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Roo Mansala is situated in the middle of a lush foliage in close proximity to Sigiriya and Pidurangala. Our surroundings are a haven for wild animals who reside in the vicinity. For bird lovers, the area is a refuge to many endemic and migratory birds. There is a variety of endemic butterflies that visit the area. Other animals like deer, rabbits, rare star tortoises, and even wild elephants grace our surroundings. We recommend you walk to the nearby lake, which offers exceptional views of Sigiriya, Pidurangala, and sunsets. The lake is also a hotspot for bird watching.
Roo Mansala is situated only a kilometre away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the Pidurangala rock. Sigiriya is a world heritage site and must-visit site for all travellers to Sri Lanka. Sinha Giriya, or the “Lion Rock” refers to the way visitors begin their final ascent through the jaws of a lion. Sigiriya was built by King Kasyapa at the end of the 5th century as a testament to his reign. One of the western cavities is adorned with the iconic Sigiriya frescos. A visitor will also encounter the Mirror Wall, displaying 7th century graffiti poems. The lower palace, extending from the base of rock, contains fortified moats, walls, water gardens, a remnant of the advanced irrigation system of ancient Ceylon.
Pidurangala is the less-known cousin of Sigiriya, offering a majestic 360 degree view of Sigiriya and the lush surrounding. It is a more strenuous climb than Sigiriya, suited more for hike lovers. Sunsets and sunrises from on top of the rock are simply breathtaking.
Habarana is located 20 minutes from Roo Mansala. Minneriya National Park can be reached in 30 minutes. Habarana and Minneriya are the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka. The wild elephants are often present in huge numbers. The centrepiece of the National park is the ancient MInneriya Wewa, a huge tank built by King Mahasen. The park offers the unique sight of the“Gathering”, a converging of up 300 elephants. The 88.9 sq km park provides shelter for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards
The Golden Temple of Dambulla or the Dambulla cave temple is another world heritage site in the vicinity of Roo Mansala about 20 minutes away. Built in the 2nd Century BC, it is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. Built by King Valagambahu, it consists of five caves under a vast hanging rock. Inside the caves, the ceilings are adorned with ancient Buddhist paintings depicting images of the Buddha, monks, bodisattvas, as well as gods and goddesses. Archaeologists conclude that the site was home to prehistoric dwellings.
Ritigala is situated approximately 1 hour from Roo Mansala. It is a mountain range close to Anuradhapura. Ritigala possesses monastic ruins of stones, terrace ways, circular terraces, a stone bridge, and remains of a giant stone banked pond built across a water stream. The enchanting and mysterious ruins of Ritigala was used as a retreat by monks from as early as the first century BC, with the ruins visible today dating to 9th Century AD. Ritigala is also featured in the myth of Ramayanaya.