Totapolakanda, Mountain summit in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.
Totapolakanda is the third-highest mountain in Sri Lanka, rising to 2,357 m (7,733 ft) within Horton Plains National Park in Nuwara Eliya District. Its surface is mostly covered with shrubs adapted to the cool, windy climate, notably Strobilanthes, Osbeckia and Rhodomyrtus species. A trail about two kilometres long starts a few metres from the Pattipola entrance to the park.
The mountain connects to ancient Indian legends that describe it as the initial landing site of King Rama during his journey. These narratives have anchored the site in regional beliefs for centuries.
In Sinhala, Totapolakanda means "Landing Site", tied to the legend of Rama and Ravana: Ravana abducted Rama's wife Sita and flew her to Sri Lanka, and the craft first landed here. The name preserves that episode in the landscape.
A two-kilometer marked trail starting near the Pattipola entrance of the national park guides visitors through shrubland to the summit. The path is well-marked, but weather conditions can change rapidly, so bring layers and rain protection for safety.
The Sinhala name Totapolakanda means "Landing Site", tied to a legend in which Ravana, carrying the kidnapped Sita to Sri Lanka, first landed here. The trail to the top begins a few metres from the Pattipola entrance and runs about two kilometres.
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