The National Seminary (Ampitiya).

If you’re around Kandy, you might want to stop by the National Seminary in Ampitiya – a beautiful expanse of old buildings and wild trees, and home to young would-be priests.

Location

Ampitiya is only a few kilometers away from Kandy. The seminary is inconspicuously tucked away down a lane in Ampitiya Road. The lane is easy to miss among all the little shops and small restaurants down this road – if you reach the Ampitiya School or the Kandy City Hostel then you’ve gone too far. Once you reach the end of the long lane, you are met with the tall silver statue of Our Lady Of Lanka and a few other Catholic figures.

The seminary is a well-kept space of even grass and trees, a chapel and a building for the priests. There’s also an estate of wild forest at the back that you can wander through, with unexpected stone benches and statues amidst the trees.

A ‘meditation chamber’ at the bottom of the chapel

The seminary isn’t exactly a public heritage site – so it helps to talk to the people at the counter of the new building next to the chapel before wandering around. Since it is a religious space, and that too a rather secluded one, don’t take too much of a crowd with you and maintain some decorum.

The forest

Pass the buildings and walk around them to the back – and you’ll see a marble white statue of Christ seemingly gesturing to the glorious green trees around him. Keep walking and you’ll come across a few geese and other birds inside a large mesh cage, and then some stone steps that take you down a pathway through the woods.

This moss-covered stone statue of Christ lying on a rock and looking to the heavens, in the middle of the forest area, was particularly striking. The forest space is for the priests, so wandering through here is technically not allowed, although you might be able to just take a quick look if nobody’s around to stop you.

The view

Most of the pathway is flanked by towering green on both sides – but suddenly there is a clearing, through which you get an amazing view of Kandy hills, the Mahaweli Ganga and all the little houses, churches and temples in the city. There are a few purposefully planted benches here to sit on and enjoy the view. Keep going straight past this point further down the pathway and you’ll arrive full-circle where you began.

Conclusion

A sign we found in the forest

The Ampitiya seminary is a beautiful, little known place to visit if you’re in or around Kandy. The meticulous lawn out in front next to the ancient brickwork of the chapel are fascinating to behold; the wild green round the back is an idyllic space to wander through by yourself, or with a few friends, and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the city center.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

The Art of Fusion Cuisine at Mövenpick Hotel

By Vera Wadugodapitiya We walked into Robata Grill, Mövenpick. Instantly, what struck me about the

Highlights Kamu

A Taste of Mexico – Cinnamon Red’s Latest International Cuisine

By Shamrina Carim Every month, Cinnamon Red has come up with an exciting initiative to

Highlights Kamu

A Classical High Tea Encounter with the Coronation at Mount Lavinia Hotel

By Shamrina Carim Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted a casual evening of classic high tea encounters

Highlights Kamu

The Bento Box at Royal Thai, Cinnamon Lakeside

By Hiruni Herath When you step into the Royal Thai Restaurant at Cinnamon Lakeside, you’ll

Highlights Kamu

Totally Hooked – The Ultimate Seafood Destination

It is not a surprise that “Totally Hooked CMB", the talk of the seafood town,

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Award Winning Indian Restaurant Junior Kuppanna in Colombo

Junior Kuppanna, opened its newest international branch in Colombo on 25th May 2023. The new

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka Unveils ‘Enchanting Beginnings’ Wedding Sale

Swoon over exclusive wedding packages in stunning venues for a lifetime of memories Colombo, Sri

Trending

Ramada Colombo’s Exclusive Limited Time Wedding Discount

Book before June 15th and enjoy 25% off Planning the perfect wedding can be an

Trending

The 30th Gratiaen Prize shortlist was announced with the launch of the Gratiaen Trust Young Writers Club

The Gratiaen Trust in association with the John Keells Foundation partnering with the Trust for

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka is set to commemorate Mother’s Day in grand fashion

Continuing our long-standing tradition of celebrating extraordinary mothers, Hilton properties across Sri Lanka have gone

Trending

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo Colombo,

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

7 Decent BnB spots for under LKR 7500 – Sri Lanka

We all like spending mini vacations at affordable spots to relax or stay on the

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Dine Under LKR1500 LKR per person

By Udaraa Gamage Are you a foodie looking for budget places to satisfy your taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Aesthetics of Club Palm Bay

Club Palm Bay is a hotel located in the heart of a charming fishing village

Yamu Guide

High Tea Affairs at L.A.B by Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana A little chit chat with your besties, while sipping onto an Iced

Yamu Guide

The Art of Gifting with Shirohana

By Rahma Rifkhar From the picturesque green hills of Nuwara Eliya, nurtured by experienced hands

Highlights Yamu Guide