The Yala National Park is the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka. Situated in the Southern province, it covers over 979 Square Kilometers and is famed for its variety of wild animals such as the Sri Lankan elephants, elusive leopards and aquatic birds, as well as the surge in new eco-friendly Yala hotels popping up around the area like the Cinnamon Wild Yala for instance, which is promoting green practices to assistance in conservation of the national park. Apart from tourists who come to see the amazing wildlife, Yala also attracts pilgrims who make the long journey to see two significant Buddhist sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, located within the Yala park.
The Situlpawwa rock temple was built in the 2nd century BC and was a place of worship for believers as well as a centre for Buddhist scholarship. The name ‘Sithulpawwa’ originates from the word ‘Chittalapabbata’, which translates to the hill of the quiet mind. According to historians, the rock temple was once home to a total of 12,000 monks who achieved the highest meditation level in Buddhism.
The rock temple has an intricate temple complex with caves that have been carved out to make suitable for living to the thousands of monks who dwelled here. Apart from the majestic main stupa that is positioned high up on the rock, there are several smaller stupas, houses and ponds found in the temple complex.
The main cave inside the temple features wall paintings that date back to the Anuradhapura period which is significant since there aren’t many paintings left from that era. The best way to explore the temple is with a guide who can explain the history behind the temple as well as advise you on things like appropriate dress codes and behavior inside the temple.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+
