Kalpitiya Day Tour

Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka comprising a wide range of habitats, including thick jungle, grassy plains, a section of coastline as well as a series of villus (natural lakes). Although most of the large mammals found in Sri Lanka, such as elephants, barking deer, and water buffaloes, can be seen, here leopards are the biggest attraction. The park is also home to an exclusive sloth bear. Wilpattu is home to birds such as the crested serpent eagle, the brown fish owl,d the brown-capped woodpecker. In addition, visitors may catch sight of crocodiles and water monitors in the villus. A jeep and driver can be hired to explore the park at the entrance or specialist wildlife camps.

Munnesvaram is thought to be one of the oldest Hindu temples on the island and there are many legends associated with its construction.According to folklore, the temple was established by Lord Rama after he achieved victory over Ravana, as recounted in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Following the battle, while returning to India in the Puspaka (flying chariot), Rama was suddenly seized by a sense of guilt at the blood spilled in the war. Seeing a temple on the ground below, he descended to pray. Consequently, Shiva and, his consort, Parvati, appeared and ordered him to establish lingams in three locations: at Konesvaram in Trincomalee, Thirukethesvaram in Mannar and at Munnesvaram. The modern-day temples are believed to be built over these very spots. Another version of the legend describes how Rama, passing over uninhabited land, saw a place to rest and decided to pray to Shiva. He sent Hanuman back to India to fetch a Shiva lingam but Hanuman, easily distracted, took a long time to return. Unwilling to defer, Rama fashioned a lingam out of sand to use in his worship. After his prayers were done - Hanuman had returned in the meantime - the group carried on to India but left the lingam in place, marking the spot where the temple foundations were subsequently laid. Munnesvaram is an important place of pilgrimage. The main shrine houses a lingam (a phallic symbol representing Shiva) in its inner sanctum. The complex also has a Buddhist shrine and a number of other shrines dedicated to Hindu gods.The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese on a couple of occasions. It was later rebuilt before undergoing renovation in the 19th century, and then again in the 20th century. Hence, certain sections of the temple look newer than others. Munnesvaram is also the venue for a month-long local festival that takes place in August and September. Pilgrims come to make their offerings and chariots are paraded around the complex and through Chilaw town, located about 4 km (2 miles) to the west of the temple. Those wanting to visit the temple must ensure they are modestly dressed, and must remove their shoes before entering the complex.

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