Hatthikuchchi Temple

The name 'Hatthikuchchi' is a pali word meaning 'Elephant Stomach'. Its closest Sinhalese name is 'Eth Kus wehera' .This names has been given because of a large rock inside the temple complex which resembles an elephant.The name 'hatthikuchchi' is a pali word meaning 'elephant belly'.Sinhala name is 'Eth Kus Wehera'.This names has been given because of a big rock in the temple complicated which resembles an elephant.Positioned in the scenic landscape overlaying 300 acres, Hatthikuchchi Aramic complex  dates back to 3 rd century BC. However this area is most famous as the region that exiled king Sirisangabo offered his own head to a pheasant.

Even though king Sirisangabo ruled the country for two years (251-253 AC) and didn’t built any monuments or irrigation systems, he's one of the most regarded kings of the history of Sri Lanka.The temple complex is considered to have been constructed by king Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BC) Later for various reasons this complex become forgotten and by the time of king Sirisangabo this was covered with jungle.

The main buildings which has been identified are a Vatadage,a Pohoyage, an image house,some Stupas, an alms hall, ponds, meditation chambers used at the very early stages of Buddhism, many of stone inscriptions and many cave dwellings used by meditating monks.From the pinnacle of the mountain you can get an exquisite view of the jungle below with numerous unusually fashioned boulders unfold across a big region.

Warana Raja Maha Viharaya.

Warana Raja Maha Viharaya is situated around 5 km far from the Colombo Kandy Road. If you are coming from Colombo, turn right from Yakkala Junction and go around 4 km. At that point you will find Nelli Gaha Mula intersection and turn left from that point. You need to go around 1 km and after that take another side street, which drives you to Warana Temple. Warana Temple is the one of the cave temple located in Western province of Sri Lanka.The Brahmin inscription on  the rock announces that the temple was donated Tissa Datta Thero the brother of Majjhima Thero.According to written information king Devanampiyatissa constructed this temple between 2nd and 3rd centery BC. Later the King Walagamba did renovation in 1st century AD. King Nissanka Malla and king Parakarmabahu VI also contributed to the development of this temple.

The temple is built on three levels. First level consist Monks Awasa(Residence) and a hall.You have to climb of fifty steps to pilgrims to this level .

At the Second level you can find 800 year old Stupa(Dagaba) and Shrine room(A cave from the original monastic meditation complex had been modeled into a shrine room during the period of King Nissanka Malla).

At the third level you can find a Stupa(Dagaba) built in the last century and the leftovers of the original monastic meditation complex of 12 caves.