I’m a big fan of the Beach Traveler and don’t miss out watching the program on Sat at 7.30pm on Rupavahini unless I’m away on one of my own adventures writing fairy tales. So it was one of those days that I came across Gange Wadiya where the presenter, Nishanta Kahawita, visited the place and met with Sunimal, the caretaker, and enjoyed a boat ride and a night camping with BBQ.

My mind didn’t need a second invitation to start imagining about this place and its beauty surrounded by the Kalpitiya Peninsula, the Lagoon and sexy Kala Oya. My mind kept wandering from Colombo to Gange Wadiya every now and then making me crave for a feeling of the place.

After a couple of strenuous hikes which made me whine with pain, a nice, relaxing and cozy journey was just what the doctor ordered. I couldn’t think of a better place than Gange Wadiya. So thanks to Mark Zuckerberg and his thinking skills, I could send out an open invitation to my Lakdasun gang who usually join me on adventures.

The responses were a mixed one with a handful of yes’s and no’s and a few irritating maybe’s. It went right down to the wire as we had to confirm our booking to Sunimal and finally we were left with Ageless Tony, Ever-getting Young Athula, Professional Photographer Dhana, Workaholic Wumi and Getting-old me. Dana came up with a solution to our transport problem and managed to get hold of a van and a driver whose rates were very reasonable.

So everything was set for 12 and 13 October and I was getting anxious to make the journey. I called Sunimal and made arrangements to do the camping and boat ride. Finally, we were ready and Dana left Kottawa at 04.00am and soon everybody was on board and on our way. From the very beginning, the topic was on food, no matter however much I tried to steer them away to something half decent.

Tour Highlights:

1. Anawilundawa
2. Wind Mills of Puttalam
3. Salt Pan – Puttalam
4. Malwila Ruins
5. Gange Wadiya
6. Kala Oya Estuary
7. Elephant Tree
8. Limestone Quarry at Aruwakkalu
9. Nawadankulama
10. Sunset at Kochchikade
11. Collection of Panoramas

We made good time and Tony sang with the help of Dana and Wumi used his all 10 fingers playing the bongo. It was like going back to the 70s and 80s with Haroon Lantra, Jothi, Clarence, Milton and many others were brought back on stage. Hari and I discovered the singer in Tony at Makandawa while camping and he didn’t disappoint us this time either. For some reason or other, Wumi always wanted sad songs and kept humming classical tunes all the time.

Amid all the music and singing, we eventually reached Anawilundawa junction around 07.00am. We took a left and crossed the Puttalam railway line passing Anawilundawa station towards the one of six Ramsar wetlands in Sri Lanka.

Anawilundawa

We soon entered into the wetland and the sanctuary and saw the map displayed.

“Facts of Anawilundawa:”

“This was declared as the 1078th wetland on 03 August 2001. This is comprised of 1397 hectares and boasts 6 man-made fresh water tanks. Anawilundawa harbors quite a few species of threatened fish, amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. This serves as an important refuge for migratory birds and also supports half the country’s freshwater fish species, including at least three endemic species.”

The morning sun tried very hard to pierce through the cloud cover and birds were up and about trying to get some breakfast. Meanwhile Dhana set up his camera equipment and was on his way looking for some rare birds.

I wonder how he manages to keep track of all those birds coz there’s virtually no bird he doesn’t know by the name. Throughout the journey, there was only one he couldn’t identify and he must’ve told hundreds of names which sounded like Greek to us, especially Tony with his limited knowledge about birds.

The farmers on the other side of the tank bund were milking their cows and that was a very rare and grand sight to us all. We kept walking along the bund and found so many wood apple trees full of fruits. Tony, being the youngest of all, wanted some of them and Dana duly obliged. Wood apple on an empty stomach can’t have been the best of the things to have but I was happy to get rid of the topic on food at least for a while.

There were plenty of birds at large and Wuminda kept complaining not having a long zoom camera and as usual vowed not to venture into the woods without one in future. Athula reminded that he’d apparently done so quite a few occasions before. However, everybody wouldn’t bother too much about not having state-of-the-art equipment and was happily shooting around.

After about 2hrs of hovering about, we bid farewell to Anawilundawa and soon were on the way towards Puttalam. They were chanting like hungry ghosts and had to stop well before to have breakfast. We were actually planning to visit Nawadankulama but decided to do it the following evening as the time didn’t seem appropriate.

Anawilundawa station

The notice

Here’s the map

Adhere to these

It says it all

6 Tanks

Heart shaped

Good Morning!

Diya Kawa, the only known bird to me

Dhana can remember all these names

Alu Koka

Ready to serve

Starting our journey

Tony showing his climbing skills

“Where are all these fish?”

There were plenty of cattle nearby

“My back’s itching”

The sun trying to penetrate

“I’m hungry mum, just stay still for a sec, will ya?”

Posing for a group pic

They are being led back into the pen

Rare seen to capture

“He’s milked you to the limit mama, there’s nothing for me”

Hundreds of unattended wood apples

“Hold it tight Dana, it’s close”

Gigantic trees bordering the tank

The road is isolated

Busy at work in the morning

Lotus in the morning

Sun rays making patterns

Colorful path

Everywhere is picturesque

Gang of birds

Kaha Kurulla, another known one

Very common flower in the water

Not sure what these are but very pretty

Like a dream

“Hey, found anything yet?”

“Just missed the fella”

Where we stopped for a breather

Brahmina Kite, if I’m not mistaken

3 Musketeers

Tried to eat but not ripe enough

Another eagle waiting for a prey

Time to say good-bye Anawilundawa

Wind Mills & Salt Pan at Puttalam

We reached Puttalam around 10.30am and saw this absolutely wonderful Buddha Statue with the lagoon in the background. The sky was blue, the lagoon is grey and the statue is pristine white. I immediately wanted to stop and we all filed out of the van shooting away. It was a magnificent view and I felt very calm looking at the serene looking Lord Buddha.

We saw one of the recent huge failures lurking in the distance, the white-elephant Norochcholai Charcoal power plant. The windmills of Kalpitiya lagoon and Puttalam were looking superb. I wanted to stop by and we all went towards Puttalam to buy the provisions and 5-litre cans of water before that. We had a nightmare trying to find sliced bread in Puttalam as none of the shops had any. Whatever they had was expired and some shops only had one or two small packets.

Surprisingly, Puttalam town doesn’t have branches of these fast moving supermarket chains. So better be prepared for this eventuality if you’re planning to travel via Puttalam. We finally managed to find a bakery after going in circles for some time and bought 4 loaves of bread along with some chicken for our barbecue. Having stocked our rations, we headed towards Wind Mills and Salt Pan. The road towards the Wind Mills and Salt Pan is about 1-1.5km away from the town to your left.

The gravel path was dusty but there was hardly any traffic. So we made it through the salt evaporation pans towards the edge of the lagoon where 25 wind mills located. The view took us by surprise and the scorching heat was taken away by the gusting winds from the lagoon. It was amazing how you feel underneath that towering wind mill which is well over 100ft. We all felt dwarfed by those mammoth architectural marvels. I wonder why not have many wind mills instead of destroying the Mother Nature by those crappy mini-hydro power plants.

We simply had to drag Dana away and reached salt pans. There are hundreds of huts built all around and they are used to storing the salt. I got into a chat with one of the workers and found some interesting things.

“Life of Salt Pan and Workers”

 “It takes 15 days from storing sea water to harvesting salt. The salt is collected and piled along the bank of the pan in huge piles and then taken by the workers in bags on their back to the nearby huts. One pile typically has about 12-15 bagful of salt which is about 480-600kg. They’re paid Rs. 500/- for clearing each pile and the one I spoke to said they (5 of them together) usually clear about 20 piles a day so that they earn around Rs. 2000/- each a day.

 This salt is then taken and iodine added and packs them into different sizes depending on the weight and distributed around. A 50-kg bag is usually sold around Rs. 200/- during the season and it goes up to Rs. 500/- during the off season. The harvesting season begins in July and goes on till late October. The workers were all living very close to the Puttalam town and it too is like fishing which has off season as well.”

Simply majestic

Serene looking Lord Buddha, makes me feel very calm

The longest lagoon, Puttalam

25 Windmills in Puttalam

Towards Kalpitiya peninsula

What a waste? Norochcholai failure

Oh ho, finally a group pic

Salt pans, couldn’t cross due to the channel

Piles of salt ready to be taken and stored

Finally found the path and reached the windmills

Making an art of their own

That’s the company’s name and logo

Gigantic

Not used any more for salt production

Every angle is picturesque

Abandoned?

Lone boat waiting for its owner

The trio tied near the beach

Trying to be a professional

No green left, must be due to saltiness and scorching sun

We didn’t loiter around

See the size of the pillar?

There seems to be a door

Finally got to the fields of salt

They’re so much used to the sun

Busy at work

Single pile of salt, which has about 400-600kg of salt

Vaporizing pans

Making a living

This is where the salt is stored for distribution during off season

Salt pans and windmills waving at us

Malwila Ruins

Having exposed too much to the sun we left for Eluwankulam and I decided to visit Malwila Ruins on the way. The Puttalama-Mannar A-32 road is being renovated and currently it’s full of dust but hopefully it’ll soon be completed. Malwila ruins are located in front of Kasamadu Estate of Chilaw Plantations and a sign from the archaeological department is also displayed on the right hand side. It’s about 3km from the main road and be sure to check ask for the directions as well.

The first half of the road is very well paved with concrete and the rest is just a gravel road. They apparently haven’t done a full investigation of the place yet. There was a soldier from the Civil Defense Force, who’s there guarding the premises from treasure hunters, helped us with some information. According to him this place goes back towards the era of Saliya-Ashokamala and yet to do a proper excavation. It could even be related to Kuweni’s era as there’s a similar place inside Wilpattue. We saw plenty of stone pillars around and remains of a Stupa as well.

He said that there are many more hidden in the jungle (This is deep inside Wilpattu) and can’t be reached as yet. Hopefully the powers-that-be will clear these as soon as possible revealing more hidden information of our history. After about an hour, we decided to head back and about 500m away from the site there’s a temple but no monks staying there. The same soldier said that monks don’t stay there for long and even if they did, the poor 20 odd families will find it difficult to look after them.

Turning point

Being invaded by the forest

So many more to be discovered

Needs protection

Being cleared and dug out

Looks like a complex of buildings

Broken pieces of major structures

There must’ve been an entrance through here

The hut is where the CDF soldiers stay 24/7 protecting this place

Ruins of the Stupa

Gange Wadiya and Kala Oya Estuary

We reached Eluwankulama around 1.00pm and took a left from the junction. There’s a huge Holcim board and you can’t miss that. Go about 2km before you reach a Y junction where the left hand road takes you to Holcim Aruwakkalu Quarry Site where they excavate limestone for manufacturing cement in their factory at Puttalam.

We took the right and after about 500m you’ll meet a railway line (in fact it ends there with no clear indication) and turn right. The path is running in parallel with the Lunu Ela where it joins Kala Oya close to Gange Wadiya village. The view was simply breath taking and the earth is scorched by the searing heat and you can see the Wilpattu Jungle on the other side of the river.

Sunimal was waiting for us; the Navy Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) has a camp of theirs behind the fisheries village. The boat was laden with the stuff we need for the journey but Atha and I wanted to charge our camera batteries and decided to stay about half hour waiting. The smell of crab and prawns were tempting and we couldn’t wait any more. This village had been attacked many times in the past by the LTTE killing many and injuring even more. We saw remains of huge limestone boulders which had piled in front of houses like bunkers.

Sunimal is a Civil Defense Force soldier who had fought to keep his people and village safe from the terrorists with many other villagers. The terrorists on many occasions had crossed the river trying to attack the village without success. SL Navy had then deployed one of their elite commando units into the place in the form of RABS with fast moving arrow boats. It must have been very scary for those people living in fear of their lives.

Having heard all those brutal activities of the LTTE, we decided to leave for our camping site around 2.30pm. We left the village with Sunimal and his friend Shantha and went upstream along Lunu Ela and turned onto Kala Oya.

The water levels were low due to less rain but Sunimal said the rains are on the way and will soon be with them. We saw quite a lot of tiny boats (Theppam) coming down the river carrying numerous containers of water. This is due to the saltiness of the water near the village and they have to travel further upstream to bathe and bring in drinking water. If not, you have to go all the way to Eluwankulama in a vehicle to bring in water for drinking and cooking.

It was a tedious task to paddle with a long stick and we saw most of the times it was women who did the peddling. Sunimal said when it‘s raining the river is not easy to maneuver around but the water gets better close to the village cutting down the distance to get drinking water. They carry all their dirty linen and go upstream in the morning, then wash them and bathe and come in the afternoon carrying water for the rest of the day. Every day they have to do this like a ritual.

After some time the river got narrower and very shallow making Shantha get down to the river bed and push the boat along with him as using the motor was not possible. There were many people, mostly the villagers, already bathing, waiting and having meals or simply getting drunk. The surrounding was sadly was littered with beer cans, plastic bottles and polythene bags. Sunimal said the rains will send all these to the lagoon and then onto the sea with the flooding river.

We soon reached a place where the getting was very difficult and the boat was simply impassable. We decided to take a break and have lunch and try after that. The lunch was superb with Crab, Prawns, Beans, Gotukola Sambol and Yellow Rice. We simply wolfed down the generous helpings by Shantha and Sunimal. Tony was simply unstoppable and Dana wouldn’t simply eat sea food as he was allergic to them which he piled onto Wumi and Tony’s plates.

Thank goodness we took three 5-litre bottles as the water was simply not up to our taste. After that it was time to check the stamina of our boys and they did live up to it. Everybody except me (who had to get that on record) got into water and started pushing the boat with all the energy they could muster. We soon crossed a sand bank into the water and padded along searching a better place.

There was a family camping on the river bank and we went further upstream and found this beautiful sandy spot with plenty of shade. We anchored down and took our stuff and set up the tent and laid the mats. Sunimal had even brought 3 plastic chairs which Atha, Tony and Dana soon lowered them into with a grunt. The place was tailor made for a relaxing journey and we soon unpacked and got into the water.

After a tiring day, the water felt great on our body but Wumi kept sniffing it feeling a bit doubtful. We stayed in about an hour and the sun was ready to go down. Shantha treated us with a cup of ripe Maa Dan (berries) and they were delicious. Having changed into some comfy shorts, we decided to take a short walk into the jungle and Sunimal advised not to venture deep into the jungle as elephants are very common there.

We found a jeep track where it leads to a village near Eluwankulam and found some other villagers camping further up and they had come in their motor bikes. We saw a roof over the top of trees and decided to take a peek at it. There was this almost dead but very much alive prickly bush with vicious thorns and it was a nightmare avoiding them.

There were remains of a house and a disused well surrounded by hundreds of elephant dung. We later found out that it used to be a forest department bungalow abandoned due to LTTE activities in the Wilpattu jungle. After a recce in the jungle we came back to the camp site to find Sunimal and Shantha busily arranging the campfire collecting firewood and fixing the BBQ place as well. To our great amazement, there was this green hammock tied between two trees and I immediately jumped onto it. It was like floating on a pool and felt very much heavenly

It was time to relax and that’s exactly what we did.

After some time, Sunimal and Shantha started cutting and washing fish and chicken for our BBQ. It was one of those days that we played guest and them host. There was nothing for us to do except wait and relax. We had our torches and Sunimal had even brought a lamp which he traditionally hung on a stick. The BBQ got underway by Sunimal and Shantha while two of his friends brought provisions for our breakfast and tea. They too helped with making the dinner.

Sunimal informed us that we were the first group to arrive without any liquor. Everybody who went on camping took loads of them and got drunk on the way let alone enjoying the view but we were a completely different matter. Sunimal and Shantha were very surprised to hear that and in the end they too were pleased not having to look after a bunch of drunks.

After a while, a plate laden with cooked fish and chicken was brought to us and we all dug into it like a pack of wolves. The food was tasty and we soon emptied the whole plate and Sunimal had a lot in his hand trying to keep up with our demanding tummies. The second helping didn’t last long either and was soon followed by the third and the last along with some left over crab which had no mercy from Tony.

After a bellyful dinner, we got ready to tuck in for the night, but not before another short musical show by Tony and Wumi. That combination worked like a dream throughout the day. The moon was out in full force and the river and trees were illuminated by that soothing golden brown light. The sky was cloudless and many millions of stars were on display as if trying to welcome us. We saw many shooting stars and satellites but not sure if the Supreme Sat did a fly over.

The tent was a tight fit for the 6 of us but not having any of gigantic members, we all squeezed in. it was hot inside but nobody volunteered to sleep on the sand. After a little conversation, we were dead to the world. I was soon awoken by the opening of the tent and saw Tony getting out. I feared he might be sleep walking and followed him to find it was just a comfy break. It was very cool outside and Wumi too followed us out and wanted to sleep on the mat outside.

Tony decided to bunk down on one of the comfy chairs but I went in to get my head down. I could hear Wumi and Tony having a long conversation about stars. Wumi was giving him a long lesson in astronomy when I fell asleep for the second time of the night. All of a sudden I heard Tony’s voice urging us banging on the tent and I got the shock of the life. We all got up to see that a pack of elephants had crossed the river about 100ft away from the tent and about 20ft away from the camp fire where Sunimal and Shatha were sleeping.

Tony had apparently seen a black oval shape moving but Shantha and Sunimal had seen the elephants clearly. They however decided not to bother us even though we heard those elephants breaking branches of the trees nearby probably having a late night snack. Since then, nobody fell asleep, even Dana, who had been dreaming of animals, was up. Suddenly he shouted saying that a frog jumped into the campfire committing suicide. It was the first time I ever heard something like that and that poor frog had sacrificed his life for what reason, we didn’t know.

It was soon the morning and we all started crawling out of the tent and Shantha was already busy with making tea. The morning sun brought the birds out who started flying around and the water level of the river had risen a bit making our journey downhill easier.

After tea we decided to try to venture into a Villu where we can observe elephants and Sunimal led the way in. The undergrowth was too thick with prickly bushes and we had to tread very carefully. We found plenty of trees of berries which we munched hungrily and the ripe fruits kept us plucking more and more of the unending supply. The forest was full of them and all of a sudden, Dana came running towards us and everybody up front started running after him.

Even Sunimal came back hurriedly having heard a sound and thought it was an elephant. It was so hilarious to see everyone was so banged up but there was no elephant but a bunch of monkeys. We ate more berries to chase our fears and were got on track. However, after about a km or so, we found the path is so over grown with thorn bushes and decided to take a turn back. Sunimal then informed that the LTTE had frequently roamed the jungle targeting civilians who come to collect drinking water, what brutes they had been.

After this everyone wanted a cool dip in the river. This might have been the result of being scared to death in the jungle and they were feeling hungry too.

Soon the breakfast was ready with fried eggs and buttered bread; unfortunately a whole bread was full of ants who had decided to feed on our expense. We had no option other than giving it to the fish that were early waiting.

In about half an hour, we packed our stuff back onto the boat and were on the way with a half empty tummy, but the going was easy this time due to the rise of water levels.

After the Eluwankulama, the Y junction, turn right to Gange Wadiya, left is Aruwakkalu Quarry

End of the railway line, good signage

The road towards Gange Wadiya

This is the Lunu Ela

The electricity is there at the village thanks to the Navy Camp and the Cement Factory

Sunimal’s boat service

Would’ve been grand if these were big enough

Is this legal?

He was wondering who these fellows are

The view from the boat yard

Majestic Kala Oya separating the village and Wilpattu…

The LTTE had crossed this river to attack the village

Theppama resting

Plenty of hawks hovering above

The team ready to go in

Laden with food and our baggage

Oh yeah, push it

Shantha the navigator at the front

Right is the Lunu Ela, to the left is Kala Oya

We took the left

Difficulty of carrying water from upstream

Diya kawa waiting for us to pass

Water is too shallow for the engine so Shantha got down to pull it

Coming down with full containers

The area is beginning to look like a heaven for campers

Maneuvering was a nightmare at places

Gigantic Kumbuk Trees providing the shade

Having a bath before going back with water

Sunimal too had to pull us with the boat

Kingfisher waiting for something

An ideal place for camping but there were already a few drunks

Couldn’t go any more coz feeling ravenous

Salivating

Mine…

After a hearty meal, look at the contended looks, Wumi’s rubbing his near bursting tummy

“What shall we do today?”

Athula is asking: “Kohomada Kema?”, Tony replies: “Athi Wishishtai Machan”

Ok, enough resting, let’s go find a place to camp

Hardly any water for the boat to cross

No option, but to drag it along the sandy bank

Ara Soysa!!!

I chose to venture into the woods

A Theppama full of containers idling

Commandos after a mission accomplished

No idea what this weapon is

Willus of Wilpattu

“That place is good for us”, shouted Dana

I was all about going along the banks

There had been people before too

Finally the tired boat got a much deserved rest

Tent is ready and our towels getting dried up

Yum Yum Yum!!!

Shantha was laboring with the heavy work

We’re ready to explore a bit

Gigantic but looks abandoned

Fully shaded

We found this path that leads to a village on the other side

Extremely prickly and hurting

“Dude, somebody’s coming”

“Sweet heart, don’t look, we’ve got strangers looking at us”

Abandoned tourist bungalow

This must’ve been the well that fed the bungalow

Along the path, found this

“Hiya, anybody home?”

Getting dark and thought of turning around

What a surprise

I’m in heaven baby…

Tony playing the nanny

Half-moon ready to lighten the night

More wood for the campfire

Moon is finally ready

Our tent and the light hanging on a pole, surrounded by thousands of insects

Elephants are on the other side

Recalling the days’ events and Dana like a huge beetle with a flashlight

With flash, the hammock

Kumbuk trees making the environment artistic

Ready for the BBQ. Tony’s asking Shantha, “How long will it take?”

Fire is ready with the grill

Fish and the Chicken we brought

There it goes

The first plateful with BBQed fish and chicken

“Malli Wena Nedda?”

After an eventful night, the dawn arrives

Shantha is making tea

Tea’s ready…

Ready to do more adventures and Sunimal leading the way

Juicy berries kept us busy all the time

Never ending supply

“Anna Atha Kurullek, penawada?”

A stranger

“Kollane, me wayasaka matath tikak thiyapalla bolavu”

Grapes???

Being very cautious

Trying to avoid treading on Elephant dung

Dead end, not a hope of crossing this thorny bushes, you need an Elephant’s rough skin

Heading back

Off to a flying start

River bathing is always fun

“Hiya matey”

Eggs are being cooked

Almost done

Loosing one whole bread made us go half hungry

Let’s go

Still water is too shallow

“See you folks”

Coming for the daily collection of water

This area is very wide

Back at the village

Elephant Tree and Aruwakkalu Quarry

We reached the village around 10.00am and unloaded everything and set off yet again towards the lagoon looking for the Elephant tree. We reached the lagoon at a ferocious speed and the journey along the lagoon was a roller coaster ride, the boat bumping up and down and swaying left and right. The water splashed all over us making Wumi duck underneath the front of the boat and Tony very kindly offered him his comfy seat. We turned into Kumburawa River which runs right through the Wilpattu jungle and went along about 2km till we saw the top of Elephant tree.

It was actually a huge Baobab tree with a circumference of well over 40ft (measured by Nishanta and Sunimal during their journey) being second only to the giant in Mannar which is more than 60ft. We anchored the boat and got onto the land and the tree felt huge compared to others. We’d have needed more than a dozen people to surround it completely. The skin was so thick just like an elephant’s.

Sunimal pointed that the age of the tree is about 750 years, calculated by some people who knows what they’re doing. There was a small baobab tree too about 100m into the jungle which is about 12-15ft. It was super cool watching this giant from up close and we had to very sadly go back.

We saw the communication towers at Kalpitiya and the peninsula was visible as if they were very close to us. Fishermen from Gange Wadiya usually go to Kalpitiya by sea and it’s about 12km to the town and according to Suniaml it takes about half hour to get there. If you, on the other hand wanna visit Kalpitiya, you need to go back to Puttalam and take the road along the peninsula which is more than 70km away.

I wish we could build a bridge along the lagoon to the peninsula making it easy to travel between. There were a lot of islands such as Uchchimunai, Illippantivu, Periya and Sinna Arichchalai, etc. You can go to Baththalangunduwa too from here which is a long way from Kalpitiya. We came back to the village and got everything loaded onto the van and got ready for the next in line of our agenda which is visiting Limestone Quarry at Aruwakkalu.

As I mentioned in Notes, you need to get permission at least 2 days prior to your journey from the Colombo Head Office. Having bid farewell to Gange Wadiya, we left with contented hearts.We left for Aruwakkalu Quarry took the left turn from the Y junction and went on a dusty but ramrod straight road to the factory. We were met by the supervisor and took us along the quarry to the top where we got a panoramic view of the site.

It was like an Australian Gold Mine, spreading in a vast area and huge monstrous vehicles busy at work. We saw the Kalpitiya very close across the lagoon and the supervisor told us a very mysterious tale. A tunnel which had apparently been done by the Portugese, had been found about a decade ago dug between Kalpitiya Fort and Jaffna Fort. It’s said that a white couple had got in and vanished without a trace. It was later closed down burying centuries of history with it.

The earth looks similar to what you find in Ussangoda, very reddish and full of minerals. This jungle is where you find plenty of Camellias and Dana badly wanted to picture of them. It was one of the few that is missing from his collection. There is a railway track running from here to Puttalam Cement Factory carrying dug limestone back and forth.

We left the quarry and came back to the Eluwankulama and bid farewell to Sunimal.

Dana and Tony got the comfy seats

Have to go straight and then turn left beyond those trees

At full throttle

Trying to catch some

After a bumpy ride at the lagoon we turned onto Kumburawa

Can see a structure at the right hand corner… there are plans to build a hotel here

Along Kumburawa towards the Elephant’s tree

The top bit is seen from here

Endless supply of landscapes

There it is

Ready to jump

Looks like two separate ones but it’s the same

Not many leaves

Huge at the base

Skin like an Elephant’s

The small one

Not so small up close

Well, time to go heavies

Back to the bumpy ride

Finally at the village

The Y junction and the Quarry is 4km away

Straight like an arrow

Just arrived at the gate

Getting in

Piles of limestone in the distance

Those tires are as high as our van

Ready to send to Puttalam

The mammoth quarry, just like a gold mine in Aussie

Towards Kalpitiya, pretty close

Busy at work

Drilling the limestone rocks

Look at the earth, very reddish

Never seen one like this in real life before

We’re going

What’s that?

Oh! An eagle’s nest

Nawadankulama and Sunset at Kochchikade

We followed the Puttalam road and stopped about 10km passing Puttalam town for lunch. Everybody was might hungry and gobbled up every morsel they could get their hands on. That’s when Tony showed me a specially made tri-wheeler and its owner was a handicapped lottery vendor. There was this saying written behind his vehicle. Its English meaning is something like “I don’t give a damn about ships when I don’t even have a paddle”.

Having had a hearty meal, we came to Nawadankulama junction where we took a left and the tank was 4km away. Dana had visited the place before and told us there were two other tiny tanks before it. By the time we reached those, the drought had made sure no water was remaining and it was nothing but a ground where you can play Elle or Cricket.

We had our doubts about Nawadankulama but she had kept some water despite the unforgiving sun. There were birds and the landscapes were absolutely wonderful and we simply savored every second of it. Dana claimed he’d never seen so many stunning landscapes and his landscape lens was doing overtime right throughout the journey.

Sometime later, we left Nawadankulama and headed back towards Colombo when I wanted to see the sunset sometime close to Mundala but we were too early. Then Dana asked if we could see those primitive yachts at Kochchikade with the setting sun and we headed towards there. However, the traffic was becoming a nightmare and we were held off quite a long time and by the time we reached Kochchikade beach, the sun had already gone down but the sky was still full of vivid colors.

We jumped out of the van as if the end of the world had come and ran to the beach shooting like Blackhawk-debussed US Marines. It was simply spectacular view, the whole sky was painted with different shades of Red, Orange, Blue and Grey and they had to drag me out of the beach. What an end to a majestic journey, couldn’t have been better.

Unlike other journeys, we reached Colombo at a more humanly acceptable hour and reached our homes by 08.00–09.00pm. Everything fell into place like a nicely done jigsaw puzzle and it was a very welcome leisurely journey for our battered bodies and minds.

Well folks, that’s the end of another of my fairy tales, hope you enjoyed it and planning to do more but wanna do something different.

Take care

Sri

We saw this on our way too and he was waiting where we had lunch

Not far to go

Having passed two empty tanks, this was a relief

From the professional to the amateur

Splitting but it was such artistic after all

There’s hardly anything for them to eat

“Where have they all gone?”

Herd of Goats being taken back home

“Hey, don’t photograph me, ok?”

“Hamine, moke koranne?”

Wow	Gotcha buddy

What a combination!

Just got off, the sun had gone but still grand enough

Sky is on fire

From left: Dana, me, Tony and Wumi

Trying everything

“Let’s go to heaven”

An airliner off from Katunayake

Time to go

The Collection of Panoramas during the whole journey will be an ideal summary.

Pano 1

Pano 2

Pano 3

Pano 4

Pano 5

Pano 6

Pano 7

Pano 8

Pano 9

Pano 10

Pano 11

Pano 12

Pano 13

Pano 14

The name Kehelpothdoruwegala (Rock shaped like a plantain sheath gutter) came to my knowledge in 2012 February in our Yahangala climbing. We have noticed a giant standing in front of Yahangala (1220m) and got to know it as Kehelpothdoruwegala.

But the day of conquering came after one and half years of Yahangala climbing.

Peaks of Knuckles range. Taken from http://www.knucklesrange.org/sef.html.

We spent the night at Mahiyangana and reached Ududumbara around 5.30am. Following our short breakfast at a small hotel at Ududumbara we met a three wheel driver to reach Uda iluka.

I have discussed with Heen Banda mama (A villager lives in Kalugala who met during our Yahangala hiking) in previous day of our arrival to get to know the road towards Kehelpothdoruwegala. But he was out of home when we reached there. Then we decided to climb it alone after getting the directions from villagers.

Our plan was to first get on to Velangolla Pathana (Where we camped on Yahangala climbing) and then reach Kehelpothdoruwegala along it’s edge. We started the climbing around 7.30am.

There is a nice foot pathway from Uda iluka to Velangolla Pathana with scenic background. It starts just after the bridge of Uda iluka and first ascends through the village. Then it enters the thick forest and background scenery was so beautiful. Finally it connected with the foot pathway from Udagaldebokka at Dewalaya of Gale Bandara Dewiyo. (ගලේ බණ්ඩාර දෙවියෝ)

Black arrow till green star shows the pathway towards Velangolla Pathana from Kalugala. Then black arrow shows our hiking towards the peak of Kehelpothdoruwegala peak (in red star). Green arrow shows our pathway to Udagaldebokka village.

The foot pathway on right hand side of this three way junction was the way to Yahangala and we had to go to left hand side to reach Kehelpothdoruwegala.

The road in Uda Iluka.

Foot pathway within the village.

Climbing.

Scenic view in the back.

Central Hills.

Southern part of the Knuckles range and the valley where Hasalaka Oya runs.

Toddy man. We were able to taste “Mee Ra” (මී රා).

Drop

Our bags made climbing difficult.

The foot pathway towards Velangolla pathana.

Gale Bandara Dewalaya. White arrow shows the direction towards Udagaldebokka. Red one shows the way to Yahangala. Black one is the direction to Kehelpothdoruwegala.

Beliefs

Mighty Yahangala.

Yahangala and Velangolla Pathana.

Kehelpothdoruwegala. Star shows the peak and line shows our plan to reach there.

Time was around 10am. We started the climbing. Climbing along the edge of the mountain to the peak was not easy at all. There was an unclear foot pathway in some area may be due to cattle. It has no forest cover but Mana bushes and thorny bushes were there. Although it was seemed as considerably less distance final one was about 3-4km with ascends and descends. Finally we reached the Kehelpothdoruwegala Mountain around 3pm and climbed it to some extent. According to previous experience of this area we knew mist will come down in another 1-2hours. Therefore we decided to camp there without reaching the peak.
It was difficult to find a flat area to place our tent.

Starting of the journey. Note Mana bushes

Kehelpothdoruwegala and Watabandigala (වැටබැදිගල). Watabandigala looks a small version of Yahangala.

New appearance of bed rock. (Yahangala)

Surrounding mountains of Knuckles range.

Creeping…..

Getting on to a peak of the edge…But some more to go.

Now Kehelpothdoruwegala is bit closer. Note it has a different greenish colour than others.

Black arrow shows the peak of Kehelpothdoruwegala and red arrows show peaks of Lakegala/Galtuna (ලකේගල /ගල්තුන)

Longest river of Sri Lanka.

Mahiyangana town zoomed.

Nice place to sleep.

Suddenly met a wide gap

Only way to getting down and then climbing up.

Peaks we have crossed.

Final cut down. Now we are about to climb Kehelpothdoruwegala

Going through bushes.

Rocky part of Kehelpothdoruwegala

Our cooking

It was difficult to find a place for tenting

Painting on the sky

Our fire

Tomorrow target. Peak of Kehelpothdoruwegala

Night was so long as usual in other camping experience. We had to battle with cold and wind. We came out of the tent around 5am to set our fire again and had a cup of tea. We were able to reach the peak of the mountain around 7.30am. Surrounding view from top of the mountain was superb. Rest of Knuckles range could be seen here including Lakegala/Galtuna, Thelambugala (තෙලබුගල) and some other peaks much higher than Kehelpothdoruwa.

Early morning sky

Sun rise

Colorful

Good morning Yahangala

Lakegala/Galtuna

Thelambugala (1331m) in black star. Ununugala/Kuwenigala (උනුනුගල/කුවේණි ගල) in black arrow. It has a unique shape similar to Uthuwankanda. Lakegala/Galtuna in red arrow.

A peak higher than Kehelpothdoruwegala, covering with mist.

Yahangala is bathing with sunrays. Note the peaks we crossed to reach here.

Another prominent peak

Another prominent peak of knuckles. ? Garandigala (ගැරඩි ගල) according to inch map

This one is also higher than Kehelpothdoruwegala Mountain

Meemure area zoomed

The team…on the peak

We have planned to get down to Udagaldebokka village in our return journey. Then we searched to get down directly from Kehelpothdoruwa peak to Udagaldebokka village but attempt was unsuccessful due to acute angle of the mountain after one level. Only option was to follow our pathway to Velangolla pathana and then go through routine pathway.

Getting down directly to Udagaldebokka village was not easy. Then we gave up it.

Good bye Kehelpothdoruwegala

.	Getting down to Udagaldebokka by routine pathway

Foot pathway was scenic through the forest

No tired at all.

Notice at Yahangala estate

One and half years ago this foot pathway was not that much clear. Now it is clear.

First house we met at Udagaldebokka. Last year in our journey we had a warm welcome here by Bandara Mama and his wife. But now this house is abounded and they are living at faraway.

Unique appearance of Udagaldebokka village

Once we reached at Udagaldebokka we had a bath from a “Peella” (පීල්ල). Then we walked another 5-6km from this isolated village to reach Udaththawa to have a bus.

View from Udagaldebokka village. Note the appearance of Kehelpothdoruwegala is different now. A-Yahangala B- Kehelpothdoruwegala. C-Thelambugala.

Thanks for reading.

After Using Lakdasun Forum I used to follow (Imitate) the journeys of some senior members. Ashan’s off season Sri Pada Via Palabaddala( 2nd trip report in the forum) is the one which brought me to this forum. When I read Mithila’s Series of Trip reports “ Huffing Puffing “ I rushed to Borella and purchased a new bicycle ( But yet to do a hike).And last few months one thing was itching in my mind .That was about the hikes of our Hi King ( Ashan). I just thought why he does most of the trips alone. What are the benefits of traveling like that? Is it relaxing? There must be something although one can argue as it’s rather boring. But I just wanted to experience what he experienced in those journeys. So I decided to go on a LONLEY TRIP. Same time my lakdasun friends invited me on several trips but I kindly refused them as I had other intentions. From nowhere, Bambarakanda came to my mind and I quickly went through the above resource articles. This time I just thought of doing these trials alone even without a guide.

So without even informing Mrs.Mayakaduwa I started my journey towards Bambarakanda. I left home around 4.30 and came to Kaduwela by a Three-wheeler and got in to a Badulla CTB Bus. Neither bus nor me in a hurry so we slowly reached Kalupahana(just before the 172nd Mile post) around 10.30am(It stopped for breakfast at Pelmadulla).Then I took a TukTuk and reached the Bambarakanda rest around 11.00 am.

View of the fall and the mountains from the BAMBARAKANDA REST

First cottage where I stayed. Basic facilities but clean .

Interesting

Three Sisters ( Wangedi gala,Balathuduwa, Gon Molliya )

To my delight there were no any visitors. Mr. Lanka (Mrs Mayakaduwa’s Son in Law) welcomed me and showed me the cottage. I told him that I want to do Lanka Ella & Top of Bambarakanda trails and come for lunch. So I had a change and packed a bottle of water and some biscuits then left the rest around 11.30 a.m. I had the trail Lakdasun trail guides in my phone and adding to that Lanka gave me a sketch drawn by him. Those were my guides

I suggest (If you are a new one this forum) to download the trail guide (Lanka Ella ) while reading my report.

Waypoint: BL04 (Observation point)

Waypoint: BL05 ( Cement steps)

Waypoint: BL09 ( Concrete bridge )

After 100m I turned right and reached the base of the Bambarakanda falls

Waypoint: BL11 – Highest waterfall of Sri Lanka from its base

Then I returned to the track and proceeded

Trail Trough the Pines plot ( Be careful it’s slippery)

Waypoint: BL16/BL17 ( Left will take you to Lanka Ella Right will take you to Top of Bambaraknda falls) Here I picked the left trail

View from Waypoint: BL16

On the way ( After passing BL 21)

BL 22 ( Split of the trail ) left will take you to the base of Lanka Falls

Glimpse of Lanka Ella

Another waterfall(zoomed) seen in distance( approaching is little difficult )

LANKA ELLA

Base pool resembles the Sri lanka

Another view

Base pools seemed not deep. As Mrs. Mayakaduwa explained later Due to heavy rain/flood happened recent past structure of the base pool was changed.

I remembered the trip reports of Sri and Dhanushka mentioning that there was another fall upstream called Yalathenna. Also Sri has told me there are seven more falls up stream. But I didn’t attempt it as I was alone. Instead of that I tried some other waterfalls which were downstream from Lanka Ella.

After returning from Lanka ella I saw two other falls down the valley. But there was no path to reach them and going down was little dangerous as it was slippery and nothing there to get hold of. But one of them was really beautiful so I couldn’t stop achieving that beauty. So with extreme care I went to the base of the falls. Interestingly I observed that steam creates few more mini waterfalls downstream. I kept exploring them in future and returned back to the path. When climbing I had to use four wheels sometimes my stomach as the spare wheel

Tiny Cascade

This is the beauty who invited me. Yet to put a name for her

See the marked point .It seemed Steam creating few more cascades. but didn’t have much time to explore

Path I came. It is rather difficult than it seems

Then I came to the Way point 16/17 and picked the upward path to reach the top of Bambarakanda falls. One thing I have to tell you that. Although the elevation is not a big issue for a experienced hiker, the slippery pine needles made it really difficult to walk .And the pine trees had considerable amount of space between them. So if you slip and unable to catch a pine tree you’ll be in a really dangerous situation as there is a huge drop at the right hand side of the path. So I never suggest this path to be done at night, in rainy days and by drunken people.

But scenery of the valley was splendid.

On the way

Tricky part

Valley and surrounding mountains

.

Interesting place where you find huge drops in both sides

The side view of the fall

Somehow rather I kept a considerable distance from the drop and therefore I missed the path to top of Bambarakanda which was right hand side .I traveled further upwards and reached a road. What to do …in Sinhala there is a saying “ Peralunu Pita Hondai “ so I just loiter around and find the First part (Top most ) of the falls. According to Mrs. Mayakaduwa Bambarakanda has three pats but the lowest part is documented as 750 ft. If all the parts are combined together the Height should be 885+ Ft.

Road I reached ( Bambarakanda –Horton’s planes road)

Top of the top part (un documented ) of the falls

Then I returned back. I could easily find the path to the Top of bambarakanda falls and its upper Fall ( 2nd fall)
I enjoyed the view and came back to the Rest around 3.30 p.m. Climbing down was much risky.

First and second falls seen from a distance

Middle fall which was on top of Bambaraknda falls

Base pool at top of Bambarakanda falls

Hey I’m at the top at highest waterfall in Sri lanka

Getting down was much risky.

I had my lunch then had a little nap. In the evening I had a chat with Mrs.Mayakaduwa and Lanka. My plan was to visit Uduwara & Nagaduwa falls next day. Mrs Mayakaduwa mentioned that better to take a guide as the path goes through line houses and tea estates so just to make sure not to create any problem with locals. I agreed and had dinner and went to sleep

I Woke up early in the morning and able to catch up some beautiful sceneries around the rest and

View from the garden

Yellow is my favourite colour

Another cottage

Mrs.Mayakaduwa’s Doggies . Front one is Changumi (Pomeranian ) Behind old fellow is Alsatian. According to Mrs Mayakaduwa Changumi was captured by a leopard who came to the garden and the one behind and another doggie chased the big cat ( GEMA ILLIEMA) with the help of people and rescued changumi from a certain death

I had breakfast and started the journey around 8.30 a.m with the guide Susantha who is a small chap. Mrs Mayakaduwa told me the view of the surroundings is much better than the beauty of the falls . Anyway I downloaded the trail guide of UDUWARA AND NAGADUWA falls to assist my guide if needed as he was not familiar with the names of the falls although he had visited them.

Please Follow the trail guide of Uduwara and Nagaduwafalls

Went through the short cut

Another view

Coming back to the Road

Bambarakanda seen from distance

.	Landmark Getting back to the forest patch

Hard climb

.

.	Udaveriya factory

Line houses

Misty

.	Pictures won’t express the real buety

Wow	Like an icing cake

Difficult part through Mana patch

.

Destination

Uduwara

Nagaduwa

Both

One and only photo of me

We spend some time there and had some biscuits enjoying the surrounding.

Misty

Nearby mountain which villagers used to go and do rituals

We came back to the rest around 10.30 a.m. and had a small rest and prepared for the return. After saying good bye to Mrs. Mayakasuwa and others I left the rest at 12.00 noon. Mrs. Mayakaduwa arranged me a three-wheeler. I used it to pay a visit Surathali ella Which is close by (around 168km Post /near the bridge )

Name board is visible to the raod

Land Mark

Nearly 100m trek to the fall

Surathali

(Not Much of water)

View of the top part Surathali from the main road

I took a bus to Haputhale with an eye to give a try to visit Adisham Bungalow and Lipton seat .But the overcast conditions and lack of time did not allow me to proceed further. So keeping those targets in another trip I took a bus to Colombo and came home having beautiful memories of my lonely journey.

Thanks for reading

The long awaited long weekend came after 3 months, so did the rain. All our plans to go camping in Kumana went wrong as heavy showers hit the area and had to make our minds to abandon the trip at the last moment. It wasn’t easy for missing the weekend and we wanted to go somewhere so badly but the weather forecast wasn’t good anywhere we checked for. At the last moment we decided to do something that can be done in the rain, let it be a waterfall hunt. Within one and half days everything was ready. Sri and Harinda who also had lost after their initial plans were affected by the rain joined in and Ashan returned from his marathon rail hike to join us.

We continued passing Hanguranketha in our quest to visit some little known waterfalls we got to know thanks to Niroshan. But our journey was badly affected first by our delayed start and then by the terrible road condition past Hanguranketha. The road is under construction and is in a terrible state.

We stopped at the first waterfall we were hoping to see, Katugashinna Falls with a glimmer hope as Niroshan said the fall is switched on during the rain only. But sadly the waterfall was switched off even though it had rained for some days. Let me explain the operating procedure of this waterfall: the stream is dammed on top of the waterfall for a mini hydro project or something and they release water to the fall only when it overflows. So our first visit was unsuccessful and continued the journey.

Heeran Ella

Heeran ella falls have two parts as upper heeran ella and lower heeran ella. These waterfalls are formed of the Mul Oya which later flows into the Mahaweli river.

Proceed along Hewaheta road from Rikillagaskada town towards Wegama temple. Take a right turn near the name board of Poramadalawa MMV and continue, get direction from the locals to the Wegama temple. The last bit towards the temple can only be done by a 4×4 vehicle. So we stopped our van and walked about 500m towards the temple.

The path to the waterfall can be seen after the temple. There is an irrigation canal and a footpath along it. This footpath goes straight to lower heeran ella which is commonly called as Heeran ella. There is another footpath to upper fall along the huge waterline built for a mini hydro project which eventually will kill these two waterfalls in near future.

Beautiful Ekiriya villa

Heeran Ella seen from the footpath

Cascades of Mul Oya

Heeran Ella

.	Lower cascades of heeran ella

Village scenery

.

Penapus Ella/Beeri Ella
We returned to the junction where we turned off to the temple and went further from Rikillagaskada till we reached the Kithulpe bridge. There is a footpath right before the bridge which also goes along a water diversion. After walking along for about 500m we went down a little forest patch to reach the waterfall.

Trying to hide

Path to Penapus Ella

Penapus Ella which is also known as Beeri ella and Dunhida Ella among the locals is a very beautiful and little known waterfall. However there is a mini hydro project undergoing and it could be the end of this beauty as well.

Penapus Ella also called Berri ella

.

.	Beautiful penapus fall

Upper cascades of Penapus falls

Near Kithulpe bridge

Kabaragala Falls

Next on our list was Kabaragala falls in Elamulla area. To reach this waterfall take Mandaram Nuwara road just before the bridge near Padiyapelella town and take a right turn toward the Elamulla power plant passing Elamulla town.

Mandaram Nuwara road is a very scenic one. It had rained for about an hour just before we went and there were a plenty of cascades along the road making it even more scenic. Mandaram Nuwara area under the mist covered Piduruthalagala could be seen far away through a gap. It was a great view.

A roadside beauty on the mandaramnuwara road

Misty mandaram nuwara

another seasonal fall

Towards Piduruthalagala

Mandaram Nuwara road

Peela

This was seen far away on a mountain slope. not sure if it is seasonal, but it should be very tall

The last bit of the road to Elamulla power plant in hard to be done in an ordinary vehicle, so we decided to walk. It was a pleasant walk through cultivated lands enjoying the seasonal waterfalls flowing down each and every hill and the mighty Piduruthalagala range.

Piduruthalagala range

shades of green

Mountainous forest

one of the many kabaragala cascades

on the way to power plant

another seasonal beauty

.	they were everywhere

However as we reached the power plant our hopes started to get thin once again. The stream was flowing furiously and we could see a large cloud of mist in the place where the waterfall is situated. People at the power plant did not recommend going near the waterfall and we neither wanted to take a risk after seeing the rapids of the stream. So instead, we had a little tour inside the power plant and returned.

Furiously flowing stream

Mist created by the Kabaragal fall

Another roadside beauty

It was around 4pm when we hit the road again. It started raining and the mist came down so the dark fell early. We had to continue slowly along the muddy broken road and had no time for visiting the most anticipated Kurundu Oya Falls. Our slow and blind journey continued towards Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya lit up

The Grand Hotel and the dhost we captured

Grand Hotel

Magasthota

Gregory Lake

The next day was also overcast. Our plan was to see the waterfalls along the A5 and to visit Dunsinan-Sheen falls if possible which we had to omit immediately thanks to as usual delayed start.

Gregory lake and Magasthota covered by mist

Gregory Lake

Peach flowers

Peaches

The team

All the waterfalls along the A5 were on the full flow and there many seasonal waterfalls and countless cascades also. We returned to Colombo enjoying these full flowing beauties.

we named it as strawberry falls

Devathura upper cascades

Peacock hill

Palagolla kandura

.	Palagolla Kandura fall

A beautiful roadside seasonal fall

.

.

.

Devathura Oya

.

A roadside cascade in full flow

.

Poona Oya fall

.

Towards Kothlame

A glimpse of upper ramboda fall

Middle ramboda

Cascading point of lower ramboda

Kothmaley Valley

Inside ramboda tunnel. didn’t come out what I was looking for but else came something better

Devathura fall

Devathura fall

.	Middle cascade of devathura fall

Gerandi ella

Kothmale

helboda fall

Helboda falls

.

.

Delta Falls

.

.	Crested Hawk Eagle captured at Mawanella

.

Thank you for reading.

This was one of the dream hikes we always wanted to try since we first heard about this trail. Main purposes of this trip was to see the beauty of our mother land, see and be amazed about how they built such a marvelous rail road 150 years ago.

Five of us started the journey from Colombo fort and took the night mail (8 pm from Colombo fort) to Pattipola (4.10 am to Pattipola). The train was fully packed as it was a Friday night and we had to take the space near lavatory and footboard as usual.

We called Mr. Karunadasa (owner of Karunadasa rest rooms in Pattipola) as soon as we got down from Pattipola as discussed with him before starting the journey. He was so kind enough to come to the station at 4.10 am in the freezing cold climate and showed us the way to his place.

Day 1

We had about 2 hours of sleep and had breakfast and packed the lunch packets which prepared by Mr.Karunadasa for us and started our rail road walk.

Our initial plan was to walk from Pattipola to Idalgashinna station (6.71 km from Pattipola to Ohiya and then another 8.92 km from

Ohiya to Idalgashinna) and then take a train to Ella and then walk again from Ella to Demodara (6.12 km) to discover arch bridges, the tunnel and Demodara loop. But the train we were planning to take from idalgashinna got late so we had to change our plans and forget Demodara.

Carrot farm

Starting the walk

Summit level – 1898.1 m

18th tunnel

18th tunnel

Why this tunnel is so important?

One side of the tunnel is Nuwaraeliya District and other side is Badulla District,
One side is wet zone and other side is dry zone,
One side is hot and other side is cool,
Both sides are different, (trees, scenery and even the soil is different)
One side is rainy and other side is sunny
You will be able to feel all of these within 10-15 minutes.

Other side of the 18th tunnel

One of the bridges we walked on

Burned but still living

Ohiya station in 1893

Not much change even after 120 years – Ohiya station in 2013

One of the tunnels

Tea state

Exactly 200 km to Colombo – near Bandarawela station

Day 2

We started day 2 early in the morning and rented a van to go to Horton plains. We bought rotti and lunu miris from the shop next to Horton plains main entrance and got ourselves prepared for the journey. We took Mini world’s end trail to save time which we can use during our main hike.

The path from world’s end to non-Perial bungalow was not so hard to find but it is always better to carry a GPS tracker as from non Perial to Belihuloya could be quite challenging special in the Pines forest.

Welcome to Horton plains

Kill only time, please

View from World’s end

Footpath from world’s end to Nonpareil bungalow

Amazing trees

Amazing trees

Amazing trees

Nonpareil bungalow

View from Nonpareil bungalow’s summer hut – The best location I’ve ever seen for a summer hut, can’t expect more.

View from Nonpareil bungalow’s summer hut – The best location I’ve ever seen for a summer hut, can’t expect more

We couldn’t take many photos due to rain but hope you will enjoy two videos.

Intro

Main video

Within one month of my journey to Kehelpothdoruwegala I needed to revisit at Knuckles mountain range from Deanstone (ඩීන්ස්ටන්) area. We gathered at Hunnasgiriya town (Three from Colombo and two from Moneragala) started our journey from there. Loolwaththa (ලූල්වත්ත) CTB bus reached at Deanstone Conservation Center around 9am. After having brief visit at DCC we headed to Dothalugala (දෝතලුගල) trail.

Peaks of Knuckles massif. Taken from http://www.knucklesrange.org/sef.html.

Loolwaththa bus is ready for the journey at Hunnasgiriya.

Medamahanuwara (මැදමහනුවර) rock.

Nawanagala (නෑවෙනගල/ නාවනගල) – 1487m

Heading to Dothalugala trail

Dothalugala-1575m

Our next two days were full of these kinds of views.

Starting of Dothalugala trail.

.	Walking in the heaven.

Peaks of Knuckles missif. Red-Velangolla Pathana. වෙලන්ගොල්ල පතන Black-Yahangala. යහන්ගල Yellow-Kehelpothdoruwegala. කෙහෙල්පොත්දොරුවෙගල Green-Garandigala. ගැරඩිගල Blue-Dumbanagala. දුම්බානාගල

Again same peaks in different position. Red-Dumbanagala. Black-Kehelpothdoruwegala. Green-Koboneelagala (කොබෝනීලගල)

Hotel Dumbanagala Chalet at the base of Dumbanagala.

Entering to a forest patch

Rathkida-Ulhitiya (රත්කිද-උල්හිටිය) reservoir

Getting a bend.

Old tree.

The moon.

Having a rest.

Dothalugala forest dormitory.

.

Dothalugala circular trail starts. Black arrow shows upward journey and red arrow shows return journey.

Wuminda is heading….

? Dark blue tiger

Just clicked up…..

Knuckles forest is full of Bamboo trees. That’s why it is called “Bata Dandu Wanaya” (බටදඩු වනය)

Leaf nose lizard / Horn nosed lizard.

So eager to capture him.

Foot pathway through the forest.

Lakegala (ලකේගල) back.

View of Koboneela (කොබෝනීල)

The path we came.

Landslides.

Filtering of sun rays.

Dumbanagala.

Reached Dothalugala observation point. This is not the summit.

White arrow shows the way we came and red arrow shows the path we followed to go down.

Dothalugala peak.

Dothalugala observation point.

View from the observation point.

The return pathway was more scenic than the previous one. We reached the camp site then and followed the bird watching trek. It goes to the natural pool made by Dothalugala falls. We had a bath at natural pool.

Snapped in return journey.

Small water streams are abundant.

Scenic

Getting down…But steepness is more in this pathway.

Accidentally found.

Towards the camp site.

Dothalugala camp site.

Bird watching track.

A fall of Dothalugala waterfalls flows to make a pool. We had a bath in this freezing cold water.

Flowers on side of the waterfall

Arrows of the junction. Black arrow from camp site. Red arrow towards the pool. Green arrow towards the bird watching desk.

A fall of Dothalugala falls. It came across on our way to bird watching desk. Photo was taken from top of the waterfall.

On our way to bird watching desk.

Bird watching desk. We didn’t try to climb it up as we had an immediate leech attack.

Coming out of bird watching track.

Nice place to have a chat.

Walking back to DCC.

Our next place of visit was Deanstone mini world’s end which is situated about 1.25km away from DCC. It is also a circular trail first goes along the edge of the pond and then through Pines forest. There are two observation points. Ududumbara (උඩුදුම්බර) town, Kandy-Mahiyangana road, Kalugala (කලුගල) area can be viewed from observation point 1.
Observation point two gives a wide angle view of knuckles massif.

Walk to Mini world’s end

Directions to Mini world’s end

The bridge.

Along the edge of the pond.

Circular trail starts.

The way through Pines trees.

Beautiful

Snapped up.

At observation point 1.

Ududumbara town.

Kandy-Mahiyangana road in between Ududumbara and hair pins bend.

The drop

Gedaramada (ගෙදරමඩ ඇල්ල) waterfall

Towards observation point 2.

Mini world’s end-observation point 2.

The drop.

Different peaks.
Black arrow-Kehelpothdoruwegala.
Red arrow-Knuckles.
Yellow arrow-Sphinx rock.
Blue arrow-Koboneelagala

Garandi Ella ගැරඩි ඇල්ල

Paddy fields.

We five.

Evening comes.

Again Pines trees.

Another companion of the tour. We have noticed this monkey travels on the Bus.

This monkey has come from Moneragala area for searching a CTB bus driver who has treated him well. That’s why it travels on CTB buses.

Then we have moved to our place of stay of that night-Corbet’s view at Koboneela. It is situated at Koboneela and surrounding view from Corbet’s view was fantastic. Janaka who is the caretaker of the place is a friendly and knowledgeable person.

View from Corbet’s view

Dumbanagala

Balalgira (බලල්ගිර) is shown by circle. Arrow shows the downward view from Balalgira.

Balalgira is zoomed.

Giant Lizard.

Our cottage.

Team. Most left hand side person in this picture is Janaka-caretaker of Corbet’s view.

Day 2
Day 2 plan was to visit at Corbet’s gap. Ashan has noticed a mountain in left hand side of the Corbet’s view, where we assumed as a good view point. Janaka told it as Balalgira (බලල්ගිර) and he gave directions for us. Then Balalgira was added to our next day schedule.

Sun rise.

Sun rise.

Sun rise.

Colorful

Behind the screen.

Another snap.

Beauty in Dumbanagala side.

A place to enjoy the nature

Corbett’s gap-1127m
We said goodbye to Janaka and travelled towards Corbett’s gap.

Corbett’s gap is a deep valley between Knuckles Mountain range and also a rain shadow area. This area also has a mixture of vegetation types such as wet, dry and montane type. At Corbett’s Gap, there is a high wind blow during some months of the year and the forest trees grown in that area has a special feature, that is stunted and gnarled. Looking towards the Corbet’s gap from Deanstone Mini World’s end will give the visitor the panoramic view of Aliyawatunaela and Kinihirigala mountains to the left and the Dumbanagala Mountain to the right.

Taken from http://www.srilankaview.com/knuckles_range.htm

British surveyor-Corbett who has done the mapping of this area in 19th century has lived here. Therefore this gap is called Corbett’s gap.

Just before Corbett’s gap. Note the road we came.

Directions at Corbett’s gap.

Knuckles range is shown in red arrow and it is covered by mist. The peak shown by black arrow is most probably Aliyawatunaela අලියාවැටුනඇල (1647m).

Knuckles range (1864m) covered with mist

? Aliyawatunaela zoomed.

Sphinx rock, so called because of ridges of the mountain which has characteristic square shape. Height-1559m

View of other part of the mountain range from Corbett’s gap-Koboneelagala and Dothalugala.

The road from Loolwaththa.

Team again.

Dumbanagala-closer and different view.

Balalgira-Our next target.

Our last task of the day was to climb Balalgira. We drove back towards Loolwaththa and came across the road towards Dehigolla (දෙහිගොල්ල). That road is not good and we ended up at Dehigolla lime houses. From there we started to climb up first through Mana bushes and then walked up in Pines patch till we reach the fantastic view point. At this observation point we had a summary of views we watched during this journey.

Balalgira climbing.

Dehigolla lime houses.

Unclear foot pathway.

Searching of a route

Entering to the Pines patch.

Undergrowth of Pines

Reaching the peak.

Koboneelagala and Dothalugala

Dothalugala in black star.
Mini world’s end in red star.

Gedaramada Ella

Corbet’s view hotel. Arrow shows the cottage we stayed. Circle shows the bench comes in my sun rise picture.

Arrow shows Garandi Ella.

Paddy fields.

Bed rock has different view here.

Identification credit goes to Ashan. Black-Sorabora Wewa. (සොරබර වැව) Red-Dumbara Wewa. (දුම්බර වැව) Green-Mapakada Wewa (මාපකඩ වැව)

Giants of Uva province are in the scene. Identification credit goes to Ashan. Black arrow-Namunukula. (නමුනුකුල) Red and green arrows-Narangalala (නාරoගල)

On top of Balalgira.

Getting down.

Garandi Ella framed.

Dumbanagala-different view.

Balalgira is shown by brown star.

I came across a statement done by John Davy in 1821 about Knuckles forest in his “An account of the Interior of Ceylon” when I was searching more about Knuckles massif.

“I never saw before so perfect a specimen of forest scenery. Here lie trees of different kind, sizes and ages: Some saplings, some dead and decaying, and some of very great bulk and height towering above the rest in their prime.”

Thanks for reading.

The map – Click to enlarge

This year the monsoon seems to be getting late letting me venture around more and more taking the upper hand of it. There was an old post on a trail from Udu dumbara to Rathna falls which was hanging around my long list for many years. So I thought of giving it a shot. With few calls Sri, Danushka and Lahiru were in to it. It was supposed to be an easy hike which was 2.5Km’s.

On the previous day I reached Mahiyanganaya and loitered around in the evening enjoying some unseen water bodies called Dambarawa lake and Mapakada lake. Next day I met up with rest of the gang who came from Colombo at 18 bend observation point and enjoyed the sun rise from the east. Next it was time to break the bad news. I had previously measured the length along the river from a bridge which crosses a river at a lower place and the road from Poppitiya would have led us there but all in our group agreed to do the full trail from Udu dumbara, so we marched towards Udu dumbara to have some breakfast before beginning a long journey.  We hired a trishaw and continued along Kalugala road for 7Km’s and was dropped off at a bridge at Hanwella. After washing our faces we were all ready to venture on.

Madulsima range as seen from Dambarawa lake

Dambarawa lake

lake bund

yahangala and kehelpathdoruwa as seen from Dambarawa lake

randenigala range

an open bill

plucking flowers (farther and son)

Mapakada lake

glossy Mapakada lake

colours of randenigala

fishing at Mapakada lake

at newly renovated Mahiyangana lake

Our rough calculations were about 6Km’s along Maha oya (which later changes its name as Hasalaka oya) but numbers did change at the end.  So we began walking along a bliss enjoying seen how the forest was embracing the river plus creepers crossing from one side to the other creating periodically laid curtains. We came across few birds too, the common kingfisher, a fly catcher, Serpent eagle and two huge brown fishing owl’s. Out of the two owls the first one was singled eyed one.  Walking along a river is not an easy task at all. At some places we had to crawl along rocks and some places walk submerged (at least the feet) too. It was a zig zag journey conquering obstacles all the way.  We came across an interesting natural anicut in the river which seemed to be done by our ancestors unfortunately the local who was around knew nothing about it. After traveling for few Km’s we came across a canal which we flowed through the paddy fields and reentered the main stream. Few hundred meters downstream there was a beautiful waterfall which we named Anicut falls. Just before reaching the suspension bridge which crosses the river (this is the location I mentioned previously about) we had to hang on to creepers and etc to tackle the difficult terrain of the river side.

Sun rise as seen from the observation point at 18 wanguwa

kokagala and sora bora wewa

Ulhitiya

Ma oya starting point

bricks…

like walking along paradise

king fisher

kids at the river ran away after seen Sri

hiding from the paparazzi’s

a natural or ancient anicut note the square shape holes along the rock canal

decorated with creepers

unknown

more to go

paradise fly catcher

common king fisher

One eye john

violet

ah found one with both eyes too

shaped

giant creeper

yum yum

cultivation’s

along the canal

friendly guy

landscape

back to the river

kehelpathdoruwa

anicut ella

side view

along another canal

mini cascades

mineral hunting

plenty of adventure

last signs of civilization at the bridge

We did have some rest near the suspension bridge before starting our second session. We had already walked close to 6Km’s and we were worried a bit because it was already 12noon. The river architecture was not helpful to us from here onwards and the terrain becoming more difficult was hindering our speed. We were now almost away from civilization and fresh foot prints of Wild elephants on the river bed gave us few jiggles.  After about 1.5 Km we reached one of those beautiful cascades formed by Hasalaka oya, where one would feel like spending the whole day around. Though we wanted to have a swim at this place time was not in our favour.  50m’s downstream was a huge abyss and we had to de-route along an abandoned paddy field to reenter the river and at that point again we came across a beautiful cascade which seemed to be an ideal camping location during a dry period.

modified 5 start hut

robin hood was with us

crystal blue

some in our group were eyeing on this

efforts taken to save their shoes from getting wet

elephant prints

less water but yet beautiful

wish it had more water

a nice shower i guess

on the hunt

we had to by pass this

another cascade

abandoned

reaching another cascade

a waterfall of ma oya

dried out

The endless walk seemed to be like we were following a mirage and to add on to it we were facing some huge boulders. We decided to cut across the jungle and fortunately we found a foot path which took us to a higher elevation along the left bank of the river. We were exhausted and was wondering where is Rathna ella. The foot path we followed ended back at the river where we could faintly see a considerable drop.  The river was wide at this point and we managed to walk along it with not much of difficulty.  We were top of a waterfall with a stunning view and downstream we could see another drop. “Yes its Rathna ella” I said and danushka opened his eye which was closed with exhaustion.  We descended with caution from the right bank and reached the base of the beautiful upper rathna ella falls. It was already close to 3.30 so we had to find away round the deep pool just before the Rathna ella drop and for that we climbed up few boulders on the left bank. “Wow” at last we are on top of one of the tallest waterfalls in our Island; the stunning scenery from top was worth all the trouble. We were happy yet exhausted. The last challenge was getting down and for that we choose the right side forest patch and within few minutes the foot path was found. We followed it downhill for a considerable distance and lost the foot path. So from there onwards we descended with instincts. We were overjoyed to be at the base where we had a bath and refreshed ourselves before starting the walk towards the village. This last 2Km’s was like desert to us after hiking for good 11Km’s along a river. We managed to get a trishaw from Mahiyangana and reach there by 5pm where I had to depart without even saying a proper good bye to my friends because the last bus was taking off. It was tough and exhausting but worth it. That is how our 2.5Km journey ended up been 11Km’s.

more to go

through the forest

top of another waterfall

what a place to spend a night

drooling

could see the top of rathna ella too

Rathna ella upper falls

need to get around this deep pool

upper falls looks dried out

top of rathna ella

finally some smiles

at the top

the drop

through the forest while descending

finally at the base

Thanks for reading!

“Weather is changing. Seems like it’s gonna rain on Saturday heavily.” – Kasun had texted me.
“What to do buddy, we’ll take our chances.” – Replied me with a heavy heart.
“Yeah, still Friday is good. Think of any alternatives for Sat.” – He was really worried.

That’s the conversation Kasun and I had after planning our Nelu Flower hunting trip on 06 Nov. Typically it rains heavily to the upcountry along with Uva and Eastern Provinces but it didn’t scare me enough to postpone or change our plans for the weekend. It was all gang-ho as a result of Nelu Flowers blooming after so many years and everyone was yearning to go see them and we were no different.

So I sat down heavily on my chair and started to write a letter:

At Office
06 Nov 2013

My Dear Nuwara Eliya,

How are you doing? I’m doing great and can’t wait to see you again. I’m sorry it was a very brief visit last month and I couldn’t be with you long enough and hope you weren’t upset that I left very abruptly even without a proper goodbye.

Apparently, you’d been busy since then coz everyone’s talking about your newest creation, the Nelu Flowers. I too want to come and see them and be with you a bit longer too. I’ve been visiting you each year for the last 14 years and it’s gonna be two times in this year then. You know that you’re my favorite no matter what happens, don’t you?

The weather seems to keep us apart with her dark clouds and unending rains threatening to unleash her wrath. My friends are very hesitant to come as a result. Would you be able to chase her away on 08 and 09 Nov, please? You’ve always kept her at bay when I come to you and ask her to stay away from us this time too. Tell her that I promise not to hang around long and she can come back on the 9th afternoon.

I’ll be seeing you on the wee hours of 08th and till then take care.
Yours

It’s not a good idea for you to read my personal letters is it? But now you’ve read it, it doesn’t matter. I had to send this letter coz the rain kept threating to ruin our reunion and I was pretty sure she’d keep those dark clouds away. (Eventually that’s exactly what happened)

Sheham suggested we do the Nelu Flower hunt and I voted with both my feet and Kasun too, amid a very heavy workload, wanted to tag along. Athula, the ever-promising hiker, too joined willingly with Prasanna along with him. We were set for another majestic journey and decided to leave in the night to save us some time. My plan was to visit Horton Plains on 07 and do something else in the evening coz the whole day Saturday was reserved for the 3rd stage of my rail hikes.

Sheham too said that he was long overdue for a rail hike and gladly approved of the plan. However, the ever-changing weather patterns kept us on our toes right along during the planning stage. I wanted to do this no matter the weather and everybody else jumped in willingly coz they all are very seasoned hardcore hikers.

I happened to come by the Supipi Rest on Lakdasun Forums and they gave us a very reasonable rate and made the booking without second thought. On impulse, I suggested Kasun that we go see Kurundu Oya Falls as we failed to see her in the last month’s journey and we had the whole evening for us on the 8th Nov.

Day 01

Having planned everything to the last possible letter, Sheham left Dehiwala around 12.30am and picked Kasun, me, Athula and Prasa on the way and we were soon driving towards Peradeniya. We didn’t wanna take our chances on the Hatton-N’Eliya road due to its bad condition and stuck with the good old Peradeniya-N’Eliya road.

Tour Highlights:

1. Thotupola Hike
2. Nelu Flowers
3. Kande Ela
4. N’Eliya
5. Piduruthalagala Peak
6. Summary of Panos

The moment we passed Gampola, the road got winding like a giant snake and I felt giddy coz I’d had no sleep and neither had Kasun. We stopped around Pussellawa for some fresh air and the sky was cluttered with millions of different-size stars. It was as if a net attached with hundreds of glittering diamonds was draped right across the sky and we were simply fascinated. However the break wouldn’t work and I wanted to throw up very badly and soon it was a contest between me and Kasun.

Finally after all the hustle-bustle we reached N’Eliya around 5.30am and topped up our fuel reserves. Sheham had brought us all breakfast so we didn’t have to stop anywhere else and headed straight towards Horton Plains. We stopped at Pattipola for some coffee and the surrounding was as usual eye-catching. On the way from Pattipola the view kept making us want to stop at every now and then for picture taking and Sheham had a hard time containing us.

Finally we reached the ticket counter around 7.00am and bought our tickets. Passing the gate we reached Thotupola Trail in no time and the whole area was covered in Pink, Purple and White due to various colors of Nelu. We were simply amazed by the number of flowers, must have been about millions of them covering the whole area like a silk cloth draped over the trees. The morning dew added to the beauty of the flowers and they kept making artistic lines along the petals and leaves. What a sight for our strained eyes.

“Apparently there are 30 different kinds of Nelu and 24 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka”

We jumped out and headed towards the summit of Thotupola with an elevation about 200ft over 2km stretch. It was a sight to treasure for the rest of our lives. We were simply speechless and kept walking through dense forest patches till we reached a bit open area and the sight was simply outstanding. So many mountains were visible and Adam’s Peak was standing tall and majestic in the horizon with her distinct shape. Kirigalpoththa and the undocumented Agra-Bopath were standing next to each other.

We could see the Ambewela farm and its windmills almost 20km away. Along the path it was all about Nelu in vivid colors. All of a sudden Sheham and Atha were bending down very inquisitively and to our surprise it turned out to be a heap of freshly unloaded leopard scat. It had so many firs that the Sambar Deers have. Further along we saw hoof marks of Sambar Deers and possibly the Leopard’s too. It looked as if the leopard had been chasing the fellow from the top of the mountain and we saw a few marks where apparently the deer had skidded.

All of a sudden, Prasa was pretty scared. He kept looking back and forth and wondering when the leopard would pounce on him. We reached the first summit of the Thotupola and headed further uphill to the grand summit. There were many flowers waiting to welcome us to this wonderful creation of the Mother Nature. We reached the summit and it had that signature pit with rocks bordering and we could see they had even put up some solar panels for the telecommunication tower at the top.

It was a 360 degree panoramic view and rising sun kept us looking towards the eastern with her fierce rays. We saw the Ohiya temple and the Kovil where they had built when the 18th tunnel had collapsed and couldn’t be repaired. You can read more about it here. We spent about half hour savoring the freshness of the mountain air and gorgeous view and felt very hungry. The food was still in the car waiting for us and we hurried down and reached the road in no time.

Then we took the road further towards the Farr Inn where Thomas Farr had built it in 1900 and the entrances to the Kirigalpoththa and World’s End are located. Along the way just passing Maha Eliya bungalow we came across a Sambar Deer nibbling at the grass. We jumped out and started snapping away. We reached the Farr Inn around 10.00am and laid the mat Sheham had brought with him and spread out our breakfast which is long overdue.

Sliced bread with tempered onions and boiled eggs washed down with fruit juice was just what the doctor ordered. We rested a bit and saw the visitor center too giving out information and have replicas of animals such as leopard, snakes and owl. It was so horrendous to see a bunch of people playing cards inside a van coz there was so much beautiful sceneries to keep you occupied but those guys chose to ignore it. What a pity and a waste of a journey.

Around 10.30am we were back on our way and just passing the Farr Inn, Sheham noticed a Deer far away and wanted to take a pic and see what it really is. To see, it was not just one, but a whole gang of them sitting sunbathing about a km away. We managed to get a decent size pic with our long zoom and left them for it.

Passing Kande Ela, I wanted to get down and take a few pics. The boat service has resumed at Kande Ela and I was horror stricken to see the damage is done by the people around the area. The mountain is being invaded at a rapid rate, clearing and building apparently hotels. The way it goes, they’ll soon put up a hotel at the top of Kande Ela hill. Feeling down we reached the town and went to the hotel.

Towards Haggala in the wee hours

Windmills at Ambewela dancing in the morning

Getting ready

“Anything to eat?”

“Please driver uncle, give me a bun”

Towards Ambewela on the way to Horton Plains

They are mesmerized

One of many wows

Maha Rathmala

Couldn’t take our eyes away

Near the ticket counter

Well done

The isolated road

Here we are

One of a million

“Hi there!”

Ready to get going

Making patterns

Blooming like there’s no tomorrow

Different varieties of plants

Many different colors too

Morning dew making it sexy

Ravana Ravul collecting and preserving water

Shady bit

What color is this?

Gorgeous

More flowers bordering the path

Too high

Bunch of them

Through the trees

Standing tall

Getting towards open ground

Sheham with his gigantic 50-500mm lens

Out in the open

Not many like these

Everywhere is like this

Royal blue

Like snow flakes

Path is snowed with flowers

Guardian of the flowers?

Faraway mountains looking at us

The view is never ending

Different angle

Couldn’t get enough of this

Nicely done

The biggest beard?

Another different one

Tiny fella

According to Kasun, the Dhal Tree

Just disgorged?

Sight to treasure

Holding onto the droplets

The smile says it all

Bowitiya plant turned out to be the Dhal tree

The Adam’s peak in the middle

Another kind of orchid

Done the preliminary work

Feel like kissing them all

Many more

Where the Sambar deer apparently skidded

Top of the tree with loving red

Lone tree

The clouds kept disappearing

An old pile

Can’t get over this

Camouflage

Brightening our day

“Hey, are you stuck up there?”

“No silly, I’m having my breakfast”

Searching for more

The solar panels, we cleaned the plates brushing the leaves and flowers away

Lone comms towers

The path towards World’s end

The Famous Five at the summit

No idea what this is

Holding on to the water

A bee?

Cluster of Bowitiya

Another bee lost among the flowers

Almost stepped on the fellow

Time to say bye

Atha learning to walk on his all fours

Kirigalpoththa and Agra-Bopath

Endless plains

The road to the infinity

Maha Eliya Bungalow

Posing for the pics

“Enough of posing, I’m hungry”

“Just go away, will you?”

I simply love the blue of the sky

The Farr Inn

Where we had our breakfast

Hopefully you can get an idea

The Farr Inn

Tomas Farr, 1900

The replica of the trails

The map in details

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Hambawa

Atu Bakamuna

Running freely

Sambar deers’ resting place

The four having fresh milk

Lovely

Ambewela farm

Kande Ela

The hill being invaded

Those cables are always destroying good pics

The water gets down

Kissable

Macro

Not missing this one

The next in line of the agenda was Kurundu Oya falls but it turned out to be a wasted journey and we were very much misled by the villagers and tuk-tuk drivers at Walapane. We left N’Eliya around 1.30pm and didn’t wanna visit Piduruthalagala coz the mist and clouds might obscure our view. Took the Ragala road which is under construction and in a very bad shape. We were thankful to the AC in the car coz we could keep the shutters closed without inhaling all the dust and poisonous smoke belching from the laboring vehicles.

Having reached Walapane around 3.00pm, we decided to ask the way from villagers to be on the safe side. Niroshan had done this before and unfortunately we couldn’t figure out the path that easily. The villagers kept giving us different directions and we went all around without success and eventually went to the Walapane town to get the help from tuk-tuk drivers but they were very unhelpful and we decided to abandon it and got back coz it’s a tedious task to drive on that road in the dark.

We should’ve taken the path through the entrance to the peace pagoda but we tried to go as far as in our car coz it was evening and didn’t wanna have to walk till the dark. So if you’re attempting this, do read Niroshan’s report and get an idea and we should’ve done the same but the luck wasn’t with us that time. Came back to N’Eliya around 5.30pm and were feeling ravenous coz we had no lunch.

There was a nice place in front of the Gregory Lake Park and we had a sumptuous meal and decided to take a walk in the dusk but the rain drops started coming down reminding us to get back to the hotel and turn in early as we had a very long day ahead the following day. We came to the hotel and embraced the sleeping beauty till morning without batting an eyelid.

Getting towards Walapane

Towards Randenigala

Randenigala up close

Helmalu system

We should’ve gone up the steps

Gigantic rock boulders

The path we were shown

Savoring the evening snack

Nice landscapes but where’s the falls?

Rocks and rocks

It turned out to be a wild goose chase

Evening sun on the Magastota

Towards Kikiliyamana

Piduruthalagala is covered in mist

Gigantic cloud hovering above the lake

Flowers, the theme of the day

What a freedom

Showing off his skills

Not giving up

Wolfed down

What a place to be one’s house

Day 02 – Piduruthalagala

The morning brought with her so much promise and there wasn’t even a hint of mist and it was the perfect morning to visit the top of Sri Lanka and get a view all around. We woke up around 5.30am and were ready to leave by 6.00am and drove up to the security gate at the Piduruthalagala. We were waved away having checked our permission and there were 6km to go till we reached the summit.

The view sent us crazy and we had to bite our camera straps to keep us from getting down and walk. It’s important that you abide by the rules stipulated and not get down. There’s the threat of the leopard too and the soldier who showed us around told us that he’d once seen a leopard so big and he got very scared and rode the bike till the summit without even looking back.

Virtually all the mountains of SL were visible and the Mother Nature kept all the obstacles away from us and we must’ve got the best view one can imagine. We reached the summit well before 7.00am and were warmly greeted by the Air Force personnel. The officer who introduced himself was one of the most professional soldiers I’ve ever seen.

We toured all around and took pics. We reached the summit point and it was an unforgettable experience one could have in their entire life time. We felt honored and privileged to be there at the summit embracing the surroundings. No one felt like going any time soon. However, we had our rail hike to do so with so much hesitation, we bid our farewell to the friendly AF soldiers and Army ones too. Leaving Piduruthalagala was not at all easy as we felt as if we were dragged back towards us by some magnetic force. Let me tell you this, none of the pics in this report or in any other report for that matter, will tell you the true story. You gotta see them with your own eyes and feel it.

Ok folks, that is the story of the Two Giants and the Million Petals. Will soon bring you the tale of our Rail hike. This was one of the most memorable journeys I’d ever had and will treasure it deep down my heart forever. Beloved N’Eliya kept us safe and free from rain as usual listening to my humble request.

Take care and do check the pics, specially the summary of Panos.

The best morning

Dew making all kinds of arts

Rose buds are simply making me crazy

Full of dew

Kissable red

Simply amazing

Can’t leave you

Kikiliyamana