Hiking through the ancient Arankele Forest Monastery ruins

Make sure you check out the Jantaghara ruins. It was an ancient hot water bath complex used by the monks for Ayurvedic healing.

The hike is very flat, so it is physically easy, but the complex is huge. Bring mosquito repellent as the dense shade brings the bugs out.

It is incredibly peaceful. The giant ironwood trees create a thick forest canopy that keeps the entire archaeological site cool, even in the middle of the day.

It is a completely different vibe from the big city temples like Kandy. It feels like you are stepping back into the 6th century.

Please keep your voice down to a whisper. While the main ruins are archaeological, there is an active modern monastery deeper in the forest where monks are meditating.