Dolukanda is a mountain with a height of 1969 feet, located in Kurunegala district, with historical and biological value. According to Rama Ravana legend, Dolukanda is considered to be one of the parts of the Himalayas that Hanuma brought to heal Rama, who was injured in the war.
Introduction
Dolukanda is known as a Holy Mountain to Hindus, who believe that it’s one of five chunks of the Himalayas that fell down on Sri Lanka when Lord Hanuman brought the entire Mount Dronagiri from northern India, leaping through the air to the island of Lanka. He had to do so, because the medicinal plants exclusive to the Dronagiri region were the only help to cure Lord Rama and his brother Laksman from otherwise fatal injuries.
Dolukanda is considered to be the site of Lord Weeramunda and is a place of historical and archaeological value. Dolukanda which is designated as a reserve is under the Forest Department. It is important that you climb Dolukanda with a special permit from the Forest Department. It is also important to inform the Thero of the Dolukanda Temple as the Dolukanda Climb should start through the Dolukanda Temple. You will also find a guide to climb Dolukanda.
What you could see in the summit
On the summit of Dolukanda, Ambalangala, Kalugala and Bowitiya plains, Raksha Muna, Hulang Kapolla and cave, Weheragala, (highest point and ruined pagoda), Herbal forest (where the number of herbal plants can be seen), Maligathenna (where ruins of the ancient palace can be seen) and ponds ( Watakei Pokuna, Dunkei Pokuna, Kaludiya Pokuna ) can be observed and enjoyed.
There are several water bodies at the top of Dolukanda. According to the villagers, the ponds are medicinal ponds and have black water and the ponds are deeper. Surrounded by majestic trees, these ponds are thought to have medicinal properties.
The main attraction of Dolukanda is its highest cliff, perfectly vertical and partly overhanging, situated close to the rock shelter called Dolukanda cave. It’s also known as Hulang Kapolla. The views from the cave to the overhanging rock and the other way around, from there to the rock of the cave, are breathtaking. The views from here to the northeast, in the direction of Dambulla, go to the lonesome plains in the largely forested area of the triangle between the the North-West Province, the Central Province and the North-Central Province.
On one side you can see Kurunegala, Wariyapola and on the other side, you can see Wellawa, Deduru Oya, Yakdessagala mountain. The beach up to Chilaw can be seen on a clear day.
Camping at Dolukanda
There is a cave to spend the night in, but sometimes it is dangerous to camp on the rock due to strong winds. The cave is safe but drinking water is difficult to find on the top of the mountain. In the dry season, it’s so hard to find water there. Even in the rainy season, you have to go down through the dense jungle to find the flowing stream.
How to reach the Dolukanda
There are two routes to reach Dolukanda. You can go on the Kurunegala – Madagalla road, get off at the Godagala junction, and reach Doluwa village. After that, climb up the mountain via Rankirimada Vihara.
The other way is via Dolukanda Temple, which is situated on the Wellawa Ganewatta road. It is relatively difficult. When you reach the top of Dolukanda, which is full of natural beauty, you can see a wide range of views of Kurunegala, Wellawa, Ganewatta, Deduru Oya, Wariyapola, etc.
How tall is Dolukanda in feet?
Dolukanda is a mountain with a height of 1969 feet
Best time to visit Dolukanda
Usually, the surrounding area is hot and humid. Dolukanda hiking is a bit of a challenging trek due to its weather conditions It is always better to climb up with a guide as the walking paths are also not very clear.
Famous For
- Good view point
- Photography
- Hiking
- Camping
- Dolukanda Raja Maha Viharaya (Dolukanda Buddhist Temple)
- Dolukanda is directly linked to the great Indian epic,Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka
Safety Tips
- Highly Recommended to take a Local Guide
- Inform the Thero of the Dolukanda Temple before go up Dolukanda
- It is dangerous to bathe in the water pools at the top of Dolukanda
- As the winds are high, be careful when going to the top of the mountain and going to the edge of the rock plateau
- Take at least 2L of water per person
- Beware of snakes and insects
- Avoid carrying heavy backpacks
History of Dolukanda
Many pieces of evidence have been found that Dolukanda was the medicinal garden of King Buddhadasa. History has it that he was an amazing king who amazed the world with his Hela medicine. It states that King Buddhadasa treated people as well as animals.
There is another story to be read about the history of Dolukanda Mountain. According to the story of Ramayana, Rama’s doctors ask Hanuman to go to the Himalayan forest and bring a medicinal plant to heal Rama’s wound. After going to the Himalayas, Hanuma is unable to identify the herb and the story goes that the part where he is believed to have the herb came up a whole mountain. It is said that the mountain was brought down from the sky and several sections of the road fell into Lankapura, Sri Lanka. That is, Ritigala, Dolukanda, and Rumassala are said to be the parts of the mountain that contained the herbs.
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