Herbal Paradise Dolukanda

Dolukanda is a well-known mountain range due to the Dolukanda Raja Maha Viharaya which is located in the Kurunegala district. It is believed that the mountain is directly linked to the great Indian epic, Ramayana Trial in Sri Lanka. According to the story in folklore, both Lord Rama and Lakshman were seriously injured and wounded by powerful arrows and fell unconscious during the war with Ravana’s army.  So, Lord Hanuman was instructed by Sugriva to fetch lifesaving herbs which only grew in Himalayas. It is said that as he was unable to identify that lifesaving herbs himself alone, Hanuman carried out the whole Himalayan mountain range to Sri Lanka. Then it is believed that parts from Himalayas fell on five places in Sri Lanka and those five different places are as “Sajeewani drops” in Sri Lanka namely Dolukanda, Rumassala, Ritigala, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in north. So, Dolukanda mountain is one of those places which is now considered as one of the Ramayana tour places in Sri Lanka.

This mountain is located in Hiripitiya village near Kurunegala which is only 20KM from Kurunegala Main Bus Stand. Since the footpath to the mountain is running through the woods with uneven steps to climb, it will be better to contact a local guide who know the trek to climb the mountain. Also, it is advised to bring water and snacks to eat while climbing the mountain because there are no restaurants near the mountain or in the Hiripitiya village. But make sure to bring back all plastics and polythene you bring up to the mountain.  Since the footpath to the mountain is a bit hard trek where you should beware of wild boars, serpents and insects like wasp it is recommended to go as groups and not to bring senior citizens and travelers with kids in your groups. The other important fact for you travelers is that, there’s no any entrance fee charged for the Dolukanda mountain but you may donate some money at Dolukanda Raja Maha Viharaya which you will pass when climbing the mountain.

Being so rich with medicinal plants and heavenly viewpoints with breathtaking sceneries at the top of the mountain, Dolukanda mountain is one of the best but quite unknown traveling place within locals and as well as foreign travelers. If you are an enthusiastic hiker who loves to have adventurous experiences this will be an ideal place to visit and enjoy with your friends while learning about the ancient and medical importance about this marvelous place. But keep in mind that it is your responsibility to enjoy your journey fully without harming a teeny tiny bit of natural environment around you.

Take nothing but photographs… Leave nothing but footprints… Keep nothing but memories….