Danigala
Danigala Rock is a mysterious and remarkable formation located about 27 kilometers from Mahaoya town along the Manampitiya road, in the Kandegama area.
Also known as the "Alien Mountain" and "King Ravana's Star Gate", this distinctive horseshoe-shaped peak has been shaped by centuries of natural erosion and geological processes. While its picturesque shape attracts nature lovers, the public has gained attention through the myths surrounding the rock – particularly stories of extraterrestrial activity.
The summit of Danigala Rock is a vast, flat plateau. Along the outer edge of the rock's curved edge is a bare, vegetation-free strip that contrasts with the green center. This unusual formation has become the subject of many theories and local lore.
The ascent takes approximately 45 minutes and the descent takes 30 minutes. It is a moderate to difficult hike and is best undertaken with the help of a local guide, especially if it is your first time hiking. While no entrance fee is required, it is recommended to inform the temple monks about your hike, as the villagers are wary of foreigners who might be treasure hunters.
At the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the pristine forests and surrounding wilderness. And if the stories are to be believed, you can stand near the gateway to the unknown.
Alien theories and local sightings
Danigala, nicknamed "UFO Rock" and "Alien Mountain," has become a center of extraterrestrial speculation. The vegetation-free arch at the summit and the perfectly shaped semicircle are considered by some to be unnatural, leading to claims that the area may have been used by beings from other lands.
In 2017, the fall of meteorite fragments in nearby Aralaganwila made national news and sparked renewed interest in the region. Locals often report strange lights in the night sky, often hovering near Danigala or circling nearby peaks – further reinforcing the connection to extraterrestrials.
Some even suggest that the site was a landing zone for King Ravana's flying machine, also known as the Pushpaka Vimana, linking Danigala to the epic legends of the Ramayana and reinforcing its reputation as a potential ancient stargate.
Long before modern myths took hold, Danigala was a place of spiritual significance. The caves along its slopes show clear signs of being used by meditating Buddhist monks, with visible artificial eaves and Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
One of the most interesting finds comes from the Chithra Lena Cave in Danigala. On the left wall of the cave is a well-preserved petroglyph panel with symbols and images that are strikingly similar to those found in India's Edakkal Cave, suggesting cultural or symbolic parallels across ancient South Asia.
The carved panel measures approximately 7.6 x 4.8 meters and forms part of a narrow rock passage where two granite walls, barely 30 centimeters apart at the base, are topped by large boulders - creating a natural stone roof. This arrangement provides a sheltered environment and preserves many of the carvings despite exposure to the elements.
Most of the carvings are found on the left wall of the passageway and include a variety of figures and symbols, such as:
Human figures
Peacocks or possibly extinct giant storks
Birds of prey
Dogs and other animals
Plants
Ladders, bows and arrows
Some researchers believe that these symbols could be early abacuses or astronomical notations, indicating an advanced level of symbolic thought and celestial observation by the cave dwellers.
At the end of the passageway, a separate rock face reveals a second set of petroglyphs.
The two opposing walls appear to have once been part of the same massive rock, later split apart by natural forces such as earthquakes or long-term erosion. Together, they form one of the most interesting prehistoric art sites in Sri Lanka.
