Description
For hike lovers, Danigala known as Alien mountain is an ideal climb. The place has a historical importance and the site has several ancient ruins of Buddha statues, moonstones and a pagoda. This is quite a climb which involves treks and bouldering too.
The best would be to go with a guide from the village. As per the chief incumbent of the Kandegama Buddhist Temple, camping atop Danigala is not advisable due to potential wild animal attacks. The view from the top is panoramic.
Maduru Oya tank and some other irrigation tanks along with the mountains and thick forest cover are a treat to the eye.
The rounded track on top of Danigala does not seem to be man-made. Locals believe of alien activity in this area due to the peculiar features of Danigala. Danigala is known in the names “Alien Mountain”, “Kandegama Rock” and “Star Gate of King Ravana”. It is believed to be one of the places where King Ravana landed his special aircraft, “Dandu Monara”.
A total of 70 caves have been found in this area. These caves date as early as the 2nd century. The place is often accessed by wild elephants from the surrounding areas. Many inscriptions have been carved on the rock here and one such inscription mentions King Saddatissa and his son. The inscriptions also mention the many donors of the caves.
