The Bible Rock or Bathalegala Mountain is rising to a height of 798 m above sea level in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The mountain was named by the British due to its shape which closely resembles the Bible or an open book. When you are passing Kadugannawa, on the way from Colombo to Kandy, you can get a glimpse of this unique shaped mountain. Certainly, this is the most striking mountain in the vicinity of the Kadugannawa area due to its prominent vertical cliffs and flat top surface.
This is a huge rock approximately 798 m in height and spans across a breadth of 710 m. Rising 2,618 feet above sea level, this rock is a delightful landmark among the surrounding mountain ranges. Since the Bible Rock has a prominent flat top surface and closely resembles the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, tourists may misunderstand this rock as Sigiriya. But, remember that these 2 rocks are different landmarks located in different places in Sri Lanka.
History of Bible Rock
Bible Rock is an important historical landmark in the Hill Country. When the last Sri Lankan dynasty of the Kandyan kingdom was threatened by the colonial invaders, the Sinhalese people set up a chain of watchtowers on the most conspicuous peaks, beginning with this Bible Rock.
The watchers on top could easily monitor the whole valley and Kadugannawa Pass on the way from Colombo to Kandy. They inspired an alarm system by making a bonfire to be seen from the next mountain. This chain of bonfires ended at Bahirawakanda, the hill closest to the Royal Palace in Kandy. Thus, Bible Rock played an important part in protecting the last Kandyan Kingdom until it fell to the British rulers in 1815.
How to reach Bible Rock
Bible Rock is clearly visible to anyone traveling from Colombo to Kandy at the Kadugannawa Pass. Especially, it gives a better glimpse during your train ride to Kandy. Kadugannawa is the gateway to enter the central highlands and Sri Lanka’s Hill Capital of Kandy. Surrounded by the lush green range of mountains, this area offers mesmerizing natural beauty.
When you are traveling along the Kandy Road, remember to get the magnificent distant view of Bible Rock at Kadugannawa. And also, one of the amazing things you’ll see in Kadugannawa is the ancient Rock Tunnel. This tunnel is a significant landmark built in 1820 by the British. This amazing rock piercing was the main entrance to the hill capital from the lower lands in ancient times.
Although Bible Rock is visible from Kadugannawa, you cannot start hiking from there. The nearest town to reach Bible Rock is Mawanella, which can be traveled easily via public transport. Then you need to travel to Hathgampala. This is the closest stop to the mountain where the starting point of the hiking route to Bible Rock is located.
Hiking Bible Rock
Considering the shape of the vertical cliffs of Bible Rock, it may seem impossible to hike to the top without vertical climbing. But there is an easily manageable hiking trail to reach there safely. Thus, Bible Rock is a popular hiking trail in Sri Lanka among both locals and foreigners.
The path that leads to the summit of Bible Rock is a natural tiny footpath. Since there are steps most of the way, it’s not a particularly difficult hike. This footpath will take you through the forest up to the summit offering splendid emerging views of mountains and valleys.
View from the summit
After reaching the top, visitors will amaze to see the wide and flat expanse of the summit. Certainly, the top is a large rock plain and looks like an observation deck built to see the beautiful scenery. The 360-degree view on top is breathtaking and a photographer’s dream location.
At the summit, the flat and wide surface of huge Bible Rock is inviting to sit down and take in the views and enjoy the lovely breeze. There is a beautiful and spacious rocky outcrop used as the best viewpoint that offers superb views and sceneries. You can see a panoramic view of Kandy Road, Kegalle and Mawanella Towns, and Kadugannawa areas.
The most amazing experience you’ll get on this journey is the mountain panorama on the plateau around Bible Rock. In case of good weather conditions, the entire Knuckles Mountain Range and Ambuluwawa Peak with a modern tower are clearly visible. As well as, you can see all the surrounding hills such as Alagalla, Devanagala, Kabaragala, Sri Pada, Uthuwan Kanda, and Ura Kanda in Hanthana Mountain Range.
Ruins of Buddhist Temple
The summit of the rock consists of a Buddhist temple with a small stupa and a shrine. Throughout history, there was a Buddhist temple for worship and a forest retreat (Aramaya) for reclusive monks. There is a rock cave abode that was used for meditation by the monks.
Asupini Ella
You can get a spectacular view of Asupini Ella from the summit of Bible Rock. Asupini Ella is a beautiful waterfall located in Aranayake. Its amazing vistas are clearly visible from the top of the rock. The literal meaning of Asupini Ella is “the waterfall where horses jumped over” and it was named after the historical story about an ancient King.
Most of the visitors don’t forget to enjoy a nice dip in the pool of water of Asupini Ella before hiking back down. The refreshing water bath in the natural pool surrounded by the forest will give you an amazing experience.
Camping in Bible Rock
Bible Rock is one of the most popular camping spots in Sri Lanka. Both locals and tourists select this place for overnight camping. You can establish a camp in the Mountains and have an amazing experience.
Enjoy trek and fun-filled mountain adventures to make your camping holiday a memorable one. Definitely, the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside will give you an unforgettable memory.
View of the Sunrise and Sunset
Since it offers incredible vistas during sunrise and sunset, Bible Rock is a perfect place for nature lovers. The dazzling view of the rising sun among the dark mountains makes wonderful scenery. Waking up with the fresh rays of sun in the wilderness is a truly amazing experience.
Moreover, it offers incredible vistas during the sunset. The evening sky painted with fiery colors gives an eye-pleasing view to nature-loving photographers. Without a doubt, camping in Bible Rock gives you the chance of getting close to the exceptional beauty of nature in Sri Lanka.
Important tips for you
If you are a tourist, getting local guidance before hiking Bible Rock is quite important. There are a number of local tour operators who offer camping activities. Remember to contact one of these local guides before planning your camping journey.
And also, remember to hike as a group with fellow hikers or friends. Hiking alone is totally risky since there are slippery rocks in the pathways which may cause severe injuries. Solo hiking is absolutely not recommended after the sad accident of a tourist falling from nearby Alagalla mountain.
This lush green jungle around this area is abundant with leeches. Remember to use leech socks as a precaution to protect yourself from leeches in the rainy season.
It is said that Bible Rock is attracting lightning because it locates directly under the World Magnetic Field Line. Thus, better to avoid hiking or camping on rainy days.
When you hike the Bible Rock, reduce using plastics as much as you can. We hope you’ll love the environment and bring back everything you carried. Remember to leave nothing other than footprints.
To sum up, Bible Rock offers a breathtaking hiking trail and it is one of the most interesting things to do in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka. You can achieve the pleasure of a good hike by climbing this amazing rock. It will reward you with magnificent views across the surrounding plains and the mountains. Welcome guys, stunning views and vistas at Bible Rock are waiting for you to be explored.!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, and Twitter. All the copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
