Ambuluwawa, has its uniqueness being the only isolated mountain in Gampola the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Standing 3567 feet above sea level this isolated mountain has no history behind it, but has many attractive facts that draw visitors to this beautiful mountain. Gampola however has historical background in that during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV it became the capital of Sri Lanka.
In today’s context the Ambuluwawa mountain bears an unusual structure that takes the form of a spiraling white building. Mist surrounds the entire area and one looking at it from a distance, although nothing historical lies in its past, this beautiful mountain projects a sense of surrealism.
Leaving the lively Gampola town with its railway station, the journey to Ambuluwawa goes along Nidahas Mawatha, where one can gain access from Station Road. The ascent to this beautiful mountain takes a uniform affect in that with every turn on the mountain it offers a spectacular view of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river, and the mountain range.
The first encounter on this journey is the “Kuttam Pokuna” (twin ponds) which is very similar to the original ones in Anuradhapura. Ahead of this Kuttam Pokuna is a 10 feet statue of Lord Buddha in a sitting position. The quiet landscape is a hallowed region as it is home for a brass icon of the Buddha, ten shrines made of wood which are for the deities and propped up on columns and a pirith mandapaya (an area for chanting of pirith). This area is shrouded in an aura of spirituality and reverence.
The symbol of religious unity is evident in the garden that is opposite to Ambuluwawa where there resides a temple, chapel, mosque, kovil (temple for Hindus) and Bo Tree. This Bo Tree is a sampling from the hallowed Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradapura. This entire area is a haven of tranquility and sereneness, with the aroma of incense wafting through the air.
