Ritigala is an isolated range of forested peaks rising abruptly out of the plains west of Habarana. Its cooler, wetter slopes have unusual plant life, and the mountain is protected as a strict nature reserve. At its foot lie the ruins of a monastery used by the Pamsukulika — “rag-robe” monks who lived in austere retreat — which flourished especially in the 9th century.
There are no great statues here. Instead, you follow a paved path through the jungle past a large bathing pool, a monastic hospital with stone medicine troughs, and the characteristic double platforms linked by stone bridges, used for meditation. In local legend Ritigala is also linked to the Ramayana, as one of the places where fragments of Hanuman’s mountain of healing herbs fell.
Top things to do at Ritigala
Walk the monastery path
The main path runs uphill for about a kilometre through the forest, linking the pools, hospital and platforms. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Look for the medicine troughs
The hospital area has stone basins where patients may have been immersed in herbal oils — an echo of the healing-herb legend.
How to get to Ritigala
- From Habarana: roughly 40 minutes by car; there is no useful public transport, so come with a driver or tuk-tuk.
- Combine it: Ritigala in the morning and a Hurulu or Minneriya safari in the afternoon make a varied day.
Insider tips
- Only the archaeological site is open; the rest of the mountain is a strict nature reserve.
- Go in the morning, wear proper shoes and bring insect repellent.
- There is a modest entrance fee for foreigners at the small office by the entrance.
Best tours & safaris for Ritigala
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ritigala:
Jeep safari from US$25 Hurulu Eco Park Jeep Safari with Entrance Ticket Included
A well-reviewed safari in Hurulu Eco Park, part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve north of Habarana. Sightings here are closer and more intimate than on Minneriya’s open grassland, and the included ticket means no surprises at the gate.
- Entrance ticket already included
- Forest tracks and water holes
- Often good when Minneriya is quiet
Private safari from US$25 Hurulu Eco Park: 3-Hour Morning or Evening Private Safari
A private three-hour safari through Hurulu Eco Park, morning or afternoon. Small numbers of jeeps and dense forest make it feel wilder than Minneriya — and the morning slot is excellent for birds.
- Choose a morning or an evening session
- Private 4×4 jeep
- Quieter tracks, fewer jeeps
