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Arankelle Forest Monastery

Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle

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Arankelle Forest Monastery
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Situated in an isolated rural spot just north of Kurunegala, Arankele houses the ruins of an ancient monastery, once inhabited by a sect of reclusive monks.

The fascinating 6th Century ruins of the Buddhist forest hermitage is spread throughout a forested hillside with huge hardwood trees. Various ruins to be seen include the impressive ancient hermitage hospital with its moats, stone walls, stone herbal baths, herb grinders, sick rooms and meditation halls, and a superior sanitary system.

The monastery complex was gifted to the monks by King Dhatunsena over 1,800 years ago, and around 1,200 monks have lived here over the years. In addition to the various artefacts and ruins, there is also a 1,800m long path, winding its way around the mountain and enjoying some incredible views. Along the path through the 65 acre site, lies a cluster of small rock caves once used for shelter and meditation.

The complex was rediscovered as recently as 1922, with excavations beginning in 1942. Ruins are still being unearthed throughout the sight, so there is always something new (or is it old!?) popping up. One really distinct aspect to the ruins here is the amount of craftsmanship that went into its production, with huge slabs of rock carved out of the bedrock to produce floors, walls and pedestals.

Arankele is a wonderfully secret place, and you are likely to be the only visitor to it all week. This, along with the stunning ancient woodland and resident troop of the endemic toque macaques, makes it a magical place to stop for a wander en route from Colombo to the Cultural Triangle. We have even got special permission from the Archaeology Department for our guests to have picnics here, just make sure you leave it as you found it!

You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.

Luxury Winter Wedding

Luxury Winter Wedding

Escape winter and wedding hassle: go to Sri Lanka for our Luxury Winter Wedding!

Map centered on Arankelle Forest Monastery. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.

Travel Guide to Sri Lanka

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog