Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve: A Journey into Nature and History
Explore the enchanting Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve, where nature meets history in a stunning national park filled with ancient ruins and diverse wildlife.
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers unparalleled hiking experiences, ancient ruins, and diverse wildlife. This national park is a paradise for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike, providing a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka's past amidst stunning natural landscapes.
A brief summary to Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve
- 4J8X+MX9, Palugaswewa, LK
- +94112421151
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as trails can be steep and challenging.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures while hiking.
- Don't forget your camera! The views from the top are breathtaking and make for great photos.
- Respect the wildlife; maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding animals.
- Take time to explore the ancient ruins and read about their historical significance.
Getting There
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Car
From Yala National Park, head northwest towards Tissamaharama. Take the A2 road and drive for about 15 km until you reach the junction for Palugaswewa. Turn left onto the road leading to Palugaswewa. Continue driving for approximately 20 km, following signs for Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve. Keep an eye out for the entrance, which is marked and should be on your right.
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Public Transportation
From Yala National Park, take a bus or a shared taxi to Tissamaharama. Buses leave frequently from the main bus stand. Upon reaching Tissamaharama, catch a bus heading towards Palugaswewa. Inform the driver that you want to go to Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve. The bus ride will take about 1 hour. Once you arrive at Palugaswewa, you may need to hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to cover the remaining distance to the entrance of the reserve, which is approximately 5 km away.
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Combination (Car and Walking)
If you have access to a car, drive from Yala National Park to Palugaswewa. Once you reach the area, park your vehicle at the designated parking area near the entrance of Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve. From there, you will need to walk approximately 1 km to the main area of interest within the reserve. Be prepared for uneven terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Discover more about Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ritigala Archaeological Site & Strict Natural Reserve
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Habarana Village by Cinnamon
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Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
14.2 km
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Habarana Roundabout
14.4 km
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Minneriya & Kaudulla Jeep Safari
14.5 km
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Oak Ray Elephant Lake
15.9 km
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SigiriyaJungles
16.6 km
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Minneriya Safari Tours
16.8 km
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Avudangawa Lake Sigiriya Rock View Point
17.0 km
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Sigiriya Forest Edge By Marino Leisure
17.3 km
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Water Garden Sigiriya
17.3 km
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WAWE
19.3 km
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Kuwera Eco Lodge
20.0 km
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Buddhist Temple - Sigiriya
20.3 km
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Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya
20.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ritigala Andiyakanda Aranya Senasanaya | රිටිගල ආඬියකන්ද ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය
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Ceylonicus Adventure
8.2 km
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Thalakola Wewa
9.1 km
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Panweliyaya Wewa
9.3 km
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Habarana lake
13.6 km
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Habarana Elephant Safari
14.0 km
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Wijerathna jeep Safari Habarana
14.1 km
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Gami Gedara - Village Home (Village Walk)
14.2 km
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Kalpa Jeep Safari & Village Safari
14.4 km
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Minneriya National Park - Jeep Safari
14.4 km
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Habarana Jungle Creepers Safari
14.5 km
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Habarana Wild Jeep Safari
14.5 km
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Lankan wild life jeep safari habarana
14.6 km
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Best stop village & jeep safari
14.6 km
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Hiriwadunna
14.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Chill & Swing
14.4 km
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Mom’s Kitchen Restaurant
14.5 km
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KELAYA Restaurant
15.1 km
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Aliya Resort & Spa | Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
16.1 km
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Restaurant
17.3 km
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Araliya Army Welfare Restaurant
20.1 km
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Sigiriya Strikers Bay
20.1 km
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Nature's nook restaurant
20.6 km
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Chill N Chill Restaurant
20.9 km
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Kaluwara Restaurant (Ishy Restaurent) SIGIRIYA
21.0 km
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Cinty Restaurant & guest house
21.0 km
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Nature view Restaurant
21.2 km
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Come & Taste Restaurant Sigiriya
21.2 km
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Sajee’s Place Cooking Class sigiriya
21.2 km
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Ranithu Restaurant
21.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lanka Souvenirs
21.0 km
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සිතුවමක ඇ...
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Nimala Wansha Stors
21.3 km
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Local crafts
21.4 km
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Nilini cafe
21.4 km
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DOLF TATTOO
21.4 km
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Espresso Italiano
22.1 km
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Sigiri Art Gallery
22.1 km
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Shop On
22.3 km
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Wood Carving Work Shop
23.1 km
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Jathika Namal Uyana
24.0 km
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Unique Fashion Collection
24.8 km
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Sadaru Palace
26.8 km
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City Fancy
27.0 km
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N O Wjesinghe DAress Point
29.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ආප්ප
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Nandana Wine Store
11.1 km
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hora kapuwage ge
12.0 km
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imeth
12.2 km
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Liyanage Wine Stores (Gamini Wine Stores)
14.4 km
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Kurumba Bay. Weligama
14.5 km
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Machan - Habarana
14.5 km
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Visu Villa BAR & Restaurant
14.6 km
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The Lion Kingdom Restaurant & Bar
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Island Vibes Lounge
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Samarakoon Hotel Sigiriya
21.6 km
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La Dolce Vita
21.7 km
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Gala Addara Cafe Sigiriya
22.1 km
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Sigiriya Wew Thawulla Restaurant
22.1 km
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The Downtown Gastropub
22.1 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
One More Night Hostel
21.6 km
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Champa
22.4 km
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Amaya Lake Dambulla
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Gunners Club
28.5 km
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Heritage Dambulla By Ceylon Hotels Corporation
28.5 km
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Gunners Pub
28.6 km
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Kk mrk
29.5 km
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Sundaras Restaurant & Pool BAR
29.7 km
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Colombo Lashris World
30.2 km
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Zoom
30.2 km
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dsad
30.2 km
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Mercadona S.L
30.2 km
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Club House
31.8 km
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Sandpiper Bar
32.8 km
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