A standalone mountain top – the Ambuluwawa peak is well known amongst locals. It is situated in Gampola and its clear and apparent presence marks a familiar landmark giving character to the region. Wherever you may go in the bustling town, Ambuluwawa looms in the distance. Gampola was rooted in history for it was a kingdom and capital of Sri Lanka under the rule of King Bhuwanekabahu IV in the 13th Century AD.
Since the recent past, Ambuluwawa Mountain has received a new era of recognition due to its many features. At present, the peak houses an unusual and unique structure which resembles a spiralling cone. Cloaked with mist, it is a picture of singularity. The ‘stupa’ is one of the many attributes that can be witnessed at a glance. Ambuluwawa is enriched with biodiversity and it stands high as of approximately 1,065 feet from the town, therefore it gives great views as you ascend. Due to increased recognition, there are various activities on offer with built sites to enjoy an experience of rarity. The Ambuluwawa biodiversity complex was opened in 2009 and is widely introduced as the first multi-religious centre and biodiversity complex of Sri Lanka. It comprises of a small temple, kovil, mosque and a church on the peak. Therefore, people of all religions visit this mountain marking it as a symbol of harmony and unity in Sri Lanka.
The path that curves and cuts through the mountain leads you to a large gate that allows visitors without any footwear.
Upon entering the premises, you will see the signboard which reads as the Biodiversity complex and Religions Centre.
On the entrance gate, there are symbols of all four religions which indicate spiritual diversity. The towering structure of the stupa rising from the centre of an open auditorium monopolises the entire complex. However, the garden that lies opposite is home to a mosque, kovil, church and Buddhist temple and Bo Tree. The Bo Tree that stands at the far end has incidentally been grown from a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura. Built in two levels, the standing Buddha statue towers high at the top level, while below houses a pavilion with steps leading down.
An observation building sits at the other end of the complex which gives plenty of breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. This section was built for this purpose and has a second stairway which takes form of a star shape design. A third structure on the top is a tribute to Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak, with the mark of the large sacred footprint within a glass display. The highlight of the climb of this Ambuluwawa Mountain is the ascent of the stupa, which has a spiral stairway that stretches up and along the outer peripheral of the stupa. The sights encountered at the beginning of the journey simply look miniature and the town of Gampola seems but a faint echo in the distance. Visit this site and watch the world unfold you leaving you in astonishment.
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