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Sri Lanka is a popular vacation destination due to its beautiful beaches and verdant hill country, both of which are home to a variety of well-known attractions. These attractions are open to tourists and provide many photo ops for those interested in capturing the island nation of Sri Lanka’s natural splendor. However, the island is home to many more stunning hidden caches. Dolukanda is among Sri Lanka’s many wonderful, undiscovered treasures.
Dolukanda is most famous as the location of the Dolukanda Raja Maha Viharaya in Hiripitiya, a hamlet in the Kurunegala district. There are old stories that involve this peak. Lord Hanuman is credited with bringing the Great Himalayan Mountain. It is also said that when he was carrying it, a piece or pieces fell on the summit of Dolukanda.
Why visit the unexplored Dolukanda?
Unspoiled and boasting some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking scenery, the Dolukanda mountain range is still mostly undiscovered by tourists. The 600-meter-tall Dolukanda Mountain in the Kurunegala region is a well-known herbal paradise with significant historical and archaeological significance. This peak is also known as Dolukanda Sanjeewani because of its connection to the Sri Lankan leg of the Ramayana Trail, the famous Indian epic.
Herb woods abound on the mountain, and their mystical, all-curing plants are a major draw for visitors. Numerous ruins, said to date from the time of King Walagamba, may be seen atop Dolukanda, giving it even more historical significance in Sri Lanka. On top of Dolukanda lie both a Buddhist temple and a forest cave, which served as a place of meditation and residence for the monks who resided there.
Hike to Dolukanda
The old Buddhist temple of Dolukanda Temple may be seen on the hiking path up the mountain. Once the temple’s guard monk has been notified, you may begin your ascent of the mountain. Because of the difficulty of this path, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a local guide. The following fantastic locations and sights are visible from the top of Dolukanda:
- Ambalangala
- Kalugala and Bowitiya plains
- Raksha Muna, Hulang Kapolla, and Cave
- Weheragala, whose highest point and ruined pagoda
- Herbal forest, where a number of herbal plants can be seen
- Ancient palace remains may be seen in Maligathenna.
- Ponds: Dunkei Pokuna, Watakei Pokuna, Kaludiya Pokuna
There is a lot of gum on the slopes of Dolukanda that you will encounter. Huge herbaceous plants and rust-colored trees may also be seen there. Unique plants like Gardi Raja are included in this group. It’s worth noting that the herb is parasitic, meaning it must be grown on another plant. The black stone remnants scattered here and there show that there really were once structures here. The destruction of several priceless artifacts at the hands of robbers.
There are bubbling springs that bubble up from the base of the cliff face. You can drink the water without any problems. You may refill your water supply this spring if you find yourself in a bind when adventuring above the tree line. The reason for this is that at the peak of Dolukanda, there is no potable water to be found.
Stunning scenery at Dolukanda
If you work hard enough to reach the peak of Dolukanda, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view. From up there, you can see breathtaking vistas. Without a shadow of a doubt, this location is an ideal backdrop for stunning Instagram photos. Seeing this incredible “diamond in the rough” will allow you to appreciate Sri Lanka at its most breathtaking.
Cave of Dolukanda
One may find a woodland cave near the peak of Dolukanda where the monks used to dwell and practice their religion. You might call it a natural setting.
Prepare yourself intellectually for Dolukanda
- The pools of water near the peak of Dolukanda should not be used for bathing.
- You should bring as much water as you think you’ll need.
- Go up to Dolukanda, and be sure to tell Thero about the temple there.
- Seeking out a local resident for direction is a smart move.
- Avoid venturing too close to the edge of the granite plateau or climbing to the peak when the winds are strong.
Instructions on how to go to Dolukanda
The North Western Province is home to Dolukanda Mountain, namely the Kurunegala District. You may go to Dolukanda in two different ways. From the Muththettugala Junction, go south on Dambulla Road until you reach Wellawa Ganewatta Road. From there, you may see the Dolukanda Temple. The temple is a good place to begin the ascent of Dolukanda.
You might also take the Madagalla Road from Ibbagamuwa and exit at the Godagala junction if you go north on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. Following that, you’ll be able to make your way through the picturesque paddy fields of Doluwa and on to Dolukanda.
What’s the ideal time to visit Dolukanda, and what’s the climate like?
In most cases, the climate in this general region is warm and humid. Hiking in Dolukanda may be difficult owing to the terrain and weather, and it’s recommended that you have a guide along since the trails aren’t always easy to follow.