Ritiga mountain range is a strict natural reserve and also a important archaeological site. There was an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Ritigala in early days and nows days you can see some partially excavated ruins of the original structures. This site was abandon due to foreign invasions happened in 10th and 12th century and discovered in late 1800s.
How to reach Ritigala:
Ritigala is located Habarana- Anuradghapura road around 12 km from Habarana. From the main road, you need to take another 9 km to reach the site.
Once you entered in to th Ritigala archilogical site, you will first discover remainings of the large tank ( man made reservoir). Its believe that this is used as bathing place for the bikkus in the monastery or even the guests, who are visiting the monastery used to get a bath and clean before entering.
Even though you have to walk through jungle to reach the ruins, you will find that the walking is not so difficult because of the the stoned pathway, which still well maintained. These path ways interconnect important palaces in the site.
One of the important structure you found in Ritigla is the remainings of a ancient hospital. There are many medicine herbs can be found in Ritigala area.
Even though the Ritigala is located in the dry zone, once you reach the upper parts of the mountain, you can see many flora which are belonging to the wet zone. The climate becomes more mild and get more rainfall.