Kaudulla national park probably is the best location to watch elephants in Sri Lanka if you are a big fan. But the exposure given is very much less in my opinion comparing to other national parks.

We left Colombo on 23^rd of December early morning to Kaudulla as planned. Campsite was reserved in advance and all geared up for camping. Me and Thushan left Colombo in my jeep and Aravinda and Laksri joined from Nittabuwa and Narammala respectively. Thushan was a super excited human being at the time as this was his first ever camping trip experience.

We had our breakfast in Kurunagala and was able to reach Kaudulla entrance around 12 noon. Park office seemed like a well-kept place and there were plenty of room and reserved space for visitors to walk around and have their meals as they wish.

Have to mention that the park office personnel were extremely friendly and helpful. It was after more than a month they had people who is on for camping and they looked a bit confused first. We met Mr. Anil, who was the second officer at Kaudulla who explained about the park. I would mention the details we got from him here as it would be helpful for someone who is willing to visit the park for camping.

One can reach Kaudulla by train or by a vehicle. If you are coming in the train, you have to get down from ‘Galoya Handiya’ railway station and Kaudulla park is at a walking distance.

Kaudulla mainly has two campsites and both campsites located somewhat near to the park entrance. One is Olumaluwa campsite. And the other one is located in an island which you need to use paddle boats to reach. You can leave your vehicle at the park entrance car park if you are visiting the second camp. But unfortunately, as per now, Olumaluwa campsite is the only functioning campsite in Kaudulla, as one cannot reach the second campsite in the island due to the malfunctioning and unusable paddle boats. But according to the park officials it is the most exciting campsite in the park! Another thing to note is that both the campsite are likely to get flooded during the rainy seasons so avoid rainy seasons as much as possible.

We left for safari with Madhava (Tracker) after lunch and roamed around for a few hours in the park watching jumbos. Kaudulla basically is a tank other than being a park. You can do a complete safari in Kaudulla in a few hours as there is no larger area to cover. It all depends on the Kaudulla tank and safari season starts when the tank dries up. Jeep tracks are located inside the dried up tank and elephants gather around the water retaining areas giving tourists so many better elephant sightings, sometimes around 300 to 400. In rainy period tank is full and whole area will be covered in water leaving no tracks at all. That will be the off season.

Having a 4wd vehicle will be an advantage here if you are going for safari. It will make your life easy.

Laksri and Aravinda taking a moment to watch these items at the visitor’s area

Kaudulla park office and visitor’s rest area, where we had our lunch.

Passing the entrance and into the park (Sloping gravel road to the right hand side just after the bridge will lead you to the campsite)

Driving along the tracks in the dried up Kaudulla tank. Total treat to the eye seeing a considerable number of old Mitsubishi monsters running all around the park pretty easily.

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A lonely big guy enjoying some fresh herbs while posing for photos and a little herd of elephants with a mischievous junior by the water.

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A complete giant gangster and it chased away others who came in his way and took the crown of the herd.

Accidentally bumped into this one too. Foxy!

After a few hours of driving around, we came to the campsite. Note that no one has been to this campsite in a month, so the access road to the campsite was barely a road but jungle. We had to clear the road and drive through the bushes and trees to our destination. At around 5 p.m we reached our destination, Olumaluwa.

It was located near a dried up water body and the surrounding area was not being cleared proving that it had not been used recently by anyone. Campsite had no larger trees in it hence there was no shading. Elephant footprints were seen all around the campsite. When I asked Madhava about it he pointed at a far end of the nearby lake and showed the big guy having his evening meal. This was his area and Madhava further stated that there is a high chance of seeing him paying a visit to the camp as well. Hahaa!! And during last camping session big guy actually had come around to say hello!

Just love these shaded gravel roads in Kaudulla

Road to campsite. Barely a road but a jungle to drive through

Olumaluwa campsite

Can you spot the jumbo who is in charge of the area Photo was taken from the campsite.

Aravinda and Laksri went with Madhava in search of firewood while me and Thushan set up tents. Biggest issue was to find water as the lake was almost dry.

Dinner was prepared and the campfire was lighted up. It was important to have a fire running all night here as it will help to keep the animals away. Additionally we had a few lanterns around as well. One or two from us rotationally stayed awake in order to do the watchman duty. Big guy was definitely around and we and our tracker, Madhava had no doubt about it after hearing the tiny noises of water splashing caused by something walking in the lake slowly and steadily. Each one had their turn of watching and had to be in full alert as thick dark jungle was surrounding the camp very closely. If anything approached, we wouldn’t have noticed until the last moment due to that reason. Even though I have camped in the wilderness many times before, this happened to be the most exciting and most unpredictable night I have spent in a campsite ever. And hey, that’s the way to go. Otherwise where’s all the fun in camping? Complete isolation in the thick jungle!

You can hear trains running all night from time to time until morning also as railway tracks are located very much through the park itself. It wasn’t a wise idea to stay at the campsite for longer as there was no access to water what so ever. Hence we cleared the area and packed ourselves up in the morning and returned.

.	Waking up to a cold morning

Crew at the entrance

If you feel like you have plenty of time left and there’s nothing to do, there are few options available. Pay a visit to Minneriya park for a safari or Minneriaya tank where you can have a refreshing and a peaceful bath. And again you can drive all the way to Girithale and visit the Wildlife training center and see the Wildlife museum as it is such an interesting place.

Cheers!

Same as last year we arrange donate school items for rural school. This time we selected Batuhena Primary School in Elehera Bakamuna area for our donation. 81 children & 6 teachers in that school. We arranged school bag , full set of books for 2018 , water bottle , lunch box , other stationery items for each student. Also we arranged to donate sports items for school. We leaved on December 07th midnight & reached Bakamuna at around 6.30 a.m. First we went to friend’s house & he contacted this school for us. We had quick wash there & went to school with him. The school children & their parents warmly welcomed us. They arranged little ceremony & few dancing items from little ones. First the Principle address the meeting & he pointed out from it’s start this school never got outside donation like this. After that little ones showed their talents. We noticed that these kids poor but have good talents. The teachers gave their best to educate these poor kids.

After that most awaited moment came & starts distributing gifts to children. After distributing school items & we gave them pack of sweets. They highly enjoyed it. It’s better to view photos than explain it. Finally we gave gifts for all teachers in the staff.

After donate every thing, we completed another very successful program with lots of happy memories. Around 12.30 p.m we left from school & went to our next destination.

Gifts packed & ready

Batuhena Primary School

Details of the school

Lined up for welcome us

They welcomed us

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Unloading the Gifts

They want to check it & can’t wait

.	Waiting till start

.	The principle addressing

Happy faces

Happy faces everywhere

They showed their talents

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.	Vote of thanks speech by student

Receiving their gifts

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.	Gifts for teachers

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Happy faces everywhere

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Smile in every face

Smile in every face

.	Leaving school premises for 2017

After completed another very successful event we came to Angamedilla National Park. We reserved it’s bungalow for 2 days. First we went to Park office & we met some villagers came to collect “Aliwedi”. They explained their helpless situation regarding threat from elephants. Previous night 7 elephants came to his land & destroyed all the coconut trees. They mentioned that these days they can’t sleep in the night even. This was the common sad situation in theses villages. We came to see elephants in the park but villagers every night see elephants coming to their door step. After produce ID wild life officers issue only 2 “Aliwedi” for each farmer. This was the real picture of these area & which we never seen or can’t imaging.

After share their details we went to the bungalow. Friendly 2 staff members there & they informed us very little visitors for this park. Remain few hours we spent leisurely & went to sleep early.

Next day morning we went to see “Raja Bemma”. It situated other side of the Park entrance. To visit there people have to get permission from park office. They informed us from previous night elephants there & be watchful. It was nice place & can see remains of ancient “Raja Bemma”. We got instructions from bungalow staff not to bath there due to high water level. Also they told us lots of crocodiles there & later we saw 2 of them. We spent nearly one hour there & decided to walk to the forest along with the river. Walking in the National Park was prohibited by the law. Also there was a danger but we took the chance. After walking couple kilometers we found the name board of “Wasgamuwa National Park”. We walked further to the forest using elephant path. It was nice journey & finally came to the river. We turn back from there & came back to bungalow.

We quickly took our lunch & prepare for safari tour in the park. There was only 1 safari jeep in this park & it contacted by bungalow staff for us. Around 2.30 p.m we started our journey & mainly large number of deer’s we saw. Luckily we met the huge jumbo in the park. He was very dangerous one & not familiar to people. Our guide arrange “Aliwedi” to tackle the situation. After some time he left from the road & went to the forest. They told that there were nearly 100 elephants can see in the park but we saw only 2 of them.

Next day morning after having our breakfast we left from “Angemedilla Park” & left to Polonnaruwa. Around 9.00 a.m we came to Polonnaruwa & we visit to see ruins. We spent couple of time to see ruins & Gal Viharaya. Lunch for us prepared in Hingurakgoda friend’s house & we left from Polonnaruwa to Hingurakgoda.  After having good time there we started our return journey. Around 7.30 p.m we came to back to home.

We completed another memorable journey with lots of happy memories.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

Angamedilla National Park

On the way to park

Entrance to the park

Villager came to collect “Aliwedi”

Entrance to Bungalow

Park Bungalow

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.	“Debara Gotaya”

“Raja Bemma” – Angamedilla

Entrance

Inside the park

.	Nice view point on the tree

Remains of “Raja Bemma”

High water level

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Views from top

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.	Entrance to the “Wasgamuwa National Park

Left from previous traveler

Walking on the elephant pathway

Try to lift this

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Angamedilla Anicut

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.	We met this huge jumbo

.	Only this safari jeep for the park

Came to the Parakkrama Samudraya

Another jumbo waiting

.	Fishing boats

.	Mahaiyawa Wewa in the park

.	Bungalow Staff

Polonnaruwa Ruins

“King Parakkramabahu’s Palace”

“Pond”

“Raja Saba Mandapaya”

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.	Gal Viharaya

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.	Stupaya on the “Hingurakgala”

Sangamittha Perahera at Dambulla

It was the last day of 2017 and we wanted to go somewhere. The dry zone mountains around Dambulla were in our priority list so we headed towards Dambulla and planned to hike Yakkuragala with the aid of maps. After reaching Dambulla we took the Bakamoona road and after 5-6Km’s we took the Kologahaela road which requires a 4WD.

Green path is our path, (image taken from Niroshan)

our path

Yakkurugala from wehigala pathana

from dambulla rock

We started climbing from a point southwest to the summit. The initial part was through shrub forest and there after it was a gradual ascend until we reached a view point just below the summit. We didnt come across a single water source during our ascend.

dry zone forest

climbing uphill

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Mushrooms

After reaching the view point we had to tackle the western slope of the summit part and some rock crawling skills were needed for that. We reached the rock close to the summit where we had to descend few meters and climb up again to conquer the main summit. This is quiet an easy hike but we were lucky that day. There are only very few ways to get to the summit and if you loose your way you would be facing many rocky boulders or rocky cliffs.

at a view point

obstacles

Dambulla

western slope

slope

more to crawl

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main peak

The Summit provides a 360 view. The prominent landmarks which we came across were Etipola, Wiltshire, Arangala, Menikdena, Karanampotha, Beliya kanda, Kahalla range, Ibbankatuwa reservoir, Dambulla rock and town, Kala wewa, Balalu wewa, Ritigala, Sigiriya, Pidurangala, Kandalama, Erawugala, Gal koth kanda, Wehigala pathana, Elahera side and many more.

range

Etipola, Whiltshire and Arangala seen

Dambulla

Beliya kanda

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summit

Dambulla

Ibbankatuwa lake with dambulla rock

Elahera side

.	summit selfie

pano

Wehigala pathana

Kandalama lake seen

Sigiriya and pidurangala

Erawugala

the drop

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the view

Kandalama hotel

Ritigala

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Ibbankatuwa

While descending we tried two other routes and ended at cliffs. So we backtracked and came along the same route towards the village. after reaching the village we headed towards Dambulu oya to have a bath and refresh our selves before departing back to celebrate another new year on top of another hill.

Baby python

getting down

summit seen from the base

Kiribathgala is a mountain range is well seen to Colombo-Badulla road at Pelmadulla area. I was looking at this mountain all the time when I passed Pelmadulla (පැල්මඩුල්ල). It stands like a giant (most probably as it was closer to the road) in my right hand side. Most of the time it has a misty cap which discourage me to conquer it. But how can we miss such a majestic mountain. Therefore I was searching about Kiribathgala.
When you search about Kiribathgala, Malith’s report is coming to the top. It was in his conquered list. As he was working there, was an expert about Kiribathgala routes. Though I planned to visit there several times over years, it was postponed due to bad weather etc. Meanwhile I met Keshan who had similar idea to conquer Kiribathgala. Keshan also has gathered some information about Kiribathgala.
According to Malith’s description there are three routes to hike Kiribathgala:

1. Pelamdulla (Lellopitiya) ->Pathakada (පාතකඩ) ->Pulun Ella (පුළුන් ඇල්ල) ->Kiribathgala: I have discussed with a friend who had conquered kiribathgala from this site. According to him it was a strenuous hike and actually needs two days to explore the range.

2. Rathnapura->Wanniyawatta (වන්නියාවත්ත)->Kiribathgala: This is what Malith has followed. His report describes how difficult it is.

Always Google map comes to help us. If you read it carefully you can climb most of the mountains in Sri Lanka. It showed me climb from Erabedda side is easier than other side because there are tea estates closer to the top of the mountain. But slope is more.

How Kiribathgala stands in metric map. Note it is a long range with multiple peaks. Click image to enlarge.

How it is seen in goggle map. Note our starting at Uda Erabedda. It has multiple peaks. The arrow shows the highest point mentioned at metric map.

We have reached Rathnapura town around 6.30 am and after the breakfast we searched for Uda Erabedda bus. Luckily the conductor and driver of Uda Erabedda bus also have been at Kiribathgala. They guided us to go from temple side. (There is another route from Uda Erabedda as well). We got down in front Uda Erabedda temple and surrounding was covered with mist. We couldn’t even see Kiribathgala Mountain.
I should appreciate the chief priest and the uncle met at temple. They were very supportive and describe the path to the peak.
First we had to pass few tea patches and there was a clear foot path through tea estates. This confirmed my observation about the route is correct. After the last tea patch we have entered into the forest where we didn’t have a clear pathway. We were asked to follow a dry stream which origins from top of the mountain. There were few water sources at this dry stream and it was a continuous hike with slope till we reach the peak of Kiribathgala.

We got down in front of the temple

Clear foot path behind the temple

Chathura is the new member for this trip.

There were minor rock climbing parts

Intermittent tea patches were common finding at beginning of the journey

Having a rest

Along the dry stream

Along the dry stream

Along the dry stream

Collecting some water

Last part of the stream had Kakilla bushes. This was the most troublesome plant we came across at Kiribathgala.

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

A long break after a continuous hike…

Top of Kiribathgala extends for 2-3km. It also has ups and downs. Map shows multiple peaks here. We didn’t have an intention to visit the peaks on left side with forest coverage, probably it has no good view. We moved right passing a forest patch and then entered fairly flat section with full of Kakilla (කැකිල්ල). Here you can have a view above bushes. Kakilla bushes have grown about 2 feet above the ground. After about 1km walk we have reached the slab rock where flag is placed. We have noticed “Kiri Bath “-කිරිබත් like markings on top of this slab rock. It is a good place for camping.

Note now we have reached the peak. This area extend for 2-3km.

Through the forest patch….

Through the forest patch….

A jump

The area full of Kakilla

View over Kakilla bushes

Most troublesome plant at Kiribathgala-Kakilla

View above Kakilla bushes

This is the peak with forest cover. We didn’t go to that side.

Surrounding view

Through Kakilla bushes

Thickly grown Kakilla Bushes

Slab rock with the flag

කිරිබත්

Flag at Kiribathgala

At flag point of Kiribathgala

At flag point of Kiribathgala

Tea estate at Kiribathgala village

View from Flag point

Hardest part of the journey started after flag point. The peak with nice view point was seen about 750m beyond from the flag point. But whole area was covered with Kakilla bushes. It is thickly grown up to 2/3 feets. In addition there were throny bushes and bamboo as well. The front man has to put extra effort when go through Kakilla bushes. First time I have noticed a dust coming out of Kakilla leaves causing sneezing when exposed. It took about1-1.5 hours to pass this area with great difficulties. I never thought Kakilla bushes are troublesome like this. Later we knew group of youngsters has made a fire at this area few years ago. They were brought into custody for this. Later Kakilla has grown over this burnt area. At the end we reached another forest patch and the rock with good view was standing in front of us. This was another tricky point. There was only one place to get onto this rock, but it was also slippery. Once we got on to the rock, we were stucked within bamboo bushes for next 10-20minutes. It was a great relief after coming out of Bamboo forest where we had final small rock with short Mana providing 360 degree view. We forgot the pain we had during the journey once we reached there. I didn’t take any photo of this hard section.

The peak with good view

This is the most difficult part through Kakilla bushes.

Final rock ascend

At one of a highest point of Kiribathgala

At one of a highest point of Kiribathgala

Slab rock on top of Kiribathgala

Peak(s) with forest cap.

We have spent four and half hours to reach this peak of Kiribathgala from trail head. This peak has 360 degree view with flat slab rock. There is a large slab rock with angle as well. The highest point according to metric map was seen about 500m away from this peak, but we didn’t try it assumed it has no good view point. Actually if someone look at the range from Pelamdulla side, he wouldn’t see any of these peaks as it is covered by the peaks at Pelamdulla side. So basically Kiribathgala has multiple view points and seems it need about 2days to cover all these peaks.
Mountain ranges we have identified includes: Rakwana range, Mountains at Nivithigala area, Thoranakotha and Ayagama side. Wanniyawatta and Kiribathgala villages are situated at base of the mountain. Rathnapura area and most probably Sri Pada range were also seen but I couldn’t identify sacred peak due to mist. Pelamdulla town is covered with the peak situated on that side.

Another peak. Must be the highest point according to metric map.

We didn’t try for this peak seems it has no good view point.

Surrounding view-Towards Nivithigala and Rakwana side

Zoomed view-Most probably mountains of Rakwana range

Towards Ayagama-Thoranakotha and surrounding mountains

Surrounding view-Don’t know which area is

The area we have passed. And behind is Rathnapura side…

Towards Rathnapura side

Way Ganga

Tea estate at Kiribathgala area

Zoomed view of highest point of Kiribathgala

Towards Pelmadulla. Pelmadulla area is completely covered with this peak.

The peak seen as Kiribathgala in Pelamdulla side

The peak seen as Kiribathgala in Pelamdulla side.

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

On top of Kiribathgala

Showing the peak with maximum height

On top of Kiribathgala

Rathnapura-Nivithigala road

Wanniyawatta area

Kiribathgala area

A temple and paddies at Wanniyawatta area

This is the slab rock with angle….

Scribbles

This is the peak we have reached.

Return journey was happened in three and half hour’s time. We didn’t try a new route to return as we were exhausted. The chief priest of temple was so kind enough to give us a chance to have a bath at temple. According to them there is less strenuous route along a water stream to the peak .It will avoid Kakilla area. Most probably this stream should be in between the peak we were and peaks at Pelamdulla side. Then I can remember a foot path deviates down from the place we had a long break just after got on the peak along dry stream.

Return journey

Giant

Kiribathgala is seen to Uda Erabadda

Kiribathgala is seen to Uda Erabadda

Thanks for reading

When I stepped foot in Chilaw few years ago I wanted to do a complete rail hike along Puttalam rail line and my main intentions were to complete the stretch along Puttalam district. I somehow managed to finish off the difficult parts earlier and the easiest part was the remaining stretch between Kochchikade and Naththandiya. Please refer these reports on my previous attempts of different sections of the Puttalam line ( Naththandiya – Chilaw , Chilaw – Mundalama , Mundalama – Puttalama & Puttalama – Periyanaga villu ).

Since I couldn’t find anyone for a hike I decided to go solo and this was my 2nd test run for my new sx60 camera too. At around 8.30Am I started hiking along the railway from Naththandiya and headed towards Thunmodara. The stretch From Naththandiya to Lunuwila is the most scenic part of this hike.

Starting point

Halted for long time

Crossing at Udubaddawa road

Greene

.	Hamilton canal

morning snack

marshy land

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waterways

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reciprocal

solo

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Blue faced Malkoha

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Pair

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fishing trap

Flood zone

.	Crossing Hora wanguwa road

.	daily tools

routine

Wheres my other?

lazy cats

day crawlers

.	towards colombo

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a lake

jacana

Purple Swamphen

.	Purple heron

Whistling ducks

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Branch of Gin oya

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Bolawaththa road

crossing at lunuwila

goods train

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The rest from Lunuwila to Kochchikade didn’t provide much to see other than the Huge bridge across Maha oya where Gampaha and Puttalam districts apart. I reached Kochchikade around 1Pm and got in to a bus heading towards Chilaw to end a half day rail hike which concluded my Puttalam rail hike series.

men at work

Bandirippuwa

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towards Chilaw

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daily needs

48

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Waikkal bridge

two heads

.	Crossing A3

over by roads

reaching Maha oya

Maha oya

new A3 bridge

.	main attraction of the hike

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crossing at Poruthota road

end point

Kochchikade

Kukulpitiya Gala is a rock with sharpen face situated at Hulang Kapolla-Mawanella area closer to giant Samasara Kanda (සාමසර කන්ද) Nuwan and myself first noticed it in our journey to Sandaraja Wana Arana. In our repeated visits to the area to hike Kodigala, Ambalakanda and Samsara Kanda we have observed it nicely. Initially thought it would be difficult to get on to the top of Kukulpitiya Gala, but villagers said there was a pirith ceremony on top of the rock sometimes ago.

Kukulpitiya Gala-This photo was taken on our way to Sandaraja Wana Arana

How it stands with Kodigala and Samasara Kanda

Kukulpitiya Gala, Samasara Kanda and Kodigala in Google map

How it was seen to Kodigala

How it was seen to Kodigala

This is the appearance of Kukulpitiya Gala when we are coming down from Samasara Kanda. Note it has sharpen appearance in both side.

Kavinda also joined to this journey, first time for a hike with me. As usual we got the earliest bus to Hulang Kapolla from Mawanella following breakfast. We have noticed the path to Kukulpitiya Gala when we got down from Samasara Kanda. Therefore without any hesitance we followed the gravel road from Hulang Kapolla towards Kukulpitiya Kanda.

Kukulpitiya Gala-Little Lakegala

Kukulpitiya Gala-Little Lakegala

Kukulpitiya Gala and Balalgira

Balalgira (බළල්ගිර)

We have passed the area of landslides at Hulang Kapolla (this is not famous landslides at Samasara Kanda) and passed tea estates. This gravel road ends as a foot pathway which crossed a water stream. After cross this stream foot pathway divides to upward one towards Samasara and downward one to Kukulpitiya Gala. Luckily we met a person who was carrying a heavy on this road. His house is situated at the base of this rock and this was his weekly visit to “Maha Gedara” (මහ ගෙදර) with child and wife.
After ascending path through tea estate we have reached his place where parents live. They have showed the path to Kukulpitiya Gala and we were treated with a tea.

Then we continued through the tea estate and entered the forest as there is no foot pathway to reach the rock. On our way up we have noticed debris of a house situated there. Seems tea estate was there up to the peak of Kukulpitiya Gala. It was not a difficult climb except minor rock climbing section and we were able to get on to the top within half an hour time.

Observing target of the day

Foot path at tea estate

Kavinda and Nuwan

Minor rock climbing part

Peak of Kukulpitiya Gala has a narrow summit with front and rear view points. There is a sloping slab rock at front view point where we had a superb view. Though it was bit gloomy day we were able to identify Kodigala, Samasara kanda, Mahathala Gala, ? Rakshawa Gala, Kabaragala, Ambalakanda, Lepalawa Kanda, Sandaraja Wana Arana, Morathiya estate falls, Dothal Oya tea factory, Balalgira etc.
This is a nice place to observe the cross section of Samasara Kanda and it is easy to identify Kodigala as one end of Samasara range.

Other end of Samasara range, Bathalegala, Ura Kanda, Debathgama area were noted from rear view point of Kukulpitiya Gala.

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala. The area at immediate drop is Ganthuna

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

First time with Kavinda

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

On top of Kukulpitiya Gala

View from Kukulpitiya Gala-Ambalakanda

View from Kukulpitiya Gala-Ambala Kanda and Mahathala Gala

Mahathala Gala. Asupini Ella and Rahala Gala are covered by Kodigala

Ambala Kanda-zoomed view

Ambala Kanda with different colors

Towards Sandaraja Wana Arana and Lepalawa Kanda-Highest of Kegalle district

This might be Wawulagala plateau and the mountain. I have observed this mountain at Sandaraja Wana Arana as well.

Gloomy view of Dothal Oya tea factory

Morathiya estate waterfall

Samasara Kanda and Kodigala

Kodigala

Kodigala with different colours

The flag at Kodigala

The tea estate we have passed

Children and house owner are waving to us

Tea estate covering one side of Samasara Kanda. We passed this area in getting down of Samasara Kanda.

Winding road to Ganthuna

Towards Balalgala

Samasara Kanda-Other end

Samasara Kanda-Other end

After enjoying the view we followed the same path to get down. But if someone need, can get down to Debathgama area as well. On our way to Hulang Kapolla we came across a Peela to refresh.
We had to wind up the day by afternoon as I have to be at Colombo at evening.

Getting down

පාසි ගල

Mini cave

Debris of a house

Wild beauty

Delicate

Delicate

Harmony

Refreshed

Kukulpitiya Gala

Kukulpitiya Gala

Kukulpitiya Gala

Kukulpitiya Gala

Thanks for reading

Kunudiya Parwathaya is a unique shape mountain situated at Peak Wilderness closer to Kuruwita-Erathna Sri Pada route. It is bordered by Thalagahalanda, Watarawanguwa, Adawikanda, Diyagula, Balawana, Palabathgala and Gatunila areas. A part of Kunudiya Parwathaya belongs to Kuruwita divisional secretary and a large part belongs to Rathnapura divisional secretary. Kuru Ganga is situated in it’s north west, North and north east directions.
It is actually a rock (පර්වතය-rock) by it’s name and having sharpen faces in three sides. Therefore it’s majestic appearance indicates difficult approach but can be conquered.
History of Kunu Diya Parwathaya goes to Lord Buddha’s visit to Sri Lanka. It is said Lord Buddha has planned to keep sacred foot print on top of Kunu Diya Parwathaya but he changed the decision as a dead body of Rat Snake was found there. It might be the reason for name Kunudiya Parwathaya. During the period of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, a giant has made a fire on top of Kunudiya Parwathaya to be visible to Sri Pada Maluwa. This might be true as we had an awesome view of Sri Pada from Kunu Diya Parwathaya.
Idea of hiking Kunudiya Parwathaya was in my mind for a long time. I have seen it was standing through the mist when we got down in Rathnapura route during Bana Samonala Hike. So it made me to hike Kunudiya Parwathaya within next few weeks.

Deep studying of Google map told starting point should be at Warnagala at Erathna-Sripada route.

Ultimately seven people joined for Kunu Diya Parwathaya hike including me. We reached Kuruwita town at 4.30am and hired two couple of wheelers to reach Warnagala. Our main strategy was to start the hike early as possible. Warnagala is an important place of Erathna-Sri Pada route. Spacious Warnagala Ambalama, Warnagala temple and Warnagala Falls are situated here. There is a separate mortable road till Warnagala from Adawikanda (starting point of Erathna trail) apart from routine foot pathway. Though it was concreted, after certain distance it became a gravel road where we had to end three wheel journey. It was an early start according to our plan and we could begin the actual hike from Warnagala after the breakfast around 7.15 am.

Kunudiya Parwathaya in metric map. Click image to enlarge.

Majestic appearance of Kunu Diya Parwathaya in Rathnapura-Sri Pada route.

Tempted view Kunu Diya Parwathaya

While we were walking, Kunu Diya Parwathaya was seen in right side and Heen Piduruthalawa was standing in left side. The foot pathway to Warnagala falls (වර්ණගල ඇල්ල) lies behind Warnagala Ambalama. Warnagala falls is a creation of Kuru Ganga. It’s height is mentioned as 40m and the name Warnagala is probably due to colored bed rock with certain mineral deposits. Currently this fall has low water level as water is diverted above the fall for electricity generation. Kuru Ganga starts from Bana Samonala meadow and flows parallel to Erathna trail.

Early morning view of Kunudiya Parwathaya at beginning of journey.

Trying to capture silhouette view of Kunudiya Parwathaya

Kunu Diya Parwathaya (most behind) and Kuru Ganga. Note it has a different view here.

Heen Piduruthalawa was always standing in front of us.

Warnagala Falls-40m

Warnagala Falls-40m

Warnagala Falls

Warnagala Falls with it’s base pool

Surrounding view from Warnagala

Real hike to Kunudiya Parwathaya started from here. Our tentative plan was to follow the feeding stream of Kuru Ganga from Warnagala towards Kunu Diya Parwathaya. This feeding stream creates 5-6 beautiful cascades, some of them are tall about 10-15m. It was not that much difficult to hike along the stream as it was fairly dry. After certain distance we entered to the forest and hiked parallel to the stream. Elephant dung were noticed since beginning of the journey, might be one or two weeks old. As this forest has enough bamboo bushes this might be a paradise of Elephants especially in rainy season. It was almost continuous hike till the edge of Kunudiya Parwathaya after we left the stream. This hike was difficult sometimes as we had to walk over boulders and through bamboo bushes. Elephant pathways were really helpful in hiking. Always we kept our track according to Google map. We were able to get on to the edge of Kunudiya Parwathaya after climbing few hard sections.

Hike along the water stream

Waterfall we came across

Waterfall we came across

Team: Keshan (left), Ridma, Dilshan, Shashi, Ganidu, Kavinda (right) and Photographer.

Waterfall we came across along the stream

Waterfall we came across along the stream

Waterfall we came across

Waterfall we came across

Along the stream

Another one

Another one

Along the stream

Ali Dung

We followed the stream up to this point and entered the forest

Entered the forest

Journey through the forest was not easy sometimes. Weaved Bamboo bushes was the main obstacle. It was a good exercise to separate them and create the path.

There were easy sections as well.

Now we are at the base of main rock. Next challenge was how to get on this.

We are closer to the main rocky part of Kunudiya Parwathaya.

Various activities at the base of main rock

මේක නගින්නේ කොතනින්ද?

Break after a strenuous hike

Get on to the rock at it’s edge. These bushes were really helpful.

At level of Heen Piduruthalawa

Somewhere at Kuruwita trail

Rocky part of Heen Piduruthalawa

Piduruthalawa is next to Heen Piduruthalawa

It was not a difficult hike after reaching the edge of Kunu Diya Parwathaya. It sloped towards the peak and there were some foot pathways (may be due to humans / Elephants) on top of rock. Nelu and Bamboo bushes were there under large trees. We have passed fairly flat slab rock with a view, this is good for camping as it is surrounded by forest. At the end we have reached the highest point of the rock which is situated at the edge with beautiful view towards sacred peak. We have spent about five hours to reach this place from Warnagala.

Happy face after passing hard trek

Wild beauty

It was a gradual ascend towards the peak

Slab rock with surrounding forest and view

Slab rock with beautiful surrounding view. This place is good for camping.

Forest on top of Kunudiya Parwathaya

Orchid

Posing with elephant dung

Wild beauty

Fairly easy track on top of Kunudiya Parwathaya

“Katu Pol”-කටු පොල් were fairly abundant along the trek and on top of Kunudiya Parwathaya

The peak of Kunudiya Parwathaya has multiple view points with 270 degree view. We enjoyed the nice view of Sri Pada and Bana Samonala. Sri Pada peak was covered with mist time to time but we were able to capture Uda Maluwa with Kuruwita and Rathnapura trails. Unseen side of Bana Samonala Gala (බෑණ සමනල ගල) and Darmarajagala (ධර්ම රාජ ගල) were seen. Ballanbendigala (බල්ලන් බැදි ගල) and Maha Piduruthalawa (මහ පිදුරුතලාව) were situated at left side of sacred peak. This is the place for single capture of Sri Pada, Bana Samonala Gala, Ballanbendigala, Maha Piduruthalawa and Darmarajagala. Gawarawila area and Dethanagala were seen behind Bana Samonala Gala. Most right side view were occupied with Rathnapura Sripada trail, Palabathgala area and Pelmadulla area etc.

Highest point of Kunudiya Parwathaya with superb view.

I am on top of Kunudiya Parwathaya

Everyone wants to get pictures at this view point. This is Kavinda’s turn

Keshan is there

View of Sri Pada from Kunudiya Parwathaya.

Kuruwita trail and where it joins with Rathnapura trail

Sri Pada (left), Darmarajagala (middle) and Bana Samonala Gala (right)

Another view of Sri Pada

Closer view of Sri Pada

Darmarajagala and Bana Samonala. Peaks next to Bana Samonala Gala is not mentioned by a name in metric map. Gawarawila and Dethanagala are situated beyond that area.

Same area with different colours

Zoomed view of Darmarajagala and Bena Samonala Gala. Other peak is more than 1800m in height not mentioned at metric map.

Closer view of Bana Samonala Gala

Ballanbendigala-most left

Rathnapura-Sri Pada trail is rising through the forest. Gatunila Kanda (ගැටුනිල කන්ද) is situated in between Kunudiya Parwathaya and Bana Samonala.

Bushes on top of Kunu Diya Parwathaya

What a place to have a rest

Trying to get his best captures

Tiny flowers

Rocky appearance of Kunu Diya Parwathaya

Team on top of Kunu Diya Parwathaya

Team on top of Kunu Diya Parwathaya

Having lunch

Other view point of Kunudiya Parwathaya. We walked from 1st view point to here to get view more towards Rathnapura

Palabathgala area

Palabathgala area

Palabathgala area

Towards Rathnapura area

This might be kiribathgala

Thick small leaves indicate adaptation for wind and cold

It is the place to capture Sri Pada, Bana Samonala Gala, and Darmarajagala in a single shot

Ballanbendigala (left), Sri Pada, Darmarajagala and Bana Samonala Gala

Found a cap of someone of previous visit

We are on top of Kunu Diya Parwathaya

We started the return journey around 2pm and came back to Warnagala at 6pm. We didn’t find any steep sections on our way down as we changed the trek. Finally we could join with the same stream followed morning, but somewhere high in the trek. As the stream was almost dry it was easy to get down. It was a great achievement in completion of this hard trek within eleven hours and my thanks go to other members of the team.

Return journey started after enjoying the view.

This is the place for camping.

Posing at dry stream.

A Cave

Sharing apples

We had a relax time in getting down to get more pictures

“Manual stabilization”

If the stream is wet passing of these sections would be utterly difficult

Another waterfalls captured….

Last picture of the day.

Thanks for reading

There are two square shaped rocks situated at Knuckles massif closer to Corbett’s gap named as Sphinx-1 and Sphinx-2 or Kinihirigala-1 (කිනිහිරිගල-1) and Kinihirigala-2. Sphinx-1 is not seen at Corbett’s gap, but can be captured on your way to Corbett’s gap or after passing the gap, as it is situated just behind the gap. Sphinx-2 is situated just beyond the gap. Therefore it can be seen easily from the gap and on your way to Meemure after passing the gap.

Sphinx-1 is marked by a star closer to Corbett’s gap and Sphinx-2 is marked as Kinihirigala No 2 in metric map. Click image to enlarge.

Sphinix-1 / Kinihirigala-1 in Google map. Marked in black star. Please ignore other markings.

Peak of Sphinx-1

Sphinx-1

Sphinx-1, captured on our way to Meemure after passing Corbett’s gap.

Mysterious appearance of Sphinx-1

Closer view

Another view of Sphinx-1

Close up….

Sphinx-1, this was taken on our way to Sphinx-2 via Aliyawetunaela Mountain.

Sphinx-1, this was taken on our way to sphinx-2 via Aliyawetunaela.

What is the mean of Sphinx?
It is a mythological creature with a lion’s body and a human head, an important image in Egyptian and Greek art and legend. Sometimes winged sphinx comes in Greek legends. The earliest and most famous example in art is the Great Sphinx (a pyramid) at Giza at Egypt. This is known to be a portrait statue of the king Khafra.
Asian Sphinx has additional wings to the lion body. (Quoted from https://www.britannica.com)

Great Sphinx at Giza, Egypt.

As these two rocks also have similar appearance of sphinx, named as Sphinx in Colonial era when they mapped Knuckles range. (Most probable reason) Seems Sphinx-2 has more sphinx appearance than sphinx-1.

Sphinx-1 can be conquered from Corbett’s gap as it is situated closer to Attalamattuwa/අට්ටාලමට්ටුව (Corbett’s gap). Though it is having a sharpen appearance in front there is a continuation with rest of the range from behind.

We have reached Corbett’s gap in early morning and weather was perfect for a hike. After enjoying the beauty of Knuckles from Corbett’s gap we have entered the forest with aid of Google map. Our plan was to follow the rock in it’s right side and get on to top in it’s behind. Ehsan and Tharindu have joined with me for this journey. It was not difficult at the beginning as there was fainted foot path on right side of the rock. We met a small Dewalaya soon after entrance and didn’t forget to get blessings. Seems this area an abounded Ensal estate and it was proven by an Enasal / Cardamom hut we came across on our way up. It is a cave which has been modernized with brick walls but abounded now.
Later we deviated from foot path and directly hiked towards Sphinx-1 peak. The forest were with Bamboo and Nelu, shaded by large trees. Ultimately we joined with the tail of the rock where short bushes continued till the peak, difficult to hike through it.

Good morning Hunnasgiriya

Morning vibes at Corbett’s gap

Eshan

Tharindu

Dewalaya

Forest, an abounded Ensal estate

Abounded Ensal hut. A cave has been converted to an Ensal hut.

We are at cave.

View of Sphinx -2 from the cave

Now there is no foot pathway.

The area with Bamboo, not a big issue time.

Coming out of the forest and joining with the tail of the mountain.

Towards the peak

View of sphinx-2 on our way up

Thick short bushes with Bamboo is the main problem

Mountainous forest

Mountainous forest

Another pointed peak is situated between Sphinx-1 and Aliyawetunaela peak

Cloudy forest

Cloudy forest

Reached the peak of Sphinx-1.

Top of Sphinx-1 has short bushes with multiple view points. We were able to watch one of the peaks of Aliyawetunaela, Thangappuwa side, Sphinx-2, Alugal Lena Kanda, paddies at Karambaketiya, line houses situated just after Corbett’s gap (It’s name must be Bensil park estate), winding road from Loolewatta, Balalgira and Dumbanagala. It is a narrow summit where camping is impossible with less clear area. Flowering bushes with mist gave awesome feeling. We have moved somewhere down towards the drop at front of the rock. There was another part of the main rock to be visible at this place. We had a clear surrounding view through the mist but we were lucky to see all the structures. After spending extra time for drone photography we followed the same route to descend. On our way back we went down along a dry stream to reach the fainted foot path we followed. It was a nice journey.

On top of Sphinx-1. It is a narrow summit with no clear area for camping.

Smiley face after achieving the target

Tiny flowers on top of Sphinx-1

Flora on top of Sphinx-1

Flowering bushes

Winding road from Loolewatta to Corbett’s gap

Balalgira with mist

View of Dumbanagala chalet through the mist

Couple of line houses at Karambaketiya

Zoomed view of line houses

The road from Corbett’s gap to Meemure

Corbett’s gap-Thangappuwa road goes in left side of this mountain

Towards Thangappuwa side

Towards Thangappuwa side

Alugal Lena side gets clear

Alugal Lena Kanda and front line is the range of Sphinx-2

Alugal Lena Kanda

Sphinx-2 gets clear

Sphinx-2 gets clear

View of Sphinx-2 from Sphinx-1

Zoomed view of Sphinx-2 from Sphinx-1

Sphinx-2

Towards Aliyawetunaela and Sphinx-2

Enjoying the view of Sphinx-2 and Alugal Lena Kanda

Enjoying the view of sphinx-2 and Alugal Lena Kanda

Handstand on top of Sphinx-1

Trio on top of Sphinx-1

Moving to the drop

Captured at drop

Bit risky, but want to see the view.

Bit risky, but want to see the view.

Rocky part situated front separated from main rock

Towards Loolewatta and Balalgira

When we were on top of Sphinx-1.

We followed this dry stream to reach the foot path in return journey

Return journey

Known to cause itchy

Return journey

I will add some drone pictures taken by Tharindu Paththapperuma when we were at Sphinx-1. It was amazing to see the peak and surrounding by Drone.

We are at top of Sphinx-1

Summit of Sphinx-1

Sphinx-1 with it’s tail connecting to rest of the range

We are on top of Sphinx-1

We are on top of Sphinx-1

Bird’s eye view of Sphinx-1 and 2

It’s happy time

Note the narrow summit of Sphinx-1

Note the narrow summit of Sphinx-1

View of the road from Loolewatta

Summit of Sphinx-1

Thanks for reading

Aliyawetunaela Mountain is situated at Knuckles forest reserve with attitude of 1665m. It is situated in between Corbett’s gap and Thangappuwa (තoගප්පුව) and has dual peaks. Sphinx-1 and 2 are situated in east, north east and north sides of Aliyawetunaela Mountain. Corbett’s gap-Thangappuwa road lies in it’s southern direction and Thangappuwa-Knuckles foot pathway in western side of Aliyawetunaela Mountain. Google map reading shows there is no view point on top of Aliyawetunaela, but the way to these peaks is scenic and will come across nice view points. One of these peaks is situated closer to Thangappuwa-Knuckles foot pathway and other one is closer to Thangappuwa-Corbett’s gap road. We planned to visit at the peak closer to Knuckles foot pathway.

Where it is situated in Google map. It has two peaks. The height of red starred peak is shown in metric map. Other peak (shown in black arrow) is taller than red star peak.

Aliyawetunaela peaks in Google map. Black star shows the peak we have reached. Red star indicates the other peak which has height of 1665m marked at metric map. The peak we have reached might be taller than the other one. Red line shows our approximate path passing Aliyawetunaela peaks and towards Sphinx-2.

View of Aliyawetunaela from Sphinx-1 rock.

View of Aliyawetunaela from Corbett’s gap-Thangappuwa road

This hike happened on following day of visit to Sphinx-1. We have spent the night at Pusse Ela-Meemure and came back to Corbett’s gap early morning. Weather was superb for a hike and we got some drone pictures of Corbett’s. Sphinx-2, Alugal Lena Kanda, Lakegala, Wannimana, Wamarapugala, Balalgira and Koboneelagala were clearly visible from Corbett’s gap. Then we followed the gravel road to Thangappuwa from Corbett’s gap. Our plan is to hike the peak of Aliyawetunaela situated closer to Knuckles foot pathway as it is slightly higher than other peak and trekking to Sphinx-2 rock from Aliyawetunaela Mountain.

Good morning Corbett’s gap. It’s perfect weather or a hike.

Sphinx-2 / Kinihirigala-2

Knuckles five peaks and Alugal Lena Kanda

Lakegala (right) and Wamarapugala (left)

Morning view of Corbett’s gap. Balalgira and Loolewatta side

Towards Meemure, Karambaketiya, Lakegala and Wamarapugala

Alugal Lena Kanda

Bird’s eye view of Corbett’s gap. We three at Corbett’s gap.

The road to Thangappuwa from Corbett’s gap

The road to Thangappuwa from Corbett’s gap

The road to Thangappuwa from Corbett’s gap

Koboneelagala with it’s sharpen face towards Koboneela

How Aliyawetunaela peak is seen to Thangappuwa-Corbett’s gap road. We didn’t hike this peak.

We had some Roti for the breakfast at Thangappuwa. It was around 9am when we started from Thangappuwa and followed the well paved Knuckles foot pathway. Though it’s bit late start, surrounding was crystal clear without mist. Knuckles foot pathway winds through tea estate and enters the forest. It is a bit acute ascend till you reach the forest border. Then this foot pathway lies in fairly flat section. With aid of Google map we have entered the forest at this flat section. There was a “Dewalaya” closer to this place.

Start the journey from Thangappuwa

View of Aliyawetunaela Mountain to Thangappuwa-Knuckles peaks pathway

Koboneelagala with Thangappuwa village

Macro

View from Knuckles foot pathway

A break

Busy Thangappuwa

There was somewhat clear foot pathway at our entrance to the forest and we followed it certain distance. Then we decided to deviate from the path and hike towards the peak we targeted. This forest with full of Nelu bushes and shaded by large trees. After a minor hike we have ended up at the base of proper Aliyawetunaela peak where a nice plain is situated. This open area seems as a camp site functioned before, it’s evidenced by cemented floor and water tank. Gombaniya and Yakunehela were visible from this plain and we were right at the base of Aliyawetunaela mountain. As this place was a nice place we spent time to enjoy the view here. It is a good camp site as a water stream flows closer to it.

Entering to the forest

View of proper Aliyawetunaela peak

Towards the proper peak of Aliyawetunaela

Camp site situated at base

Cemented floor at base camp

It is a nice place for camping

Towards Aliyawetunaela Mountain

Surrounding view

Yakunehela and Gombaniya

We are at base of Aliyawetunaela Mountain

Proper hike to the highest peak of Aliyawetunaela started from it’s base camp. We entered the forest back and hiked closer to a water stream. It was a continuous ascend under the forest cover with Nelu and Bamboo bushes. Soon we entered an open area with view towards Thangappuwa and Poddalgoda (පොද්දල්ගොඩ). After another 10/15 minutes hike we have reached the ridge of the peak where highest point is situated. Then it was like a walking along the ridge and at the end we have reached the highest point of this peak. This place is under the cover of forest and no view from here. There was a nice flat area situated just next to the highest point where camping is possible. We have spent about three hours to reach the peak of Aliyawetunaela from Thangappuwa.

Back to forest. It is a continuous ascend now.

Refilled water bottles. We didn’t come across any water source after this. And we have deviated from water stream following this.

Tiny waterfall we came across

Tiny waterfall we came across

Forest with Nelu. It plays main role of undergrowth.

Roof of the forest

Filtering of sunrays

Posed

Middle open area I described. This comes after hike of certain distance.

View towards Thangappuwa and Poddalgoda

Reached the ridge of the peak. Always we tried to avoid Bamboo areas. Here onwards it’s like walking along the ridge up to the highest point.

Reaching the highest point of Aliyawetunaela peak. It’s has no surrounding view.

On top of Aliyawetunaela peak.

Forest cover on top of Aliyawetunaela Peak

Forest cover on top of Aliyawetunaela Peak

Flat area situated just next to the peak

Our next target was to walk from Aliyawetunaela to Sphinx-2. We have walked towards other peak of Aliyawetunaela according to Google map. On our way another open area was found, where Knuckles five peaks were visible above bushes. This plain is also a good place for camping but water source is situated somewhat far. We didn’t go to other peak of Aliyawetunaela and turned towards Sphinx-2. (Journey to Sphinx-2 is a different story, I will come in a separate report).

Through the forest

Through the forest

Mountainous forest

Having a break

It was amazing to walk through Nelu bushes

Reaching the plain between two peaks. This the peak of Aliyawetunaela we have reached. Poddalgoda is seen behind it.

It was a nice open area.

Selfie time

Knuckles five peaks

Nice bushes with small leaves.

Thick leaves, adaptation for wind and cold

Go through the approximate path we followed. Black star is the peak we have reached and we didn’t go to the peak shown in red star.

We have returned to base camp of Aliyawetunaela in dusk. The sky with sun set was beautiful from this open area. It was around 6.30pm when we reached Thangappuwa to wind up the journey to Aliyawetunaela Mountain.

Sky view of the camp site through the mist

Sky view of the camp site through the mist

Aliyawetunaela base camp at dusk

Aliyawetunaela base camp at dusk

Sun set

Sun set

Enjoying the sun set.

Enjoying the evening view.

It was another good achievement.

Thanks for reading

බෙලිහුල් ඔය යනු ලංකාවේ තිබෙන තවත් නුවරඑළියක් වැනි කඳු, දියඇලි, නිම්න හා මීදුම් යායන් පිරුණු නගරයකි. බෙලිහුල්ඔය දැවැන්තයින් වන වංගෙඩිගල, බලතුඩුව හා ගොම්මෝලිය කඳු අතර කරට කර ගැටෙන අනෙක් කඳු ත්‍රිත්වය නම් පරවියන්ගල, හාවාගල සහ නැග්රුක් කඳු වේ. මින් පරවියන්ගල යනු කඳු මුදුන් හයක් පමණ සහිත විශාල කඳු වැටියකි. ආදර කන්ද ලෙස හඳුන්වන මෙය සැබැවින්ම සරසවි ආදරය මෝදු කරවන ස්ථානයකි. මන්දයත් සබරගමු සරසවි සිසු සිසුවියෝ වාර්ෂිකව මෙම කන්ද තරණය කරන හෙයිනි. රත්නපුර බදුල්ල මාර්ගයේ පඹහින්න ආසන්නයේදී දැකිය හැකි මෙම කන්ද කඳුවැටි හයකින් පමණ සමන්විත වේ. ප්‍රධාන මාර්ගයේ සිට බලන කල මෙය ඉතාමත් විශාල කන්දක් ලෙස පෙනෙන්නේ ඒ අවට වෙනත් කිසිදු කඳුවැටියක් නොමැති හෙයිනි.

කෙසේ නමුත් අපට තිබූ එකම අවස්ථාව වූයේ යන්තමින් හෝ අඩි මාර්ගයක් දැක ගත හැකි වී තිබීමයි. එබැවින් අප කන්ද තරණය අවස්ථා තුනකට බෙදුවේ ප්‍රථමයෙන් මීට වසර කිහිපයකට පෙර නාය යාමකට ලක් වූ ආරණ්‍ය සේනාසනය පිහිටි ඉසව්ව කඳු වැටියේ විවෘත අවකාශයට පිවිසෙන ස්ථානය සහ පරවියන්ගල කඳු මුදුනතයි. හෙමි හෙමින් නොනැවතී පියමං කළ නඩය අඩ හෝරාවක් ගත වන විට ගම්මානය පසු කොට කුඩා අඩි පාරකට අවතීර්ණ විය. අඩි මාර්ගය වනය හරහා වැටී තිබුණු අතර ඉදිරියෙන් ගිය අප සගයන් නිවැරදිව අඩි මාර්ගය හඳුනාගෙන ඉදිරියට ගමන් කළේ ගමනේ පළමු නැවතුම්පොළ සොයාගෙනය.

Google Satalite view of the Range

Morning view of Paraviyangala from Badulla road

Paraviyangala seen to Hawagala top

Colors of the sky

Its time to Sun rise

Over the Pines trees

Early Morning view

Morning refreshed

The last peak of the Praviyangala range

Clouds over the valley

Clouds over the Paraviyangala main peak

Its time to wakeup

Kalthota side is still covered

හෝරාවක් පසු වන විට අප ළඟා වූයේ ගමනේ ප්‍රථම නැවතුම්පොළටය. මෙය මීට වසර කිහිපයකට පෙර ස්වාමීන් වහන්සේලා වාසය කළ ආරණ්‍ය සේනාසනයක් විය. එහෙත් මහ වැස්සක කඳු ඉහත්තාවෙන් මතු වුණු අකාරුණික දිය බුබුලක් අවට ගල් පර්වත මහ ගස් උදුරමින් පහළට ගලා ගෙන ආවේ දැවැන්ත නායයාමක් ලෙසින්ය. ඉන් මෙම සේනාසනය මුළුමනින්ම විනාශ වූ අතර එහි විසූ හිමියන් ද සද‌ාකාලිකව පස් යට වැළලුණේ යුද හමුද‌ා ප්‍රයත්න මධ්‍යයේ පවා සිරුරු සොයා ගත නොැහකි වූ නිසාවෙනි. එද‌ා ඒ රාත්‍රියේ එම ස්ථානයේ නැවතුණු අපට මහ මූසල බවක් සේම ගුප්ත වේදනා බර ඉසව්වක් ලෙස හැඟුණේ කිසිත් නොවුවක් මෙන් එහි ගලා යන පෙරට වඩා විශාල වූ දිය දහරාව පිළිබඳවයි. සේනාසනයේ නටබුන් සේම ඉදිරී ගිය ගස් හා පෙරළී ගෙන පහළට පැමිණ හිර වූ දැවැන්ත ගල් කුට්ටි දුටු අප සිත කම්පා වූයේ මෙහි වැළලුණු හිමියන් ගැන සොවිනි.

අප දන්නා පිරිදි නාය යාමට පෙර මෙහි වූයේ කුඩා ජල පාරකි. එහෙත් මේ වන විට එය දෙගුණයකටත් වඩා විශාල දිය දහරක්ව පළලින් ගලාගෙන යයි. අධික ශීත ජල පහර හරහා එගොඩ වී පයිනස් කැලයට අප පිවිසියේ ගමනේ ඊළඟ යාමය අරඹනු පිණිසය. මේ වන විට තරමක අසීරු නැග්මක සිටියේ පයිනස් කැලයේ තිබූ ලිස්සන ස්වභාවය හේතුවෙනි. මහ රූස්ස පයිනස් ගස් ගුවනත වසා ගෙන සිටි අතර සුළග තුළින් පයිනස් ගස් සෙලවෙන ආකාරය විටෙක කෝලම් රටා මැවුවේ විශෘල ශබ්දයක් නගමිනි. මෙහිදී අපට සිදු විය හැකි තවත් අනතුරක් විය. එනම්, අධික සුළඟට පයිනස් ගස් කඩා වැටීමට හැකියාවක් පැවතීමයි. එබැවින් සියල්ලෝ දැඩි විමසිල්ලෙන් ගමනේ නිරත වුහ.

Clouds over Belihuloya side

Its time to get hide

The Landslide area

Through Wangedigala side

Sitting above the clouds

Witness to the sunrise

Standing above the cliouds, Identify the familiar face

Town is getting cleared

Non Pariel road

Nearby mountains

The path we came

Guys at the last peak of this range

තවත් හෝරාවකට ආසන්න කාලයක් තුළදී අප පරවියන් ගල කඳු වැටියේ බටහිර කොනට එනම් ප්‍රථමයෙන් අපි කඳු වැටියේ විවෘත අවකාශය තියන ප්‍රදේශයට අවතීර්ණ වුණෙමු. මෙතැන් සිට ඍජුවම නැග්මක් පමණක් විය. රූස්ස ගස් පිහිටා නොතිබුණු කන්ද මුදුනේ වූ මාන කැලය නිසාවෙන් දුර සගයන්ව පවා පැහැදිලිව දැක ගත හැකි විය. මාන පඳුරු දණහිසට මඳක් පහළට පමණ තෙක් වැඩී තිබුණු අතර තෙත් ගතියක් නොවීය. මීට හෝරාවකට පෙර අප පැමිණි පයිනස් කැලයේ තිබූ සුළං ප්‍රවාහය කිසිදු අඩුවකින් තොරව මෙහිදී ද විඳ ගැනීමට සිදු වුණේ විවෘත ප්‍රදේශයක අප සිටි නිසාවෙනි.

නඩය තරමක වෙහෙසීමකට ලක්ව තිබුණද මහන්සිය මග හරවා ගනු වස් ජීවනී සහ ග්ලුකෝස් ගනිමින් කන්ද නගින්නට විය. ක්‍රමයෙන් ප්‍රථම සහ දෙවන කඳු වැටි පසු කරන විට පඹහින්න, බෙලිහුල්ඔය හා කල්තොට ආදී ප්‍රදේශ යන්තමට දැක ගත හැකි විය. කඳුකර කොටියා හෝර්ටන්තැන්නේ වාසය කරන බැවින් ඌට ගොම්මෝලි හෝ නැග්රැක් හරහා පරවියන්ගලට පැමිණීමට ලොකු දුරක් නොවූයෙන් යටි හිතින් ඇතැමුන්ට ඒ පිළිබඳ යම් කුකුසක් තිබුණි.

දෙවන කඳු මුදුන පසු කරත්ම නත්තල් සමය සිහියට නැගුණේ අවට වටේ එම ගස් වර්ගය නිසාවෙනි. ගුවනත විවෘත මෙම ප්‍රදේශයේ නිතැතින්ම දෙහෝරාවක් පමණ සිටිය යුතු වන බැවින් අව් රශ්මිය නොමැතිව මෙම තරණය කිරීම අපට මහත් පහසුවක් විය. ගමනේ පෙරමුණ ගත් කිහිප දෙනෙක් ඈතින් තෙවන කඳු මුදුනක් පසු කරමින් ඉහළකට අවීතර්ණ වනු අපට දැක ගැනීමට ලැබුණි. හිරු උද‌ාව සමග අවට පරිසරය නැරඹීමට වූ ආසාව නිසාවෙන් සෙස්සෝ ද පය ඉක්මන් කොට ගමනේ නියැලුණහ.

මෙම ප්‍රදේශයේ ගමන තරමක් අසීරු වුණේ වන පඳුරු සේම ගල් බොරලු අධික වූ නිසාවෙනි. මෑත කාලය පුරාවට ගල් බොරලු පිහිටි අතර කඳු නැගීමේදී සමහර විට ගල් බොරලු ලිස්සන්නට විය. එම අවසන් මීටර් දෙතුන් සියය නැගීම බොහෝ දුෂ්කර වූයේ ඉදිරියෙන් යනවුන්ගේ කකුලට ලිස්සන ගල් කැබලි පහළ පිරිසට පැමිණි හෙයිනි. එසේ වුවද සියල්ලෝම ආරක්ෂාකාරීව කඳු මුදුනට පැමිණියහ. එහි විශාල ගලක් වූ අතර ඊට යාබද තවත් ස්ථානයක් වූයෙන් හනිකට අප ඒ වෙත ගමන් කළෙමු. එම අඩි පාර වැඩි අමාරුවක් නොවූයේ තරමක තැන්නක ස්වභාවයක් එහි ඉසිලූ හෙයිනි.

Above the clouds

6th Peak of the mount

Time for a capture

Feel it

Surrounding

Path to Balathuduwa

Enjoying it

Far a way

Through the Sabra Campus

Walking in the mist

නැගෙනහිරින් රක්ත වර්ණ​ෙයන් හා රන් වර්ණයෙන් යුතු අහස් කුස දෙබෑකරමින් හිරු නැගෙන්නට විය. හිරු උද‌ාව පටන් ගත් අතර සියල්ලෝම එය දැක ගැනීමට වාසනාවන්ත වූහ. මන්ද රට මැදක සිට හිරු උද‌ාව හෝ හිරු බැසීම නැරඹීම අතිශය විරල සිදුවීමක් වන බැවිනි. සුදු වලාකුළු උඩින් හිරු ක්‍රමයෙන් ඉහළට නැගෙන්නට වූයේ මන්ද‌ාරම් අඳුර මැදින්ය. ඒ සමගම අප සිටි ඉසව්වට පහළින් අපට පෙනෙන්නට වූයේ වළාකුළු පමණි. ගුවන් යානයක යන විට වලාකුළුවලට ඉහළින් පියාසර කරන අත්දැකීම වැනිම සුන්දර අත්දැකීමක් අප මෙහිදී ලබා ගන්නේ අප සිටි කඳු වැටිය පහළ කිසිදු ගහක් කොළක් ජනාවාසයක් නොපෙනෙන තරම් සුදු වලාකුළින් වසාගෙන සිටි නිසාවෙනි. එය කාටත් පුදුමය දනවන සුලු වූ අතර වැඩි වෙලා නොතිබුණු එම අවස්ථාව ලහි ලහියේ පිරිසගේ තෙවැනි ඇසට හසුවන විට පිරිස තමත් ඈතින් පිහිටි කඳු වැටියක් දෙසට පියමං කරන්නට විය. එම මග ඔස්සේ වනගත වෙමින් බලතුඩුට කන්දට යා හැකි අතර ඒ සඳහා GPS තාක්ෂණය නිරායාසයෙන්ම අවශ්‍ය බව මතක තබා ගත්හ. එලෙස ඔබට වුව පරවියන්ගල සිට බලතුඩුවට පමණ හෙම්මෝලිය කන්ද නැග වංගෙඩි ගල ඔස්සේ බඹරකන්දට බැසිය හැක. එහෙත් එය නිතැතින්ම දින 2ක් ගත වන ක්‍රියාද‌ම චාරිකාවකි.

හෝරා දෙකක් පමණ පරවියන්ගල කඳු මුදුනේ සිටි අප රැගෙන ආ ආහාර අනුභව කරමින් කැමරා සමග කඳු වැටියේ එහෙ මෙහෙ යමින් ඡායාරූප ගන්නට වූහ. ඒ අතර අනෙක් කඳු ගැටයට ගිය පිරිස එම කඳු මුදුනට පැමිණ අප අමතන්නට වූහ. ඔවුන් හා අප අතර ඉදිරියෙන් දැවැන්ත ප්‍රමාණයක් වූ අතර නැවත ඔවුහු අප සිටි ස්ථානයටම පැමිණුනහ.

බෙරගල, බෙලිහුල්ඔය, හපුතලේ, කල්තොට, බලංගොඩ දක්වා අංශක 180ක පුළුල් වපසරියක් දකුණු දිගින් අපට දැක ගන්නට ලැබුණ අතර සමනල වැවද ඒ අතර විය. අනෙක් පසින් වංගෙඩිගල සිට ගොම්මෝලිය සහ හෝර්ටන්තැන්න දක්වා දිවෙන කඳු වැටියත් බටහිරින් හාවාගල සහ නැග්රැක් කඳු වැටියේ සිට හෝර්ටන්තැන්න කඳු වැටියක් දක්නට ලැබුණේ පහළින් දඟර ගැසී යන නැග්රැක් මාර්ගය ද දර්ශනය වෙමිනි. සහයෙකු සතු වූ දුරදක්නයකින් බේකර්ස් වංගුව සහ නැග්රැක් බංගලාව දැක ගැනීමට ලැබුණු අතර අනෙක් පසින් බෙලිහුල්ඔය බදුල්ල මාර්ගය ද දක්නට ලැබුණි.

ක්ෂණයෙන් දැවැන්ත මීදුමකින් අප සිටි ප්‍රදේශය වසාගෙන සිටි අතර විනාඩි කිහිපයකට පසු එය නැවතත් අතුරුදන් විය. හරිත වර්ණයෙන් අනූන කඳු වැටි මත දැවැන්ත ගල් කුට්ටි විය. දිය සීරාවන් පරවියන්ගලින් ඇද හැලෙන අතර තවමත් හිරු කිරණ ගතට සිසිලසක් දෙමින් පැවතුණි. අඩි පාර තිබූ සමහර ස්ථානවලට මීටර කිහිපයක් දුරින් හෙල් විය. ගල් කුට්ටි හා ලිස්සනසුලු ගල් කැබලි පිරි මාර්ගය බැසීම තරමක් අසීරු වූ නමුත් එක පෙළට විවෘත අවකාශය හරහා අපගේ ගමන නොනැවතී පහළට ගිය අතර පිම්මේ ගමන් කළ අප නැවතුණේ පයිනස් කැලය හරහා යමින් නාය ගිය ඉසව්ව අසලිනි. එතැනින් තරමක් මුහුණ කට දෙ‌‌‌ාවාගෙන නැවතත් අපි දහවල් එක පමණ වන විට පහළ ගම්මානයට බැස ගත්තෙමු.

ප්‍රධාන මාර්ගයට පැමිණ නැවතත් හැරී බැලූ කල මෙම සුවිසල් කන්ද අන්ධකාරයේ තරණය කිරීම පිළිබඳ හිතේ පුංචි ආඩම්බරයක් සහ සතුටක් තිබෙන වග අපි දුටුවෙමු.

More to go

Came to the other edge of the range

Paraviyangala peak

Reaching to the pines patch

Time for a capture

small fall near the landslide

Morning

The University

Mountains

The Landslide area

Thanks for reading!

Sobasiri Team © 2018

December month start & still we in Kohonawala village. Because we came to here on November 30th. We plan to start our return journey on early morning & but finally journey start on 7.30 a.m. We have to climb same route which yesterday we passed. Only good thing was cargo weight heavily reduced & we carried only our bag. Luckily sunny weather from morning & other good thing was our 2 friends came to Madolsima after repair the van. Previous night they found a place to stay in Passara. Our climbing speed got slow & took several little rests on our return journey. Around 10.30 a.m we were able to came to the estate road. We were very happy about complete this tough journey. Now we have to ready for next event at Galwelagama school. Principle arranged event on December 1st ( Saturday) on our request. First we came to Madolsima Police Station & met the very helpful OIC. After that we had a wash there & changed our cloths. From there we went on Ekiriya road & turn from Galulla junction. We have to travel 7 km’s to reach to school. We faced problem again & last part of the road under construction. Then we have to walk few km’s with heavy school bags. All of us in very tired condition but no any other option than walking. Around 2.00 p.m we came to the school. The principle warmly welcomed us. She was truly hero for these students & for village. No any other teacher in this school & she look after Grade 1 – 5 classes. Due to traveling difficulties teachers not willing to come here. She was doing principles & all teachers role alone. For safe guard & continuity of this school she was doing Montessori in this school. All these hard work beyond her official duty limits. She doing all these for her poor students & for her village without any benefit for her. Hard to believe & imagine such generous great life. We gave school bag , writing books for whole year , water bottle , lunch box , pencils & other stationery items for each student. Also we gave Name Board & sports items for the school. Finally we gave pack of sweets for each student. After distributing all gifts we completed our mission. We feel very happy about what we done. We prepared to start our return journey with empty hands & with heavy happy memories. Around 6.30 p.m we leave from there & reached to home around 2.30 a.m on 2nd December. We completed another very successful donation programme with memorable experiences.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

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Village Temple

Village Temple

Morning views

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Water Fall seen from distance

Came to turning point to School

.	Surround Mountains

.	Lot more to go

.	Village Houses seen from distance

.	Paddy Fields at Village

.	Zig Zag shape roads in the village

“Ambalama”

Every where green color

.	Through bushes

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wow

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Wait for re-fresh

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.	We met this Mother & son

waiting till others

Village Paddy Field

Water Stream

Tea Factory

Madolsima Town

Madolsima Police Station

Again start walking

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.	Finally came to school

.	The Principle

Students & their mothers waiting

Welcome speech by Principle

Donating School Items

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.	Donating sports items to school

Kids with their gifts

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Everywhere smiles

Distributing pack of sweets

Happy Faces

Happy Faces

Showing their talents

Principle & students

Happy time

Leaving from school

Back to homes

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“Sirimath Ella” seen from distance

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Kurunegala District is blessed with number of isolated mountains. I have been at highest (Bisogala-823m) and many of them. This is sharing my experience of another four minor peaks at Kurunegala District. They are
1. Nathagane (330m)
2. Werapola (=120m)
3. Gonagama Kanda (=320m)
4. Kadiragala (=130m)

Nathagane (නාථගනේ) (330m) (7.572861, 80.277480)

Route: Colombo->Kurunegala->Mahakeliya in A10 road->Nathagane

Nathagane is an isolated hill situated between Kurunegala and Wariyapola. This is well seen to A10 road (Kurunegala-Anuradhapura road) with stupa on top of the rock.

Nathagane and Werapola in metric maps. Click image to enlarge.

We have driven along A10 road and got the turn at Kelimune (කෙලිමුනේ) area to Nathagane Buddhist Monastery. There was a concrete road till the car park of the monastery. It is a common feature of all these rocks where a temple or a monastery situated at base of each rocks. It was a brighten day when we started the climb. As it was the meditating time, monks were not around. The welcome from the helper was not Soon we missed the forest path and hiked through dry zone forest. Within about one hour hike we were able to get on to the rock where surrounding view is available.
In this journey we have reached three view points on the rock, including the place with Stupa and highest point of the range. Yakdessagala range and Gonagama Kanda were always rising in front of Nathagane.
good but we walked up to Bo tree of the temple and followed the foot path behind it.

Concrete road to the monastery.

Rules

Three man team for the journey: Nuwan, Anupama and Achintha

Through dry forest

Kuwenigala

The view

Yakdessagala is always rising in front of Nathagane

Gonagama Kanda

A10 road and concrete road at Kelimune to Nathagane

More and more boulders to pass

Second view point was the “gala” with stupa. Someone has marked the path by yellow arrows to Stupa. It was a pseudo stupa which is made by metallic frame covered with white sheets. This place is the best view point out of all. It must be the reason to build a stupa on top of it. We were able to identify Yakdessagala, Ethugala, Andagala, Hadurukkanda, Belgoda Kanda, Parape kanda, Gonagama range, Werapola, Kadiragala, A10 road and Deduru Oya reservoir.

Path way is marked

Journey includes rock climbing session as well.

The rock with stupa

Under brighten sky

Wellagala

Fainted view of Yapahuwa

What a view…

Now we are at same level of stupa. This is like the ridge of the rock.

Window view

Clear foot path

Nathagane stupa

At Stupa Gala

Waving flag…..

Whole area is visible to stupa gala

The road

Highest point of the range-our next target

Kadiragala is with its white Stupa like frame on top

Kurunegala-Wariyapola road

Hadurukkanda, Belgoda kanda and Parape Kanda

Ethugala is seen in the middle with back drop of Hadurukkanda

Long sloping rock is Andagala

Majestic face of Yakdessagala

Dolukanda range is seen behind Yakdessagala

Gonagama range

??Biso gala is seen beyond Gonagama range

Wellagala

Deduru Oya reservoir

Roof of the monastery is seen

Nathagane stupa

Coconut estates, paddies and nearby lake

Greenish paddies

Towards Alawwa and Polgahawela area

Towards Alawwa and Polgahawela area

Squares

Heading to highest point of the range

We returned back to foot path and followed the way to the highest point of the range which seems covered by forest. Arrow marks guided us to the highest point where a flag is placed.

The path under boulders

To the highest point….

Arrow marks to the highest point of the rock

On top of highest point of Nathagane range

On top of highest point of Nathagane range

Highest point of Nathagane range

At highest point of Nathagane range

Wariyapola town

Wellagala with Deduru Oya reservoir behind

We have spent about three hours to explore the whole range of Nathagane. We proceeded up to other end of the range where we met group of teenagers who climbed the rock from that side. Then we got down straightway through the forest to reach coconut estate at base of the rock. Within another 30minutes journey we have reached the entrance of the monastery where we parked our bikes.

Back to village

Werapola rock is situated closer to Nathagane. Therefore it is better couple this visit with Nathagane hike.

Werapola (වේරපොල) (=120m) (7.599740, 80.259627)

Route: Colombo->Kurunegala->Werapola in A10 road->Werapola

Werapola small rock is seen to A10 road at Mahakeliya (මහකෙලිය) area. Just after passing Mahakeliya we turned to left and reached the temple at base of Werapola rock. Here podi hamuduruwo voluntarily came to show the path. After about 30minutes hike along the rock we have reached the top of Werapola.
You can see a ruined Stupa on top of Werapola rock. It provides 360 degree view to surrounding. We were able to view Yakdessagala, Gonagama Kanda, Nathagane, Wariyapola town, Wellagala etc.

Werapola rock is seen to main road.

Angle of the rock

Podi Hamuduruwo voluntarily came with his pet dog

Reached top of Werapola rock

Surrounding view

Werapola Lake

Nearby factory

Wellagala

Kadiragala

Buddha statue and Pirivena

Yakdessagala and Gonagama rock

Yakdessagala zoomed

Nathagane

Dematawa Kanda

Paddies

Paddies

Wariyapola town

Ruins of old Stupa and a frame of stupa is placed there

Frame of stupa

Getting down…

Second highest peak of Yakdessagala range-Gonagama Kanda (ගෝනාගම කන්ද) (320m) (7.616723, 80.312867)

Route: Colombo->Kurunegala->Kudagalgamuwa->Gonagama kanda->Gonagama

Yakdessagala is a range extending from Andagala (අදාගල) to Gonagama. Highest point of this range is Yakdessagala and Gonagama is the second highest point. When you are in front Yakdessagala range this cross section can be nicely seen.

Gonagama Kanda and Yakdessagala range

Gonagama range seen from Nathagane

Hike to Gonagama Kanda is a 30-45min workout through dry zone forest patch. We got the bus from Kurunegala to Gonagama via Kudagalgamuwa (කුඩාගල්ගමුව) and got down at Pimburuwellegama Sri Sumangala Thapowanarama temple. It is a straightforward hike behind the temple but there was no foot path. Summit point is a rocky surface and marked with a flag.
We were able to identify Nathagane, Werapola, Wariyapola area, Yakdessagala, Ethugala and Deduru Oya reservoir under gloomy condition. It was not a good day for identify surrounding landmarks.

We got down here.

Keshan and Anupama

Uphill walk to Gonagama peak through dry zone forest patch

Small Cave

Rock surface

Reaching the summit

Nearby paddies

Pimburuwellegama Central College

Bird’s eye view of Sri Sumangalarama Thapowanarama Temple

Wariyapola road zoomed

Moving from one rock to the other

Approximate path we came

Yakdessagala is seen

Summit with the flag and other end of the range

View towards Wariyapola

Nathagane-where I have noted Gonagama peak first

Wellagala

Another nearby temple

Deduru Oya reservoir

Dry paddies

Range continues

On top of Gonagama Kanda

Small cave under the summit

Coming back

After getting down from Gonagama Kanda, we have moved to nearby ancient cave temple called, Karathana Len Viharaya. Karathana Len Viharaya is situated few kilometers away from Wariyapola town.

Karathana Len Viharaya (කරතන ලෙන් විහාරය)
Karathana Len Viharaya is a cave temple situated at Wariyapola area. Image house of the temple is situated at cave which has two entrance. Stupa of the temple is placed at bit higher position than the cave.

Karathana cave temple

Entrance to cave temple

Buddha statue and painted celling

Flight of stairs to Stupa

Stupa

Kadiragala was the last destination of the day. On our way to Kadiragala, we have crossed Maguru Oya (මගුරු ඔය) where Yakdessagala, Gonagama kanda and Wellagala are seen nicely

Official transport provider

Nathagane range is seen over Maguru Oya. Tip of Yakdessagala is also seen.

Wellagala

Kadiragala

Boats at Maguru Oya

Kadiragala (කදිරාගල) (=120m) (7.627125, 80.255990)

Route: Colombo->Kurunegala->Wariyapola->Kadiragala

God Katharagama (called Kadira-කදිරා) has visited here to meet Walli Amma (වල්ලි අම්මා) (later his wife). Therefore it is called Kadira+Aa+ Gala=Kadiragala
Kadiragala RMW is situated at base of the rock. It says this RMW was built during King Walagamba period. We got permission from the priest and started to follow steps to Kadiragala. It is about 10minutes hike along steps to top of Kadiragala. Though we are supposed to come across stone inscription on side of the steps, but we didn’t see it. On top of Kadiragala, you would see a Buddha statue, small stupa with a pond. Remains of an old stupa is also seen there. Kadiragala is a nice flat rock with 360 degree surrounding view. It includes Nathagane, Werapola, Wellagala, Yakdessagala, Gonagama Kanda and Dolukanda.

Kadiragala RMW

Image house of temple

On our way to the rock

Katharagama Dewalaya

සුදු අරලිය

Top of the rock is seen

Easy path

Buddha statue and pagoda

Surrounding view

The pond

Remains of old stupa

On top of Kadiragala

Wellagala, Gonagama Kanda and Yakdessagala.

Wellagala-Walli Amma stayed here

Yakdessagala zoomed

Towards Ethugala and Andagala

Nathagane

Werapola and Dematawa Kanda (behind)

The road through coconut estate

පතොක්

.	Three rocks are seen in this picture: Dolukanda, Gonagama Kanda and Wellagala

Parape Kanda in distance

.

Wellagala is also situated close proximity of Kadiragala. As time didn’t permit I kept it for next visit.

Put all in together

Thanks for reading

This is another collection of some waterfalls situated at Nawalapitiya and Ginigathhena areas. Here I have spent four days to get a complete idea of some waterfalls. Following waterfalls and places of archeological interest were visited during my journey.

1. Heightenford Falls / Sudugala Ella / Galpoththa
2. Galboda upper falls (Proper Galboda Falls), Middle segment and Lower falls
3. Hangaran Oya cascades
4. Aberdeen Falls and it’s upper cascades
5. Lakshapana Falls revisiting-Top and Bottom
6. Renu Ella
7. Ambagamuwa Inscription
8. Dutch memorial cemetery

It was a two days waterfall hunting started from Colombo. This was our optional plan as main plan of Eli Hatha-Deraniyagala was cancelled due to heavy rain. Colombo-Awissawella-Hatton road (A7) was the easiest way to reach Nawalapitiya from Colombo. As sky was clear following heavy rain we have stopped at Ginigathhena to enjoy the view of Seven Virgin Hills.

Towards Kehelgamuwa hills

Seven Virgin hills are seen through the gap

On our way to Nawalapitiya from Ginigathhena, we have decided to visit at Ambagamuwa inscription. Ambagamuwa Inscription is situated at Ginigathhena-Nawalapitiya (B319) road. We have turned to left at Ambagamuwa and drove along a by road to reach Ambagamuwa inscription

Ambagamuwa Inscription (අඹගමුව සෙල් ලිපිය) (7.022122, 80.495773)

Route: Colombo->Ginigathhena->Ambagamuwa->Ambagamuwa inscription

Ambagamuwa inscription lies on a small triangular piece of land. This inscription is considered as one of the main sources of information in Polonnaruwa era.
Ambagamuwa inscription has been made on the 36th year of King Wijayabahu 1 (1070-1110). According to chronicles the king rested here en route to Sri Pada with his retinue while on pilgrimage. There are engraved two rocks. This inscription describes the defeat of the Tamil invaders by King Wijayabahu and bringing country under one rule, it also describes the work done by the king to the people and donations made to the Sri Pada Pilgrims and the Sri Pada.
(Quoted from Amazing Lanka)

Historical information

Ambagamuwa inscription

Ambagamuwa inscription

Ambagamuwa inscription

.	The mountain situated behind the land

We stopped at Nawalapitiya for the breakfast and met another waterfall lover-Mr. DV Mervin. He has helped a lot in this journey in providing information about the area. After saying good bye to Mr. Mervin we followed our way to famous Galboda Falls.
We drove along Mapa kanda road in Nawalapitiya to reach Galboda Falls. This road became terrible when it was closer to Galboda area but we were able to pass the old factory and train track. Before about 1km to Galboda falls we have parked the vehicle and started to walk. There was a ticket counter at the beginning of foot path which goes parallel to the water diversion canal. There was about 1km walk from the ticket counter till Galboda falls come in our vicinity.

Snapped with Mr. Mervin (2nd in the row from front)

Galboda church

You will come across a nice view point of rail track on your way to Galboda fall

Ambuluwawa with towers

Heading to Galboda fall.

Some parts of the road is good

At the entrance of the fall

Enjoying their life

Ticket counter and foot path

Foot path is parallel to the canal

There is a hanging bridge over the stream

Galboda fall comes into vicinity

Galboda Falls (ගල්බොඩ ඇල්ල) (6.975591, 80542815)

Route: Nawalapitiya->Mapa kanda road->Galboda Road->Galboda Waterfall

Galboda Fall originates from the Galboda canal (also known as Hanguran Oya). Galboda fall is 30m in height and 3-6m in width. Galboda railway station is situated closer to the fall and coming by the train is the easiest way to reach the fall. You have to walk towards Inguru Oya station from Galboda station and follow the path to the fall. Nawalapitiya-Mapa Kanda road (මාපාකන්ද පාර) is the other way of reaching the fall. But this road is not good to drive a low ground vehicle. You can connect with this road from Rosella as well if you are coming from Hatton side. There is about 1km walk from ticket counter till you reach the base of the fall. There are lot of constructions around the fall for the convenience of travelers including observation flat form.

Galboda fall

Galboda fall. Note Sanjeewa has reached middle of the fall. But this is not recommend as it is extremely slippery.

Galboda fall

Galboda fall

Galboda fall.

Full frame view of the fall from observation flat form

Galboda fall

Galboda fall

Monochrome view of Galboda Falls

Enjoy the video of Galboda Falls https://youtu.be/F6zOns1ADRI

The same water stream form the Galboda fall will form another cascades below famous Galboda Fall. Therefore famous Galboda falls can be considered as upper Galboda Fall. The middle Galboda fall is situated over the bridge between twin tunnels of rail track. Here you have to walk towards Inguru Oya station and between 13th and 14th tunnels middle segment of Galboda Fall is seen. (6.984162, 80.538330)

The bridge between twin tunnels. (13th and 14th tunnels)

Galboda middle falls

Galboda middle falls. It is bit difficult to reach the fall.

Galboda Lower Falls (ගල්බොඩ පහළ ඇල්ල)
Galboda Lower Fall is situated closer to the power plant of Galboda. We have followed the Mapa kanda road from Galboda railway station. At the end of concrete section you will come across a cemetery at right side. Then we followed the foot path through tea patch and got down to the stream by crossing a Mana patch. It needs go upstream another 300m to reach the base of this beautiful waterfall. Galboda lower falls is about 15m tall. Actually it is a separate water stream forms Galboda lower falls and it joins with Mahaweli River just after the power station. (Mahaweli River forms Galboda upper and middle segments)

Kabaragala is seen on our way to Galboda lower falls

Galboda lower falls

Galboda lower falls

Galboda lower falls

Galboda lower falls

This place is good for a safe bath. We decided not to follow the same way and walked through another flat Mana area to reach the hydro power station. But it was another strenuous journey to find the way through Mana patch.

Next set of waterfalls are situated at closer to Inguru Oya railway station. Hangaran Oya (හගරන් ඔය) joins with Mahaweli River closer to Inguru Oya station and it forms 4-5 waterfalls as a chain. As it doesn’t have proper name, it gets the name as Hangaran Oya falls.

Here we drove back along the same road to reach Inguru Oya station. (Otherwise you can follow the rail track to reach the station). A big thank should go to Mr. Mervin to direct us to this waterfall. We have crossed Mahaweli River by suspension bridge and walked towards the station. The local called Bandara met on our way and he told some land marks to reach the waterfall. (He was the same guide to Mr. Mervin).

Hangaran Oya joins with Mahaweli River closer to Inguru Oya station. Approximate site of waterfalls is circled.

Crossing Mahaweli River by suspension bridge

There was a foot path closer to railway station and it was a mini hike through Pinus patch to reach top of Hangaran Oya. We have crossed the water stream to it’s right side and followed the stream in it’s right side. On top of first waterfall was like infinity pool of Duwili cascade. Careful descend along right side brought us to the base of third fall of Hangaran Oya cascades.

Along the Pinus patch

Hangaran Oya cascades (හගරන් ඔයේ ඇලි) (7.015234, 80.549641)

We have crossed Hangaran Oya and descend along right side of the stream

On top of first fall of Hangaran Oya falls

First fall of Hangaran Oya falls

First fall of Hangaran Oya falls

With first fall of Hangaran Oya falls

Third fall of Hangaran Oya cascade was the most beautiful out of all. Second fall was also seen there. (We have skipped second falls). There was enough space at base of third fall and base pool was safe for a bath as well.

Second and third fall of Hangaran Oya cascades.

Second and third fall of Hangaran Oya cascades.

Enjoying the beauty….

Third fall of Hangaran Oya cascade

At base of Hangaran Oya fall

On top of fourth fall

After enjoying third fall we have followed the same side of the stream and viewed fourth and fifth parts as well. Now the stream flows through a tea patch and we assumed reaching to a by road would be easy from there. After following about 500m through tea estate we met a lady who strongly objected to go through her estate. Therefore we followed the same path to return to Inguru Oya estate.