Sitawake Palace

The site of the ancient Sitawake palace located 2Km along the Panewela road commencing at the Avissawella Court premises in Dehiovita. The palace has been protected by a cluster of mountains including the Koboturawa rock and Yakatuwawa mountain range. Sitawake served as the kingdom which resisted foreign domination during the period 1571-1592. It was King Mayadunney who first established his palace at Sitawake, who was succeeded by King Rajasinghe I.

Tomb of Rajasinghe I of Sitawake

The tomb of King Rajasinghe I can be seen 2Kms towards Gurugalla on the Talduwa - Katunayake express way in Dehiovita.It was beleived that the body of the great warrior  the King Rajasinghe I was brought along the Gurugoda Oya, Kelani River and Sitwake river and was interred at a place close to Talduwa. The tomb in his memory can be identified by an enclosure put up by the Dept. of Archaeology and lacks any elegance worthy of ruler. A stone slab with a sun and a moon engraved is to be seen at this spot.

Waterfalls

Kelani River, Dahenwaka

This is a cool place for water lovers to enjoy and have a nice cool bath. This rive is a branch of Kelani River, and the bathing place named as Dahenwaka which locates just 2 km from Clunes Villa Real Bungalow.

Kithulgala

Kithulgala, the location of the award winning film “The Bridge on the River Kwai”. The Rafters’ Retreat, a natural hideout located overlooking the white waters of rushing Kelani River in Kithulgala, provides a promising holiday filled with Eco and adventure activities. The Kelani River, 2/3 graded rafting site stretches for six kilometers with six exciting rapids namely, Virgin’s Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall, White Quarter, Head Chopper, and Rafter’s Quarter. You could experience the fascinating view of the surrounding forest while rafting and when you are in the calm waters you could let yourself float and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Seven Terraced Water Falls

Seven waterfalls at different levels called "Hath Male Diya Eli" can be seen within the Deraniyagala division. The origin of the falls at levels ranging from 600m to 1,600m in Maliboda in the Sri Pada range of mountains. The seven falls are located at distance of 5Kms  at varying heights and join the Sitawaka ganga at the final stage.

Sandun Falls

Sandun falls is located 10Kms beyond Kithulgala town. It is a beautiful waterfall created by a tributary of Kelani river.

Olu Falls

This waterfall is situated in the village of Amanwela 17kms along the Berannawa-Seepoth raod commencing from Yatiyantoota town. The fall originates from Wee Oya, a tributary of Kelani River. Located in the range of Baranawa mountains 1200m above sea level the falls runs through a stretch of Virgin forest.

Ancient Temples

Amithrigala Ancient Vihara

This vihara is situated in the quiet surroundings of a coconut grove along Naduwatte-Amithrigala road in Ruwanwella. The vihara had its origin 100 years ago with the erection of a hut to accomodate Buddhist monks. Kandyna style of painiting has been adopted in painting the murals.

Ancient Ruwanwella Lewangama Sri Sadanandaramaya

This vihara is ssituated in 5 Kms beyond Anguruwella junction along Warakapola road linked to Kegalle-Avisswella road. The tempita vihara situated in this monastery is the only such construction found in Tun Korale. Most of the paintings including Nawanari Kunjaraya, Panchnari Ghatay and the Hansputtuwa in the paintings of the ceiling and walls are of high artistic appeal.

Ganewatte Sri Abinawaramaya

This vihara is situated in Kamburapola Village in Dehiowita. The origin of this vihara is attributed to the period of King Rajasinghe I of Sitawake. A prominent feature is the engraving of the Sun and the Moon on the cave.

Getahetta Welangalla Sri Bodhiramaya

This vihara is situated in Getahetta village in close proximity to avissawella town. It is believed that during the transfer of sacred Tooth Relic to Delgamu Rajamaha Vihara in Sabaragamuwa, the relic was kept at this vihara for a short period as a place of safety. It is an attractive temple.

Maniyangama Rajamaha Vihara

The Vihara is situated in Avissawella Panawala road close to Sitawaka bridge 4Kms from Avisswella.The first reference to Maniyangama occurs in the account of King Parakramabahu I(1143-1186 AD) who is said to have sent two of his generals from maniyangama to suppress Manabharana of Ruhuna. The Vihara is built in large rock cave.

Purana Vihraya Deraniyagala

This vihara situated in Deraniyagala South within the Deraniyagala division and is located 40Kms from Kegalle town. The vihara history spanning over 310 years. This shrine has gained popularity due to the availability of the Watadageya and artistic creativity associated with the construction of the stupa comprising two storey.

Ancient Kovils / Devala

Berendi Kovil

This Kovil situated close to Maniyangama Rajamaha Vihara is located on the Avissawella - Dehiovita Road 2Km from Avissawella. The architectual features of the building depict a happy blending of Hindu Architecture with those of the local traditions. King Rajasinghe I was instrumental in getting this Kovil erected after he became a convert to hindu faith.

Kadadora Pattini Devalaya
This devalaya is situated on the Warakapola road 2Kms from Karawanella junction linked to the Kegalle-Avissawella highway in Ruwanwella. There is a claim that this devala orinated during the Anuradhapura period. It had gained prominence during the days of King Rajasinghe I of Sitawake.
 

Other Attractions

Belihelagala

Belihelgala is situated in Taligama in Deraniyagala division. It is a rock which is 3,600 feet above sea level. There is a rock cave dedicated to the deity, Kohomba. Due to various sounds that can be heard, villagers believe that the deity is still residing there. Folks belief narrates that the Buddha visited this spot and the placing of his foot print was prevented due to the bark of a dog which resulted in the selection of the present spot for the purpose. The largest "Puswela" creeper is found in this Jungle.

Belilena ( Historic Cave)

The historic cave, Belilena is situated just 13 Km from Kithulagala and just 3 Km from Sandun falls. Archaeological excavations done on this spot had proved that there had been human habitation 12,000 years ago at this spot.

Bogala Graphite Mines

The Bogala Graphite Mines are located in Arugammana village, 5Kms on the Avissawella Kotiyakumbura road via Arukgamman in Galigamuwa. The availability of graphite as a mining deposit in our country had been first discovered during the Dutch period and has been referred to as "Black Lead" in the writings of the 17th century. The areas where the graphite deposits were located have been named as Maha Bogala, Punchi Bogala and Karandawatte mines.

Sitawake Industrial Zone

The Seethawaka Industrial Park is South Asia's largest international-standard industrial park which has a capacity to provide over 60,000 employment opportunities when in full operation. This Park offers a multitude of facilities but rates lower than similar Industrial Parks in South Asia. The Sitawake Industrial Park has been designed according the international standards comprising modern facilities. It will consist of 70 factories producing a wide range of goods for export. A green belt around the Park has also been designed to provide a pleasing environment for industrialists and the workers.