Every year we handover school items to rural school. Last time we went to rural school in Badulla. This time we choose Narangamuwa Primary School in Laggala Pallegama  to our project.  We left Maharagama on December 1st at 11.00 p.m. Our team comprises 11 persons with 2 vans. Around 5.15 a.m we reached to Riverston. At that time very cold & misty. Then we waited till 5.45 a.m & start journey to Riverston peak. It was new experience for us such journey in very cold & misty early morning. Around 7.00 a.m we were at Riverston peak & around 8.30 a.m we came back to main road. After that we went to Thelgamu Oya & having wash there. After that we went to Narangamuwa School & it took nearly 1 hour to Illukkumbura to school. When we went there the principle, teachers, school children & villagers waiting for us. They welcomed us warmly. They arranged ceremony to handover gifts. We handover school items, sweets to children & they were full happy. We handover School Name Board, computer , sports items & other school items to school. We gave gifts to Principle & teachers too. Pls see photos & it will tell whole story. They arranged simple & superb lunch for us.

After having lunch we took little rest & went to see Narangamuwa Lake. It was very beautiful place & water comes to lake by 3 “Diya Peeli”. It was very unique feature of this lake. We bath couple of hours there & after that we went to see village.We overnight stay at school hall & very cold at early morning.

Next day early morning we plan to go see few interesting places. We started our journey around 6.30 a.m. We arranged villager to provide our meals & guide us.His name was “Muthu Banda”. First we went to his house & had our breakfast. They were poor people but they treat us their maximum. Around 8.30 a.m we started our journey & first we went to see newly built “Kuti”. At that time monk leaves the place. “Kutiya” build in very beautiful place & ideal for meditation. Our 4 members stopped there & rest of the team started journey. After that we went to see Uyangomuwa Lake & “Rawana’s Garden”. Very little water there & few “Embul Dodam” trees in the area. After that we went to “Kapuwatugala Lena”. Only 3 of us able to reach to lena. Without rope it was bit difficult to reach. After few hours walking we reached to “Reassa”. From there we can get beautiful views & photos will talk rest. We waited nearly 1 hour there & decided to come back without going to “Meeriyagolla Peak” or “Lakegala” due to time we have. On the return journey we bath at beautiful rock pool. Water was very cool even at 1.00 p.m. After having bath we came to “Muthubanda” Mama’s house. Our other team members also came there. We had good lunch same as previous meals. After few hours we reached back to school. After thanks the Principle & “Muthubanda” Mama ,we packed our bags & left from village around 4.00 p.m. On the way we stopped at near Pallegama Bridge & we spent nearly hour in water. After that we started our journey back to home & we stopped at view point of “Pitawala Pathana”. After having beautiful evening views there we started our return journey. We came back to our homes around 12.00 a.m.

We completed another big project & big tour with lots of sweet memories.

Entrance to Riverston Peak

Around 6.00 a.m

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.	Thelgamu Oya

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.	Turning to Narangamuwa

Old Name Board

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Narangamuwa Primary School

School Children welcome us

The Priciple

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.	Principle with new Name Board

Little ones with their parents

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Distributing Gifts

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Handover Computer to School

Happy Faces with their gifts

.	Narangamuwa Lake

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“Diya Peella”

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Narangamuwa Temple

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.	Sleeping at night in School Hall

Morning Views

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Crossing the Stone Fence

“Pindapatha Kutiya”

“Muthu Banda” Mama’s house

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.	Newly built “Kutiya”

Inside the “Kutiya”

Around views from the “Kutiya”

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.	Resting place

.	Uyangomuwa Lake at “Rawana’s Garden”

.	Plucking “Embul Dodam”

“Lakegala” from “Rawana’s Garden”

Crossing water stream

“Kapuwatugala” Lena

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Coming down from Lena

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.	Showing “Maussa Kola” danger than “Kahabiliya Kola”

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.	Views from “Reassa”

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.	“Kapuwatugala Lene” from “Reassa”

.	“Lakegala”

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Surrounding Views

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The Drop

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.	On return journey

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“Clear & cool pool”

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“Muthu Banda” Mama’s Family

The villagers favorite “Thala Kola”

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We met Principle before leaving

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Pallegama Bridge

Having bath in river

Looking at Pitawala Pathana

Evening view’s

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Thanks for reading.

Sanjeewa

History

Kandy is considered as one of the main and historically important cities in Sri Lanka. In 1371 King Wickramabahu established his kingdom and named this city as `Senkadagala’ in remembrance of the Brahmin called Senkanda’ who lived in a rock cave in Udawattekele forest. Thereafter all the kings who ruled took appropriate measures to conserve `Udawatte-kele: forest and regarded it as a part of the Royal Palace. This resulted in declaring the forest as a property of the crown and a restricted zone (Thahansi Kele) for the public. The royal family used this forest as a pleasure garden. During foreign invasions and wars, this forest helped the royals to retreat and hide themselves and also as a’ passage for them to flee to other safer areas.

Biodiversity

Udawattakele forest being situated in the mid country within the intermediate climatic zone, the species composition has been complemented by both wet and dry zone species. Studies revealed that there are about 400 species of plants inclusive of ferns, herbs and orchids. The Park is mainly covered with some introduced tree species, while the area around the lake is dominated by exotic Mahogani (Sweetenia macrophylla) and Myroxlion balsamum. The native liana called “Wevel” (Calamus sps.) and other exotic creepers provide the forest a breathtaking beauty. The rich vegitation of the forest is a home to many wild animals. The park hosts 15 defferent mammals, more than 80 species of birds, 32 species of butterflies and several varieties of reptiles and amphibians. Among the large mammals, Barking Deer, Wild-boar and Tree living mammals species called Toque-monkey are commonly seen in the area. Birds including Black-rumped Sharma and endemic Sri Lankan birds, Dark fronted babbler, Grey horn-bill, Hill myna and Layard paraquet are found in the park. Other bird species such as Owls, Eagals, Kingfishers, 44k4, Wood-peckeres and Fly-catchers are also common. fresh water turtle species called Black Turtle and fish species called Thilapia are common aquatic fauna in the Royal pond.

Attractions of Udawatta Kele;

1. Lady Horton’s Road
2. Royal Pond
3. Giant Bamboo
4. Senkada Cave
5. City View Point
6. Information Centre
7. Hermitages and Caves
8. Kodimale (Flag Point)
9. Pus-Wel (Giant Liana)
10. Iron Wood Forest

Lady Horton’s Road

This 3km long road was constructed in 1834 by the governor Wilmot Horton and named after his beloved wife as a remembrance and it is the first and main road passing through Udawate-kele. Among the few other smaller walks, which branch off from the main road, Lovers Walk encircles the Royal pond. Lady Gorden’s drive which was constructed by governor Gorden in 1881. This track ideal for bird watching, many bird species including Fish-owl can be seen at all-time of the day.

Royal pond

According to the legendary information It is believed that the pond located within Udawatekele forest was used by the Royal family for bathing purposes. People also believe that a gold pot carrying valuables belonged to King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe is hidden at the bottom of this pond. They also believe that there was a tunnel connecting the pond with the Kandy Lake.

Giant Bamboo

This large bamboo tree called Giant Bamboo (Dedrocalamus giganteus) is an introduced species for ornamental purposes which is native to southeast Asia. It can attain a height of about 35 meters and a diameter of about 35 centimeters.

The Senkanda Cave

A hermit by the name ‘Brahmin Senkanda’ has lived in this cave during the tenure of King Gajaba who ruled the country from 114 to 136 AD. Nearly 1200 years later, human settlements started in Kandy. In 1371 AD, King Wickramabahu established his kingdom here and named it as “Senkadagala” in memory of the Brahmin Senkada who lived in the cave.

City view point

This place provides fantastic panoramic view of the Kandy city and Lake. The close view of Hantana and Alagalla Rocky Mountains also can be seen.

Information Center

The Information Center in Udawattekele Forest provides all information regarding the forest to the visitors.

Hermitages and Caves

There are two hermitages located within the forest named “Senanayaka Aramaya” and German Temple. They function as meditation centers. Two rock caves named “China Visuddhi lena” and “Maithree lena” are also used for meditation by Buddhist monks.

Kodimale (Flag point)

There is a ridge-way leading to a point which is about in height.This is the hieghts point within the Udawatte kele Forest. During the period of Kings rule National Flag had been raised in this point.

Puss-Wel (Giant Liana)

A giant liana called Puss-wel(Entada puseatha) which is 200 years old an spreading over an area of nearly 2 hectares can be found within the Udawatta Kele Forest. In spite of its enormous length, it carries a large pod which is nearly 5 feet long.

Ironwood Forest

Ironwood tree (Mesua ferrea) which is locally called as “Na” is the national tree of Sri Lanka which belongs to the family Clusiaceae. A patch of forest consisting of this species are found within the forest which is relieved to be planted in 1926. It has beautiful foliage consisting of bright red young leaves and fragrant white flowers. Timber of this tree is very hard and used for beams when constructing sacred buildings.

Map – click to enlarge

Name Board at the entrance

It says about all attractions

The Entrance/Ticket counter

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Just entered

Directions/Map – click to enlarge

Royal Pond

Royal Pond

Royal Pond

Save Forest – click to enlarge

Royal pond

low water

Beautiful path

Beautiful path

Beautiful path

Towards city view point

We saw a Barking deer in this place

Don’t know the name

Direction

City view

City view

Bahirawa Kanda Buddha Statue

Viewing desk

Kandy Lake and city

The Island in the Lake

Queens Hotel & KCC

.	Path to Garrison Cemetery – CLOSED

Their Home

Instruction near Information center – click to enlarge

Information centre

All information you need

Hambawa

Knuckles region

Hut in the Mini Worlds End

Information about Knuckles

Information about Udawatta Kele

More Information

More Information

More Information

Jack Tree

Nature Walk

Lover’s Walk

Directions

Towards Kodimale

The Flag Point

Kodimale

Liana

At Flag point

Taking him on hands

He wanted to swing

Lady hortons road

Lady hortons road

Puss-Wel

Explanation – click to enlarge

Puss-wel

All around the area

Beauty

Be watchful

We saw 3 snakes in 3 places

Iron wood Forest

Forest

Sky view

Giant trees

Giant Bamboo with pond

Pond

We spent around 3 hours within the Forest park and returned back to home. On the way we did a quick visit to the lake.

Island

lake

Hotel-Dalada Road

Visitors

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Boat Ride

Around lake

Thanks for reading..

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This is a less known forest reserve within less than 2km from the Kandy City and is the only forest reserve in Sri Lanka maintained by a Municipal Council (MC of Kandy).

This was quite an unexpected trip and hence less pictures, sorry about that!

This is a hardly known forest reserve within minutes reach from the city of Kandy and the significance of this reserve being that it is the only forest reserve maintained outside the Forest Department, it being maintained by the Kandy Municipal Council and special permission is required to get it.

Not much information about this place was found on the internet hence I thought of sharing a quick insight into this lovely place.

The name Dunumandalawa means place where Bows were made, in ancient Kandy; a special technique was used to harden the Bow using mud therefore the name. It is an extremely beautiful location south of the city with a Reservoir in it too. More info about its fauna could be found here:

When we were there the guide said that there are about 4 leopards identified within the reserve.

Entering the reserve we drove up to the reservoir which had a lovely log cabin. From there the guide gave us Alum to apply on our feet as protection from the leeches. From there he lead us through a footpath to the highest point in the reserve. The hike was lovely with the tall trees of the Kandyan wilderness towering above us and the dried leaves on the ground added a lovely flavor to the hike. Unfortunately we did not come across any notable wildlife. On the small summit was a beautiful tree house which when climbed gave us a wonderful view of Kandy. The guide said that with proper approval even camping at the tree house is allowed. Spending some time there and having fun with an Air Rifle we came down via another path down to the reservoir. It would indeed be lovely to camp there.

As I said, it was a totally unplanned hike while we were on a one day road trip in Kandy and I was totally unprepared. We were able to go there because we were travelling with a VIP ;P

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

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THE END

Thunhisgala/ Kalupahana is a prominent peak of Knuckles massif with 1627m height. It is situated at center of Knuckles area-Kalupahana which was covered with Cardamom estates 30 years ago. KMP Wadiya is the only remaining cardamom hut at Kalupahana where you can stay overnight. The reason for the name Thunhisgala is due to three peaks in climbing. (Thun+His+Gala) (තුන්+හිස්+ගල). Alternative meaning is three ridges meet together to form the mountain.

Thunhisgala was in my to-do list for a long time after I read Ashan’s report.
Before I planned this trip, I got instructions from Ashan, Amila and Harinda. They instructed me to have a guide to KMP Wadiya and Thunhisgala as none of us have been there. I contacted Sinniah at Lebanon estate as I couldn’t contact Thayagaraja who was the guide for both Ashan and Harinda. At the end he introduced me a new person Kiri Banda who promised to bring us to Thunhisgala.

We stayed overnight at friend’s place at Peradeniya and got the first bus to Waththegama from Kandy. It was about 7.30 am when we got down at Lebanon estate / Malgudi junction (මල්ගුඩි හන්දිය). This is about 1km before Thawalanthanna (where bus parks). We met Kiri Banda Mama there and started the journey without wasting time. Soon we entered the estate road it divides into two the left hand one directs to Liyangalla division where you can view Lebanon estate waterfall. We climbed up along right hand side road to reach Rathnagiriya estate. The trail head begins from Rathnagiriya division. First it goes through Mana bushes and entered into forest cover. We were able to enjoy the beauty of surrounding mountains and plains as weather was excellent. Piduruthalagala range, Hanthana range and Hunnasgiriya were clearly seen with fainted view of sacred peak.

Kalupahana in Knuckles map

Begin of the journey from Lebanon junction / Malgudi junction

View of Kandasamy Gala (කන්දසාමි ගල). Circular shape rock is seen at Thawalanthanna.

Division of the road. Left hand side road goes to Liyangalla division where Lebanon estate falls situated.

Along estate road….

Using short cuts

Reaching Rathnagiriya estate

We didn’t follow the proper road. Used the short cut along tea estate.

We didn’t follow the proper road. Used the short cut along the tea estate.

Liyangalla division of Lebanon estate

Surrounding view

Liyangalla division of Lebanon estate. Tea den

The line house of Rathnagiriya division

The real journey begins….Guarded with Alum

Weather was excellent

View of Rathnagiriya estate line houses when we climbed up

Through Mana bushes

Posed

Towards Kirigalpoththa and Gombaniya

Piduruthalagala range

Hanthana range-second line of mountains

Hunnasgiriya Mountain

Sharing Wild orange

There was a clear foot pathway…..

The foot pathway we came and fainted view of Rathnagiriya estate.

Mountain at Rathnagiriya estate

Sacred peak

There was a long break at closer to small shrine where we had some snacks.

It was almost ascend till we reach the highest point of the trail-Hulang Kanda (හුලo කන්ද). Following Hulang Kanda it was ascends and descends till we reached KMP Wadiya. We had to cross few water streams and Maha Ela (මහ ඇල) was the largest one. The distance from Lebanon junction to KMP Wadiya is 7.75 kms. We came across Elephant dung closer to KMP Wadiya.

View of Knuckles peaks

Surrounding view

Not to eat

Crossing the first water stream

Get blessings from shrine

Long break at Dewalaya. Kiri Banda mama is a talkative person who had a lot to tell.

Forest pattern is almost like this till we reached KMP Wadiya

There was a clear foot pathway and only few instances it had divisions

On top of Hulang Kanda.

On top of Hulang Kanda

Back to wild

Green Frog

Having a rest

Wild strawberries

Crossing another water stream

Crossing Maha Ela

Elephant dung closer to KMP Wadiya

Thunhisgala

Reached KMP Wadiya

Nobody was at KMP Wadiya when we reached there. It was hard to find a cooking pot to boil water as they have hid everything. We unloaded things at Wadiya and armed with only necessary things for next section of the journey.
Here Kiri Banda Mama asked is it essential to go to that peak (showing Thunhisgala) and said he has not been there before. I got shocked by hearing it. He said nobody has been on top of this peak and we have to find the route.
According to the details I got from Ashan and Harinda there is not a clear foot pathway and anyway we have to find the route. Therefore we decided to climb the peak though the guide doesn’t know the route.
It was the same route from KMP Wadiya towards Knuckles Duwili Falls but at one place we got right hand turn towards Thunhisgala. The foot pathway was clear up to some distance and disappeared in a while. Then we targeted the peak and climbed up towards the peak. Initially it was Cardamom bushes and later thick forest. There was no foot pathway at all and climb was 70/80 degree some times. Though we climbed towards the peak we were not able to get a point with a clear view. At the end the surrounding was clear and bushes were short to have good view. Massive Thunhisgala was seen on side and we were at a side peak of Thunhisgala. (Thunhisgala has three tails, direct towards the peak. The secret of getting on to the peak is getting on to the correct tail). It was really disappointed moment as we have missed the target at the end of the day. Here we understood one thing. Though it is a side peak we would not be able to reach the top of Thunhisgala if we proceed along that tail.
Thunhisgala side peak is also not a bad place to have a good surrounding view. We were able to view Yahangala, Kehelpothdoruwegala, Lakegala, Meemure and giant Thunhisgala. The view behind us was not clear.
As it was around 4.30pm we decided to go back to KMP Wadiya.

There were three water streams along the pathway to be crossed before the pathway gets divide.

Towards Thunhisgala

Towards Thunhisgala

The place where foot pathway gets divide. Right hand side one towards Thunhisgala and side peaks.

It was almost Cardamom bushes.

After hectic hike we are at Thunhisgala side peak.

View of the giant-Thunhisgala. Note we are at a side peak.

View of the giant-Thunhisgala. This shows how three tails join together to form Thunhisgala. It is clear though we proceed along this tail it wouldn’t be easy to reach the top due to steepness.

View of Yahangala and Kehelpothdoruwegala

Lakegala with it’s three sections. Paddies of Meemure are also seen.

Zoomed view of Lakegala. Paddy fields of Meemure are also seen

The drop of Duwili Falls and Ginikeliya Pathana also seen

Front line is Maningala and Riverstone is seen back.

Riverstone is zoomed

Is it Nawenagala?

We returned to KMP Wadiya just before dusk. It was freezing cold of water at Wadiya but somehow we managed to clean ourselves. As there was nobody at Wadiya we had to find cooking pots and other necessary items. It seemed this was a kind of luxury accommodation few decades ago with an attached bathroom (still there). As we were hungry dinner was prepared with no time. Seems the kitchen has been attacked by a wild elephant few days before. There are enough spacious at Wadiya to sleep. But none of us had a good sleep due to extreme cold.

Kitchen of KMP Wadiya. This was attacked by elephants recently.

Preparing dinner

Wild orange-There are few orange trees around KMP Wadiya

Beauty

Flowers at KMP Wadiya

Food photography

Team with Kiri Banda Mama

Four man team in front of KMP Wadiya

Day 02
We didn’t have an exact plan on that day except the return journey to Thawalanthanna. Kiri Banda Mama suggested visiting at couple of waterfalls which are situated above Knuckles Duwili falls.
He bought us in a foot pathway through abounded Cardamom estates.
All these cardamom estate were in wild now and debris of houses and bungalows were popped above bushes. According to him Kalupahana was like a small city at that time. After ups and downs through cardamom estates we have reached a waterfall with less water. I would like to name it as Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-1 (නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-1). Seems it has a height of 15-20m and must be more beautiful at rainy season. The water stream forms this waterfall later join with Maha Ela to form Duwili Falls in Knuckles.
Once you cross the first waterfall, second one is situated. Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2(නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-2) is smaller than first one but richer in beauty. It has about 8-10m height. According to Kiri Banda Mama, both waterfalls are situated above famous Knuckles Duwili Falls.

Start the journey on second day

Mountainous forest

Debris of old city at Kalupahana. Hemachandra Wadiya (හේමචන්ද්රd වාඩිය).

Getting a rest after tackling of Cardamom bushes

Cardamom

Team except me

First glance of waterfall-1.

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-1(නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-1).

Lower part of Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-1(නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-1).

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-1 / (නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-1).

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-1/(නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-1). Different view

Chamara is at middle of the fall. Can you imagine how big it is.

Another view of the waterfall. The waterfall must be flourished in rainy season.

Another view of the waterfall

Another view of the waterfall

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-1/ (නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-1).

View towards Ranamure

Macro view

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2 / (නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-2).

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2 / (නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-2).

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2 /(නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-2).Bit difficult to get good front view due to the rock in front of the waterfall

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2 /(නකල්ස් ඉහල දූවිලි ඇල්ල-2).

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2

Knuckles Upper Duwili Falls-2

After visiting two unknown cascades we have entered the pathway to Rathnagiriya estate. On our way we had a bath at nice man made pond at Rathnagiriya estate.
It ended a nice journey to central area of Knuckles-Kalupahana and attempted hike to Thunhisgala. I have determined to do Thunhisgala hike as soon as possible.

Return journey

Forest pathway

The place we had a bath

Map reading

Work out from Lebanon junction from KMP Wadiya

Work out from KMP Wadiya to Thunhisgala side peak. Note where we have ended up and where is Kalupahana/ Thunhisgala peak is situated. click image to enlarge.

Kalupahana / Thunhisgala. Click image to enlarge.

Read about

Thanks for reading

We were enjoying hiking and trekking since 2011 after we entered the University of Colombo. This time we wanted to end the year (2016) with a novel experience. So we decided to camp on a beach and selected the amazing Kalpitiya (Kudawa) beach to fulfill our dream.

On 30^th of December just after a joyful Christmas we were ready and our bags were packed for the remarkable experience. We decided to take the Colombo commuter at 9.40am from Kochchikade as our transport method till Palavi. Pietersz was already on the train from Colombo. The train got late as usual and by 10.40am the train arrived Kochchikade (Ticket price Kochchikade to Palavi is Rs.80/=).

We got into the last seat of the last compartment of the train making our journey more pleasurable. It was astonishing to see how the environment change along the way, especially the ramsar conservation area around Anawilundawa was amazing.

Our bags in-front of Kochchikade railway station

Straight railway line

Rusted trains at Naththandiya

Bangadeniya railway station

4.00am Colombo commuter on the way back

Ready to go

Chilaw

Ramsar conservation area

We had our breakfast along the way on the train. The train reached Palavi around 1.00pm. There were few foreigners using the commuter, we had a quick chat with them and noticed that they are here for kite surfing and they’ve been using the train to come to Palavi regularly.

Reached Palavi (Pietersz | Thusitha | Muditha | Me)

As we initially planned, we decided to take the bus from Palavi to Kurichchanpitiya (Bus fare Rs.60/=). It was a 1 hour ride. In the bus there was a German couple who came to Srilanka on 30^th morning and has come directly to Kalpitiya which made us think the importance the tourists have given to Kalpitiya as a tourist destination.

From Kurichchanpitiya junction we purchased some necessities. (Water bottles/soft drinks/kerosene/etc.). From the junction we took 2 three-wheelers to Kudawa beach (Pol Kalla they call it). They had to go on an unpaved road and it was kind of a bumpy ride. (Rs.300/= per three-wheeler, we didn’t bargain!)

At the ‘pol kalla’ we had our lunch which was prepared by my mother. Pietersz’s mother’s chicken stew added more flavor to it.

After lunch our tummies were full and we were up and ready to go!!

Getting ready for lunch

Ready to walk

There were very few locals apart from the individuals involved in the tourist industry were there. But the amount of foreigners made us think whether we are in a foreign country.

The atmosphere was so amazing sunny & windy but not sweaty. Crows were struggling so hard to fly due to the strong wind. We walked along the sand route till we find our camp site.

.	Found a companion

A family harvesting mussels

Giant wind mills

4x4s rule the sand

Sky full of kites

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On watch

Kites & Sails

Colorful Sails

Tourism at its best

Kite surfing training schools

Local talent

Ice-cream vendor

Taking a short break

After about 3km walk along the sand route we entered a mangrove area which was like heaven on earth. This place was untouched. On one side it was the Indian Ocean and on the other side it was the Kalpitiya lagoon. The breeze was amazing. Without any second thought we decided to camp there.

The mangroves were arranged in a way suited perfectly to set the tent. Our tent was set facing the sea. We had a good sea bath after checking with the locals whether it’s safe to bath there.

For dinner we had chicken and sausages and garlic bread barbequed along with an instant chicken soup. We enjoyed the supper in the cool sea breeze along with the light and the warmth provided by our camp fire.

Setting up the tent

Our fly sheet is out kite

Enjoying a cool Nescafé thanks to our ice box

The evening sky

Sea

Beauty

Peta playing with the grill

starting camp fire

Camp fire

Our starter (Sweet corn chicken soup)

That feeling!!

Our dinner..Yummy!!

Around midnight lot of fish and small crabs used to come near the coast from the lagoon side. We caught few small crabs and the rest is history!

We went to sleep around 1.00am planning to wake up early morning to have another sea bath. The morning sky around 6.00am was mesmerizing. The locals had already started their day. We had a hot coffee in the morning and spent around 1 hour in the sea.

Good morning!

People at work

Local from the wadiya

coffee

Morning sun

.

Sea bath

Local from the wadiya

After a good bath we packed our goods and bid farewell to this amazing location. We ensured only to leave out foot prints there and we left the place as we found it!

We got a tip from a local from the nearby wadiya that there is a boat service from ‘Thorei’ to Kalpitiiya. So we changed our plan and decided to use that route and started walking along the sand route to the other side.

Camp site

Leaving only our foot prints

Surrounding mangroves

Wadi

Inherited

Way to ‘Thorei’

Boat ride from Thorei to Muhathuwaram road.

From Thorei to Muhathuwaram road there is a boat service which charges Rs.40/= per head. From there we took a three-wheeler to Kalpitiya (Rs.150/= per three-wheeler).

From Kalpitiya we marked the end of our short but amazing camping adventure till next time!!

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

The End

Wewelthalawa is a plateau located in Amanawela – Yatiyanthota region on the mountain top, above a height of 2,800 feet. It lies in the center of a ring of mountains like a bottom of a basin. This belongs to Halgolla Estate of Kelani Valley Plantations Ltd. Halgolla Estate has 4 divisions namely Wewelthalawa, Halgolle, Punugala and Ullswater.

The estate has diversity in its elevation, with the lower reaches at 90 feet above mean sea level, rising to the upper divisions at 4,000 feet. Thus, boasting its impressive biodiversity in both fauna and flora. Known in Sinhala as ‘Rathu Mihiriya’ or ‘Rath Mihiriya’, Gordonia speciosa is one of four Gordonia species in Sri Lanka, all of which are endemic to the country, the others being G. ceylanica, G. dassanayakei, and G.elliptica. All four varieties are rare, found only in the montane forests of the highlands, with G. speciosa being the most difficult to find.

Gordonia speciose

Gordonia speciose – Photo by Buddhika Mawella

Gordonia speciosa is an evergreen tree, with flowers of up to 15cm in diameter. The tree requires a high level of rainfall, proved by the fact it has only been found in such areas. The flower contains five petals, as with other species of Gordonia found in Sri Lanka. From the brilliant flower, G. speciosa produces a fruit, a little smaller than the size of a human hand. The tree grows up to 80 feet in height and is scattered across the Wewelthalawa Plain on the mountain top, above a height of 2,800 feet. Individual trees flower at different times of the year, which means that the flowers are never out of season. The flowers last about two weeks, after which the trees does not flower again for several months.

The Wewelthalawa Division, at 3,000-4,000 feet, is a perfect picture of virgin forest swathed in mist, brilliantly green tea fields and marshy land, from which spring perennial streams that flow off the mountain to join the Wee Oya, a main tributary of the Kelani River which falls into the Sea at Colombo. ‘Olu Ela’ chief amongst the many streams cascades from the mountain top as the breathtaking ‘Olu Falls’. Olu Falls, at 200 meters in height is the fifth highest in the Kelani River Basin, and also the Kelani River Basin. Halfway down these hillsides lie the tea fields of Halgolle Estate, while above and all around them are thickly forested areas in which lurk leopards, sambur, jackals and many other creatures. Halgolla estate is generally classified as a low country tea state due to its factory being at a lower elevation, despite the main tea fields being located between 2,800 and 4,000 feet. Halgolle is home to more than 200 faunal species which includes 16 endangered and 49 threatened species. It is also home to 27 endemic floral species and six that are listed as threatened among its 167 identified species.

In addition to above Wewelthalawa has created some interesting places for its visitors too.

1. Mini World’sEnd
2. Top of Olu falls – starting point (Upper Olu Falls)
3. Bat cave

Prior permission should be obtained to visit these places and it’s open for nature lovers only.

The Map

Map – click to enlarge

It’s another dream become true. We were sent back by the Gate keeper when we visited Wewelthalawa in 2015 November by the Gate keeper as we had not taken prior permission. So This time we got prior permission from the office as I’m an employee of the company.

We started the journey at around 6:00 am and had breakfast at Nawalapitiya. Then we took the Balanthota-Seaforth road to reach Wewelthalawa. Condition of the road is not good at all. You should have 4wd or motor bikes can manage this. If you are travelling from Colombo then Yatiyanthota-Nawata road is the better route to reach the place.

Kandaloya

Wawlagala

Crystal water

Olu Falls

Wooden Bridge

Olu Falls

Suspension Bridge of Pergashandiya

Wewalthalawa Mountains

At the Entry Point – FYI

Manager’s Bungalow

A Discussion

Inside the Bungalow

Old is gold

Groupie

We were welcomed by the Estate Manager and treated well. After having some friendly discussions we were directed to the Wewelthalawa and all gates were opened for us as per the instructions by the manager.

Dripping Rock

The first attraction in the route is the Dripping Rock. The name has been given to this place because of the continuous dripping of water from the rock all 365 days of the year. This is also a place of worship and visitors need to behave with respect.

Dripping rock

Bottom

Water along the rock

Feeling the water drops

Place of worship

We traveled further in the route and in few meters we saw the cable carts which were used to transport tea leaves from the estate to the Halgolla Factory. These are currently not in operation.

Cables

Not used but maintained

Beautiful path

carts

The Conservation Project

Entering Wewelthalawa

Few more Carts

No Chemical zone

Source of Olu falls/Wee oya

The Plateau

school

Fresh Tea leaves

Towards Mini World’s end

Project Details

Wawlagala

Hut in the Mini Worlds End

Wewelthalawa Mini World’s End

This is a vertical drop in the Wewelthalawa-Amanawela side. The Wawlagala and areas of Yatitanthota, Dedugala and Dolosbage can be seen from this view point.

There is a well maintained hut in this place and view point is fenced with iron cables.

The straight vertical drop is about 200meters. The Elevation from sea level is 2847fts.

hut	Hut from the view point

The view point

Wawlagala

Yatiyanthota area

Peragashandiya

Team at the Edge

Yatiyanthota

Mini Worlds End

After spending some time, we put our effort in visiting the rest of the places. The starting point of Olu falls and Bat cave is located 1km away from the Mini worlds end.

Directions

Forest path

To the cave

Olu falls – top-starting point

A cascade

To the Bat cave

bat cave

The Cave is located to the side of the Upper olu falls. We tried to capture the full view photo of waterfall. This waterfalls is around 50-100mts in height for sure. We managed to reach the waterfall from the cave

To Follow

Upper Olu falls

Trying to get full view

Back to the cave

cave	View from the cave

Upper Olu falls – 10-15 meters below from the top

Falling from the top

View of the cave from the falls

waterfall

side view

‘Upper Olu Falls’ must be listed as a waterfall in the waterfall network sites. It’s bigger than the Olu falls of Amanawela

Supporting each other

Cave- Well maintained- No Bats

Returning

On the bridge

On the bridge

Wawlagala from Upper Olu falls

Not a good place for a nap!

See the height

Wawlagala zoomed

Dolosbage side

The surroundings are very calm and only the sounds of the birds and fall of water can be heard. We had a little rest there and moved to the next destination which is SLBS tower at top mountain of Ampana forest.

Wewelthalawa

Wewelthalawa

Entry point

2nd World war Monument

In to the Ampana Forest reserve

Towards peak

SLBC tower

The board

gate	It says the procedure

At Highest elevation point of Wewelthalawa Tea Estate

Better view

the view

mountain

Towers zoomed

Designed plantation

Marshy Land

He is enjoying non-polluted things

school

water area

a stream

Looking back – the gap

To visit ITN tower we need to get permission from the Battaramulla Head office. However you can visit up to the gates. The last 1km to the mountain is worst in terms of road conditions. we parked our bikes and walked up the final part.

When returning we used Nawata road as we don’t want take risk in the seaforth road.

It was a memorable trip and We thank all the people who helped us to do this trip a success.

Thanks for reading..

View Facebook Photos; (Link)

Kondagala is a beautiful and attractive Mountain situated in the First commercial tea estate of Sri Lanka called Loolcandura. It is a property of Sir James Taylor in Eighteens, he is a famous British trader where he done a great service to the Sri Lanka.

It is very easy to reaching via Kandy- Galaha side as there are such beautiful surroundings till Delthota. And from the main junction at Delthota town there is a road to Loolcandura and that road is fulfil with beautiful surroundings. Further we can see the giant Kondagala range on the way to Loolcandura.

On the way you will find name boards for James Taylor’s well and Seat, turn right to the gravel road and proceed few meters. Then there will be a gate on the road. The ticket will charge only for the vehicle. After that you have to proceed about 4-6km to the end of the estate where the road get 2 feet narrow. Before that you will find the name board for well and seat. Turn left to the ruins of the bungalow and well. The road might closed. Hence you have to park your vehicles over the estate road and walk about 200m to the ruins of the bungalow. From there you will find a small foot path at the right side of the bungalow where the end of the tea estate and near to the jungle. Walk along that footpath to the top. It is just about 15 minutes hike to the top of the Kondagala Mountain.

Kondagala is a very dangerous Mountain due to the 90 degree slope of the rocky plain. It is about 200m long and 150 heights. Please be careful when you at the top because the wind is too speed. You can see many mountains such as Hanthana, Gampola, etc. The giant rocky plain is like a flatbed hence there could be accommodate for more than 100 people without any camping tent.

We spend about 2-3 hours on there and it is very nice and clam place but there are no any place to be hide from the sunshine. After that we went to see the ruins of the well and seat and left to the next journey of the day.

Morning sunshine at Nilambe

Drive thru Nilambe

Passing Deltota town

Kondagala Mountain is visible

If we had a house in front of Mountains

Roadside Nameboards

Close to Loolcandura

Mountains over Mountains

Here we came to the turning point

Directions

Near the entrance gate

A main Nameboard

Nature Creation

Another giant mountain

She is attractive

A Resting place

A place for writing in deep

Man made creations

First Commercial Tea estates

First Commercial Tea estates

First Commercial Tea estates

The Guardian

The final main Directions

Here is our Destination

Akila tried to go further, but the road is over from there

History about a Legend

Near the Bungalow

Proud of a Country

The only ruin of the Bungalow

Path to Kondagala (Right side of the Bungalow)

We are on the way

Man made Pollution

Little more

At the top rocky bed

The rock bed is long about 200m

The Photo Booth

The Photo Booth

The Photo Booth

Surroundings

Long Running views

Long Running views

Long Running views

The Rock bed

The scary ruins of a house

The scary ruins of a house

Mountains

Mountains

At a dead point

Lovely nature

A place for Abseiling

Far away beauty

Far away beauty

I wish I had a Drone at this point

I wish I had a Drone at this point

Measuring the height of the Mountain

Another Photo Booth

The bottom forest patch

Amazing nature creations

Amazing nature creations

A suitable place for Open camping on a good day

The cave near to the Jungle

The cave near to the Jungle

Around the Bungalow

View of a History

James Taylor Well

Sir James Taylor

This journey was a mob hike which me and my group of friends organized within a day and took off. Our hope was to start the journey from Sarasavigama, then reach the Uragala summit, which is the highest peak of the range and then to hike along the range ( Katusu Konda, Hanthana1, Hanthana 2 and get down to Hanthana Udugama road.)

We gathered at Kandy clock tower bus stand where the Sarasawigama buses halt. It was about 7 O’clock when all the gang (18) were present. We took the sarasawigama bus and went on it to Sarasawigama, where the ticket is Rs.32 and it took about half an hour to reach there.

Then on, we started walking on a concrete road which led up to a shrine, as directed by the villagers. Then we took a foot path to the right from the shrine and entered the wilderness with the directions taken towards Uragala peak.

On the concrete road

We walked about twenty minutes and came across a thick iluk field in which going through was almost impossible without hurting ourselves. So we diverted from the iluk field and walked around it towards a pine forest to our left. By this time, we were off any foot paths and were totally in the wilderness.

Decision pending – to go through or around the iluk field.

The climb through the pine forest also was not easy as it seemed to be as it was so slippery due to the accumulation of non-degrading pine leaves. In case we had to climb on all four limbs or to take assistance of a stick.

Climb through the pine forest – it is harder than it seems to be.

Then on it was a hike towards the peak through the forest blocks and some grass fields. No foot path or markings were found along the route which we hiked through.  It took about three hours of hike to reach the Katusu Konda peak, which is the second highest peak of the range.

Through the grass fields

Hanthana 1 and Hantha 2 as seen from the Katusu Konda.

Uragala peak as seen from the Katusu Konda

At the Katusu konda peak, we had our breakfast/lunch which made our backpacks lighter. There was a little cave at Katusu Konda and was a scary place to visit as it was a long fall if a single step was mistaken.

The cave

In the cave – the Uduwela side is visible

Friendly Support – On the way to Uragala

Then we had to decide whether to go towards Hanthana 1 or Towards Uragala. With the time we had in hand and the energy level of the participants, we decided to go towards Uragala. As we walked several minutes towards it, we were able to find fresh route marks towards Uragala (most probably by Pera Hikers.). So we took that route and were able to reach the uragala top within another hour or so.

Katusu Konda, Hanthana 1 and Hantha 2 as seen from the Uragala summit.

Gampola side as seen from the Uraala summit

Then we went further in the same direction and reached the stone platform with 45degrees of angle. To reach it, had to climb down through a narrow crack in the stone and go around it.

45 degree stone platform

Then we turned around and headed towards Hanthana 1 peak passing the Katusu Konda peak again

On the way to Hanthana 1

Hanthana peak 2 seen beyond Hanthana peak 1

Transmission towers at Hanthana peak 2. The town of kandy is visible beyond.

Then we took water from the towers and got down to the Hanthana-Uduwela road and started walking towards Kandy. On the way, a bus came along and we got onto it and reached Kandy town at around 6 O’clock.

P.S: The hike was enjoyed a lot. But there was no need to use liquor or drugs to achieve it. Safety first; keep it in mind. No journey would make joy if anyone get hurt or dies.

We had started our journey around 7.30AM from Peradeniya and we had planned to reach Nuwara Eliya without the normal route (through Gampola and Ramboda). Actually Padiyapelella Ragala route is one of most beautiful route to reach Nuwara Eliya.

Andawala fall is a first water fall that you can see after pass the Padiyapelella town. She is located at Munwatte, about 8km from Padiyapelella just by the road. She was very poor at that time due to dry season.

Our next destination was Lover’s Leap Waterfall. She is located before 5km from Nuwara Eliya when you travel via Padiyapelella Ragala route. We were able to reach Lover’s Leap waterfall after 15-20 min walk. We had met the person who live around that area and he said water level was very low because of the water has turn to difference areas by using pipe line from upper part of the falls. It is so sad news for natural lovers as well as the people who live around the lover’s Leap waterfall.

We arrived to Nuwara Eliya around 1.00 PM and had our lunch and buy some foods for our dinner. Around 2.30 PM again we started our journey to Piduruthalagala Mountain. No need to get prior permission to go Piduruthalagala Mountain. But you should provide your details (Name and ID no’s) at the STF check point which located at starting point of පිදුරුතලාගල. The road is good condition and you can travel by your own vehicle. There is no permission to go highest point due to security reason. But we were lucky to see highest point of Sri Lanka after take the grand permission from one of Navy officer.

1^st day we stayed at Nuwara Eliya and 2^nd day we had planned to go Bomuru Ella. This waterfall is located around 14km from Nuwara Eliya town. You should turn to left after pass the Haggala botanical garden. Name boards are available along the road and you should walk around 2-3km by walk to reach Bomuru Ella.

Trip highlights

1. Andawela water fall
2. Lover’s leap water wall
3. Piduruthalagala Mountain
4. Bomuru Ella

Special thanks to kasun’s mother for provide the lunch.

Poor Andawela Fall

Beauty of the way

pre shoot during the journey

On the way to Lover’s Leap

Lover’s Leap waterfall

Protect the biodiversity

Poor lover’s Leap

Nuwara Eliya town seen from Lover’s Leap

Top of Piduruthalagala

WOW

WOW	On the way to Bomuru Ella

Foot path to Bomuru Ella

Relaxing is chance to click

Be careful

Along the way to Bomuru Ella

Step wise

Lower cascade of Bomuru Ella

First glimpse was WOW

බෝමුරු ඇල්ල

More cascades

And it flows

Team performance

Side cascade on the way to Bomuru Ella

The Team

Thanks for reading. Have a safe journey.

Hi folks, I hope you enjoyed the first-ever trip report in Lakdasun on Runakanda, a part of Sinharaja.

Afterwards I was craving to pay a visit once again to Sinharaja despite my being there from all 4 entrances

before.

So, Gayan who’s become an avid bird lover, invited for a day trip to Sinharaja I couldn’t be happier even

though I’d just come back from a hike to Sri Pada two days prior with Atha. So I called Atha too and he too

was willing to join us. So the three of us started at 4am on Sun the 2 nd Oct and took to the highway towards

Mathugama. Taking the Highway and going from Mathugama to Kalawana is the easiest and fastest now

that the Mathugama-Kalawana Road is fully complete.

Gayan had booked our lunch at Martin’s Lodge, one of the oldest houses at the border of the Sinharaja

Forest and also he’s known to be a keen environment enthusiast. After a steady drive with no traffic

whatsoever, we reached the entrance by 6.30am, the perfect time for a hike/walk/trek. However we’d for

some reason forgotten to fix the breakfast and after buying tickets drove back about 1km to Kudawa

Junction looking for something but was only able to find a couple of sweet buns and hot coffee.

Afterwards, we came back and around 7am, with a quarter-full tummy, entered the trail. There were signs

of dark clouds but we had our umbrellas with us. Anyway there’s this untold and unwritten law of the

Mother Nature that when you’re ready for something, it wouldn’t happen, almost all the time. So as

predicted, our umbrellas were no useful than walking sticks throughout the journey.

Well, enough said and let’s get going, shall we? Our tracker was Jayarathna and he was simply awesome.

His knowledge was better than the Wikipedia and many so-called environmentalists about Sinharaja.

There were many stories and important aspects of the jungle which he taught us and I wish I could’ve

recorded everything and given you on a CD. So if you happen to visit Sinharaja, do keep an eye out for him.

Good morning and stop right there

The detailed map

.Closer look – Well for me that area is not big enough and to make matters worse it keeps shrinking

Hi there

Emerald Dove, one of my favorite

Looking up to the sun

That kinda snail is very special according to our tracker

Bandura

Common sight at Sinharaja

This fellow was too very special

Not this one though

Nobody home

Oh hello!

Blending with the environment

Got panicked

And hung up

Just landed

Booming colors

You can see hundreds of these tiny ones and its surprising how much is there to see

One of those resting places. Do bring back your food leftovers

21 Alien ship?

This was the cover page for my first-ever trip.

Take those distances with a pinch of salt, a fairly large one at that

We arrived at the proper gate where you enter into the main trail which goes all the way to Sinha Gala aka

Lion’s Rock some 10.5km (according to the sign board) away. However from bitter experience I know the

distances given on the notice boards can’t be trusted and even the trackers second it. On the other hand

the signposting with distances in Knuckles are very much accurate and can be trusted fully.

From here, the tracker decided to go towards the village instead of into the trail as we might get lucky with

a few bird sightings. Remember that my knowledge about birds is no better than your understanding of

Greek. However Gayan was quite knowledgeable and had studied so much about them and he carries this

bird book like a devoted Christian with his bible. Some of the words he uses to communicate with the

tracker about birds are definitely not English, if so a funny dialect.

We walked parallel to an abandoned paddy field but was still not rewarded with a plenty of sightings

except for another Kangaroo Lizard. Here are those pics:

Abandoned paddy field

Not edible, at least for us

Another one of those tiny fellows

Hiding from us

Came out

On the path bordering the forest and village

Can hold quite a large quantity if used as a container

Grand

This was so beautiful

Traffic police?

Well looks like them and he was blocking the path

The trouble I had to take this fellow

Not to forget this one too

Just peeping over the surface

Afterwards still feeling dejected due to the lack of birds, we decided to go into the forest and returned to

the trail head where they check your tickets. Little did we know that our destiny is about to be changed

and some wonderful sightings were not so far away all thanks to the sharpness of our guide. The two main

attractions were the Blue Oakleaf (in fact South Indian Blue Oakleaf – Kallima Horsfieldii) or

බඹරකොලයා in Sinhala. He has got some gorgeous blue wings when they’re fully opened but when

closed, it sort of works as camouflage and depicts a leaf complete with midrib. You’ll understand after

seeing the pictures.

The most important of all was the Sri Lankan Frogmouth or Ceylon Frogmouth – Batrachostomus

Moniliger (check the Video of Frogmouth here) and this was a very rare find. To make it more beautiful,

there was a pair of them, husband and wife. However if you ever come across them, do be careful when

you’re approaching for a look or a pic as they are easily frightened. To make matters worse, they’ll then

leave their resting places which is a great harm coz they usually have these favorites spots/roots among

dry leaves and branches. So don’t break the branches or clear the roost to take a clear picture or a view if

they’re somewhat blocked. They usually stay in the same spot for days if left undisturbed.

Do enjoy with your eyes if your camera is not so smart to focus through the branches. In our case, our

camera very stubbornly locked onto the branches in front all the time but after trying for a few dozen

times, he realized it’s not the dreaded leaves or the branches we were targeting and got some super cool

pictures.

We were extremely lucky and I guess I’ll just let you all enjoy the pics while we go further towards the

Mulawella and Giant Nawada Tree Trails.

The second counter before youre allowed into the forest

Can you see him? They always stay like that and very hard to spot let alone take pics

Another tiny fellow

Our tracker explained how these mushrooms grow. He was an encyclopedia about Sinharaja

Wild berries

Looking for trouble

See the angle

Wiry fellow

Her colors were brightened due to the sunlight

This had been incapacitated

By this fellow

Trying to drag into his den

Which is this and dug it in record time

Pushed the fella in and he went afterwards

What do you see?

Typical leaf except for those tiny legs

Unfortunately he was so far high for us to take a pic of the bright blue wings when opened

Crystal clear water

Some more

The moment of truth

Those piercing eyes

The other fellow is right behind

Such beautiful birds

Fascinating, aren’t they? Well I’ve got a couple of more nice pics of them but they’re for later. After this Frogmouth show, we went further towards the forest and found a very tame Jungle Fowl. Unfortunately many people leave remains of their meals, especially rice, behind at the places allocated for resting and eating thus inviting birds like jungle fowls to come to these places in search of food. Please don’t leave any morsel of the food behind and take everything back with you.

We came across a Green Vine Snake (actually two closer to each other) Ahaetulla Nasuta or and that is commonly known as ඇහැටුල්ලා in Sinahala but don’t confuse it with the Green Vine Snake/Flatbread Snake – Oxybelis Fulgidus.  This was followed by a Hump-Nosed Lizard too. It is also called the Hump- Hump Snout Lizard or the Lyreshead Lizard. In Sinhalese language, it is known as “Kandukara Bodilima – කදුකර බෝදිලිමා.” This was all before the Magpie Show. Well, just enjoy these pictures and I can hear my tummy growling like a starving mountain lion. I’ll bring the pics of the Magpie Show after this.

Majestic walk

“Hey, what’s u staring at?”

Must have got a tic

Showing off his colors

Just love this one

Pity he’s called “Wali Kukula”

Copied and pasted

Still shallow water levels

Bright tale of a Thalkossa

Not edible

Towards Giant Nawada Tree

Many such bridges across the streams

Time for a break

But how

Remember Runakanda?

He’s called Commander

As good as any camouflage

Oh ho

Coiled spring

Perfect triangle

Fella was very long and bright

The second one

Just amazing how they blend with the nature

We would never have spotted him

Ferocious look

He was just nearby

Holding it tight

Spotted us

Do you see the mosquito on its head? In fact there are 3, two behind the eye

Its genes go all the way to pre-historical eras

Looking those bony but strong arms

Opened its gular sac at last

And closed again

Well as with many other environmental sites in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja too bears a great burden within the depths of her heart due to some ignorant and careless decisions made by the politicians. Well what can you expect from such lower-class politicians? Anyway, under the Colombo Plan, Sri Lana was donated 12 Locomotives by the General Motors Diesel, Canada and Electro-Motive Division, USA. They are M2 Locomotives and considered the most successful in our railway history.

However as with all the other so called grants and donations, we always have to pay a price. So Sinharaja had to pay with her timber for these 12 locomotives and even today you’ll see the great bridges which had been built over streams to facilitate the logging business which had been a lucrative business for these so-called foreign donors. These rich and powerful countries loot from poor countries like ours under the guise of foreign aid which are in fact rackets. Now you know why countries like Sri Lanka and many in Africa and South America remain at “Developing Nation” status all the time. We’ll never get to be the rich and powerful thanks to conspiracies of them and our corrupt and ignorant politicians.

Well having said that, shall we go and see the magic show of the Sri Lankan Blue Magpie or Ceylon Blue Magpie – Urocissa Ornata. This happened so unexpectedly as we were coming back to the entrance to go and have our lunch at Martin’s Lodge as our tummy worms were marching in protest blocking all junctions inside. However as we were coming we heard this familiar sound of the magpie (rather Gayan and our tracker did) and stopped to look around. What happened afterwards is beyond me and thinking about it now gives me such pleasure I’m lost for words.

There was this brightly-colored magpie that flew towards us out of the jungle and he kept coming closer and closer without giving a break for our slow focusing and under-performing point-n-shoot cameras to take a decent shot of him. He kept coming and with every hop my heart began faster and faster and I was sort of frozen with my arms extended and the camera on but not moving them. He kept coming and finally jumped right in front of my feet, almost touching distance. All I had to do was extend the left leg and I could’ve stroked its back but I was like a statue nailed to the ground.

The same thing happened to Atha as this was his first magpie sighting. This really was an awesome sight and experience. Amid all the confusion I managed to take a few pictures and to my annoyance most of them were not usable as they were blurred due to my shaky hands and the constant movement of this fella. Anyway, here are the pictures that I took which are reasonably good with no more of my vivid explanations.

Here we go

Just look at those colors

Keep going

Full body

Wish the lighting was better

Giving us an unprecedented show

As if asking us how we are

Was hard enough to capture him on the screen

Calling out for his pals

Just can’t get enough of him

Very nice

My favorite

Oh lighting

One final look

So how do you like the how? It was simply phenomenal and we enjoyed to the maximum. We then continued our journey out of the park but I wonder where my almighty hunger had gone. We paid another visit to the Frogmouths who were still lovingly perched up on their roost.

Afterwards we went to Martin’s Lodge and had a sumptuous lunch. Unfortunately one group had promised to come for lunch (for 17 people) but hadn’t kept their word so Martin Uncle was very disappointed and told us that it happens quite often making them no longer trust the genuineness of the callers. Well that’s the sad side of their business and pathetic side of some of our fellow folks’.

We then returned to the main road to the Sinharaja ticket counter and were just about to go out, when a group of magpies (make no mistake, it really was a group and I saw 5 of them in the distance perching quite closer to the road) playing around. Unfortunately a group of young boys went past us making noises and speaking at the tops of their voices. They didn’t even have the time to enjoy these beautiful creatures. Gosh, why or why people like these visit such places? Just stay in your homes with your eyes glued to the computer monitors coz it’ll save the nature for the genuine lovers and your efforts of dragging yourselves out of your dens.

However I was lucky to take only 2 pics of them and the rest simply flew deep into the forest as if ashamed to be staying closer to such loud and rowdy people.

Not only them, there was a group of students from a leading girls school in Nugegoda area with their parents and teachers who behaved as if they were still in their playground. It’s a pity that these kids are not taught the importance of nature and the difference of a world heritage site such as Sinharaja and their playground. It’s extremely essential that we behave in a proper manner inside a forest and it was really saddening to see they run wild shouting and hooting all over as if this was the Galle Face Green.

The adults were busy talking to each other and trying to collect plants for their gardens. In fact the authorities too should take a more proactive role in handling such large groups and giving them a fair warning before entering into the forest. It’s true most of our national parks and environmental sites are heavily understaffed (unlike CTB, Railway and Ports) and they find it hard to control large groups. Just one tracker can’t keep an eye on each and every member of a Leyland-bus crowd. The result is that most of the birds and animals who reside in the forest go deeper into it to avoid being harassed like this thus making the sightings fewer all the time. It’ll also have a very negative impact on the nature lovers and our tourism industry.

Well, we must teach our younger generation the importance of protecting these treasures and the value of them so that at least they’ll do something tangible in protecting these for the future. Most of our adults are too far gone to reverse and start thinking differently. Well, here are the pictures of the end of our stay inside this world heritage. We’ll then be going to visit another sexy lady, Pitakele Doovili Ella afterwards that is located about 2-3km from Sinharaja.

Look at those artistic patterns

Better look

Finally got one of them

Just hid behind

Look at the art underneath

The top too

Here we are once again

Must be wondering what on earth we’re doing

The best of the lot

Tiny and playful

Pair of them

One more

Spider man?

Found this one too

Gosh, I’ve forgotten the name

Black Monkey. Do you know in a group of them only the leader can make noises? We were told by our tracker and if there’s two of them that make noises, a confrontation is brewing for the leadership and until one gives up they’d be fighting

Beauty

The road to the village

See what he;s got in his beak

Again poor lighting and camera

Ok, are you ready to go and see the beauty of Kudawa? Let’s go then. Come to the Kudawa Junction where the road branches off to the right when coming from Veddagala. You’d cross a sizeable river with an ancient metal bridge. As soon as you turn right (may be 50-100m), you’ll then find a concrete paved uphill road to your left. Take this but if you’re on a low clearance car, you can only drive for about 200m or possibly little more and have to seek permission from a nearby house to leave your vehicle in their garden which is what we did. Afterwards, it’s a long walk for about 2km until you come to a section of the road paved with interlocking stones.

You’ll be walking parallel to the river that feeds Pitakele Doovili Ella (she’s named after the village Pitakele) all the time. Once you see that road section, you’ve reached the destination and start going downhill (the footpath is quite prominent) to the right. It’s less than 100m to the water and on to your left another 50m or so will be this majestic lady. By the time we arrived it was closer to 5pm and the gloomy weather didn’t help with lighting. However I took a few pics for you. Here they are:

There she is

Closing in

More	And up close

Portrait

River downstream

Another close up

Base

There’s a nice shallow pool too

Lighting was the issue

Remember we saw these at Runakanda too

Another downstream view

Kissing the rocks

Distant view

Zooming in

Connecting the other side of the river

Makeshift bridge

Time to go but how to leave her

Some more

There’s the proper view of the bridge

There is this nice bungalow on a hill

Well it translates into: “Those who broke into the house and stole the treacle shall be cursed and burnt in hell”

Closer look

Farewell pic

Well did you see that curse printed and pasted on a lamp post? A sad story but very much amusing too at the same time. It’s amazing how these rural villagers act for things like these when there’s no way of finding the culprits.

So, we’ve come to the end of my story, have you noticed? I’m gonna have to come again with another story and until then stay put and safe. Be extremely careful if you plan on going camping these days as the lightening has started with rains so avoid open flat areas as much as possible.

Take care

Sri…

After postponing several times I was tempted to do this easy but, lovely hike by seeing the photos posted by one of my friend Nalinda on his Face Book wall. This time myself and five others who love to travel met together on a Sunday at the Fort railway station & caught Badulla bound night mail train. Staying at the fort railway station in advance helped grabbing six seats and preventing us from going standing, at least, up to Gampola.

We said good bye to night mail train when we arrived at famous Idalgashinna station at about 5.00 in the cold morning, from then we were counting fingers till the right time comes. At about 5.45 am we started our mini hike from the station towards Pattipola side, then turn left soon after passing a Tamil School & Post Office.

Sunrise in the morning

Wow

Narangala (2nd highest in Uva Province)

Our target

We came across a water tank, from then there was a clear foot path along the right side border of the tea estate up to the pine patch. Walking in the pine patch was a hectic part. Even though, it was very nature, we could manage to reach the top at about 6.45 am. Weather was perfect to see the beauty of mother land and everyone was too busy capturing that beauty.

Water tank

Foot path

The path we followed

Through the pinus patch

After enjoying the surrounding beauty for about 45 min we decided to get down to catch Colombo bound Udarata Menike train that comes to Idalgashinna station on 8 am as our next plan was to visit famous Galboda waterfall.

The Team

Idalgashinna Station

Beragala mountain

Wangedigala, Balathuduwa & Gommolliya

Border of Horton Plains

Bambarakanda waterfall

Samanala wewa reservoir

Pettigala mountain range

Surrounding beauty

Kuragala in Kalthot

Lovely

Surrounding beauty

Tamil School, Idalgashinna

Post office, Idalgashinna

Back to station

Covered by mist

Thanks for reading

Kokagala is a rock situated at Ampara district closer to Padiyathalawa town. It borders Badulla and Ampara district. On the other side it touches Maduru Oya forest reserve. Though Kokagala has no historical value it has been used as a vantage point by two surveyors in colonial period.
It has been at my to-do list for a long time once Ashan has conquered it. While Chamara and myself were discussing about a hike after Sinhala New Year it came to my mind. With a short notice Ashan has contacted the guide-Sumanarathna. Unfortunately he has planned to visit at relatives place on that day but promised us to introduce someone who knows the path.
I have joined with Chamara at Kandy and we have reached Padiyathalawa by bus. Other three came by the car and joined with us at Padiyathalawa. Sumanarathna came to Padiyathalawa to accompany us. First we were offered by New Year sweets with tea at Sumanarathna’s place. Then he called to the guide who was a 17 years old boy named as “Bolaya”-බෝලයා by others. Sumanarathna’s son also joined with us.
At the end there were eight for the journey and we started the hike by 10.30 am which was fairly late.
Kokagala has a typical dry zone forest and we had to ascend under forest canopy first. We came across a water spring there to refill our bottles. This first stretch of ascend was bit tough and there was a place we had to climb with assistance of creeps. At the end we have reached an open area where view was incomplete.
Second stretch of forest canopy was relatively flat and then we entered second open area. Then onwards we had to walk on a relatively flat area to reach the summit.
Kokagala summit is a flat area of about hundred acres. The highest point was identified by engraved letters done by two British surveyors. Erskine (1910) and John Silva (1921) have been here. I came across evidences of Erskine on Galpadihela and Kukulagala as well. As it was situated in the middle of the peak, we had to walk to an edge to enjoy the surrounding view.
Though weather was sunny, there was a mist which hides clear surrounding view. We had to try our best to identify surrounding peaks and reservoir. It was around 1pm when we reached the peak. Surrounding structures were Rathkinda-Ulhitiya reservoir, Maduru Oya reservoir, Rathkinda-Ulhitiya Mountain, Namal Oya ranges etc. Though Ashan has identified number of peaks we were unable to work out.
After having lunch with grams and sweets we started return journey which made in 2 hours.
We said good bye to three young boys and Sumanarathna. Our day was completed after having a dip on our way back.

Kokagala peak is shown by black star. Click image to enlarge. Note it is at the border of Ampara and Badulla district.

Kokagala is seen from Padiyathalawa-Mahiyangana road

Came across at the beginning of the journey

තලනබටු

Foot pathway….

Closer view of Kokagala

Perfect weather

Small shelter with water source came across on our way up

Dry zone forest. Initial climb was tough.

Dry zone forest

Over the rock

Two of our little guides: “Bole” (left) and Anuj (right)

Over a fallen tree

Over a fallen tree

My team: Chamara (left), Chanuka, Indranatha and Sampath (right)

Tree with engraved letters

Second resting place

Most difficult rocky part we had to over come

Most difficult rocky part we had to over come

Most difficult rocky part we had to over come

Giant tree

Reaching the first open area

Maduru Oya. I tried to make structures more clear.

Nearby mountains? Damanugala

Second forest area

Entering to the peak of Kokagala

On top of Kokagala

Small water pockets on top. Not drinkable.

Further up….

Highest point of Kokagala where a flag has been placed. Engraved letters of two surveyors can be seen closer to this.

Erskine has visited 1910 here.

John Silva has visited 1921 here.

Walking further down to reach the edge of the rock

Walking further down to reach the edge

About to fly….

Team except me

Three little guides

කව්පි

Nearby Chena…..

Straightway looked down from the edge

On top of Kokagala mountain

Towards Ulhitiya range

Maduru Oya reservoir

Padiyathalawa town

Padiyathalawa-Maha Oya road is seen

Gal Oya and Namal Oya mountain range

Other part of Kokagala…Ekasgala

Nearby peaks

Maduru Oya reservoir

Other part of Kokagala-Ekasgala

Coming back….

Coming back….

Couple

Back to village