Jathika Namal Uyana
The Naa (Ironwood) Forest

If you should happen upon this forest unawares or at a time when the Naa trees are not in bloom, there is a chance that you will mistake this cool, invitingly shaded forest for just another forest among dozens of other such forests.

In fact your first glimpse of the Forest from outside its boundaries may not be all that impressive. You should however wait to form your opinion until you have entered it and trekked at least a few minutes into its heart.

Once there it is perhaps best if you take a minute to drink in the sheer beauty of the Naa forest and the quiet solitude of the entire area. The truth as ever, is far different from perception.

It is true that to the untrained eye this forest of Naa trees might look mundane, and resemble any other area where there are such a large grouping of trees. But if you stop, look and listen for even the pause of a heartbeat, you will find yourself entranced with what your senses are telling you.

They will tell you of a place where the harsh glare of the sun does not penetrate, where the boughs of the dense growth of Ironwood trees come together dozens of feet over your head to form a cooling canopy.

Your skin will tell you of the whisper of a breeze which rushes through the forest, and of the cooling drop in temperature which allows you to walk through the forest in relative ease and comfort.

Your ears will tell you of the absence of city-like sounds and honking horns. They will inform you of the rustling of the leaves, and the creaking sounds of tree limbs as the trees talk to each other in hushed whispers.

Your eyes will find relief from the glare of the sun, and they will find grateful refuge in the myriad of new sights which greet them as you enter the forest. Lush greens, and reds, varying shades of brown from exposed tree roots and healthy soil, and a variety of other colors derived from the denizens who inhabit this forest.

It is therefore not a surprise when you suddenly realize that you are looking about you in awe at the splendor that is the Namal Uyana.

Natural Spring Waters

As you make your way through the Naa forest you might notice a clear, clean stream of water which meanders lazily through the forest floor.

This natural spring bubbles up from beneath the ground, emerging from between rocks, roots and trees. The water is clear and pure, not to mention cold! And even on the driest of days, this little stream doesn’t dry up, providing water constantly to the forest and its inhabitants.

After meandering its way downhill through the forest, this babbling little brook finds its way back inside the ground at a sort of “pan” or plateau in the ground, where it joins a larger underground river.

This plateau has been very cleverly marked and on top of it you will find a large rock which has been hollowed out. The little stream comes downhill and falls into this. Since the water stream is constant, the hollowed rock is never empty, and the water naturally overflows to the ground, where it simply disappears to join the river.

This underground river flows for about 1-2km before emerging once more at the foot of the Naa forested hill to continue on its way, providing sustenance to the land.

Ancient Ruins

There are many temple ruins dotting the landscape of the Namal Uyana, although only one or two dominate the landscape and draw your attention.

It is one of these that you will encounter on your trek through the Naa forest heading towards the Rose Quartz Mountains. Covered in moss and other plant life, the main part of this structure still remains, as does the half-wall surrounding it.

It still retains the distinctive shape of a Buddhist Viharaya, and for the trekker, provides a welcome respite from the surrounding forest and a place to sit quietly and contemplate greater days from the past and yet to come.

As stated earlier, there are many such ruins littering the landscape of the Namal Uyana, although not all are on the beaten path. Indeed, in many places you will need to wander off the track to visit one or the other of these ruins.

It is recommended that you do this only with a knowledgeable guide and one who knows the Namal Uyana well, as the forest is very easy to get lost in and 260 acres can be a little daunting if you do get lost.

Preferable of all guides, is the original protector of this wonderful place, the Ven. Wanawasi Rahula Thero.