Buddhist, Hindu and Vedda shrines built around the sacred Menik Ganga river in the deep south. The Esala festival in July and August involves fire-walking and acts of devotion performed for devotion rather than audience, a different experience from attending a cultural show. The oil lamps reflected in the river at dusk are one of Sri Lanka’s most striking images.
Ritigala Forest Monastery
Ancient ruins being reclaimed by jungle - almost nobody comes here
A ruined forest monastery in the dry-zone wilderness northwest of Minneriya, occupied by ascetic monks from the 1st century BC and now being slowly reclaimed by the forest. Stone meditation platforms, raised stone walkways and bathing pools. No gilded statues, no tourist infrastructure, almost no other visitors.
