Pethangoda garden ( Pethangoda Garden-Katu una)

It is said that this was a beautiful garden that was at the centre of the Seethawaka kingdom of King Rajasinghe the 1st. It is also said that the king while relaxing in the garden had been pricked by a thorn from this unusual type of bamboo which had fatally wounded him and killed him while he was being hurriedly ferried across the river back home in a copper paruwa(type of boat). Some say that it was the poison of the thorn while others say the King’s vedha mahaththayas(doctors) had poisoned

him on the pretext of treating him in the boat. There are others that say that he was bitten by asnake and that it was not a thorn that pricked him fatally. Some say that being bitten by a cobra was divine retribution for the patricide he had committed and for also having turned his back on

Buddhism.

Though to this day it is not apparent how he died due to all the stories being folklore it is a strong. possibility that it was indeed a snake bite. In recent times there have been sightings of poisonous. snakes that have been seen emerging from the thorn bamboo bushes and there are many well. Established and reputed snake bite healers who have lived in the area for generations from the king’s time. This type of bamboo is considered to have been brought from India and is not endemic to Sri Lanka. As it is not seen anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Some do not even believe that such a variant of bamboo exists until they see the thorns.

On the bank of the river where the boat came to rest with the dead king it is said that there might have been some kind of memorial. Owing to the crime of killing his father and drowning 119 priests, today one can only see a few stones to mark the place the great king died at, which is indicative of the fact that purposefully he was not remembered as he was disliked. During those times anyone against Buddhism was seen as an enemy of the people. Contradictory to the popularity he had or lack thereof, after his death Rajasinghe was worshipped as Ganegoda Deviyo (God of Ganegoda). In the old days Sri Lankan kings were considered divine while they lived, being addressed as ‘Deviyanwahanse Budhuwewa’ – ‘may your godship become a

Buddha’. So the transition couldn’t have been too difficult.

Hotels nearest to the centre of Avissawella

Kitulgala Rest House * (in Kitulgala, distanced approximately 23 km)

The Plantation Hotel ** (in Kitulgala, distanced approximately 26 km)

Royal River Resort ** (in Kitulgala, distanced approximately 26 km)

Field View Holiday Resort Hotel ** (in Habarakada, distanced approximately 26 km)

Rock Chalet *** (in Kaduwela, distanced approximately 27 km)

Hotel Clarion *** (in Wewelduwa, distanced approximately 32 km)

The Sovereign *** (in Colombo, distanced approximately 36 km

Duwili Elle (waterfall)

 Duwili Elle, which is a marvelous creation of nature, cascades from a height of about 63 feet. It is located about 4 k. m. from Balangoda at Thanjantenna a little to the inferior.

This magnificent waterfall, which is a creation of the Walawe River cascades, down a rock during the rainy season and is known as Punchi Duwili Elle. The water, which flows down from about 30 m below, is called Maha Duwili Elle. The flow of water forms a wonderful creation.

  which none have found out 50 far. From there the Walawe River flows up to the kaltota dam.

The dust like drops of water emanating from the spray is the origin of the name Duwili Elle. For, ‘duwili’ in the sinhala language is dust. This waterfall and its natural beauty is a paradise, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

Hotels  nearest to the centre of Duwili Elle  at Balangoda

Landa Holiday House *

 (in Belihul Oya, distanced approximately 14 km)

Just 500 metres from the soothing River Belihul Oya, Landa Holiday Home offers a selection of tree houses and wooden villas in the midst of nature. On-site activities include bird watching, cycling and trekking.

Mandira Craig Appin Bungalow ****

 (in Hatton, distanced approximately 26 km)

Mandira Craig Appin Bungalow is a former colonial residence located on the slopes of Dickoya Tea Estate. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, this quiet property offers bicycle rentals and room service.

Mandira Dickoya Bungalow ****

 (in Hatton, distanced approximately 26 km)

Mandira Dickoya Bungalow is located on the slopes of Dickoya Tea Estate, 10 minutes’ drive from Castle Reigh Lake. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the property features dining and entertainment rooms.

Mahoora Tented Luxury Safari Camp - Udawalawe *

 (in Udawalawa, distanced approximately 30 km)

Located in Udawalawe National Park, Mahoora Luxury Camp provides luxurious tents with modern bathroom facilities, bed and a private patio. Guests can enjoy a private jungle dining experience, safaris and hot air balloon.

Nilani Hotel **

 (in Ratnapura, distanced approximately 30 km)

Featuring rooms with panoramic views of the mountain rage, Nilani Hotel is located in Ratnapura City. It offers free parking, a restaurant and is 1.5 km from Saman Devala Ratnapura.

Mandira Strathdon Bungalow ****

 (in Hatton, distanced approximately 31 km)

Sitting on the outskirts of Watawala Town, the hillside Mandira Strathdon Bungalow is located in Strathdon Tea Estate. Featuring colonial-style décor and views of surrounding greenery, it offers bicycle rentals.

Centauria Hill Resort **

 (in Ratnapura, distanced approximately 32 km)

Centauria Hill Resort is a hilltop colonial mansion located in Colombo. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and air-conditioned rooms with a spa bathtub. Guests enjoy free parking.

Langdale by Amaya *****

 (in Nuwara Eliya, distanced approximately 33 km)

Located in the beautiful Nuwara Eliya Hills, boutique hotel Langdale by Amaya offers luxury rooms with amazing hillside views. It features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi.

Viharagala Bungalow ****

 (in Haputale, distanced approximately 33 km)

Located in Viharagala Tea Estate, the 125-year old Viharagala Bungalow offers rooms and suites with a private bathroom. Surrounded by gardens and grass lawns, the property provides free Wi-Fi in its public areas.

Romance Valley *

 (in Haputale, distanced approximately 33 km)

Romance Valley is surrounded by natural landscapes including lakes, mountains and valleys. Located a 6-minute drive from downtown Deragalla, the hotel offers a plunge pool and massage services upon request.

Hotel details from -  http://www.maplandia.com