It was few months back when I saw a lovely documentary on Derana TV which was done by Chatura Alwis. The documentary featured a mountain called Dhanigala and its temple. Though I had been to the temple in 2013 I couldn’t explore the region much and this documentary made me recall a forgotten expedition. In recent years there has been some news about some UFO sightings in Aralaganwila area but who knows if these were true or not. But one thing is for sure the vegetation found on this semicircular mountain looks suspicious and the Arial views provided by the documentary brought up some question marks too.

The map – click to enlarge

As seen from Pimburuththawa

as seen from the temple

as seen from google earth – click to enlarge

copyrights Derana 7°40’50.69″N 81°12’49.02″E

copyrights Derana

News paper article – click to enlarge

I was so tempted that I decided to go ahead and explore the area with Amila. We were able to find the same person who took Chatura to the top and his name was Herath appu. At around 10am we met the head chief and granted permission. Afterwards we started climbing up towards the left of the pagoda. We did come across few caves out of 70 plus which could found in this reserve and after about 30 minutes we reached our main target which was the cave with the reclined Buddha statue. It was a huge statue which was similar to Pidurangala & other statues built during a similar era. Unfortunately the statue had been vandalized by treasure hunters in post war era.

Quote from Kishanie Fernando , Daily mirror.

The caves here have been dated earliest to the 2nd century. The monk informed us that wild elephants also took this precipitous path and it was only recently that one such lone pachyderm had made its way down the rock passing the present temple.

The cave houses a large recumbent Buddha image said to measure 38.9 feet in length done in brick and stucco and placed on a platform. The image has been sadly vandalised by treasure hunters. The image is thought to have been like the one at Pidurangala near Sigiriya.

At the foot of the image a brick wall separates a little room where there is evidence of the existence of another image. However, today only the brick platform where this image was placed remains. Ven . Ellawela Medananda writing on the Kandegama Kanda Lena Vihara, gives the dimensions of this cave as 80 feet in length and about 25 feet in width.

Many inscriptions carved on the rock have been found here. An inscription referring to King Saddhatissa and his son is of importance. Names of donors of these caves have also been found cut into the caves.

One of the caves have been inscribed with the name of an ancient port of India. This is a very interesting finding, says Ven. Ellawela Medhananda ,which indicates that the ancients residing here were aware of this Indian port. At the bottom of the rocky cliff are the foundation remains of an ancient building.

The modern cave temple of Dananjaya Raja Maha Viharaya is tucked into the large boulders forming the base of the outcrop and shelters huge images of the Buddha. These statues and the few murals on the wall were incomplete due to lack of funds. The rock cave formations at the bottom have been fully utilised to home the present day temple where the chief priest and some young priest lived.

the cave image house with pagoda

Herath appu leading the way

one out of 70 odd caves

a star mark

capturing

piece of pottery

archeology survey department has recorded the inscription

shelter

under another cave

sheer cliff

image house of Kandegama

vandalized

a window

note the adjoining shrine

been reconstructed by many kings

one last look

After hanging around a bit we started heading left and then started to climb along a stream until we reached an open area. It was a continuous climb up to this point and there after it was a walk in the park. This circular part of the mountain is actually a small part of a massive range which forms the northern pillar of Maduru oya dam. In this mountain range there are 7 ponds and a mysterious cave with paintings which we left behind for another day. Herath Appu guided us towards the bare circular area where we walked along just like walking along a highway. The drop towards the east was the most astonishing scenery for us and I wished we had camped on top of the hill to experience a superb sun rise over the eastern shore of Sri Lanka. One could easily appreciate reaches of North central, Eastern & Uva provinces clearly from this point (For detailed landmarks check the images). We did have some biscuits and rested for a half an hour on the rock before deciding to descend back towards the temple. There were no water springs on top of the hill because it was the dry season and during the North – East monsoons there may be few elephants roaming around who enjoy munching newly sprouting grass. This was one satisfying hike to a hardly explored region is Sri Lanka and credit should be given to Derana crew for introducing it.

having a break

last ascend

on the top

view points

dry zone

barons cap on the left and narakamulla on the right

last of the mountains before the eastern shore

nearby tank

Pimburuththawa reservoir & Dimbulagala

Kandegama

showing us landmarks

the east

NDK tank

along the mana circle

mighty dimbulagala

walking along the circular trail

what a place to spend the night

wow

NDK = Nagolle Dee Kodiunne tank

Omnugala the giant

Hennannegala rock seen

lovely

the temple seen below

more scenery

the drop

breathtaking

Maha oya side

Gala pita gala the funny looking peak

maha oya road

Maduru oya reservoir dammed by these two mountains

lovely

savanna

a pano

Aralaganvila – Maha oya rd seen

good bye

Thank you for reading

We started our journey to Alagalla from the Colombo Fort railway station and got on the “Podi Menike” train which left Colombo Fort at 5:55 and we were able to reach the Ihalakotte station by 7:55.

The peak as seen from below.

We started the hike from Ihalakotte station and one of the railway officers who was going to his home in Ihalakotte village after finishing a shift was kind enough to set us up with a guide who then lead us to the top.

There was an initial part of climbing to reach the Ihalakotte village and from there on up until some distance the road did not have that much of a gradient. After strolling through the Ihalakotte village we came across a tea estate which we had to climb through. The tea was planted in terraces and and each one was at least 2 – 3 feet tall along which we climbed, after going through the tea estates for some time we came across a forest patch through which the climb was pretty steep, but the roots of the trees embedded in the soil provided good footing. After the climbing through the forest patch we came to the penultimate part of the climb, the “Mana” (Cymbopogan nardus) patch along which also the climb was steep the footing was not as good in the part before but the climb was fairly easy.

Climbing through the forest

Climbing through the “Mana Patch”

After climbing the “Mana” patch we came to the very foot of the rocky part of the Alagalla peak. From there we had to climb through the “Sinha Kata” to reach the peak. Ajith got  our heavy backpacks to the top by himself so we were able to climb this part with much ease. However climbing the “Sinha Kata” was a very risky task where we had to basically climb a rock wall one by one with great care. Looking down from the middle of the “Sinha Kata” I can remember all I could see was blue sky and no ground below which would have meant that a single misstep could have been fatal. However, the climb there is short so we were able to do it without  much difficulty thanks to Sisira, our guide. The risk and adventure is what makes this climb so joyous and exhilarating, having reached the peak we felt like we were on top of the world.

Reaching the base of the final rocky part.

Sisira at the base of the “Sinha Kata”

Climbing the “Sinha Kata”

Only the three of us made it to the peak.

Only the three of us made it to the peak.

Only the three of us made it to the peak.

View from the peak.

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After taking a few quick snaps on the peak we decided to move on to Poojagala but first we had to descend the dangerous “Katusu Kondha”, fortunately for us a rope was already in place and we descended safely with the help of this rope and Sisira helped too. We basically slid down this rock face with our buttocks

We had to move along the forest patch along the mountain top to reacj poojagala from alagalla peak.

At the top of “Katusu Kondha”.

At the base of “Katusu Kondha”.

After that we moved through the forest on top of the Alagalla range to reach Poojagala which was on the other side of the range. On our way we had lunch in the middle of the forest. We could see many places where people had camped in the forest and we were very sad to see that many had left behind polythene bags, food wrappers etc.. thus harming the beauty and serenity of this magnificent range. So, I urge anyone and everyone who intends to travel to Alagalla to be a responsible traveler and as they say “Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photographs”. PLEASE HELP SAVE THE BEAUTY OF OUR MOTHERLAND FOR MANY GENERATIONS TO COME.

Having lunch in the middle of the forest

The place where we stopped to have lunch.

After a short while we were able to reach Poojagala and after spending some time there and taking a few quick snaps we decided to descend towards Gangoda station. Concrete steps were laid for most part of this descend and the descend was quite easy except in some areas where there were no steps and no proper foothold so we had slide on our buttocks to get down safely.

Sacred footprint on Poojagala.

Cheitya on top of Poojagala.

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On our way down we came across a very small shop which offered free water and since we had run out of water already we were glad to accept this gift. We also bought a few bottles of soft drinks from there and continued to descend and reached the Gangoda station at about 16:30 and then we walked along the railway line towards the Ihalakotte station and along our way we had to move through the second longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka. We got to the Ihalakotte station just in time to catch the “Podi Menike” train returning from Badulla which got there by 16:55 and we reached Colombo Fort station by 18:55.

On our way down

Inside the 2nd longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka.

This was my first hike and without a hint of doubt I can honestly say that the journey has made me fall in love with the mountains, the trees, the wind and the views. This journey therefore, I hope will be the first of many more to come.

Please be a responsible traveler “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs”

Please be a responsible traveler “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs”

PLEASE IF YOU VISIT THIS AREA OR ANYWHERE FOR THAT MATTER DO NOT LITTER AND DESTROY THE PRICELESS BEAUTY THAT THESE MOUNTAINS HOLD. YOU WENT THERE BECAUSE OF ITS BEAUTY, SO MAKE SURE THAT THE FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL ALSO HAVE A REASON TO GO THERE, DON’T RUIN IT FOR THEM.

Thank you very much for reading.

I had been travelling all around the country this year chasing adventure and thrill, in an effort to make most of the free time I have ahead of what may be some challenging years ahead. My travelling partner on most occasions has been my father since he is always willing and up for any adventure at any time. In March we hiked Alagalla, Pujagala and Sinhagala and earlier in April the five Knuckles’ peaks. My father having been brought up in the bulathsinghala area had been suggesting a trip to Pahiyangala and we finally got on our way on the 11^th of April 2016.

We got onto a Horana bus from Maharagama at about 05:00 and the bus usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Horana and from there took the Horana – Mathugama bus and got down at Bulathsinghala, that journey took about half an hour. My Grandmother’s place was only a short walk away from the bus halt and she had prepared breakfast for us when we arrived. My sister was also with us but she wasn’t interested in climbing Pahiyangala, she just wanted to see Achchi.

After having a nourishing breakfast we called a three wheeler and got on our way to Pahiyangala monastery where the climb starts. If you plan on visiting Pahiyangala (a.k.a. Pahiyanlena) you can take a three wheeler from the Bulathsinghala town, take a bus (busses are not that frequent) or if you are coming by your own vehicle you can ask for directions from the locals and the local government has also put up many sign boards along the way indicating the directions, distance and other information about Pahiyangala (There are such information boards from the Bulathsinghala junction itself). Coming back to my story, the three wheel ride took maybe half an hour or twenty minutes.

From near the monastery there was a set of steps laid to reach Pahiyanlena which is famous as the place where the bhikku Faxian used for meditation and also as a site inhabited by man during the prehistoric period. There were only a few steps to reach Pahiyanlena and there was a large new reclining Buddha statue erected there and one could see the cave and the excavations that had been done around Pahiyanlena. From near the cave there was a small fence like structure and that was where the trail to the top of Pahiyangala started and this pathway was a little steep and you will have to crawl in most places. The path is not used that frequently and can be little overgrown but finding the way should not be that hard.

View of Pahiyangala rock from below .

The steps leading to PAHIYANLENA.

The PAHIAYANLENA cave.

The excavated place at PAHIYANLENA.

The Buddha statue near PAHIYANLENA.

The start of the trail to the top.

The trail was a little steep and tough.

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After climbing for about 30 – 45 minutes we got to the top most point of the rock where a small abandoned shrine could be seen. We stayed there for some time taking in the views. Several small peaks could be seen in the vicinity and the landscape was a typical lowland one. Although the hike was short it was an interesting one. After spending about 30 minutes at the top we came on our way back down and obviously the descent took less time than the ascent. The whole hike took about 2 hours.

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.	View of the surrounding landscape from the peak.

We then came back to the monastery and from there took a three wheel ride back Achchi’s place and had lunch and left to get back home shortly after.

The journey was an interesting one and since it is situated only a short way away from Colombo and the hike takes only a short time it should provide for nice quick escape in a busy schedule of monotony. Many hotels and resorts are also located in the area and most are of excellent standards and situated in amazing locations surrounded by the lush green tea estates or paddy fields of the Bulathsinghala area. So don’t forget to check out this interesting short rendezvous in the future.

THANK YOU FOR READING.

We as the Travel in Sri Lanka-Sobasiri team in facebbok has organized an event in July about off season hike to Adam’s Peak. We just published the details by inviting people to join with our journey, and then there were 72 people have confirmed their participation for the journey. We told them to come to the Ratnapura town or Erathna town and we arranged we all get into a bus where it goes to Dehenakanda.

However when we take a count of the crowd at Mukkuwatte trail head, there were 72 people for this journey. We were surprised and I address the crowd and told them about the journey and the time duration for the journey. Time is 10.30am at that point and I gave them a target as we all should go to the Andiyamalathanna Ambalama by maximum 10.30pm. Then one of our team member started the trail at the leader and two of our members stayed at the end of the crowd and another 3 of our members were stayed in the middle as help for the people to go ahead of the journey.

So we all were on the track for about 2-3 hours and the crowd was divided to 3 parts with the relevant team members. However the first team was able to go ahead with only one girl by cleaning the road and the middle team had 4 girls and they were also fit with the trek. But there was a big problem for the last team where there were 2 ladies and 2 boys who were not able to continue the hike faster. They got very slow and one of the little fat boy got cramped and he had some healthy issues as well. Fortunately there was a doctor with that team and he carried some medicines and he did some treatments for that boy. After that the crowd took him into their arms.

It is not easy to write here about the experiences we had in this journey, it is really a life time experience for all. Especially there were 7 people who were having their first visit to the Adam’s Peak and about 30 people below the age of 23. And there were 07 girls and two men age over 45 years. We all got unforgettable experience s about this journey and the most important note is that all the 72 people weren’t heard about the “Mukkuwatte Route” earlier. And about 15 people had their first travel/ adventure as this trail. Further 55 of people had their first Off Season hike to the Holy Adam’s Peak.

By 6.30pm 2^nd team came to the Paradise and waited for the rest of the team. At that time the first team was passed this place and started to climb Mahagiridamba. However the first team was able to reach to the Andiyamalathanna ambalama by 9.30pm. But we waited for the last team but unfortunately we decided to have our trek in the night without waiting for the last team. There were about 30 people in the second team and they were able to reach to the Andiyamalathanna ambalama by 1.00-2.30am in the morning. However as our members in the last team said, they were decided to spend an unexpected night at the rocky plain at the Baththulu oya. Because there were about 4 people like patients and they were not able to do the final trek since they lost their strength.

However we all waked up in the next day morning and we instructed to the rest of the people to get down from Erathna route and for some from Palabaddala route. They were started their final hike at 8.00am in the morning. So, there were only 9 people stayed at Andiyamalathanna for the lost team. Lost team contacted us and informed us as they are at the Mahagiridamba. So we waited for 2-3 hours and finally we decided to go and check them at 12.00pm. Fortunately we just had about 1km hike and found them. They were very tired and like half dead. But they have successfully completed the journey as it is an unforgettable landmark in their heart. So we direct them to get down from the Hatton road as it is the easiest route for them.

After they left from us that two of our members were joined to our team and we 11 people started to getting down from Erathna route by 2.00pm.However we didn’t stopped at many places hence we were able to come at the temple/ power house by 6.30pm. And the rest of 2km we got down at the dark and our torches are not with enough lights. However we all got really tired. But we came to the Adavi Kanda Ranaweera Mama’s home by 8.30pm and had along rest and left to our home towns by 10pm.

When we came to adavikanda I contacted all other people who get down from the other routes and all of them confirmed as they get into the public bus and on the way to their hometown in safe. Finally we as a nonprofit team successfully conducted a massive journey through Mukkuwatte route as this is the highest participants from that route. We all lost at the Samanala forest for 2 days and we helped each other and we found new friends and new people. We all stayed those days as a one family.

සිරිපා අවාරේ මුක්කුවත්ත පාර දිගේ

මේ තියෙන්නේ අපි ගිය “අවාරේ සිරිපාදේ” ගමන ගැන. සෙනසුරාදා උදේ කට්ටියව කතා කරගත් පරිදි පොඩ්ඩක් Late උනත් කුරුවිටෙන් සහ රත්නපුරෙන් බස් එකට ගත්තා. නිකන් දුවන පාරේ බස් එකකටත් වඩා Foot Board පිරෙන්න සෙනගක් හිටියා දැක්කම අපිටත් පුදුමයි.මොකද කලින් නොදන්වපු පිරිසකුත් ඇවිත් හිටිය නිසා. කොහොමහරි අපේ ගමනේ ආරම්භක ක්‍රියාදාමය දුන්නු බස් එකේ රියදුරු අයියාව නම් අමතක වෙන්නේ නැ. පුංචි වැලමිට වංගුවකින් ආසන 42 බස් එකක් හරවන්නේ කොහොමද කියල ඇහුවොතින් ඒ අයියාව කියන්න, කරලා පෙන්නවයි, ඇග සිතල වෙලා යන වංගු වගේම හෙල් පිරුන කන්ද සුපිරියටම නැගලා අපිව දෙහෙනකන්ද කෝවිල ලගින් බැස්සුවා.
පස්සේ අපි ටවත් කිලෝමීටර් 2ක් විතර පයින් ගියා මුක්කුවට්ටේ Estate එක කෙලවරින් මේ ගමන හරියටම පටන් ගන්න ඕන තැනට.එතනට ගිහින් ආපු කට්ටිය කීයක්ද කියල බැලුවම කෙල්ලෝ කොල්ලෝ 72ක් ඇවිත් මේ ගමනට. ලංකා ඉතිහාසයේ මුක්කුවත්තෙන් එකවර නැගපු වැඩිම කණ්ඩායම අපි.කොහොමහරි අපි ගමනට අවශ්‍ය විස්තර සවිස්තරව කියල හා හා පුරා කියල
සමන් දෙවියන්ගේ අඩවියට ගොඩ උනේ උදේ 10.30ට. අපි Sobasiri Team එක විදිහට ගමන මුල මැද අග හිටියා.කොහොමහරි චලන මල්ලයි සහ චිත්ති මල්ලි මාන්න පිහි අරන් පෙරමුණ ගත්තේ කැලේ වෙලා අපි යන පාරේ වැවිල තිබ්බ ගස් අතු කපාගෙන සුද්ද කරගෙනයි.උන් දෙන්නට බොහොම ස්තුතියි කරපු වැඩේට. කාන්තාවන් 7 දෙනෙකුත් ආපු නිසා අපි ටිකක් කල්පනාවෙන් ගියේ ගමන් විදව ගැනීම ගැන.කොහොමහරි පෙය 4ක් 5ක් යද්දී මුළු සෙට් එකම කොටස් තුනකට කැඩුනා.මුලින් ගිය සෙට් එක මදුසන්කගෙනුත් මද සෙට් එක අපෙනුත් අන්තිම සෙට් එක මලික් සහ ලහිරුගෙනුත් සෙට් උන. මුලින් ගිය සෙට් එක අපි ගමන ආරම්බහයේදී කිව්වා වගේම රෑ 9.30 වෙද්දී අඩියාමලතන්නට ලගා උන.එත් මදසෙට් එක අතර මද කොටස් කීපයක් විදිහට ආපු නිසා අපි ගඟ ලගට ඇවිත් පයක් විතර හිටිය ඒ සෙට් එක එකතු වෙනකන්. කොහොම හරි අපි 30ක විතර සෙට් එක රෑ 7.30 වෙද්දී ඒ ගඟ ලගින් පිටත් උනේ කෙලින්ම සිරිප කන්ද නගින්න.කොහොමහරි නගිනවා නගිනවා කට්ට කළුවරේ පුංචි ටෝර්ච් එළියෙන් හොදටෝම මහන්සියි.උදේ රත් කන්ද කඳු වැටිය පැය 4ක් විතර නැගල පස්සේ ෆ්ලැට් ප්‍රදේශයත් නැගල පස්සේ ලොකු පැල්ලමක් බැහැල ගඟ ලගට එද්දී හොද පන ගිහින්. එත් ඉතින් අපේ ගමන නතර කරන්න බැහැනේ.

අපි කලුවරේම නැග්ගේ කියට හරි අපි ඔක්කොම රෑ නවතින්න සැලසුම් කරපු අඩියමලතන්නට යන්න ඕන නිසා.කොහොමහරි Sobasiri Team එකේ දෙන්නෙක් රෑ 12.30 වෙද්දී මහගිරිදඹට ආව, පස්සේ මද ආපු කොටසේ ඉතුරු අයත් පාන්දර 2.30 වගේ වෙද්දී අඩියමලතන්නට ආව. මුලු අම්බලමේම කට්ටිය bed sheet පොරවාගෙන හිටියේ හරියට ආඩියෝ වගේ තමයි. එහෙන් මිදුම හෝ ගාල ගලනවා අම්බලමට, සමහරු කට කට ගාල්ල වෙව්ලනවා, සමහරු sheet 2,3 පොරවාගෙන හරියට හොල්මන් වගේ.කොහොමහරි අපේ අන්තිමට ආපු සෙට් එක එදා රෑ අඩියමලතන්නට ලග උනේ නෑ.එතන 16ක් හිටිය, ඒ කට්ටියගෙන් 4 දෙනෙක්ට ගොඩක් අමාරු වෙලා,cramps වෙලා උස්සගෙන ඇවිත් ටිකක් case වෙලා.ඒ හින්ද එයාල අර ගඟ ලගට රෑ 10ට විතර ඇවිල්ල නැවතිලා.පට්ටම පට්ට සීතලේ මිදුම හුලග ගඟේ වතුරේ සිතල එක්ක මුලු පැත්තම ගල් වෙන ලෝකෙක උන් නැවතුනා.කොහොමහරි උදේ 7 ට වගේ ඒ සෙට් එක අන්තිම ටික නගින්න අරන් අර අමාරු වෙච්ච අයවත් වත්තන් කරගෙන,ලොකු කට්ටක් කාල ලොකු ගේමක් දීල ඒ 16 මහගිරිඹට එද්දී වෙලාව දවල් 12.30යි.ඒ සෙට් එකෙන් 14ක් ම හැටන් පාරෙන් බැස්සා,මොකද එක තමයි එයාලට හොදම විසදුම හින්ද.කොහොමහරි උදේ 8ට සෙට් එකක් එරත්නෙන් බහින්න ගත්තා වගේම දවල් 11 වෙද්දී තව සෙට් එකක් පලාබද්දලින් බැස්ස. අන්තිමට ගමනේ වගකීම අපේ නිසා අපි අන්තිම සෙට්‌ එකත් ආවට පස්සේ එතනින් අපේ දෙන්නෙක් උද මළුවට ගිහින් එනකන් අපි හිටිය. පස්සේ දවල් 2ට අපි 11ක් ගමන අවසන් කරන්න පටන් ගත්ත සැලසුමේ අනුව එරත්න පාරෙන්.ආයේ කකුල් රිදිම්ද ගල්මුල් ද අලිද කියල බැලුවේ න අපි බැස්ස බහිල්ලක් කියන්නේ රෑ 8 විතර වෙද්දී අපි අඩවිකන්දට ආව.පස්සේ අපි බයික් වලින් ගේවල් බල යන්න පිටත් උනේ අර අනිත් පාරවල් වලින් බැහැපු අය ගැනත් බැලුවට පස්සේ, කොහොමහරි අපි හැරෙන්න අනිත් ඔක්කොම 6ට කලින් ඒ ඒ පති වලින් බැහැල තිබ්බා.පස්සේ හොද රෙස්ට් එකක් අරන් අපි එහෙන් පිටත් උනේ රෑ 10ට කිට්ටු වෙද්දී.

සමස්තයක් ලෙස අපි සිරිපා නගින ප්‍රසිද්ද පාරවල් වලිනුත් තියෙන අමාරු දුරම පාරයි අප්ප්‍රසිද්ද පාරවල් වලින් තියෙන අමාරු දුරම පාරයි තරණය කලා.මේ ගමනට සහබාගි උන 72 ගේ හිතේ
තියෙනවා වචන වලට පෙරලන්න බැරි මහා ලොකු වගේම ජිවිත කාලෙට අමතක නොවන අත්දැකීම් සහ මතකයන් ගොඩක්.මේ ගමනට කෝඩු 8ක් විතර ආව, පලවෙනි වතාවට ජිවිතේ ට්‍රිප් එකක් ගිය
කොල්ලෝ ආව,කෙල්ලෝ ආව වගේම 40 වගේ වයස අයත් ආව.මේ කව්රුත් මිට කලින් මුක්කුවත්ත පාර ගැන අහල තිබ්බේ නෑ. මුක්කුවත්ත පාර කියන්නේ සම්පුර්ණයෙන්ම කැලේ පාරක්, ආදී පාර
හොදට තියෙනවා උනාට නගින්න තියෙන කඳු ගැන නම් කියන්න වචන න, ඒවා ගැන හොදට දන්නේ අපෙ කකුල් දෙක තමයි, කැලේ තියෙන වතුර පාරවල් වලින් වතුර බිල මුණ හොද හොද ගල් තල
උද වැතිරිලා විවේක අරන් මහා රෑ මීදුමෙන් වැහුණු අඳුරු කැලැවේ ඇත කකුල් 4ම පාවිච්චි අරන් ගිය ගමන් ජිවිතේට සිහිවටනයක්.කුඩල්ලන්ගෙන් හිතුව තරම් ලොකු කරදරයක් තිබ්බේ නැත්තේ දවස්
දෙකම උදේ ඉදන් හවස 6 වෙනකන් හොදට අව්ව පායලා තිබ්බ නිසා.කොහොමහරි සමස්ත ගමනේ අන්තිමට ආපු සෙට් එක තමයි හොදම අත්දැකීම ගත්තේ, මොකද එයාල අනපේක්ෂිත විදිහට
ගඟක් ලග ගල්තලාවක් උඩ සිතල මිදුම මැද ලයිට් එලියක්වත් නැතිව රැය පහන් කල හින්දා.එයාලට මේ ගමන පැය 24ක විතර අකන්ඩ තරඟයක් උනාට කැලේ රැය පහන් කරපු අත්දැකීමම ඇති
මහන්සිය මග හරින්න.කොහොමහරි කාටවත් කිසි කරදරයක් නොවී මේ ගමන හොදින් ඉවර කරන්න පුළුවන් උනා. අපිව විශ්වාස කරලා ආපු අයව අපි අතහැරියේ නැ,ඔයාලට හිතාගන්නවත් බැරි අත්දැකීමක් අපි ලබා දුන්න එකට අපිටත් සතුටුයි.කණ්ඩායම් හැගීම, අලුත් යහළු යෙහෙලියන් මුණ ගැසීම, කැලේකදී ඉන්න විදිහ වගේම සිරිපා අඩවියේ මෙතෙක් ඔයාල නොහිතපු පැත්තක් ගැන දැන ගන්න ලැබීම වගේ දේවල් හොද අත්දැකීමක් උනා.

Videos of the journey –

Video 01, Video 02

මේ ගමනට ආපු හැමෝටම ස්තුතියි.

Sobasiri Team

The Event published in our FB page

We came to Dehenakanda

Landmarks at Dehenakada

Directions to the Mukkuwatte Trail head

On the way to Mukkuwatte

On the way to Mukkuwatte

On the way to Mukkuwatte

On the way to Mukkuwatte

We are going

Blue and Green

Blue Mountains

Pada Yathra

Pada Yathra

Awaiting for the Trek

We, the Sobasiri Team

The bridge

Beautiful Mountains

The crowd

The crowd

The crowd

Real Girls

Giving an introduction about the trail and the time duration

Here we started the trek

HEre we go

Broken Somarathna Ambalama

Crossing the first stream

They are still on the track

After passing few meters from the Ambalama

Removing Leeches

Girls are on the track

Another stream

Giant trees protected us

The jungle path

Welkara Galgeya

idiotic people destroyed there also

the path

Giants at the forest

Crowd is getting tired and dividing to small crowds

Beautiful path

Facing to the challenges

Tired face at the jungle

Rama Kallu cave

Rama Kallu cave

Resting

Climbing and Climbing over the Mountains

Another Stream

We didn’t brought water becasue its free here

Usual obstacles on the path

However they climbed the Rathkanda

Resting

The only animal we have seen

Thuru Viyan

The flat area

Nature is like HP

Another stream at the flat area

Mana bushy area

These guys clear the road

On the way

On the way

Stream at the road

We also got tired

.

These girls are brilliant

We have to go more

Resting at the beautiful nature

Green vs Darkness

Passing the usual places

Came to the only huge river on this trail, Baththulu oya

Bathing at Deep Freezer

Bathing at Paradise

Baththulu oya fall

Baththulu oya fall

Getting dark

Starting the trek at Baththulu oya at 7.30pm

So tired

Only the Darkness

Mist with darkness

Combing with the darkness

More to go

Climbing at the dark

Night Hike part 2

Night Hike part 2

The most tired girl in the 2nd team

The lost team member sleeping at the rocky plain

The lost team getting ready to have their first night at a jungle without any tent. Unexpectd open camping at the paradise

A member in the first team

We came to the Andiyamalathanna at 1.30am. The first team was sleep at the cold and misty ambalama

Early morning at Paradise

The lost team at Early Morning

Checking the mahagiridamba point for the lost team

Checking the mahagiridamba point for the lost team

Happy faces. The lost team came here at 1.30pm on sunday

First team ready getting down from Erathna

All are guests for each and building relationships

Heating at Andiyamalathanna

Heating at Andiyamalathanna

The Lost Team

At Paradise

Uda Maluwa

Closed

View	Through the Hulan Kapolla

The Gantaraya

Hulan Kapolla

The only foreigner who participated to the journey

View at Andiyamalathanna

Misty staircase

The place where Raja Mawatha and Mukkuwatte trail meet

At Andiyamalathanna

The lost team leaving us to getting down from Hatton route

The last team, we ready to start Erathna trek

Where Erathna and Raja Mawatha meets

The first team on the way to Erathna

Erathna route

Having a small rest

Elephant Dung

Another team went through Raja Mawatha, they are having a rest at Geththmpana

Erathna route is so beautiful

Erathna route is so beautiful

Kuru Ganga at Erathna route

Kuru ganga

Crossing the Stream at Erathna route

A break

the final set of 11 people

Ready to the rest of the trek

Erathna route

Close to Warnagala

Near to Warnagala

2nd day also we had Night hike for 2.5 hours at Erathna route

Beauty at Erathna route

The Sobasiri Team

This was an awaiting trip for a long time and successfully completed due to rewarding weather and good team.
Balathuduwa-බලතුඩුව (2012m) and Gommolli Kanda-ගොම්මොල්ලි කන්ද (2034m) are 14th and 13th highest peaks of the Sri Lanka. These peaks can be nicely seen if you travel along Colombo-Badulla road at Pambahinna and Belihuloya area. Then Gommolli Kanda is seen beautifully in front of Great World’s end.
Wangedigala and Wangedi Kanda are situated at same line of previously mentioned giants. These two peaks provide beautiful surrounding view. Therefore it is popular among mountain climbers of Sri Lanka.
My initial plan was to do a day hike to these peaks but changed it at last moment as Saturday was free for me. Unfortunately we had a late start at 11.30am due to traffic jam at the beginning of long week end.
Five of us came from Colombo and Prabath joined with us at Kalupahana.
Our plan was to first climb Wangedigala from Bambarakanda side and then move to Wangedi Kanda and camp at base of Balathoduwa. Chamara has climbed from Bambarakanda side and I have been at Wangedi Kanda twice from Brampton estate side.
After completing the necessary stuff from Kalupahana we hired two three wheels to the entry point of the trail to Wangedigala. It is about 1km before Bambarakanda entry point. We had our late breakfast at the water stream and filled our bottles and bellies with water.
According to Chamara we have to get into pines plot to reach Wangedigala but there was no foot pathway to reach the pines plot from water stream and iron bridge. Therefore we creped through bushes about one hour to reach clear forest and then moved to Pines patch.
Someone has fired dry pines leaves on ground and it made the climb easier. It was a continuous ascend through Pines trees and we found the foot pathway later. We reached Wangedigala around 2pm.

Wangedigala and Wangedi Kanda

Three peaks in line: Wangedi Kanda, Balathoduwa and Gommolli Kanda

Black arrow shows our trail head and yellow star shows Balathoduwa peak. Red star shows Gommolli Kanda. Click map to enlarge.

Team except me

Reaching the water stream where we had our late breakfast.

Famous suspension bridge…

Our first target…Wangedigala

Having a rest after creeping through bushes

Entering to Pines plot

Climb up through Pines patch

Having a break

Smiley face of Chamara

It was a continuous ascend till we reach Wangedigala

Second break where we had a windows view of Lanka Ella

Extremely dry highest waterfall of Sri Lanka

Enjoying the journey

Foot pathway

Pinus plot

Tired face

At back drop of Bambarakanda area

At the base of Wangedigala

Final ascent

On top of Wangedigala

On top of Wangedigala

The flag….

Wangedigala provides nice panoramic view towards Bambarakanda falls and Lanka Ella, Udaweriya, Hortain plains, Idalgashinna Mountain, Beragala and Haputhale area, Pambahinna, Samanala Wewa reservoir, Kuragala, southern plains, Adarakanda, Wangedi Kanda, Balathoduwa and Gommolli Kanda.
We had a quite long break there and moved towards next target-Wangedi Kanda.

Colombo-Badulla road

Beragala Mountain

Idalgashinna Mountain-Most right peak

Kuragala and southern plains

Lanka Ella

View towards Bambarakanda, Idalgashinna, Beragala and Haputhale

Udaweriya tea factory

Wangedi Kanda in middle of Balathoduwa and Gommolli Kanda

Foot pathway and burned Mana

Coming from Wangedi Kanda

We got the message about water source from a local guide. It is situated about 500m down along the foot pathway to Brampton estate. The mana in between Wangedi Gala and Wangedi Kanda has been fired. On our way we went there and filled some empty bottles with water. As it was around 6pm when we reached Wangedi Kanda, we decided to camp at side of it.

Moving towards Wangedi Kanda

On the way to Wangedi Kanda

On the way to Wangedi Kanda

On the way to Wangedi Kanda

Moon set

Moon set

Evening sky over Wangedi Kanda

On the way to Wangedi Kanda

Peak of Wangedi Kanda

It is Balathoduwa and Gommolli Kanda

The camp site at Wangedi Kanada was a nice place. There were scattered fire wood to set the camp fire but we cut a small pines tree as well. As this place is at the edge of Wangedi Kanda it is easily exposed to wind. We didn’t feel that much hungry as we had some snacks following the tea. Our tents were waved with wind on and off in the night making thoughts of to be in the valley somewhere down.
Chamara woke up us in early morning and we walked to the peak of Wangedi Kanda to enjoy sun rice. View from Wangedi Kanda was same as Wangedigala but higher level.

Camp fire

Around the camp fire

Sun rise over Beragala and Haputhale side

Awaiting for sun rise

Towards Wangedigala

Enjoying the Sun rise

Samanala Wewa reservoir

Main targets of the day

On top of Wangedi kanda

Day 02
This is the day of dreams come true. We prepared our breakfast and cleaned the camp site well. The weather was excellent and our main targets were slightly covered with mist. We started the journey around 8.15am.
The foot pathway continued away from Wangedi Kanda and it entered into bamboo forest. Initially the foot pathway was not much clear later it was remarkable. We always followed the cut marks on trees and bushes. After a sharp ascend through Pines patch we reached the camp site at base of Balathoduwa.

It was like a heaven

Further continuation of Wangedi Kanda and our camp site

Closely placed our two tents

Preparing breakfast

Camp site

Chef and breakfast

Cleaning the camp site is very important

Cleaning the camp site

Direction after Wangedi Kanda

Snaps before leave Wangedi Gala

The team before enter the forest

Survey department mark along the foot pathway

Walking through Bamboo….

Having a rest…

Coming to a Pines patch

View of Balathoduwa and Gommolli Kanda through Pines patch

Enjoying the surrounding view

Camp site at Balathoduwa base

Discussing where to turn….

Next stretch of climbing was again along the Bamboo forest. There was a clear foot pathway from here to Balathoduwa peak and it was around 1hour journey. After Bamboo forest it was an easy climb towards the peak with keeping an eye on the peak. On the way we have noticed a foot pathway to left hand side assumed it towards Adarakanda. We reached the peak around 11am.
The view from Balathoduwa peak was amazing. It provides 3600 view towards Gommolli Kanda, Hortain plains and World’s end (behind Gommolli Kanda), Bambarakanda, Haldummulla, Haputhale, Idalgashinna, Beragala, Southern plain, Kuragala, Samanala Wewa reservoir, Adarakanda, Hagala, Non perial region, Dethanagala and Pettigala. The wind was roaring over the peak and mist was covering the view intermittently.

Entering to Bamboo Forest

Most of the time it was a continuous ascend. Chamara was leading us….

Entering to the forest patch

Enjoying the hiking….

Enjoying the hiking….

A place of tea making

Last bit of climbing to Balathoduwa

Scenery captured on our way up…

Balathoduwa peak with 360 degree view

Balathoduwa peak with 360 degree view

මහ රත් මල්

Other one of twin peaks…Gommolli Kanda. World’s end is behind of it.

Mini world’s end and Great world’s end

Raising the flag…

The way we came….

Peaks we have passed-Wangedigala and Wangedi kanda

Towards Bambarakanda area and Haldummulla

View of the winding road from Kalupahana to Ohiya

Adara Kanda side

Adaptation for wind…..

Next and final target was Gommolli Kanda. As we kept our stuff at the base of Gommolli Kanda the journey was fast. We had to descend first and climb over the edge of the mountain. The foot pathway was not that much clear as Balathoduwa. Someone has gone to the peak recently and therefore cut marks over bushes were there to guide us. After about 1hour journey we reached Gommolli Kanda peak which was bit higher than Balathoduwa.
Gommolli Kanda has only 270 degree view and Balathoduwa peak can’t be seen from top of Gommolli Kanda. We were just in front of World’s end and could hear the screams of viewers at World’s end. It was a good view point towards Non perial estate, tea factory and Nagrak bungalow.

Heading towards Gommolli Kanda

Misty view of Gommolli Kanda

View of Balathoduwa on our way to Gommolli Kanda

Heading towards Gommolli Kanda

The peak of Gommolli Kanda

View of Nagrak Bungalow, Non perial tea factory and Vantage point of Nagrak

Vantage point of Nagrak and Hagala is behind it. This is Hirikatu Oya valley

Zoomed view of Non perial tea factory

View of Great World’s end

View of Mini World’s end

On top of Gommolli Kanda

On top of Gommolli Kanda

On top of Gommolli Kanda

After enjoying our time on Gommolli Kanda we started to get down quickly. Our initial plan was to come down along Adarakanda side. But the local guy Ranjith told he also has not been at that road. Then we decided to get back from the same side. Last stretch of the return journey had some extra adventures as we missed the trail from Pinus forest to village. It was dark when we reached the iron bridge but had to cross a marshy land unexpectedly. After having a wash from the water stream we called two three wheelers to reach double bridge and got the bus to Colombo.

At Balathoduwa again

In return journey

Return journey

Guys coming over Wangedi Kanda

Thanks for reading

Sandamadala is a lesser known peak situated at upper border of Knuckles massif. I have never know about such a peak till Eshan mentioned about it. He has been at beautiful Galboda village to visit Galboda waterfall (not famous Galabada waterfall in Watawala) and noticed this beautiful peak.

Map reading: The approximate place of Sandamadala is marked by black star. Approach from Galboda side is shown by black arrow and approach from Kotagala side is shown by red arrow. Closer peak Karagahathenna is shown by red star. Click image to enlarge.

This journey was special as we tried to climb this mountain in two sides and only second attempt was successful. After first visit I have done map review and found this Galboda area is situated closer to Karagahathenna. But I couldn’t locate where this peak is situated when I was on Karagahathenna. It is very prominent and beautiful in Galboda side and less prominent in Kotagala side. (Not the famous Kotagala in Nuweraeliya).

First visit to Sandamadala from Galboda side
It was a bright sunny day and I travelled from Polonnaruwa to Naula and got a bus to Opalgala. Then I got down at Ambana junction till Anupama and Eshan come by bike. Ambana junction was familiar to me due to my previous visit to Opalgala cascades. It was a three way junction and we drove towards Galaboda village. Galboda is a beautiful but kind of an isolated village situated proximity to Knuckles forest reserve.
We parked our bike at Eshan’s known house at village. Then we followed the foot pathway at edge of Galboda Oya. Galbada oya joins with Amban Ganga at Ambana junction. It was not difficult to trace the foot pathway as the pipe line was laid there.
At one point we entered into the forest towards Sandamadala peak.
From there onwards it was a continuous ascend under the shades of trees with no proper foot pathway. We targeted the peak. The forest joined with a mana patch which was uttered difficult to creep. Then we were at the base of the mountain. The steepness was more to climb and fewer bushes were there to hold. Then we moved to side of the mountain and climbed for some height with assistance of bushes. At one point we decided to give up the climbing as steepness was more and more.

Return journey was also bit difficult but we reached the village in 2hours time compared to 3-3.30 hours we spent for climbing up. It was bit disappointed time as we couldn’t reach the peak even after tough climb. But we assumed the peak can be reached via easier way and said bye to the challenging mountain.

Entering to Galboda village

Beautiful Galboda village

It was a nice sunny day

Still it has some signs of an old village

First glimpse of Sandamadala peak (most left one)

Sandamadala Peak is shown in arrow

Last house of the village

Upper border of Knuckles massif

Wind Chan

The pipe line was our land mark and we followed it’s route

Water stream at Galboda

Clear foot pathway up to some extent

Entering to the forest

Ascend through the forest patch

Ascend through the forest patch

Surrounding view-Towards Bakamuna side

Paddies at Galboda village

Surrounding view…..

At the end of Mana patch we are at base of the mountain

Gedaragalapathana Mountain

Hawarimana peak

Forest patch and mana we have passed

After the Mana patch. I didn’t try to click inside Mana.

Smiled after a hectic climb through Mana

More and more close to the base….

It is difficult to climb straightway along the rock

Move to the side of the peak. But we had to step down as steepness was more.

Coming down….

Coming down….

Coming down….

Under the shades of giant tree

Myself and Eshan

Mini cascade found at Galboda Oya

Deep pond comes across at Galboda Oya

Along the pipe line

Back to village

Good bye till I back to you

Successful visit to Sandamadala from Kotagala side
This was the day luck was with us. As usual I came from Polonnaruwa and I got a lift till Ambana junction. I was able to view Sandamadala with the nearby giant-Hawarimana range above reserved Moragahakanda area. I met Eshan at Ambana junction (who came by motor bike) and had our breakfast. Then we drove along Opalgala road and got left hand side turn to reach Kotagala Tamil village. After about 500m drive road ended and we parked the bike at nearby house. They said it’s about 30-45minutes walk to Kotagala village.
It was a scenic walk under the shadows of trees at the edge of a water stream. We met few villagers coming down to buy their daily needs from Opalgala on our way. It was an ascend to Kotagala village and Sandamadala with it’s nearby similar peak were viewed just before the destination.

Kotagala Tamil village shelters for about 25-30families. They were asked to leave the area due to the threat of landslides. This isolated village doesn’t have a road and connected to Opalgala and Andawala side by foot pathways.

We inquired about Sandamadala peak but they are not using such a name for the peak. It is just another mountain for them but can be reached. After getting directions from locals we started the journey. First we came to the end of the village and then entered the forest through village border. Then we creped through bushes till meet Mana patch. From here onwards till the peak it was full length of Mana. There were foot pathways through Mana area but it misled us sometimes. We targeted the peak and reached their in 1-1.5 hours time. This was considerably an easy hike compared to our 1st attempt in other side of the peak.
The neck of the mountain has blow of wind. It was the place where Hawarimana range is connected. After reaching the peak we got down somewhere down to other side to work out our previous attempt. Steepness was more in that side but possible to get down to Galboda village.

We could view Arangala, Bowathenna reservior, Manikdena, Lenadora, Gedaragalapathana, construction area of Moragahathenna and Galaboda village from top of Sandamadala mountain.

View of northern edge of Knuckles massif in red arrow. Sandamadala is situated at this line. Black arrow shows the borderline mountain of Moragahakanda. The area in front of that would be submerged with water.

Closer view and Sandamadala peak is shown by black star. Our unsuccessful attempt is shown by black arrow. Red arrow shows the direction from Kotagala side.

Road starts to Kotagala Tamil village

Starting the journey….Entered into forest.

Walking towards Kotagala village

Foot pathway to Kotagala village

Foot pathway to Kotagala village

Foot pathway to Kotagala village

Foot pathway to Kotagala village

First view of Sandamadala peak

Crossing the water stream. This might have a fast flow in rainy days.

Reaching Kotagala Tamil Village

Get directions from locals…They were positive minded

Blessings from God

Entering to the forest through a private land.

Walking up in the forest…..

Entering to Mana area. After this whole mountain was covered with Mana.

View of Lenadora is seen as pointed peak.

There were foot pathways made by wild animals

Surrounding view on our way up….

Walking through Mana bushes…..

Good place for camp site….

On our way to the peak….

Surrounding view….

Nearby other peak

Surrounding view

Delicate

Sometimes Mana was high up to half of our body

Reaching the neck of the mountain. White arrow towards Hawarimana peak. According to our observation it can be climbed from this direction. Yellow arrow towards Sandamadala peak.

Towards the peak..

Looked back….Neck of Sandamadala Mountain

The side we previously attempted

Sandamadala Peak

Reaching the peak…

Eshan is on top of Sandamadala peak

I am on the peak

Surrounding view from the peak

Surrounding view from the peak towards Gedaragalapathana

Arangala and Bowathenna reservoir

Arangala peak in left hand side and Manikdena on right hand side

After reaching the peak we descended somewhere down towards Galboda side to see what happened us in last time. The steepness was more but to get down from that side was possible. It took around one and half hour for return journey. It was kind of early finished one day trip.

Hawarimana peak with it’s surrounding range

Towards Galboda side

To be our next target

Towards Galboda side….

Two men team was successful

Towards Opalgala side

Coming down

Coming down

Temporary shelter made by wild bores

Coming down….

Coming down….

Not to be eaten.

Something for their lunch

Passing Kotagala Village

Passing Kotagala Village

It was bit earlier to finish a trip….

Last section of Foot pathway between Kotagala and Opalgala

Elephants in Opalgala

Thanks for reading

Haagala/ Havagala is a famous mountain situated at Sabaragamuwa province near to the Sabaragamuwa University. This mountain is the final lesson of their Rag but this is some kind of a good experience to them to have an adventure in this beautiful area.
Haagala was situated on the way of famous “Pahanthudawa Waterfaall”. And you have to go about 8km from the Badulla road. Vehicles can park near to the starting point and the nearby village house is very friendly and helpful to keep our extra bags and helmets too.

Nameboard at the Main road

School Nameboard at the Main road

Hotel Nameboard at the Main road

Hotel Nameboard at the Main road

Another Hotel

Another Hotel

Another Hotel Nameboard at the Main road

Hotel Nameboard at the Main road

After you start the journey the path will continue to a tea estate via a small jungle by crossing below mentioned two bridges. After you entered to the tea estate, walk along the tea plot about 30m to the jungle side. And then you will entered to the jungle, please remember that do not go to the right hand side foot path way which is go to the top of the area beside the tea estate. Just go down to the left side foot pathway which is directly goes to the stream. Cross the stream and walk about 100m via the small jungle patch and then you will enter to the Pines area. The same foot path way will continue to the top of the mountain but it is difficult to find at the Pines area since there some paths created by animals too.
However you have to walk to the end of the Pines area about 1-1.5Km and on that way you will find about 3 main long rocky plains which are situated from the top to the bottom of the Pines area. We stopped at a one big rocky plain which is having a dead end and that place is like a dried stream. There are some stone cuts in that area likes small squares. This Pines area was fully covered with “Mana” bushes.

Begining of the hike

Crossing the 1st Bridge

Crossing the 2nd Bridge

Water Stream at the 2nd Bridge

Path to the Tea Estate

Entering to the Jungle

Don’t follow this path, this is just going to the upper tea estates

Just entered to the Pains area

Finally we came to the end of the Pines area where we met the Jungle and the 1st Camping site. After the camp site the path will continue via the jungle and from that point till the end you will find the Red flags where it shows the correct path to the summit level.
After you entered again to the final Mana bushy area menas to top of the Haagala, you can camp at anywhere of the mountain area since the ground is flat and suitable to accommodate about 200-300 people. There is a flag at the top of the mountain which was fitted by the University students. When we go there it was fallen to the ground since the high wind in this season. We fixed it again and spend about 1 hour at the top.

We have to go beyond this Pains area

Having a rest

We came across the 1st Pains area

Different type of a Pains tree

Red arrow shows the destination

Amazing environment

Ihala Galagama and Horton Plains side

Beautiful Nature

The main rocky plain on the way to the summit

Dead end of the Rocky Plain

Some stone styles, Dont know who create these or any relation with Rawana Legend

Ihala Galagama area

Adara Kanda seen

Another rest at the Rocky Plain

Close to the summit

Having a rest

Camp site 1

Camp site 1, just before meet the Flag area

The directions to the final 1km

campus students such did a useful work

DWC land marks

Path through the jungle

After this flag the path will continue to the Mana patch

Beautiful Mana area

We are so close to the summit level

Another Camping side at the top of Havagala

We at the Top, this flag was made by the Campus Students

Adara Kanda side

At the Summit Level

Lonley Planet

Another land mark

beautiful nature

The bottom of Havagala

Adara Kanda and Non Pariel side

Samanala Wewa

Havagala seen at near the Landu Yaya road

Another view

Time to Leave the Havagala

Havagala seen at Pambahinna

Havagala Mountain

Facebook – Travel in Sri Lanka-Sobasiri

Peacock hills/Moneragala-මොණරාගල (1518m)
Moneragala (Not Moneragala in Uva province) is clearly visible in your right hand side when you travel from Peradeniya to Nuweraeliya at Pussallawa area. It’s the northern margin of the area called Kotmale which has cultural differences compared to other Upcountry population. This mountain has a historical value as Prince Gamunu-ගැමුණු කුමාරයා (later king Dutugamunu) has lived in Kotmale for 12 years in his life. He lived as a herdsman in this area and has gone to Moneragala Mountain with his poultry.
I have been there 3 years ago and this was kind of a revisit.
We started journey from Peradeniya around 7am. The mode of transportation was motor bike and had breakfast on our way from a Rotti stall. At Paradeka junction we turned to right hand side and drove towards Dorabada. The road towards Doraboda was bumpy over large area and Moneragala peak was visible with transmission towers in left hand side.
There was a Museum of tea pluckers but it was closed on Sundays. We reached Dorabada tea factory and got the road next to tea factory. Just before the end of the road we found the actual trail head which goes through Pinus patch.
Climbing of Moneragala Kanda is nothing. As you can drive up to great extent and rest of the hiking is about 20-30minutes uphill through Pinus plot.
Summit is occupied with transmission towers.
They have planned to build a stupa on the summit but it was not successful yet.

View of Peacock Hills from Paradeka

View of Peacock Hills from Rajathala Wela (රජතලා වෙල)

Another view of Peacock Hills

Doraboda tea factory where you have to turn left

Landscaping seen on the way….

More closer….

More and more landscaping….

More and more landscaping….

At the trail head after parking the bike. Note the trail head is just next to the bike.

Through Pinus plot

Through Pinus plot

Pinus everywhere….

Reaching the top

Peak of Peacock hills occupied by towers

Peak of Peacock hills occupied by towers

You can have panoramic view from top of Peacock hills: Ambuluwawa with Nawalapitiya town in a clear day, Dolosbage range with Kabaragala, Pussallawa town, A-5 road, Ramboda Falls, Garandi Falls, Kotmale reservoir, Piduruthalagala range etc.

A5 road between Pussallawa-පුස්සැල්ලාව and Thawalanthanna-තවලන්තැන්න

A5 road and Piduruthalagala range

View towards Kotmale reservoir

Zoomed view of Kotmale reservoir

Pussallawa town

The head of the peacock with it’s quill

The head of the peacock

Ramboda falls is circled…I can’t exactly tell whether it is 1st or 3rd part

Peacock on peacock…

Two man team

Bamboo

Found on top…

Coming down…

Peak is marked by star…

After enjoying the view from Peacock Hills we drove back to Doraboda tea factory. Then turned to left hand side. Our next target was Mahaweli Maha Seya which was visited by me in two times before.

Mahaweli Maha Seya (මහවැලි මහා සෑය)
Kotmale project was initiated in 1976 and this stupa was made to commemorate all temples and stupa submerged by Kotmale project. (Around 18 temples were drowned under the project). They started constructions of this massive stupa in 1983 March 23rd but stopped in 1992. Again it restarted in 2000 and unveiled on 20th June 2016.
Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya is 289.5feet tall (4.5feet lesser than Ruwanweli Maha Seya) and second largest stupa of Sri Lanka.
This was built with the idea of former Mahaweli Minister Hon. Gamini Dissanayaka and chief engineer was Dr. Kulasingha. Mahaweli Maha Seya is built on 32 concrete bars and special feature of this stupa is the cavity inside it.

View of Mahaweli Maha Saya from Kotmale reservoir

Mahaweli Maha Seya in 2011

Inside the Stupa in 2011

Mahaweli Maha Seya in 2016

Pinnacle of Stupa

Inside the Stupa

View of Kabaragala-highest of Dolosbage from Mahaweli Maha Seya

Scenic road towards Kotmale Dam

Then we went down towards Kotmale dam and view point and on the way we visited Dehadu Kadulla as well.

Dehadu Kadulla (දෙහදු කඩුල්ල)
Ancient Kotmale had four entrances: Kadadora-කඩදොර, Watadora-වටදොර, Niyangandora (නියන්ගන්දොර) and Galdora-ගල්දොර. Kadadora was the entrance from Ruhunu Rata and Prince Gamini also entered Kotmale via this gate. He hid his royal sword in the giant Nuga tree of Dehadu Kadulla.
Nowadays renovated Dehadu Kadulla can be seen there.

Historical information about Dehadu Kadulla

Renovated Dehadu Kadulla

Renovated Dehadu Kadulla

Renovated Dehadu Kadulla

After viewing Dehadu Kadulla we entered the road between Ulapane and Thawalanthanna via Kotmale. The view point of Kotmale dam was just in front of there.

Kotmale dam and view point
The Kotmale project is one of five major head works projects undertaken under the accelerated Mahaweli River scheme. The rock fill dam created a reservoir having an effective storage capacity of about 174 m.cm. (141,000 acre feet) enabling regulation of a large proportion of the recorded mean annual flow of the Kotmale oya at the dam site. About 3000 families lost their homes and lands due to the construction of the reservoir. The Dam Crest Length is 520 m and the dam height 87m.
There are few reservoirs of Sri Lanka which have view points for public. Kotmale reservoir is one of it. Apart from view point there is a small museum to display the progress of Kotmale project. You have to get a ticket from here and walk/drive another 1km to reach the dam along the main road towards Ulapane (උලපනේ).
I have visited thrice at Kotmale dam when reservoir has less water as well as filled with water.

Kotmale museum

Information about Kotmale Dam

Area map of Kotmale

Kotmale Dam and reservoir

Boats are parked at bank

Kotmale reservoir

View of Mahaweli Maha Seya from Kotmale reservoir

The entrance of the dam is situated about 1km down to the view point. Same ticket is valid to enter there and you can walk over the dam.

Kotmale reservoir is named as Gamini Dissanayaka reservoir as well.

Over the dam

Sliced door

View of reservoir over the dam

Moneragala/ Peacock hills and Mahaweli Maha Seya

After visiting Kotmale reservoir view point we have moved along Pussallawa road to visit Kadadora Priyabimbaramaya temple.
Kadadora Priyabimbaramaya temple (කඩදොර ප්රිaයබිම්බාරාමය)
Kadadora ancient temple was submerged by water of Kotmale reservoir and reappeared in 2016 March. This was kind of major tourist attraction among locals. I also visited there in early part of the session (Luckily didn’t have much crowd).
They started to build this temple in 1897 and finished 1st temple in 1905. This image house was finished in 1934. Paintings of image house belong to Kandyan style. It was merged under the water in 1979 and new temple was established at Brooke side area.

Image house of Kadadora ancient temple. Only walls with Buddha statue can be seen.

Image house of Kadadora ancient temple

Buddha statue of Kadadora Temple

Buddha statue of Kadadora Temple. There are 4 feet layer of sand around this statue.

Makara Thorana of Kadadora Temple

The place where Bo tree found

Constructions of steps…now giving ancient appearance

Stupa found on other side of the bank

After passing Kadadora, next area is Morape.

Morape Katharagama Dewalaya (මොරපේ කතරගම දේවාලය)
This place is not directly related the stories of Prince Gamunu but historically important and situated at Kotmale-Thawalanthanna road. You can see two Dewalaya for God Katharagama and God Vishnu. Annual Perahara is held on July month.

“Kattaha Maduwa-කට්ටාහ මඩුව

“Wishnu Dewalaya” -විෂ්ණු දේවාලය

“Katharagama dewalaya”-කතරගම දේවාලය

Kitchen

Ambagaha Pihilla (අඹ්ගහ පිහිල්ල)
Few bends after passing Morape Dewalaya we were able to visit at Ambagaha Pihilla. This is situated closer to the main road. This is also an ancient water spring where Prince Gamunu has bathed and number of Mango trees can be seen closer to it. This is at the bank of Kotmale reservoir.

Directions to go down to view Ambagaha Pihilla

Ambagaha Pihilla

Ambagaha Pihilla and surrounding Mango trees

Kotmale reservoir

Kotmale reservoir

We turned at Mawela to reach Mawela RMW and Na Gaha Pihilla.

Mawela Yathurugahuliyadda RMW (යතුරුගැහූලියද්ද රජමහා විහාරය)
Prince Gamunu has put the winnowing fan-“Kulla”-කුල්ල from Galapitagala (ගලපිටගල) to find out a good place for Kamatha (කමත). This is the place where winnowing fan has fallen and later a temple was built to commemorate this incidence. “Yathura” (යතුර) is another name for winnowing fan. The image house of Mawela temple belongs to Kandyan era and a branch of sacred Bo tree also can be seen there.

Mawela Yathurugahuliyadda RMW

Ancient image house of Mawela RMW

Makara Thorana

Entrance of image house

Paintings…..

Stupa…..not an old one

Bo tree….Origin from Sri Maha Bodhiya

Entrance with Swastika mark

Nagaha Pihilla (නා ගහ පීල්ල)
This water spring is situated closer to Yathurugahuliyadda RMW. We passed the temple and followed the road in front of the temple. This is also a water spring where Prince Gamunu has bathed.

Nagaha Pihilla

Nagaha Pihilla

After visiting Nagaha Pihilla and Yathurugahuliyadda RMW we came to main road and reached next place: Ranamune Pihilla and Rajathala Wela.

Ranamune Pihilla and Rajathala Wela (රණමුනේ පිහිල්ල හා රජතලා වෙල)
Rajathala Wela is the paddy field cultivated by Princes Gamunu. This small paddy field is situated closer to Moneragala. Ranamune Pihilla is a water spring situated at this paddy field used by Prince Gamunu for bathing.
Still this water spring can be seen there and it is kind of a tourist attraction at Kotmale. If you walk about 100m above Ranamure Pihilla you can visit it’s origin under a rock slab.

Ranamune Pihilla and changing room for bath

Ranamune Pihilla

Origin of Ranamune Pihilla

The foot pathway laid at Rajathala Wela Ranamune Pihilla

Rajathala Wela

We wanted to visit Pusulpitiya RMV next and got directions from villagers.

Pusulpitiya RMV (පුසුල්පිටිය රජමහා විහාරය)
This is kind of a major tourist attraction in Kotmale. Pusulpitiya RMW is situated at other bank of the reservoir. There is a nice story behind the name Pusulpitiya but not related to Prince Gamunu folks. (Refer the book). Prince Gamunu has visited at Pusulpitiya RMV during his life at Kotmale. He was identified as the new king by royal tusker when King Kawanthissa has passed away at Pusulpitiya RMW.
The last Arahath Thero of Sri Lanka-Maliyadewa Thero has brought four golden Buddha statues from his mother land-Yonaka country and distributed to four temples including Pusulpitiya RMW. The image house with two stories where Buddha statue is placed called Maliya Maha Paya.

Other interesting places are ancient Bo tree (branch of sacred Bo tree), Dalada Hapuwa (දළදා හපුව), Slab inscription, small stupa and sacred foot print.

Steps to temple

“Maliya Maha Paya”-මලිය මහා පාය

The golden Buddha statue brought by Maliya Dewa Arahath Thero. This might be it’s model. Makara Thorana around this Buddha statue was offered by King Buwenakabahu who ruled in Gampola.

Ceiling of image house. Paintings belongs Kandyan era.

Wall paintings of the image house.

Ancient Porcelain

Wooden piles of Tampiti Wiharaya

View of Moneragala through the window of image house

Information about “Dalada Hapuwa”

Ancient Hapu Tree-Dalada Hapuwa

Ancient image house and new Damma House

A branch came from sacred Bo tree

Slab inscription written hundred years ago.

Second image house was built in later stages but might be belong to Kandyan era.

Seated Buddha statue seen in second image house

Ancient Stupa made on the rock where Prince Gamunu was identified as new king of the country by royal tusker.

Ancient Stupa made on the rock where Prince Gamunu was identified as new king of the country by royal tusker.

After visiting Pusulpitiya RMW we connected the road which goes over Kotmale dam and reached the road to Ulapane. Ulapane Fool’s bridge was our last place of visit of the day.

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge (උලපනේ මොඩයගේ පාලම)
The bridge built over Mahaweli River at Ulapane has a special feature. It’s iron frame was constructed upside down. This was built in British colonial period and it happened as a mistake. They said the British Engineer has committed suicide following this. Later another iron bridge was built parallel to this. The new bridge can be seen in between two iron bridges.
Nowadays there are three bridges at Ulapane.

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge in monochrome

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge

New bridge over Mahaweli River

Second old bridge

Second old bridge

Old vs. new

This map shows red star: Peacock Hills, Green star: Mahaweli Maha Seya, Black arrow: Kotmale Dam, Purple arrow: Kadadora temple (approximate place), Blue star: Morape Dewalaya, Purple star: Pusulpitiya temple. Click map to enlarge

Thanks for reading

The day I heard about Lakegala, I started collecting information about this incredible rocky mountain. I was dreaming about this for very long time. When I did the ‘Nil Diya Pokuna’ cave expedition, I decided my next big thing is Lakegala. Me and my friends went to Lakegala during April 2016. Weather was perfect, but the night we stayed, Meemure had a heavy shower. Nava mama told that not do the hike. I was heartbroken L. But I made up my mind that something bad would have happened if we have hiked. From that day I was my clock started ticking……

Every time when I told my friends that I want to do the Lakegala, they said that it’s very hard and too risky. And to think twice before you attempt. But My mind was already set to do this hike this year. After my first attempt I tried several times, but planning screwed me up.

At last, I got an invitation from Kasun Priyashantha, I was walking on the moon. The plan was to climb Lakegala and camp at river bank. We planned to leave on 23^rd September, I informed Nava mama that we are coming on 24^th morning. We (Kasun & his wife, Shashika, Uditha) assembled at Kasun’s house on 23^rd at 6 pm. We have packed all the food, tent and other necessary items for camping and started our journey on Uditha’s Toyota pickup. We left Piliyandala at around 6:30 PM and guided by Google navigation to get the shortest path to Kandy. Our plan is to reach Kandy by 10 PM. For some reason, whole plan got collapsed and came to Nittambuwa at 9:30m PM ha ha ha…. Nothing to do we have to go on. We continued our journey and reached Nava mama’s house at around 4 am. According to Nava mama, we should start climbing around 5 am, we were very tired and exhausted. This worried me a lot, because the hike is very tough. Not only that, wind was blowing like hell, this worried me too much. Especially when you climb the rock surface, if the wind speed it too much, it’s very risky. I checked with Nava mama, he said that wind started only today…… not again L. But my mind said that you will do it today. So we continued.

We had a good cup of tea at Nava mama’s place. We packed with bread & spicy seeni sombol (thanks to Hasini) and started the hike. Before the hike, went to a devalaya to get blessings for a safe journey. I lighted 3 oil lamps and prayed. Now we are ready to rock. We were accompanied with Kalu malli (the guide).

During September, it was very dry, no water in the river and remaining water is contaminated with bugs and dried leaves. Therefore, make sure you carry enough water.

Our transporter……

WOW…… what a view…..

Walked through the jungle and passed dried streams for an hour. We took time-to-time short break and had jeewani & glucose. We all were tired and exhausted due to long journey, this continued to worry me. But inner mind said that we are going to achieve this goal today, and I trusted my inner mind. After hour and half walk, we came to small water fall (a stream), where we had our breakfast. Comparing to last time visit, this time stream was dried big time. We had search for clean water for drinking.

It’s breakfast time….

Contaminated water…. 

After the breakfast and a small rest, we started the journey. From this point onwards there was no big trees for shade, it’s like an open area; small thorny bushes, slippery rock surface and lose stones. You have to be bit careful, that now you are climbing at the edge of the Lakegala. On your right side, it’s a 90 degree drop, single wrong step; you know where it will lead you J.

On April 2016…..

On September 2016…..

Before and after………. Dried big time….

Edge of Lakegala.

At this point I could see the summit; first I thought it’s not too far. But it’s not true, it’s the illusion coz of the rock’s angle. The climbing angle has made us little more difficult to climb. Step-by-step, steep is increasing. Suddenly, we were hit by an another hurdle; very strong winds. Don’t know the wind speed, but it was very strong. I have to grasp the bushes coz of the strong wind; it was pushing me aside. The guide told us that, if this wind continues, we cannot reach the summit.

It’s just ‘WOW’ nothing beyond this……

What a creative mind of ‘Mother nature’

Not again……it troubled me too much, I came that much closer and returning for the second time also; not acceptable by me. I have made up my mind that I AM DOING THIS SOMEHOW. We decided to go as much we can, and see the, if it’s safe to reach the summit, we will, otherwise we will return. Even though my mind said to go, I cannot take stupid risky decision. As mentioned by Sri, in his report, “You have to understand your capabilities and decide for yourself whether you can do it or not. Remember, at the end of the day, safety comes first. You’ve gotta live to tell your story. Don’t try to be heroic unnecessarily and put yours and others’ live in danger. You don’t have to be ashamed of yourselves not being able to climb each and everything.”

These words MUST be followed to the letter, whoever tries this hike.

On the way to the top.

Walking through the thorny bushes…..

Finally reached the rock bottom of the surface…..

After few hours of steep climb through the thorny bushes, we reached the 80-degree angle rock surface. Simply ‘WOW’…. Now mind asked me ‘Are you really want to climb this?” …. Yes, of course…….

WOW…… the path-way to the haven……

The only way to the summit….

On the way to the top.

This is not a hike; this is 100% rock climbing, so be prepared for this.

When we came the rocky surface, the strong wind was almost gone, and the Kalu Malli said that we can continue to the summit. And not to waste time, coz don’t know when the strong wind starts again. And he said that we should climb down, before noon, coz if the rock surface get hot, we will suffer, where we did J. So we kept our backpack and took only water. I took my DSLR bag and a water bottle.

First step……

Shashika in action….

The rock surface is about 700-800 feet high. You should have a good body balance and strength to bare your body weight. Train yourself you planning for Lakegala.

This is how you will be on the rock surface Ha ha ha ……….

second step……

Hasini in action….

It’s recommended be on bare foot when u climb the rock, unless you have the full control. It was almost near to noon, and coz of the slight wind blow we didn’t feel the heat. But the rock surface was getting hotter and hotter.

While you are climbing take you time, be relaxed and don’t rush. If you are thirsty, drink a sip of water, don’t drink too much.  Carry a gloves, this will help you while you are on the rope.

Kalu malli….atha arinnam epa putho….

Still more to go…..very steep climb.

Uditha is in action…..trying his best.

Uditha, couldn’t make it to the summit, coz he was too tired and exhausted; so we don’t want to force him. He decided to climb down to the steam where we had our breakfast. Good decision, I would say. Climbing this rock surface will take very long time, therefore it’s highly recommended to have 5 or lesser members.

Kalu malli….resting

The iron rod where the rope is tide to.

After few hours of hard rock climbing, we all reached the summit. WOW, what an achievement, I felt, I am top of the world. From the summit, Kalu malli informed Nava mama, that we have reached the summit. This is the only place where u have Mobitel signal.

Lakegala Summit…..

Now the hard time begins, climbing down, don’t look down. Always face the rock and climb down like abseiling. By the time we started to climb down, if I am right it was around 3 pm, the rock was soo hot. Anyhow we have to go home; this trip shouldn’t be a history. Keeping this mind started the climb down approach.

I had left with less than 100ML of water. I have to reserve this till I reach down. I was thirsty, to drink 3 chilled Coca-Cola bottles; but only left with less than 100ml water J. This situation was deadly. Can’t explain in words, have to experience it. And we have climb down one by one, that is going to take another couple of hours.

At around 5pm were able to climb down from the rock surface. Now we have an another worry, Uditha. He climbed down to the water stream where we had breakfast and went alone. If he has gone in a wrong path or lost, that would be another disaster. All were worried and climb down faster we can before the night fall. At last we found Uditha near the water stream.

When we found him it was almost dark & he was worried about us, coz. He has thought that something has happened to us. So he got some dried logs and put up a camp fire, so that he can reach help from the villages. Very good thinking, and appreciate his effort. In this kind of a hike we must be ready anything.

We decided to rest for a while, but Kalu malli said that we should move on. Coz, usually the hike will take around 10-11 hours, and if we don’t reach the village ASAP, the villagers will get panic.

So we continued the journey. Kalu malli was right, Nava mama has sent few villagers with rope, drinks, water and with some biscuits; they thought something has happened coz we were so late.

At last we came to village around 8:45 PM. I immediately went to Nava mama’s home. When he saw me, he came running and hugged me said that ‘I was so worried that we didn’t return.’ That time I realized how much these village people are rich in their heart, money is nothing. Very emotional moment. We all thanked Nava mama, Kalu malli and said good bye to Meemure and returned on the same day.

We reached Colombo, next day around 9 am (home sweet home). I should thank Nava mama for this successful trip.

I will meet you soon once again for a cave expedition on Lakegala J.

Most important tips and some guidance.

• Don’t go in large numbers
• Make sure the backpacks are light and stay closer to your body.
• Carry plenty of water
• Climbing Lakegala is like a religious ritual, so guard your tongues
• You have to understand your capabilities and decide for yourself.
• You’ve gotta live to tell your story. Don’t try to be heroic unnecessarily and put yours and others’ live in danger.
• You don’t have to be ashamed of yourselves not being able to climb each and everything. Just gauge carefully and decide what’s best for you.
• Take frequent breaks; remember it’s not a race to the top
• Please don’t attempt this during windy and rainy season
• There are no water sources on top of Lakegala.
• This is not a hike, this 100% rock climbing.

Thank you for reading, see you soon with an another adventure trip report.

Hi folks, it’s been a long time since I brought something for you. I was actually enjoying the marvels of the Mother Nature but in a different territory. After dreaming for so long I managed to make another of my dreams come true when I got the chance to visit Ladakh (I know it might sound like Greek to many) with Ana and D in late Aug 2016.

Ladakh is one of the three main areas of Jammu & Kashmir in Northern India bordering Pakistan and Tibet. Usually J&K is a very volatile area due to the never ending battle to eliminate the terrorism. However Ladakh is relatively calm as it’s further away from the troublesome Srinagar and Kargil. Anyway, I’m not gonna tell you about my Ladakh Journey but if you’re interested in seeing some breath-taking sceneries, do click on the link to view the videos I shot.

After a fairly long time of being idle, I decided to break the shackle and restart the travelling frenzy. Well I couldn’t think of a better place than Sri Pada to do so. As usual I tried to get my gang together only to find that some of them couldn’t make it. To make matters worse, even I had to change the dates making Hari to miss out but he made full use of the break and went onto climb Sri Pada and Bogawanthalawa in two consecutive days.

I was left with only Atha and we decided to give it a crack all the same. So hiring a tuk-tuk, we left Kolonnawa around 2.30am and reached Pettah private bus stand before 3am. Apart from Badulla and Airport buses, there was nothing. So we decided to try our luck at CTB, good old reliable transport method since independence despite having more workers than the number of seats combined in the whole fleet. We got lucky but the bus was due at 4.15am so we joined the queue which already had around 6 people. It showed how popular this bus is and you have to get quite early to the bus stand to get a seat. Those who’re planning to get on after Pettah will have very little chance of finding a seat.

Tour Highlights:

1. Sri Pada Ella
2. Sri Pada Cascades
3. Peace Pagoda
4. Yaka Andu Ella
5. Mapalana Ella

Day 01

It was a wet morning as the rains kept up with us all the way and I was worried and it didn’t help get much needed sleep. When we reached Hatton, it was still gloomy and we decided to have a quick breakfast which turned out to be disastrous as the hotel just off the bus stand looked no better than a slum. For some strange reason, I didn’t feel like a slum dog millionaire. While we waited for our coffee, I got a glimpse of a Maskeliya bus and ran out of the hotel to find out the departure time. Well it was in fact departing but I managed to convince the conductor to hold on for 2 mins and came back and paid the bill, including the untouched coffee.

Just under Olympic record we made it back to the bus and managed to get seats. Well if you miss a Maskeliya bus (remember no direct Nallathanniya (නල්ලතන්නිය) buses just like in the season and there’s one or two that run at very odd times), it means waiting for almost another hour for the next bus. We were glad to be able to get into this and it was just before 9am when we left Hatton.

After a snail-like journey, we reached Maskeliya and bought a couple of essential things like instant noodles. We were planning to take a tuk-tuk from here but our luck held coz there was a Nallathanniya bus leaving at 10am. So having breathed a sigh of relief we got into the bus and settled. The sun was back and my hopes soared like an eagle. However as we got closer to Nallathanniya aka Dalhousie (remember it’s Dalhousie not Delhouse or Delhousie), those hopes came down and down like a deflated balloon.

It was very gloomy and there were a couple of passing showers as well. “This is going to be one heck of a hike” I told Atha and we both regretted not having brought the umbrellas. Well we shouldn’t have worried coz the usage of umbrella becomes next to zero after Geththampana due to the open area and strong winds. We had our long overdue coffee from the shop just before the bridge. Already there was a group of people getting ready to climb for a Pooja and we started our hike around 11am, after 8.5hr journey, well literally.

The hike was ok and the rains stayed away from us, but only until we reached the Sri Pada Ella. The drought which had plagued the whole upcountry area was coming to an end. The water levels were better in the falls but we had to cut short our stay due to the rain. We ran to the shelter near the Makara Thorana and contemplated our options. It was too cumbersome to walk with raincoats on and taking pictures was mission impossible. So I decided to back to the trail head shop looking for umbrellas. I practically ran all the way coz we were pressed for time as well but it was to no avail coz they didn’t have umbrellas for sale but for rent. Well it was no help coz we were going to climb down to Palabaddala.

Yaka Andu Ella extreme top left

Abandoned?

Not really

Sri Pada Ella looking gorgeous

Closer

And some more

Kissing the rock

Like a thin veil

Time to go lady

However, I bought couple of polythene sheets which have been improvised with hoods and they were Rs. 50/- each. It was no use for taking pictures but at least they’d keep our backpacks safe from the water. I ran back to the Makara Thorana (මකර තොරණ) where Atha was waiting. The rain had eased a bit and we had to have a plan. We then decided to use one of the techniques used by the Special Forces’ called hopping. Well there are many animals like rabbits that hop but the SFs use this to cover a long distance by moving from one designated point to another. Thanks to the frequent shelters found at Hatton Trail, we called this Ambalam Hopping.

We decided to hop to Gangulthenna where we could see the Yaka Andu Ella and Peace Pagoda. We started and found our array of cascades to the right. They were not quite prominent like our Previous Journey and coincidentally it was Atha and me who did that waterfall tour which paid dividends. As we got closer to the peace pagoda, all hell broke loose and the sky opened up its double front doors. We managed to run to the shelter adjacent to the peace pagoda where a dog was already seeking refuge.

This gave a good vantage point to enjoy both Peace Pagoda and Yaka Andu Ella but the thickness of the raid made it next to impossible to take clear pictures. Anyway, here are some of them for you.

There they are

Not as many as we saw last time

Just amazing

Red Bridge and we missed the falls to the right of this even this time

Mist coming thick and fast

Peace Pagoda badly in need of a lick of paint

Through heavy rains

Water levels kept rising

Time to get a move on

He was fast asleep

But a leech kept crawling towards it

After more than half an hour wait, the rain eased a bit and we put on our raincoats once again. We were stuck between a rock and a hard place, well very much like. When you put on the rain coat, you begin to sweat like a pig and it’s really uncomfortable. When you take it off, either you’re getting soaked by the rain or being blown out by cold winds. So the Ambalam Hopping somewhat helped manage this dilemma. As we reached the Gangulthenna Ambalama (ගඟුල්තැන්න අම්බලම) the rain completely stopped and the misty veil lifted off the Yaka Andu Ella (‍යකා ඇඬූ ඇල්ල).

Well this sort of helped wipe our tears as I was practically crying over the inability to take a decent picture of this beautiful lady. As we kept watching the water level seemed to increase every passing minute but the window of the opening didn’t last long so we only managed a handful of pictures. On the other hand, we couldn’t take the break in the rain for granted so after a hasty run of photos, we decided to make the next hop to the Seetha Gangula Ambalama. Until then, here are some more pictures.

Better view and no rain

Portrait

Closer

Water levels rose within minutes

Just amazing

Getting darker

One more before the mist covered

And this too

Full of water

Seetha Gangula fattened up

The rain had eased by the time we reached the Seetha Gangula Ambalama (සීත ගඟුල අම්බලම). However we decided to take a break and munch on some cashew as the energy requirements of the body wouldn’t stop rain or shine. However little did we know that the worst was yet to come. Even the breaks we took were not helping much as they didn’t help rest our minds even though our limbs took the much needed break.

We were not sure whether to stay for 5 minutes or 15 minutes and it was a constant battle in our mind. The rains had increased the water levels of Seetha Gangula and we heard a massive waterfall just off the Ambalama. This was visited by Niroshan recently but we didn’t even think about it due to the ferocity of the water. It was as if an M6 Engine was falling off the Kadugannawa rock.

Well, till we reach our next stop which is Rathu Ambalama, here are some pics. Oh don’t expect anything more afterwards for a while coz the rain and mist forced me to stow the camera safely away in the backpack.

Please follow

Slippery steps

Laden with water

The steps helped quite a lot and kept the leeches away

Peace Pagoda, Yaka Andu Ella and other cascades

Peace Pagoda zoomed

Further zoomed

Rare find. The top of Yaka Andu Ella which is not visible from the front.

Age is no barrier for the hard-willed

We reached the Rathu Ambalama (රතු අම්බලම) as the rain was starting once again. It was good timing but the Ambalama was leaking big time and there was nowhere to sit either. So we rested the backpacks on what little dry ground we could find and leaned on the crumbling walls for a breather. We stayed for about another 20 minutes until the worst bit of the rain eased. Afterwards, we decided to let the camera go into the backpack and start the hike. The time was already 3pm and we were quite a distance from our destination.

As I feared from the very beginning, we weren’t going to make it to the summit in this weather. Because it’d certainly be pitch black by the time we started our descent towards Heramitipana (හැරමිටිපාන) and we’d be faced with strong winds, heavier rains and slippery steps which were not so inviting factors. Therefore we had to cut short our journey and take the by route where it merges with the Ratnapura Trail closer to Andiyamala Thenna (ආඬියාමළ තැන්න). In this way, we’d not only save time but also reduce the distance and the worst part of Mahagiridamba on both sides.

It was a very sad decision to leave without worshipping the sacred footprint but hiking and travelling are all about staying safe and taking the safe way and making the right decision no matter how hard it is. Remember, you can always come back when the things are better if you decide to leave something half-done coz you’re saving yourselves from injury or even death. If you make that call, you can almost always come back to complete the journey from where you stopped.

So folks, my advice to you is, stop and turn back if you know that you’re not up to it. Don’t force yourself or others to carry on doing something they’re not comfortable with. Sometimes you might feel it’s a dent in your reputation or ego to turn around but none of them will matter or come to your help if you’re met with mortal danger. Remember, staying safe is the most important thing, nothing else matters. I’ve heard that people who’d climbed to within 300ft of the summit of Everest had decided to turn around as the weather got worse coz they valued their lives more than the achievement itself. And most of them lived to complete their journeys at a later date as a result. Most of the deaths are occurred as many travelers don’t have the temperament to make that call. Well, no matter what I or anyone says, it’s ultimately your call and staying safe and looking after yourself is your responsibility.

After what felt like an eternity we arrived at the Geththampana (ගෙත්තම්පාන). There were 3 people waiting by a shop which looked dilapidated. They spoke to us in English “Where are you from?” thinking we were some foreigners as not many Sri Lankans are this crazy to make this journey under such severe weather. When I replied in Sinhala, they got a shock. We went and sat with them and apparently the shop owner and his helper were preparing the shop for the upcoming season. A bit too early one would think but considering the damage done to the building, they’d need a quite a lot of time to repair it.

Well this shop which is called “Hime Kade” (හිමේ කඩේ) has a 117-year-old history behind it. This had been started in 1898 and is one of the 2-3 shops which don’t have to pay a rent to the urban council as they’re owned by them. The old uncle (gosh I forgot to get his name) was very proud about this and kept on telling us stories while his helper served tea for the other three people. They were from a larger group who were going to the Pooja and said that they’d be staying overnight at the summit. Well my heart leaped and wanted to ask if we could tag along with them as a part of their group but decided against it.

They left after their tea and we too ordered some coffee while the old uncles rattled off the history behind the shop and how people used to travel to the Sri Pada in the old days. Before they built the Maussakelle Reservoir, the road to the Sri Pada had been paved only up to Maskeliya. From there people had to walk all the way to the summit, good 10+km more than what they do now thanks to the road up to Delhousie. Bullock carts had been the primary source of transportation and many people had come from all over the country despite travelling difficulties.

We were hungry and the helper gave us the last roti remaining for us to have. This was probably their lunch but seeing how ravenous we were, they must’ve felt very sad about us. After the roti and hot coffee, we bid our farewell and turn right at the Buddha Statue at Geththampana. This was my first time using this path and Atha had used it years ago. It’s relatively flat but there are ups and downs. The distance from Geththampana to the summit is 1.8km (it’s 4.2km to Geththampana from Trail Head). The by road is around 500m and we walked that under 15 mins. It was a clear footpath despite the off season and even though we were warned about leeches, we weren’t disturbed except for maybe one or two.

It led to the Rathnapura Trail between the Andiyamala Thenna and newly built drainage. The weather was still very bad and we walked down to the Andiyamala Thenna Ambalama hoping to settle down there for the night but the condition of it made us want to puke. The construction workers had left it full of building materials scattered here and there and cement dust had turned into a clay mixture after the rains. Garbage left behind by the previous residents was all over and simply it was no good even for a wild boar. We were undecided whether to get down to the Heramitipana fearing it’d be the same condition.

While we were contemplating, there was someone very beautiful who’d come to welcome us. Here are some pics of him.

Look at that red beak

Constant watch out for food

Managed to get this after many shots

Very observant

It’d gone 4.30pm and we decided to take our chances and go down coz the Heramitipana Ambalama is very large and well protected compared to all the others. So our chances of finding a tiny place to sleep on were very high so we went down merrily. We reached there under 1hr and to our joy found it in better condition. So we cleared a corner and heated our dinner in one of the abandoned sections of the old Ambalama behind this. Always try to light a fire for cooking out of the Ambalama and if it’s raining, at a corner on a tin sheet (can find many in and around) as we must do our best to protect these shelters for others’ usage.

There was water in the tap off the Ambalama so we had no trouble cleaning up and preparing dinner. However it was very difficult to make it but we managed to have a warm meal inside us and turn in early. All I remember was getting inside the sleeping bag and turning to my left. However I woke up with a start to find a Boeing 747 is getting ready to land on the roof. Well, it felt just like that but in reality it was the rain pelting down so hard on the tin roof. I thought it was the wind but it was only the rain pouring in heavily and both Atha and I stayed up for a while to be sure the roof wouldn’t fall on us. The water started leaking in at a few places but we had no problem from them. So we went back to sleep and didn’t stir till the following morning.

Day 02

As we woke up, the rains had eased but the mist and the gloominess still hovered about. It was an effort to get out of the sleeping bag but we had to coz we were thinking of going to the summit before getting down. Unfortunately the visibility was so poor we abandoned that thought. Instead made some coffee and decided to wait for some time for the fog to clear. While we were roaming around the Ambalama, we came across a few visitors here and there. I’m sure you’d love them but a squirrel, eating a moth wouldn’t be a pleasant sight, would it? Well that’s exactly what the fellow was doing after catching a yellow moth. Probably they’re so hard up for fruits and decided to improvise or adapt to the harsh environment. So don’t feel disgusted at those cutie ones. Here you go:

Amazing, ain’t he?

Same fella

This fellow is a bit common

Gosh, what’s this?

There were shiny blue feathers underneath those black ones

Very blackish

Caught in the act

Not so innocent fellow

After quick breakfast of instant noodles, we were ready to go but the thick fog kept us guessing and we just cleared the area we stayed and made sure the fire was put out properly. Just sitting on the steps, we sort of reminisced our previous journeys to this wonderful place. Around 9.45am, we could no longer put this off so decided to take a chance and start the descent.

The rain had stopped and as we went down the mist cleared. I was worried about crossing the Seetha Gangula due to the heavy rains but as we got there, there was no problem. A doggy followed us from the Heramitipana and we shared our snacks with him. However the camera had to be kept inside the bag until we arrived at the Lihinihela Ambalama where we found a massive wasps’ nest. It was built on a mango tree quite close to the path and we warned a group of pilgrims coming up not to make any noise. Here are some pics of them and surrounding views. We even captured a distant seasonal cascade.

Seasonal cascade

Close up view

Here they are

Busy bees

Close up

Closer. Just don’t know how they move about on top of each other

Afterwards, we slowly came down and the sun too decided to poke his lazy head through the clouds. We managed to get down in 4 hours well ahead my estimated 5-6hrs. We washed our faces and walked towards the Palabaddala bus stop but on the way I got this wild idea of visiting Mapalana Ella coz of the sudden rains. Atha hadn’t been to her before so we decided to find a tuk and pay a quick visit to her. More about it after these pictures:

Looking back

More shady compared to Hatton

Ants’ nest

Not so fluffy due to rain

Our friend who ate anything from cashew to biscuits

Colors were bright after the rains

Nice and compact

Such grand colors

Macro at its best

Coffee time

Nothing in sight

Not ready yet

Trying to camouflage

Many beautiful flowers

Like a yacht

Emerald Dove

No mistake, these were very much natural

The temple at the trail head and we used the water overflowing to wash our faces

The clouds were gathering towards Rakwana Mountains and slowly on their way towards us. We spoke to one of the tuk-tuk fellows and he agreed to take us back and forth for just Rs. 200/- to visit the falls. Well it was very cheap coz there’s around 2-3km from the Palabaddala Junction to the falls on a somewhat bad road and he even waited for us. So away we went and as we got closer we could get glimpses of this mighty lady’s top parts.

She was looking grandeur and if you remember My Previous Visit to this beautiful lady with Uncle Tony, she was even richer this time around. So our decision to go pay a visit to this lady really was worthwhile. We stopped at the house just before the falls and then took to the path bordering the stream and the tea estate. House owners warned us of slippery rocks and leeches but the huge roar of the waterfall made my heart beat faster and my legs wouldn’t wait another second as they started their brisk walk towards one of the most beautiful ladies in the whole wide world.

Remember, she’s the 4^th highest in the whole of Sri Lanka and what a sight it really was. There was this massive body of virgin white water falling from the sky all the way to a rugged base pool of rocky boulders sending millions of droplets bathing the whole surrounding area. I was just speechless and even the leeches crawling up my shins and sucking blood from my veins couldn’t deviate my attention from her.

Ok, here we go with the pictures coz I know how impatient you are to get on with them.

Sexy lady

Getting closer

Top part

Extreme top up close

Centre and towards the bottom

Falling in

Little lower segment

Full package

Just look at the posture

Colorful

From the road

One before we left

Well guys, hope you liked those views as much as we did. It was simply unbelievable and we just didn’t feel like returning. However we had a bus to catch to Ratnapura so hurried back to Palabaddala around 2.40pm. The next bus was due at 3pm so had a rushed lunch of bread and dhal from a nearby shop and waited for it.

As promised, the bus left Palabaddala on time and we reached Ratnapura by 4.15pm and got lucky to find a Colombo-bound one at 4.30pm. In the end, we were home before 8pm which was more than we could’ve hoped for.

There ends yet another of my Sri Pada journeys and I hope you all enjoyed it despite the lack of pics throughout the journey. Looking back, I feel very happy we decided to go ahead despite the foul weather conditions and the decision we made to bypass the summit was also a very wise thing. It’s true that every journey we make teaches us something very important and this was no exception.

Well this is Sri signing off for now and will see you again with yet another tour.

Lakegala is a well known mountain situated in Knuckles massif with height of about 1494m. But only few people know it has two peaks. The peak is seen to Meemure is identified as Lakegala and it is known as one of a difficult mountain in Sri Lanka to be climbed. Only few people know it has another peak which is seen from Narangamuwa side. There is gap between two peaks. In between there is a small rock, therefore “Gal Thuna”-ගල්තුන (Three rocks) is another name for Lakegala. Narangamuwa is a village situated closer to Meemure. Interesting thing is Lakegala (Meemure) belongs to Kandy district and Lakegala (Narangamuwa) belongs to Matale district.

Pilot view of Lakegala to show it’s dual peaks. This photo was taken when I was at Kehelpothdoruwegala (කෙහෙල්පොත්දොරුවේගල).

View of Lakegala from Corbet’s Gap

I have climbed these two peaks separately on a same day of the year but with a gap of two years.
Meemure village and knuckles area is directly related to Rawana legend. Lakegala has drawn a special attention in Rawana legend and it says king Rawana (රාවණා රජතුමා) has lifted his aero plane- “Dandu Monaraya”-දඪු මොණරය from there.

The name Lakegala is having several meanings:
1. It is the highest mountain can be seen from eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Therefore ancient sailors have sailed their ships by aiming Lakegala to eastern ports of Sri Lanka. “Illakkagala”-ඉලක්කගල has become Lakegala.

2. The word Lankagala has become Lakegala.

I climbed both peaks starting from Narangamuwa village and after climbing ended up at Meemure village. Apart from that I have been at Rahassa (රැහැස්ස) and Meeriyagolla Mountain (මීරියගොල්ල කන්ද) which are in the same line of Lakegala. (Will come in another report).

Climbing Lakegala-Narangamuwa peak
Here onwards I mention Lakegala-Narangamuwa as Lakegala.
It was my fourth visit to beautiful Narangamuwa village which is under threatens of Moragahakanda reservoir. (Though it is not submerged they will lose the road to the village).
Eshan and myself reached Narangamuwa village on previous day night. We have given alms to the Buddhist monk who stays at “Kuti” at Narangamuwa before start the climb. This Kuti is situated on different foot pathway from Lakegala pathway. There is a foot pathway staring from Narangamuwa to Meemure. Soon after this foot pathway divided into two: Left hand side one goes to Meemure bypassing the base of Lakegala. Right hand side foot pathway goes to Meemure close to base of Lakegala. We followed right hand side foot pathway and on our way we were able to enjoy the view of Uyangomuwa Lake. (I will write in next report)

So there are two foot pathways connecting Narangamuwa and Meemure. One goes at the base of Lakegala range (which is steeper and time consuming but more scenic) and other one by passes Lakegala. After passing Uyangomuwa Lake it ascends and reached a point where another foot pathway goes to left hand side. This is the one to Rahassa, Meeriyagolla Mountain and Lakegala. It initially has a descend with crossing two water streams (Was dry in my both visits) and then it ascends till the base of the mountain.

We kept our bags at base of the mountain and only carried water bottles and necessary food items. As we have been at Meeriyagolla Mountain one month ago we knew the path and difficulties. But we have selected the small gulley in between Meeriyagolla Mountain and Lakegala. Angle is about 60/70 degrees in most of the time. There were enough bushes at side of the gulley to hold. After about 30-45minutes climb we reached the area between Meeriyagolla Mountain and Lakegala peak.

The foot pathway to Rahassa, Meeriyagolla Mountain and Lakegala.

View of Lakegala

Back drop of Meeriyagolla Mountain and Lakegala

View of Meeriyagolla Mountain from Rahassa