Sixth century remains of the Arankele forest monastery and caves lie at a distance of 24km to the north of Kurunegala. It was inhabited by the Tapovana or forest-dwelling sect of austere Buddhist hermits, and the remains of these ruins include a large tantaghara (hot water-bath), long concrete meditating walkway through a wooded area, and a complete hospital. This unique hospital contains a herb grinder and a large granite herbal bath at the centre carved out of stone with depressions still observable where the monks would have sat which are still well preserved.

 
Many saintly monks lived and meditated at Arankel among the well-known Maliyadeva sect, to whom it was handed. It is also said in the history that a king lived here and that the long concrete pathway would have once led to Sigiriya.
 

Even now monks reside here in a contemplative solitary life representing the past. About five caves up the hillside in the forest have been discovered where the original hermit monks lived. There still remains ruins of a meditation hall and monks’ cells. It is worth a walk up the hill though it is hard. It will also be great if you can get a guide to lot about the area.
 
(Content Source : Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)