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Sri-LankaDescription and is it worth a visit
Girihanu Seya Rajamaha Viharaya Archaeological Park or simply girihadu Seya stupa is the ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple. So ancient that so far archaeologists have not been able to establish its exact age. It is believed that the stupa was built by two seafarers and traders Trapusa and Bahalika, who became the first disciples of the enlightened Buddha. Their names are immortalized on one of the stones in the temple, so it is indirectly assumed that it was from about 623 to 400 BC (according to various sources). Whatever it was, so far it is believed that this is the very first Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, and the first stupa in the whole world.
According to legend, the stupa was built to hold a great relic, a piece of Lord Buddha himself – his hair. It was built in just 75 days on a high hill. After 6 centuries, stone steps were built on the hillside to the stupa, and an artificial pond Nithupathpana Lake was created at its foot.
Girihanu Seya Archaeological Park is not very large, and most likely will not impress as much as the ruins of Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, but definitely worth a visit if you're vacationing in Trincomalee or one of its Nilaveli or Upuveli beaches. The stupa itself is located at the top of the hill, where you will need to climb those ancient stone steps, but first you will pass by the nithupathpana Lake Pond. Along the way, several paths will branch off from the stairs to sacred caves, actually small grottoes. And already at the very top you will see well-preserved and partially restored ruins. Here you have to take off your shoes.
Not everyone knows, but if you go down another staircase from the stupa, you will get to another ruin, on which archaeologists are currently working. The entire visit without a road will take about 2 hours. Also on the way to the stone staircase in the Archaeological Park there is an ancient stone bridge, an exhibition with elephant bones, and other artifacts.
🕐 Working hours
From 08:00 to 18:00, seven days a week.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
Entry for foreigners 500 rupees (1.51 USD, see currency of Sri Lanka).
🚶 How to get there
The ruins of Girihanu Seya Rajamaha Viharaya are located 45 kilometers north of the center of Trincomalee (ruins on the map). You can get here by rented transport, taxi, or with a tour from Trincomalee or the beaches of Upuveli and Nilaveli. It is better to go by Navigator, there are few pointers. The last kilometer of the way passes along a dirt road, after which you will find yourself in a parking lot where you can leave Transport for free. Then you need to walk to the ticket office and then to the pond and the beginning of the stairs about half a kilometer. The steps will have to overcome another 300 meters and 45 meters up, which in principle is possible for anyone.
You can also get quite budget by bus. To do this, from Trincomalee from the bus station or from the beaches of Nilaveli and Upuveli on the main road, you need to take a bus to Pulmodai (Pulmodai), which runs every 25-30 minutes, costs 40 rupees. Before reaching Pulmodai you need to get off at the village of Thiriyai, and then to the stupa by passing transport or on foot 5 kilometers.