It has been a few months since we did something adventurous and we were itching for some action. We were clear from the beginning on what we wanted to do; it had to be at least a 3day hike, away from civilization and most importantly we didn’t want a guide or a clear trail. Although we knew what we wanted finding a hiking trail that we like proved to be much more difficult than we initially imagined.

After looking at all the possibilities we finally agreed on the Bridle Trail in Horton Plains. The only problem with this trail was that it was only a 2day hike whereas we wanted the hike to be at least 3days. One possible way would be is to find a path from the Diayagama trail to the base of Agra Bopath Mountain and form there find our way to the start of the Bridle trail this would add around 10km to the Bridle Trail making it a 3day hike.

They say that rivers/streams are the highways in the jungle and I fully agree with this. In my opinion the easiest way (perhaps not the safest) to travel in a jungle is to follow a stream. I have done this quite a few times and it has paid off. To find a path form the Diayagama trail to the base of Agra Bopath I first needed to find a stream and to find a stream I needed to find a valley. Thanks to Google earth and Garmin BaseCamp finding the valley was easy and by analyzing it further we realized that there was a high probability that a small steam was there.

Once the trail was decided it was time to fix the dates, Kasun was upgrading some of his gear and so was I and since we both thought that this hike would be a good chance to try our new gear the trip was postponed till the new gear arrived. This delay was also a blessing in disguise as it gave us plenty of time to study the terrain and plan the trip in great detail.

Day 1 Marked in Blue, Day 2 Marked in Yellow & Day 3 Marked in Red – Click Map To Enlarge

Please note that all photographs published in this report were taken by Kasun and full credit should go to him for photo documenting this trip.

Day 1: Diayagama Trail (2.5Km) > Followed a stream up to the base of Agra Bopath Mountain (5Km)

The night mail from Colombo arrived in Ohiya around 4.30am and after disembarking, myself and Kasun went across the street from the station and went in to Mr. Gamini’s shop to have breakfast he served us hot roti and sambal. To be honest we thought that the roti was a bit stale and he had just warmed up some old roti and served us. Anyway after managing to eat one roti each we asked him about transport to Horton plains. Mr. Gamini offered to drop us at the Diayagama trail head for Rs.1000/= we took him up on his offer and went to up to the Diayagama trail head passing the Visitor centre in one of his three-wheelers.

The walk down the Diayagama trail was easy and according to my calculations we should find a stream coming from Agra Bopath around 2.5Km for the trail head. Weeks of analyzing Google earth and maps paid off as the stream was there on the exact spot we predicted.

In the beginning Kasun didn’t want to get in to the stream, he wanted to travel parallel to the stream without getting his shoes wet!! But after traveling this way for some distance (250M) it was becoming very clear that we had no option but to get in to the stream as the vegetation was getting denser.

Day 1 : Marked in Blue – Click Map to Enlarge

The Road from Ohiya

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Diayagama Trail Head

Agra Bopath in a Distance (our Target for the Day)

According to My Calculations the Stream Should be Here

And Here it is !!

Me with The North Face Conness 52

Kasun with his Deuter ACT Lite 40+10

Dense Vegetation

It’s time to Get Wet

The water initially felt a bit cold but as our feet grew accustomed it didn’t feel that bad. We didn’t encounter too many obstacles just a few cascades and one waterfall (marked as WF546 on the Google image). JUST A WORD OF CAUTION: TRAVELING UP/DOWN STREAMS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS; YOU ONLY NEED TO MAKE ONE WRONG FOOTING TO SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURY.

Leftovers

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Peaceful at Times

A Little bit Challenging at Times

Within “Acceptable Level of Risk”

WF546 (Level 1)

WF546 (Level 2)

Avoiding a Waterfall

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.	The Road to Heaven

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2Km up the stream we saw a rather large savanna patch and at the end of it was another waterfall (marked as WF625 on the Google image) in haste I immediately came to the conclusion that this is part of the Great savanna that we were looking for and without climbing the waterfall we could go left and find the Great savanna. Kasun had his doubts form the beginning but I insisted that we go up the savanna and see. So we climbed out of the valley and almost went up to the edge of the savanna just to find out that it was a dead end !!

After nearly wasting 1hour we came back to the Waterfall (WF625) and had to find a way to climb around it. After overcoming this hurdle we were back following the stream a few more cascades later we came upon another waterfall (marked as WF660 on the Google image) after passing this it was becoming difficult to follow the stream as it grew narrower and narrower so we were traveling parallel to the stream

Time was ticking by and yet we haven’t found the Great savanna patch that we were looking for (we were planning to camp at the base of it). It was almost 4.45pm when we decided that we have to give up finding this savanna and we needed to make camp before it got dark. It was a hard decision to make but it was the correct thing to do.

The tent was setup and we put an additional fly sheet just in case it rained. While setting up the tent we did not clear the ground of the weeds that were there as they would act as a buffer between the tent and the cold earth making it a little bit warmer inside the tent.

Once all this was done, supper was prepared on our little stove. By 6pm we had had our supper and the campsite was prepared for the night. But, there was one problem. I did not bring my sleeping bag because I wanted to save space inside the pack and also to reduce weight instead I brought a sleeping bag under layer to keep me warm and to stop stones from pricking. This mat was strapped to the back of the pack and when we stopped for the day we realized that it has fallen some ware along the trail. Kasun came up with a simple plan, we had some extra large heavy duty garbage bags and we also found large heaps of dried grass close to our campsite so we filed out a garbage bag and made a large mat to sleep on.

Mistaken Identity

Heading the Wrong Way

WF625 in a Distance

WF625

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.	At the Top of the Waterfall (WF625)

Cascades

More Cascades

Some More Cascades

Many More Cascades

Still a Long Way to Go

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No Option but to Set up Camp

Day 2 : From Agra Bopath Base to Kirigalpotha Trail (1.1Km)> On Kirigalpotha Trail (900M) > Bridle Trail (4Km)

Day 2 : Marked in Yellow – Click Map to Enlarge

After a peaceful night’s sleep we got up at 5.30am and started to pack. By 7am we were packed and ready to start our 2nd day of hiking. Our plan was to travel up to a small savanna patch marked as Waypoint 15 of the Trail Guide. According to my calculations this should be a good place to camp and there should also be a water source.

But before any of those we needed to find the Grate Savanna patch and then find the Kirigalpotha trail !! I and Kasun were divided on this, he thought that we need to travel further down the valley to find the Grate Savanna patch and I was insisting that we only had climb out of the valley and we will find it. So we finally agreed and climbed out of the valley as I suggested and to our relief we did find the Grate Savanna patch !!

We knew that the Kirigalpotha trail was at the other end of this Savanna patch so we continued crossing it and ultimately found the Kirigalpotha trail. Once on this trail we continued towards the Visitor Center after continuing for 900M we came to the Belihuloya crossing, there we had our breakfast and headed back in to the jungle towards the Bridle trail.

Good Morning !!

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Start of Another Day

Climbing Out of the Valley

Yes We Found It !!!

Kirigalpotha Trail Should at the End of the Savanna Patch

Beauty of the Savanna

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Finding the Kirigalpotha Trail

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.	Belihuloya Crossing on the Kirigalpotha Trail

We continued towards Slab Rock Falls (Marked as “WF739” on the Google image) and after having a quick look at it we continued on our quest to find the Jeep track (Bridle trail) this section of the trail was densely over grown. We had a nightmare of a time trying to find the Jeep track.

After a bit of a struggle we did come across a very broad trail which clearly looked like a Jeep track!!

If the path was this clear this is going to be “a walk in the park” or at least that is what we thought!! After traveling less than 100M on this clear trail the trail suddenly became overgrown and full of thorns cutting a path through the thorns became a very painful challenge. Since we had no other option we continued to follow this trail and cut a path just enough for us to squeeze through

Found the Old Jeep Track (Bridle Trail)!!

A Walk in the Park or so we Thought

The Nightmare Begins

Never Ending Nightmare

Finally an Open Area

The Concrete Bridge in the Middle of the Jungle

After battling with thorns for a considerable distance we suddenly came out to a clearing and found a Concrete bridge in the middle of no ware!! Then it was back it to the thick jungle till we came to a savanna patch. From the planning stage our plan was to camp here unlike the previous day we came to our destination with plenty of daylight left (around 2.20pm) and we found a stream at one end of the savanna along with a small waterfall (around 15ft high)

Our camp was setup close to the stream in a place which was well protected from the wind. Since we didn’t have much to do we explored the area a bit and started to prepare our supper around 4.30pm and had an early meal and went to bed around 6pm

Emerging from the Thick Jungle on to the Savanna Patch

The Savanna Patch (Waypoint 15 of the Trail Guide)

Clear Skies a Grate Blessing

The Waterfall Near Our Camp Site

Haven

Cooking

Nothing like Corn Beef & Magi for Supper

View from the top of the Waterfall

On Top of the Waterfall

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Day 3 : Bridle Trail (8Km) > North Cove Division (1.3Km)

Day 3 : Marked in Red – Click Map to Enlarge

By 6am we were up and after munching on a few bars of Mars and packing our gear we were ready to leave by 7.30am. Kasun was insisting that we abandon the Bridle trail and find our own way by following a stream. I was reluctant at first because the thought of getting in to a cold stream early in the morning with shoes didn’t make much sense. But his point was that following the Bridle trail was boring and I had to agree with him on that it was becoming a bit boring. So after looking at maps and studying the contour lines we figured out that the stream that we were camping next to could lead us out of the forest or we could join the Bridle trail further down.

Traveling down this stream didn’t pose too many complications the water was flowing lazily and it only had a few small cascades that we had to tackle. Around 1.5Km from camp we climbed on to a vantage point to get a better look at our surroundings and to our surprise saw a mining site not far from where we were. The site looked like a working mine but when we got there we did not find any miners. Form the mine there was a small but clear footpath heading in the direction of North Cove So we changed our plans and decided to follow this mining trail.

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Mining Trails

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After coming across several abandoned mining sites the trail eventually led us to Mahadeniya and to our surprise the mines at Mahadeniya were also abandoned!! We were interested in talking to some of the miners and at the same time were glad that nobody was there as we were not sure if the miners would consider us as hostile. From there we followed the trail up to Mahaeliya and found that this large mining site was also abandoned!! (Later we learned that the STF was carrying out a raid on the mines on that day and word has been sent to the miners form the estate workers)

Continuing along these trails we finally came out of the forest around 2pm and found ourselves in the North Cove Division of the Loinorn Estate about 1.5Km away from the North Cove Cabanas. From there we continued along estate roads and after walking for around 1.3Km we found a van which travels from the Estate to Bogawantalawa town as soon as we reached Bogawantalawa town there was a bus that was preparing to leave to Hatton. Once we reached Hatton bus stand we immediately found another bus that was going to Colombo and we boarded it and reached Colombo around 9pm.

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Mahadeniya in a Distance

On the Way to Mahadeniya

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He’s Got His Lunch

Towards Mahaeliya

A Frog in a Gem Pit

Surely We Must be Close Now

Entering North Cove Division

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The End

Thanks for reading.

A rough map

map around Kapurella – click to enlarge

Hot water springs are a fascinating creation of Mother Nature. There are few theories how these form and they are

• Radiation from radioactive substances like Uranium, Thorium etc may heat up the surrounding rocks which in turn heats up the deep seated water sources.
• Warmed up minerals and rocks in the earth emits heat and this can heat up water springs (most likely)
• Heat from cooling magma could be the cause of heating deep seated water sources which spurs out of earths cracked points

This is a special report on hot water springs of Sri lanka. This was a very tempting topic which made it so irresistible that I ended up visiting almost all of these remarkable sites in a short period. The hot lakdasun forum post was indeed my greatest guide on this venture. I would be adding few details on some hot water springs I visited during the past few years for the sake of completeness. Here are the documented hot water springs in Sri lanka.

Rankihiriya – Gomarankadawala

Kanniya – Trincomalee

Nelumwewa / Gal wewa – Welikanda

Muthugalwela – Gurukumbura / Maduru oya

Kapurella – Tempitiya / Maha oya

Mahaoya (Maha siyambala gas kandiya) – Maha oya

Marangala / Wahawa – Padiyathalawa

Embilinna – Inginiyagala reservoir

Kivulegama – Jayanthi Wewa / Wadinagala

Mahapelessa – Sooriyawewa

Gal wewa / Nelum wewa hot water springs – Welikanda (63⁰c)

We were off to Passikudah for a relaxing weekend and on the way we suddenly decided to visit Nelum wewa hot water springs. One will find the turn off close to Welikanda (after Manampitiya) towards Nelum wewa. After traveling 9km’s we reached the lake which was dried out. If it was full we would have had to hire a boat but since the lake was dried out we did walk towards the springs which were at an elevated island in the center of the lake. This was known as the warmest spring (63⁰c) in Sri Lanka but was pushed back to second place recently by Kapurella. After visiting Nelum wewa we went towards Passikudah and rested the whole day as it was our main purpose of this visit.

Dimbulagala

dried out Nelum wewa

nelum wewa / gal wewa

the drought

hot water wells in the center of the lake

bubbling

Gal wewa / Nelum wewa

what lovely beach at Passikuda

shells

slow shutter at its best

dusk at Passikuda

Next day we departed towards Monaragala along the coast line and on the way we visited the Batticaloa Portuguese (later Dutch & English) fort which was built in 1628 which is now the district secretariat office. They do allow visitors to walk around the fort but it’s limited for obvious reasons. On two sides it’s surrounded by the lagoon and the other two by a canal. The view from this fabulous location is unforgettable. After hanging around we decided to get back to Monaragala via Pottuvil to end that day.

good morning

eastern sun

Eravur lagoon

Batticaloa fort

towards the lagoon

VOC

guard post

bell tower

Kallady bridge as seen from the fort

still in place

makers name

a jelly fish in the lagoon

Golden fields of Akkareipattu

Kapurella hot water springs – Tempitiya (64.5⁰c)

Next was the big one and most anticipated Kapurella hot spring sparsely known and located within the jungle close to Omanugala forest reserve. This was a must visit place in my long list so I decided to give it a go. I had been to Tempitiya temple once and the chief monk was kind enough to introduce me to a guide also I had to get permission from the Maha oya police post to make this expedition a reality. So on a Saturday we gathered at Tempitiya temple where two police officers and our guide Bandu joined us. The distance to the hot springs was around 3Km’s from the village. First 1.5km was through the chena land until Mundeni aru (Maha oya). Crossing Mundeni aru we were in to elephant country. Plenty of elephants roam around this land and there were hundreds of foot paths to justify it. We initially went through a dry zone forest patch and then entered a shrub forest which led us towards Nilgala type forest patch. At last we arrived at a vast open area where a wetland with mangroves could be seen in the center of it. This Thermal wetland is the only one remaining and the Conservationist are trying their best to name this area as a protected site. Walking around this wet land is like walking on sponge and the floor tends to swing with every step we take. The roots go horizontally creating a maze which we could walk on over the mud but one should be careful because if you step on a wrong place you would be stuck in mud. We were told that every year during the drought one or two elephants and few other animals die by drowning in this muddy warm wetland. After tackling the mangrove we reached a pond like area where we could note bubbling and steaming. The heat in the air around this lake was unbearable and we started to sweat in seconds. One foot away from the edge (the roots we were standing on) the water was extremely hot and it was not like any other hot water spring I have ever been to. Definitely this should be hotter than what they have documented (64.5⁰c) unfortunately we didn’t have a thermometer to measure it. Look at the satellite image to get a good idea about this location. The water which springs out forms a stream which leaves this mini lake and ends in a nearby major stream which in turn ends at Mundeni aru. After hanging around we came back along the same route and we did spot few elephants on the way too. There was an archeology site close to the springs where a seven hooded cobra carving could be found but we opted not to visit because of the time factor. After returning to the temple we did note that there was a seven headed cobra carving there too which was found in the nearby Tempitiya lake. After thanking each and every one we took off towards Karadiyanaru and took a detour towards beautiful Unnichchai lake and the detour was worth the effort. We then headed towards Trincomalee after a satisfied morning session.

Google map image – click to enlarge

Tempitiya lake

omanugala seen to tempitiya lake

Kohila ela / ravana ela at tempitiya

a “kon” tree

Neelimalai

maha oya / Mundeni aru

dried out

through the forest patch

pus wel

elephant foot marks

open land

easy to navigate around

it ran away

note the marshy land where the hot water springs could be found

entering the marshy land

more to go

two dogs also followed us

pleasing colours

Kaprulla hotest hot water spring in sri lanka 64.5 c

bubbling and steaming

Kapurella hot water spring

bubbling

extending further

note the mangroves

elephants do die here when they get stuck in muddy hot water

note the marshy land

the water from the spring meeting a main stream

fresh stuff

edible

plenty of foot marks

tempitiya getting ready for the “Katina poojawa”

korawak gal

note the 7 headed cobra

more ruins

half a statue

thoppigala seen over rugam lake

Rukam / Rugam lake

remnants of war

mountains of narakamulla

at Unichchai

Unnichchai tank

the spill

halted

nuwaragala seen to Unnichchai

friars hood

life	pumping drinking water

Like a painting

Kanniya hot water spring – Trincomalee (42⁰c)

After passing Trincomalee we took the Anuradhapura road and reached Kanniya hot water springs (42⁰c) and archaeology site where there were plenty of visitors hampering my attempts to get a clear shot of the site. We obviously didn’t hang around much and decided to leave the place.

Kanniya archaeology site

runis at kanniya

42 c Kanniya hot water wells

one of those wells

Rankihiriya hot water spring – Gomarankadawala (38⁰c)

From here we took off towards Anuradhapura and after passing Mora wewa we took the Gomarankadawala road. Just before reaching Gomarankadawala(4km’s from main road) there was a name board directing towards Rngiri ulpotha temple(4Km’s). This road ran through elephant country and finally ended at a temple. The temple was in good condition and we were amazed to see such a beautiful temple in the middle of the forest. There is well with walls been used by temple residents for bathing purposes and this was the hot water spring(38⁰c) we were searching for. For me this is the best well to have a peaceful hot water bath out of all others. There is an archeology site close to the well where a beautiful pagoda could be found. It’s fascinating to find ancient temples close to many of these hot water springs. This nature of the water is known to cure some skin diseases & etc according to ancient literature and that might be the reason why archeology sites could be found around these springs. From here we took off towards Anuradhapura along the new tar mac which has been completed and which was a pleasure to ride on. On our way we did have few pit stops and one was to enjoy few elephants at Maha divul wewa. We reached Chilaw at around 8pm to end a long and satisfying day.

Rangiri ulpotha arche site gomarankadawala

ruins

38c Rangiri ulpotha hot water spring at gomarankadawala

the perfect place for a hot water bath

steps to the new sthupa

new sthupa

the view

Maha divul wewa

tusker at maha divul wewa

Here are the other hot water springs I managed to visit.

Maha oya / Siyambala gas kandiya hot water springs – Maha oya (54⁰c)

It is located 2Km’s away from Maha oya town along Aralaganvila road. There are 7 wells here.

Please refer the link to see more.

Maha oya hot water wells

bubbling

Wahawa / Marangala hot water springs – Padiyathalawa (48⁰c)

To reach this one should take the road from Padiyathalawa to Uraula and take a turn to the left from Dorakumbura junction and travel 2km’s. One could also reach this site from Ekiriyankumbura. There are about 17 springs but only half of those have been tanked and used for cultivation. The main attraction is the tall pipe well. Please see this link for further information.

the high pressure hot water geyser of wahawa

continous supply

a hot water well

bubbling

Muthugalwela / Gurukumbura – Maduru oya

Absolutely nothing is known about this place and it’s located in the Maduru oya forest reserve. One Maha oya resident said once he came across an army troop who came across this place. This seems a mystery that needs to be resolved.

Kivulegama / Jayanthi wewa hot spring – Wadinagala (34⁰c)

This spring was shifted from the original locations by pipe line because Jayanthi lake was build where it was located 40 years ago. Now it’s in a privately owned land. To reach it one needs to travel along Wadinagala – Iginiyagala and reach Kivulegama where you would come across an old iron bridge. From there take the left side road towards the bund. Please refer the link for further information

Hot water spring of Kivulegama

warm luke water

Embilinna hot water spring – Inginiyagala reservoir

Currently hidden in the largest reservoir of sri lanka. Must try visiting this site during extreme droughts (if I’m lucky enough)

Mahapelessa / Madunagala hot water springs – Sooriyawewa (44⁰c)

The Famous one out of all and more towards down south not like its other cousins who are restricted to eastern province. Take the road towards Sooriya wewa from Nonagama – Embilipitiya road and take another right turn towards Mahapelessa to reach this famous place. Please refer the link for further information.

modified madunagala springs

same as others bubbling

Temperature order: - Kapurella > Nelum wewa > Maha oya > Wahawa > Mahapelessa > Kanniya > Gomarankadawala > Kivulegama

Chemical composition: - Kapurella > Kivulegama > Wahawa > Mahapelessa > Maha oya > Kanniya

Now you see how fascinating this subject is, it just deviated me away from all mountain climbing, waterfall hunting and etc. Something I found common was the nearby villages named because of the springs itself for example: – Ulpotha at Gomarankadawala, Unuwatura bubula at Maha oya & Kivulegama at Wadinagala. Also there were archaeology sites at most of these places for example: – Gomarankadawala, Kanniya, Nelum wewa, Tempitiya, Maha oya, Wahawa & Mahapelessa. Hope you enjoyed this report, So until I find something new it’s time to say adios.

It took me about 25 years to make my mind to first climb the Adams peak. But when I did, I realized that only the first part of the old saying is true. (Nogiya ekath modaya, desarayak giya ekath modaya). After trying out Hatton, Rathnapura, Kuruwita and Maliboda trails within just 4 months, I was wondering whether there is any other route to Adams peak. But I didn’t have to wonder much as I found Chathuranga’s article about Hapugasthenna trail in footpath.lk. However it looked like a difficult and challengeable trail for a not so often hiker like me. Finally, surprise, Chathuranga joined the company I work and we were in the same team. So how can I not try out that trail when the hero of the story is in the same team?

After endless discussions about when to go, what to eat, whether we need to carry a gas cooker etc etc, we finally decided to go on just before a long weekend in February 2014 carrying bread, a homemade curry and a couple of Samaposha packets but nothing else (honestly we even forgot to carry sugar and coconut to mix Samaposha with :D).

The journey

After meeting at Pettah bus stand around 5.30 am, we’ve taken the bus to Maskeliya and then from Maskeliya to Nallathanni. We reached Nallathanni around 1 pm. Since it is a beginning of a long weekend, signs showed that there will be a huge crowed by night. After reaching Gangulathenna, we stayed in the Samanalee hotel which is owned by a very good friend of us. After having couple of rotties, we went to the Seethagangula stream which can be found 50m away from the back of the Samanalee hotel and had a good, freezing bath.

We decided to start our journey a bit earlier than planned before as the route became more crowded by every second. Once we reached Indikatu pana, we decided to take the short cut to Rathnapura route to climb the rest.

The route – Click Map to Enlarge

View of the Adam’s peak from Gangulathenna

Sumana Saman dewalaya – Uda maluwa

The last shop in the Rathnapura route run by two former care takers of uda maluwa during off season were very welcoming as expected. They have provided us with Rotty, sambol and a lot of information about the Hapugasthenna route and stories around it. From them, we got to know that the path was cleared very recently by villagers which reduce much of our worries about getting lost in the jungle.

The descend from the starting point of the footpath to base of Adam’s peak was endless hence felt like we were reaching Hapugasthenna plantation in a one go. We met the main feeder stream of baththalu oya in the base of Adam’s peak where we had Rotti and sambol for breakfast.  Once we passed the base, we had to climb for about 400m-500m till we met a flat section.

All our tiredness and pain had gone away once we came to the Paradise (that was the name given by Chathuranga and the gang in footpath.lk and we agreed too).

The camp site was safer as it was a bit above the stream but we had to move rocks and dug to level the site. After managing to level the site to put up both the tents, we started making a fire. The most amazing and miracle thing we observed was no matter how fresh or wet the wood is, it lights up with one blow.

It was a paradise by any mean. Icy cold crystal clear water was deep enough to have a dip, flowers, many cascades and beautiful weather made it a paradise.

Red circle – Water pump room just above the last shop in Rathnapura trail Red arrow – Hapugasthenna foot path

Heaven

Entering into the endless jungle

Samith with the goPro

The footpath goes through the twin trees

Base of Adam’s peak – main/longest feeder stream of Baththalu oya

A very different view of the Adam’s peak

A very different view of the Adam’s peak

Climb up for about 400m-500m

First to arrive, more to relax

Main water fall in the paradise

Main water fall in the paradise

Our camp site

Since it was not flat enough to sleep in the small tent, we kept all our bags inside it and slept in the bigger tent.

Boiling water to make tea – lit up in one blow though the surrounding was so wet.

Samaposha mixed with chocolate

Good morning Paradise

Small waterfall near the swimming pool

Feeding the swimming pool

Jump?

Yes, jump

Good bye Paradise

Better than a concrete road

Did you see the human like face?

Small tree with nothing inside

How small you think? haha

Wondering in the jungle

Not for so long as there were many signs

Beautiful jungle

Beautiful jungle

The highway

Walking in the highway

Green it was

Obstacles

Rooted footpath

No words to explain the beauty of the jungle

Resting in Ramagala?

More obstacles

Green

More green

Welakkara galge

Somarathna ambalama

Rath ganaga

Sunset in Hapugasthenna plantation

Dimo butta

It’s a must do trek for adventure and nature lovers. But do not forget that you enter into a verging forest hence leave nothing but the foot prints. If you are not a regular hiker, it would be easier if you climb down from Adam’s peak. Prepare well, collect information and HAPPY TREKKING.

Thanks for reading.

the map – click to enlarge

So this was my second visit (previous visit) to Jaffna this year and I would re visit this lovely land at any given time because there is so much to see. This time my main objectives were to visit two populated islands in Jaffna and also to show around my wife the beauty I experienced during my previous visits. On the way to Jaffna we did stop at Iranamadu to have some tea. We reached Jaffna at around 9am and refreshed ourselves before exploring the peninsula.

First we visited the fort then headed straight away towards Casurina beach of Karainagar and returned back to Jaffna for lunch! After lunch and a small nap we headed towards Chunnakam and we visited Keerimalai pond, Dambakola patuna & Kadurugoda temple (Please visit this link to get directions of above stated locations). From Chunnakam we headed towards Chankanai. Once one proceeds few hundred meters towards Karainagar, one would come across an Old Dutch church on the left hand side of the road. This is now an archeological site. From here onwards we returned to Jaffna through Manipay. We also came across an ambalama by the side of the road. This is called Aarukaal Madam at Annaikkoddai. These sought of resting places could be found around Jaffna by the side of the road. To learn all about the components of these “madams” please refer this link. At Jaffna we reached the district secretariat office. Opposite it by the side of A9 one could see the old DS office which is now an archeology site.

misty morning at Kilinochchi

the blazing sun

Iranamadu reservoir

the bund

hard life

close to elephant pass

the fort

a pelican

my favourite board

Keerimalai pond

Dambakola patuna

the shores of dambakola patuna

very busy

frequent sightings

Kandaroadai

in good condition

Chankanai church

remains of the church

outer view

Aarukaal madam

old DS office

dutch architecture

in ruins

window to heaven

what an evening

bye bye

the sun set

and she went

couldn’t resist clicking

Day two was the day I was looking forward too. Yes the sun was shining bright and inviting us to go ahead and explore the unseen. Amila also joined us for this island expedition. We reached Karampan jetty of Kaytes at around 9am and got on to an Eluvaitivu boat. After a 20 minute ride we reached the island of Eluvaitivu. This is a small island with 150 families. There were no trishaws or any other vehicles. But there was a small tractor with its owner who offered to take us on an island tour for 500/= bucks. He took us from one end to the other end and made sure we returned back on time for the ferry. We did note many government institutes like the hospital, school, post office and few more. The coastal shores were lonely but there weren’t any good bathing sites. Our tractor guy was kind enough to offer us some king coconut and boiled Palmyra shoots. After a 1 and a half hour island tour we returned to Karampan jetty for our next adventure.

goats heating up there butts

pied kingfisher

welcome to kaytes

Gods children

love and comfort

boarding the Eluvaitivu boat

island of Eluvaitivu

returning boat from the island

passengers on the deck

reaching Eluvaitivu

awaiting to receive us

calm beech of Eluvaitivu

fisihing is their livelihood

Analaitivu

lovely house

the path we took

health reaches the extremes

poverty

the post office

the school bell

fresh water pond

our BMW ride

indian rollar

the chap who followed us

lovely path

the coast of Eluvaitivu

young palmyra plants

playing cricket at Eluvaitivu

only in jaffna

livelihood

leaving the jetty

friendly faces

After an one hour brake at Karampan we got on to the ferry which took us towards Analaitivu. It was a 40 minute ride under the blazing sun. Analaitivu is one of those huge islands just like Delft. It has many administrative buildings and few Kovils. We hired a trishaw guy to show us a around the island for 1000/= bucks and he was a supersonic guy. The trishaw was racing along the B grade road but within no time he understood that going so fast is not possible with our frequent stops. Our first stop was the old light house where Parititivu which is an extension of Analaitivu could be seen. This island resembled Delft in many ways but to our surprise this island had paddy fields. It is said that this island has the best drinking water in Jaffna. More than Eluvaitivu Analaitivu is worth visiting. On the other side of the island there was a small stretch of land connecting Analaitivu and Puliyathivu which was another extension of the island. The beach around this point was good for a calm swim. After an one and a half hour high speed trishaw ride we returned back to the jetty and took off towards Kaytes. We took our jeep across the ocean from Kaytes to Karainagar with the aid of the ferry and that was a new experience to me. The wonderful evening ended with a bicycle ride to Rio ice cream stall at Nallur (customer service is not good). The 10km up and down bicycle ride with my wife was a great way to end a memorable day.

leaving karampan jetty for the second time

on the way to analaithivu

amila having a chat

island of Ellvaitivu

reaching Analaitivu

welcome to Analaitivu

mini tanks at Analaitivu

health services

a saloon

main mode of transport

never seen an Alpha goat like this

the light house of Analaitivu

beauties on the floor

love to walk along this

lonely tree

towards Parititivu

beautiful roads

halted

cemetry

a church

coral blocked walls

coastal road

komarika were found everywhere

komarika flower

chilies (main cultivation)

a hut

open land

calm and quiet

lovely beach

fresh water pond

coral-ed shores

Nainathivu seen from Analaitivu

abandoned jetty at Puliyanthivu

B grade road

yes there were paddyfields

the main kovil

road side chatting

back to the jetty

ice cream man

ferry which took our jeep from kayts to Karaeinagar

on the ferry

another sun set

Day 3 was all about returning back along the coastal road. We took the A32 Mannar road and crossed the beautiful lagoon via the Sanguppiddy Bridge. We came across few stretches which were under construction but other than that the whole road was in superb condition up to Mannar. On our way we had a stop at Pooneryn junction to visit the Old Dutch fort. From Mannar to Marichchukkaddi the road was in good condition except few small stretches. We entered the Wilpattu Park crossing Modara gan aru and found out that the road was in bad condition. Now only 4WD vehicles go across this road because of  broken bridges and etc. when we exited Kala oya causeway we were surprised to see that the Eluwankulama – Puttalam road which was also almost completely finished. At around 4pm we reached chilaw to end a magical journey to the north of our pearl island.

paddyfields of Pooneryn

shores of Pooneryn

towards salty ocean

A 32

life	Sangupiddy

here we come

silvery oceans

Pooneryn fort

view from the watch post

the fort

traffic along A 32

lonely road

passing mulankavil

plenty of marshy lands

bird life

closing to mannar

the rice bowl

crossing modara gan aru

entering wilpaththu

muddy roads

Black winged . Stilt

passing many villus

lonely ride

final hurdle

Sri Pada, probably the most sacred and worshipped mountain in the whole universe, is a place where millions of pilgrims visit year after year. This is not just another mountain to be climbed but a place where people from many different religions, races and nationalities pay homage. This is a hallmark of the Buddhists where they worship the footprint of one (probably the greatest) of the great philosophers, mind you not just a religious leader, who had walked on this earth. However, there are a few other religious groups that believe this to be their religion leader’s footprint.

For the past hundreds maybe thousands of years countless number of people has visited this sacred place in the hope of getting some inner peace into their troubled minds. Not only those who seek some peace and quiet conquer this mountain but also adventurous travelers who need to test their stamina and add this mesmerizing peak to their ticked list. There are many others with so many reasons that come to this place in numbers.

Talking about Sri Lankans, they have been doing this journey from as far as we can dig into the history. The conditions had been so arduous and dangerous due to the sheer height and unforgiving terrain. However nothing has so far been able to stop the relentless trying and courage of the people and I’m very sure nothing will change that in the future either. From newborns to the great grandmothers and fathers this is a journey that needs to be achieved at least once in their lifetimes. It’s become a dream for many and even an obsession for some but everyone regardless of their age, physical & mental conditions and gender this is a must-do.

There are many people who have done and still do this journey as many times as possible. That is for many, something to boast about. To symbolize the number of attempts, there is a ritual they perform once at the summit. That is to ring a bell located at the peak depending on the number of times you’ve been there. For example, if that is your first time, you can ring the bell just once. If that was your tenth visit, you could ring it ten times. This is not a rule, but a simple and a long-lasting custom out of many by the pilgrims. Among them are some very interesting rituals performed by the devotees but I’ll leave you to search for them that are widely available in many reference books.

Recollections of my first visit to this sacred place are vague and sketchy. It occurred when I was a kid, probably around ten. Out of the few things I can recall are the overflowing people, Seetha Gangula (the stream that flows from the Sri Pada Mountain), darkness, extreme cold, never-ending steps and a rock hard fish bun whose exorbitant price made my granny’s eyes pop clean out of their sockets. She could only afford one and I can remember my teeth biting into the rocky bun and the pain which shot through the jaws all the way into the brain. We traveled in the night after a cold bath in the Seetha Gangula, climbing countless steps being chilled to the marrow making one of the team to lend his sweater to me. I had no idea as to why on earth we were doing that at the time. It all seemed very peculiar to see that many people trying to get to the top amid so many hardships. I was just another curious but childish kid who had no clue about this custom then.

Looking back I feel ashamed of feeling like that at the time. To this moment I’ve been to the Sri Pada five times, forgive me if I sound boastful. Out of them, except the first time I’ve done the other four times not because my family or anyone else but I really wanted to go there and feel the inner peace that course through my veins right into the mind and soul. It’s magical and I’m helpless if you ask me to put it into words. You gotta do it to be able to experience the sensational feeling runs through your mind. Those who have done it will surely know what I’m trying to get across to you.

There are six known paths to the top of the highest peak of the Samanala Mountain Range that is also the fourth highest in Sri Lanka. They are if I’m to list them according to the mostly used by the pilgrims:

1. Hatton Route.
2. Rathnapura aka Sri Palabaddala Route.
3. Kuruwita aka Erathna Route.
4. Rajamale Route.
5. Maliboda Route.
6. Dehenakanda aka Hapugasthenna Route.

This is also the ascending order in terms of difficulty as well. The distance ranges from 5km up to 14km depending on the trail. The shortest is believed to be the Hatton Route while the longest is the Kuruwita Route. The adventurous folks try to get to the top by all six routes while extra adventurous types keep searching for either to uncover the old ones or find new ways to reach their goals. That is one of my dreams as well, try and conquer this magical mountain in all six routes before I call it a lifetime and rest my bones. So far including the first time, I’ve been to the top thrice via Hatton Route (Check One of Them here) and once each via Rathnapura Route and Rajamale Route. What I’m trying to bring you is the latest of my journeys through the Rajamale Route.

Ana, Atha & Prasa had been with me (not forgetting the old Tony) for some unforgettable journeys recently. It’s been a great pleasure being able to travel with guys who share the same passion and their combined experience in life is a real bonus when it comes to planning and tackling difficulties. This time we chose Sri Pada mainly for two reasons. First to take Ana to this wonderful location for the first time and second I wanting to try a different way to the top. We carefully picked out the ideal time, accommodation, transportation and the route making sure the foundation stage of our journey was firmly placed. Then it was all down to our dedication, luck and the blessings of the Mother Nature which all fell nicely into place like a perfectly solved jigsaw puzzle.

Ana booked Fishing Hut, an isolated log-cabin-type place at the border of the Peak Wilderness with Baththulu Oya flowing right next. It’s like a paradise on earth surrounded by the lush greenery rain forest, set at the edge of a tea patch belonging to Moray Estate bordered by one side by the virgin flow of Baththulu Oya with an amazing view of the Sacred Mountain in the distance. Having been used by the English during the colonial era for trout fishing gave it the name Fishing Hut. The trout and fishing all have now become a part of the history but the isolated and peaceful environment is a stress buster for the workaholic. I’d wanted to visit the place so much after all the good things I’d come across about it. So finally being able to go and stay there for a couple of days was yet another dream come true for me. Additionally,climbing the Sri Pada through a trail not attempted before was a gem of an opportunity. I wasn’t gonna miss it for the world.

Tour Highlights:

1. Fishing Hut.
2. Sri Pada via Rajamale.

Day 01

We set off in the wee hours of 24th Saturday towards Del Housie aka Nallathanniya. It was during one of the Waterfall Hunts that I learned Nallathanniya was also called Del House. However in this journey it was revealed that the real term was Del Housie not Del House. I seem to learn new things quite a lot in my travels. The heavy rains that troubled more than three quarters of the country wreaking havoc had gone to a faraway land. The crescent moon shone up in the sky signaling perfect weather and someone had taken so much trouble to paste a few million diamond-like stars across the sky.

When we arrived at Kalugala junction it was still dark and we decided to take the old road via Laxapana to Maussakelle. The headlights made a big pool of light in front helping Ana maneuver the hairpin bends. We saw a couple of vehicles going to pay homage to the sacred mountain as this was Saturday. Arriving at a small Kovil with an abandoned tea factory below gave us a perfectly good view of the Seven Virgins and Laxapana Falls. The sky had turned off the halogen lamp and taken off the expensive diamonds she was wearing. Orange and pink glow appeared to the left most edge of the Seven Virgins notifying us of the arrival of the sun. The clouds were ablaze with bright yellow and golden rays reflecting on them while the sky was slowly getting into her more comfortable royal blue wrap. Tips of the naughty Seven Virgins got the first of the rays giving them a beautiful contrast between the top and the bottom. This called for a few pictures and we got down to be hit by a blast of cold air. It was scented with the freshness of the morning and we breathed in hungrily.

With it woke the ravenous worms in our bellies demanding for breakfast. We had no choice but to pamper them. The vegetable sandwiches tasted delicious. I’m no vegetarian but had always taken an effort to remain vegetarian during the previous visits to the holy mountain. Even that rocky fish bun I had in my first visit had nothing discriminating than a touch harmless vegetables as far as I can remember. I believe that it helps cleanse my mind free of wickedness and evil thoughts remaining vegetarian. It will also help you have a safe journey and do your rituals in peace. Some of you would want to differ but this is purely what I feel. Ana took great pains to plan our meals with no hint of meat of any kind. After a delicious breakfast (still wishing there were more of those lovely sandwiches) and a dozen or so pictures we got back into the vehicle and drove on.

Viewing point of Laxapana Falls…

Mighty Seven Virgins, note the tiny streak of Laxapana Falls

Enjoying the breakfast while dogs kept begging for scraps

Sun opens shop

Lighted

The road was largely devoid of any traffic and we turned onto the Del Housie at Maussakelle. The police check point was active once again and they will take care of your musical instruments for you should you have any with you. Remember, you are visiting a very sacred place and must give the respect it’s due regardless of who you are. It’s advisable not to do anything to destroy the peacefulness of the surrounding by your reckless behavior. We drove on with a placid Maussakelle Reservoir to our left. Mulgama Lower Falls still had a decent amount of water but turning on we saw the sorry state of Mohini. She looked as if someone had kidnapped not only her child but also her white Saree as well. She was practically naked save for a few strings of muslin cloth hanging loosely over her. We felt shy to get down so drove on towards Mulgama Junction. Just before we decided to stop for a plain tea. The shop had just been opened up for the day and ginger-flavored plain tea warmed our bodies by a few degrees.

At Mulgama Junction, we turned to the left and stopped at a shop close by for a few provisions. There is closer to 12km from here to the fishing hut along a terrible road full of pot holes and jutting out rocks. A car or a similar type of vehicle will have a serious problem in this road whose condition got worse after the showers. Despite the bitter condition we enjoyed the scenery alike especially the Maussakelle Reservoir and perfectly plucked tea bushes glistening in the first rays of the day. In the far distance beyond the Maussakelle Reservoir lies urbanized Maskeliya town. After a couple of km, we entered Moray estate and reached the fishing hut turn into the right. The straight road will take you to the Moray tea factory and beyond towards the Peak Field Falls.

Entering Moray Estate

Beautiful day

Wondering towards the reservoir

Mist rising from the water

Perfect shadow

Gorgeous sky

Royal blue

All around green

Ana with his million dollar smile

The road goes through the tea estate with a splendid view of the reservoir and beyond that Gartmore Falls. There is a short stretch of concrete paved road that will make your battered vehicle smile. We soon arrived at the summer hut which overlooks the Maussakelle Reservoir and to the right is the silky flow of Gartmore Falls and above her the hills and upper cascades of the Gartmore Estate. We carried on without stopping for a picture and entered the dusty estate road. Beyond the tea cultivation is the Peak Wilderness Nature Reserve. We got a grand view of the Sri Pada after a while. The sky was blue and a few stray clouds hung mischievously here and there. The cone-shaped peak had a gorgeous color combination of green and grey where the rock was exposed. The yellow painted structure on the top could be seen clearly. Ana had a helluva job of maneuvering around the uneven road and finally we arrived at the entrance to the fishing hut.

There were signs of various wild animals fixed among the tea plants such as Leopard (according to Prasa, Running Coach), Porcupine, Sambar Deer, Rabbits and Wild Boar. It’d gone 10am and as usual we were early but used the time to get used to the environment. Already there were three vehicles parked signaling some visitors were staying. Fortunately for us, they were going back on the same day and no other group had made a booking during our stay leaving the whole of the fishing hut for us to enjoy. I’ve put a separate post on the fishing hut which surely is useful for the future travelers. However, I’ll just run through the setup of the location so that you can get a feel of it.

Landscape

A bridge along the road.

Sri Pada covered in the mist

Closer

Oranges

The cabins are close by

There are four accommodation options at fishing hut. They are Cabin 1, 2, 3 & 4. They are located among the taller trees hidden from the view giving the much required privacy and isolation. There is a workers’ hut as well where they keep stuff and even stay over. Baththulu Oya flows closer to all the cabins separating the estate from the forest reserve. When you look from the front, the cabin 3 is at the extreme left while the camp site to the extreme right. Between these two are the cabin 2 & 1. The workers’ shed is between the cabin 2 & 1. There’s plenty of space separating the cabins and the parking space is big enough to keep more than half a dozen vehicles. Each cabin has their own access to the river should they feel like a cold bath. They also have a splendid view of the holy peak which is outstanding especially in the night when the summit is all lit up.

The other group left around 11.30am wishing us a happy holiday and we went to our cabin to prepare ourselves for the stay. The beds are made of the wooden sticks so they are not perfectly balanced. The mattresses are good but covered with a waterproof plastic cover. This was a bit uncomfortable as the bed sheets kept slipping in and around in the night. That cover feels very cold and should you come into contact in the night in your sleep, it’s bound to jolt you out of your dreams. It was very quiet save for the rustling of the leaves. Water levels were low so that the river kind of stayed still without making a sound. The caretaker was John, one of the estate workers and boy, he could cook really well. Ana took charge of meal planning and gave him a pre-planned menu for the entire period. Vegetarian was the theme and I’m sure we must have been the only group to have gone like that. While the lunch was being prepared, we went for a bath in the river. The water was freezing but Ana and Prasa didn’t mind one bit.

Around 12.30pm, we returned to the hut to find the laid table. There was Samba Rice with Dhal, Gotukola, Coconut Sambol and Papadam. We made short work of the food and devoured a cashew nut chocolate before going for a nap. It was cold and we slept soundly till 3.15pm when Ana woke us up for coffee.

Path to our cabin

Heavenly

There it is

Doesn’t look much but adequate for our purpose

Main structure

Leisure hut

Ana posing in front of where the usual travelers had left their mark

Tree house too

Leisure and tree huts

Our verandah

Dining area

Two rooms and the bathroom

One of the rooms with bunk beds

The other

Going for a stroll

Another viewing platform

Not the Bogoda Wooden Bridge

Nicely maintained

Towards Hut No. 1 and beyond camp site

Just look at this

Still covered

Entrance to the camp site

Above ground

Steps to the top

Nice place

Baththulu Oya calm and placid

Another view

Framed

Viewing hut and the bridge

Finally the veil was lifted

We were treated by this view

Prasa showing his skills

Baththulu Oya another angle

Doing the hardwork with a smile

From the tree house

Calm water but very cold

Doing the house keeping too

Beds are made

Washroom

Insisted to go up the rickety steps

Shaky legs

From our hut

This is the Hut No. 2

Main structure

Front

Summer huts

Other side

Very cold

Where our guys had a bath

Still water

John doing the cooking

Ana already munching on a papadam

Hungry

Steaming cup of coffee was all I needed and we then took a stroll towards the Rajamale trail head. There’s no electricity or mobile reception at the fishing hut which is always a relief. However if you want to make a phone call, walk up to the entrance gate (about 500m from the cabin) and then turn into the left uphill road that leads to the trail head after a km or so. As soon as you turn, there’s a signage saying mobile reception is available to that point with the service providers’ names. While others made calls, I spent previous fading light to take pictures. Walking up proved to be a bit too much so decided to cut the stroll in half and get back to the hut.

John and two other people were preparing for the night. There were four hurricane lamps and a Petromax lamp as well to light the cabin. The authorities were providing the kerosene for them as well unlike old days. Cutlery and gas (both cylinder and the cooker) are also provided. We enjoyed a rest in the open verandah-like area while they got busy with dinner. It was Rice once again with Canned Polos, Leeks, Beans, Mango and Papadam. It too was tasty. While Ana went to bed early, we kept experimenting with our point-n-shoot cameras to take some good shots of the lit holy peak. The upper lights along Hatton route were clearly visible while one from the Rathnapura side as well. The huge Buddhist Flag kept flashing while patches of mist covered the summit every now and then. No camera could have a better sight than with your own eyes. So we savored this magical moment to the maximum. None of us felt the cold staying out with our cameras and Atha’s tripod. Around 8.30pm, we felt tired and sleepy. As the following day had greater prospects, we decided to go to bed. The blankets helped to retain the warmth but a few times I was unlucky to feel the icy cold plastic cover. We slept like logs till I heard scraping and moving noises coming out of our room. I was all of a sudden as white as an A4 with fear.

Hey	Innocent look

Another

Almighty yawn

John getting the firewood ready

Rabbits

Our cabin

Going for a walk

Winding roads

Ana showing the tongue

Sacred mountain in the distance

There

Porcupines too

Here’s the junctin where the road forks. The left to Fishing Hut and the right to Rajamale Trail

Prasa feeding the fish

One of the few mobile reception spots and Ana making full use

The road

The team

No Hunting

Ripe

Preparing sandwiches for tomorrow

Final touches

Hurricane lamps

Lighting the petromax lamp

Taking pics

Getting the dinner ready

Polos

Mango

Leeks

And Beans

Tasting

Hmmm… Just what the doctor ordered

Nice and quiet

Crescent moon

Day 02

I pulled the blanket down and listened hard, but nothing came. The phone showed the time as 3.23am. Gosh, what on earth am I supposed to be doing? Prasa was sleeping like a grizzly bear snoring so loudly as if a chainsaw cutting into a teak trunk. I got down trying to figure out what was the noise. The hurricane lamp in our room sent a faint beam of light which did very little to light the surrounding. Then I heard shuffling feet and clearing of the throat. Ana was already up and about. “Good morning!” I greeted him and he was already getting ready to make coffee. I too badly wanted a cuppa and in a little while both Atha and Prasa, having sawn the day’s quota of wood, joined us. By 4am we had all finished our morning coffee and got out to take a look at our target.

Sri Pada mountain peak was illuminated with the lights along the Hatton route. The mist came in and out blocking the view but mostly we had a better picture. You can get an even better view closer to the hut number one so Atha and I walked towards it leaving Prasa to help Ana organize the day. Our plan was to leave at 6am so we had to get everything ready in time. Thanks to our headlamps, we managed to get closer to the hut number one and set up the tripod. When we reached there, the view was even better. We could see a larger part of the mountain and spent more than half hour taking pictures. However, our not-so-complex point-n-shoots couldn’t get the desired effect of the long exposure shots but it couldn’t discourage us from trying. We got back to find John too had arrived and busily making Kadala for breakfast. Our water line was cut off and John said that it must have been the Sambar Deer. He’d spotted two of them near the entrance and they had apparently kicked the pipeline loose.

Cluster of gems, the Uda Maluwa seen from Fishing Hut

Closer, note the Buddhist Flag

Closer

While he went to check on it, we packed the stuff we needed for the hike. Soon the water was back and we washed ourselves while John made tempered grams for breakfast with garlic, onion and chilies. Chef Ana and Assistant Chef Prasa had made two different sandwiches to take with us. Tomato & Chutney Sandwiches and Tomato & Seeni Sambol Sandwiches. We got everything into the vehicle and after a hearty breakfast drove onto the trail head which is about 1-1.5km away. It was 6.20am when we arrived at the summer hut marking the trail head set amid the tea estate. Looking back towards fishing hut we saw this beautiful sunrise. Of course we only saw the colorful clouds painted by the most creative artist in the whole wide world. They were pink, orange, purple, red, gold and grey. Just imagine the color combination being unfolded in front of your eyes. This was a real treat and we spent about 10 mins taking pictures when out of nowhere everything vanished as quickly as they arrived. In a way it was good as this change brought us back into the earth from heaven.

What an amazing sight

Mountains outlining the picture

Burning Sky

End of the show

Little bit more

Summer hut

Newly built

Getting ready

Lawrence of Arabia or Yasser Arafat?

Running Coach

Our vehicle is over there

Going uphill

Uphill Journey

Ana was impatient to get to the summit so hurried us on but after a short time we realized that the oxygen levels are so thin and breathing was not so easy. In the end we settled for a slow but steady rhythm. First few hundred meters were through the tea estate before we entered the jungle. We soon arrived at the head of the jungle trail to find, to Prasa’s horror, leopard poo. There was so much and Prasa simply refused to go in front thereafter. We kept going feeling the chill but after a while we got used to the condition and kept going. There was a huge tree fallen across the path and an earth slip too. From there onwards, it was a steady climb. The path had gotten wider and due to the dry conditions, only a handful of leeches disturbed us. If you are doing this in the wet season, leech protection would be a must. We climbed for nearly two hours taking regular 15-60 second breaks. Sometimes they got dragged into minutes.

Our first target was the Sandagalathenna, a place set amid the forest but clear of any trees,  maybe the size of couple of volleyball courts. Anyone hiking via Rajamale stop here to rest and it’s an ideal camping site. However thanks to our reckless and destructive travelers camping here is not allowed now. Just imagine being here on a full moon Poya day admiring the majestic Sri Pada. Back to the four hikers laboring uphill panting like hunting dogs. We soon reached a somewhat flat area with a small rocky surface. Lowering our backpacks onto the ground we breathed a sigh of relief and looking in front saw the holy peak through the trees. It was simply breathtaking and looking closer thanks to the zoom capability, we could see the people coming down after the morning rituals. We rested about 10 mins while Atha making Jeewani for dehydration. The trick is to sip it before you get dehydrated or cramps paralyze you. After a couple of mouthfuls of them, we resumed our journey with renewed energy and courage. The sight of Sri Pada revived our bodies and our goal. Atha and Prasa had been on this trail before about a year and half ago. It’d been in wet conditions and they had been relentlessly attacked by the leeches. They further claimed the path had got wider and we saw the trees had been cut off using chainsaws not so long ago.

Had the treasure hunters been here with the blessings of the powers that be? The path was largely bordered by bamboo and Nelu, favorite snacks of the jumbos. Unfortunately many of them, especially the tuskers had paid with their lives for the greediness of the human kind. The water streams were dried out but we saw one about a km before Sandagalathenna. Around 9.30am, we came out to the open area of Sandagalathenna. It’s a rocky surface with a few patches of grass and the border consisting mainly of bamboo. There were a couple of Buddhist flags put up on sticks and they were flying in the air as if saluting the gorgeous looking Sri Pada. There wasn’t a hint of mist or clouds and we had this unbelievably rich color picture in front of us. This sure is heaven, the grey and green pointed peak set against a shiny blue sky dotted with a few milky white clouds. Below us were surrounded by the light green bamboo and plants. The ground was a mixture of sunburned grass and deep black rocky platform. Against all this stood four mesmerized hikers staring up at the sacred mountain with wide eyes and open mouths. A couple of birds chirped in the background and apart from that no other sound came. We were scared even to move a muscle not wanting to disturb the peacefulness of the place.

Entering the jungle path

Leopard poo

Fully eco friendly

Through the thick bushes

First of many breaks

Golly!

Bending the backs

Prasa leading the way

Much needed break, see the turn off around the fallen tree

Tree cover from the sun

Uneven ground

“Is there more to go?” Ana wondering out loud

Clear blue sky through the trees

First glimpse

Typical Yasser Arafat symbol

Sadu! Sadu!! Sadu!!!

We gotta get there

Mini Sandagalathenna, a tiny space before the Sandagalathenna

Making patterns

Bamboo border

More garbage bins

More of them

Door to heaven

Blooming

Dead tree art

Dew

Just lost for words

I don’t know what to say

Here we are at Sandagalathenna

Flying in the wind

Heaven on earth

He couldn’t have been happier, see the million dollar smile

Posing

Time to get going

We had a biscuit and some more Jeewani. Sun was up and gearing up for a fiery noon. Thankfully the path apart from Sandagalathenna was nicely shaded by the trees making it a treat for not only the body, but also the mind. We cut our break short and got underway. I had my time clock set inside the brain counting off the minutes. There were deadlines to meet but I kept them all closer to my heart not wanting to make others panicky should we got behind the schedule. Ana, as usual, a systematic person, was keeping a close eye on the time and passed on the remarks but I was unmoved. My target was to take him to the summit, that was all that mattered. The way got narrower and steeper as we went on. Sri Pada kept looking at us waving her arms at us encouragingly. She got bigger and prettier as we closed in. After another hour or so we came to a height from where we could clearly see the Maussakelle reservoir below and miles beyond. Maskeliya town and many hills were there in the distant while a mist appeared to the left. Further up we got the first glimpse of Peace Pagoda below at Gangulthenna. Not a week before we saw the Peace Pagoda in Walapane on our way to the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, Kurundu Oya Ella.

Soon we knew that we were within touching distance of the Mahagiridamba or the final part of the Sri Pada. Mahagiridamba is roughly consisted of one thousand steps set in the steepest part before the peak. Rajamale trail joins the Hatton route at the Mahagiridamba saving many steps below and the open path that pilgrims have to take being scorched, if done in daytime, by the sun. That is the main reason why most people opt to hike either in the evening or night. It’ll also give them the opportunity to witness the sunrise as well. If you are wondering how we knew that we were close to the steps, well it was the smell. Not a very good one though, it was the stinking smell of human excrement and urine. Many so called pilgrims disgorge themselves at the entrance to the Rajamale trail thinking it is a natural toilet even though there are toilets built along the Hatton route at decent intervals. It’s a real pity that people don’t understand the value of keeping places, especially such sacred ones, nice and clean. Not only that we witnessed so much thrown food either side of the route as well. It was such an unpleasant sight and the smell coming from rotten garbage destroyed the beauty of the place. To make matters worse there’s plenty of polythene, such as biscuit wrappers, toffee wrappers, soft drink bottles, etc. The impact on the virgin rain forests is so great that at this rate we will have nothing but plastic-filled deserts. Therefore may I take this opportunity to request from everyone who visits this sacred place to try and help keep the environment clean please?

Back in the jungle

Flowers

Shady path

Kept up with us

Break

Contrast

More	Couldn’t get enough of

Dead but artistic

Sniper on the path

Ooops

Look at the spikes

Never ending scenery

Path narrowing down

Towards Yaka Andu Ella

Maussakelle

Hmmm	Had to keep topping up

Narrow and uneven

Close up

There’s the Peace Pagoda

Zoomed

Just before the trail

Final push

My internal clock chimed saying that another milestone reached. We were now almost at touching distance of the sacred mountain. However, the trick is not to get overly excited or when behind schedule not to get demotivated either. As Lord Buddha preached, take the middle path. We just kept it nice and easy, slow but steady. Atha and Prasa kept pushing ahead of Ana and me. We two kept it simple taking frequent but very tiny breaks every fifty steps or so. About midway through Ana suggested a cup of plain tea and we sat on a bench waiting for one at one of the shops. The sugary and watery lukewarm plain tea did very little to revive us and we got going. The final shop came and we rested our feet. Couple of people were haggling over the price of lotus flowers with the shop owner. They were going three for fifty rupees but they felt they were being cheated. We had no problem and got up for the final push. As we were taking the turn, there was the Ehala Kanuwa where especially kids and young ones paste a mixture of lime on a wooden pillar made of a real Ehala Tree. Moving on,  just below the Bhagawa Cave, the forest had been cleared and a blue tin structure had been built to cater for a Dansala (a typical Sri Lankan tradition, giving out food for free to the people during Vesak & Poson Poya days). The garbage container was overflowing with rotting left over food and polythene covers. Why on earth do something as good as this if you can’t or don’t take the trouble to remove the garbage? You are not going to be blessed or merited just because you give out food for free while destroying the environment.

We then reached the Bhagawa Cave which in the good old days was used by the pilgrims as a shelter when all the structures were not there especially on the top. Now the forest patch and the creepers have been cleared exposing the stone scriptures and the picture of King Nishshankamalla carved next to them. How practical and sensible it was to clear the area around is something very debatable. How good it was when the cave did look like one covered by the lush greenery? We then took the last set of steps to the summit. Up on the lower part of the peak were Atha and Prasa smiling down at us feeling really happy that we managed to get there in the end. We kept calling Ana “Dandu Kodu” as this was his first time to the sacred mountain. Usually the young is called “Kiri Kodu” when they do this for the first time and for the old  the term is “Dandu Kodu”. Kiri (milk in English) is fresh and new so that is used for the young. Dandu (sticks in English) is used to reflect on the experience and age thus using it for the old. So Dandu Kodu Ana accompanied by the rest of the team went up to the extreme summit leaving our baggage, shoes and caps as it was the custom.

It was not at all busy and unlike other times, we had the whole of the summit pretty much to ourselves despite this being a Sunday. We went and Ana rang the bell once to announce his first attempt at the mountain. Hopefully there’ll be another time for us to take him to the summit via a different route. Then, we climbed the short flight of stairs to where we worship the sacred footprint of Lord Buddha. There was a police officer and an army soldier there on guard but no one else. When busy you hardly get to come near the place let alone worship it but Mother Nature had different plans for us. Kneeling on the rocky flow in front of the footprint that is not visible to the pilgrims as it is covered for protection, was a feeling every human being must experience at least once in their lifetime. Even the wind was so mild and we were helped by the soldiers.

We were lucky to have had the place for us and touched the rock under which lies the sacred footprint of Lord Buddha. Atha and Prasa had worshipped before us and Ana followed me doing the rituals. Then we walked around seeing the huge bell placed on the top (do we really need that big a bell taking so much space of the already cramped summit is another debating thing) and the lamp below. After half hour or so, we decided to make it back. We (Ana & Me) arrived at the top at 12.05pm (little over 5.5 hours later, nearly half hour earlier than I had planned in my mental clock) and started our descend just after 12.30pm.

Here we are at the beginning of Mahagiridambaya

The notice at the foot

Feeding on the rotten food

They’re bound to die of food poisoning

Ready for the last bit

Distant views

Next generation on the up

More breaks,

Colorful

Two generations met on the way up

They keep coming back

Dead moth?

Nope very much alive

Hard going

Just before the last set of steps

Ehala Kanuwa

Ana the Banana Man

Bhagawa Cave

King Nishshankamalla

Devoid of any vegetation now

Towards Maskeliya and beyond

Sandagalathenna in the middle

We’re here

Everyone comes with a purpose

Watching

He too

New Bell

More additions

Burning throughout

Cramped space

The Peak of the Most Sacred Mountain in the World

Downhill Journey

As we were coming down, a thick cloud of mist appeared enveloping the entire area. We could only see the steps for about 20m. This remained all along our return journey, giving us the protection from the sun. We made good time and got to the path in no time. About a km into the trail we stopped for a sandwich.

Arriving at Sandagalathenna around 1.30pm we stopped for a break. Looking back, there wasn’t a hint of the Sri Pada mountain. She was fully covered by the fog and we hit the trail once again. The last couple of kms turned out to be very challenging and exhausting. The path was so steep, unlike going up, the downhill journey tested our already battered limbs to the almost breaking point. After what felt like an eternity, we came out of the forest, but in fact it had only been two hours since Sandagalathenna.

Let’s go

Mist coming thick and fast

The path getting foggy

Back on the trail

Enjoying home-made sandwiches

Obstacles

Getting covered

Dead Nelu plants to the left

More	Silhouette of the bird

Back at Sandagalathenna

Tiny couple

Final stretch

One of my favorite things to photograph

Note the shopping bag on Prasa’s hip. He kept collecting all the polythene and plastic stuff all the way

Dead but life inside

Mini Sandagalathenna

Dusty Mushroom

Steep downhill

Thick ones

Beautiful

Maintained well

Towards our destination

Prasa with the collected plastic things, note even a rubber slipper was found

Breaking News!

Trail Head

By 3.30pm we came to the vehicle and rested our feet and bodies while making phone calls. Mobile reception was good here. We then arrived at the fishing hut and went for another cool dip in the river.

While the chill was getting unbearable we spent the rest of the evening reflecting on the climb. The dinner was served around 7.30pm and we hit the sack immediately after as our plan was to leave early the following morning.

Towards Hut 1

The best out of all

Front view with Baththulu Oya in front

Very nice

Low water levels

Tiny ones

Yawning monkey back again

Day 03

As usual despite the cold weather, which dropped below 12 degrees Celsius, we were up by 4am and started our return journey. After a hearty breakfast we bid farewell to John, our caretaker and the holy mountain that was now nicely visible. Driving along the estate road was a test but Ana had very little trouble. We arrived at the Moray estate summer hut with the view of Maussakelle reservoir as the sun was coming to office. The Gartmore falls looked spectacular and the two long thin lines of upper cascades got the first rays of the day. After a short picture journey we left for Colombo.

Sensational, ain’t it?

Silhouette of the mountain

Gartmore Falls

Summer hut at the view point

Against the sunrise

Moussakelle

Moray Tea Factory, the concrete winding road leads to Peak Field Estate and falls

Perfect ending…

Well folks that’s about it and this was a journey that will be in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Every bit of it we enjoyed thoroughly while Mother Nature looked after us as if a mother protecting her kids.

Just for you to get an idea, I’ve posted some pictures of the cabins at Fishing Hut. Unfortunately, there are no indoor pictures of No. 1 & 2, but the exterior will help you get an idea. I’d recommend them according to the numbers from 1 to 4. It all depends on however the number of people and your budget. For detailed information check out the link I’ve posted given on the notes.

I guess I’ve taken up so much of your time but hope it was worth the trouble.

With this, I’ve reached the sacred mountain via three routes and got another three remaining unless someone finds some more paths.

Do try and visit Sri Pada via Rajamale trail as well if you haven’t already done so.

So, time for me to say goodbye. I’ll see with the next adventurous fairy tale.

Until then, keep traveling and be safe.

Take care!

Sri…

I started my knuckles tours from Meemure. Since then I was fascinated by the beauty of knuckles and it made me to visit it 8 times so far. But most of the times I was loitering in Knuckles north ( Riverston area ) so that I was nearly forgetting loving Meemure. But Sri’s Set of reports was an eye opener and it convinced me that there are so many things to see in this small but miracle village. To my view it’s not the traditional and cultural values attract one’s mind towards Meemure ( As you’ll hardly see symptoms of such now ) but the evergreen forest around village attract the nature lovers. It still hides swiftly flowing streams, gigantic mountains, beautiful waterfalls, , grassy lands , caves , endemic flora and fauna etc…Last time my visit was a surface study about Meemure but this time I wanted to explore more….

As usually I picked one of my office mates and came to Fort railway station around 6.45 a.m. As we didn’t book the tickets to Kandy we had to travel all the way standing. But it was not a big problem as I had ample time to describe my friend about knuckles and Meemure area in that time. He was not only new to Meemure but also new to nature hikes, so I was very careful throughout the journey not to discourage or exhaust him. So around 9.30 Train came to Kandy and we had breakfast there. Then we took a three-wheeler and reached Dalada Maligawa and worshiped from outside. Then took a bus to Hunnasgiriya and it came there around 11.30. After purchasing some snacks and necessary items we got in to the Shiva’s three-wheeler. My friend Madawa was fascinated by the beauty of surrounding and we had to stop our three-wheeler at several points. I‘ll let the pictures talk.

Few facts about Meemure – Hunnasgiriya road

This is a 34 km long mortable road which ends at Meemure
Now all the way to Meemure, road is either carpeted or concreted
Earlier villages used Thawalama to carry goods to meemure and walked all the way .
Now one Isuzu van is operating only once in a day starting from Hunnasgiriya around 1.00 p.m.

Special land marks and distances from Hunnasgiriya

Deanston Forest office and Bungalow 8km
( From here you can hike Mini Worlds End and Dothalugala Peak.There is a camp site too in Dothalugla )

Loolwatta 14 km

Cobets Gap ( Windi gap) and the highest elevation of the road 19km
(From here you can take a by road to Thangappuwa(4 km) from Thangappuwa you can hike Knuckles peaks(5km) and trek to Alugallena(8km) )

Kumbukgola turn off 25km
(From Here you can visit Nitro caves (8 km ) )

Eli Hatha small set of Cascades – 26 km

Kaikawala Village ( closest village to Meemure ) – 29 km

Medamahanuwaragala seen From Hunnasgiriya- Loolwatta road

Nawadagala

This nature tour was totally new one to my friend

Scenic road

Kingdom of mountains

My friend stopped at every stream

At Loolwatta

Loolwaththa tea shop from where we had lunch ( Rotty & Wade)

Beautiful view

Priceless

Spinx rock –closer to cobets gap

View from cobets gap

@Cobetes gap ( Attala Mettuwa )……In Sinhala Attalaya means a Higher platform to view surrounding …..In Meemure loolwatta road this is the highest place from where one can view gigantic mountains clearly. Also the left uphill road(jeep track) will reach Thangappuwa(4km)

Another view

View on the way

Kumbukgolla turn off

Entrance to Kaikawala Waterfalls named as Eli Hatha

3rd fall

2nd ..had to go upstream

1st

Crystal clear water

He was fascinated

Deep pools. Heavenly place to have a bath (only if you know how to swim )

4th

More view

5th

There were many cascades but did not try to attempt all

Icon of Meemure

Mighty Lakegala

Fainally at Nawaratne Mama’s place at 3.30 p.m. His place is 1km before Meemure junction

When We arrived the place Nawaratne Mama had gone to Sooriya Arana falls with some visitors .We later knew that they ( Group of 10 ) were staying in the same house which upset our minds a bit. For your information Nawa mama has now few life jackets so you can engage in few water sports at Sooriya arana if you’re interested
Nawa mama’s wife served us with tea . We had a chat with her for a while and she arranged a room for us. Since we didn’t have any plans in the evening we headed towards the Sooriya Arana falls.

To reach Suriya arana falls You have to walk nearly 500m towards Meemure Junction and turn right. Path is clear so just ask the directions from Villagers. It’s nearly 45min walk.

Lakegala and Paddy fields

I remembered a poem about Lakegala ( Which was given to me by Abeyrathne Bandara Mama )

Epita konata Kalupahanaa keleyaaa…..
Memita konata laggala meemureyaaa………..
Desiya dekak usa athi gomareeyaaa……….
Sondai parakasha laka mee mureyaaa………….

Clear road one can even drive up to some extent

Innocent villager

More views

Dear Sir , I’ll meet you some day….But after strict training and proper planning

Famous place in the Suriya Arana film ( If you remember it’s the Meat Shop )

We crossed the stream and chose the jungle path

Modern Robin Hood

First Section of Sooriya Arana falls

Second part from Top

Second Part..Base pool was deep due to recent showers

Signs of existence of Brainless idiots

Third and highest part

Fast and furious

This is the deepest pool . so bathing is not recommended

We went further downstream for finding a safe bathing place

The place where we had a bath

Of course a perfect bath

Hello

Returning back

Evening rays added extra beauty to the village

Dinky (Nawa’s Dog ) is not friendly with visitors . But I manage to win his heart after offering some chicken bones ( MAS KATU)

Fellow asked Where’s Little SRI

When we arrived home at 6.00 p.m. Nawa Mama had come there. We had a few chat with them. I suggested that we would visit Ressa Next day and come back and visit Nawaratne Ella last day and walk to Narangamuwa and go home via Pallegama , Dambulla. But he informed that if we visit Ressa we can even reach Narangamuwa on the same day as it’s less than 2hour walk to reach same. So He suggested us to visit Nawaratne ella on the second day and do the Meemure – Ressa – Narangamuwa trail final day. And he predicted of few showers in second day.

( For the information of readers there are two trails to Narangamuwa from Meemure. Left uphill path is via Ressa which is a moderate ascend till Ressa and descend to Narangamuwa. Will take 6- 8 hours to cover this part .other path which is moves to right is comparatively easy takes nearly 3-4 hours for a leisure hike. Nawaratne ella is 5km different trail from the above two and it’ll take 3-4 hours to visit and return)

But Doing only Nawaratne Ella which is nearly 4 hr hike (both up and down ) was little below Par for me and felt heavy workload on 3rd day as we were planning to reach homes on same day. So I told him we’ll adjust the plan depending on weather.

After a tasty dinner we went to sleep. But we were disturbed by our neighboring group by various activities such as singing, shouting etc..But we had to bare it as we can’t expect quite and calm behavior from everybody. We were on a nature trip but it was a family gathering for them. In fact they were going next morning.

In the morning I woke up with fever and I was not in a good mode to hike. Somehow rather Nawarathne mama Introduce us a guide call Kalu Malli for our hike. We were initially planning to do Ressa. Nenda had prepared us breakfast and packed Rotty for Lunch. So me My friend and Kalu Malli( Samaraweera ) started our journey at 6.45 a.m. But we had to just past Meemure paddy field and it was raining. We stopped at Bo tree hopping the rain would settle down but rain was getting heavy . Also I was feeling feverish .So we changed our plans and selected Nawa mama’s plan of visiting Nawaratne Ella .

One thing I can tell you about the instincts of 50+ year man Nawaratne ,is marvelous . There wasn’t any clue about rain I previous day but his predictions were right.

Lakegala Covered in mist

Symbolic Mee Tree

A faithful member joined us in Nawaratne trail ( Kollai Ballai ).

Weather was not ideal for doing Ressa

Changing the plans for Nawaratne ella ( Diyakerella Ella )

A Dewalaya where we stopped for rain

Morning Sceneries

Weather was not good for hikes but excellent for hunting waterfalls

One of the streams we met , My friend and the Doggie

Small cascade on the way…There is a paddy field of Kalu Malli close by

Art of nature

We had to cross this stream. Perfect bathing spot in a sunny day

First Glimpse

Diyakerella / Nawaratne Ella

Paninna Pera sitha balanna

We Returned back to Resting place around 12.00 noon. I was suffering from fever. After having lunch I requested Nenda to prepare some Link – Paspanguwa. After consuming that I went for a sleep. Although Nitro cave was in mind abandoned it due to my fever. Around 6.00 p.m. Nawa mama came with an irritating news . According to his words “Mahaththaya, 10 denekuge withara set ekak enawa ada mehe nawathina.. Habai Poddak sindu kiyai….Mama e ayata enna kiyannada naththam wenathenaka nawaththannada “ I replied and said not to upset his business because of me and let them in. But Nawarathne understood the situation and went out with a mamoty to prepare a place( land nearby ). He instructed the new group do their activities(singing, dancing etc ) in the prepared place and come home only for sleep. That was a great relief for me. After taking dinner we went to sleep. The group had come to Nawa’s place around 12.00 so it was a goodnight sleep for me

Following day early in the morning we left the place with Kalu malli after packing our baggage and saying good bye to Nawaratne & His wife. Our plan was to visit Narangamuwa Via Ressa and come home via Pallegama-Dambulla-Colombo .

The trail was initially less intense but with the time the ascend got steeper . Land marks were Akul Ella Lakegala Base and Kadathenna.

First cascade we met

Next Cascade – Akul Ella

Obstacles to prevent cattle movements

Different shaped Lakegala Covered in mist

Base of Lakegala

A pond with crystal clear water

Time for some refreshments

Drinking according to jungle style

I Remembered a poem about a Pond in Lakegala..But I’m quite not sure whether is this same pool?

Sathares Pokuna Sadila atha Laka Muduna
Nawoth Diya Pathak Thirihan Wei Kiyana
Rawana Rajuge Raja Wasala Ethana
Pokuna sondai Nemata siri Laka Muduana…..

We rested there a bit and proceeded

Uphill journey was strenuous

This Is calles Kadathenna Border of Kandy – Mathale Districs To reach Narangamuwa It’sacontinous Descend To reach ressa It’s a small discend and a tiring accend

Left downhill is Narangamuwa…Right path is Ressa . We headed to ressa

Large Rock and small scream as land marks

You have to cross this beautiful steam too

Below is a good bathing place. We had lunch after returning from Ressa

After the stream it was a difficult continuous ascend. We reached Ressa around 11.30 a.m.

The Opposite Mountain.. Guide named this as Kalupahana

Lakegala seen far

Different shapes

Here is our destination …. Ressa …Which hides so many ancient stories

There are some stories related to this place. It’s said a part of Lakegala was splitted by an arrow of Rama ( Rama Sera ) and brocken parts fell down to Uyangamuwa lake

Uyan gamuwa pera sita wew bandanaaa…….
Rama saren ena wedi sara avidanaaa…..
Ravana yudata vedi sara asamanaa………
Il masa andura meemure LAKA Dumbaanaa……( Laka means Lakegala )

We were fascinated by the beauty and my friend was speechless…..we enjoyed the beauty of the place and the surrounding to the fullest
There are some stories related to this place. It’s said a part of Lakegala was splitted by an arrow of Rama ( Rama Sera ) and brocken parts fell down to Uyangamuwa lake

Uyan gamuwa pera sita wew bandanaaa…….
Rama saren ena wedi sara avidanaaa…..
Ravana yudata vedi sara asamanaa………
Il masa andura meemure LAKA Dumbaanaa……( Laka means Lakegala )

We were fascinated by the beauty and my friend was speechless…..we enjoyed the beauty of the place and the surrounding to the fullest
There are some stories related to this place. It’s said a part of Lakegala was splitted by an arrow of Rama ( Rama Sera ) and brocken parts fell down to Uyangamuwa lake

Uyan gamuwa pera sita wew bandanaaa…….
Rama saren ena wedi sara avidanaaa…..
Ravana yudata vedi sara asamanaa………
Il masa andura meemure LAKA Dumbaanaa……( Laka means Lakegala )

We were fascinated by the beauty and my friend was speechless…..we enjoyed the beauty of the place and the surrounding to the fullest

Soora Samaraweera

Broken part of the mountain

Mission completed

Looking down

Severe drop

Two Yakka Soldiers in Rawana’s Army

View of the surroundings

.

Narangamuwa side

Paddy fields of Narangamuwa

Surrounding mountains

Leach’s Works

After spending nearly an hour we returned back..We had lunch at the stream we passed before. It was a continuous descend till Narangamuwa..Jungle was very calm and beautiful…There were mind blowing streams with suitable camping areas.

Beautiful Jungle

Arts of natue

Two rooted tree

What a place to relax …………………so calm

I loved the place

Calm environment

Perfect place for camp if you are not afraid of Jumbos

Border of Village and forest

Lakegala Seen from Narangamuwa

After coming to the first house of the village we had a bath and changed our dresses .From that house we had to walk for another half an hour to teach the village. After coming to a shop we had tea with buns…from there we picked a three wheeler and went to Pallegama. Then we took busses to Dambulla and then to Colombo and reached homes around 12.00 mid night.

Place where we had a bath and exchanged our cloths

Ready for the civilization

Path to the village

Paddy fields

Thanks for reading

Message From My Friend “Thanks for reading and we’ll meet with another Knuckles journey “

Diyaluma waterfall is considered as the 3rd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka which is situated at A4 road in between Koslanda and Wellawaya. Most of the travelers who come to this area enjoy the beauty of this waterfall but only few of them know they can go to top of the waterfall. I have been there about 4 years ago and thought to revisit at top of Diyaluma waterfall.

We departed from Colombo early morning and reached Beragala around 9am. When we got down at Beragala there was a bus waiting for Wellawaya. Latter part of A4 road from Beragala to Wellawaya was not in good condition. From Koslanda we got a trishaw to first visit at Meeriyabadda (මීරියබැද්ද) Land slide site and then Diyaluma waterfall.

Meeriyabadda Land slide site
Meeriyabadda drew outside attention due to recent land side incidence happened on 29th Octomber 2014.
You will come across Koslanda-Meeriyabadda road about 1km before Koslanda town from Beragala side. You can reach the site after driving about 3-4kms.

Koslanda-Meeriyabadda land slide site

What remained

Following land slide

Following land slide

Following visit at Meeriyabadda land slide site, we came to Koslanda town back and drove up along Koslanda-Punagala (පූනාගල) road to reach upper part of Diyaluma waterfall.

Diyaluma waterfall (දියලුම ඇල්ල)

Diyaluma waterfall is the 3rd highest waterfall of Sri Lanka with 171m height. It is originated from Punagala Oya. The name Diyaluma came from “Diyahaluma”-දිය හැලුම. Meaning of Diyahaluma is water-gush.

Punagala Oya (පූනාගල ඔය) flows to Koslanda basin after making Diyaluma falls and joins with Kuda oya (කුඩා ඔය) to form Kirindi Oya (කිරිදි ඔය).

Punagala Oya creates few cascades before Diyaluma Falls. Kudalu Falls is one of them.

Diyaluma waterfall is situated 6km from Koslanda and 14km from Wellawaya in A4 road.

Kudalu Falls (කූඩලු ඇල්ල)

This 20m tall waterfall is originated from Punagala Oya just before Kudalu Oya.

When you drive along Koslanda-Punagala road, just before 4km post you will come across a bend. We entered into the Mana patch there. According to villagers and three wheel driver there was a foot pathway to top of Diyaluma and Kudalu Oya from here, but no traces now.

We were instructed to go down to reach Punagala oya and cross it to opposite direction. Then we walked along the bank of Punagala Oya and reached top of Kudalu Oya.

We went down in right hand side of Kudalu Oya through the forest patch to reach the base of the waterfall. After enjoying the beauty of Kudalu oya we walked further down to reach the top of Diyaluma waterfall.

On top of Diyaluma waterfall you can view A4 road, Punagala Oya and Koslanda plateau.

Direction-where we entered to Mana patch, just before the bend at 4th km post.

Reaching Punagala oya

Punagala Oya had less water

Creation of shallow basins

Nice place to have a bath

.

On top of Kudalu Falls

Kudalu Falls

Lateral view

Another view

Different way to watch the waterfall

Shapes

Reaching top of Diyaluma Falls

From top of Diyaluma Waterfall-Koslanda-Wellawaya road A4

Diyaluma Inn-zoomed view

Black arrow-A4 from Koslanda, Green arrow-Punagala Oya following Diyaluma falls, Blue arrow-A4 towards Wellawaya. – Click Image to Enlarge

Gush of water

Bridge over Punagala Oya

Just before falls

Our next plan was to getting down the waterfall in it’s left hand side. We followed the foot pathway on left side of top of the waterfall and after some distance entered into the forest.

It was bit adventurous exercise to get down through the forest with acute steepness. With the help of bushes and some creepers we came to bottom of Diyaluma waterfall. After having a bath there we got a bus to Beragala to wind up day 01.

Little bit of climbing before get into the forest

Kudalu Falls- Full view

Adventurous

Adventurous

Where flow starts

Diyaluma-side view

Reaching the road

Reaching the road

Classic Diyaluma

Diyaluma-Full phase

Diyaluma-Full phase

Day 02  

My initial plan was to climb Beragala Mountain on that day. Therefore we stayed the night at Halatuthanna at my friend’s place. But this day was gloomy and it rained intermittently. So it was not a good time for hiking.

Then we decided to trek from Halatuthanna to Idalgashinna station.

We had a late start from Halatuthanna due to rain. We bypassed the regular road from Halatuthanna to Haldummulla and followed the foot pathway with acute ascend. Then we reached Haldummulla and crossed Colombo-Badulla road. Next part was another climbing till Need Wood tea factory though Pines trees. Once you reach flat section at Need wood estate you can visit at Haldummulla old protégées fort. (Last time I went along different route to reach there but this is easier).

Then we clarified our way from estate workers and climbed through the tea estate till Idalgashinna station. Later rain has gone away and surrounding was clear.

We got the train to Haputhale and finished our journey.

Trekking from Halatuthanna to Idalgashinna

View towards Wellawaya and Koslanda on our way towards Haldummulla

Little bit clear view

Crossing Colombo-Badulla road. You can notice Archeology board showing Old Protégées fort. Get the cement foot step in opposite side.

Gloomy Pines forest

Haldummulla catholic church-Zoomed

Framed Colombo-Badulla road

At junction- Black arrow shows our way from Haldummulla, red arrow shows the direction to fort and Yellow arrow shows the way we followed.

Need wood tea factory

Road from Halatuthanna to Idalgashinna-There is a bus service also.

Directions following Need Wood factory. Black arrow from Need wood side and red arrow shows Idalgashinna road. Green arrow shows the way we followed.

Get the short cut shown by black arrow

The way through tea estate

Balathuduwa, Gommolliya and Wangedigala were seen in our left hand side at back drop of Hortain plains.

Surrounding view

Another junction

Reaching last set of line houses

Summary of the journey. Our starting point shows by black star-approximate.

Fainted Idalgashinna Mountain

Another landmark

We came across nice summer house closer to Idalgashinna. It might provide good view in a clear day.

View towards Halatuthanna and Haldummulla from summer hut.

Samanala Wewa reservoir

Line houses.

Reaching Idalgashinna

Idalgashinna-highest railway station in Sri Lankan railway line. Waiting to celebrate Independent day

Click Map to Enlarge

Two maps get together- Black star shows starting point at Halatuthanna and blue star shows end point at Idalgashinna. Red line shows our pathway to Idalgashinna. – Click Map to Enlarge

Thanks for reading

Although I reached to SriPada in many times by various ways, I was eagerly waiting to reach there by using “Dehenakanda way” for a long time. When I said my idea to my friend of Lakmal who lives in Rathnapura, he also wasn’t walk to Sri Pada on this way. However we selected a date after the exam for this journey & get aware the crew.

At very first there were 15 guys, but at last we could gather 7 guys only for this. As discussed earlier all of guys who came from various areas are gathered in to Rathnapura town & our friend Lakmal was late by one hour to come Rathnapura. After bought all the things which needs to the journey, we get on a “Wewalwatta” bus to friends’ home. (It needs 40 rupees ticket to our friends’ home who said always “We are the guys of Rathnapura.”) After a hard, whacked journey we got down at Nugepola junction & reached to his rural village.

Our friends’ first try is to carry us to get a bath to forget the bad experiences those we taken by now. However it was very successful & it was pass 7.00 pm when we reached to the home back after bathing. We planned to sleep early after having dinner because of next day journey. But anyone didn’t sleep until 12.00am.

However we could catch the first bus to “Dehenakanda” with awaken every guys. We got down at Sri Pada entrance which situated on “Hapugasthenna” estate at about 7.45am & also went to Kovil & journey was started from that. Lakmals’ 2 friends are joined with us from Hapugasthanna estate & we start the journey at about 8.30am from their house. We walked along the foot path which falls on middle of the tea estate and again we enter to the road. Then we enter small shrine of Lord Buddha which situated at the starting point of journey. We entered to jungle after worshiping & memorizing Saman Deviyo.

Just get down the bus

Entrance to the path – Click Image to Enlarge

Fane of “Hapugasthenna” estate

Inside of fane

Swami…

Commence the trail

Commence the trail

Cool morning

Don’t light the fire

Dew…

Welcome to “Hapugasthenna” colony

Sacred place in colony

Looking Curiously

Nice view

Using shortcut

Go forward

Little buddha image house

Bid farewell to tea estate

Name board

Crossing Rath ganga

We entered to “Somaratna Ambalama” with crossing “Rath Ganga” & start the journey again after having breakfast at about 9.15am. Though there was a dry weather condition since few days without rain, we had faced leeches attacks continuously at the start. So some guys who wear slippers make inconvenience for that. The way is fallen along a plane area after passing small ascent & then passing “Wewalwatta dola”, again we met another small ascent. We entered to “Rama cave” at about 10.50am & again start the journey after taking a small rest.

After a hard journey like this, we pass the “Rathkanda” & take some rest at “Baana Samanala”. Because of the misty weather condition we couldn’t see “Baana Samanala” clearly & the way was fallen along the plane area & it was gain a help to our walk.

Too much of stone

Passing Somarathna ambalama

First ascent

Wild beauty

Treat well for leeches

Passing Wewal waththa dola

Green world

Enter to bamboo forest

“Wellakkara gal lena”

Want some rest

The foot path which go to the “Helakanda”

Is it leopards’ works?

Through the green world

Feeling relax

Get a rest at “Rama Guhawa”

Amazing nature…

Through the bushes

Resting place near “Bhathiya dola”

Bhathiya Dola

Road barrier

Reach to the plain area

Road block everywhere

The way is consist of long descend after this and it was finished from a beautiful valley which fallen “Baththalu Oya”. All guys taken a bath as their wish to remove the tiered & it was 2.45pm by then. The way which called as “Gettam Pahana” or “Woshimale”, who are the devotees walk and we also worship & took the permission to enter the forest of God Saman. The time was 4.30pm, when we left there, after had the lunch. There was a hard ascent from here & it cause to decrease the speed of the journey also.

There after the way is consist of plane & we could herd the “Hevisi Sound” of Udamaluwa by then. Definitely it made minds’ of everyone inspired. We could see a clear view of sacred Sri Pada after passing little distance & it seen an angle which we hadn’t ever seen before.

Long declivity

First comers rest in without stint

“Baththalu Oya” (Someone say “Menik ganga”)

It’s fall down

Lemon for bath

Ice bath

Ready to jump

swimming as he wish

Worship at “Wushimale”

කරුණාවයි!! කරුණාවයි!!

First clear view of sacred “Samanala”

Uda maluwa

We could enter to the “Sri Pada” Mountain at about 5.30pm after walking like this. It was little hard to go forward from here, because of the small ascent. Because the way is fallen an area across which covered by “Nelu Trees”. It was starting to drizzling by then & getting dusk also. It was 7.15 pm when entering to “Rathnapura way”, by using the light of our two torches.

We took the dinner from the nearest canteen & stay there small time to take a rest 7 then we enter to “Udamaluwa” rest room. We were laid on the corner of there with the intention of a good sleep.

Now enter to “sripada kanda”

Destination at hand

The moment which enter to the “Rathnapura” way

Rotti for dinner

“කෝඩු” worship “Ehala kanuwa”

Passing “මහගිරි දඹය ” at rathnapura way

The junction which connect Rathnapura way & Kuruwita way

We reached to “uda maluwa”