Lankapatuna

South of Trincomalee, a few kilometers off the Trincomalee -> Batticaloa highway, is the Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya.

Lankapatuna can be approached from two directions, from Muthur and from further south near Serunuwara. At the time of our visit, the bridge leading to Lankapatuna from the Serunuwara direction was being rebuilt. However, there was a boat service which ferried us across.

Lankapatuna as seen from across the river mouth

An efficient boat service ferries people across to the temple

The Lankapatuna Viharaya is said to be located at the very spot where Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala landed on the shores of the island bringing with them the most precious relic that is venerated even today - the tooth of Lord Buddha. 

While little remains of the original temple, an ancient pond and the rock cut staircase bear witness to what must have been a glorious past.

Look carefully and you may see the outline of a Prince and Princess. This is not carved into the rock, its a natural phenomenon that is not visible to the naked eye.

A pond that dates back to ancient times

A new constructed statue of Lord Buddha

Tranquil surroundings of the temple

A panoramic view can be enjoyed once you climb to the top of Lankapatuna. Situated at a river mouth, the location is surrounded by water on three sides. This is a place where you would not want to leave in a hurry.

A Chaithya at the top of Lankapatuna

The view from Lankapatuna

This is where the bridge used to be and where the new bridge is being constructed

Panorama from the top of Lankapatuna