Deanstone Mini World’s End is the official World’s End in Knuckles Kandy side. This is located at Meemure road son after the Nawangala village. There is the Deanstone Forest Office and the footpath will begin from there. People should buy a ticket and walk along the established footpath. The footpath is a circular path which is established through a pines forest as to feel the nature.

We used a leyland bus to travel up to Hunnasgiriya and due to the narrowness of the Meemure road leyland buses couldn’t go beyond a certain limit due to the bends. Then we had to walk along the road to reach Deanston. However, it is about 5km hike and it is not much difficult. Since we start it around 5.30 am we had to wait at Nawangala village food centre to have our breakfast.

After we had our breakfast we were looking about the Nawangala rock and I thought to get it as our next hike. Within a few minutes, we came to Deanstone Forest office which is located on the Meemure road. We bought tickets and start walking along the footpath.

When I searching for Deanstone in Metric Map, I realized that there is a name given for that mountain in Metric Map as “Ketaptatagala No.2”. Since that Mini World’s End located at a top of a mountain, then the name of that mountain is mentioned in Metric Map as Ketaptatagala No.2. It is much difficult to pronounce in Sinhala which is inline as “කැටප්තට ගල”.

Its marked in Metric Map as Ketaptatagala No 2. Note the Dothulugala marked in Blue colour.

See the Terrian Map and Metric map points. Both are equal and the Deanstone MWE located in Ketaptatagala No. 2 Mountain

Morning view of Rajagala/ Medamahanuwara Kanda

Nawangala on the way

Its yet the Dawn

Very Old one

More to go

Small Kovil

Still its dark

Came to Nawangala

Hapugaskumbura side

The Valley

Kehelpothdoruwegala Seen

Mighty Nawangala

We took our Breakfast and morning tea from here

Tree Arts

Beautiful roads

Old Factories – Hare Park

Keep walking

Side view of Nawangala

Came to the office

Nameboard

Deanstone Forest Office

Trail Head

Journey Began

The Environment

Dothulugala Summit Seen

Hike started on the Footpath

Well maintained small lake

Old but correct

A Resting place

Clear Footpath

Keep walking

The Junction

Under the Pines

More to go

Here we are reaching

View

Villages under the mountain

I and Madusanka

Going to the summit point

Its there

Knuckles 5 peaks and Alugal Kanda Seen

Gerandigala and Gerandigala Falls

Kehelpothdoruwegala

Alugal Kanda

Kobonilagala/ Aliya Kanda.(Is is really looks like an Elephant)

Nirosh, Madusanka and I

Yahangala Covered by Mist

Enjoying the view

The Panoramic view only from one side. Here are the names of the marked mountains. 1 Kobonilagala, 2 Knuckles, 3 Sphinix 2, 4 Corbet Gap, 5 Alugal Kanda, 6 Dumbanagala, 7 Gerandigala, 8 Balagiriya, 9 Gerandi Falls and Gerandigala, 10 Thelambugala, 11 Kehelpothdoruwegala, 12 Yahangala, 13 Velangolla Pathana

Paddies

Nearest village

Beauty

Framed

Going back

Walking

Natural

Little bit muddy

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Nayabedda Mountain is on our list for a long time as we have seen it on our Wangedigala hike. This mountain is marked in Metric Map as “St. Catherines 2” and the 1 should be St. Catherine’s Seat which is also marked in the Metric Map without the word “Seat”. When I explore this location in Metric map I realized the name given in here and the name we currently use. Actually we are using the estate name for this mountain. But the real name is “St. Catherines 2”.

We were at Lipton Seat earlier and then we are much aware about this beautiful Dambetenna road. So, we came to Haputale early morning and got joined Madusanka and left from Haputale around 5 am in the morning. However, we were able to reach the Nayabedda estate within a few hours after having breakfast.

We can go to the highest point of the mountain by bicycle and then we should walk around the area. We have noticed plenty of mountains where we were being at previously. After we spend a few hours we left the mountain and continue our journey to the other end of Dambetenna road. I remember that I have seen the same kind of an environment when our hike to Pluckers Hut – 1365m.

Nayabedda Mountain marked in Metric Map as “St. Catherines 2”. Blue one is the St. Catherin’s Seat (Present Name) and it might be the “St.Catherines 1”.

See the Google Terrian Map. Both altitudes are matching with the above Metric map.

Seen from Wangedigala

Here is the target

Surrounding View

Beautiful path, this remind me Alakola Estate route

Lower country

Small destinations

Up to the Southern Sea Side

Pagoda Seen

Towards heaven

Working Point

Ambewela Wind Mills, Conical Hill, Great Western, and Waterfall Point

Idalgashinna

Udaweriya Mountain, World’s End, Kirigalpotta

World’s End, Kirigalpotta

Kehelpothdoruwegala, Yahangala

Galudagama, Narangala

Thaldena Mountain

Fox Hill

Nadanda Mountain, Udawadiya

Madolsima Mini World’s End

Piduruthalagala

Little Adam’s Peak

Poonagala to Koslanda road

Eastern drop of Central Province

Maragala Mountain Range

Wangedigala, Balathuduwa, Gommoliya in the upper line. Devil’s Seat (Beragala Mountain), Idalgashinna in the lower front line

Heeloya Railway Station

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

This was an instant journey which we were planned on that day. However, we had to visit these two places since we don’t have an option at that time due to the time.

Thalpe Beach and Natural Bathing pits

Thalpe Beach is a beach situated in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, close to the city of Galle. It is a popular destination among both locals and foreigners. There are vibrant shops, restaurants, and various water sports-related activities to do in the surrounding area of Thalpe.

Thalpe is a quiet town nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the major towns situated in the southern coastal belt. Thalpe town is filled with history, adventure, culture and cuisine along with the Thalpe Beach which is a relatively clean and calm beach. Stilt fishermen are commonly seen in this coastal town and it is a great way to learn more about the way of life in this beautiful coastal town.

According to the villagers the rock pools were cut out of the corals around 50 years ago and were used to soak coconut husks in order to separate the coconut coir.

From Galle travel along the Matara Road for approximately 11.2 km to reach Thalpe where the Thalpe Beach is situated.

An old attraction

Erandi was there

River

Capture

Time for a picture

Came to Thalpe Beach

Not mostly natural

Selfie time

Clean beach

Another panoramic selfie

Beauty

Crystal Clearwater

Ikiri was there

Nautral

A doggy

These are the pools

Waves

Enjoying

Beware of Ikiri

Its so beautiful

Selfie by Nirosh

Sea plants

Lot of Ikiri

Bathing

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hill is a unique cliff situated in Mirissa. This cliff is located at the end of a beach which is covered in coconut trees. Coconut Tree Hill is a popular tourist attraction in Mirissa and tourists flock here to capture beautiful images of this unique location. The cliff is located 4 m above sea level and is a famous location due to its picturesque beauty on instagram.

Coconut Tree Hill is presumably the most well-known place in Mirissa. You can watch the infinite sea and Mirissa bay area from the top of this amazing place. It takes you 10-15 min walk up the street from Mirissa Beach. You can reach here through Bandaramulla temple and also you can access this place via the beach. Accessing via the beach would be difficult if the sea is rough.

This place has become so popular that a lot of people wish to make a popular frame of the headland leaving the sea with coconut trees. We recommend reaching this place in the morning or before sunset. If you love this place, make sure don’t throw any rubbish here. From Mirissa travel approximately 3 km along the Matara Road and turn to Coconut Tree Hill Road to reach the Coconut Tree Hill.

Came here – No body was there

Coconut Tree Hill

Selfie by Nirosh

Nearby Beach

Its so beautiful

Time for the last selfie

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Pahanthudawa and Pulun fall is one of our prime destinations where we visited a long time ago. But most of time when we go there, they are out of water. But this time we had a quick visit to both of them on the way to Haputale for another journey. We thought that there will be much water since there was a rain few days ago.

The fall is located at Sigapulikande Mountain in the Ratnapura District, Pelmadulla Electorate, Denawaka area. Take the Ratnapura – Pelmadulla road and turn onto the Devalegama road at Pathakada junction. The fall is 0.5km from here. This was little close to Lihiniyan Kelina fall which was we discove during our Kiribathgala Hike.

Here is she full of water

Side view of it

This is not the full level of water

Slow shutter

Zoomed view

The stream

Base Pool

Aerial view

Small cascades

Rocky plains

Bathing place

Time to leave

Final view of it

We spent few minutes at Pulun Fall and left to see the next sub destination of the main journey. We reached to Belihuloya rest house and turned left to Ihala Galagama Landuyaya road which is the road to climb Hawagala Mountain. We visit this fall for the last time on our journey to Hawagala Mountain.

It was very easy to find Pahanthudawa fall as it is the main attraction of this road. So far many hotels and guest houses in this area was based on this fall. This is a very small waterfall and beautiful and too dangerous. Many of people were died over there due to flash floods and falling to the deep pool. Reaching to the closer of the fall is much difficult since we need to walk along the rocks and it might be slippery. Hence please avoid of visiting this fall during rainy season and soon after the raining.

On the way

Tthe stream

Small cascades0

Some more

More to go

Foot path

Should go there

Here is it, Pahanthudawa Fall

Zoomed view

Scenic view

The stream

See the base pool, its so dangerous

She was full of some water

Another angle

This is safe to bath but be careful of flash flood

Cool Water

The way back

Going back to the parking

Small cascades

Environment

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Gammaduwa is a famous destination in the northern side of the Knuckles forest reserve. I had an opportunity to visit Gammaduwa with Nirosh’s office crew as they have direct access to the transmission towers for business purposes. Karagahatenna is the nearest peak of Gammaduwa and both peaks are reserved for telecommunication transmission towers, hence entering the premises is not open to the public.

However, when I checked this mountain in Metric Map it shows the Opalgala mountain with a height of 1325m. Whether the estate is called Gammaduwa, the actual name of this peak is not Gammaduwa and it is the Opalgala Mountain. Opalgala is a beautiful village situated near to this area and we had some memories at Opalgala as Sandamadala Hike and we have seen Gammaduwa transmission towers at the summit of Sandamadala too. Also, I had a special privilege to climb up on a Tower and see the surroundings as I was requested to identify the nearby peaks as a traveler.

Reaching to Gammaduwa estate and the nearby is a scenic tour as the roads are under the shades of giant pines and trees. Roads are almost gravel and bit difficult to climb up the mountains through narrow bends. Since we had a 4WD, we didn’t feel the difficulty as we are focused to see the beauty of the environment.

Marked on Metric Map

Google Terrain view

The scenic roads

Beautiful road

On the way

Pines patch

Surroundings

See the beauty

Scenic road

Summits

More to go

Valley of mountains

Nature

Hidden plains

Narrow road

More to go

See the difficulty

The valley

Want to walk over there

Reaching

Here is the end of the journey

Towards Karagahatenna and beyond

Gammaduwa Towers

Trees

Newgala, Selagama Mini World’s End and Ambokka in the middle of the frame

Nature

Environment

More peaks to climb

I got this rare chance to climb up the tower but I cannot publish many more photos of this activity since it is not ethical to influence people on this type of risky thing. Because there are many harmful damages to our body can be happened from the signals of these towers.

Environment

Climbing up

Like a drone view

Lucky to have this climb

Return journey

Leaving there

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

We had a relaxing drive to the southern province as we received an invitation from our friend to visit his village as well as we need to have a drive to Matara via the Southern Expressway. Since my other members didn’t see Andahelena Fall I marked it at the first thing on our trip. I visited Andahelena Falls in May, 2013 while on a Funeral of an office mate’s cousin. However, we were able to visit Madol Duwa, Martin Wickremasinghe House, and the Museum and finally stopped at Dondra Light House which is closed to that friend’s home.

Falls in Elpitiya – අඬාහැලෙන ඇල්ල

It is only from close range that the true beauty of the 12m Andahelena Ella Falls (aka Andahalena Ella, Handahelena Ella, Handahalena Ella) can be appreciated, making the difficult approach well worth the trouble. A picturesque pool forms at the top before the water cascades downwards. It is shrouded by trees such as ankenda (Acrounychia pedunculata), aarididda (Camponosperme zeylenice), bakmee (Nauclea orientalis), batadomba (Canarium zeylenicum), telkekuna, ehela (Cassia fistula), gotha (Pedalium murex), wanasapu (Cananga odorata), venivel (Coscinium fenestratum) and alsahora, which form a shady canopy over the water. Some say that the trees of the jungle are akin to monks protecting the four sublime states of living of Buddhism, giving all animals shelter and comfort.

Situated 6km east of Elpitiya town, in the village of Pituwala (in the Galle District’s Elpitiya Divisional Secretariat). The fall is located within 4774 hectares of jungle known as the Beraliya Mukalana (Beraliya Jungle). It is not possible to reach the fall by vehicle. The last part of the journey must be completed on foot, negotiating obstacles such as dense foliage and uneven ground.

To reach the waterfall from the Southern Highway, exit from Kurundugahahetekma and take the Elpitiya Road. From Elpitiya, take the Pituwala – Kahaduwa Road. Traveling 5km on this road, you will see a billboard directing towards Andahelena Ella at the top of the Diwankara Lena Road. This road will end at the Diwankaralena Aranya Senasanaya Monastery. This is a dilapidated road but motorable. You can park the vehicle at the Monastery Entrance. But it’s safer to stop your vehicle at the small open space near a boutique about 250 meters before the temple since the last road segment may be too narrow. From the temple entrance you need to take the footpath through the Beraliya Mukalana forest to reach the waterfall. The length of the footpath is approx 300 meters. Unlike in other waterfalls, a bathing pool lies at the top of the falls.

Being inside an isolated forested area, this location is used by drug addicts and petted thieves. A couple was murdered here by drug addicts in 2013, thus it’s advised not to travel alone. Leaches on the footpath could be a problem during the wet season.

GPS Location – 6.258583, 80.197230

Boutique at the road

Path to the Hermitage

Vehicles parked

Hike started

The stream

Footpath

Along the path

Forest

Cultivation

Stream

Crossing point

Little more to go

Here is she

Little more water than my previous visit to Andahelena Falls

Andahelena Falls

Lovely view

Closer view

Should climb again

At the top

View from the top

Upper pool

Milky

Good Bye Andahelena Falls

Martin Wickramasinghe House and Museum

The house in which Martin Wickramasinghe was born has inspired the Martin Wickramasinghe Trust to established a Folk Museum Complex, surrounded by a restored ecosystem planted with hundreds of varieties of indigenous trees and shrubs in which bird life abounds. The house and the surroundings brings to life a little part of the Koggala which is so vividly depicted in Wickramasinghe’s writings.

Martin Wickramasinghe was born, in the village of Malalgama in 1890. A section of the ancestral home, in which he and his sisters grew up with their parents has survived the rigors of time. The partly renovated house, part of the rear section of which is thought to be nearly 200 years old, is a typical southern abode of the period, with pleasing Dutch architectural features and cool, whitewashed walls and floors paved with square bricks.
The house was taken over by the Royal Air force during World War II, when all villagers in Malalgama and surrounding villages were asked to vacate their houses within 24 hrs. Most homes were demolished to build a seaplane base (the airstrip of which is in use to this day.)

Wickramasinghe’s house miraculously escaped the fate of others in his village. The story goes that this simple house with its subdued architecture caught the eye of a female Air Force officer, and she made it her residence during the military occupation of the area, ensuring its preservation. It was a Catalina aircraft from this base that alerted the British government to the presence of a Japanese fleet, thus ensuring that adequate defensive measures were taken by the military to ward off an attack.

The grass-covered mound to the right of the households his ashes, surmounted by a wedge-shaped rock from the Koggala reef, on which he spent many hours of his day during his childhood. The ashes of his wife Prema are also buried under this mound. An exhibition of memorabilia is housed in a Hall of Life. The Hall of Life tells the story of Wickramasinghe’s life through a series of photographs, awards, and souvenirs.

The Folk Museum was long a desire of the author who wanted to recapture within it the technological and cultural artifacts which were a familiar part of his childhood. The various objects of folk culture acquired during his lifetime have been the starting point of the collection found in the museum, which was opened in 1981.

The Wickramasinghe Trust has developed the museum into a growing repository of artifacts depicting the history of Sri Lankan folk culture, from ancient to modern times in order to remind the people of Sri Lanka of their living rooms. The museum is a fascinating collection of artifacts, from Buddhist artifacts to those which portray the development of rural technology in agriculture, agro-industry, fishing, pottery and metal craft artifacts, various artifacts from folk dances and religious ceremonies and many others. Tastefully presented, the museum offers visitors rare insights into Sri Lankan folk culture.

In providing the backdrop and context to the museum, a Trust brochure states that “Martin Wickramasinghe delved into the life and culture of our people from their early beginning to the present day and through his writings, he identified our folk culture as a resilient bonding substance which has not only prevented our social disintegration and alienation, despite assimilation of elements from a multitude of eastern and western cultures but also molded our collective identity and values as a people. Wickramasinghe’s unceasing intellectual exploration and his creative and critical writings relating to the life and culture of the people of Sri Lanka continued for a period of over 70 years”.
The Folk museum is an ideal place to get to know the author better, to understand a little of what Koggala and its people meant to him. Wickramasinghe’s writings vividly recall the carefree days of his childhood, exploring the marine life in the Koggala reef, playing with his friends from the village, and enjoying the rural solitude of his beloved Koggala. Seated on the steps of Wickramasinghe’s ancestral home, and enjoying the blessed charm of this seven-acre piece of rural paradise, it is easy to understand why this piece of earth nurtured and set ablaze the imagination of one of this country’s greatest writers.

Main name board

Ticket

Memories

More to see

His house

Where he currently lived

Side view

Garden

Madol Duwa – මඩොල් දූව

Koggala is one of the famous tourists attractions places in Sri Lanka. It is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Visitors can enjoy the boat trips in the lagoon and Koggala Lake to explore other tiny islands and the biodiversity around the Koggala site. Madol Duwa is one of seven islands located on the Koggala Lake. A boat ride down the lake is soothing. When you reach the town of Koggala, you will find many hand-written signs that will lead you towards ‘Madol Duwa’. Madol Duwa is located is just 30 minutes south of Galle. Once you reach the island, you will notice a well-used path that will take you around the island. It is a surprisingly small island that can be explored within a few minutes. However what is most fascinating is that this island blossomed in the imagination of Mr. Wickramasinghe.
Madol Duwa is yet another island whereas it became very well-known through the famous ‘Madol Duwa’ book. This novel was written by Martin Wickramasinghe. He is identified as a most renowned writer in the late 20th century. Martin Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka’s best-known author of novels and short stories first published the fictional short novel “Madol Duwa” in 1947. Literally translated it means Mangrove Island and has been translated into nine languages and sold over a million copies. The history of Madol duwa book recounts the misadventures of Upali Giniwella and his friends on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka during the 1890s. It later describes the efforts of ‘Upali’ and his friend ‘Jinna’ to lead their lives in a small deserted island. Their struggle to succeed in their lives in the deserted island named Madol Duwa is elaborated through the story. Even the story was made into a film in 1976. Koggala is the hometown of author Martin Wickramasinghe. His birth house has now become the Koggala museum of folk culture consist of wood, furniture, traditional masks and costumes of folk dancers.

Koggala Lake is a very large unspoiled freshwater lake that contains quite a few historical and interesting islands and it is located within a few kilometers away from town. Bird watching at the evening is breathtaking. At the entire lagoon is teamed with prawns and birds. You are allowed to take boat trips and explore the islands around the Koggala Lake. There are heaps of boats around here offering tours. Well worth Madolduwa boat safaris can be arranged in the lake to see the famous island Madolduwa along with the other minor islands. While journeying down the lake you would notice many other islands covered in greenery. From within, bird- calls could be heard momentarily, as they compete with the sound of the motorboat. Prawn catchers patiently wait while meaty prawns make their way to the nets. The boat will slow down from time to time, allowing you to absorb the scenery and the beauty of Madolduwa.

On your way to ‘Madol Duwa,’ these islands will be found. The first island is ‘kathduwa’. When you reach the island Madolduwa there you can see the mangrove roots that girded the island, the thick mud along the shore, and an opening in the rocks that guarded a beach that was almost clear of mud and had a tiny wooden dock. ‘Sekku gala’, the well magnified at Madol Dowa novel is still remaining at Madol Duwa Island. Nowadays it is going to be polluted due to the misbehaviors of the peasantry around the area.

Madol Duwa island has become a famous place in the southern part of Sri Lanka due to remarkable creatures and incidents happened around here. The number of both foreign and local tourists visit Madol Duwa island today. It has become a famous tourist hub that emerged with Madolduwa tourism. Once you have explored the island, head over to a bookshop, and buy a copy of ‘Madol Duwa’. It will definitely help you re-imagine a much familiar landscape that you have visited. And also for sure, it will remain with you as a splendid memory within your tour to Sri Lanka.

Near to the river

Here we go to Madol Duwa

It is there

The river

Mangrove island

The footpath

Nirosh is searching

Old well

Some ruins

Footpath

Return journey from Madol Duwa

Here we are reaching the Galle Road

The Indian ocean

Fishers

The old method

It’s bit dangerous

Water

Waves

People are visiting this place too

They

Dondra Head Lighthouse – දෙවුන්දර තුඩුව ප්‍රදීපාගාරය

Dondra Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on Dondra Head, Dondra, the southernmost point in Sri Lanka and is Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouse, and also one of the tallest in South East Asia. Dondra Head lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

The lighthouse is near the village of Dondra, and is approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Matara. The name Dondra is a synonym for “Devi-Nuwara” in the local Sinhala language, “Devi” meaning “Gods” and “Nuwara” meaning “City”. Dondra is therefore derived to mean “City of the Gods”.

Dondra Head Lighthouse was designed by Sir James Nicholas Douglass, with construction, by William Douglass of the Imperial Lighthouse Service, commencing in November 1887. All the building materials including the bricks and steel were imported from England. The granite rock was supplied from quarries at Dalbeattie in Scotland and Penryn in Cornwall. The lighthouse was completed and commissioned in March 1890. The combined cost of erection of the lighthouse and the Barberyn Lighthouse was £30,000 and was paid for by dues collected at the Basses lighthouses.

Dondra Head was one of the limited numbers of lighthouses that were designed to house the large Hyperradiant Fresnel lenses that became available at the end of the 19th century. Four of these lenses were used in Sri Lankan lights, all made by Chance Brothers in England.

The lighthouse is 49 m (161 ft) high[3] and contains 7 floors, 14 two-panel yellow color windows, and 196 steps to the top. Dondra Head is also one of four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. It was modernized in 2000, with the introduction of a Differential Global Positioning System and is a computer linked to the other major lighthouses around the coast.

Sea

Entrance

Here is she

Surrounding

Blue Ocean

Waves

The lighthouse

How tall is it

Another angle

Neighbour

Another view

Over the coconut trees

Path	Over the green

Memories

History

Wish if they permitted to go to the top

Time to leave

Full view

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Nuwara Eliya is one of the main tourist’s attractions of Sri Lanka among foreigners as well as locals. Though people visit at Nuwara Eliya, they know about few places there. This is my attempt to list most of the tourist’s attractions at Nuwara Eliya with a small description which would be help full for someone in future.
Rests of the places were mentioned in part-1.

1. Galwala Falls (6.978289, 80.780360)
This has become an almost seasonal fall situated in Lady McCollum road. It is visible to the main road and has 23 m height. The proper Galwala Falls (Galwala Upper Falls) is situated somewhere in upstream and it needs permission to visit there. One of the streams origins from Western slope of Piduruthalagala forms this falls. A tank has been built on top of the waterfall and water is diverted in the town below.

Galwala Lower Falls

Galwala Lower Falls

Top of waterfall

Galwala Lower Falls

Surrounding view from Galwala Lower Falls

2. Piduruthalagala summit (7.000875, 80.773344) (2524 m)

It is the highest peak of Sri Lanka. Though it is the highest peak no need strenuous effort to climb there as no permission to walk over there. Top of Piduruthalagala is a high security zone where number of communication towers and radar towers situated. Therefore you have to drive up to the summit (No permission to get down from vehicle on your way up and enjoy the view). You don’t need prior permission to visit there. The highest point of SL is marked as a monument / plaque but it needs prior permission to visit there. Just verbal permission is enough.
I still can remember my first visit to Piduruthalagala summit in 2011 soon after finish the civil war. I had to do so many paper works to get permission from Ministry of Defense at that time. But I was lucky enough to visit at the highest point as I had some army contacts at that time.
My second visit happened in 2017 and we didn’t need prior permission.
Piduruthalagala summit provides nice view towards surroundings in a clear day. The distance from Nuwera Eliya to Piduruthalagala summit entrance is 2.2 km. Then it is a 5.5 km drive to the summit.

View of Piduruthalagala Towers from Nuwera Eliya Town. It is crowded with communication and radar towers.

It is placed at junction….

Through Piduruthalagala forest reserve.

Mountainous forest……

On our way up to Piduruthalagala…..

Unknown waterfall falling down from Piduruthalagala forest reserve

On top of Piduruthalagala mountain

Transmission towers on top of Piduruthalagala

Transmission towers on top of Piduruthalagala

Transmission towers on top of Piduruthalagala

The view from Piduruthalagala. Towards Nuwera Eliya town and Hakgala peak

Sandathenna Mini Worlds’ end, Nuweraeliya Town and Hakgala Mountain

Hakgala Mountain can be easily identified with it’s unique shape

Gregory Lake is seen

Sri Pada from Piduruthalagala

Our team on top of Piduruthalagala

3. Single Tree Hill Mountain (2105 m)
Single Tree Hill Mountain is the 10th highest peak of Sri Lanka with 2105 m height. It is situated at Nuwara Eliya town and the single tree hill road starts at Nuwara Eliya-Badulla road (6.961053, 80.767535). It is a gravel road through tea patches and passes Swarnagiri Maha Wiharaya and end up at summit. The summit is occupied by communication towers and tea patches. You can view Piduruthalagala Range, Hakgala, Gregory Lake, Sandathenna area, Namunukula etc. on your way to the peak Sri Pada with surrounding mountains, Uda Radella and Hatton side can be viewed from Single Tree hill, just before the summit. This road becomes a foot pathway and it continues till Shanthipura village at Kikiliyamana Mountain. It was just a walk from Nuwara Eliya town to top of Single Tree Hill Mountain. You can drive up to the temple and road condition is not good after the road.

Single Tree Hill Mountain with towers

Road to Single Tree Hill

Road is good up to the temple

Shrine came across on our way to top…

Hakgala Mountain and Towards Mipilimana. Conical Hills is seen at right corner of the picture.

Entering to Swarnagiri Temple

The temple

Stupa

Inside Swarnagiri Temple.

Sri Pada. Dell Mountain is in front of it.

We have passed Swaranagiri Temple and continued along the estate.

Hakgala

Closer view of Hakgala Mountain.

Towards Gregory Lake…. Sandathenna can be seen beyond Gregory Lake.

Gregory Lake, Sandathenna (right side) and Namunukula pop up.

Following gravel road to Summit

Uda Radella Mountain with towers

Towers on top of Single Tree Hill

View from top of the mountain

On top of Single Tree Hill

Mount Dell and Sri Pada Mountain

The shrine on top of the mountain

Partially built greenhouse…

4. Grand Hotel Nuwera Eliya
Grand Hotel in Nuwera Eliya is an icon of this misty town. This was the bungalow of Sir Edward Barnes who is the inventor of Nuwera Eliya town and governor of Sri Lanka (1824-1831). He has sold this bungalow to a private company in 1883 and Grand Hotel was built related to this Bungalow.
Grand Hotel is a four star hotel and the oldest hotel in Nuwera Eliya. Nuwera Eliya Grand hotel has 154 rooms with six super luxury rooms.

Nuwera Eliya Grand Hotel with garden.

Entrance of the hotel

Ancient paintings displayed at hotel

.

5. Glen Falls (6.965953, 80.760228) (10 m)
This 10 m tall waterfall originates from the northern side of Single Tree Hill Mountain. Due to excessive clearance at top of Single Tree Hill Mountain, it has become a seasonal waterfall only during and after rain. We drove along the road next to Araliya Green Hills at Nuwera Eliya and had a closer approach to Glen Falls. Better go in a rainy time to get the full picture of the fall.

Distance view of Glen Falls

Closer view of Glen Falls with low water level.

Glen Falls.

6. Harasbedda Mini world’s End (7.062686, 80.886330)
Nuwera Eliya is blessed with Great World’s End at Hortain Plains and Mini world’s End at Sandathenna. This is another world’s end situated closer to Nuwera Eliya, actually situated at Harasbedda.
Drive along Nuwera Eliya-Udupussallawa road and turned to right at the junction after Harasbedda junction. (This by road passes behind Youth crop building at Harasbedda) (7.056917, 80.879377. When you drive along this road, you will come across another by road to left side which ends at Mini World’s end. There is a safety railing around the World’s end.
In my first visit to this place it was covered by the mist. Second visit was clear and a villager helped us identifying surrounding structures. Unfortunately there is no sign board to direct the place.

The road to Harasbedda in a misty day

Harasbedda Mini World’s end

The view from Harasbedda Mini World’s end

The view from Harasbedda Mini World’s end

View from Harasbedda MWE

Immediate view from Harasbedda MWE

Immediate houses below Harasbedda MWE

Immediate houses below Harasbedda MWE

Pinnakatiya and Kotambe areas

According to the villager we met, this mountain with Pinus has a place called “Ahas Hathapma”.

Landscape viewed to mini world’s end.

Landscape viewed to mini world’s end.

Narangala is far away

Towards Udupussalawa

Meepanawa waterfall

A common finding with grass

Mini World’s end with mist

Mini World’s end with mist

Thanks for reading 

I have visited Miyunu falls in August 2018 and when we plan to visit a nearby attraction as a family trip I suggest them Miyunu Falls which is known to me and the surrounding also beautiful. Also, I wanted to show them the beauty of Gawaragiriya road and finally, we were able to spend our evening at Miyunu falls. Because I wanted show a waterfall to my kids and it was successful.

Gavaragiriya Miyunu Ella Falls – ගවගිරිය මියුණු ඇල්ල

The 60-meter Miyunu Ella waterfall is one of the two large waterfalls lying in the Kukulugala Forest (KF) is situated within the Western boundary of the Ratnapura district, Sabaragamuwa Province; and is located 15 km away from Bulathsinhala town. This forest ecosystem, which covers an area of 6000 acres within the Ayagama secretariat division, can be categorized as a low land evergreen rain forest. The dominant tree species are Dipterocarpus sp., Mesua sp., Doona sp., Schumacheria castaneifolia, Artocarpus Nobilis, Calophyllum inophyllum, Mangifera zeylanica, Humboldtia laurifolia, Oncosperma fasciculatum and Canarium zeylanicum species. Kukulugala mountain, also known as “Horanae Kanda (හොරණෑ කන්ද)” in Sinhala, is 705m above sea level.

The area consists of a rich hydrological network which includes two large waterfalls called “Ritigas Ella” and “Miyunu Ella”. Additionally, two large streams that start from this mountain, “Thaberum Ela” and “Era-Hadapana Ela”, are the major tributaries that flow throughout the year.

The waterfall can be accessed by traveling 10 km from Ayagama or 18 km from Egaloya on the Gavaragiriya Road to Kolambewa (කොළඹෑව) and trekking about 500 meters from there onwards into the Kukulugala Forest.

The Miyunu Ella waterfall is created in 2 levels and water at the base pool is said the go through an underground tunnel appearing again somewhere downstream.

This waterfall has been the inspiration for the “Nil Diye Nalangana” of the popular poet Meemana Prematilake (1918-1956) and the waterfall is said to be his favorite place to find tranquility.

The turning point from the main road

The road

Parking

You can park the vehicles here

Here is the parking area and this is near the top of the fall

Top of the fall

The drop

Dangerous area

Its falling from here

Footpath to the bottom of the fall

Footpath

It’s clear but there are leeches during rainy days

This is situated near to the stream

Canal at the bottom of the fall

Here it is

They are enjoying

Full view of the fall

Miyunu Fall

Another angle

With the sky

Base pool

Surrounding

Water level is bit low

The lower part of the fall

Witnessed again

Closer view

Miyunu Ella

Top part

The rocky area

Natural

Ready for bathing

Good place for a bath

Shadows

The dam and the canal

Sanoj is enjoying

The team

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

I planned a trip with my family and relations which is for a one-day adventurous trip. I choose Sembuwatte lake as it is so beautiful and we can enjoy a different beauty while driving through the northern part of Kandy district. We spent our morning at Kelebokka and then the evening at Sembuwatte Lake.

Sambuwatta Lake is a beautiful man-made reservoir located in Elkaduwa, Matale. The lake is bordered by Cambell’s Land forest reserve and situated at an elevation of 1,140 m. The misty and chilly atmosphere with pine trees and tea-covered slopes surrounding the lake make visitors feel relaxed and tranquil.

What puts the lake at the top as a leisure and family travel destination is the plethora of adventure activities available such as zip-lining, swan/motor boat riding, canoeing and hiking. Bathing and swimming in the lake, however, is not allowed since the lake is fairly deep (30 – 40 ft), there is a separate pool built for that purpose.

The road leading to the lake (Sembuwatte Lake Road) off Wattegama – Elkaduwa – Matale road (B461) is not in a favourable condition, especially the stretch that lies beyond the factory. This narrow and winding road stretches about 04 km from the main road to the lake. About 03 km in, there is a dilapidated tea factory (Elakduwa Tea Factory) and a small office, where you should stop to buy tickets.

Long vehicles like 54 seat Leyland buses/Coaches should be parked here. Small vehicles can safely be driven beyond this point up to the lake and park at the lake premises. Owing to the narrowness of the road, it can be heavily congested during holidays.

Essential Information

• Ticket prices 
  • Locals: Rs 200
  • Foreigners: Rs 1,000
• Opening Hours : 08:00 AM – 06: 00 PM
• Accommodation
  • Polo Bungalow :  Rs 15,000  ( 12 pax)
  • The Summer huts:
    • Rs 1000 per person in a group of  min 10 pax
    • For a group less than 10 pax: Rs 7,500

Source – https://www.thingstodosrilanka.com/listing/sembuwatta-lake/

On the way

Mountains far away, Bathalegala and Ura Kanda

More to see

Some more

Unnamed waterfall

It was tall about 20m+

Obstacles, My father and my uncles ready to clear it

I also joined

We cleared it fully

Main Notice

The road to the Lake area

Parking area and the tea factory

Sembuwatte Lake

Kelebokka viewpoint seen

Swarn boats

Its so beautiful

There were many visitors

The area

Surrounding

Through the pines trees

We all tried this zipline

Its enjoyable

The zipline

Our people

With my little princess

Its getting dark

This is our family

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Hadurukkanda (හදුරුක්කන්ද)-794 m
Hadurukkanda is another mountain situated at Kurunegala area with height of 794 m and it is considered as the second highest mountain of Kurunegala district. (Highest of Kurunegala district is Bisogala-823 m). The lower part of Hadurukkanda is occupied by a tea estate and top is covered by the forest patch called Hadurukkanda forest reserve of 77 Ha. Hadurukkanda range extends towards Rambukkana side with Belgoda Kanda and Parape Hills. This is considered as an easy hike but I couldn’t do it though I have been at many peaks of Kurunegala District. There are two paths to climb Hadurukkanda: One from Indulgodakanda side and other one is from Udagammana side.

Hadurukkanda in metric map

Part of Hadurukkanda is in next page of metric map.

Hadurukkanda in Google map

.

View of Hadurukkanda from different mountains.

From Bisogala.

From Andagala

From Ibbagamuwa-Kotagala

From Dolukanda

Hike to Hadurukkanda
Medhaka and myself started the journey from Colombo and planned to join with Anupama at Kurunegala. Medhaka was a new face for my travelling. Though Anupama has planned to join with us for the hike he couldn’t come due to unavoidable reason. We turned to Kandy road from Kurunegala and passed Mallawapitiya junction. Next turn was to Indulgodakanda road after Mallawapitiya junction (7.462657, 80.405455).
Here the winding Indulgodakanda road starts and we have passed Thempana reservoir as well. Indulgodakanda is the name of the village and Hadurukkanda is the name of the mountain. Just opposite to Indulgodakanda post office Hadurukkanda road begins (7.424645, 80.401175). It is a narrow winding road with bad condition. Here I don’t recommend a low ground vehicle for this road though real distance is about 2.3 km but we spent about 30 minutes. The trekking starts from the church called Our Lady of Lourdes’ church, Hadurukkanda (7.427987, 80.406532).

Our Lady Lourdes’ Church, Hadurukkanda.

Hadurukkanda estate begins just in front of the church. As there was nobody to get permission, we followed the estate road according to Google map. After passing the estate Bungalow we came across few estate workers and they mentioned about another group who are heading of us. At the end of the estate there was a “Budumadura” (බුදුමැදුර) where real hike started. There was a clear foot path through the forest patch with continuous ascend till we get on to the peak of Hadurukkanda. It was about 30 minutes hike from Budumadura to Hadurukkanda top.

View of Hadurukkanda from it’s base.

View of Belgoda Kanda and Parape Hills, Neighbors of Hadurukkanda.

The estate road we followed.

“Budu Madura” / Shrine house was the land mark to enter the forest.

Medhaka (behind) and Charith

Continuous ascend

Shaded foot pathway

The foot path

.

The summit of Hadurukkanda is covered with trees and there was a small open area towards Mawathagama side. The summit was marked by keeping a small Buddha statue. We have walked beyond the summit and found ruins of an old Stupa digged by treasure hunters. The foot path continued beyond the summit towards the other side of the mountain. As there was nothing to do on top of this mountain we started to get down. Though it is dry zone we have noted leeches on top of Hadurukkanda.

View towards Mawathagama side. The mountain is seen far away is Etipola (left) and right hand side peak is Wilshire.

Zoomed view of Mawathagama town

The summit of Hadurukkanda

The other group with children

Digged Stupa…

Getting down….

Note the forest boundary

Coming out of the forest

We have decided to follow the foot path in other side of the estate to reach the gate in getting down. On this way we came across small “Peela” (පීල්ල) and statue of god Hirugala Bandara. There were much open areas in this side to identify few land marks around Kurunegala town: Ethugala, Kiribathgala, Ibbagala, Wedaruwa Lake, Nathagane and Yakdessagala etc.

The view

The view towards Pothuhera side

Kurunegala Town and Kurunegala Lake are seen at center of the picture. A small piece of Ethugala Buddha statue is also seen. Nathagane and Yakdessagala were clearly identified. The other lake is Wedaruwa Lake.

Known peaks around Kurunegala Town

Hadurukkanda Forest Conservation

Statue of God Hirugal Bandara

පීල්ල

Wild beauties

Wild beauties

Couple of Mango trees.

Thempana Reservoir and “Ringana Gala” (තැම්පාන ජලාශය හා රිoගන ගල)
Thempana reservoir (7.447419, 80.405363) is situated at Indulgodakanda road. It is the source of drinking water to Kurunegala town since colonial era. This reservoir was built in 1830 for the purpose of supplying drinking water to an army camp.
Nowadays this reservoir is opened for public only on Poya days. “Ringana Gala” (7.2657 N, 80.2425 E) with Mota Kanda (මොට කන්ද) is situated on side of Thampana Reservoir. As we were not allowed to visit the reservoir on that day I flied the drone to get some aerial pictures of the reservoir.

Entrance to Thampana Reservoir from road. Mota Kanda with Ringana gala is seen behind.

Ringana Gala.

Thampana reservoir and Indulgodakanda road.

Mota Kanda with Ringana Gala

Mota Kanda and Thampana Reservoir.

Paddies at Mawathagama. Kurunegala area is also seen.

Our next target was to reach Ringana Gala which is situated at side of Thampana reservoir. Ringana Gala is a rocky opening made by two angulated rock. About 50 m below this opening you will come across a nice opening towards Thampana reservoir.

We came back to A10 road back and drove along Hotel Mandir Kanda road. This road is also not in good condition and few stone quarries are situated there. At the end, road branches to Hotel Mandir Kanda and to the quarry. First we went to the hotel (7.455368, 80.408592) and got to know about the foot path to Ringana Gala. Then we followed the road to Quarry and came across small shrine house under a Bo tree. (If you continued along right hand road will end up at an abounded Quarry). We have turned to left from there and found the vanished foot pathway to Ringana Gala. Actually there was a clear estate road at some point but Mana has grown to hide the road. Next the road branches to Ringana Gala and to top of Mota Kanda. First we went to top of Mota Kanda. Actually it has no view point but we have reached a slab rock on our way to the top, where you can see the surrounding.

Road branches: One to Mandir Kanda Hotel (left) other to quarry (right)

The road branches here again and we followed left side turn here.

Clear estate road

Stone cut pond

Upward road to top of Mota Kanda. Downward road to Ringana Gala.

The slab rock where you can enjoy the view.

On top of Mota Kanda. Actually it is just below Mota Kanda. Real summit has forest cover.

Towards Ringana Gala

Ringana Gala is opening of an angulated two rocks

Drip ledge

Side view of Ringana Gala

They are at Ringana Gala.

Ringana Gala

When we were there

Ringana Gala is considered as one of the places where King Walagamba hides. About 50 m below Ringana Gala there is a nice view point towards Thampana reservoir and surrounding. It was like a mini world’s end and we enjoyed a lot by posing here. This was the last task of the day.

Thampana Reservoir from view point.

Thampana Reservoir from view point.

When I was there.

The road and reservoir

Mountain just in front of Mota Kanda.

Thanks for reading

This was an unforgettable journey for me and my wife as we spend this vacation with our little princess. We planned this for 5 days by locating Nuwaraeliya and we rented a house via contact of our friend Madusanka. And the most wanted experience is the train journey at Expo Rail and Rajadhani Express. Hence we booked Expo Rail to reach Nanuoya and on our return journey, we booked Rajadhani Express. Unfortunately, this luxury train service is not functioning now.

We left in the morning train to Badulla via Expo Rail and it was like a journey at an airplane. Because we received all the meals and treatments from the staff and there was a special area as a view deck. That is an open area on the train and it was fully Air-conditioned and facilitated with a TV and wifi. We booked a house which has 3 rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living room with over 10 perch garden. And that was situated above 2000m at Kalukele at a view of Hakgala, Horton Plains, Conical, Waterfall Point, Single Tree, Kikiliyamana, Piduruthalagala range.

I got the Madusanka’s motorbike for this entire tour and we went to Ambewela via Hakgala, Hawaeliya area, Gardens, Strawberry lands, Nanuoya falls and etc. Since we had our 1 and half year princess we didn’t go for adventures but we roamed around Galwesland National Park. On the final day, we came to Colombo by the Rajadhani Express compartment and it was also a unique served compartment but it is not good than the Expo Rail.

The viewing deck

This is the Expo Rail

Enjoying the experience

Inside the compartment, it was full of passengers

Passing Mirigama

Inside appearance

Surrounding

Scenery

Express Train

Straight line

Another giant on this track

At Peradeniya

Stopped for a rest

The tracks

Leaving now

Enjoying

Environment beauty

Passing Hatton

Hatton-Nuwaraeliya road

Another stop

Have seen the giants

The roof of the compartment

Surrounding

Thalawakele area

The tank

The tail of the train

Interior

Triple tracks

At our rented house, Conical range in back

Nanuoya Falls

There are many visitors

Tea Estate

Some lime houses

On the way to Ambewela

Riding selfie

Kande Ela reservoir and Conical Mountain

Beauty

Another selfie

Beauty

The cows

Scenery

Ambewela farms

Hakgala strict nature reserve

Wind Mills

Cows	The freshness

At the strawberry garden

Pano view of the farm area

Perfect weather and sunshine

More to ride

This is the first time that I saw this giant, Palgasthanna

Here is Palgasthanna Mountain

The summit

Another morning at our house

Nuwaraeliya

A famous bend

Horse bend of Udapussellawa Train

Sripadaya was seen to the Sumana Saman Statue

At Kalukele

Holy peak

Surrounding

My Princess

The name board

The office

Washrooms

The Notice

The museum

Sambar

I was dead at the park

Selfie time

Starting the trail

Father & Daughter

The forest

Mom and Daughter

More to walk

Her adventures

Dry forest

We together

The track

It is the smallest National Park

End of the trail

Trafalgar range

Scenery

Rajadhani Express

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Sinharaja Rain Forest
Sinharaja Rain Forest is the most famous rain forest in Sri Lanka and considered as a world heritage site. Biodiversity of the forest is high and large proportion of the flora in this forest is endemic to the country and some endemic to the Sinharaja Forest itself. Sinharaja rain forest spreads over two provinces: Sabaragamuwa and Southern including Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts.
I have been at Sinharaja Rain forest in quite few times through different entrances. Entrances of Sinharaja Rain Forest are
1. Kudawa-Waddagala-seems like the main entry point
2. Pitadeniya-Deniyaya
3. Lankagama-Neluwa
4. Morning side-Sooriyakanda.

Recently they have opened a new entrance to Sinharaja Rain Forest through it’s south east direction called Samangala (සමන්ගල) Entrance which is closer to Deniyaya.
Rain Forest Eco Lodge hotel is situated closer to Sinharaja-Samangala Entrance and main objective of this trip was to visit this unique hotel. All our other activities were built around the hotel stay.
Quickest way to reach Deniyaya from Colombo is drive along the southern highway. We exit from Imaduwa and passed Hakgedi Ella, Marambe Lake and Getabaruwa Temple on our way to Deniyaya.

Maramba Lake ( මාරඹ වැව) (6.146718, 80.476474) which is a road side lake at Maramba town.

Thun Bodiya (තුන් බෝධිය). Another road side place where people worship and put “Panduru” (පඩුරු) on their way.

Thun Bodiya at Deniyaya road.

Getabruwa Temple and Dewalaya (ගැටබරුව) (6.287487, 80.539510)
This is a famous temple of Matara district and situated at Kotapala town just before Deniyaya. The cave temple of Getabaruwa was believed as a construction of King Walagamba but this place is famous due to Rajjurubandara Dewalaya (රජ්ජුරුබණ්ඩාර දේවාලය). The God Rajjurubandara is a regional god at southern province and people believe he would punish culprits.
It is a 2 km drive from Kotapola town along the winding road to this hill temple. As the temple is situated on top a mountain you can have a good view on surrounding. I have been at Getabaruwa Temple in 2014 and this was my second visit. The stupa is situated just below the highest point of Getabruwa hill.

Entrance

“Getabaruwa Bodiya”- ගැටබරුව බෝධිය

“Getabaruwa Bodiya”- ගැටබරුව බෝධිය

.

වැඩසිටින මාලිගය

It is an ascend from beginning….

Weekends and Public holidays this place is extremely crowded.

.

Rajjurubandara Dewalaya and cave temple of Getabaruwa. The sleeping Buddha statue is situated at cave temple

The faith of people.

The bell on top of the rock

Getabaruwa Stupa

View from Getabaruwa Temple. To get this view just walk out of the gate next to Stupa.

View from Getabaruwa Temple.

Wiharahena junction (විහාරහේන හoදිය) (6.367582, 80.592768) is a small village situated about 7 km from Deniyaya town. We have followed Enasalwatta road (එනසාල්වත්ත පාර) from Wiharahena junction but road condition was not good for a low ground vehicle after Wiharahena junction. Access to the famous bathing place called Patna is also from Wiharahena junction but along another road called Selva Kanda.
Enasalwatta road goes through Sinharaja-Samangala entrance. This is another winding road through tea patches belongs to Patna division of Enasalwatta tea estate. We have enjoyed the breathtaking view of Patna, Gongala, Sooriyakanda and Kurulugala. Samangala temple is another beautiful view point came across at this road. This temple was built as a vow while they were constructing this road. Narrow winding road is margined by the rain forest on either side. The distance from Wiharahena junction to the hotel was 10.5 km.

How road divide to Patna and Sinharaja Rain Forest.

Enasalwatta estate

Sinharaja-Samangala Entrance. Under construction

Samangala-Jana Wijaya Stupa.

View from the temple. It is a good view point.

A road side click

Deniyaya Towers

.

There are numbers of hair pin bends in Enasalwatta Road after Samangala temple till the hotel.

Rain forest Eco Lodge Hotel
This unique hotel was surrounded by Sinharaja Rain Forest in three sides and Enasalwatta tea estate continues in other side. The chalets were made like container box structures and most of the materials are recyclable. I love the calm and quietness of this hotel and surrounding. As it is an Eco friendly hotel you can’t expect many activities in the hotel but there are interesting things. You can have forest trekking, bird watching and cycling during your stay at Rain forest Eco Lodge. We wanted to go for a forest trekking with waterfall visiting. Here I liked to add some new waterfall to the list of waterfalls in Sinharaja Forest.

Rain forest Eco lodge Hotel is surrounded by Sinharaja Rain Forest in either side.

Main Lobby of the Hotel

Chalets at Eco Lodge

Chalets at Eco Lodge

How Chalets are named

Foot pathways between chalets.

.

.

Inside the chalet

.

View was like this….

Sun set over Sinharaja Rain Forest

The Spa is closed due to Corona

Night at Rain Forest Eco Lodge

Night at Rain Forest Eco Lodge

Forest trekking with waterfall hunting in Sinharaja Rain forest
We had a nice forest trekking in Sinharaja Rain forest from Rain forest Eco Lodge with a knowledgeable guide. At the end I could visit three waterfalls named as Kollawa Dola Ella, Piyamangala Ella-1 and Piyamangala Ella-2. There are clear foot pathways from Hotel to the waterfalls through the rain forest and this is the similar trek if you enter Sinharaja rain forest through Samangala entrance. Sinharaja is known to a number of Orchid species and it was evidenced here. We have reached top of Kollawa Dola Falls and reached to the base in it’s left side.

Get into the forest with the guide

A “Dun” (දුන් ගහක්) tree.

Wanaraja

.

.

Spiky….

.	බෝධිලිමා. Bit rare finding but we were fortunate to see.

බෝධිලිමා

A lizard

අක්මා ශාක

.

.	Orchid spp.

Orchid spp.

.

මහ හැඩයා

.

This stream called Kollawa Dola.

On top of Kollawa Dola Ella.

On top of Kollawa Dola Ella. Here we entered the forest in left side of the stream and reached the base of the fall.

.

Kollawa Dola Ella /කොල්ලව දොල ඇල්ල (25-30 m)

Kollawa Dola Ella. It is about 25-30 m in height.

Kollawa Dola Ella

Kollawa Dola Ella

Kollawa Dola Ella

A Minor fall

Piyamangala Ella-1 is situated about 50 m away from Kollawa Dola Ella. It is formed by a different stream but later it joins with Kollawa Dola stream. Piyamangala Falls-1 is about 15-20 m in height. Piyamangala Ella -2 is formed by the same stream after about 200-300m distance along the stream. We walked along the stream and reached top of the waterfall but can’t get a clear view due to acute drop. Then we reached base of Piyamangala Ella-2 in it’s left side. This reminded me Kansiya Dowa Falls found in Piduruthalagala forest reserve. Piyamangala Ella-2 is about 20 m in height. There might be more and more waterfalls along this stream and later it feeds Gin Ganga. (Actually there is a fall called Piyamangala Ella only. The second waterfall doesn’t have a name and I named it as Piyamangala Ella-2 and previous one as Piyamangala Ella-1.)

Piyamangala Ella-1 / පියමoගල ඇල්ල-1 (15-20 m)

Piyamangala Ella-1 in distance.

Piyamangala Ella-1.

Piyamangala Ella-1.

Along the stream.

Along the stream.

Some minor falls found in downstream.

Along the stream.

Piyamangala Ella-2 /පියමoගල ඇල්ල-2 (20 m)

On top of Piyamangala Ella-2

Piyamangala Ella-2.

Piyamangala Ella-2.

With the fall

There is another acute drop after Piyamangala Ella-2.

ඇටඹ

.

It was about 3 hour trekking in Sinharaja Rain Forest but we learnt a lot within a short time. Sunset was over the forest top but it was not clear. We didn’t have any disturbances in the night only with background sounds of the forest.

Sun set over Sinharaja Rain Forest.

Sun set over Sinharaja Rain Forest.

Second day of the trip
It was bit gloomy and dark when we got up in early morning. Mist was touching the top of the forest edge and it made beautiful sceneries. Here I just hanged around the hotel premises to get captures. ITN-Deniyaya and SLBC-Deniyaya towers are situated closer to this place but it needs permission to visit. We were able to get aerial pictures over the area in that morning. As we didn’t have exact plan for second day we have checked out following breakfast. On our way to Wiharahena we were able to visit famous bathing place called Patna.

Morning view of Rain Forest Eco Lodge

Forest and the mist

Mist has touched the forest cap

බලු නගුට

Sinharaja Rain Forest

Blue Magpie at our balcony

Some aerial photos of the hotel and area

Aerial view of Rain Forest Eco Lodge

Aerial view of Rain Forest Eco Lodge. Note it is margined by Sinharaja Rain Forest.

View of upper part of Enasalwatta tea estate with Rain Forest Eco Lodge. Other buildings are their staff accommodation

View of Kurulugala. Another beautiful location at this area.

Another view of the hotel.

ITN Deniyaya and SLBC towers.

Patna Sliding Rock/ පැට්නා ලිස්සන ගල (6.375398, 80.603037)
This is a famous bathing place with a sliding rock situated at Patna division of Enasalwatta estate. A lot people come to visit the place and enjoy the sliding along the rock. There is a formal road to this place from Wiharahena junction via Selva Kanda road. There is a short cut through Patna division of Enasalwatta estate. On our way back to Wiharahena from hotel we got down at tea estate and followed this short cut to Patna. As it was a weekday the place was not crowded. Then we followed the formal road to Wiharahena junction from Patna. It ends two days trip to Sinharaja forest and Rain Forest Eco Lodge. Kurulugala (කුරුළුගල) hike is another travel destination of the area but we couldn’t do it in this trip.

View of Kurulugala. Another destination of the area.

Kurulugala side from Enasalwatta estate.

Towards Patna.

Red leaf Tea

Follow the shortcut to Patna

Follow the shortcut to Patna

View of Deniyaya Towers from Patna

.

Patna

They name it as Silver Hill Nature Park.

Over the sliding rock of Patna

Patna sliding rock

Patna sliding rock

Patna sliding rock

Patna sliding rock

.

Aerial view of Patna sliding rock

Aerial view of Patna sliding rock.

Update list of Waterfalls in Sinharaja Rain forest

1. Lankagama entrance (5 waterfalls): Brahmana Ella, Thattu Ella, Duwili Ella, Gal Oruwa Ella and Uran Watuna Ella.
2. Pitadeniya entrance (3 waterfalls): Pathan Oya Ella, Kakuna Ella and Malmora Ella
3. Samangala entrance (3 waterfalls):Kollawa Dola Ella, Piyamangala Ella-1, Piyamangala Ella-2

Thanks for reading

Angammedilla National Park (අංගම්මැඩිල්ල ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය) is one of the new national parks in Sri Lanka. The region was designated national park on 6 June 2006. Originally Angammedilla was a forest reserve within the Minneriya-Girithale Sanctuary declared on 12 February 1988. The park is declared mainly to protect the drainage basin of Parakrama Samudra. Angammedilla also secures the drainage basins of Minneriya and Girithale irrigation tanks, water sources in Sudu Kanda (Sinhala for “White hill”) and habitats and wildlife of the adjacent forests. It is located 225 kilometres (140 mi) away from Colombo in Polonnaruwa District. (source – Wikipedia)

This July (post COVID19 era) we went to Girithale and on our Girithale visit we got a chance to explore Angammedilla park which is not a popular tourist destination. Our access was through Diyabeduma (Aththankadawala side). When we arrived at the park entrance we were told that no guide would be given due to prevailing CORONA risk so we had to go all alone which seemed bit risky but fortunately a jeep driver volunteered to accompany us.

Our first destination was Raja bemma and the nearby camp site. The Bemma is around 400m’s from park entrance where the new anicut is located. Few hundred meters away from the Raja bemma one could find the first camp site which is a lovely location close to the stream(Radavige oya).

Angammedilla Gal Amuna (stone weir) also known as Rajabemma creates one of the main feeders to Parakrama Samudraya. This weir is credited to king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) who had tapped the water of Amban Ganga (river) to his Parakrama Samudraya Reservoir. (source- Amazinglanka)

Name board

.

Raja bemma

diversion

Amban ganga seperated from a D.S era concrete dam

thimbiri

path towards first camp site

camp site 1

lovely camp site

new bunt

.

We returned back to the entrance and asked Lal to accompany us for the rest of the journey. It was a long ride through the forest canopy until we reached a rock at the western shores of Parakrama samudraya. Actually we weren’t expecting to see any wild life at all because it was 12p.m. but to our surprise there was a heard of elephants hanging around the grassy plains of the dried out lake bed. The rock where we halted our vehicle also had some ruins too.

entering the park

.

makulla

halted at the rock

.	parakrama samudraya

bird life

dimbulagala

Elephants at noon

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

On the rock

on our return journey  we payed a visit to Mahaiyawa wewa which lied at the base at Sudu kanda range. and at this isolated location there was a lovely camp site too. Though this was a short ill prepared journey we enjoyed it a lot.

2nd camp site

Mahiyawa wewa

.	Mahiyawa wewa

tranquility

On our way back we did pay a visit to the wildlife museum at Girithale too.

Girithale lake

Girithale lake

Girithale wild life museum

specimens

specimens

Bambugala (බම්බුගල)is a small tower type peak situated near to the Narangamuwa Lakegala/ Komalewegala. The hike should start from Narangamuwa and offline GPS is needed to find the exact locations without following any wrong directions. It is not far from the Narangamuwa but we can follow the usual pathway which is from Narangamuwa village to Komalewegala via Uyangomuwa.

Bypassing Uyangomuwa we can get entered to the left side forest where the Rehessa located. And after that, we can directly go to the Bambugala plains as we can see the Bambugala at Rehessa. Bambugala plain has a small slope and we can follow the ridge of the plain up to the Bambugala peak. The tallest peak looks like a Cylinder which is called in Sinhala as “Bambu”

Be more careful once you step into the summit of the peak as it has a very limited area to climb. It is not suitable to climb this during a heavy windy season as if something got wrong you will have died.

Bambugala – 7.468588, 80.845653

Bambugala Plains – 7.471604, 80.846038

Dewalagala Plains – 7.473066, 80.853605

Showed in Metric Maps. Bambugala marked in Black arrow. Dewalagala and Lakegala marked in circles.

Showed in Satellite maps

Start of the journey

Pathway

Journey started

Met on the way

Passing some areas

Wamarapugala

Narangamuwa Lakegala

Dry plains

Warun is posing

Passing beautiful areas

Malith is posing, Narangamuwa Lakegala, Meeriyagolla in behind

The giants

Passing Bambugala Plains

Some views

Future targets

The view of giants

Bambugala plains and the giants

Bit dried

Towards Mahiyanganaya

Adjusted

Another view

Scenic

Colorful views

Across the plain

Small forest patch

Greeny

Root designs

Here is it

Bambugala

Warun climbed up

Malith witnessed

Surrounding

Narangamuwa Lakegala and Bambugala

Dewalagala Plains

More beauty

Beauties

Flowers

Ready to have some food

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Off season Sri Pada hike along Hatton route

Sri Pada is my most favorite travel destination and last year I hiked Sri Pada along longest routes. This year I wanted to worship Sri Pada in off season but not as a hard task. My last off season Sri Pada experience was along Kuruwita-Rajamale routes which was a bit tough work.
My initial plan was to hike up along the easiest route-Hatton and getting down by Rajamale-Sandagalathenna route. But due to misty weather I have decided to coming down along the same route as it is not possible to view the sacred peak from Sandagalathenna. This journey reminds my first off season Sri Pada experience along Hatton route in 2009. This was the repeating of same journey.

Arjuna who was one of my new travel friends joined for my 15th Sri Pada journey. We have started the journey from Colombo in late evening and planed for a night hike. The shortest route to Nallathanniya from Colombo is via Awissawella-Ginigathhena-Norton Bridge. We shared the rice packet brought from Arjun’s home just after Ginigathhena town. It was around 11.30pm when we reached Nallathanniya police station. Nallathanniya was in deep sleep and not even a single shop was opened at that time. Usually foreigners do off season Sri Pada hike at night to enjoy the sun rise but it is completely stopped due to Corona outbreak.
It was not that much cold though I expected, might be due to rainy weather. Hatton route was fully dark except Makara Thorana Buddha statue. As it is too early to reach Uda Maluwa (උඩ මළුව) we decided to sleep at Seetha Gangula Ambalama (සීත ගගුල අම්බලම ) for few hours.

This is the only place of the route they have illuminated in off season. At Makara Thorana.

Surprisingly it was 5am when we woke up and it’s bit late to catch “Ira Sewaya” (ඉර සේවය) at Uda Maluwa. Here we decided to have a relaxed hike along Hatton route. Weather was misty all the time but there was a blue sky for few minutes. We two were the only devotees along Hatton route but we met another two set of groups at Uda Maluwa from Rathnapura route. There is a cross path between Hatton and Rathnapura routes and this is used to divert devotees from Hatton route to Rathnapura route when it gets crowded. We followed this cross path which was like a foot path and decorated by Nelu blossoms. It was around 8am when we reached Uda Maluwa along Rathnapura route.

Hatton route in off season

Mountainous forest

It is hard to note these things along Hatton route at Sri Pada season.

.

Hatton route in off season

Few minutes of blue sky

Few minutes of blue sky. We didn’t get the view of surrounding structures.

This is the sun rise we had….

Fresh environment following rain

Yaka Endu Ella-යකා ඇඩූ ඇල්ල

.	Hatton-Geththampana-ගෙත්තම්පාන

Hatton-Geththampana

Hatton-Geththampana

Kind request

This Buddha statue is placed where Hatton-Rathnapura cross road connects with Hatton road.

Hatton-Rathnapura cross road is decorated by Nelu blossoms

Hatton-Rathnapura cross road

Hatton-Rathnapura cross road

Another set of Nelu

Nelu in white

It has some steps as well

.

.

.	Fallen trees on to the road

Joining to Rathnapura-Sri Pada route

.

Ehala Kanuwa at Rathnapura route

.

Two man team

Maha Giri Dambaya (මහ ගිරි දඹය) at Rathnapura route.

It was a complete different experience at Uda Maluwa at off season. There were only few devotees who were ready to get down. Surrounding was misty and no way to watch nearby structures. As usual gates of Uda Maluwa were closed and people have attached their “Panduru”-පඩුරු on bars of the gates. The watcher came out of the guard room and just chat with us. We didn’t pay much attention in getting photographs as nothing to capture than mist.

Uda Maluwa at off season. Covered with mist.

Uda Maluwa in off season.

Photo was taken over the gates.

The place to attach Panduru in off season.

Closed gates.

It marked my 15th Sri Pada visit.

We descend along Hatton route instead of Sandagalathenna pathway. There were group of army soldiers mending stairs just before peace pagoda. Yaka Endu Ella and other accessory falls were active with rain. Latter part of our journey was disturbed by the rain and we couldn’t bath from Seetha Gangula before get into the vehicle. It was around 12 noon when we reached Nallathanniya

Getting down along Hatton Route.

Maha Giri Dambe of Hatton route

Getting down along Hatton Route

.

.	A motor room.

Japanese peace Pagoda and set of shops.

Might be a seasonal fall. Noted before Seetha Gangula at Hatton route.

Seetha Gangula.

Seetha Gangula.

Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Yaka Endu Ella and Yaka Endu Gala.

Yaka Endu Ella and other waterfalls.

Yaka Endu Ella and other waterfalls.

At red bridge.

End of the journey.

Our next plan was to get accommodation at the hotel called The Argyle at Hatton. We had lunch from Maskeliya junction and drove along Maskeliya-Hatton road which goes around Castlereagh reservoir. The Christ church at Dick Oya was in my To-visit list and we have stopped there on our way.

Christ Church Warleigh at Dick Oya (6.863272, 80.595316)

This is an Anglican church in Sri Lanka built during 18th century by the British. It is administered by the Church of Ceylon. The church is regarded as one of the most prominent and oldest Anglican churches in Sri Lanka and is a tourist destination. The church is situated at the brim of Castlereagh Reservoir. Christ church was built by the William Scott, the Manager Governor’s Mansion, in 1878. The bible printed in 1860 was presented to the church in July 1879 is still preserved in the church. The first British colonial Inspector General of the Ceylon Police, Sir George William Robert Campbell who came to Ceylon in 1866 is buried in churchyard.
We have visited the church with assistance of Mr. Vicar who was the caretaker of the church. He nicely explained the history of the church. Photographs inside the church are not allowed except the holy bible displayed at front of the Altar.

Christ Church Warleigh. Churchyard is occupied by tombstones of English colonial tea planters.

We two are in front of the church.

The tomb of first British colonial Inspector General of police.

Service times of the church. Vicar is the care taker of the church.

The bible printed in 1860.

Old pipe organ of the church. It is still functioning.

We said good bye to Mr. Vicar and headed to Hatton town. The Argyle hotel was our accommodation of the day.

Relaxed at The Argyle (6.917530, 80.586717)
This beautiful hotel situated about 4km away from Hatton town. Beautiful location, newly built hotel, friendly staff and nicely maintained are plus points of this hotel. You can view Sri Pada from The Argyle hotel (but we didn’t have due to misty weather). Here are some photos I have taken at the hotel.

.

.

.

.

.	The garden

The garden

The garden

.	Path to swimming pool.

.

.

.	It is a heated pool

.

.

They have their own garden

The bar

The bar

Hotel at night

.	Karaoke room

Spa	View from the hotel

The rainy weather didn’t permit us to visit any place at Hatton while our stay at Hotel. I have selected Hatton-Balangoda road for the return journey.

Scenic Hatton-Balangoda road
The distance from Hatton to Balangoda is 66km and this road passes Bogawanthalawa town. I have been at Bogawanthalawa town for the hike to Bopaththalawa Mountain. The section up to Bogawanthalawa town is under constructions these days. It is about 43km from Bogawanthalawa to Balangoda and this part is winding as well as scenic. There are two B grade roads you passed in this journey. B 329-Hatton to Campion and B 339-Campion to Balangoda.

We have passed some tea estates called Kotiyagala, Campion and Fetteresso which I have never heard before. Then the road goes through peak wildness forest reserve. This section is so beautiful and calm. Actually this is one end of peak wildness forest reserve and it continues with Horton Plains National Park. Here you are crossing provincial border from central province to Sabaragamuwa province. We have noted two peaks of Dethanagala in our right hand side. One important place we passed was Balangoda view point (6.744947, 80.707474). This place was like a mini world’s end and a summer hut was placed there.
Last 20-18km of this road has more human involvement but rich in waterfalls. (Refer my report on waterfalls in Balangoda Hatton Road.)

Bopaththalawa Mountain covered with mist

Bopaththalawa Town

It is like V cut of Devil’s stair case

A shrine

Passing Campion estate

.

Another estate called Fettersso

Greenish tea estates

Enter to peak wildness sanctuary

The road goes through peak wildness sanctuary

Beautiful shaded road

.

.	Over mountainous forest

With my baby

Towards Dethanagala

.	Sabaragamuwa province….Balangoda plantation

The view

Tea estates belong to Balangoda plantation

.	This place is called Balangoda view point. It was like a mini world’s end

At Balangoda view point

Looked back….

Road side cascade

.

We have stopped the vehicle for several times

It took about 3.5-4 hours to reach A4 road from Hatton town along Balangoda-Hatton road.

Thanks for reading