Medawachchiya, Sri Lanka: Where Tranquility Meets Rich Heritage – by Bhanuka – eLanka Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province lies the charming town of Medawachchiya. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage that captivates the hearts of travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Medawachchiya. Natural Beauty Beyond Compare: Medawachchiya is blessed with lush green landscapes and scenic vistas that are a feast for the eyes. The town is situated close to the magnificent Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most biodiverse wildlife reserves. Wilpattu is renowned for its pristine wilderness, populated by diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. A safari through this natural wonderland is an adventure you won’t forget. Rich Cultural Heritage: Medawachchiya is steeped in history and culture. The town’s ...

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Isinbassagala Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya – temple with historical significance – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated on the summit of a rock plateau, Isinbassagala Ruwangiri Rajamaha Viharaya (“Isinbassagala” meaning “the rock that the sage came from”) is a temple with historical significance. The stupa of the Temple is situated on a rock plateau approximately 160 meters (530 feet) high. Yet, it is not difficult to climb this rocky plateau. The Temple can be seen at a distance, the greatest attraction of the location. According to scholars, the Temple Complex has been constructed by King Devanampiyathissa (250-210 BC), immediately after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by *Arhat Mahinda. The second stupa constructed in Sri Lanka after the arrival of Arhat Mahinda is also located in the Temple. Hence, this temple is a historical site. Located in *Medawachchiya in the *Anuradhapura District, for thousands of years, sages and Arhats had lived in ...

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Kunchikulam Suspension Bridge – rare structure in the wilderness – By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Situated approximately 42 kilometers from Mannar along Medawachchiya -Talaimannar road in Kunchikulam, in close proximity to *Wilpattu National Park, Kunchikulam Suspension Bridge is a hidden tourist attraction in the wilderness. Also known as “Kunchukulam Suspension Bridge”,  Kunchikulam Hanging Bridge or “Kunchikulam Ellena Palama” or “Kunchikulam Sangili Palama” (in Sinhala meaning suspension bridge), the 100 meter long and 1.2 meters wide bridge is held by two strong cables with steel sheets laid across. The Bridge stretches across Malwathu Oya (Oya meaning stream in Sinhala). The Bridge can be seen en route to popular *Madhu Church when traveling from Medawachchiya. There is a small bill board before this road with directions to the hanging bridge. After traveling approximately 800 meters on this road, there is an ancient Steel Arch Bridge constructed across Yoda Ela, a 13 kilometer long ...

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