wildlife

Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve monastery ruins and wildlife safety

Asked 5 months agoSeen by 516 travellers

Liam B.•12770 rep•2

I am planning a trip to the Ritigala ruins tomorrow. Since it is a strict nature reserve with a high density of sloth bears and leopards, is it safe to hike the paved monastery path without a guide.

wildlife hiking safety

asked 5 months ago

Liam B.•12770 rep•2

2 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The paved path through the lower ruins is absolutely safe and open to the public without a guide. The wildlife, especially leopards and bears, stay deep within the upper unexcavated areas of the strict nature reserve where public access is strictly prohibited. Just stick to the designated archaeological path.

answered 5 months ago

Banda W.•22430 rep•1

Ritigala has a very unique microclimate. While walking the safe ruins path, keep an eye out for the endemic flora. According to the Ramayana legend, part of the mountain is a piece of the Himalayas dropped by Hanuman, which explains the unusual medicinal plants found there.