MAHIYANGANAYA
Mahiyangana According to
Mahavamsa, Sivuhelaya (Sri Lanka) was peopled by Sivu-Helayos. The Yakkhas
(clan) were living in Mahiyangana at the time. It says that the Buddha held a
discussion on Dhamma with them. Likewise, it was the first visit of Lord Buddha
to the country in the ninth month after he attained enlightenment. The
Mahiyangana region, a vast plain with the Mahaweli River running through,
provides access to several major attractions of Mahiyangana.
Dambana which is the most
famous village around Mahiyanganaya is known as refuge of the indigenous Vedda
people. Veddas were originally hunter-gatherers, with the women of the tribe
staying at home to tend to the family. They used bows and arrows to hunt. And
also, there is a traditional dance called “Kiri Koraha” which is famous among
Veddah people to invoke the blessing of the gods. Further, staying with the
Veddha people get a closer opportunity to understand their culture and
lifestyles.
Must Visit Place In MAHIYANGANAYA
Mahiyangana Rajamaha Wiharaya
Mahiyangana Rajamaha Wiharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mahiyangana and it has the large and beautiful Mahiyangana Stupa a kilometer south of town signifies the spot at which the Buddha preached. Prince Saman had the ancient Mahiyangana Stupa built enshrining the hair relic, which was secured in a golden reliquary. Thus, Mahiyangana became the first ever Stupa to be built in Sri Lanka. The Mahiyangana Stupa is the most prominent cultural attraction in Mahiyangana.
Veddah Village
Veddha’s meaning “people of the forest” and that has a history much older than prince Vijaya’s. Throughout the centuries these endearing people have proudly retained their unique ways of life. Their communities are truly quite beautiful and interesting. Veddha’s are allowed to hunt legally to sustain themselves within certain areas, are also expert fisherman. Veddha’s also collect bee’s honey and exchange it with the locals for axe blades and cloth. The experience of camping with them and sharing a meal with them will truly remain etched in your mind for many long years.
Sorabora Wewa
Sorabora Wewa, also known as “Horabora Wewa”, is an ancient reservoir which is situated in Mahiyangana. It is believed to have been built by a giant named Bulatha during the reign of King Dutugemunu. Bulatha offered betel leaves to the royal palace. During his journey to the place, he is said to have brought sand and rock to the place where the 'Sorabora wewa' is located and built the dam across the river, creating a lake. Sorabora Wewa is unique in that it does not make use of the typical structure called “Bisokotuwa” which is usually used in regulate water pressure at the slice gates of a tank.
Seetha Kotuwa
Seetha Kotuwa archaeological site and a limestone cave displaying some fine stalactites and pillars. Descendent into the stunning mist-loaded Dumbara valley through the 18 hairpin bends, five miles and 2,000 feet on the eastern scarp of the hill country, has been acclaimed as one of the most outstanding drives. Also, there are waterfalls call as Seetha Ella.
18th Bend (Dahaata wanguwa)
Daha Ata Wanguwa is a famous paved road located in the linking Kandy and Mahiyanganaya. The road is 41km long and features 17 hairpin bends (not 18). Part of the A26 road, it has been improved in the last years. The road links the cities of Kandy and Mahiyanganaya. It's also known as the 18 hairpin bend road and it was dreaded by many drivers as one of the most difficult roads in the country.
