Few years back i came to know that there were two mini worlds ends at Walapane area and directions towards Harasbedda WE was given to me by Mr Palitha. My other place of interest was a magical location called Golumale bordering VRR reserve. Actually i got a chance to visit these places during a 3 day trip.

The map – Click to enlarge

We started our journey from Walapane where we halted on the previous day. From Walapane we took the Nildandahinna road and passing Nildandahinna we took off towards Dambogalla. Just before Dambogolla we came across a 3way junction where we took the left side road towards Yatimadura. Though at some places the road was in bad condition one could manage with a car. Passing ancient Yatimadura temple we reached the sign post of Golumale where we halted our vehicle. It was a 250m hike up to the river from this point. The reason i fell in love with this location was the unique scenery where the river with lovely rock formations traverse the forest and the paddy fields. The water levels were bit high so i couldn’t witness the rock formations properly also i couldn’t cross the river to explore the caves where the jewelry of King Walagamba was hidden according to folklore. We spent more than 2 hours at this place dipping in the cold waters of Walapane before departing towards Nildandahinna. On the way back we didn’t forget to visit the ancient Yatimadura temple(7.087680, 80.936747) too.

waterfall found on the way to nildandahinna

another road side beauty

dream destination

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that scenery

water level was high

the rock formations were hidden

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.	tree house

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a shower

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rock art

wow

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.	lets protect

magical

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village life

hard working

Yatimadura temple

ruins

ancient bo tree

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From Walapane we took off towards Harasbedda. After passing National youth corps centre we took the left hand road through the small boutiques. After few hundred meters we again took a right turn towards Harasbedda mini WE. There is a concrete road towards the WE and there is a safety railing at this location too. One could easily appreciate the view towards Nildandahinna, Namunukula, Narangala and Madulsima range from this location.

halted at mini we

the safety railing

drop	Nildandahinna side

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Nildandahinna

Madulsima range

Namunukula seen

narangala

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in action

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a pano

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paddy

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framed

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After enjoying the stay and ticking off another WE from my to do list we headed back towards Raja mawatha. Passing Keerthibandarapura and reaching Belihul oya bridge we took a right hand turn to reach Lihiniyagala RMV(7.168265, 80.845078). The detour was well worth it. At this temple one could see a drip ledge cave with ancient Kandyan frescoes, 200 year old “Sangawasa” and veddha paintings. unfortunately we missed the veddha paintings which will account for another visit. From the temple we headed back towards the bridge where we had lunch and a cool dip in Belihul oya before departing back to end a 3 day trip with lots of memories.

what to see

Lihiyagala cave

.	image house

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the view

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frescoes

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more

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feeling the floor

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Kukulagala seen

the view from the rock

old sangawasaya

tamed

Lamasuriyagama

Belihul oya

I got to know the place from a friend of Mine and wanted to be relaxed with my family and without any prior plan we decided to visit the place in the morning. Got packed our lunch and got some snacks started the journey.

Place is not too far from kandy. From Thalathuoya town it has around 10 – 15 Kms to the Lake. Very nice place to be relax with your family. And to feel the natural beauty.

Road to Muthukeliyawa Lake

Lake View

Muthukeliyawa Lake… up in the hill

Lake View

Lake View

View from the Lake of small Mountain

Surroundings of the Lake

My Car My Umbrella…. And blue sky

Around the Lake

Look How Nice….

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We are Up in the small Hill… feeling amazing view

He Loves the place

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.	Top of the small Mountain

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.	Lake view from the top

Lake view from the Top

Thanks for reading

Year and Month	2018 March 03rd
Number of Days	One
Crew	Two-Nuwan and Myself
Accommodation	N/A
Transport	By bus and hiking
Activities	Hiking, Trekking, Sightseeing and Photography
Weather	Excellent
Route	Colombo->Mawanella->Dippitiya->Mount Camel tea factory-> Ambalakanda->Beriwila (බෙරිවිල)-> Patithalawala (පටිතලවල)->Galhenagala->Malgolla (මල්ගොල්ල)-> Asupini Ella->Aranayaka->Mawanella
Tips, Notes and Special remark	First bus from Mawanella to Mount Camel junction starts at 7.05am. (Ganthuna bus) There is a mortable road from Mount Camel tea factory to the base of the mountain. We followed a short cut to cut the distance of this road. This road can be tackled with a bike or threewheeler. Always clarify the path from locals. There are different water sources on your way up. Can fill up the bottle. Only one or two buses coming to Beriwila from Gampola side. Get directions to Galhenagala from villagers at Patithalawala. It is about 30-45minutes hike through a Mana patch but worth compared to the view. There is a foot path from Malgolla to Asupini Ella, bit difficult to trace.
Author	Niroshan
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Hike to Ambalakanda-අම්බලකන්ද (920m) and Galhenagala-ගල්හේනගල (660m)

Ambalakanda is a mountain situated at Dotel Oya-Aranayaka area. It’s name derived by “Anbala”-ආන් බල +”Kanda” කන්ද->Ambalakanda. My repeated visits to Dotel Oya (දෝතල් ඔය) and Aranayaka areas lead to hike this mountain. First it drew my attention when I visited at Sandaraja Wana Arana. Ambalakanda raised on our right hand side when we passed Mount Camel tea factory. We were able to locate this mountain from Kodigala as well. Therefore it was in our To-do-list and time came to visit there.

As usual my regular travel partner-Nuwan joined with me at Mawanella. We got into first Dotel Oya bus at Mawanella at last moment. Our trail head was Mount Camel tea factory. My plan was to follow the road starts from tea factory and reach the peak of the mountain. Again Google map was our guide. It was a special day to Mount Camel tea factory as they were celebrating the anniversary with a Pirith ceremony. We got directions to Ambalakanda once we got down at junction.

The concrete road next to the tea factory goes to Ingurugala (ඉගුරුගල) area and at one point it passes the base of Ambalakanda. The morning was clear and surrounding peaks were visible on our way up. We found a shortcut to reach the upper end of this tarred road where it has become a gravel road.

Now we are at the base of Ambalakanda and we have conquered a major part of the mountain by walking along concrete road and foot pathway. Then we followed left hand side foot path to reach the peak of Ambalakanda.

 

Ambalakanda (920m). This was taken from Kodigala.

Good Morning. Starting of the journey.

 

Get blessings….. This shrine was found at beginning of the road. So this might be a foot pathway sometimes ago and became a road.

It’s a scenic road…

 

Our old destination-Kodigala

Perfect weather

 

Morning sun rays…

After about 500m along tarred road we turned to the short cut.

 

Walk along the edge of pinus patch

Initial tarred road became a gravel road now.

 

Initial tarred road became a gravel road now.

A place to rest

 

Pinus patch

දළු

 

Now it has become a common findings in my captures

 

Tea patch

 

Winding main foot pathway

Top of Ambalakanda is seen

 

ඉසින ජලසම්පාදනය

ඉසින ජලසම්පාදනය

 

Left- Kukulpitiya Kanda (future destination). Right-Kodigala (old destination).

Moratiyawatta Kanda. Right in front of Ambalakanda.

 

Back to main road and junction. This is the highest point of the road and it’s like a pass. Black line shows our way from Mount Camel tea factory. Red arrow is the foot pathway to Ambalakanda peak. Yellow arrow shows the descend to Ingurugala area. And it’s the border of two provinces. We are entering to central province from Sabaragamuwa.

This picture was taken when I was at Kodigala. This shows our trail head, approximate foot path, two peaks of Ambalakanda and Asupini Ella.

 

Click image to enlarge. Black star shows the trail head where Mount Camel Tea factory situated. My wild guess is correct as there is no road shows in this old map, only a foot path is marked by lines. Brown star is Ambalakanda peak we reached. There are two peaks. Note provincial margin. Blue star is Galhenagala. Blue circle shows Asupini Ella.

We followed the footpath towards the peak of Ambalakanda. First it ascends through a tea patch then entered the forest patch. There was a clear footpath which indicates frequent visits of villagers. We have reached a place with flat slab rock where a pond is situated. Next to this pond another flat rocky area was noted. Seems this flat rock is the highest point of Ambalakanda. We walked further into the forest and edges of the mountain to find a good view point. We were not able to find a good view point except the one towards Inguruoyawatta. The view towards Inguruoya area was superb including backdrop of Raxawagala (2^nd highest of Dolosbage range) and Kabaragala (highest of Dolosbage range). Ambuluwawa and Watakedeniyakanda (වැටකදෙණියාව කන්ද) are also seen from this view point.

Foot pathway to Ambalakanda

Foot pathway we followed

 

On the way up….

View of Moratiyawatta Kanda. People called it Mahamukalana (මහමූකලාන).

View of Kodigala and Samasara Kanda

Slab rock with pond

ඕලු

Supposed to be the highest point of Ambalakanda

Someone has camped there

Enter the forest. Not-there are clear foot pathways into the forest

Creepers

Somehow found a view point towards Ingurugala estate

Tea factory of Ingurugala estate

Estate road to Ingurugala estate

Drone view of abundant estate house at base of Ambalakanda

Estate road and foot pathway join together

Cooperative shop of Ingurugala Estate

View of Kabaragala and Raxawagala

Zoomed view of Kabaragala-left. A part of Moratiyakanda in right hand side.

Towards Ambuluwawa

Watakedeniyakanda

Another rock with flat surface

After enjoying the view from Ambalakanda we got down and followed the gravel road towards Ingurugala estate. Our plan was to reach Gampola via Ingurugala estate. After talking with estate workers we got to know few information about Ambalakanda. There is a Hindu shrine at rock surface of the mountain. As the forest has Wallapatta (වල්ලපට්ටා) trees villagers frequently visit there.

The view of Ingurugala estate was superb. We walked down along the estate road and came to Beriwila junction where bus comes. It was a small junction surrounded by line houses and few boutiques. As bus has not arrived yet, we walked further down along the road to enjoy the view and noted a rock with flat surface. Though we asked from few villagers nobody knows the name of that rock, but we wanted to climb it. Later we changed our mind and continued the journey to Patithalawala. Closer to Patithalawala we again noted another rock with flat surface and got to know it’s name as Galhenagala. It was tempting. This time Nuwan and myself wanted to fulfill our desire and got direction to get on this rock.

How Ambalakanda is seen to Ingurugala estate.

The gap we have passed.

Scenic estate road at Ingurugala estate

Ingurugala estate

View from Ingurugala estate

Place of landslide happened.

Place of landslide happened. Beautiful view towards Aranayaka.

Continued along the estate road

Alagalla

Range of mountains at Mawanella and Aranayaka.

Moving away from Ambalakanda

Bathalegala and Uthuwankanda

Galhenagala. This is the way we followed to reach the top of Galhenagala

We saw it. We conquered it! Galhenagala

Galhenagala is situated at Galhena colony closer to Asupini Falls. This rock has globular shape with flat top with 360 degree surrounding. We got the road situated just in front of Patithalawala sub post office and reached closer to the tea estate at base of the rock. Then we had to tackle a short Mana patch to reach the sloping rock surface. After about 5-10 minutes ascend along the rock we reached the top of Galhenagala. It was another view point of Asupini Falls which was margined by Rahala Gala and Watakedeniya. Ambuluwawa is popped up behind Rahala Gala. Ambalakanda, Morathiya Estate Mountain, Alagalla, Mawanella town, Dippitiya area and Dolosbage range were seen from Ambalakanda. If you can carry water it is a nice camping place on slab rock.

After enjoying the view on Ambalakanda we got down to the tea patch on other side. Then we followed the estate road up to Malgolla. There was a foot pathway to Asupini Ella (short cut) from Malgolla. It was the end of one day journey to Ambalakanda.

There is no path to Galhenagala

There is no path to Galhenagala

On top of Galhenagala

Scribbles

Asupini Ella

Asupini Ella

Rahala Kanda. Ambuluwawa is seen behind.

Zoomed view of Rahala kanda

This is the other rock we were thinking to climb. The road we followed from Beriwila is seen at base of the rock. Ambalakanda is seen behind.

Mini hydropower plantation at Asupini Ella

Paddies at Dippitiya

Aranayaka-Dippitiya road

Bathalegala zoomed.

Alagalla. Mawanella town is seen as collection of white dots

Giants of Dolosbage range

On top of Galhenagala

On top of Galhenagala

Delicate

The view towards Aranayaka, Mawanella and Dippitiya.

On top of Galhenagala

On top of Galhenagala

Bunch of Bowitiya

Getting down from Galhenagala

Getting down from Galhenagala

We climbed down to other part of the rock and reached tea estate.

View of Galhenagala from the tea estate

Rahalagala and Asupini Falls

Plucked tea leaves

This was taken when I was at Rahalagala. Mathalagala (මාතලාගල) is the other rock margins Asupini Falls.

Closer view of Mathalagala and Galhenagala.

End of the report. Thanks for reading.

Panvila map

Kelebokka map

This year I have been hunting Mini world end’s around the country and on my quest I came across Kelebokka view point too. We left early to reach Panvila where we were accompanied by Nishan (who resides at Panvila) to our first destination which was Hathale MWE. To reach Hathale we took the road near Panvila rest house and after 3Km’s we reached a pines plot where we halted our vehicle and walked towards the WE (refer the map). It was a 4wd ride and you need good ground clearance to tackle this road. We had a 200m walk to the view point where there was an area to sit even. one could enjoy a pnoramic view towards Western peaks of Knuckles such as Gomabiya, Yakkunge hela, Rilagala, Selvakanda, Kandasamy gala, Knuckles, Kota ganga falls etc. After spending some time we took of towards Pitakanda.

on the way to Hathale from Panvila

Victoria reservoir seen on the way

sharp bends

Sri pada seen

heavenly

Gombaniya

Hathale

tall tea trees seen among the shorter ones

knuckles

the path to mini WE

on the way

Gombaniya and Yakkunge hela seen

Kota ganga cascades

Peacock hills seen

Gombaniya

wow

view from mini WE

victoria

Kukulagala

the drop

.	enjoying the view

hunnasgiri peak seen

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and its raining

exploring

halted

nearby reservoir

Hathale mini WE

While on our way to Pitakanda from Madulkele we took a left turn on a estate road just before Kabaragala tea factory (refer the map). The estate road was an bumpy 4wd ride for about 4Km’s before we reached Kelebokka upper division. just before the final ascend we were asked to buy tickets from a estate official. The view was 360 degree panoramic one and one could easily observe Gombaniya and Kirigalpoththa range and on the other side it was Sembuwaththa lake. There were some lovely summer huts which one could reserve from the tea estate. Since it was already dusk we decided to head back home with some lovely memmories.

the view point seen from elkaduwa – kabaragala rd

estate road starts at this point

more to go

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the tea factory

at the view point

Sembuwaththa seen

religious point

Gombaniya covered with mist

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pano

another pano

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.	hulu ganga valley

close up

at the summit

more

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scenery

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the road we came along

the view

the route we took

hunnasgiri peak

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hunnasgiri peak

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wiltshire peak

Mathale town

Even though we have had so many ordinary trips none of them have not given an experience like this one. Yes, we just finished a 20km hike from Ohiya to Bambarakanda.

We started from Maharagama on 6^th Friday, April at 11pm. We took the road via Avissawella, Ratnapura and Haputhale. It was a long and sleepy journey. May be the scenes were spectacular. But we did not experience that since it was the night time.

We came to Ohiya Railway Station, one of the most iconic railway stations in Sri Lanka at 6am on Saturday. The hike was begun from there. We took the exact road normally we take to go to Horton Plains.

It was misty and dark but beautiful

It was misty and dark but beautiful

The morning was cold and misty. That climate and the jokes we cracked did not make us tired. The scenes from either side of the road were so beautiful especially if you want to capture them from a camera. We walked 4km through the road to Horton Plains and we took our 1st turn to the left. It was the beginning of the Devil’s Staircase. Even though we walked through the previous 4kms you can come by a vehicle to this point if you want to. Even though we climb up on the road from Ohiya to the beginning of the Devil Staircase through Devil’s Staircase we had to climb down at most of the times. We took our breakfast at this point, bread and seeni sambal.

The journey from there was bit tough. There were some slippery places to walk down and sometimes it was kind of difficult because of the wet weather. Those slippery places were found when we use short cuts through tea states instead of using the normal path. The normal road was a risk-free path. Since it was early in the morning the mist was always there. Sometimes it was hard to see even 100m in front of us. But when we could see the mist over the far away mountains it was always iconic. Small waterfalls and pure water streams were not rare of either side of the road.

A wander from nature (Spider web- devil staircase)

misty mountains were everywhere

The only problem we had is the leaches’ attacks. It is so common in this side of Sri Lanka. But that was never a big deal for our journey. When we were in the middle of the hike a drizzle was started. The small rain drops made us feel bit panful because of the cold climate. But we did not stop the journey since we had not brought any umbrella therefore we had no choice anyway. We passed two small villages on the way. We wandered how they manage their day today life. Because they must walk more than 10kms to make it to a town from either way. We felt that the simple way of living is the solution. Not only for them, but also for us. At one point google maps said that we had only 2.4kms to walk more, but the reality was there were 6 more kms to the destination.

On the way we found that there is a way which we can walk downwards parallelly to the Bambara Kanda falls. It starts from the top from the waterfall which is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. But some of the latest incident about accidents which were concludes with deaths happened by falling down the water fall has made this path a prohibited way. Therefore, we skipped it. From that point we had to walk under the heavy rain. Suddenly, it became so hard to walk since the rain was that heavy and we had to decide what to do. There was only one umbrella we have got and fortunately we found a small house which was not used by anyone. We got into it and talked about what to do.

The tough life (A small house in the village on the way)

We had asked the van driver to come to Bambara Kanda from Ohiya via the main road by van at the beginning. The plan was two of us must go along to the van and asked the driver to come to take others. The place se got stuck was 3km from Bambara Kanda and we believe that van can come to that place. But the driver had other ideas and he refused to come. So, the rest of us waited and finished the hike after the rain.

Bambarakanda Falls

It was furious and scary, but iconic

It was not over from that. You have seen Bambara Kanda before as travelers, haven’t you? Normally it has very thin water body even though it is very high. Literally you can keep your head under the water body from the bottom and bathe. But believe me, this time it was different. you have not seen it in that mood. We saw the water fall by far during the hike. My goodness, it was so scary. The water flaw was very big. It was like Dunhinda got tall. The long hike we just finished did not stop us from watching Bambara Kanda. We ended our hike at 12 noon which run for 6 consecutive hours.

We could hear it by far. There is a small bridge which is over a stream which starts from the bottom of the waterfall. We could feel the mood of the waterfall from that stream. Do not be surprised, if you fell down that bridge you would not be found. The waterfall was at its most beautiful but scariest mood than ever. We could not look at the waterfall since the eyes cannot be open due to the Gush of vapor. That was a great experience which I will not forget forever.

Then our destination was Grace Holiday Bungalow which was 8.8km away from Bambara Kanda. It is a nice place which is situated in the middle of the misty mountains. We spent our night there and the food and accommodation were remarkable.

We headed back home in next day (Sunday) morning and we were extremely exhausted but we were happy and satisfied more than that. Take that experience at least once in a life time, but I am afraid to tell you that I do not think you will ever get a chance to see Bambara Kanda waterfall at that mood. Because it is that rare.

Opalgala is situated closer to Upper border of Knuckles massif. Sandamadala (සදමඩල) seems the north most peak of Knuckles massif. Visit to Sandamadala gave me the opportunity to identify nearby peaks: Hinguruwatta Kanda, Hawarimana, Karagahathenna, Gammaduwa etc.
The foot pathway starts from Opalgala to Kotagala Tamil village continues till Gammaduwa and passes another vanishing village called Atawattha. This foot pathway is well marked in 1:50000 map though it is narrow nowadays. Hinguruwatta Kanda is a prominent peak observed in walking along this foot pathway. It is seen to Opalgala village as well.
1:50000 map has marked the peak Gammaduwa as Opalgala (1325m). First we confused this Hinguruwatta peak as Opalgala Kanda but close observation of the map revealed it is not Opalgala Kanda at 1:50000 map.
Villagers at Kotagala called it as Punchi Hinguruwatta / Hinguruwatta-පුoචි හිගුරුවත්ත/හිගුරුවත්ත. This area seems as a flourished tea estate in good olden days.

Hinguruwatta Kanda is seen to Opalgala

Hinguruwatta Kanda is seen when we were at Hawarimana

Drop of Hinguruwatta Kanda

Hinguruwatta Kanda in Google map

Click image to enlarge: Black circle shows Opalgala peak (1325m) eka Gammaduwa peak with towers. Red circle shows Karagahathenna peak. Red arrow indicates the foot pathway from Opalgala to Gammaduwa via Kotagala village. Red start is on Hinguruwatta peak.

Let’s move to the journey.
Prabath and Myself came from Colombo by bus and joined with Eshan at Naula. Ashan also awaited at Naula till we come. We drove till Ambana junction and got turn to right towards Opalgala. It is a scenic drive till trail head starts at Opalgala. We were able to see a cross section of Knuckles upper border.

Cross section of Knuckles upper border: From right to left: Hinguruwatta Kanda, Gammaduwa, Karagasthenna, Hawarimana and Sandamadala

Scenic drive to Opalgala

We have parked our vehicles at the beginning of foot pathway to Kotagala. This is the third time I am following this foot pathway. Early part of the path lies parallel to the water stream and it is an ascend most of the time. We passed Kotagala village and continued till Atawattha. Sandamadala and Hawarimana peaks were seen in our left hand side. After passing Kotagala this foot path was less clear and had more frequent open areas. Google map revealed we were walking along the edge of Hinguruwatta Kanda. Damp soil following rain was a favorite place for blood suckers. With last ascend of the foot path we reached the area called Atawattha.

Starting the journey.

Scenic foot pathway to Kotagala village

Scenic foot pathway to Kotagala village

Close up…

Close up…

Ashan and Prabath

Some part of the path is covered with bushes

Rest time

Ascends most of the time

Crossing the area with short Mana

Sandamadala and it’s junior peak

Sandamadala

Looked back… Isolated mountains at Dambulla and Bakamuna are seen

Following the narrow path

Break…

Under the shade

Slow movement

අදුරෙන් එලියට

Applying Alum

Now we were entering to Pinus area and right hand side move towards Hinguruwatta Kanda and left hand side move towards Hawarimana. Again it was a climb along the Pinus estate and ended up at short Mana area. There were two peaks we had to climb. This short Mana patch covering the first peak of Hinguruwatta Kanda. It is a place you can have 360 degree view and wind was blowing over the place. We were able to see Sandamadala, Hawarimana, Karagasthenna (covered with mist), Gammaduwa (covered with mist), Etipola, Wilshire, Makulussa, Ambokka (covered with mist), Nalanda reservoir, Bowathenna reservoir, Arangala, Kadigala, Beliya Kanda, Manikdena, Lenadora, Gedaragala Pathana, Moragahakanda reservoir, Sudu Kanda, Bakamuna town and Dimbulagala etc.

Entering to Pinus area

Uphill journey along Pinus patch

Another break

Along the edge

Slippery Pinus leaves need extra energy

Delicate

Exhausted

Mana patch

Mana patch

View from Hinguruwatta peak-1. Sandamadala and Moragahakanda reservoir

Moragahakanda reservoir

Bakamuna town and Sudu Kanda-Minneriya. Dimbulagala is also seen when you look carefully.

Hawarimana and Karagahathenna over Pinus patch

Manikdena (giant) and Lenadora (pointed peak).

Gedaragalapathana and Yakkuragala. Amban Ganga is also seen.

On top of first peak

Facing windy weather

Wind is blowing over Mana

Heading to second peak of Hinguruwatta Kanda

Few known peaks around Bowathenna reservoir.

Etipola, Wilshire and Makulussa are seen beyond Gammaduwa side

Gedaragala Pathana zoomed

Etipola zoomed

Makulussa zoomed

After enjoying the view at first peak we moved to second peak. There was a descend followed by an acute ascend. As there was no proper foot path we kept our path always at the edge of the mountain through the forest patch.
It is an unforgettable incidence to meet a green pit viper who was winding around a branch of a tree. We skipped it’s path and climbed up through the forest patch. It took another 30-45 minutes to reach the second peak of Hinguruwatta Kanda. This peak has 270 degree view obstructing with forest patch towards Opalgala and Andawala side. This time Karagasthenna and Gammaduwa peaks were cleared and towers were seen. We have enjoyed the view and wind on top of peak-2 as well. Return journey made in an hour time.

Second peak of Hinguruwatta Kanda. We kept our path always at the edge of the mountain.

Along the forest patch

First peak of Hinguruwatta Kanda and Hawarimana is behind it.

Misty Gammaduwa peak

Green pit viper

Green pit viper

Second peak of Hinguruwatta Kanda

Karagasthenna peak

Gammaduwa peak

Winding roads to Meezan Gammaduwa estate

On top of Hinguruwatta peak-2.

Hinguruwatta peak-1 and Hawarimana are seen.

Hawarimana and Karagasthenna peaks

Loitering on peak

Towards Andawala side

Nalanda reservoir

Misty Karagasthenna

Misty Gammaduwa

Hawarimana peak

Ashan on top of the peak

It’s me…

We met after a long time…

Paddies at Opalgala

Bowathenna reservoir again

Amban Ganga zoomed

Group on top of Hinguruwatta Kanda. Photo credit goes to Prabath.

Return journey

A bath at the end.

Thanks for reading

In 2012 while we were exploring Rajagala we noted a prominent hill which locals called Balagala / Walimbe and after few map reading sessions we got to know that this was called Walimbe hela / Friars hood (because of the look of a hat of a priest). I was determined to conquer it and in 2014 I actually attempted it while I was turned back by a false 119 complain. Last year when Tharindu scaled the mighty peak for the first time my heart started pounding again with the ever lost desire surfacing back in to the scene. After contacting Tharindu we got in touch with Bandara who was the friendly village guy who provided all the logistics. As Bandara suggested we planned to hike the mountain during the evening hours and descend in the morning and the main reason for this was that we had to walk along the exposed rock and according to them there wernt any alternatives.

Map 1

map 2

map 3

We climbed along the blue line and came down along the yellow (image belongs to Onal)

We reached Gonagolla by 1P.m and had our lunch, also packed our night meals too so that we could save our time for the journey. We were introduced to the forest officials at Bandaraduwa and they were eagerly waiting to join us too. From here onwards it was a 4*4 ride(7Km’s) for me through the Kalugal oya reservoir project. The ride was not an easy one and Harinda had to get down to clear the path at many instances. We halted our vehicle close to “Wiyan bendi gala” and started to march on foot while others went further towards the rock with their bikes. The 1.8Km stretch was an easy walk though it was blazing hot. After halting the bikes we marched through the savanna area to reach the forest patch found below the rock.

as seen from Rajagala

standing out

the giant of east

as seen from Bandaraduwa

ready to go

target

.

.

.

.

The forest cover was a blessing for us and we also came across few water streams where there was plenty of fish species to our surprise. In 30 minutes we reached the base of the rock and the daunting height of it was going to be a challenging one. According to the locals this was the only path to the summit but I knew from my map reading knowledge that there should be another.  It was 4.45P.m and we had to get to the summit before we loose light so it was a 4*4 climb from this point on wards. Despite the risk of getting water blisters we opted to climb up without shoes because we believed in our barefoot grip rather than the shoe grip. The initial steps felt ok with the angle of the rock been 45° but gradually the slope was getting tilted towards the worst and looking back down scared the spirit out of our body hence requiring more and more psychological breaks. Harinda decided to hang on to the rope which Gune held on the other end purely as a psychological booster rather than a support role. When the degree of incline turned close to 70° we decided to head towards a forest patch and ascend along it. After a small forest patch it was the final ascend and the time was 10 past 7P.m, the head lights were at work and the ropes were hanging, we only had to hang on to it and climb up the last bit of rocky wall before we reached the summit. I do not recommend climbing along this path on an afternoon, if someone faints it would be the end of his life.

Since it was already mid night the stars had appeared and the lights lit up all around Digamadulla was simply the sight we needed to glance at and rest our tired soles. The pre cooked Dinner packets vanished in to thin air and we were ready to sleep under the 5 Billion stars.

fresh water

the deadly slope

.

.

on the way scenery

Thoppigala

Narakamulla

Rukam

Pulukunawa side

the path

.

Omanugala

Dimbulagala seen faintly

Kapapu gala

.

last part

green pit

සැප නින්ද

night sky

Next day morning was bit gloomy but yet we could easily identify the landmarks around Digamadulla. We noted many lagoons of the eastern shores , Rukam lake, Unnachchiya lake, Ampara tank, Kondawatwana tank, Himidurawa tank, Iginiyagala reservoir, Iginiyagala peak, Wadinagala, Govinda hela, Walasa gala, Dora ira, Pahankudawa, Kokagala, Rambaken oya, Nuwaragala, Ethabendigala, Ulhitiya, Maduru oya, Omanugala, Thoppigala, Narakamulla, Pulukunawa, Dimbulagala, Kuda walimbe and many more landmarks. There were two points of ruins and one seemed to be remains of a ancient sthupa.

good morning

.

.

tea

looking at his home

Nuwaragala side

.	Ampara forest reserve

shadow of Walimbe

.

kokagala and rambaken oya

.

Inginiyagala, walasgala, govinda hela and wadinagala seen

Dora ira

.

.

.	Ulhitiya seen over Nuwaragala

group at summit

Kalu gal oya project

ruins

wow

senanayake reservoir seen

Unnachchiya reservoir

ampara, himidurawa, kondawatuwana tanks

lagoons of the east

Nawagiri aru

.

.

Though the guides wanted to descend along the same route we insisted on taking an alternative path and we guided them towards a tree line which ran towards the base of the rock as seen on satellite maps. In no time we were jumping from one branch to another and descending down and finally we reached the rock where we started our proper ascent. After a quick rest we headed back to a stream at the base of the mountain where we prepared a Manyok meal as lunch.

optional path to descend

it was steep too

.

.

a stream

lunch

improvised

products

end product

Finishing the Manyok meal we started walking back towards our vehicle and after leaving our bags behind at the jeep we walked 300m’s further towards “Wiyan Bendi gala”. Wiyan bendi gala had a huge cave where we noted ancestral paintings and modern day vandalized paintings. I must say this is a lovely place to camp because there was a nice stream flowing by the cave too. From Wiyan Bendi gala we headed back towards Bandaraduwa where we thanked our guides and forest officials before departing back to our homes. On the way we didn’t forget to have a dip in Navakiri aru tank too.

looking back

home

happy chaps

common sighting

Wiyan bendi gala

wiyan bedi gal lena

vedda paintings

mixed with modern day vandalism

.

.

.

.

bye bye

dip at navagiri aru

.

The inch map

Gongalla WE

Both of us badly needed to go on a road trip and due to the unfortunate situation around Central province we had to take a huge detour to reach our destinations. We knew nothing about whats happening in the country because we were caught up in a curfew and news sources were been cut off was a terrible experience. Any how we decided to go head. On Day one we reached Watawala and spent the night at Watawala inn.

Next day early morning we took off towards Thalawakele where we took the Nawalapitiya road to reach Queensberry Tea factory at Dimbula-Pathana. The first destination of the day was a mini WE which I noticed while gazing over Devon falls on many occations and after some map reading I had located the location as Gongalla mini WE. I was told that this location was known by many local citizens but a totally foreign place to others. Passing Queensberry tea factory we entered Kolapatna estate (Gongalla division) and followed the estate road untill we reached the foot path towards the mini WE. The estate ride was a scenic one and I would love to drive along this road on another day without any hesitations. There was a 300m hike through the Eucalyptus where one would come across a newly built hut. The guys at the hut became furious after seen us and asked us to get out of the estate at that instance. We were told that no one is allowed to enter the estate without prior approval. But after a calm chat we were allowed to look around and spend some time.

the mini WE seen from Nawalapitiya rd

the drop

the estate rd through Kolapatna estate

.

.	reaching the destination

the foot path

.

what a location

SD on a promoting project

The view From Gongalla mini WE was one of a kind. One could view Kotagala, The Dell,  Elabedda range, Great western, Pundalu oya, Kothmale oya and reservoir, Piduruthalagala, Kikiliyamana and Meepilimana range, Peacock hills, Beramana, Ravanagoda and many more. The A.S.D of the division was now friendly with us and we were invited come on another day if we wished to. Saying good bye to them and after a final apologization we headed back towards Hatton.

the view towards great western and Pundalu oya

Peacock hills seen

Great western

Kothmale oya at Medakumbura

Kikiliyamana and meepilimana range

Lindula – thalawakele side

lot to explore

the stage

Kotmale reservoir

Kotagala

Dell with the towers and Elabedda range

Towards Ravanagoda

.	Kothmale valley flowing to reach Kothmale reservoir

pano

Towards Beramana

the drop

Kothmale valley

.

Summit of Sri Lanka

.

the hut

.

halted

.

From Hatton we left towards Maskeliya  where we took the Lakshapana road. At one point we took the road through Maussakele tea factory which was a winding road through the tea estate until we reached legendary Ravana gala with the aid of GPS. The local kids who came to show us the road wernt helpful at all in finding the proper route. After a 4Km ride we reached the rocky area which is believed to be an airport of King Ravana and the parallel ingrowings are believed to be dug by Ravanas chariot. The local kids who accompanied us didn’t forget to play Bat and ball at the rocky play ground. After hanging around for a while we started descending back to Lakshapana road where we said good bye to the young ones before starting our long departure drive towards home sweet home.

my guides playing cricket

the airport

imprints of the mythical aircraft

more imprints

.	water source

parked at rawana gala

exploring

maussakele dam

Maussakele

Map around Alakole ella

Map around Agunakole ella

Last May when we did Duwili ella trail from Etanwala we met few of our friends who decided to get down from Ranamure side and they sent me the Kmz for my future references. Going through the Kmz I noted that the trail goes parallel to Ranamuru oya for about 4Km’s and there were few waterfalls to be seen on google imagery. The early inter-monsoons was the next trigger factor  which tempted us to go ahead and explore these cascades. 3 of us left at 3am from Chilaw on a Sunday to reach Ranamure around 8am and after inquiring from locals they guided us with proper directions towards these cascades and they even gave names for 3 significant waterfalls.

Moragahakanda reservoir

reverston , Pathangala, Karagastenna & Inguruwaththa kanda

yakkunge hela, gombaniya, kirigalpoththa

reverston and pathangala

Ambokka

Keselpathdoruwa, wamarapugala, alugal lena kanda, thunhisgala, Knuckles

Lakegala

Yakkunge hela & Gombaniya

Since the late afternoon showers was an issue we hurried uphill along the clear trail to Duwili ella hoping to explore most of the waterfalls as possible. On the way the path runs very close to Bambarungahana ella and after passing it there is a small ascent. After that Ascent we came to a junction where the left path leads to Agunukole waterfall. We headed along the main path(right) and reached the gal poththa with a stream and we crossed the stream and headed towards Aswedduma abandoned paddyfield. There was a faintly marked foot path which we followed and reached the most significant waterfall of Ranamure oya which is Alakola ella. Since it was at full flow the beauty of the cascade was inexplicable. From here we tried to climb up and after moving few hundred meters towards the right we climbed along few creepers to reach the upper canopy and we tracked back towards the stream to view two other beautiful cascades above Alakola ella. We had a tough time getting to these cascades and the pouring showers made things worse. If you are attempting to reach these upper falls be careful because climbing up and getting down could make you loose your path.

on the way

path

exit from the village

Ranamure oya

.	right path to Aswedduma and Duwili ella, left path to

Gal poththa ella

Alakole upper part and a seasonal fall seen from gal poththa

entering Aswedduma kumbura

ruins close to aswedduma kumbura

Upper Alak0la falls 1

.

Upper Alak0la falls 2

Alakole

Elusive Alokla falls

.

crab	misty path

We hurried back to the Gal poththa where these upper cascades could be seen and took the right hand descending trail to Ranamure (the left path will take you to Duwili ella). We reached the junction which I mentioned in the previous paragraph and took the path towards Agunukole waterfall. Few hundred meters along that path we reached the main Agunukole waterfall which was the 2nd significant beauty with a deep base pool. 50m downstream there was another waterfall which we named as lower Agunukola fall.

elephant dung

Agunukola fall

Agunakole

base

.	top of Agunukola fall lower

Agunukola lower fall

.

After visiting these beauties we descended back along the Ranamure trail and on the way payed a visit to Bambarun gahana ella. With the aid of satellite maps we headed back along the normal trail and at one point again we headed towards the stream and continued along the stream until the very last waterfall close to the village was reached. This part of the journey was tiresome because we had to go along the stream. After reaching the village we had a nice bath at Ranamure oya before leaving this lovely village with a satisfied memories.

Dimbulagala seen

work of the elephant

on the way back

Bambarun gahana ella

7°29’34.78″N 80°49’2.99″E

7th fall

clearing Maussa

top of 8th fall

kudagala punchi sigiriya seen

.

.	7°29’59.81″N 80°49’21.56″E

8th	top of 9th

.	9th – 7°30’1.73″N 80°49’26.48″E

tackling rocks

10th

11th	12th – 7.502161, 80.828438

Kithulgala is a popular travel destination situated at Colombo-Hatton road. It is famous among genera public as people come here for a bath at rapid Kelani River. And it is the only place in Sri Lanka where white water rafting is practiced.
Apart from all these Kithulgala has another value due to some waterfalls situated around. This is my attempt to cover waterfalls and some common travel destinations around Kithulgala.
Tourists attractions at Kithulgala are situated either river side of the road (A7) or opposite to the river. This is an easy clarification.

Places on river side

1. Theligama Suspension Bridge / තැලිගම සoගිලි පාලම (6.996965, 80.359676)
Theligama is the junction situated before Kithulgala. There is a suspension bridge still using by the villagers to cross the river. You can get a nice view of suspension bridge from the new bridge.

Theligama suspension bridge over Kelani River

Theligama suspension bridge

Early morning view of Kelani River

Kelani River

Crossing the river

Theligama suspension bridge

Theligama suspension bridge

Theligama new bridge

2. Makandawa forest reserve and it’s waterfalls

Makandawa forest reserve is a rain forest situated closer to Kelani River at Kithulgala area. Therefore the river to be crossed to reach the forest reserve. The famous bathing place of Kithulgala (Oruthota) is situated behind old rest house and it’s the place where people cross the river by “Paru”. Once you cross the river there is another 500m walk to enter the forest reserve.
If you need to reach the entrance of forest reserve by vehicle, river to be crossed by newly built bridge situated about 2km towards Hatton side from Kithulgala town.

Kelani River at Kithulgala

Kelani River at Kithulgala

It is the transport method of people at Parawalathenna

Follow the path at Parawalathenna village to reach Makandawa rain forest

Makandawa rain forest

Makandawa rain forest has set paths to visit few interesting places. It is bordered by small water streams draining to Kelani River. Makulu Ella and Lenthiri Falls are two waterfalls situated at Makandawa rain forest. There is a site map at the entrance to guide you but you can get a paid guide as well.

The path to Makulu Ella is straight forward. If you follow the foot path starting at entrance without any turns, it ends at Makulu Ela. Just before few meters to Makulu Ela, there is a foot path on right hand side to reach the base of Makulu Ella.
Seems Makulu Ella divides into two part, but vertically. Foot path ends at this first part where you may think it as Makulu Ella. But the roaring sound of proper Makulu Ella will call you as it sits next to this part.

Enter to Makandawa rain forest

Site map. Just get a snap and save it in phone. It will guide you.

The office

Set paths

Makandawa Rain Forest

Set paths at Makandawa Rain Forest

Set paths at Makandawa Rain Forest

Set paths at Makandawa Rain Forest

The place of old bridge between Kithulgala and Pallebage

Makulu Ela to form Makulu Ella

Directions to Makulu Ella: White arrow shows the direction to Makulu Ela. Sanjeewa is showing the foot path to base of Makulu Ella.

Summer hut near Makulu Ella.

Reaching Makulu Ella

Makulu Ella/මකුලු ඇල්ල
This 8m tall waterfall is situated in Makandawa rain forest belongs to Kegalle District. Makulu Ela (මකුලු ඇල) forms this waterfalls before it joins with Kelani River. There was a bridge about 100m above Makulu Ella, which connects Pallebage and Kithulgala. (Now it can’t be seen). Because of presence of different spider species (Makulu-මකුලු) around the fall, it is called Makulu Ella. It flows as a cascade.

Makulu Ella-1st part. Proper Makulu Ella is situated lateral to this.

Top of Makulu Falls

Makulu Ella-1st part

Proper Makulu Ella

Makulu Ella

Lower part of Makulu Ella

At Makulu Ella

Makulu Ella

Makulu Ella

Makulu Ella

Our next target was Lenthiri /Lenkiri Falls situated at Makandawa forest. When you come along the path starting from office, there is a left side turn to Lenthiri Falls. If you follow this road it will bring you to the top of Lenthiri Falls, but it’s not worth. We got direction to base of this beauty.
We crossed a small water stream first where you can see a cultivation done for demonstration purpose. It is a nice place with small paddy field and a small house made in wattle and dub. We went further along the path and crossed next water stream-Maha Ela (මහ ඇල). Soon you cross this stream, you may come across well paved path in left which brings you to top of Lenthiri falls. Fainted foot path in right side is to base of the fall. With ascends and descends along this path you will end up at base of Lenthiri Falls.

Back to foot pathway

Cultivation at forest reserve for demonstration

පාලම	Path to Lenthiri Falls

Crossing Maha Ela. Here you have left side path to top and right side path to base of Lenthiri Falls.

කුඹුර

Close up…

Hike to Lenthiri Falls

Lenthiri Falls / Lenkiri Falls / ලේන්තිරි ඇල්ල / ලේන්කිරි ඇල්ල
This waterfall flows as a cascade and lower part is 20m in height. It flows as three steps

This is the beauty we came across

Lenthiri Ella / Lenkiri Ella

Lenthiri Ella / Lenkiri Ella

Lenthiri Ella /Lenkiri Ella

Lenthiri Ella /Lenkiri Ella

Lenthiri Ella /Lenkiri Ella

Side waterfall at Lenthiri Ella

Top of Lenthiri Falls

At Lenthiri Ella

I am at Lenthiri falls

If you can crawl along the side of the fall, can reach the top. But we didn’t attempt this as rock was slippery following last night rain. We came back to same junction and followed well paved road. About 100m before the end, another foot path in right side to the top of the fall. Here you can view top parts of Lenthiri Falls.

Top of Lenthiri Falls

Upper part of Lenthiri Falls

Upper part of Lenthiri Falls

Upper part of Lenthiri Falls

You will end up on top of the stream if you continue along the path without getting the turn to top of the fall. Here the water stream flows on long slab rock where you can have a nice bath.

Top of the stream

Top of the stream

This is a good bathing place

Having a bath…

We followed the same path back and got right side turn to Ahaslen Kanda (අහස් ලෙන් කන්ද). The path was clear up to second water stream and then we couldn’t follow the foot path. Most probably nobody has been there for a long time.

Back to foot path

Clipper / Parthenos Sylvia

Rest place

Turn to Ahaslen Kanda

We couldn’t find the path beyond this water stream

Mush room

Mush room

We have noticed a camp site within the forest reserve closer to a water stream. It would be a nice experience to camp here. Basically we covered main attractions of Makandawa rain forest. Then we followed the same path up to the entrance and left Makandawa rain forest.
Our last target of the day was the “bridge of River Kwai”.

“The Bridge on the River Kwai”
The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British-American epic war film directed by David Lean and based on the novel Le Pont de la Riviere Kwai (1952) by Pierre Boulle. The film uses the historical setting of the construction of the Burma Railway in 1942-1943.

This film was made in Sri Lanka and bridge was built over Kelani River near Kithulgala. The filming of the bridge explosion was done on 10th March 1957, in the presence of S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike, the prime minister of Sri Lanka.

This place has nothing to see except some iron staples embedded in the rock at middle of the River.
You have to drive another 1.5km along Hatton road from Kithulgala town and small foot path can be seen in right side mentioning Bridge of River Kwai. This foot path brings you to the bank of the River. A large construction is going on here to build a new bridge (connecting Kithulgala and Parawalathenna) and a power house.
Kelani River is dammed at Polpitiya and water is tunneled here to operate a power house. This would affect the beauty of Kithulgala and white water rafting.

Where you get the turn to see bridge of River Kuwai

This is the only remains of the bridge. Iron staples embedded in the rock (circled)

New bridge and power plant

They are building a tunnel by screwing the rock.

Places on opposite side of the river

1. Kithulgala Beli Lena / කිතුල්ගල බෙලි ලෙන (7.002222, 80.435778)

Kithulgala Beli Lena is a cave where pre historical human has lived. After passing Kithulgala town about 800m towards Hatton, Mahabage road (මහබාගේ පාර) is seen in left hand side. You have to get the direction to Beli Lena from locals. (We followed a different road to reach Beli Lena cave). Last part of this road has been severely damaged with rain. On our way to Beli Lena we could see Wewithalawa (වෑවිතලාව) with it’s towers. This mountain can be seen most of the time at Kithulgala.

Wewithalawa is seen

Zoomed view of Wewithalawa. ITN towers.

?? Ahas Len Kanda at Makandawa forest reserve

Road side beauty

Road side beauty

Road is severely damaged

Beli Lena Falls / බෙලි ලෙන ඇල්ල

Beli Lena is situated at edge of Ingoya Mountain (ඉoඔය කන්ද) about 2000feet above sea level. It is believed prehistoric human-Homo sapiens balangodensis (බලoගොඩ මානවයා) has lived here 32000 years ago. They have found a skeleton of about 16000years old, some pre historic tools, salt and beads of pre historic humans at this cave. These humans have eaten snails (ගොළු බෙලි) and it’s evidenced by shells of snails (බෙලි) found in this cave. That’s why it is called Beli Lena.
Later this cave has become a Buddhist temple and some constructions can be seen. You can see three caves here and one water stream flows in front of second cave forming slim waterfall-Beli Lena falls-බෙලි ලෙන ඇල්ල

Steps to Beli Lena

Entrance to Beli Lena cave

It is situated at Ingoya Mountain

Constructions of a Buddhist temple

Foot path

Cave-1

In between cave-1 and cave-2

In between cave-1 and cave-2

Cave-2. Excavation has been done here.

The places of excavation is bordered here. Actually pre historical men lived in a deep cave than this.

Some later construction

Some later construction

Dropping from the edge of the cave

Beli Lena Falls

Beli Lena Falls

Drops…

View of Wewithalawa from Beli Lena

Cave-3. No excavation done here. This cave has some branches.

Beli Lena cave-3.

How Beli Lena is situated at Ingoya Mountain. Area of Beli Lena is circled…..Beli Lena falls is shown by arrow.

View of Beli Lena falls

Our next place of visiting was Handun Ell. There was a terrible road to the top of Handun Ella from Beli Lena. We got directions from locals and passed Athulauda primary school. At the end we parked our bike at a rubber estate and followed the foot path. This foot path meets a gravel road and walking few hundred meters along this road could hear the sound of the fall. There was a foot path to the top of the fall from gravel road. Handun Ella is a famous place for waterfall abseiling.

Handun Ella is seen to the road

Terrible road to Handun Ella from Beli Lena

Followed the foot path

Crossed a water stream

මීවන

We have reached the gravel road. Anupama is showing the foot path to top of the fall. This gravel road is connected to a main road from other side.

Foot path connected to top as well as base of Handun Ella

Reached top of Handun Ella

The base of Handun fall from top

Garbage collection at top of the fall

We continued down along the same foot path to reach the water stream formed by Handun Falls. In this journey we have missed the side path to the base of Handun falls. As we reached the water stream somewhere down, we had to go up stream to come to the actual base of the fall. It was the opportunity to watch few cascades situated below Handun Falls.

Handun Ella lower cascade-1

Handun Ella lower cascade-1

Handun Ella Lower cascade-2

Handun Ella Lower cascade-2

Handun Ella Lower cascade-3

Handun Ella Lower cascade-3

Patterns made by water

Patterns made by water

Now Handun Ella is seen

Upper part of Handun Ella

2. Handun Falls / හදුන් ඇල්ල

Directions: Colombo->Kithulgala->Mahabage road-> Handun Ella

The water stream starting from south west slope of Unulugala Mountain forms this 30m tall waterfall. As there were ample of Sandle trees in the forest around waterfall, it was called Handun Falls.

Handun Ella

Handun Ella with it’s two parts

Handun Ella

Handun Ella

Abseiling team on top of Handun Falls

Closer view of Handun Ella

On top of Handun Ella lower cacades-3. Actually this is the base of Handun Falls

Base pool at Handun Ella

Here he comes down….

Our next target was Mannakethi Falls. We followed the same road and came to a junction where we got a turn to Handun Ella and line houses are situated. Then we followed the road through line houses and end up at tarred road. We continued along this road where we came across another side road to Palmstone hotel is situated. Luckily the road to Palmstone hotel was in good condition. We parked our bike at last bend before the hotel. Then we crossed the river and got directions from locals in other side of the river. The foot path to base of Manna Kethi falls is situated behind the last house of the rubber estate.

Directions to Manna Kethi falls

The water stream we crossed near Palmstone Hotel. This is the same water stream forms Manna Kethi Ella

The water stream we crossed near Palmstone Hotel. This is the same water stream forms Manna Kethi Ella

3.Manna Kethi Falls / මන්නා කැති ඇල්ල (7.011499, 80.427818)

Directions: Colombo->Kithulgala->Mahabage road-> Manna Kethi Ella

This 60m tall waterfall formed by Girankitha Oya starting from western slope of Unulugala Mountain. It flows in two parts. Reaching to the base of Manna Kethi falls is somewhat difficult task due to sloping slippery rocks and deep base pool.
Villagers wash their Manne (මන්නේ) and Keththa (කැත්ත) from this waterfall causing the name Manna (මන්නා) +Kethi (කැති) fall. Another reason might be the curved appearance of waterfall like Mannakathha (මන්න කැත්ත)
Though it’s height is mentioned as 60m, I feel it is less than this.

Classic view of Manna Kethi Falls from its base. Note it flows in two parts.

Upper part of Manna Kethi falls

Lower part of Manna Kethi falls. Note it flows into a deep base pool.

Closer view of Manna Kethi Falls

Base pool of Manna Kethi Ella

How it falls after forming the water fall… I can remember our first journey to Manna Kethi falls in 2009. We reached the base of the fall from somewhere down the stream.

Manna Kethi Falls

Manna Kethi Falls

Manna Kethi Falls

Then we came back to same foot path and get on to the top of the fall in it’s left side. Upper Manna Kethi falls (ඉහළ මන්න කැති ඇල්ල) is situated above the top of Manna Kethi falls. It is about 15m tall waterfall. We didn’t try to go beyond this waterfall.

On top of Manna Kethi Falls. Nice bathing place.

The drop of Manna Kethi Falls

Upper Manna Kethi Falls

Closer view of Upper Manna Kethi Falls

Upper Manna Kethi Falls

Compare the height of waterfall…

Distance view of Upper Manna Kethi Falls

Our last place of visit of the day was Sampath Ella which was situated at separated area. We came back to Kithulgala town and drove along Malwatta road (මල්වත්ත පාර). After passing the bridge (get directions from locals) we got left side turn to a gravel road and ended up at non mortable narrow concrete bridge. We parked our bike there and got left side turn to reach the water stream from Sampath Ella. It needs to cross few private premises. Walking upstream about 30 will meet Sampath falls. Actually this falls is a cascade and upper part only can be seen on our way in Malwatta road. What we are visiting as Sampath Falls is, it’s lower part.

Non mortable narrow concrete bridge to reach Sampath Falls.

4.Sampath Ella / සම්පත් ඇල්ල (7.027764, 80.418201)

Directions: Colombo->Kithulgala->Malwatta road->Sampath Ella

Liyan Oya which is a branch of Kelani River forms 30m tall Sampath Ella at Ampana area. Seems this waterfall has low water level when there is no rain.

Sampath Ella-Lower part-water level is low

Sampath Ella

Sampath Ella-most lower part

Sampath Ella-Upper part

Sampath Ella

Sampath Ella-Upper part

Looking at us

Last shot of the day

Thanks for reading

It had been 3 years  since I left Monaragala so I wanted to pay a visit to refresh my memories. On our way we decided to visit an unknown mini Worlds end close to Haputhale. Close to Thotulagalla there was a board saying Thotulagalla ridge. So we took a road through the estate close to Thotulagalla church for about 500m’s where we halted our vehicle. From there onwards it was a 10 minute walk to the summit point with a 270 degree view towards Udawalawe basin.

From here we went towards Dambethenna and headed towards Lipton seat which turned out to be a wrong decision. Since it was  school holidays the road was blocked at many places and the worst part was limited parking space at Lipton seat. The  visit was a very brief one since parking was an issue.

View from Haputhale

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Thotulagalla mini WE

on the way to ridge

the drop of 700m

the drop

Lipton seat side

the vantage point

wellawaya side

Koslanda

udawalawa side

the drop

pano

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the ridge

.	view from lipton seat

From Lipton seat I took the Bandarawela road and from there I headed towards Poonagala. Winding roads around the tea country provided some stunning scenery which I missed alot. Passing Poonagala school we came to the junction where 3 roads could be found and took the road towards Pilkington point which was the center road. The road up to Pilkington point could be manged carefully by a good ground clearance car.

view from pilkington point

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wellawaya

Ali kota oya

Pilkington point

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met few friends

From There onwards we went towards Millenium point and to get to it one needs to go along the uphill road until the 3way junction is met and from there we took the left hand road. The road condition is in terrible condition up to the summit. The road ends 100m’s before the summit and from there onwards it was a short walk. Fortunately there wernt any elephants that day. In 2009 we were greeted with mist providing no view but this time it was the opposite. The splendid view was a treat for our eyes and we enjoyed the view for 30 minutes before departing back. On our way back we took the Koslanda road towards Monaragala to reach our final destination.

halted close to Millenium point

on our way

view from millenium point

Wellawaya and wadina hela

Ali kota oya reservoir

Ali kota oya reservoir

the range

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towards Namunukula

elephant dung of koslanda jumbos

millenium point

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pano

us

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Nayabedda

wow

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wellawaya

First of all let me go to the past. It was in 2009 when Mithila suggested that lets start a trip report section on Lakdasun which was more of a Forum based web site and I was lucky enough to contribute the 2nd report to this archive which was my virgin hike to Sripada { Sri pada Off season and Mapalana (Mapanana) Falls(141m) }. Since then it has been 9 years and hell of a lot of traveling and many many write ups. This is my 200th report and it has been a long journey which I hope to continue in future too. My only wish is to see people adopting the strategy called responsible traveling rather than just hiking for selfies.

Many years back I came across some pictures about Padiyapelella mini WE but couldn’t find any online resources. When Anura posted details of the place I found some new hope and was ready to explore the hidden beauty of Hewaheta. Actually this was a 3 day trip and on the first day we planned to tackle the difficult roads around Rockwood estate. We left Chilaw at around 2A.m and reached Hanguranketha early morning. From Hewaheta we went 1Km along Delthota road to reach Mool oya junction where the winding roads to Mool oya begins. Following this road for 3Km’s we reach a reservoir where Mool oya is dammed. Just before the reservoir we took a left turn along an estate road. It is very difficult to explain the route but its advisable to get direction from locals to reach Eastland division. After tackling 7Km’s of estate roads we reached Assistant superintendent Madurangas bungalow where he provided us a guide to show us the way. It was a 2Km ride from Madurangas bungalow towards Eastland plain and it was around 300m from Eastland plain to mini WE where some line houses intersect in between.

Eastland plains( 7° 5’51.85″N 80°47’0.67″E) was a white quarts land where very few trees could be found despite the efforts of forest department reforestation programs. This extensive land area provides some stunning scenery towards Kukulagala, Victoria reservoir, Southern region of Knuckles range, VRR reserve, Hunnasgiriya, Hanthana, Piduruthalagala, Ragala, Padiyapelella, Mandaram nuwara and many more.

estate road

view from the estate road

Piduruthalagala and mandaram nuwara

Randenigala reservoir

towards eastland

at eastland plains

single tree at the plains

Kondagala seen

Kukulagala

Agassula range

pano at eastland plains

hunnasgiriya

knuckles seen from rockwood

Gombaniya and knuckles range seen

hanthana range

Piduruthalagala

Mahakudugala

eastland

rikillagaskada at the base of kukulagala

randenigala seen

nawanagala , yahangala seen

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my ride

From Eastland plains we drove 200m towards the line houses where we halted our vehicle close to the kovil and started marching towards the mini WE which was 200m away. Though Padiyapellella mini WE (a.k.a. Rockwood mini WE, 7° 5’38.04″N 80°47’1.10″E) provides a stunning view it wasn’t a 360 view. One could easily appreciate Padiyapelella, Mandaram nuwara, Mathurata, Piduruthalagala, Maha kudugala from this location. From here we returned back to Madurangas bungalow and took another estate road to reach Gal lella ella( 7° 5’2.42″N 80°46’8.56″E) and after enjoying the beauty of it we decided to head back towards Mool oya reservoir.

at mini WE

Rockwood mini WE

drop towards Padiyapelella

towards elamulla

pano

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.

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the drop

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.	Piduruthalagala

Kodigala kanda seen

Galllella ella

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From Mool oya reservoir we took the road towards HOPE factory and headed along the upper division to reach HOPE(Pattaramale) natural pool. To reach this place one needs to tackle a 8Km estate road and getting assistance from a local is mandatory. The winding roads will lead one towards this artificially built natural bathing place which provides icy cold water if you are willing to have a bath there. After enjoying our short stay at nature pool we headed back to Hewaheta and ended our journey at Mathurata at a known place.

Mool oya dammed

on the way to Hope natural pool

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entrance

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.	feeling icy cold natural water for the first time

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.	Mool oya falls seen from mool oya road

Kikiliyamana forest reserve which is situated at Nuwera Eliya district bordered by A5 road, Thawalanthenna-Pundalu Oya road, Nuwera Eliya town and Pundalu Oya area. Karunagala and Kikiliyamana are two hiking points of this forest reserve.

Kikiliyamana Forest Reserve. Karunagala is mentioned as Katterawella in metric map. Katterawella is circled. Rest of the forest reserve with Kikiliyamana peak is in other picture.

Kikiliamana (2240m) at Kikiliyamana forest reserve. Saman Eliya and Pundalu Oya-Nuwera Eliya road separate this part from rest of forest reserve.

Karunagala (black star) and Kikiliyamana (red star)-Google map

Satellite view of Kikiliyamana forest reserve.

Kikiliyamana is the 6th highest mountain of Sri Lanka and some transmission towers situated on top of it. Kikiliyamana is situated closer to the highest village of Sri Lanka-Shanthipura.
Katterawella is locally known as Karunagala, another end of Kikiliyamana forest reserve. I never knew about this trekking peak till I watched Shashi’s face book album. After getting enough information from Shashi we decided to hike Karunagala.

We departed from Colombo and followed A5 road to reach Karunagala. We had breakfast on our way at Pussellawa and got turn to Pundalu Oya from Thawalanthenna. Karunagala was seen when we passed Thawalanthenna town. After following B412 road-Thawalanthenna-Thalawakele road we have reached Pundalu Oya town. Actually our next turn was to left, just before Pundalu Oya SLTB depot and Pundalu Oya town. This narrow road (called North Pundalu Oya road) ascends through greenish tea estates and passed few line houses. Our destination was Choice Watta line houses where trail to Karunagala / Katterawella started. After parking our vehicle there we got information from locals to how to get on top of Karunagala.
It was a straightforward hike towards the peak and almost clear foot path was there up to the peak. First we hiked parallel to the tea estate and then entered the area with short bushes at the end of tea estate. We came across enough Guava trees with Guava seems nobody has touched them for a long time. There were multiple viewpoints situated at the edge of Karunagala. We have reached one of them on our way to the peak through Bamboo bushes. It provided good view towards Kotmale reservoir and surrounding area. We didn’t have more distance view due to upcoming

View of Karunagala / Kattarawala at Thawalanthenna

Closer view of Karunagala from Thawalanthenna

The team except Sanjeewa. We stopped for a snap on our way.

Closer view of Pundalu Oya town

Vegetable beds

Reaching Choice Watta where trail starts.

Young vs. Old

Along the tea estate

Peak of Karunagala and it extends with Kikiliyamana forest reserve.

Multiple view points of Karunagala

Line houses of Choice Watta

The road we followed to teach Choice Watta. Sinha Sanasa home stay is situated at the edge of this mountain.

පේර

උගුරැස්ස

“ කඩදාසි මල් ”

Reaching one of the view points of Karunagala.

Reaching one of the view points of Karunagala

Another view point of Karunagala. We didn’t try to reach there.

Hedunawewa area and Nilapiyasapura village.

Kotmale reservoir

Mahaweli Maha Seya-Kotmale

Sinha-Sanasa hotel, Choice Watta line house and tea estate

Branched Kotmale reservoir. Thawalanthenna-Thalawakele road and VT manufacturing factory are also seen.

Paddies at Kotmale area

Then we came back to the foot path to the top of Karunagala. Rest of the path lies within the area of short bushes and we have reached the peak where surveyor’s mark is placed. It took about 1.5- 2hours to reach the top of Karunagala from Choice Watta. Unfortunately there was no clear view from the top at that time as mist was around. The foot path extends to some extent into the forest reserve and there were some points higher than the place of surveyor’s mark. We have walked into the forest for another 500-750m and returned to the peak. Rest of the forest were full of Bamboo and Nelu bushes but walking was not difficult. In a clear day you can view Kotmale Valley, Peacock hills, Dolosbage range, Kotagala, Hanthana range, Kotmale reservoir, Piduruthalagala range, Dewathura Falls from top of Karunagala. (I have noted from Shashi’s album)

Back to the trek

There were only short bushes with shrubs up to the peak of Karunagala.

මීවන

මහ රත්මල්

Close up

Surveyor’s mark on top of Karunagala.

We five have reached the top of Karunagala

The team on top of Karunagala.

The team on top of Karunagala.

?? සුදු බිනර

Into the forest

Into the forest

Another view point of Karunagala. This place must be higher than the peak with surveyor’s mark.

Nelu….

Shined by Deer or Elk

The place of Choice line houses, first view point of Karunagala and peak of Karunagala (black star). Our path is marked by red.

Seems it is not getting clear we have decided to get down from Karunagala. On our way back we have noted number of cascades flowing from Karunagala range. (Some of might be seasonal or getting active after the rain) We had a bath after passing the bridge following Choice estate.

Getting down…

Kotmale reservoir through mist

Kotmale Oya

The area we passed…

Begonia

We were there….

Back to tea estate

කරුණාගලින් ඇදහැලෙන දිය ඇලි

Cascade flowing from Karunagala

කරුණාගලින් ඇදහැලෙන දිය ඇලි

කරුණාගලින් ඇදහැලෙන දිය ඇලි

කරුණාගලින් ඇදහැලෙන දිය ඇලි

කරුණාගලින් ඇදහැලෙන දිය ඇලි

කරුණාගලින් ඇදහැලෙන දිය ඇලි

The place we had a bath

Scenic road to Choice Watta

Our next stop was Pundalu Oya town where we had late lunch after the hike. As rain started we decided to reach our accommodation at Kuda Oya-Nuwera Eliya along Pundalu Oya-Dunshinae-Nuwera Eliya road. Though this road is blessed with number of waterfalls we were not able to reach some of them as rain disturbed us. But there were some cascades I have not been before. It was around 6pm when we reached our accommodation.

This waterfall can be seen behind the Tamil school at Kurunji.

Ready to transport

Scenic Pundalu Oya- Nuwera Eliya road.

?? North Pundalu Oya Falls

Breathtaking view

Passing Dunshinae

View of Karunagala

This waterfall is plunging out at road side. It is having 5-6 segments.

Closer view of the cascade.

Day 02
It was a fresh sunny day following rainy end of yesterday. I was tempted to visit at Kikiliyamana peak to enjoy the view. The view was crystal clear and we got turn to Shanthipura (ශාන්තිපුර) just before Nuwera Eliya town. (We drove from Kuda Oya). We drove up to Shanthipura and got right turn to Shanthipura temple which is considered as the highest temple of Sri Lanka. (BW the temple situated at top of Piduruthalagala is also mentioned as highest temple of SL) After passing the temple, the road to Kikiliyamana starts with utterly bad condition. Though the distance from there to Kikiliyamana is less it took about 45minutes to reach the entrance of Police towers. There was a clear view just before the entrance of Police towers. But you can’t get the view of Piduruthalagala from here and have to go to the highest place.
There are about six towers situated on top of Kikiliyamana. Police communication towers are situated at higher point than private TV channel communication towers. There is a non mortable road from the gate of Police towers to private communication towers. We drove along the proper road and reached the highest point of Kikiliyamana where Police communication towers and their mess are situated. It is a good view point with 270 degree view. We were able to identify Piduruthalagala range with towers, Sri Pada, other end of Kikiliyamana-Karunagala, Great Western, Uda Radella, Kotmale Valley, Mahaweli Maha Seya, Moneragala/ Peacock Hills, Ambuluwawa, Rilagala / Pasmale range, Kabaragala, Raxawagala, Seven Virgin Hills, Bathalegala, Ura Kanda, Samasara kanda etc.

It was pleasant to see this early morning.

Kikiliyamana towers from Kuda Oya

Kikiliyamana towers-These are private communication towers belong to TV channels. Police towers can be seen in left side of these towers.

Zoomed view of communication towers at Kikiliyamana.

Flowering….

View towards Nuwera Eliya

Hakgala

Scenic road to Kikiliyamana

Flowering Nelu….

Entrance to Kikiliyamana Police Towers. There is a separate path to private communication towers from here. (Seen here)

View from the entrance of Police towers. This include Kotmale Maha Seya, Rilagala / Pasmale range, and Great Western range. Even Seven Virgin Hills can be seen.

Piduruthalagala towers through wires.

Extending Piduruthalagala range. A5 road lies at the base of it.

Towards Kuda Oya area.

Sri Pada range

Extending Kikiliyamana Forest Reserve and Karunagala. Peacock hills and Ambuluwawa also seen

Kotmale Valley, Mahaweli Maha Seya, Ura Kanda, Samasara Kanda and Bathalegala

Uda Radella (with towers) and Great Western (right side)

Great Western Mountain

Elbedda range next to Uda Radella

Kabaragala and Raxawagala

After say good bye to police officers at Kikiliyamana top we returned to Shanthipura to complete the rest of our journey.

Scenic road….

Scenic drive

Shanthipura

Shanthipura

Thanks for reading