{"id":112861,"date":"2023-04-26T17:35:05","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T17:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=112861"},"modified":"2023-04-26T17:37:47","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T17:37:47","slug":"govinda-hela-royal-fortress-of-yesteryear-by-arundathie-abeysinghe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/govinda-hela-royal-fortress-of-yesteryear-by-arundathie-abeysinghe\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cGovinda Hela\u201d \u2013 royal fortress of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cGovinda Hela\u201d \u2013 royal fortress of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Avukana\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ArundathieHome to a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna and located in Siyambalanduwa, on the border of the Ampara District in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, in a thick forest surrounded by rivers and tanks, \u201cGovinda Hela\u201d (known as \u201cWestminster Abbey\u201d by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era due to its resemblance to the landmark in London) had been an inaccessible fortress of King Bhuwanekabahu who reigned in the 6th century. Thereafter, the location had been abandoned. It was rediscovered by British Colonials during the British Colonial Era and renamed as \u201cWestminster Abbey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Scattered on the summit of Govinda Hela are ruins of a royal palace and a monastery, yet the main attraction of the location is the \u201cHulan Kapolla<\/em>\u201d (a space between two rocks, through which strong wind blows). The highest point of the trek offers breathtaking vistas from the summit and extends beyond the boundaries of the basin with 360 degrees spectacular vistas from a 500-metres tall rock dotted with tanks, lakes, hills. lush greenery including the coastline from *Ampara to *Arugambay as well as mountain ranges, a sight to behold\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

According to scholars, Govinda Hela was once the unreachable fortress (due to security reasons for protection against enemy invasions) and the ruins on the mountain date back to the 6th Century AD, to the reign of King Buwanekabahu, the ruler of Eastern Digamadulla (in Ampara District) when the invading *King Kalinga Maga was the ruler of Rajarata Kingdom that included Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Home to large numbers of bird species and hordes of wild boar (Sus scrofa<\/em>, also known as wild swine), the forest reserve is a haven for wild life enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Govinda Hela has large numbers of rocks of all sizes with some forming deep caverns. Some trees are entwined with vines around their trunks and thick scrub dominate the wilderness. Winding paths and stepping stones are carpeted with dry leaves.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to environmentalists, as Govinda Hela is a protected forest, it has probably the largest number of ebony trees (Diospyros ebenum<\/em>, also known as Indian Ebony or Ceylon Ebony – a tree in the genus Diospyros<\/em>, native to southern India and Sri Lanka) in a single location with ebony trees in every nook and corner amidst hundreds of rocks; both ageing and young ebony trees with mature trees black in color.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the dry months of the year are the best to visit the location, months of July and August are popular with visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the past, trekkers had climbed up utilizing a rope or primitive ladders made of branches and the foot paths had also been rocky and uneven. Yet, at present, there are five aluminium ladders with handholds at the last stretch towards the summit of the mountain. There is a pond at the summit with crystal-clear water, although, the source of the water (in the pond) is unknown. Villagers are of the view that water in the pond never dries up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Directions:<\/strong> Travel up to Monaragala and reach Siyambalanduwa (a Divisional Secretariat of *Monaragala District of *Uva Province) up to 9th mile post along A-25 road to reach Govinda Hela. The closest town to the location is Monaragala. The trail to Govinda Hela starts from Buwanekabahu Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in Siyambalanduwa. It is necessary to pass the *Bo tree behind the temple and walk along the footpath towards the forest. It is also necessary to seek permission from the priest in the Temple and buy a ticket for a small fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

NOTE:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The two-kilometer trek is for experienced energetic trekkers as the trail after the two bridges, the journey is dangerous with winding forest paths and steps carved out of rock. The journey is considered as an adventure by those trekking up to the summit. It is also necessary to seek services of a guide to trek Govinda Hela as there are many trails in the forest.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is necessary to wear a good pair of trekking shoes to grip the ground firmly, although, giant roots covered with dry brown leaves gives a false sense of firm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although, the trek is difficult for visitors, villagers in the hamlets situated in the vicinity clamber up effortlessly. It takes approximately 40 \u2013 50 minutes for the entire trek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Avukana\"<\/a><\/p>\n