Ritigala is a steep, forested ridge between Habarana and Anuradhapura, the highest ground in Sri Lanka’s northern plains at about 766 metres. On its lower slopes lie the ruins of a forest monastery whose monks deliberately rejected ornament: there are no stupas or Buddha images here, only beautifully engineered stone paths, bridges, a great bathing pond and paired meditation platforms.
The mountain is a strict nature reserve, so visitors keep to the monastery trail — a shady, peaceful walk of an hour or two that feels a world away from the crowds on Sigiriya.
Top things to do at Ritigala
Follow the stone pathway
A paved way of interlocking slabs climbs gently through the forest, interrupted by circular resting places. It is one of the finest pieces of ancient landscaping in the country.
The Banda Pokuna and the double platforms
Near the start is a huge stone-lined reservoir; higher up are the raised twin platforms, linked by a stone bridge, where the monks meditated.
Listen to the forest
Because the ridge catches more rain than the plains, the forest is denser and cooler. Birds, butterflies and monkeys are plentiful.
How to get to Ritigala
- From Sigiriya: roughly 40 km, about an hour by car via Habarana. The last stretch is a rough side road.
- Transport: there is no practical public transport to the site; hire a car or tuk-tuk for a half day, and consider combining it with a safari at Hurulu or Kaudulla on the way back.
Insider tips
- A small entrance fee is charged at the site office — bring rupees in cash.
- Wear proper shoes and use insect repellent; leeches are possible after rain.
- There are no shops or facilities. Bring water.
Best tours & tickets 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
Hurulu Eco Park, on the edge of the Hurulu forest reserve near Habarana, is where many drivers head in the wetter months when the grasslands of Minneriya and Kaudulla are under water. This listing includes the entrance ticket, so there are no surprises at the gate.
- Park entrance ticket already included
- Forest and scrub rather than open lakeshore
- Often good when the other parks are flooded
Private safari from US$32 Kaudulla National Park Half-Day Private Jeep Safari
Kaudulla lies a little north of Minneriya and shares the same elephant population, which moves between the parks through the year. This private safari has one of the best ratings in the area and lets you stay with a herd for as long as you like.
- Private jeep and driver
- Often the better park late in the dry season
- Very high guest rating
