the surface of the water.

HURULU ECO PARK This park is situated on the edge of Hurulu Forest Reserve and jeep rides are available for visitors who wish to explore further. There are several endangered species such as the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lankan leopard and rusty-spotted cat in this sanctuary. An abundance of flora can also be found in the park alongside dominant trees such as kaluwara, burutha and palu. The Hurulu Eco Park is a fine example of Sri Lanka’s efforts to conserve the various species of fauna and flora that call this island home.

HERITANCE KANDALAMA Situated by the Kandalama Reservoir in the cultural triangle of central Sri Lanka is one of the most prominent and luxurious hotels in the vicinity – designed by Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa. The hotel blends in effortlessly with its surroundings and is enclosed in lush greenery. While the structure of the hotel is magnificent, the vistas around it are amazing. Heritance Kandalama’s wood panelled rooms, green vines flowing from balconies and even the large boulder in the lobby showcase Bawa’s inimitable style of tropical modernism.