My objective of this trip was to visit at historical and pre historical places in Kalthota area. As our schedule was so tight we stayed previous day night at Belihuloya. The owner of Sun hill Holiday resort was kind and helpful. (I contacted this place from info-lanka website). After having our breakfast, started the journey towards Pamabahinna.

Map 1-Starting point in Black star. Directions are showing in arrows. Red star-Kuragala, blue star-Galtamyaya, yellow star-Budugala, Orange star-Diyawinna, Purple star-Sandagiriya – Click Map to Enlarge

Map 2-Directions are showing in arrows. Black star-Lendora temple, Red star-Kottimbulwala – Click Map to Enlarge

Sun Hill Holiday Resort

We separated from A4 road at Pamabahinna and entered the scenic road towards Kalthota. The road was so beautiful and it was difficult us to drive without stopping to enjoy it. Once we reached the junction of Kumbalgama (කුඹල්ගම) and Samanala wewa road, we selected the road towards Samanala Wewa.

The road towards Rajawaka

Gonmollikanda Mountain over Belihuloya University

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This road is opened only during day time and your information is documented at both entry and exit. We were lucky enough to watch the Samanala wewa reservoir filled with water and it’s water leak as well.

Samanalawewa reservior

Dam of Samanalawewa reservoir

Filtering

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Then we passed Rajawaka and turned towards Thanjanthenna (තන්ජන්තැන්න). Just before Thanjantenna Mangara Dewalaya, got the turn to right hand side to reach Kuragala. (24km from Pambahinna)

The distance from main road to Kuragala is about 2km. As the road was not good we stopped the car on the way and walked up.

Scenic road towards Kuragala

View of Hortain plains

Entrance of Kuragala

Kuragala (කූරගල)

It was a Buddhist monastery earlier and now Islamic mosque is there. There are two peaks here as Kuragala and Hituwangala(හිටුවන්ගල). Generally both are called Kuragala. Kuragala rock has four caves with drip ledges.

It has a stone inscription with Brahami letters. Unfortunately some of them have been destroyed.

.	Cave with drip ledge- Intentionally destroyed

Another cave

Brahami inscriptions

View of Hituwangala from Kuragala

Surrounding view –Kalthota, Welipothayaya

Surrounding view –Hortain plain

Surrounding view

Surrounding view

It is believed during 6500BC-7000BC humans have lived here. Later it has become a Buddhist monastery. Now a mosque is there and annual festival occurs in February.

We climbed the Kuragala first to visit caves. The view from top of the kuragala was scenic.

Mosque- Awaiting for annual festival

Brahami inscriptions over the mosque

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Then we climbed the Hituwangala (generally it is called as Kuragala and mini world’s end). This has the height more than 1500ft and it is the highest point of this rock range.

Narrow path to climb

View of Kuragala from Hituwangala

Religious symbols

Hortain plain from the mini world’s end

View from the mini world’s end

Ancient stupa

Chandrika wewa and Udawalawe reservoir

There is a deep hole in this rock which has a depth about 15-20ft. Once you get down there sunrays can be seen in other side. This place was considered as the Diwaguhawa(දිවාගුහාව). Muslims believe this is the pathway to heaven.

The pathway to heaven

Sun rays from other side

.	Hortain plain and world’s end

Coming down

After enjoying the beauty of Kuragala and surrounding, we came down and took our way towards Galtamyaya.

Galtamyaya is situated at 15th mile post in Balangoda-Kalthota road towards Kalthota.(About 1km from Thanjanthenna) There was an archeology board in the right hand side of the road. We drove another 200m from there to reach Galtamyaya archeological site.

Galtamyaya (ගල්ටැම්යාය)

As this site has number of stone pillars, named as Galtamyaya. But today we can’t see a single complete stone pillar. This is an example for a Panchayathana (පoචායතන) temple. Historical evidences say this belongs to Anuradhapura era.

Ancient temple

Ruins

Collection of ruins following excavation

Guard stones and moon stones without car vings

Following Galtamyaya, we drove towards Budugala archeology site.

Budugala (බුදුගල)

You have to pass Kalthota and drive towards Diyawinna to reach Budugala. It is situated in right hand side of the road .Up to now seven Padanagara

(පධානඝර )buildings have been found here and two of them are well preserved. This is the only Padanagara complex was found in southern Sri Lanka. Apart from Padanagara, stones used as toilets were also found here. The name came as “Budun Wadiya Gala”-Budugala.

Budugala is considered as a place of ancient wadda paintings. Unfortunately we couldn’t find them and nobody was there to ask.

Padanagara –one of well preserved

Padanagara –one of well preserved

View of Kuragala from Budugala

Main Padanagaraya

Steps of Main Padanagaraya

Stones used as toilet

.	Ruins of another Pradanagara

After visiting Budugala, we traveled towards Diyawinna. At Walipothayaya (වැලිපොතයාය) we got a turn to Walawe River. Importance of here is, it is the border of Sabragamuwa province and Uva province. Now there is a concrete bridge connecting the Walipothayaya (Sabaragamuwa) with Damwalodaya (Uva) province. We could watch the remains of old cable service above the river.

View of Kuragala from Walipothayaya

Kuragala mountain range

Walawe river

Remains of old cable service

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Then we traveled towards the Diyawinna(දියවින්න). On the way we could enjoy the beauty of Diyawinna waterfall. It flows from the Rajawaka mountain and height is about 150m. At Diyawinna we turned right towards Dewagiri Temple. This is the road towards the Diyawinna waterfall as well. On this way I could see another beautiful waterfall in right hand side called as Piyangiri Ella.

Diyawinna Ella

Closer view of Diyawinna Ella

Piyangiri ella

Dewagiri Temple – Diyawinna (දේවගිරි විහාරය-දියවින්න)

This temple is built by King Yatalathissa (247 BC).Two stone inscriptions can be found below the drip ledge and few sitting and standing Buddha statue can be seen inside the shrine house.

Dewagiri Temple- Diyawinna

Stone inscriptions

Shrine house

After worshiping Dewagiri temple, we took our way towards the cave temple which is situated in the forest. The road was directed and foot pathway was clear within the jungle. After walking about 1km we reached the cave temple and it was the base of the Piyangiri waterfall (පියන්ගිරි ඇල්ල) as well. The site was so beautiful and this is the only cave I have ever seen closer to a waterfall.

Directions to the cave temple

Bridge over the water stream of Piyangir Ella

Base of Piyangiri Ella

Cave with drip ledge

After spending about one hour there with the Buddhist priest we came back to main road.

Our next destination was Handagana Nuwara-Handagiriya. While travelling towards Handagiriya we were able to watch the tunnel whch carries water for hydropower from Samanala wewa reservior.

Handagana Nuwara-Archeological site- Weheragodalla/Thanwaththa

වෙහෙර ගොඩැල්ල /ටැම්වත්ත

Historical back ground

Handagana Nuwara/Handagirya හදගනා නුවර /සදගිරිය is identified as an one of old regional kingdom of Sri Lanka.Ruins which are found here are belong to Anuradhapura era. Later development has been done by King Parakramabahu VI(AC 1415-1467).

Current archaeological site can be seen in a paddy field. This is named as Weheragodalla/Thanwaththa. It contains stone pillars, ruins of a building and a stupa. All these ruins with the growing paddy field make beautiful scenaries. A branch of sacred Bo tree could be seen a side. Ruins can be seen around the Bo-tree.

Stone pillars in the paddy field. Note-High tension wire goes over the paddy field from Kapugala hydro power station. These stone pillars indicating a building.

Ruins of a stupa. Now only bricks can be seen

Scenery

Bricks of Stupa

.	Branch of sacred Bo-tree. Note ruins around that. This is found as an Octagonal Bodhigaraya

Evening sky with sun setting

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Following Sandagana Nuwara we drove towards Weligepola and while on travelling stopped at Lendora temple.

Lendora temple (ලෙන්දොර විහාරය)

Lenadora temple is a cave temple built during King Walagamba period by his princes Soma. Special feature of this temple is the reclined Buddha statue with head towards west. Old buddha statue has been destroyed and new one built.

Lendora cave temple

Reclined Buddha statue-head towards west

Wooden Buddha statue

Ceiling

Parts of old temple

Our last destination of the day was Kottimbulla Temple.It is situated in Weligepola. You have to travel 7km from Weligepola town towards Hatangala to reach this old temple which is simillar to Dambulla temple.

Kottimbullla temple (කොට්ටිඹුල්ල විහාරය)

This massive cave temple was built at King Walagamba period and following that several kings ( Buwanekabahu I, Parakumba VI, Sri Wijaya Rajasingha, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha) have participated in built it.Paintings which are belong to Kandyan era can be seen below the drip ledge. In side the shrine house (85 feet long) also you can see old paintings, 45 feet long reclined Buddha statue, and a stupa.

Kootambuwa cave temple-85 feet long

Paintings below the drip ledge

Entrance hall before the shrine house

Ceiling of the entrance hall

Reclined Buddha statue-45feet long

Note the windows using to get sunlight into the shrine house

.	Stupa also can be seen inside the shrine house

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Ancient “Dharmashala”

Pond-Never emptied from water

It was our last place of the visit and then travelled back towards Balangoda and then to Colombo.

Thanks for reading.

Ohiya is a rural village and one of the most scenic and coolest places in Sri Lanka. Normal temperature is less than 12 Celsius. It’s a lonely and sleepy town. The entire town consists of two boutiques and the railway station only. Nearest town by road is Boralanda (10 KM). Nearest Petrol shed is Welimada (22 KM). Police area is Haputhale and the Police station is 24 KM away. Only public transport available is one CTB bus running between Boralanda and Ohiya, 4 – 5 days a week and there are no private buses. Only other option is to hire a vehicle. Gamini, owner of one of these two boutiques has a van and a three wheel.

During last December holidays we planned a family trip to this scenic village. We got into the train from Gampaha at 8.35 pm and reached Ohiya by 5.00 am next day. It was freezing at Ohiya station. Gaminie’s van was ready and we came to Hill Safari Eco Lodge which is 5 KM away from Ohiya station.

Directions at Ohiya station

View from the Lodge towards Deep South

After a snack breakfast we rushed to Horton plains in Gaminie’s van, where our trekker Thushara was waiting for us. By 8.00 am we started walking towards worlds end. We took the right turn at Y – junction and walked towards Baker’s fall. There was a slight drizzle but at chimney pool it started raining. At governor’s pool it was pouring heavily. We came to Baker’s fall with pouring waters from head to toe as we didn’t have any raincoats or umbrellas. It was a marvelous sighting to see Bakers fall in full flow with the heavy rain. I just couldn’t take my camera out due to heavy downpour but my son managed to capture few from his phone camera.

Fully stretched Bakers fall. Never seen her at this strength, before

From Baker’s Fall we walked up to world’s end observation deck and mini world’s end. Both places were fully covered with thick mist and due to heavy downpour, I could not capture anything. Thereafter, we walked towards the trail end. We came to the visitors center and had lunch at Horton Plains canteen. (Rice & curry Rs 220/=) You can contact the canteen on 0575614648

Our next agenda was Thotupola Kanda, but my kids were bit reluctant as we all were heavily soaked. My daughter was shivering. The rain has subsided but it was drizzling and my mind did not allow me to leave Horton planes without climbing Thotupola Kanda. I kept my kids at the visitor’s center and left to Thotupola kanda with Thushara. Trail head is 4 KM away from Horton Plains visitor’s center on Pattipola/Ambewela road.

This is the 3rd Highest Peak in Sri Lanka standing at an altitude of 2359 Meters from the Mean Sea Level.

Thotupola Kanda – Click Image to Enlarge

Trail Head

Thotupola Kanda trail

Obstacles

Belongs to a Leopard (According to Thushara)

Tree canopy

Summit was fully surrounded with mist and couldn’t see anything beyond

Summit of Thotupola Kanda

Thick mist around the summit

After spending sometime at the summit we came down and got back to Horton Plains and returned to Ohiya.

Common sight at Horton plains

Nicely posing, inviting you to get a picture

Day 2

I was anxious the next day morning whether anyone had caught flu after getting soaked for more than four hours the previous day. But fortunately they all were fit and we started our Day 2 Hike, Ohiya to Bambarakanda through Udaweriya. Sky was bright but we took umbrellas as we didn’t want to face the same experience that we had the previous day at Horton Plains.

It’s a 16 KM walk and we reached the main trail through a jungle scrub and it was a neglected tea plantation. After about 30 minutes of walk through the abandon land we came across a complex of line houses of workers and then met the main Bambarakanda trail. Kandasamy and his loving companion Tomy, showed us the road to the main trail.

Jungle scrub

Kandasamy and Tomy

There were many earth slip

Vegetable plantation

Estate workers’ houses and an office complex

The short cut, meeting the main trail

We walked towards Bambarakanda along the main trail. This is one of the most fascinating areas for hiking. Even though the trail is tough, the surroundings are absolutely stunning.

Lush greenery all over

The road was terrible and most of the areas were badly washed away with full of pot holes. Only a four wheel can pass on this road, but even a van with a high ground clearance also could get through.

Road was terrible

Only a four wheel can get through

We came across four mini waterfalls on the way and some of them were seasonal.

A mini water fall

Just by the side of the main trail

A hidden cascade

Far away from the main trail

End of Udaveriya Estate

Wind direction

Weather was changing with no time from bright sun to heavy rain. But we were not troubled as we were well seasoned for these sudden climatic changes from previous day

Had come on a long way, yet another long way to go

Walking another 5 km we came across the famous Devil Staircase, with closely placed four hair pin bends with sharp ascend

First and the second bend

Third and the fourth bend

My daughter was very slow as she is not used to this type of strenuous walks. She wanted frequent stops which annoyed others but I was happy that she walked up to the end, without a fuss. Thanks to Jeewani we walked ahead about another 2 KM to see the waters of Bambarakanda crossing the trail. Then we crossed a footbridge.

This water goes to form Bambarakanda

Crossing the footbridge

Once you pass this footbridge you come across the famous V- cut. After passing the V- cut we glimpsed Bambarakanda fall at a fair distance.

V- cut

First glimpse of Bambarakanda at a distance

There was another 3 KM from this place. After passing tea estates the final path of the trail was a pine plot and the road was in good shape. There was about half KM paved with brick tiles and beyond that was a tarry road.

Paved with brick tiles

Tar road finally

We turned to our right from the main trail into a pine forest and climbed another 500 meters to reach this magnificent water fall. This is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka with a height of 263 m (863 ft).

She was in all her glory and the place is windy. The powerful blow causes gushing of waters to sprinkle on us. It really eased all tiredness of a long walk in a second, with its cooling surroundings.

End of a long journey

We were mesmerized by the natural beauty of this giant water fall. When you look at her closely you can observe several rocks jutting out from the cliff and it breaks the main water flow into several streams which enhances her natural beauty.

Several rocks jutting out from the cliff and breaks the main water flow into several streams

After enjoying the beauty of this marvel we hurried back as it was late and we were hungry. We came to Bambarakanda Holiday Resort where we were warmly welcomed by the charming lady Mrs. Sera Mayakaduwa, the owner of the resort. She is a true nature lover with lots of knowledge about the Bambarakanda fall. It was 5.00 pm when we had lunch and she was patiently waiting until we came and had lunch with us. After a very friendly and useful chat with her we left the resort and came to Ohiya.

Mrs. Mayakaduwa arranged transport for us and we came to Ohiya via Kalupahana, Beragala, Haputhale and Boralanda.

Wonderfully performing her natural beauty. View from the back yard of the Bambarakanda holiday resort

Day 3

Day 3 was reserved for the railway hike. Kids were all fit after the mother’s treatment on previous night with Siddalepa and pain killing tablets for their aches and pains. Having a quick breakfast we rushed to Ohiya station where Thushara was waiting for us.

I discussed about our route with the Station Master and with his blessings we started walking towards Pattipola along the rail line. Our first mission was to catch the Colombo train on Ohiya Railway Bridge. There are four tunnels in between Ohiya and Pattipola railway stations. Namely tunnel No: 21st, 20th, 19th and 18th.

Walk started from Ohiya railway station

on the way

Entering the 21st tunnel (80 meters long)

Tunnel 20 is smaller (19 meters long)

After going through the tunnel No: 20, we came across the Ohiya railway bridge. We timed it well to catch the Colombo train crossing the bridge

Ohiya railway bridge

Colombo train crossing the bridge

Then we crossed the bridge and walked towards the 19th tunnel

Crossing the bridge

19th tunnel also a smaller one (19 meters)

Then we came towards the 18th tunnel which is a unique one.

Quote from Tony

When you are coming from Colombo, after Passing Pattipola Railway Station which is the highest railway station of Sri Lanka, there is a special and important place to visit. 18th Railway tunnel from Colombo and darkest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka. This tunnel is the third longest (321.95m) of Sri Lanka. Temperature difference between both ends are different, Climate of both ends are different, Soil – environment – wind – rain are also different. Main important and specialty of tunnel 18 is both sides are strictly different.

My trio

Entering tunnel 18

My elder son started uttering all devil stories about ‘Mahasona’ and ‘Mohinie’ but two youngers were not shaken.

Its pitch dark towards the core. It is a long way to go

Coming out to a new world

We actually felt the unique difference of both sides of the tunnel. It’s a wonderful experience. One must experience it personally, which cannot describe in words.

There were another 2 KM to Pattipola station and we hurried up to get there as our next plan was to catch the train to Badulla which arrives Pattipola at 10.20 am. About 1 KM before Pattipola we came across the highest point of the Sri Lanka railway line.

Summit level of Railway line

Highest Railway station

We were just in time to catch the Badulla train and bought tickets to Demodara, our next destination. Rs. 50/= each for 3rd class. It’s a ‘goods train’ and probably the slowest train on this earth. I had a good nap and got up at Ella as I had to catch some pictures between Ella and Demodara.

Misty mountains between Ella and Demodara

‘Badu Kochchiya’ Passing Nine arch bridge

We got down at Demodara Station around 2.00 pm. My next plan was to explore “Demodara loop”. Demodara Railway station is located between Ella and Uduwara railway stations and it is a wonderful construction of the Sri Lankan railway network.

Demodara loop shown at the station – Click Image to Enlarge

Up county railway line is one of the greatest achievements of the colonial engineers.

Though the track from Colombo had overcome a more dreadful path through the thick jungles and huge mountains, the engineers were in a misery to proceed beyond Demodara and wanted to end the rail line there. Because there was a 25 meter gap beyond Demodara station and they couldn’t negotiate this gap as the maximum level difference that can be allowed in a railway line is one foot of inclination for 44 feet. “Looping the loop” was the only solution for this. It is said that the idea of this loop was a sudden inspiration that occurred to the engineers who masterminded the railway line, when they observed a cattle keeper undo his ‘thalappa’ (turban) and re-tie it round his head.

This is how a turban is tied

Having this idea in their minds they planned the Demodara loop which is called ‘looping the loop’ and after several years of construction, the track was finally commissioned in 1921, when the first train arrived at Demodara.

We got off the train at Demodara station and rushed to the backyard of the station to observe this wonderful loop.

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The train which left the station little while ago, going round a mountain in a loop to make 180 degree turn, with a continuous descend, while keeping with the stipulated gradient of 1: 44, and coming back towards the station again, but to end up at a lower elevation. Hence it runs through the tunnel which is just beneath the station and leaving to Badulla.

Coming towards the station again. but at a lower elevation

Running into the tunnel under the railway station

We walked through the loop and came up to the tunnel and experienced the excellence of this locomotive engineering. The entire loop is 900 meters long and the Demodara tunnel is the 42nd tunnel measuring 172 meters long. Railway station is on the roof of this tunnel. This is a well known masterpiece of engineering feat.

Tunnel No: 42 – Demodara tunnel. Station is on the roof of this tunnel.
The opening at the far end is the exit to Badulla.

After few days of the trip I asked my son to draw the Demodara loop, as he has his personal experience walking through it and this is how he saw it.

Demodara loop

After exploring this magnificent loop we started our second rail track hike walking back from Demodara to Ella. There are two tunnels in between, namely tunnel No: 41 and 40. The Demodara loop is not the only railway attraction in this area. The Nine Arch Bridge is another engineering marvel along this rail line. My next aim was to catch the Podi Menike train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge. We had to walk 3 KM to this place. First we passed the 41st tunnel and then came to Nine Arch Bridge just in time to catch the Badulla train.

Nine Arch Bridge, 90 years old, but still looking strong

The unique feature of this 100 foot high bridge is that it was built entirely of solid blocks of rock, bricks and cement without the use of a single length of steel or concrete. The bridge was commissioned in 1921 to bring the first train to Demodara station.

The train which left Ella station at 3.20 pm came in few minutes and crossed the bridge.

Podi Menike train crossing the bridge

Train leaving the bridge

Podimenike crossing the Nine Arch Bridge – Video

How many times have I crossed this marvelous bridge before, while sitting comfortably in a train? But this is the first time I am crossing it with my own foot under an umbrella.

First time in my life, probably the last

Sleepers were slippery due to the rain and we came across two earth slips. After walking another 3.5 KM we reached Ella railway station to end our rail hike.

Just cleared, previous day

End of a rail hike at Ella station

It was well passed 5 pm and we came to Ella town to have lunch. Ella town is a very busy town contrast to Ohiya. It’s a popular tourist destination and there were hundreds of restaurants decorated with colourful lights. It was just like ‘Vesak’ in Colombo. Under heavy rain we got into a nearby restaurant and had a delicious lunch and came back to Ella station to catch the night mail which arrived at 7.20 pm and reached Ohiya by 9.30pm.

All in all we have done 43 KM by foot during these three days.

My wife, not the ideal one for this type of journeys, did not join in any of these hikes but stayed back at the lodge. It was a good relaxing holiday for her ‘no cooking, no washing’.

Day 4

We packed up everything to get back home. This is also a new experience for kids as we were to travel in ‘Exporail’. This is a luxury compartment owned by a private firm connected to the normal train. You can book your Esporail tickets online.

We came to Ohiya station at 10.30 am as the Podi menike train was scheduled to reach Ohiya at 11.10 am. But when we came to the station we got the shocking news that the train was cancelled due to an earth slip on previous night at Idalgashinna. We were in a mystery but Gaminie promised me he will take us to Gampaha in his van and I agreed as there was no other option. These station masters are very helpful and he was taking calls all over and suddenly came and told me the earth slip was cleared and the Udarata Menike which scheduled to leave Badulla at 11.50 am is running in time. We all were thrilled with the happy news.

Train which came from Nanu Oya to clear the earth slip is getting back home

We were idling at the station for nearly four hours with gossips and yarns and got into the train which came to Ohiya at 2.15 pm and got off at Gampaha at 11.00 pm, ending a memorable journey.

As I have visited Horton plains from Ohiya, Pattipola and Bogawanthalawa routes, this time wanted to do it from Non parieal route.

Previous day night we stayed at Belihuloya and arranged a three-wheeler to Ihalagalagama where trail starts.

Morning at Ihalagalagama

Trail starts

From here onwards we followed the trail guide.

.	Hagala forest reserve

.	Jeep track ends

Dethanagala

Once jeeps track over, we followed the foot pathway through pines trees. It was bit difficult to find the footpath way in this area.

Climbing up in the pines patch

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One land mark

Retracing of footpath way

Getting out of pines trees

Delicate

Minor waterfalls

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.	Bathing sun rays

Entering into the forest patch

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Disappearing of Hagala

Ihalagalagama zoomed

.	Hagala and Belihuloya

Belihuloya flows

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Climbing through Mana bushes

The area we came

Appearance of Horton plains –Rhododendron arboreum characteristic of Horton plains

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Entering to the upper division of non parieal estate

First civilization we met

Land mark at tea estate

So misty

Nagrak division houses-unfortunately children of this area don’t attend to school due to distance

This part of the estate is full of minor water streams

Direction

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Religious symbol

Foot pathway from Bogawanthalawa is joining with the trail

Summer hut of Manager’s bungalow

Nagrak holiday bungalow

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.	Entering to the Horton plain

The way through bamboo bushes

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Twisted trees due to speedy wind

Giant…….

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We reached the Horton plains at around 2pm. We started the trail from Ihalagalagama around 7am. Aftr enjoying the downview from the World’s end we decided to return back through the same route.

Surrounding view fom the World’s end

The drop of World’s end

Just a glance at Horton plains

Coming of mist

Once we came to Nagrak Bungalow, it was 3.45pm and thick mist was there. Therefore we stepped down through the jeep track towards Belihuloya. (As getting into the forest with mist in the late evening is not a wise decision).

Return journey through the mist

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At Baker’s Bend

A Kovil

This route has a lot of small waterfalls

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Another bend. This road has 28-29 bends

Minor waterfalls

Samanala wewa reservoir seen in distance

Last shot of the day

After walking about 10-11km we decided to find a three-wheeler as we had to catch the train from Haputhale in that night. So this journey was ended up by a three-wheeler.

Thanks for the Lakdasun trail guide

As my 2nd journey of my 2012 vacation I decided to take a trip to Matale to visit few cascading beauties around the area. As many of our members has done it is no means a hike or some sought of. But just a road trip where we went on search few places where you could find the waterfalls around the area. So I got permission from my dad to have his Hijet “batta” as my transport and asked my best buddy to join me together with my wife for the journey.

Day 1

We left around 8.00 in the morning from Wattala, which is quite late than usual and reached Peradeniya somewhere around 10.30.

The 1st day journey was to head towards Bambarella through Panwila as there are quite a few waterfalls on the way. Just passing Panwila town we could see a large cascade flowing down gently from high up the mountains but couldn’t identify the name of the falls even after inquiring couple of locals form the area. We reached the small town Huluganga just close to 12.00 noon and stopped by the majestic Huluganga Falls, the waterfall which shot in to fame from the mid 80′s Sinhalese tele drama “Ella langa walawwa”. This is easily one of the most powerful waterfalls in our country and the energy and the force of the water is simply amazing. Until recently there haven’t been a proper viewing point but now an observation platform is under constructions close to the falls which will help everyone to have a better and closer look of this gigantic waterfall.

He managed to steel something

Probably a seasonal cascade

The bridge in Huluganga town Huluganga waterfall is just beneath this bridge

A Hindu god and a cow in a kovil in Huluganga town

Huluganga Falls

Powerful and gigantic force

The cascading point taken from the bridge

Then we inquired about a waterfall called Thaliya Wetuna Falls which somewhat resemble the famous St.Clare’s Falls. We had to take a small road from Huluganga town towards an estate called Alakola estate. After travelling around 2-3 kms we could see the waterfall close to the road. Interestingly within 10 minutes we were able to see Huluganga Falls which belongs to Kandy district and Thaliya Wetuna Falls which is part of Matale district. There is a clear path through the tea estates to reach closer to the base of the waterfall but it might take you an additional 1/2 an half or so. Since we were up against the time we skipped going closer and more over we were able to have a full view of the falls from the place where we were.

Alakola estate

Thaliya Wetuna Falls (close up)

Thaliya Wetuna Falls

After spending few minutes enjoying the beauty of Thaliya Wetuna Falls we continued our journey towards Bambarella. Just close to the isolated Bambarella town we could see the splendid looking Jodu Falls. This twin falls also known as Depath Falls as referred by many are documented as identical in height and flows close to each other.

Close to Bambarella

Anyone knows what’s this?

Jodu Falls

The Base close up

As a shower is around we rushed towards Bambarella town to have a look of the Saari Falls where you have to turn left uphill before the town and continue for about 500m. The place where the Saari Falls is located is just out of this world. With the rain and large number of blood suckers we walked close to the base where you find a abandoned wooden house which may have built as the observation platform just near the waterfall.

Saari Falls

The upper most level

The base pool

The abandoned hut

Cannot have a better place than this to build a house

Now it’s time to go to my friends house for overnight stay as we got few calls from them inquiring our whereabouts. We came back from Bambarella on the same route but from Panwila we took Wattegama as we needed to reach Matale. Since we have to pass Wattegama I was keen to visit at least one more waterfall and somehow managed to see Rahas Falls which is located just a couple of kms before Wattegama town on the main road itself. It is in two parts and the upper level is above the bridge on the main road and the lower level is below. Around 6.00 PM we reached my friends house and we got a very warm welcome from his family members.

Rahas Falls – Upper level

Rahas Falls – Lower level

Day 2

Our plan was to pay a visit to some of the little known waterfalls around Matale such as Kumbaloluwa Falls and Wambatuhena Falls in Laggala, Wegala Falls and the popular Hunnas Falls in Elkaduwa and few other more around. But last moment after discussing with my friends family we decided to go Riverston and Sera Falls. It was our first visit to Riverston so was really excited about it. After having a delicious breakfast we said good bye to the family members of my friend and left their place around 9.00 AM.

The journey to Riverston as most of you know is amazingly unforgettable. It took us more than three hours to reach to Sera Falls which is located about 20kms from Ilukkumura town. We stopped by many places on the way enjoying the fascinating views of Knuckles forest reserves and Riverston hills including the legendary Manigala.

Towards Riverston from my friends balcony

Little hut

Scenery

Manigala

Manigala

Towards Pitawala Patana

Pitawala Patana

Sign board of Mini worlds end

Road to heaven

End of the road??

The road to Sera Falls from Ilukkumbura was not in good shape but still manageable even with a small car. The water level was not as we expected specially after the rain but still it had plenty of beauty to satisfy our eyes. We didn’t miss out to go to the small cave which is behind the falls. It was indeed an unforgettable experience as you were able to see a waterfall from behind where it flows is quite amazing. There were few “Nai humbas” or snake houses on the way. As expected we came across a baby cobra on our foot steps from Sera Falls while returning back.

Way to Sera Falls

Rural village life along Thelgamu Oya

Sera Falls side view

Left branch

Sera Falls

Amazing cave experience

Viewing hut from the cave

Path to Sera Falls

While returning from Sera Falls we stopped by Bambarakiri Falls which is located about 5kms before Rattota from Ilukkumbura. We left Matale town around 5.00 PM and reached Wattala just before 10.00 at night after 2 wonderful days of nature experience.

Paddy layers

Transmission tower at top of Riverston

The cycling members

Manigala on the way back

Bambarakiri Falls

And it flows down …

The suspension bridge near Bambarakiri Falls

Take a ways

Hanthane hills on fading light

Thank you

Few months ago myself and Mithila got together and thought of doing the last two remaining trails of Sripada which were Dehena kanda/Hapugastenna trail and Morray/Rajamale estate foot path. We intentionally postponed this journey to march hoping that the path would be cleared off by then. This was a long awaited dream for me and this year it came true. This time our group was a huge one comprising 7 Lakdasun members and others been Theshantha’s family members. I knew this was going to be a unique experience that i will never ever forget and indeed it was.

After 4 days of planning it was time to go on this special pilgrimage. As planned all of us arrived at Mukkuwatta of Hapugastenna upper division around 10am (by a hired van) and started packing up our stuff for the last time. At the starting point there is a small shrine and at the backdrop of it one can appreciate the mountain ranges of Sripada reserve standing tall like a wall. After finishing religious rituals we got down through the tea patch towards the miniature stream of Rath Ganga where few leeches were there to welcome us. After crossing over towards Somarathna ambalama (which is the only ambalama we came across during our whole journey) we applied Alum (AlSO4) and started climbing uphill through a well cleared forest path. The forest was full of bamboo and other huge trees giving the surrounding environment a 100 percent greenly appearance. Somehow after about 500m we reached our next land mark which was Wewal dola. From here onwards it was a continuous uphill journey. Not like other trails Dehenakanda route is full of ascends and very little flat terrain. After traveling more that 1km we reached our next landmark which is Wellakkara galge. It was a small less spacious cave which sheltered all ten of us from an unexpected passing shower.

happy faces at hapugastenna

Directions

Hapugastenna upper division

top of the tea estate

sadu sadu sadu

off we go

Rath ganga

Somarathna ambalama

our only enemy

on the way climbing through the forest

Wewel dola

petals

life

resting at wellakkara galge

After refreshing ourselves we got in to our raincoats and off we went. The nature of the trail became tough than we expected the ascend was a non-stop continues one and we were forced to take plenty of pit stops and sips of occasional Jeevani. We did come across two caves and the last one was a where we decided to have a break. The last cave was Ihala rama gala(Bedigala?) according to our assumptions. From here onwards it was like we were never going to stop climbing and the knees were almost knocking on our chins. The only advantage we had was the path been wide and clear. We were winding around Rath kanda all this time and at last we reached Bothiya dola where we sat and shared what we brought for lunch. At this point i decided to go downhill along the stream to find a small waterfall which Chaturanga and the gang had seen during their visit. It was indeed beautiful and totally worth the effort.

giant millipede

the path

more to climb(despite the rain)

Pahala rama gala cave(not sure)

green it was

misty path

ferns

ha here are some illegal activities commonly carried out

ihala rama gala cave(where we rested)

ඇටි කෙහෙල්

wow it was well arched

Bothiya dola where we had lunch

a waterfall at bothiya dola

When we restarted our journey it was passed 4pm and once again it was a steep climb that awaited us. We were exhausted within no time, Podda had been shifting from one shoulder to another all the way and his parents were exhausted more than anyone. Just before and after Bothiya dola, peak of Bena samanala could be seen. It was getting darker by the minute and we were rushing in search of Battulu oya where we planned to camp. We were now traveling along the base of Bena samanala and the terrain was almost flat for about 1Km for the first time. We also did note Adams peak for the first time thanks to its well lit up summit. Though the trail was flat it was pitch dark and the roots crossing the path were death traps so we had to use our head lamps to overcome this difficulty. After passing three streams and a Mana patch we decided not to continue further. We found a clear area on the path suitable for camping and this was indeed our night resting place. After dropping down our stuff Kasun & I went back to help the rest of the group who were yet to come while Mithila and others started pitching the tents. After regrouping we decided to cook some noodles at around 8pm. We were lucky that the sky had cleared off and there were no major threats of further showers. We started at an elevation of 700m and ended up close to 1600m at the end of the day while traveling something close to 7km. We were so exhausted so within no time we felt a sleep but on back of our minds we were little bit worried about elephants and notorious bears of Benasamanala.

colours of nature

plenty of bark mushrooms

and more

still traveling its passed 6pm

Bena samanala

it was getting dark but the terain was flat

through the marshy land

our dinner

Next day at around 5am birds started to chuckle but the cold temperature didn’t warrant us to creep out of the tents. Somehow we decided to wrap up things quickly and get to Battulu oya where we planned to cook and reorganize ourselves. From where we camped to the river it was about 700m and just before we started descending we saw the summit of Adams peak clearly for the first time and the words “sadu sadu sadu” came effortlessly. The river Mahaweli/Menik as known to the locals is actually Battulu oya and the location is undeniably a paradise! There is a buildup shrine on the opposite bank where people can engage in their religious rituals. The river forms a beautiful cascade at this site which tempted us to climb down for a clear view. Further upstream there is a huge water collection based by sand and pebbled rocks which is a wonderful place to swim around and Harinda couldn’t resist the temptation . Dry fire wood was hard to find and cooking took some while because of that. Few of us didn’t forget to jump in to the icy cold river and last at least for few seconds . After having some rice with “seeni sambol” and “karavila” we repacked quickly because it was already 11am. Just before we left this paradise a local “nade” from Wewelwatta arrived from Dehenakanda and they were bit surprised to see us. According to them about 200 locals get-together and clears the whole path in two days yearly as a “sharamadane” but this year they have not cleared (clearing abandoned due to bad weather conditions at that time) the last stretch and we did note the significance of that later on that day.

next day morning getting ready to leave(we camped on a flat path)

dawn

the tree which everyone photographed

බෝවිටියා

unique to mountanious forest

first clear view of adams peak

summit zoomed

Paradise

Battulu oya cascading

reflection

wow and wow

morning rays

slow shutter speed worked well

and it flows towards fishing huts

webbed

my shadow

burning dirt

note the sand bed

a small cascade

life is everywhere

rays

best ever swimming pool

crystal clear

smoked

wushimale(geththampana) near the river

a nade

We had to ascend again and after about 1km we reached a flat area where Adams peak was seen clearly again. Few hundred meters downwards was the last stream we would come across. When i checked the maps and google earth i found out that this was the main feeder of Battulu oya. After regrouping we decided to start the final ascend. After giving room to the previously mentioned “nade”(who were passing us) we started creeping through the tall Nelu trees which were not cleared off this year. The weather got bad to worse and the thick undergrowth was not helping the cause. This was going to be a never ending climb and we couldn’t see any further than few meters ahead, with our luggage on our backs and fronts it was simply hazardous, the only plus point we had was our walking sticks which worked as a third leg. No words can describe what we went through during this last 4 hours. Finally we emerged out of the thick forest cover and the surrounding peaks were getting clearly visible with each foot we climbed. And at last we saw what we were climbing all this time. Yes it was the “maha giri dambe” and seen it per se boosted up our spirits. The loudness of our “thun sarane kavi” was magnified and we gained strength through this spiritual feeling. At around 4pm we met the cemented steps of Rathnapura/Erathna road close to a cemented water tank 50m below Ehela kanuwa.

more hatu

rooted path

Samanala kanda as seen some where close to the last stream

main tributary of battulu oya(base of adams peak stream)

through the desartarous path

had some life to smile

while climbing maha giri dambe

bena samanala and darmarajagala as seen while climbing maha giri dambe

we emerged out somewhere close to the water pump room on the left of the Rathnapura route

heramitipana

adiyamalatenna

life after the rains

prominent peaks

towards Pettigala(we came through this gap

7 virgins

beautiful

All of us were wet and exhausted but with less effort we got to the “uda maluwa” and halted ourselves in a hallway. While we were at the “uda maluwa” we met the “nade” from Wewelwatta who completed the path in 8hours and they were a very kind and sharing group who helped us in many ways. We were lucky enough to witness a sun set, it was a wonderful site seen how the setting sun lighting up the lagoons in the western coastal belt. The head priest and Mr Nilantha was kind enough to allow us to stay in a small room and also offering us some tasty pol sambool + parippu + rice which was like a feast from the gods for us who were exhausted after completing the 12km trail from Hapugastenna.

Maussakele reservoir

silver skys around sri pada

plenty of yellow eareds at the summit

warmath from dolos mahe pahana

Seethagangula 1 ella

towards sama chittya at nallathanni

just before the mist

pettigala emerging out of the mist

all 3 peaks finally caught together

sun is setting

the western coastal line and lagoons lit up

wow cotton effect

magical

living in heaven

Nallathanni and maskeliya at night

Rathnapura and Erathna trails as seen from Ehela kanuwa

Rathnapura at night(take from the toilet)

Day 3 at 5.30am we went on to the freezing “uda maluwa” which was jammed pack by pilgrims who were waiting to see the sun rise(Ira sewaya) which no one has witnesses for the past 7 days because of the bad weather. But it was our lucky day we witnessed the rising sun over Horton plains and also the unique triangular shadow of the mountain over Kunudiya parwathaya. Been the 4th highest peak and also been isolated from the central hills Adams peak is the best Arial view point of Sri Lanka. The list of land marks is never ending so i will not list it out here. At around 8am after finishing our religious rituals at “uda maluwa” we started descending through the Hatton route and 100m below the summit we came across the Bhagava lena where one can find a painting of king Nissankamalla and a quite long inscription signifying his visit to Adams peak. We came across another small cave with an inscription further down.

Maussakele at 5.30am

Piduruthalagala seen far away

towards balangoda Pettigala

summit of sri lanka

brightening by the second

Totupola,Kirigalpoththa and agrapathana peaks

Sadagalatenna as seen from the summit

pinkish moussakele

towards wewelwatta

summit of Piduruthalagala

wow here she comes

wow at last it was 6.15am —

ඉර සේවය

sun rise from horton plains

good morning sri lanka

Hatton route jam packed

shadow of adams peak created on mist

the four peaks

shadow at the backdrop of kunudiya parwuthaya

towards erathna & kuruwita

ahas gangawa

Dharmarajagala

Bena samanala

colouful

towards lakshapana

towards Redella

bells of heaven

shadow proper

proudly waving flag

Kabaragala and far away is Alagalla

crowdy uda maluwa

far away mountains belongs to knuckles range

කෝඩු පදුරු

නඩේ

maoussakele reservoir

භගවා ලෙන

King Nishshankamalla

the inscription – Click Image to Enlarge

clear skies

towards redella and piduruthalagala

another inscription at another cave

side view

සාම pagoda

Just after passing the last “kade”(boutique) and just before the railing and steps ended there was a turn off to the right, this is the trail end of Morray estate path. First few hundred meters should be traversed with caution because chances of stumbling upon human dumping is high the path is very scenic and initially the terrain is not so difficult but with no time You will come across a steep descent which one needs to tackle with caution. The path is well cleared and it will not be a difficult task even during the off season. After getting down from the “maha giri dambe(long descend)” we had some bread as breakfast at a flat area.

end point of Morray estate trail

down we go

changing shape

towards gawarawila

beautiful scenery

patterns

perfectly framed

climbing down maha giri dambe

contrast

mountanious forest

on the way scenery

the peak

a rare flat path

About 1.8km from the summit is the midpoint called Sandagalatenna which is a wide open area where one can have a picture post card view of Adams peak while lying on the flat rock. We were forced to have a break under the sun for a while at this point. Lokka and Podda on the other hand loved running around at Sandagalatenna while others had a sun bath . Though the sky was crystal clear in the morning the clouds started to build up in no time so it was time to rush down. After Sandagalatenna we came across the first stream which was 800m away. We had to refill at this point because our water store had depleted. About 500m away from the stream we were trekking parallel to Battulu oya which was flowing producing a huge roar. We came across a small flat rock less than 100m from the above said point. From here onwards the last part of the journey was a steep descent. After about 1km we reached a relatively flat area and just before the end of the trail there was a stream drooling along a rock across the path. Finally after 3 days of strenuous hiking we successfully ended our pilgrimage at the tea estate. There was a nice ice “paella” which washed away our tiredness. There was a van waiting to collect us from the trail head which was arranged by Theshantha’s friend. We arrived at Hatton and dropped ourselves at “Matara bath kade” where we “bada palenda kewa”. From Hatton we got in to a bus and went towards our end destinations. This was one of those amazing adventures one can ever experience in their life time. The unity and like mindedness was the one and only factor that contributed to the success of our journey. And from the eldest to the little 2 year old, all played their part in this great spiritual adventure to Adams peak

beautiful view of adams peak from සදගලතැන්න

the peak as seen from sadagalatenna

wow

paradise of sadagalatenna

and the path continues

the cleared path

at last water

the stream where we refilled was crossing the trail

small flat rock

a second to stop and smile

down the pallam again

obstacles

the last part

gates to civilization

finally the end

our peela

gloomy scenery

a tea hut

Rajamale(Morray estate)

towards gartmore

This was my 3rd visit to Meemure and this was after 6 years of the 2nd visit. When I had my first visit in 2004, it was the time that Meemure was getting popular with ‘සූරිය අරණ’ film. In those days it was a village which was hardly developed. That means there was only a single vehicle to the entire village and we could see people carrying goods by ‘තවලම’. But now they have several vehicles, Tuk Tuks, Motor bikes, etc. and no ‘තවලම’ anymore. Most importantly now they have electricity from a mini hydro project.

But it still preserves the beauty and glory of Lakegala and surroundings.

We started our journey from Colombo by 5.00AM and we had breakfast at Kandy. Then we went to the Adikarigama via Raja Mawatha to visit Victoria Power generation complex. After visiting that we came to the Victoria Dam observation center via Victoria Dam by crossing the Mahaweli River. Then we came to Hunnasgiriya and had lunch there. We had to buy some stuff from there and by 3.30PM we started our journey from Hunnasgiriya to Meemure. Distance is 31KM. But it took 3.5 hours for us to reach Meemure.

Roadside Water fall – Hunnasgiriya – Click Image to Enlarge

More random water falls with rain

First 15 km was a little OK, but then it was worse. Road condition was terrible and thick mist was there. You couldn’t see even 2, 3 meters ahead. We came to the Corbet’s Gap and had little rest there. It would have been a fantastic place if the mist was not there. With the mist and heavy wind we were not able to stay longer there and so we started the journey again

Thick Mist at Corbet’s Gap (අට්ටලමෙට්ටුව)

Corbet’s Gap

Corbet’s Gap

Thereafter road was terrible; we had to get down from the van several times and literally “make temporary repairs” to the road before moving the van.

In the middle of a lot of obstacles, by 7.00PM we were able to reached Meemure. It was night time by the time we reached there; and due to the heavy rains during the day time it was very difficult for us to setup the tent. So we decided to stay at one of our good old friend Nawarathne’s place for that night. He has built a separate section attached to his house to rent out to visitors. It was quite a good place and can be recommended for others as well. After having chats with a few villagers we went to sleep.

Next day we got up early morning and the plan was to hike Lakegala. After having breakfast we came to the Meemure village center and had a chat with several villages about Lakegala hike. But their advice was not to hike Lakegala that day due to the heavy rains during the last couple of days. They said the rocky trail will be too slippery and would be too dangerous. With that information we had to drop our idea of hiking. Then what to do…..

Everybody decided to setup the tent and have a cool dip on ‘Heen Ganga’ and relax the evening by experiencing the beauty of Meemure. After setting up the tent we all went to the ‘Heen Ganga’ to have a bath. It was fantastic.

Evening we relaxed and met several villages and had casual chats about their day to day life and history about Meemure.

Glorious Lakegala at his Best

Symbolic ‘Mee’ Tree at Meemure Village Center

Hope You All Remember this, “ඉරෙන් හදෙන්….එලිය අරන්…” We should protect these resources for our next generation

‘Heen Ganga’

Bond with nature at best…

What a nice place for Camping – Click Image to Enlarge

Getting ready for Bon Fire

In the night we had our usual sing along session with a BBQ. But we made sure the natural silence of the village night was not disturbed

Everybody has their own duties as planned

Until next morning

We just got up

Next Day Morning… – Click Image to Enlarge

Lakegala with clear sky – Click Image to Enlarge

Breathtaking… – Click Image to Enlarge

We had to construct the road ….!

How difficult it was

View of Lakegala from another angle (between Kaikawala & Corbet’s Gap)

View towards Meemure

View towards Meemure

View from Corbet’s Gap in a clear morning (not in this trip)

View from Corbet’s Gap in a clear morning (not in this trip)

After awesome 3days away from busy, complex life we returned to Colombo. Thanks for reading this awesome experience.

දුම්බර කදු නගිමින් – අලුගල්ලෙනත් බලමින්- අරඹා බඹරැල්ලෙන් – නිමකලෙමු තංගප්පුවෙන්

After Lakdasun 2nd gathering I got to know some wonderful people and was able to go on some trips with them. So my first trip after that was with  Mithila, Ashan, Sheham, NG, Kasun , Theshantha etc. Interestingly that was my favorite place on earth “ Sri Pada”. Then I recently went on with two other wonderful members of LAKDASUN, SANKETHA and ATULA. Interestingly that was my second favorite place on earth , “Knuckles the Misty Mountains “. How lucky I am. So here is the story of our wonderful journey “Bambarella to Thangappuwa”.

Although I am the writer most of the pictures belongs to Sanketha, Athula ,and Wuminda. So all the credits should go to them. I am herewith mentioning the names of person whom the picture belongs to.

As some of us had to attend family commitments in the morning we fixed Friday 1.00 p.m. as our departure time. Snaketha picked Me and Wuminda at Pelawatta and came to pettah by his car (his father was driving) and Athula with Prasad already had come there. We boarded ourselves to a Kandy A/C Bus at 1.30 p.m .and got off at Ihala Iriyagama at 4.30 p.m. We walked the rest 700m to the Rest house. We had tea there and had a quick wash, came back and proceeded towards Temple of Tooth by bus. It’s about 15-20 minutes journey.

Our plan was to rest that day and leave rest house around f 5.00 a.m. nest day to reach Bambarella before 8.30by hired van .Meanwhile we planned to hunt few waterfalls too.

Our calm , economical resting place .we booked two rooms + dinner ( PHOTO: SANKETHA)

Our Crew from Left to Right Atula, Prasad, Sanketha, Wuminda, Harinda (PHOTO: HARINDA)

DALADA MALIGAWA Seen from distance ( PHOTO: HARINDA)

The Sacred Place at night (PHOTO: HARINDA)

INSIDE (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

Thewawa ( PHOTO: SANKETHA)

PATHTHIRIPPUWA ( PHOTO: HARINDA)

After purchasing some items from Kandy we came back to our place around 8.00 p.m. After having a delicious dinner, we re packed our bags. Other than our personal stuff Athula’s friend was carrying a portable gas cooker with three small cylinders. Sanketha and me were carrying our tents and other stuff was shared with Athula And Wuminda. Each one carried 2 l of water toooo .

We left the rest house sharp at 5.00 after settling bills. Somewhere closer to Bambarella there was a place where we could see the beautiful view of Knuckles.

Getting ready .We were given free bed tea…….. (PHOTO: HARINDA)

View of knuckles mountains (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Misty mountains seen on the way (Photo: Sanketha)

Panaroma view (PHOTO: ATULA)

Then we started our waterfall hunting. Around 6.30 a.m. we reached Hulu ganga town and enjoyed the beauty of HULUGANGA FALLS. From Huluganga there is a route towards ALAKOLA estate and when you travel 3-4 km you could see Thaliya Wetuna ella. We actually skipped that due to time factor and low level of water. Actually only Huluganaga had a sufficient water level. Jodu ella was poor looking and we saw a cheeeeeeeep SHARIYA. What to do. You can see jodu ella from the main road towards Bambarella . There is a concreted road towards left just before bambarella town and you have to travel nearly 1 km up wards to see the SAREE fall.

First glimpse of Huluganag Ella (PHOTO: ATULA)

She was beautiful (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Ella With the palama…………………………….. Great shot by Athula

Poor looking Jodu ella (Photo: Atula)

Capturing Jodu ella (PHOTO: HARINDA)

The Van we hired cost only Rs. 4000/- Peradeniya to Bambarella (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Near Sari Ella (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

The land mark ( Hut ) seen at saree Ella( Photo: WUMINDA)

Sari Ella (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

BLACK& WHITE (Photo: ATULA)

We came to Bammarella Small town around 7.30. Since the van couldn’t go further we sent it off and decided walk the remaining 2km or so to the trail head.

WE planned to purchase some ready made diet like rotti, Bread and hoppers for breakfast and lunch from the shop at Bambarella and we had bought noodles from Kandy to have for dinner and b.f next day

BUTTTTTTTTT. Nothing was there except some wandu and old buns. So we had to purchase some more noodles for lunch which made us to have three complete meals as noodles. Most of us didn’t mind it but my friend Wuminda was yelling at me……….. So if you want to buy a good ready made meal better you purchase around Kandy.

We started our journey around 8.00

Starting point of the journey around 8.00 a.m. (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Shortcuts through tea estates (Photo: ATULA)

On the way scenery (Photo: SANKETHA)

Magnificent view of mountains from tea estates (PHOTO: ATULA)

On the way to the trail head we had to cross several water streams. We re filled our bottles and applied Alum from there. There were considerable amount of leeches although it was dry at knuckles. We reached the trail head around 9.30 and re started our hike.

1st water stream (Photo: Harinda)

Second one where we refilled ( PHOTO: HARINDA)

After applying Alum, Siddhalepa etc ( Photo: Atula)

Trail head……. we have to climb the steps….. don’t go alone the concrete road (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

LAND MARK (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Some water streams we met (PHOTO: WUMINDA)

Knuckles Falls ( PHOTO: HARINDA)

I’m reveling a secret ( He is the Birth day Boy – Climbing Knuckles)(PHOTO: SANKETHA)

After passing few hundred meters of Knuckles falls we met the Last Remarkable water steam . Remember.No water till you climb and comeback here or find a water source at Thangappuwa trail. You have to walk nearly 8 km either way. So fill maximum after knuckles falls and save your water. Although we nearly filled 10 l it was over at the top of the peak due to hot conditions and for preparation of lunch. I have done tough trails than knuckles. But in those trails water was plenty. Normally I and my friend Wuminda consume lots of water when hiking. So we faced a new challenge here. That’s to hike for long consuming less water. If you hike knuckles in dry season you extremely have to consider about water.

Fill Maximum here. Sun is Hot………………………(PHOTO: HARINDA)

Nice scenery along the way (Middle part of the trail is not that difficult except walking under the hot sun (Photo: ATULA)

A dried water steam on a rock surface (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Wow ……….PATHANA ( PHOTO: SANKETHA)

Resting………………..More to go (Photo: ATULA)

Panaroma view of knuckles peaks (PHOTO: ATULA)

We could experience different Landscapes and different climates in every 30 minutes we walk. Nearly 1 km before the peak we saw the sign board showing Alugallena/thangappuwa route. Direction was correct but we understood the very next day it was an elastic 3 km stretched about to 9km to Alugallena cave. Luckily from Mahesh post we had a rough indication about the distances. Yet that board misguided us and changed our plans a bit. I’ll explain how little later………..

Through dried forest (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Wow…………………………………………Is that Pitawala Pathana……………(PHOTO: SANKETHA)

Trail trough the bushes (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

RESTING PLACE (PHOTO: WUMINDA)

Trail is getting tough ( PHOTO: ATULA)

The sign board……….Distance is Fake ….remember that………….(PHOTO: WUMINDA)

After a difficult climb we reached a place where we thought as the first peak. But it was not prominent. Later we knew that actual first peak was the peak that we thought as 2nd or third peak. Luckily we were planning to visit third peak. So we preceded forward. Otherwise we would have returned back at this point.

We rested a bit. Then prepared and had our lunch. Kept our bags Then started further climbing…………….

Lonely man watching around (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Lakdasun Friendship ( at the false peak/ Lunch peak)(PHOTO: SANKETHA)

This is the first peak with a flag on the top. More to climb,(PHOTO: SANKETHA)

Preparing lunch. Useful gas cooker. Made in Korea. Brought by athula’s friend (PHOTO: HARINDA)

Hard climbing (Photo: ATULA)

Some more (Photo: ATULA)

How we see the peak we had lunch when further climbing. ( PHOTO: ATULA)

On Top of First Peak .We reached here around 1.45 p.m.(Photo: Athula)

According to Some posts I have read this is 3rd peak. But there were two reasons us to believe this is the first peak

1. Flag post and the path was not clear after this. We knew that forest department clear the path up to first peak
2. Some villages confirmed that the peak with the flag was the first peak.

If both of the above reasons were false ………….ha ha ha then we must have gone up to the4th peak including the next peak we went. But my wildest guess Is THIS IS THE FIRST PEAK. Scenery was unbelievable. Photos don’t the express the real beauty. ( AWILLAMA BALANNA). It was mist every where. There was a proper camping place too. If you are FIT, tough hiker and if you can live long with little water I suppose do all five peaks and comeback and camp here before dark.

Wow…………………(Photo: SANKETHA)

Second peak seen from first peak (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

Surrounding Mountains (Photo: SANKETHA)

What a way to relax (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

There was a path to the second peak. But it was not cleared. So we had to creep through bushes to reach it.

Creeping through bushes (Photo: HARINDA)

Descend to second peak through bushes (PHOTO: ATULA)

Second peak seen from the it’s base (Photo: SANKETHA)

Calm an quite Birthday Boy at the second peak (Photo: SANKETHA)

If we had climbed further it would have been a real adventure. But we had some other plans such as go to campsite before dark. It was 2.30p.m. Also we had only half a bottle of water. So keeping that target in a separate journey we returned back.

This peak was covered with mist every time (Photo: HARINDA)

Three HAPPY Lakdasun members …………………………… taken by WUMINDA

Panaroma view By Sanketha

We put on our bags at where we kept them and within a shorter period we reached ALUGALLLENA TRAIL.

We put on our bags at where we kept them and within a shorter period we reached ALUGALLLENA TRAIL.

Alugallena Trail (Photo: SANKETHA)

GOST trees (Photo: ATULA)

After sometime we reached a large rock surface .we rested there and preceded our journey. At this movement we were badly needed of water. (Diva gilenna Thibahai ). Luckily after walking for another 15 minutes or so we reached a small water steam. We drank plenty of water and prepared our 5th or 6th bottle of Jeewani of the day. We fill all the other bottles with water although we knew there was water at camp site. That was a wise decision taken from us because we saw water at campsite was not good for direct use.

View of the Mountains (Photo: SANKETHA)

LARGE Rock bed – Another Land Mark (Photo: HARINDA)

KOTI WADA? Can you seethe remaining of bones According to villages, this time at this part of knuckles Aliya – not possible, Walaha –unlikely……….but KOTIYA is POSSIBLE (Photo: HARINDA)

Filling water (Photo: SANKETHA)

Closer to camp site……………common in this area (Photo: HARINDA)

We reached camp site sharp 4.45 P.m. Let me explain the nature and the surrounding of camp site.

• It has two well made places somewhat higher than ground level (opposite to each other) for pitching two tents.
• There was an open area for a campfire 15 meters away from the camping place first we thought very far but considering the small particles evolving from the fire it was a wise decision.
• There was a stream and a well close by . Some places at the stream water were stagnant and some places water was flowing. So we did not take a chance to drink that water. We used for washing ourselves and pans, spoons etc. We used water we filled earlier for drinking and cooking. But next morning collected some water from it and boiled and filled our bottles before leaving the campsite as we didn’t have any idea of the next water source.
• There was a toilet some which was what ok, 50 meters away from the campsite which no one had used recently .and we cleaned it a bit and used.
• Leaches were there in moderate amounts
• Campsite was an open area where you can observe 360 degree view of the sky and observe so many star patterns. So far this was the best place I have observed stars

Wow ………our camping site .left ( yellow) tent was mine and Right ( green) was Sanketha’s (Photo: ATULA)

No sooner we came we pitched our tents and collected fire wood. Then only we did all the cooking, washing, cleaning and changing cloths etc.

Well (Photo: SANKETHA)

Atula was cooking (Photo: SANKETHA)

Mist came from no where (Photo: SANKETHA)

We started the camp fire. We sat around it and had dinner. After dinner we enjoyed the view of the stars and sang two three songs.

Camp fire started

Gini Thapuwa -Kusa piruwa-.Tharu Baluwa_.Gee gayuwa …..still remember the wonderful experience

We slept around 8.00 p.m. But two thee times we heard some noises like some one poking his nose around our tents .we calmly waited and It disappeared quickly. We made our mind thinking it might be a small one like Urumeeya or uguduwa . Other than that we had a good night sleep. Athula had got a cramp at midnight and he has taken care of Jeewani bottle……!!!!!@@@

Morning rays Photo: Harinda

View of the mountains ( where we came from) (Photo: HARINDA)

Prasad was cooking and I was supervising (Photo: WUMINDA)

We woke up around 6.00 p.m and. we were in no hurry. I’ll explain how we misread the situation.

According to the sign board it was mentioned 3 km to the Alugallena. But it was almost 3 km to the camp site. so we thought in between 2-3 kms we could reach it. So we left campsite around 9.00. we should have done it more earlier. From camp site It was more than 5km to the Alugallena. Other thing it was not an easy walk at all. Some places Path was not clear. And we have to climb up down. As an average we had done a descend. We had to go to the base of a huge rock / mountain. (Don’t know the exact name of it )

After saying good bye to Camp Site (Photo: WUMINDA)

Continuing the journey (Photo: ATULA)

A place we could see a clear view of the mountains (Photo: ATULA)

Zoomed (Photo: WUMINDA)

Another View (Photo: SANKETHA)

After 1 km from the camp site we came to a junction where Alugallena & Thangappuwa trails intersect. When you are coming from campsite you have to take a sharp turn to left (Almost a U turn) to reach Alugallena. If you choose the other path slanted to right hand side you will end up at Thangappuwa. Similarly when are you coming from Thangappuwa Road left will take you to camp Site + Knuckles peaks and road right will take you to Alugallena.

So simple to understand

1. ALUGALLENA 2. CAMP SITE 3. THANGAPPUWA (Photo: SANKETHA)

From here we took the left path (my left hand path/no 1) and kept walking. 2-3 Water streams were there in this path. But undergrowth and bad under foot conditions made it difficult to travel. We felt this path is rarely used by people as some places path was disappearing. Some times we had to creep though bushes, cross large fallen trees, go here and there and find the continuation of the path. But if you search carefully finding path is not that difficult as the path is continued to the cave.

On the Alugallena Trail (Photo: SANKETHA)

Water Streams (Photo: ATULA)

Bamboo trees (Photo: HARINDA)

Can you see the path (Photo: HARINDA)

Place where we kept our bags and continued( 10.00 a.m.) (Photo: HARINDA)

It was more than one hour walk but we were yet to see Alugallena. We were in some doubt about the trail as we have not seen a trail guide or trip report on this place. Only thing we knew was there is a path to Alugallena Cave. Since we had to come back and reach Colombo before night thought of searching this quickly. So we kept our bags at one place and took only two water bottles almost ran through the path. We all decided to continue till 10.30 and if we didn’t meet alugallena by that time ……..return back.

We were passing so many dried streams like this (Photo: WUMINDA)

So many rocks like this also. But we couldn’t find any clue of a cave. So we continued (Photo: SANKETHA)

Again Trail was missing (Photo: HARINDA)

Things were getting worse. At 10.30 we observed a steep descend to a base of a mountain. But still we didn’t want to stop. At this point we told our fast and furious hikers WUMINDA & SANKETHA to continue for another five six minutes. While Me ,Athula and His friend Moved slowly. WUMI AND SUNKETH were rocketing. I was telling them loudly if you didn’t find it comeback again. But thanks to their effort they signaled that the presence of the cave. After getting the signal It took us more than five minutes to reach there. Finally we did it. We achieved our target Sharp 10.45. Thanks million times To SANKETHA & WUMINDA. Thanks Athula also as he came behind the big boys( ME AND HIS FRIEND) although he also had the ability to go fast . Well done Boys. It’s a well planned team effort. Well Done Our TEAM………..

We had to get down to this mountain to reach the cave (PHOTO: HARINDA)

The drop (Photo: WUMINDA)

YEH………..We have done it …………..Reached there 10.45 (Photo: SANKETHA)

See the man made walls…

There was facility to camping also (Photo: Wuminda)

CAVE …..Stone walls …..what do you remember (Photo: SANKETHA)

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS (Photo: WUMINDA)

KITCHEN (WUMINDA)

Toilets

As I think this cave is used by monks for meditation or villagers as a resting place (specially at night) when waking to another place. But where???????? Athula suggested that that construction of walls are similar to Meemure. He was right. Villager at Thangappuwa confirmed that there is a foot path to MEEMURE from Alugallena .

Ha ha …..I can imagine what you think….”Bambarella to Meemure via knuckles peaks”……….May be next time . Call me also if you go earlier than me………………………..

It’s amazing. When you explore knuckles you get to know about more and more trails. It’s very interesting .That’s why I LOVE Knuckles

After spending 15-20minutes we came back around 11.00 a.m. coming back was much difficult as we had an overall elevation.

Ready to come back……..See the arrow…………. see what have done by some stupid men (Photo: WUMINDA)

Around 1.00 p.m. we came the junction where we meet Thangapppuwa &Knuckles trails. On the way we had some biscuits with cheese. After walking about 500m further or little more to the Thangappuwa side we met some stone pillars .Further traveling we came a flat area where we could see entire range of knuckles peaks. Scenery was so splendid so most of the time we were going backwards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock pillars (Photo: WUMINDA)

Flat Area (Photo: ATULA)

See the knuckles peaks (Photo: SANKETHA)

WOW (Photo: ATULA)

Paradise ( SANKETHA)

BEAUTIFUL (Photo: SANKETHA)

Going towards Thngappuwa (WUMINDA)

1533 m Border of Knuckles forest and Thangappuwa village (Photo: SANKETHA)

PLACE people pray before enter the forest (Photo: WUMINDA)

THANGAPPUWA seen far away (Photo: WUMINDA)

THANGAPPUWA Zoomed (Photo: WUMINDA)

Closer to the village ….just before the tea estate ( Photo: WUMINDA)

Nice scenery closer to village (Photo: ATULA)

Nice tree and the side view of the village (Photo: ATULA)

Where we came ……………………………It was not easy from thangappuwa side either (Photo: Sanketha)

Just 1 km before the village we rested a bit and had a wash from near by small stream. Also changed our cloths for the Journey towards civilization.

Rested a bit and had some glucose (PHOTO: SANKETHA)

THANGAPPUWA VILLEGE

We reached the village around 3.00 p.m. and had some bread with Katta Samble for the time being. Shop owner was very kind and showed us a room to have our meals. Also informed many things about Alugallena trail. He informed that he can provide accommodation and food if somebody do the trail from thangappuwa side. See the number on top.

We got in to Theldeniya Bus (via Rangala) at 3.45 and it reached Theldeniya around 5.15. We took a bus from there to Kandy. After having some refreshments From Kandy we took Colombo Bus and came our homes around 11.00 p.m.

Till I Come again Good bye My Lovely Misty Mountains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Notice board at Thangappuwa. All the information seems to be ok except the elevation of Alugallena. Our guess is it’s less than 1454( the elevation of campsite)(SANKETHA)

There are plenty of scenic roads around Sri Lanka offering breathtaking views intersecting different landscapes. This was such a “photo journey” along three scenic roads offering unique views where Hambegamuwa – Welioya – Kaltota through Paddy centered low country dry/intermediate zone, Balangoda – Bogawantalawa – Norwood through Tea centered mid/up country, Dickoya – Delhouse through Tea centered up country reservoir banks. Diversions on the way to see some cascading beauties were icing on the cake.

We started around 5.30 am from Tissamaharama and moved towards Tanamalwila. From there we took the left turn to Uda Walawe road. Travelling few kms along this road there is a sign board for the turn off at Bodagama indicating it is 40 km to Welioya. We avoided this turn off as it was early in the morning and driving through this isolated road through the jungle is an unnecessary risk. Hence we proceeded further up to 17½ kanuwa junction and then took the right turn towards Hambegamuwa/Welioya. This road connects to the road coming from the previous turn off after few kms.

This road is running through a famous Elephant corridor named Galkatukanda located between 17½ kanuwa junction and Balaharuwa junction. This stretch is through the jungle and possibility of meeting an Elephant is very high. So in this area, jungle is cleared up to 15-20m either side of the road.

Since it was early morning there were no vehicles coming from that area to inquire about Elephants but we slowly kept on moving forward. Fortunately a small bus came towards us. As the driver confirmed that there are no Elephants, we hurried up and very watchfully crossed Galkatukanda.

We reached the first landmark of the day, Balaharuwa junction. Road coming from Kuda oya (A2) is connecting Hambegamuwa/Welioya road here. Road we came so far was narrow, bumpy and badly washed away at many places. We had to travel very slow and drive carefully to prevent rocks and ridges hitting underneath.

Balaharuwa junction

After having a look around and having a chat with the shop owner there, we started moving towards Hambegamuwa. Road condition improved a little but was still a testing time.

Reaching Hambegamuwa. Point of satisfaction after an extreme drive. But this is about Police area. Town may be miles away

Hambegamuwa

Hambegamuwa school. Happy to see these rural people have been gifted with modern infrastructure

Hambegamuwa town

Another morning to Hambegamuwa. Town has not come live yet

At Hambegamuwa we did not forget to witness the morning beauty of Hambegamuwa wewa. At Hambegamuwa town there is a narrow concrete road towards right which is leading to Hambegamuwa wewa. It is just a walk of around 500m. It was indeed a lovely sight.

Concrete road leading to Hambegamuwa wewa

It was early morning

Green touched water

Jungle on water

Mirror

After enjoying the scenery there, we started moving forward in search of a relaxing place to have our breakfast. After a few minutes’ drive we found a nice shade close to a water body.

The bonnet breakfast

Then we started moving towards Welioya where we witnessed most eye catching “on the way” scenery. There were several water bodies full of Olu mal. Endless lush green paddy fields with mountains at the back drop were a wonderful sight which cannot be expressed by words and pictures

Green all round

What a scenery…

Hut under shade

Endless…

Up to the mountain range…

Wow

Olu pipeela wila leladenawa…

Beautiful…

Another milestone

Welioya town

It was a drive through relaxing greenish landscapes blended with irrigation channels, water bodies, structures like Sapattu palam, etc. all the way up to Kaltota.

Conveying life

Sapattu palam are the means to cross many waterways

What a ride

Huge trees by the road. Villager said this is “Panu Muguna”

Famous Kaltota Sapattu palama

Welcome

From Kaltota we took Balangoda road and after 2 km we took the right turn to see Kaltota Duwili falls. It is a 3.3 Km travel along a paved road but there were 4-5 damaged segments where it was difficult for the car to tackle.

Road which motorbike comes is Balangoda road. Other one is towards Budugala ruins.

Road to Kaltota Duwili falls

Road closed. She is there to issue tickets and open the way.

Unmatched Duwili falls of Kaltota

Coloured by the rainbow

Front view. But I like the unique side view most.

Duwili duwili doowiliii…

Full flow

Leak of Samanalawewa reservoir is a blessing

View from Kaltota – Balangoda road

If I was a bird…

Then we rushed to Balangoda and had lunch there. We started from 17½ kanuwa junction at 6.00 am and managed to reach Balangoda by 1.45 pm with plenty of stops to enjoy the endless scenery and slow driving along rough bumpy road. It has 39km from 17½ kanuwa junction to Kaltota and 28 km from Kltota to Balangoda.

After lunch we were ready for the second scenic drive of the day which was Balangoda-Bogawantalawa-Norwood and it was 2.30 pm when we turned on to Balangoda-Bogawantalawa road. Journey started without much scenery at the initial segment but scenic Dethanagala was moving around us changing the view creating a magnificent sight.

Interchange of the “drive thru”, Balangoda

Directions

Dethanagala kissed by mist

Turning around

Green all round

After passing the village Pinnawala, Dethanagala started unveiling the cascading beauty from her shaulder, Gerandi ella. A drizzle started blocking the view but we stayed until it settled to get some sort of a clear view.

Gerandi ella

Maximum my lens could reach

After Pinnawala, it was the endless view of lush green Tea plantations. The road was narrow, rough and bumpy. But not much pot holes or heavily damaged areas. Only thing is, as we were travelling in a car with low ground clearance, very rarely we could speed up beyond 25km/h and had to reverse even for in coming three wheelers.

It was a fantastic ride all the way through the Tea plantations offering magical views.

Here onwards it is all about tea

Dethanagala in another pose

Crates to transport tea!! Happy to see they are adopting best practice to meet quality standards.

Busy day

Dressed in blues

Art

It is Tea…

Into a forest patch again

Colourful

Submerged in mist

Roadside decorated by many of these

Through pines

Unusual blend of colours. Someone has set fire!

Artistic but not natural

Vantage point by the road

The view

Crossing the boundary – Click Image to Enlarge

What a place to live

Vegetables under the patronage of scarecrow

And it winds…

How to make up mind to leave here

Scenery

Endless…

Fresh Tea shoots

Further decorations

Reaching the final landmark

It was 6.30 pm when we reached Bogawantalawa and around 7.30 we managed to end the day at Upper Glencairn bungalow, Dickoya.

On the next morning it was the beginning of another scenic drive from Dickoya to Delhouse through Tea plantations along the banks of Castlereah and Maussakele reservoirs. It was 8.00 am when we stared from Dickoya and was around 9.00 am when we reached Delhouse.

On the way by Maussakelle reservoir

Maussakelle dam

Sacred mountain on the rise

From Delhouse police check point (About 500m before Delhouse, along Maskeliya – Delhouse road) there is a turn off towards left, to Moray estate. This is the turn off towards Fishing Huts and plenty of direction boards available. Only thing is this road is running downwards and from the main road you do not see it properly. We took this road to see the two famous cascading beauties, Adams peak falls and Moray falls.

It was a typical estate road and it was in very bad shape for a car. Anyhow, my “4 wheel drive” tackled the road and took us up to the turn off to Moray Tea factory. It took 45 minutes to travel that 3 km. After parking the car there, we started walking up to the factory which was 900m away as I did not want to get the car damaged. A car with good ground clearance would have made it up to the factory. Turn off to Fishing huts is located on the way and from there onwards only 4WD is allowed.

The road “condition”

Place where I parked the car. Further up straight will take you to Tea factory.

The hut at the junction

Road from junction to Tea factory

On the way. Right turn and 7 more km will take you to Fishing Huts. Keep moving straight to reach the factory.

This is the Fishing hut road. Only 4WD allowed beyond this point.

The common estate cruiser

From the factory, there are two concrete roads starting and the one leading downwards should be taken (Downwards at the start but ascending as it continues). Walking along this, there is a sharp bend towards right where a path closed by a gate could be seen towards left at the bend. We have to walk through the gate and a guard took down our names and vehicle number. After a short walk, the beautiful Adams peak falls could be observed. It was indeed a lovely sight.

Moray Tea factory

The sharp bend of the concrete road. Have to take the path which this lady is going, and should enter through the gate to see the waterfalls.

Beautiful Adams peak falls

Breathtaking

Directly falls to Maussakelle reservoir

To reach Moray falls there we have to walk further along the path. A small nameless waterfall too could be seen on the way. The path becomes narrow towards the end. End of this path opens door to this beauty.

The path

Reduced to this shortly

Nameless waterfall met on the way

The grand Moray falls. This too directly falls to Maussakelle reservoir.

Middle segment

Although hours passed by, we could not change our mindset to leave these magnificent creations of the nature. At the end, we turned back with the intention of spending some good time by the road side beauty, Mohini falls.

Mohini falls

Diversion

Plunging down

It was evening when we reached the bungalow at Dickoya and we have not even had our lunch. But the minds were full of happy memories all along.

Year and Month	April, 2013 (23rd to 25th)
Number of Days	Three Day Trip
Crew	2 (between 29-30 years of age)
Accommodation	Navarathna Ayya’s House in Meemure – 081-3804191(Funny thing coz we kept calling him Navarathna Ayya and Mama both all the time. He’s 49 years old and you can decide what to call him )Highly recommendable and one of the best places to stay in Meemure. You can experience the real village there. There’s nothing he doesn’t know about Knuckles and Meemure and will take you to unreachable places.
Transport	Public Transport / Tuk Tuk / Mostly on foot Col to Kandy – By Bus Kandy to Hunnasgiriya – By Bus (Kandy-Mahiyanganaya) Hunnasgiriya to Meemure – Hired Tuk-tuk (Navarathna Ayya’s) Back to Hunnasgiriya – Meemure Van
Activities	Photography / Hiking / Waterfall Hunting / Sight-seeing & much more
Weather	Excellent (Couldn’t have been better)
Route	Colombo -> Kandy -> Hunnasgiriya -> Meemure via Mini World’s End, Corbert’s Gap, Loolwatte, Kaikawala and return on the same route.
Tips, Notes and Special remark	Meemure has only an old but reliable ISUZU van as public transport once a day to and back from Hunnasgiriya. Depart Meemure to Hunnasgiriya at 5.30am and Reach Hunnasgiriya 7.30am // Depart Hunnasgiriya around 1.30-2.30pm and reach Meemure around 3.30-4.30pm. Weather in Meemure (Oct-Jan = Heavy rains / Feb-Jul = Moderate / Aug-Sep = Very dry). Mar and April would be ideal. Tickets need to be bought to visit the mini world’s end at Deanston Knuckles Conservation Centre (Rs. 30/- each) – The trail is about 2km in length. Athula (0717-015400) is one of the best guides apart from Navarathna Ayya and try to get Nava or him to lead the way. Electricity is a major concern in Meemure and take a portable charger or extra batteries for your phones or cameras. However, Nava Mama will be able to have them charged from the nearby Kaikawala Village or at the Temple where they have a generator (They had managed to get a turbine and supply power but it’s now broken down and a fix is not in sight as yet – Again check with Nava Mama). The tuk-tuk from Hunnasgiriya to Meemure will cost (Nava Mama’s one) Rs. 2000/-. The van will charge you Rs. 140/-. Meemure is still not spoilt, so don’t do anything to spoil it. Don’t leave even a scrap of polythene there. They have plenty of natural water streams so drinking water is not a problem at all. However, if you are doing a trek, do take a small bottle which can be filled easily. Nava Mama’s house has basic but clean and adequate facilities. He also has a camping site at one of his paddy fields where you can see the surrounding mountains, especially the beloved Lakegala, really well. The Fuel Station at Hunnasgiriya is highly unreliable due to constant power failures. If you’re traveling by you own vehicle, do fuel up around Kundasale or Theldeniya. People at Meemure are very hospitable and innocent and when dealing with them, try to blend with the environment. Most of the times, we were a bit worried coz we use lot of English terms in our day-to-day and it seemed that it caused some inconveniencies for the villagers, so be warned. Leave only the foot prints and don’t forget to buy their signature product, Jaggery (Rs. 450/- per kilo). Mobile reception is very weak there but Mobitel does at certain places on and off. (I found this great coz it’s the total isolation I was looking for from the outside world. I didn’t use my mobile for full 48 hours ). Nava mama was not only just a humble villager. He would’ve been a great stuntman in super hero movies. (Check the details at the end of the report) There’s a plea from the people of Meemure regarding their power supply and I’ve given details at the end of the report. Do check if you can help them in some way.
Related Resources	Attraction: Knuckles South – Deanston, Corbett’s Gap & Traditional Villages Trail Guide: Mini world’s end trail from Deanston
Author	SriAbey
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Jaunting off to the Most Beautiful Village on Earth – Meemure

““Once upon a time, there was this fella who happened to come across this remarkable word and it stuck very deep in his mind. Everyone who’d either been there or heard about spoke very highly of her and this fella kept dreaming about it all the time. He didn’t have the means or the resources to visit her then and dream was the only option he was left with which he was very good at. On top of everything, Meemure wasn’t ready to welcome him just yet.

So he developed his own version of Meemure, about its people and the environment and lived in that world for a long time. Days turned into weeks, then months and finally into years but his dream wouldn’t come true.

However, after many years, this fella’s guardian angles took pity on him and decided to grant his wish. They fast-tracked the proceedings at lightning speed and dates were fixed and accommodation was arranged.
In the meantime, Meemure too was getting busily ready to welcome this stranger. She put on her best dress, garnished with lush green, paddy fields were ploughed and new seeds were planted to grow nicely. The rains clouds were chased away, waterfalls were asked to preserve their water levels and the environment to be nice and balmy. Leeches were asked to stay away from the foot paths and not to disturb this special visitor. Finally everything was ready to welcome this fella and I’m gonna tell you his story””

I met my friend Dimuthu at the Fort station around 5.15am (even though I’d asked him to make it around 4.00am, he only managed that and I was getting the jitters already ) and went on to check the bus time table at the CTB stand and they had nothing to offer and checked the Kandy AC bus and there was one leaving at 6.00am and they actually promised it reach Kandy by 8.45am. I knew better than to believe that but having no better option (Even 5.55am Podimenike Train wasn’t so reliable) and decided to push my luck a bit more.

Thankfully it reached Kandy around 9.00am and having a quick cuppa tea, we got on board the Mahiyanganaya bus and it was due to leave around 9.30am. (The conductor refused to issue tickets saying that we might have to give our seats to Mahiyanganaya passengers asked us to wait and see. I found this to be a bit hilarious but we had no option. However, there were not many passengers and we got our seats and tickets – Rs. 60/- +). It took ages to reach Hunnasgiriya and finally it was around 11.30am by the time we got off and Chanaka (Nava Mama’s relative) and the tuk-tuk. We then had a quick snack of bread and curry, and went to the Hunnasgiriya fuel station for petrol and it was chaotic there as the power supply is so random and getting fuel is very difficult. Chanaka then got Nava Mama’s son to send the petrol in the Meemure van and finally left towards Deanston along Meemure road.

Tour Highlights:

• Mini World’s End trail @ Deanston
• Suriya Arana falls trail
• Navarathna Ella Trail (Through Daluggolla Ella / Ice Wala and Falls) – Named after Navarathna Mama as he was the one who found it.
• Akula Ella (Meemure Ella) trail
• Lakegala Trail up to the base of Lakegala.
• Eli Hatha (Seven waterfalls) in Kaikawala.
• Nava Mama – The Stuntman

Day 01

1. Mini World’s End Trail: 2km

Easy

We reached Deanston Knuckles Conservation Centre around 12.30pm and bought tickets at the counter. The trail is about 2km in length and it goes a full circle of 1.5km and comes around to the beginning. The paths are sign-posted well even with GPS coordinates and easy to tackle. The distances given in the boards appear to be accurate unlike places of Sinharaja and Kanneliya.
You’ll be disturbed by the Reheyyas (crickets) a lot. They kept screaming at the top of their voices and the legend is they live only about a week. After that they simply die wherever they are. It’s surprising the noise they make apparently by rubbing their tiny wings together. To our amazement, I saw the first-ever live cricket that’s green and becomes brown when died. To make thing more interesting, I saw a lizard trying to eat an insect (probably a cricket) and got it on frame.

We reached the observation point 1 after 750m and the view was amazing. You can see a whole mountain range and A26 Mahiyangana highway as well. Thelambugala, Kehelpathdoruwa, Yahangala and many more mountains can clearly be seen from there. I was speechless and the wind was not so strong and we all (even Chanaka, our tuk-tuk driver) were mesmerized by what we saw. We even saw the farmers working in the ravine below.

Surprise, surprise it was Chanaka’s first visit to the mini world’s end. After about another 150m, you can reach the observation point 2 and from there you can see the somewhat dried up Gedaramada Ella and Garandi Ella in the distance. On our way back, we came across what appeared to be bones and a skull of a Stag.
We came back and got into the tuk-tuk to reach Meemure around 1.30pm.

Entrance

Yeah, it’s for us… – Click Image to Enlarge

The first of many millions wows

More to bloom soon

Very artistic

You can rely on these – Click Image to Enlarge

Live ones…

Here the dead ones

Having lunch

Observation point 1 – reaching towards Mahiyanganaya throught Udu Dumbara

Many a miles

Not a big fan of panorama, but had to take it

Farmers at work in the ravine below….

Observation point 2

Almost dried up Gedaramada Falls

Gerandi Ella looking dismal due to lack of water

First of hundreds of thousands

Apparently a stag

I put them all in order

It says it all

General information about Meemure:

• There are about 100 families (population of about 400-600)
• Farming and Toddy tapping are among the main ways of making a living
• Meemure & Kaikawala are surrounded by so many mountains such as:

Kumbukgolla, Kosgolla, Udawatta, Dumbanagala, Attalamittu ,Kaluwelbookka, Sudugala, Gerandi Thalawa, Hellenagala, Mahapatha, Palleherekku, Aluth Deyyange Kanda, Andirigala Kirindiketiya, Warawwa, Palle Wannimana, Kata Kithula , Wannema

• The signature of Meemure, Lakegala is held in place by 4 key mountains. They are:

Komalewa, Labulessa, Galahagommana, Meeriyagolla

• They use a leaf called Thalaa for chewing with the usual ingredients such as tobacco, Areca nut (puwak), lime etc. (given a pic down the report) instead of betel leaves. It tastes like mint and free of stains. Thalaa grows freely all around and has an endless supply unlike betel.
• The water in Meemure (coming down from the Knuckles mountains) is undoubtedly the tastiest I’ve ever had. It makes you feel refreshing, invigorating, revitalizing, reviving and some more
• From Hunnasgiriya, it’s 33km to Meemure (32km to Nava Mama’s house) – The road for about 10-15km is adequately tarred but afterwards it’s paved with different varieties of concrete mixtures and as a result some parts are not up to standards. Anyway, any vehicle can tackle this road, you gotta be careful if traveling by car.
• Along Meemure road you’ll pass Deanston, Loolwatte, Corbert’s Gap, Kaikawala.
• Meemure Primary School has up to grade 5, for up to GCE O/L, they have to go to nearby Kaikawela School (about 2km from Meemure)
• They have a Health Centre that opens only on Sun. So if anyone happens to fall sick, there’s a native doctor at the village or they have to go to Ududumbara for a decent medical facility.

Reaching Meemure

We set off from Deanston around 1.30pm and the road to the Meemure is among the best scenic routes I’ve ever traveled. All around you could see mountains stretching into the horizon. Hare park estate has a big tea plantation in the first half of the road and after that it’s solely Knuckles forest.

We reached Corbert’s gap and the view was simply awe-inspiring. I felt really lucky to have been born in this great island that has and continues to give us the best of the best.

Unfortunately, we saw 2 allegedly illegal constructions in the Knuckles high sensitivity area. They can easily be seen among the thick forest patch. There were numerous mentions on the newspapers by the environmental-friendly groups but they apparently had been for no avail. It’s a clear sign of our corrupt system is busy at work.

We then reached the biggest bridge you see on this road at Kaikawala. In January, this year there had been a massive wave of water which had flown right over the bridge (it’s about 30-35 feet in height) and the concrete surface has been moved by about 6 inches. The shop near the bridge had also been washed away and we can still see massive tree trunks stuck nearby. Athula said, it was one the worst water levels he’d ever seen.

Below the bridge, you can see a small waterfall which I called the “Kaikawala Falls”  coz they’ve not been named. They have hundreds of unnamed cascades like that scattered all around and only a handful of them have ever been visited. However, Navarathna mama knows the whole area like the back of his hand and if you have the time, there will be plenty to see.

We reached Nava mama’s house around 4.00pm and his wife had thankfully prepared lunch and we hungrily wolfed it down. They have a very intelligent dog named “Dinkey”. He’s not friendly towards strangers but won’t bother visitors coz he knows them. Anyway you shouldn’t try to pat him or get too close to him. Nava mama had gone to pick some French tourists from Narangamuwa and when we finished our lunch and waiting for Devadasa mama to take us to Suriya Arana falls, he arrived with a French couple who immediately got into conversation with us.

Along the way, sorry looking road but breath taking mountains

Landscape

One of the allegedly illegal constructions

Simple life style

What would you call it coz my vocab is very poor

Grandeur

Click Image to Enlarge

Thousands of waterways enriching those lives

Attractive

Such beauty

Do read it carefully – Click Image to Enlarge

Kaikawala Bridge, see the huge tree trunks stuck? Water went over this

Father and daughter

You are a lucky girlie, you know that?

Meemure – The land of the mountains

Our escort

He wouldn’t let me picture them

Were there to welcome us, sent by Lady Lakegala

Nava Mama’s house

Here’s Dinkey, very loyal and intelligent fellow

The skull and the horns of the buffalo along the Navarathna ella trail

Water Container

2. Suriya Arana Falls – about 2-3km return journey

Easy-Moderate

However, I was longing to go see Suriya Arana Ella and Devadasa mama took us along the path. All along the way we could see the majestic Lakegala watching us lovingly, she was so beautiful and remarkable. Meemure and Lakegala are bonded very closely and it’s inseparable. In this journey we came to know about the Thalaa leaf that replaces betel in Meemure. It has a mint taste and doesn’t leave stains like betel.

Passing beautiful paddy fields (which had grown nice and lush green to welcome the special visitor) we came to a very familiar place. I felt Suriya Arana film was being played in front of our own eyes coz they were all too familiar.

Further down, through the forest we came to the view point of the Suriya Arana falls and I felt exhilarating just to see her from afar. There was plenty of water despite the lack of rain over the last couple of weeks. It has three parts, the top is about 5ft in height and coming down very wide the middle part is also about 6-8ft but narrow. The third bit is the tallest of all, about 20ft and narrow.

Above the falls, there were those creepers where the little monk and the boy play and no wonder they chose that location over many others. Thanks to the director and many others, people all around the world got to know about this heaven on earth.

It was getting darker by the minute but my friend insisted on having a dip in the natural pool. While he was having a cold bath, I took the liberty to roam around and saw a Madu flower. Devadasa mama said that around it grows small white flurry like things that ultimately turned into delicious Madu pittu. On our way back, we met a farmer and my friend wanted some tobacco and lime for a Bulath wita. He gave him a bunch of Thalaa leaves and the ingredients.

We passed a dream house built using mud and leaves where a small family lives. I was very thirsty and asked them for some water. Gosh, it was so tasty and I had a few glassfuls of them in a row. It was so overwhelming to see how hospitable and simple those people are. That’s the way I’d love to live.

Lakegala as usual was waiting for me to come back from the falls. I was so happy to see her again over the lush green paddy fields. She was smiling down at me as if to ask if everything was ok.

We reached Nava mama’s house around 7.00pm and had a nice cup of coffee. Then it was time to reflect the events of the day. The French couple joined us in the crossfire and it was their first time in SL. It felt good to be able to get their pic of my country and they’ve been really amazed at how beautiful this country really is.

After a hearty dinner we got together to make plans for the following day. Nava mama suggested, after my continuous appeals, to do two waterfalls and tackle the Lakegala base falls. Then to our surprise, he revealed one of his closely guarded secrets, “Eli Hatha” in Kaikawala. I’ve heard about 7 falls before from my buddy Harinda and other members from the Lakdasun but this is something different. Nava mama said he hadn’t taken anyone there before, only an officer of some sorts who had helped them with the electricity.

He then suggested not doing the Lakegala full trail up to the top, instead go to the base of it where there’s a nice base fall and a gorgeous pond. After that we were to return home by 3.00pm max and do the Eli Hatha in the evening. Well it’s easier said than done but I was determined to do everything at all costs. He introduced us Athula (an excellent guide) as he wasn’t able to join us in the morning. Even Athula hadn’t been to Eli Hatha. We decided to meet up near the famous Mee tree around 7.00am.

Hiya Lady, here we are finally, sorry couldn’t come before

Lush greenery everywhere

Picture perfect

Would love to spend a few days in here

Along the way to Suriya Arana Ella

Tiny tiny ones too

No idea who this belong to, so we left it alone

I want this in my room

Go on….

The famous waterway…

First glimpse

There she is

Such beauty only created by Mother Nature

Top of the falls

See those creepers where they played

The biggest part

Flowing serenely

This fellow was huge

My friend couldn’t wait anymore

Madu flower

When the mud is washed out, people like these are suitable to be kings…. he’s got a pocket full of Thalaa leaves

Here the thalaa plants

Another panorama

Day 02

We woke up early and had tea. Nava mama’s wife had prepared our breakfast and we got it and started to walk towards Mee Tree and met up with Athula.

Lakegala was looking gorgeous in the morning, wearing a white shawl around her shoulders. The sun was rising above the mountains and the sky was vivid with all the colors you can imagine. Farmers were starting to appear carrying their equipment. Birds were humming their favorite tunes. It was the perfect start for a hike.

I was staring at Lakegala and Athula had to shake me to break the trance I was in. Then away we went searching for the rarely visited Navarathna Ella. It’s named after Navarathna mama as he was the one who found it.

3. Navarathna Ella trail: 6km (via Daluggoda falls: about 3km and Ice Wala: about 5km)

Height – about 100ft

Moderate to Strenuous

The trail started quite easily through paddy fields but started to take its toll later on. The sun was looking down on us making us sweat but I’d trade sun for rain any day on a trail like that. it’d be hazardous to do this on a rain day coz the rocks would be slippery and the trail will be infested with tons of leeches.

However, we were hardly ever disturbed by leeches (coz they had been chased away by my guardian angels) and went happily up and up drinking straight from springs and waterways that delicious water. (I bet it’s better than world famous Evian water)

After about 3km, we reached a small falls that didn’t, as usual, have a name. So I took the liberty to name her Daluggolla falls after the village she’s located. It was a welcome sight and good resting place. We were beginning to get tired and that water kept reviving our body and the fresh air and the lush green kept us going.

Further 2km and we reached the famous Ice wala (Ice pit). As the name goes, the water is bone-chillingly cold and we didn’t have second thoughts of not wanting to go for a dip there. Further up, we came across bones of a buffalo that had died after being sick sometime ago. Villagers had tried to save him by treating without success. His skull and two horns are at display at Nava mama’s house.

Then it was all the way to the Navarathna ella. So many crickets tried to scare us away but we weren’t intimidated by those repeated threats. Athula suggested about 1km before the falls to hike along the waterway but I decided against it coz our energy was sapping at a faster rate that I’d thought and wanted to preserve every joule to combat the rest of the trails. So we chose the path through the forest and finally reached the ultimate goal.

Gosh, how come they are so beautiful? That’s the mystery of the Mother Nature. They simply look gorgeous and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Athula suggested we take our breakfast then and had giant roti and coconut sambol with that tasty water. After about half hour, we decided to climb down through the waterway as the water levels were low and the rocks didn’t look slippery. The going was faster downhill and about an hour later we reached our starting point and took a left towards the Lakegala crossing the river through Nava mama’s paddy field where there’s a nice camping site.

She was so gorgeous in the morning sun

Looking at us

Gosh….

Blades with droplets of water on them

Me and Athula

Daluggolla Ella closeby

Daluggolla Ella, named by me

Got two parts

Got enough to keep us interested

Such wonderful arts

Ice wala

Ice wala ella

Jaw of the dead buffalo, the skull you saw at Nava mama’s house

The grave full of bone

Where Athula wanted to tackle the waterway uphill

Silk sarees are all around

Navarathna Ella – Massiv

When she’s in full flow, I don’t think anyone can go anywhere near

Roti and Sambol… we didn’t forget to bring the papers back

Welcoming us with Rainbow colors

The base pool look a bit deep but better not attempt it

The top

We came down along the stream, seeing many more cascades nourishing the downhill

Wherever you look, it’s a pic worth taking

Down we went

He was busily finishing his work, but didn’t forget to have a few words with us and even offered a cuppa tea

Nice place for a dip

Hi mate, is it far?

Belonged to a porcupine, but I lost it on the way

Dumbara Kethe Bala Maa Wee Pasenne

4. Akula Ella (Meemure Ella): 3-4km

Height – about 20ft

Easy-Moderate

There was a funny thing about naming the falls. Athula said it didn’t have a name and then I asked the village name she’s located in. she was in Meemure all right and I then decided to call her Meemure Ella. But Athula asked why we couldn’t name it after him and I saw his point. I then suggested Atha Ella and he didn’t too happy about it. However, later that day, Nava mama came to our rescue and said she should be named Akula ella coz Akula means thick forest patch in Sinhala and she’s among a thick forest bit all right.

Along the way through the paddy fields, Athula showed us what they call Diya Holmana (Water Ghost) that the farmers use to chase the birds and other animals away. It really is a piece of giant bamboo with a cover in the middle and either side is cut off to have openings creating two separate containers. It’s balanced in the middle with and one side is facing a water stream which fills it and raises the front side and when the water is released the front bit comes down crashing on to a black stone making one helluva noise. This is a continuous process so long as the water is running and as result, birds and animals tend to keep away from the paddy fields.

The Akula water falls turned out to be yet another gorgeous one. She wasn’t in full flow but it made things easier for us to shorten our distance coz there were creepers hugging the rock through which the water falls down. Hanging on to them you could climb to the top of the falls (It sounds dangerous, doesn’t it? But I wouldn’t do it if it was really dangerous). Athula showed us how to do it. It turned out to be pretty easy coz plenty of very strong creepers hugging the rock bed and a nearby tree made going up easier than anyone thought.

There had been visitors before to this place and you can do rock sliding and do Tarzan-like stunts using the creepers hanging above. I wouldn’t do any of it but Athula showed us how to do them.

Crossing the river for our next adventure

Athula showing us how the Water Ghost works

From Nava mama’s paddy field

Down hill

Water levels were low, making it easy to tackle the path

There she is, at last… Akula a.k.a. Meemure Ella (we climbed along the creepers on the right of the pic)

Good to go for a safe bath

You could climb to the top and the thick creeper is like a bench

Where we came from to the top

From the top looking down

Ahtula showing his skills, we didn’t attempt it though

He was in the top pond

Where you can do rock sliding, according to Athula, very safe

5. Lakegala Trail to the base: 9-10km

Strenuous

From Akula ella there’s about 5-6km to Lakegala base and we started our hike. It got more and more challenging every minute and we had to take breaks constantly. I even felt like abandoning it and head home have lunch and do the Eli Hatha in the evening, but my conscious won’t have any of it.

It can make you feel more exhausted when you are travelling through thick forest and you can’t see the sky or far away and the forest is somewhat dark. Athula was a great and experienced hiker but even he started to struggle due to the intensity of the pace we’ve been going from the beginning. He said nobody has ever done all of those in one day (let alone trying to do the Eli Hatha in the evening) and I wanted to do the impossible and try new ventures.

My will alone kept me going while my legs were rubbery, knees continuing to buckle and energy leaving me like Atlantis to the Int. Space Station. I kept mumbling that I’m gonna get there somehow or the other and thought about the prospects of reflecting back when we will be coming down.

About 4km I heard a waterfall and immediately felt cheerful coz it sounded like a big one but couldn’t get a clearer view through the forest. I asked Athula if he had ever tried to get there but he hadn’t and I wanted to check it out on our way back. Feeling somewhat my spirits up, we hurried on and about 1km up, heard a second fall, apparently smaller than the first one. It too was unreachable due to thick forest and the steep climb downhill.

Another 1km took us into the open and there she was in full height looking down on me as if to say “well done fella, you made it at last”. All my tiredness vanished in no time and we hurried on up the rock. There was a small pond and the bottom was clearly visible and boy, the artistic picture on the floor was simply astonishing. Just above that was a fall about 10ft in height. That place was a part of heaven, let me tell you.

We had some biscuits and my favourite drink, water from Knuckles Mountain Range and what’s more a nice cool dip in that artistic pool. We had our deadlines set and left her around 12.30pm. On the way back, I tried to climb down to the first fall we came across but the climb was too steep and I decided to abandon the idea. (To my utter disappointment, Nava mama said later that day, there is a strenuous path to both those falls along the rocky outcrop – so next time, I said to myself)

We reached the village around 1.30pm and had some plain tea with milk toffee. That tea was superb too. Everything in Meemure is nothing but the best I guess. I had two cups and saying a silent thank-you to my beloved Lady Lakegala, came back home. There was a nice lunch waiting and after that we rested about half hour till 3.00pm to go see Eli Hatha.

Unfortunately not edible

Even Athula was finding it difficult, we were pushing to the limits

Thankfully we didn’t have to climb this:)

Completely different shape from the side, Lady Lakegala waiting for us

Along the way up, got a little breather

Athula the hiking legend

Finally some flat terrain, I could feel my legs smile for the first time

We are there… Hurraaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh…..

The pond at the base of Lakegala, She has drawn and painted a nice pic just for us

The Lakegala base falls, tine but irresistible

My friend trying to get close and bath like it was a shower

View from the bottom

God, somebody’s drowned??? My friend trying his diving skills

Butterflies, and many more

Butterfly conference… they are trying to decide who goes where

Mushy mushrooms adding more colours

Coming down, bit dejected not being able to reach the Lakegala falls

Another panoramic view from down hill

Just over the blades of paddy

Bidding our farewell to Lady Lakegala… Thanks for everything and will see ya again

Typical house built of rocks and tin sheets

6. Eli Hatha (7 Waterfalls – it’s also called the Annicut or the Bunt): about 5-6km from Nava mama’s house

Short climb down to the falls and up is not so difficult.

We took the tuk-tuk the whole distance passing the Kaikawala Bridge and reached Kalu mam’s house where for the first-time, we tasted toddy made of Kithul trees. After that Nava mama and Kalu mama told us about the names of the surrounding mountains and there were so many (must have been around 30+) and I managed to get as many as I could. Then it was time to do the Eli Hatha and we parked the tuk-tuk and climbed down to the Bunt where there was a fall about 40-50ft in height. Such a grand fall missed out by so many, I was both thrilled and shocked.

We were getting an exclusive guided tour to one of Nava mama’s secrets. It was Athula’s first visit to that place. Further up there were 3 more falls in a row, which were somewhat smaller, than their big sister. The other falls were below the big one and we couldn’t attempt them coz the path was so steep and dangerous.

This place is called Pusse Ela and it’s where two rivers (Karambaketiya oya and Maa oya) meet each other and turn into one. So quite significant place and to make it more interesting, there’s a perfect cylindrical hole about 10ft deep like a well and at the bottom it has a hole which the water flows out. This must’ve been a result of water whirl pooling around the same place and creating that well-like shape.

Wanna eat now now now

More mushrooms decorating our path to the bunt

This must be the biggest of all 7 falls

Simply awesome

Flowing downhill, apparently there are more falls down there

The next fall,

On the left there’s like a cave, that’s where the opening at the bottom of the well like place

Three consecutive beauties coming down

Got another one of them looking like one

Here’s the perfect cylinder, note the opening at the bottom

Up close

Flowing freely

The one at the top…

From left: Nava mama, Athula behind, Kalu mama and me

This is where Maa oya (right) meets Karambaketiya oya (up)….become one (left)

We were blessed and protected

7. Nava Mama – The Stuntman

Be warned, that only Nava mama can do those stunts and it’s deadly dangerous for others. I’m putting those pics to show how capable that person is. People like us, well we’re better of watching the magicians at work

The icing on the cake was this 49-year-old humble village man’s love and passion for his people and the village and the environment. He said that he wanted to show us what he can do not to make money or become popular, but to get some donors or the government to help him get two major issues sorted as soon as possible.

He climbed down the well and showed us the hole by putting his head and then legs out, then like an arrow from a bow, simply jumped out into the base of the fall. I was speechless and it was a bit frightening too coz I was scared what would happen if something happened to him. But Athula was not a bit worried coz he knew this person all his life and he swam like a fish out of the water.

Then he climbed along the rock to the next fall and jumped from it about 20ft high right into the base of the pool. (If you’ve seen the stunts those boys making at Galle Fort, you know what I’m talking about. However, this was not so high like the fort but for a 49er it was something remarkable). I was mesmerized by what I saw and told Nava mama that hopefully things will work out for his people and the village fine.

Nava mama getting down to the well

Sitting as if on the couch in his house

Looking through the opening at the bottom

Jumps out and swimming away

A relief to see him surface

More action

Now the big moment

Waving at us

The moment of truth, caught in mid-air… I had no time to set my camera to burst settings

Like standing and waiting for a bus

End of the show folks

Ending:

We then reached home and had an early dinner to get up early to catch the 5.30am van to Hunnasgiriya. Got up around 4.30am and bid our farewell to Nava mama, his wife and of course the Dinkey. Got into the van (surprisingly we got seats) and the journey was unforgettable. The sun was peeping through the mountain tops and the sky was the colour of my water colour box. However, I couldn’t convince the passengers and the driver to stop the vehicle for a quick pic.

We had to keep our windows closed due to the cold air coming through, soon the van got filled and the matters got worse coz the Kaikawala van had broken down and we got more passengers and the ISUZU company would’ve been proud of their handy work had they seen it. It was practically bursting at the seams. Along the way, there were songs playing in the van’s CD player and one specially stuck in my mind coz it expressed exactly what I felt right throughout.

The master, W. D. Amaradeva sang this bit.

“Sasara Wasana Thuru – Niwan Dakina Thuru

Pinketha Hela Ran Derane – Yali Upadinnata

Hethu Wasana Wewa – Hethu Wasana”