Hiking up Ritigala and Bible Rock

I’ve come to realize that the hardest part of sharing my travel experiences on a blog each month is figuring out how to start writing the posts! Picking a topic is actually one of the easier things to do because I always have new trips and experiences to write about. In the last few months I was lucky enough to cross two hikes off my bucket list. The first was the Ritigala climb and the second, Bible Rock. 

Located about an hour south of the Ancient city of Anuradhapura, Ritgala is the highest mountain in the Nothern part of Sri Lanka. The name ‘Ritigala’ is derived from the Pali word Arittha Pabbata which means dreadful mountain. The path we took was the one with the stone steps that led to the monastery ruins. 

Bible Rock or Bathalegala can be seen on the Kadugannawa stretch of the Colombo-Kandy road. It is a very prominent mountain with a flat top that stands out in its lush surrounding. Located in Aranayake, Bible Rock got its name because it resembles a lectern. 

Bible rock from the Colombo-Kandy road

The drive to the starting point of both the climbs were very different. The road to the base of Ritigala was a small, flat gravel road that ran through a forest. The road to the start of the Bible Rock climb on the other hand should only be approached with a 4 wheel drive vehicle because it was more of an uphill gravel road that was full of pot holes.

The road to the base of Ritigala

The road to the start of Bible Rock

If you asked me which climb I liked better, I wouldn’t be able to give you a straight answer. They were both amazing experiences but in different ways. The Ritigala climb was easier because we followed a stone pathway which wasn’t too steep. It went through an enchanting and mysterious forest where we came across pretty butterflies flitting around, small streams of clear cool water and rays of sunlight sweeping in through the cracks in the forest canopy. My Aunt Caryll called it a great place to meditate and clear your thoughts.

A well camouflaged butterfly...

The pathway through the magical forest!

 

The forest with the rich history

More steps along the path...

"This is a good place to meditate"

There are many myths associated with Ritigala. One such myth is that it is home to a powerful medicinal herb called Sansevi that is believed to give long life and cure all human pain. There is a pocket of vegetation with medicinal herbs that is different to the rest of the growth in the mountain range. It is believed that this was accidently dropped off the Himalaya Mountain that Lord Hanuman, an ape-like humanoid with supernatural powers was carrying from India to Sita Eliya in the hill country. The vegetation in Ritigala is said to be protected by the Yakkas who are the guardian spirits of the mountain. 

The Bible Rock climb in contrast was more adventurous and off the beaten track. There used to be a pathway that led to a small temple at the top, but there has long since had a Buddhist Monk there. Because no one uses the path anymore it is overgrown and at some points we had to wade through the plants that were blocking our way. There were even points at which we had to tip toe around the edge of rocks on the tree roots that were wrapped around it because it was the only way to continue going up! 

A really small girl or a really big plant?!

My hiking crew...!

 

When you compare the view from the top, Bible Rock was a clear winner because all you see for miles around are valleys and mountains. The view was so amazing that all we wanted to do was sit and admire it. Once we got to the Monastery ruins in Ritigala, I was a little underwhelmed because I was expecting a little more. We also weren’t allowed to go beyond that point because it is a strict natural reserve. 

Our first glance at the view

On top of the world!

The valley and the mountains that surrounded it...

The abandoned temple

Head in the clouds...

Soaking in the amazing view

Both hikes were amazing in their own way and I would definitely recommend that you experience it if you get the chance to. Just remember to carry lots of drinking water with you!