Monasteries and Hermitages
Pettagankanda Aranya Senasanaya
පෙට්ටගන්කන්ද ආරන්ය සේනසනය
Western Province
Gampaha District
7°04'18.2"N 80°06'10.8"E
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A rock formation with four names and almost no visitors, which is what a hermitage wants.
STAND INSIDE IT — 360°
THE PLACE
Pettagankanda Aranya Senasanaya is a unique rock formation that's rarely visited by travellers. Truly one of the most spectacular sites on the island, set in a beautiful area of Wathurugama. This Aranya is also known in many names, such as Pettagan Gala, Petta Gam Kanda and Pethagangala.
It is very similar to the Golden Rock in Myanmar. There is also a Cave filled with bats that sits below the steep slope just below the rock. Getting to Pettagankanda From Colombo, travel along the Colombo – Kandy Road, passing Wattala and Kadawatha up to Yakkala. Travel along the Yakkala – Radawana Road up to Wathurugama to reach the Pettagankanda.
Some scholars say that it was the hideout of the famous King Walagamba, also known as Vatthagamani Abhaya, who had to flee Anuradhapura during the Tamil invasion.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS
THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTES
Colombo–Kandy road through Wattala and Kadawatha to Yakkala, then the Yakkala–Radawana road to Wathurugama.
- Viran de Silva
ONWARD
Or let the island choose – take me anywhere
UNIQUE SRI LANKA
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CONTACT
Photographs © Viran de Silva
info@virandesilva.com
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