The Iconic Elephant Rock of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Kurunegala, located in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful city that boasts of a rich history and heritage. The city is home to several historical landmarks, ancient temples, and scenic spots that attract tourists from all over the world. Among these is the iconic Ethagala Rock, which is a must-visit for anyone exploring Kurunegala. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history and features of Ethagala, including how to get there and what to expect.
Ethagala takes its name from the elephant shape of the rock. It is 316 meters high, spreading like an elephant, and is located in the center of Kurunegala city. The rock is a symbol of Kurunegala city’s identity and has been introduced as Hasti Shailyapura, meaning elephant-shaped rock city. There are several main stone hills surrounding the Ethagala(Athugala) temple, including Ibbagala, Adagala, Angangala, Elugala, Kuruminiyagala, and Yakdessagala.
One can reach the foot of the rock by walking about 1 km from Kurunegala town. There are two ways to reach the top of the rock. One can reach the top of the cliff by following the rocky footpath or by driving a vehicle up the cliff. However, driving up the cliff is not recommended as it may damage the environment.
At the top of the rock, one can see the Atugala Vihara temple and the huge snow-white Buddha statue. This temple has a big Buddha statue of 88 feet, which is the highlight of Ethagala. Because of this Buddha statue, this sacred place and the city of Kurunegala have gained a lot of attention. The statue is a Samadhi statue, in the posture of meditation, painted in pure white, and sits on its own at the very top of the rock overlooking the Kurunegala city. The statue sits on a 9-meter tall platform. Under the platform is a museum and a temple for the devotees.
There are many antiquities in this temple. Several ancient temples and the remains of the Aethugalpura kingdom are scattered on and around this foothills. The ruins of the kingdom of Kurunegala are located at the bottom of the rock, which is now the land of District Secretariat Office of Kurunegala.
The panoramic view of the city and beyond from the top of Ethagala is a treat to the eyes. The top of Ethagala is 700 meters above the city, which provides a stunning view of Kurunegala city and Kurunagala Lake, as well as the surrounding mountains. The view is particularly stunning during sunset or early morning.
Getting to Ethagala is relatively easy, and there are several options available. One can take a Kurunegala bus from Kandy, which arrives in Kurunegala and then get off. From there, it is a short walk to reach the foot of the rock. Alternatively, one can hire a tuk-tuk to get to the rock. However, the last option of climbing up the rock on foot is not recommended for everyone. Walking through the green jungle sounds like a great option for those who want to avoid any potential issues.
The hilltop temple sounds like a peaceful and spiritual place to visit, surrounded by natural beauty. It’s important to be respectful and mindful of the sacred environment while visiting.
It’s also helpful to know about the potential parking issues during full moon poya days and the windy conditions at the top. And of course, being cautious around the monkeys is a must, especially when traveling with children. It’s not uncommon for them to approach visitors and even take small items. Overall, it’s important to enjoy the experience while being mindful of the environment and surroundings.
It is not recommended to visit the temple at night as it can be dangerous due to the presence of monkeys in the area and the windy condition at the top of the rock. Additionally, the lack of proper lighting can make it difficult to navigate the terrain safely. It is advisable to visit during the day when the area is well-lit and there are more people around.
It is important to remember to be respectful of the environment while visiting Athugala. Please do not litter, destroy or damage the environment while exploring this beautiful landmark. Athugala can be a memorable experience that will stay with you for a long time. So, if you’re in the Kurunegala area, be sure to add Athugala to your list of places to visit!
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