“Govinda Hela” – royal fortress of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Home to a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna and located in Siyambalanduwa, on the border of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, in a thick forest surrounded by rivers and tanks, “Govinda Hela” (known as “Westminster Abbey” by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era due to its resemblance to the landmark in London) had been an inaccessible fortress of King Bhuwanekabahu who reigned in the 6th century. Thereafter, the location had been abandoned. It was rediscovered by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era and renamed as “Westminster Abbey.”
Scattered on the summit of Govinda Hela are ruins of a royal palace and a monastery, yet the main attraction of the location is the “Hulan Kapolla” (a space between two rocks, through which strong wind blows). The highest point of the trek offers breathtaking vistas from the summit and extends beyond the boundaries of the basin with 360 degrees spectacular vistas from a 500-metres tall rock dotted with tanks, lakes, hills. lush greenery including the coastline from *Ampara to *Arugambay as well as mountain ranges, a sight to behold…
According to scholars, Govinda Hela was once the unreachable fortress (due to security reasons for protection against enemy invasions) and the ruins on the mountain date back to the 6th Century AD, to the reign of King Buwanekabahu, the ruler of Eastern Digamadulla (in Ampara District) when the invading *King Kalinga Maga was the ruler of Rajarata Kingdom that included Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Home to large numbers of bird species and hordes of wild boar (Sus scrofa, also known as wild swine), the forest reserve is a haven for wild life enthusiasts.
Govinda Hela has large numbers of rocks of all sizes with some forming deep caverns. Some trees are entwined with vines around their trunks and thick scrub dominate the wilderness. Winding paths and stepping stones are carpeted with dry leaves.
According to environmentalists, as Govinda Hela is a protected forest, it has probably the largest number of ebony trees (Diospyros ebenum, also known as Indian Ebony or Ceylon Ebony – a tree in the genus Diospyros, native to southern India and Sri Lanka) in a single location with ebony trees in every nook and corner amidst hundreds of rocks; both ageing and young ebony trees with mature trees black in color.
As the dry months of the year are the best to visit the location, months of July and August are popular with visitors.
During the past, trekkers had climbed up utilizing a rope or primitive ladders made of branches and the foot paths had also been rocky and uneven. Yet, at present, there are five aluminium ladders with handholds at the last stretch towards the summit of the mountain. There is a pond at the summit with crystal-clear water, although, the source of the water (in the pond) is unknown. Villagers are of the view that water in the pond never dries up.
Directions: Travel up to Monaragala and reach Siyambalanduwa (a Divisional Secretariat of *Monaragala District of *Uva Province) up to 9th mile post along A-25 road to reach Govinda Hela. The closest town to the location is Monaragala. The trail to Govinda Hela starts from Buwanekabahu Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in Siyambalanduwa. It is necessary to pass the *Bo tree behind the temple and walk along the footpath towards the forest. It is also necessary to seek permission from the priest in the Temple and buy a ticket for a small fee.
NOTE:
The two-kilometer trek is for experienced energetic trekkers as the trail after the two bridges, the journey is dangerous with winding forest paths and steps carved out of rock. The journey is considered as an adventure by those trekking up to the summit. It is also necessary to seek services of a guide to trek Govinda Hela as there are many trails in the forest.
It is necessary to wear a good pair of trekking shoes to grip the ground firmly, although, giant roots covered with dry brown leaves gives a false sense of firm.
Although, the trek is difficult for visitors, villagers in the hamlets situated in the vicinity clamber up effortlessly. It takes approximately 40 – 50 minutes for the entire trek.
- Ampara – Located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka 360 kilometers east of Colombo, Ampara is the main town of Ampara District.
- Arugambay – Home to a famed point break which many surfers regard as the best surfing spot in Sri Lanka. Tourists from all over the world come here to do surfing. Rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world, Arugambay has also hosted many international surfing competitions since 2004.
- Bo Tree – Also known as “Bodhi Tree” is a specific sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha had attained *Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India.
- Enlightenment – In Buddhism, Enlightenment is when a Buddhist finds the truth about life and stops being reborn as he/she has reached Nirvana (a release from the cycle of death and rebirth, the ultimate spiritual goal of Buddhism).
- King Kalinga Magha (1215–1236) – Also known as “Gangaraja Kalinga Vijayabahu” or “Magha the Tyrant” was a prince and an invader from the *Kingdom of Kalinga who usurped the throne from King Parakramabahu II of Polonnaruwa (1236–70) in 1215. He is remembered primarily for his aggressive conquest and Hindu fanaticism. He is also identified as the founder of the Jaffna Kingdom.
- Kingdom of Kalinga – This was a location in the Orissa state of India. His family was connected to the rulers of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.
- Monaragala – A district in *Uva Province of Sri Lanka and situated approximately170 kilometers from Colombo.
- Uva Province – This is the fourth largest province in Sri Lanka bordered by Central, Eastern and Southern provinces.
