The beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka is a delightful place to explore for locals and foreign visitors alike. For travellers interested in Yala safari camping the facilities offered by WildTrails would be an excellent choice. The camping facilities offered by this accommodation provider will enable you to make the most of your excursion to this part of Sri Lanka.
Located in the environs of Kirinda in the district of Hambanthota, the Sithul Pawwa temple complex may be counted amongst the most intriguing ancient ruins to be seen in Sri Lanka. The construction of this shrine complex is originally attributed to the monarch Kavanthissa who at one time ruled the southern areas of the island.
Even today many interesting ruins may be seen at this fascinating temple compound. Within the complex you will find an array of majestic stupas, Buddha images, cave temples and image houses, the latter containing images relating to Buddhism. One of the rock temples is considered to be noteworthy for featuring ancient murals that are considered to date to the 3rd century BC. These paintings have been drawn on a fine base of plaster applied on the surface of the rock, primarily employing yellow and red colours.
Many important archaeological excavations have been made in the Sithul Pawwa area and numerous significant archaeological discoveries have been unearthed here. This archaeological site has yielded a multitude of Buddha figures as well as an esteemed statue of the deity Thara. The visitor will notice two prominent statues of the Bodhisattva Awalokeswara which may be seen in the principal cave temple. The first of these statues is elaborately attired in royal garb whilst the other is dressed simply in the attire of a sage. Numerous inscriptions have been found at the temple site which suggest that it dates to the pre-Christian period. This captivating historical site will undoubtedly appeal to the traveller with an interest in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
