Category: Kataragama

  • Mandara Rosen – Kataragama – Sri Lanka

    Mandara Rosen – Kataragama – Sri Lanka

    Mandara Rosen, Kataragama Sri Lanka

    Mandara Rosen Kataragama is a four star hotel property providing a full guest experience whilst being centrally placed to visit some of the most important places in and around Kataragama.

     

    Nestled in the heart of Kataragama and surrounded by its beauty, the views offered from our rooms are nothing short of breathtaking. The earthy tones of the rooms, the Kandyan paintings and the rich mahogany furniture add to this enchanting atmosphere. The palatial beds are fitted with soft cotton sheets that are cool and crisp to the touch. The spacious bathrooms include a large bathtub and a commodious counter for your comfort.

     

    LOCATION

    Located deep in the South of Sri Lanka, at the foot hills of the famous ‘Wedahiti Kanda’ Hill, Mandara Rosen Kataragama is a perfect holiday resort offering a total of 58 sumptuous rooms, tastefully designed to ensure that every guest is well and truly pampered. The location, ambience and impeccable service at the hotel promises the discerning traveller a unique travel experience where privacy and intimacy is guaranteed.

     

    CHECK IN

    As you enter the lobby of Mandara Rosen Kataragama, you will be struck by the grandeur of this magnificent hotel. The opulent décor, the soaring ceilings and the grand staircase, all contribute to the impressive entrance. The staff at the reception desk will greet you warmly and you will be checked in with ease.

    After a refreshing drink, the hotel staff guides you to your room, you will be impressed by the spaciousness of the corridors and the impeccable attention to detail in every aspect of the hotel. The earthy tones, combined with the rich mahogany furniture, create an inviting atmosphere that is both warm and welcoming.

     

    ROOMS

    Accommodation at Mandara Rosen Kataragama steps you into an extraordinary world of old fashioned customs and modern convenience so that you enjoy uninterrupted, luxurious peace

    The rooms at Mandara Rosen Kataragama are a masterpiece of design, comfort and elegance. The Twin Deluxe Rooms and Double Deluxe Rooms are extremely spacious and comfortable, featuring everything you need for a perfect stay. The large windows offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and let in plenty of natural light.

    Options at Mandara Rosen consist of:

    SUITES

    The Suites are the pinnacle of luxury, offering all the amenities you would expect from a world-class hotel. The private sitting areas are perfect for relaxing in privacy, while the spacious bathrooms are a sanctuary for indulging in some much-needed pampering.

    The two extravagantly-furnished and tastefully laid-out suites for guests to relax and unwind in luxury. Each suite features a private sitting area of over 100 sq.ft. as well as a spacious pantry area and two separate bathrooms.  

     

    POOL

    The pool area at Mandara Rosen Kataragama is simply stunning. The enormous swimming pool with underwater music is perfect for a refreshing swim or just lounging around with a book. The poolside bar offers a great selection of cocktails and mocktails, making it the perfect spot to unwind and relax.

    RESTAURANT

    The restaurant at Mandara Rosen Kataragama is a true delight for the senses. The ambiance is second to none, with elegant furnishings and soft lighting creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a great selection of local and international cuisine, all expertly prepared by the talented chefs.

    The breakfast buffet is a highlight of any stay at Mandara Rosen Kataragama. The extensive selection of fresh fruits, juices, cereals, breads, and pastries is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. The hot dishes are cooked to perfection and the coffee is always freshly brewed.

    TOURS

    There are a multitude of activities and tours in the surrounding area, historical, religious and wildlife safari parks. The tours in the jungle and on the lakes are highly recommended. Mandara Rosen is a first class hotel in Kataragama Sri Lanka, ideally suited to visit the temples and mosques in this important historical area on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. One of the major highlights of staying at Mandara Rosen Kataragama is this ideal location. The hotel is situated in the heart of Kataragama, offering easy access to all the major attractions in the area. The sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama is just five minutes away, while several ancient Buddhist temples and an archeological museum are also located nearby.

     

    TRAVEL

    Located 40 minutes from Mattala International Airport or 4 hours from Colombo airport the journey is via new highways in either case and pases by some wonderful scenary.

    WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS

    For wildlife enthusiasts, the national parks in close proximity to the hotel offer the chance to see all the land animals out of the big five, including leopard, elephant, and sloth bear. The ancient reservoirs in the area attract many species of water birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

     

    TEMPLES – MOSQUES – SHRINES

    The hotel enjoys exceptionally spacious rooms, its enormous swimming pool with underwater music as well as a host of several other facilities and amenities. The restaurant and food is second to none in both ambiance and quality.

    The history of Kataragama dates back to the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom of the 2nd century BC and the hotel is situated centrally to explore and enjoy.

    The sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama, a pilgrimage site that has great religious and historical significance, is located just five minutes away from Mandara Rosen Kataragama.

    Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians make visit to the sacred jungle shrines. Originally  built by the warrior King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. to pay homage to God Kataragama.

    Ancient reservoirs attract many species of water birds including cormorant, purple heron, caspian tern and the painted stork.

    Several ancient Buddhist temples are nearby as well as an archeological Museum that provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom.

    National parks well known for witnessing all land animals out from big five (Leopard,Elephant,Sloth Bear) in a single safari is situated in close proximity.

    EXPERIENCES

    Your stay at Mandara Rosen Kataragama will be an unforgettable experience. From the luxurious accommodations to the impeccable service, everything is designed to ensure that your stay is both relaxing and memorable. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Mandara Rosen Kataragama is the perfect choice.

    The hotel team from the GM to all the staff welcome you for a great experience.

    So why wait? Book your stay today and experience the magic of Sri Lanka in style!

    Make your bookings here

     

     

     

     

     

  • Kataragama Temple

    Kataragama Temple

    Kataragama temple is located in Sri Lanka, Kataragama town. Kataragama temple is dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama and Hindu god Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka which is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslim people. In past, it was a jungle shrine very difficult to access but today it is accessible by an all-weather road. The shrines and nearby Kiri vehera are managed by the Buddhists. The shrines of Teyanai and shiva are managed by the Hindus and the mosque is managed by Muslims.

     

    The Shrine has for centuries attracted Tamil Hindus from Sri Lanka and south India since the latter half of the 20th century. The site has risen dramatically among Buddhists who today constitute the majority of the visitors. The cult of Kataragama deviyo has become most popular amongst the Sinhalese people. A number of legends and myths are associated with the deity and the location which all are differing by religion.

     

    The priests of the temple are known as kapuralas and it is believed to be descended from the Vedda people. Veddas also have a claim on the temple. Nearby mountain peaks and locality through a  number of legends. The temple complex is also connected to other similar temples in the eastern province which is dedicated to the Murugan. In the south of the island, Arunagirinathar traversed this pilgrimage route in the 15th century. The entire complex was declared a holy place by the government of Sri Lanka in 1950. Then political leaders have contributed to its maintenance and upkeep.

    History

    There is a number of the legend behind the origin of the shrine. As per Heinz Bechert and paul younger the mode of veneration and rituals are connected with the  Kataragama deviyo is survival of Vedda mode of veneration that was preceded by the arrival of Buddhist and Indo-Aryan culture in the last centuries BCE. Hindus, Buddhists, and even Muslims have tried to co-opt the diety.

    As per s.pathmanathan, the original Kataragama shrine was established as a guardian deity shrine to Skanda-kumra within a Buddhist temple complex. Then this shrine becomes idealized as a very spot amongst the local Tamils and Sinhalese.

    Different Evidence for Kataragama Temple

    Literary evidence:

    The first literary mention of Kataragama in the context of a sacred place to kanfha-murugan in the 15th-century poems of arungirinathar.Traditions clams that he visited the forest shrine before he composed the poems.

    Archeological evidence:

    The temple has a number of ancient ruins and inscriptions. Based on dated inscriptions found nearby the Kiri vehera is believed to have been built or renovated around the 1st century BCE.

    Festivals

    The festivals and daily rituals do not base on standard Hindu or Buddhist rituals. Which follows the Paul younger calls as ancient Vedda traditions of worships.

    The main festival is known as Esela perehera. This festival is celebrated during the months of July and August for about 45 days.

    Kataragama temple Darshan Timing

    Monday To Friday 4:30 A.M TO  11 P.M
    Saturday & Sunday 9:30 A.M TO 11:30 P.M