Church of Kathalow Purvaram
Honestly, the temple is not so easy to find. There are two temples in the district, so if you end up will find yourself in another temple, check with information from the locals or from the workers of the temple (they will help cause a taxi or tuber). However, even some tubers do not have the slightest idea that it is generally for the temple and where he is. If settled in the Fortress Hotel Sri Lanka (one of the most popular in the resort), then the trip to the temple and back on Tuk Tuka plus a semi-third-hour waiting will cost about 450-500 rupees.
Although it is not close to go. Well, the cavity, twenty minutes (from the hotel to turn to the temple of about 2.5 km and 1.5 km from turn to the temple). Even Google does not give true information about the location of the temple, so enter the following coordinates: 5 ° 59'14.49 "N, 80 ° 21'3.17" E.
The Kogalyla temple was built in the 13th century. Connoisseurs of art - and everything, in general, will be truly impressed with the frescoes, adorning the inner part of the temple. The monks in the temple tell that almost all chronicles in the temple were destroyed when all residents of the district were resettled at the request of Sri Lanka Air Force - it was necessary to build and strengthen the Kogalyli airbase during World War II. But it is assumed that, like the temple, amazing frescoes were created in 12-13 centuries.
By the way, the paintings were drawn during the British colonial era. Do not forget to look up - on one of the most colorful statues of the complex: this is an abha temper, which symbolizes fearlessness, confidence, gives protection and, at the same time, is goodwill. We also see the images of Kinnar - Half-Creative Beings in Hinduism, birds with heads of people, heavenly singers and musicians.
Temple in semi-closed form. There is no one here, with the exception of several monks and dogs of dogs that are constantly squeezed. The roof of the temple (at least now) is broken, so the frescoes on the wall and the ceiling are constantly moat and are not restored. Apparently, local ministers close their eyes to the existence of this unique temple.
The monks are in desperate - funds and modern technologies are needed to restore this treasure. The main monk is completely pale green, apparently from malnutrition, because these monks are unlikely to receive alms from the locals. I hope now the situation has improved. There are almost no tourists here. The place is not advertised. Therefore, rare art lovers visit here.
Martin Vikramasinghe Museum (Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum Complex)
The house in which Martin Vicaramasingha was born, now the museum complex, surrounded by a hundred species of local trees and shrubs, on the branches of which the birds are chirped. Who is Martin Vicaramasingha? This is a Lankan writer (1890 -1976) whose books were translated into several languages. Martin wrote and studied the life and life of people in Sri Lanka, and his teachings were widely used in all areas - natural and social sciences, linguistics, art, philosophy, etc. In general, a person, no doubt, for the country is important and revered. True, I won't be surprised if you hear about it for the first time.
The museum building is a partially renovated house whose parts are believed to be more than 200 years. By the way, this house was captured by the Air Force during World War II - when all residents had to leave their homes within 24 hours. Most of the houses were demolished, but this remained. The story states that this simple house with a modest architecture fell to the eyes of the WFS officer's wife, and she chose him as a residence.
To the right of the house we see the hill covered by grass - there is a dust of the writer (on the grave there is a wedge-shaped stone with reef coggals). The ashes of his wife also rests here.
In the gallery inside the house, you can learn about the life of the writer - here photos, awards and souvenirs. Since Martin was engaged in cultural issues, he was copied all his life. Artifacts and interesting items related to the life of local residents - this was the first collection of the museum, which was opened in 1981.
Today, collections are replenished with other objects, with an imagining history of Sri Lanka from ancient times to modern times, in the field of agriculture, industry, fishing, ceramics production, items for folk dances and religious ceremonies, etc.
It is really interesting and colorfully, especially the exposition of clothing on the genuine magnitude and mini-botanical garden. Surprisingly, there are few people here - very late!
Find a museum simply: in front of the Fortrest Hotel you will see a pointer; Go through 50-70 meters - and you are in the museum. The entrance is paid (200 rupees). You can take an excursion (this is free, but the language is English) - and not only at home, but also in the garden (tell about local trees and fruits). Mast Si Coggal!
Temple Island
Actually, to visit Koggal and not to go to the Lake Koggali will not work, because everything is very close. The lake is abounding with birds and is isolated by islands, on one of which even built a small Buddhist temple, which attracts many visitors to Poya (full moon); On another island - interesting cinnamon plantations, the fragrance of which you feel by approaching to the island. But let's talk about the first, about the temple. The island on which the temple is, naturally called Temple Island.
At least, so they say for tourists, but maybe local names are different. On a small island, frighteningly quietly - except that the keys are ringing at the caretaker of the temple, which will open the doors of the building for you, and the bird garknet away. The temple is pure, pretty and very simple. By tradition, there is a statue of Buddha and several frescoes depicting the life of the Buddha. The temple is very small, but it is worth a visit.
The Catalina Grill.
Well, first, Catalina Grill is an excellent restaurant serving local cuisine. But he is famous for nothing more than his dishes as the plane parked next to the restaurant (the restaurant is located opposite the koggal air base). This large old plane is ideal for bright photos. Moreover, you can even go inside the aircraft, however, this is a fee (but only about 200 rupees).
