Map taken from Niroshans report

rough map

As seen from Dhanigala

Omunugala

Different shapes

as seen from tempitiya side

In 2013 I did a mega tour around Maha oya – Padiyathalawa region and then only I noticed this beauty and immediately fell in love with it. I planned to conquer the mountain with the help of army officers at Maduru oya camp but it was hampered by the DWC officials. 2nd attempt was in 2016 which I set off to conquer with DWC officials who at the last moment pulled out because they were not familiar with the area. 3rd attempt was again with DWC officials in 2020 and again there were issues with army officers in the area which hampered that attempt too. I was disappointed but the passion to conquer the giant was more than it. Finally with the blessings of all departments we took off towards Omanugala  with the aid of forest departments officials on 2021 march.

Around 8.30am at the abandoned ambalama at Maduru oya – Aralaganvila road we entered the shrub forest with plenty of open land. It was a long walk with many ups and downs while crossing many streams. After 1.5hours we reached the base of the mountain range, from here we had to cross over a gap which no one had been through previously. At the peak of the gap we decided to enter the range and with great difficulty plus the aid of vines we reached a rock with a view. From this rock we marched towards the main peak and we had to traverse a valley. After about a 50m ascend on the main rock we reached a rock wall where two guys climbed up like geckos but others were exhausted and mentally not in a mood to attempt this last hurdle. Somehow we found an alternate route to reach the main rocky plain.

Kamburagala seen on the way

Full team

ruins

Dhanigala range

closest we got

Deer

plenty of streams

Gombaniya and Yakkunge gala

Thunhisgala and knuckles

Dothalugala, Nawanagala, rajagala

almost stepped on this fellow

creativity

NDK tank

.

a break

towards the gap

tall “milla” tree

through the gap

obstacle course

before the challenging section

Viyan hela , Udaperuwe hela, Dhanigala peaks

Ethbedda and walimba

Madigala

best part is ahead

Henannegala

the dam

psychological obstacles

It wasn’t a walk in the park as we expected, there was a good distance with a gradual ascend towards the summit proper. We were so exhausted that the last climb under the sun was not easy to tolerate at all. Along the ridge we reached the summit which had a 180 view been covered by forest on the other side. Close to the summit there were bricks of a pagoda too. To get an idea about the landmarks please refer the images. After having lunch and a nice nap we decided to get down before the showers reached us.

reached the summit range

exhausted

endless

more to go

NDK tank

and more

.

Kadragala

.	Lidagala the tallest, thoppigala seen at far left

summit

.

summit

summit selfie

the drop

the rock

sloped

us

topagala and unkirigala

kokagala

,	kuda seegiriya

NDK and Pimburuththewa

Dimbulagala

Narakamulla

.

.

.

Maduru oya

Maduru oya

Maduru oya

captured

The downhill journey wasn’t easy as we expected, again getting down from the main rock required down sliding with the aid of vines and rocks to reach the mid section with the valley. The Downhill journey from this point also required creeping through bushes along a stream which seemed never ending. Finally we reached the base and the time was close to 6pm. We had no other option other than traversing the shrub forest for 4Km’s before complete darkness. Experience guides were on the shout with crackers in there hands while we were marching under the dark skies in the drizzle. It was a frightful hike to the main road and we were extremely lucky that no elephants crossed our path. Finally the dream became a reality and I’m ever so grateful to Chanith for inviting me on this adventure.

getting down wasnt easy

fresh water

at the base before the last 4km hike

full team minus the photographer

Dodan Falls

This 53m-high fall cascades in two sections. At either side of the upper segment, there are two elephant trunk-shaped stone arches. The fall’s source is the Devipahala Ela Canal, which flows through Demalegama village before pouring off a rock ledge. The surrounding wooded area contains herbal plants such as ruliya, hathmetiya, vitex attissima and helapeda. Diverse species of wildlife can also be found here, including wild boar and deer.

The site was used for the filming of a Sri Lankan motion picture, ‘Inspector Champa’. Local villagers believe the area may be of some archaeological significance too – the ancient caves of Batawita and Batalena in Kuruwita, where early humans once lived, are nearby. If the relevant authorities investigated, it is thought that many buried secrets could be unearthed.

Take the Colombo – Ratnapura road and turn right at Higashena bazaar, down Devipahala road. Continue for 5km to find the fall, which is situated along the route that also leads to Bopath Falls.

Text from Ashan’s report

The guard over there

The surrounding

Here we came

The view from the top

Cascades

Crystal clear

There are few

The water level is a bit low

Here is she

Fall

Another view

Rocks

Main part

The stream

Cascades

Beauty

Blowing

Another view

Bathing place

The beauty of the nature

There were people

Flowers

Surrounding

This might be amazing during rainy days

Final view of the stream

Bopath Ella – බෝපත් ඇල්ල

GPS Location – 6.801740, 80.369371

The name “Bopath Ella” has been given to the waterfall because of its shape. The water flows through a narrow gap in the rocks and then widens, forming the shape of a leaf of a “Bo” tree which is the Sinhalese name for sacred fig (Ficus religiosa). “Path” means leaves of a tree and “Ella” means waterfall. Virgin forests with a rich biodiversity surround the waterfall.

Bopath Ella is 30 metres (98 ft) high. It is formed from the Kuru Ganga, which is a tributary of the Kalu Ganga. Its mean rate of flow is 6 square metres (65 sq ft) per second, and its catchment area receives an average rainfall of 5,080 millimetres (200 in) annually. Water from the falls is used for paddy cultivation. Bopath Ella is also the most comprehensively studied waterfall in the country.

Bopath Ella is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, since it is not far from the capital, Colombo, and is easily accessible. There have been unsuccessful attempts to use the waterfall to generate hydroelectricity. The path to the waterfall is lined with a number of shops and stalls, and it is somewhat polluted because of this commercialization.

Stories and myths

The waterfall has been used for bathing by ancient rulers of the country when they visited the nearby Maha Saman Devale in Ratnapura. It is also believed that the deity Saman has appeared here.

There are several myths associated with Bopath Ella. One such belief is that a local village girl jumped into the waterfall and killed herself when her lover abandoned her. He was reputedly a pilgrim from Colombo who failed to return to the pregnant girl. The girl’s ghost is said to haunt the waterfall and appears as blue light. Another popular belief among the locals is that there is an ancient treasure trove hidden in the waterfall and that one thousand human sacrifices are required to get it.

Source – Wikipedia

Here is she

Have to cross the stream

Closer view

Shape of Bo leave

Nature

More Views

Nature

Reaching there

Sudagala Falls /සුදාගල ඇල්ල

GPS – 6.807039, 80.381757

You can reach the waterfall on the way to Kuruvita – Batathota road where the famous Batathota cave located. This was a famous area among the villagers as a bathing place. There are safe places to have a bath and try to not to pollute the environment.

Amazing nature

Here is she

Closer view

A visitor

This looks like Rangala pool

Clearwater

Nature

The stream

Rajanewa Falls

My first visit – http://trips.lakdasun.org/client-visit-at-udawalawa-nivithigala.htm

Here is she

Flowers

There were some water

The view

Rajanewa Falls

Greeny area

Surrounding

Top part

Over the leaves

Time to leave

Thank you for reading !\

Sobasiri Team ©

Horton Plains is my favourite destination in Sri Lanka. I have visited here in 2002 with my family and after that, I came here with Akila in 2011 and had unforgettable experiences as I have fallen from the bike at the top of the area which about 2100m above. After that I have visited here to climb several mountains with Sobasiri crew and another visit with my wife as she has not visited here at that time.

There are beautiful memories with this cloud forest especially on exploring mountains and the birth of Walawe and Kelani rivers and the attempt on Agra oya. However, if someone offers me to be a resident over there, I would love to live at here and spend the rest of my life here.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND BEAUTIFUL CREATURES: HORTON PLAINS IN SRI LANKA

Horton Plains in Sri Lanka, is the coldest and windiest location in the country. It consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010.

Ecological importance of Horton Plains

Horton Plains, its surroundings, forests and the adjoining Peak Wilderness constitute Sri Lanka’s most important catchment area of almost all major rivers. The plains are also of outstanding scenic beauty and conservation importance, containing most of the habitats and endemic plants and animals representative of the country’s wet and Montane zones. The western slopes support the most extensive area of Montane cloud forest surviving in the island. Horton Plains is not merely a destination for nature tourists. Since the rich biodiversity of Horton Plains is still grossly underexplored, it affords invaluable opportunities to those engaged on educational and research activities. Protecting Horton Plains is a call of duty for all Sri Lankans.

Climate of Horton Plains

The Climate of Horton Plains is that of a wet Montane forest. The average annual temperature of 14-16⁰ Centigrade while the humidity is relatively low at 65%. Though annual rainfall of the highlands is about 2540mm, Horton Plains records over 5000 mm of rainfall annually.

Location of Horton Plains

During the dry season, the temperature drops to around 5⁰ Centigrade in the day time. Swept with strong gale force winds at times, over-night frost is fairly common.

Terrain of Horton Plains

The gently rolling plateau of Horton Plains at the southern end of the central Montane massif of Sri Lanka is interspersed with net work of streams and channels. The Montane forest is also the source of three major rivers of Sri Lanka: River Mahaweli-the longest river of Sri Lanka, River Walave and River Kelani. Still more, Horton Plains is bounded by the country’s second and third highest mountain peaks of Sri Lanka: Mount Kirigalpotta Kanda (2389 m) and Mount Thotupola Kanda (2357 m). The escarpment with a depth of 900 meters called World’s End and Baker’s Falls is one of the highlights of the Horton Plains.

History of Horton Plains

The great plains of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka was discovered by the planter Thomas Farr in the early 19th century. In 1834 it was named Horton Plains in honor of then Governor of Ceylon (1831-1837) Sir Robert Wilmot Horton. In the year 1969, Horton Plains was declared a nature reserve.In 1988, the reserve was elevated to the status of a National Park.

Location of Horton Plains

Horton Plains is spread over the southern ridge of the central highlands in between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale. The tourists approaching Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya find an entrance point at Pattipola while those approaching from Haputale find an entrance point at Ohiya. Three kilometers drive from either entrance leads to the newly built visitors center. Visitors center exhibits interesting displays on the history of flora and fauna of Horton Plains.

Circular trek in Horton Plains in Sri Lanka

The visitors center is significant in the sense, it has become the starting point for the 9km main trek of the Horton Plains. The main trek taking a circular route can be enjoyed within 3 hours. The trail opens up with an expansive view of flora: bare patina grassland here; densely wooded cloud forest over there. Once the grasslands are passed, the trek leads for about 2km through a fine expanse of cloud forest. Grown in the forest amidst nellu shrubs and keena trees are spices grown in the wild: pepper, cinnamon and cardamom.

World’s End in Horton Plains in Sri Lanka

On the southern edge of the Horton Plains at an altitude of 2140m is famous World’s End, an escarpment that fall sheer 900 meters. The man-made modern irrigation reservoir contained within the national park of Udawalawe brings in a lovely view of the low lying plains of the southern Sri Lanka. On a clear morning the World’s End affords the view running to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The panoramic and distant views are bound to get obscured by the mist from around 10am onwards. As such an early morning arrival at the escarpment would stand in good stead. Especially in the rainy months of May to July, the mist is particularly thick.

Circular trek past the World’s End

At a distance of mere 200m beyond World’s End, the trek turn off the ridge inland to another lovely attraction: Baker’s Falls named after Samuel Baker. If the scramble down to the waterfall is easy though slippery and steep, scrambling up the waterfall back to the trek would find you short of breath in the high altitude.

Past Baker’s Falls, the track runs through open patina grassland of which stillness is broken only by the resonant croaking of thousands of frogs in the trees and grasses.

Wildlife in Horton Plains

The most frequent site of wildlife at Horton Plains are herds of Sambar Deer. Among the other mammals in the park are Strip-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel Wild Boar, the endemic Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey, Fishing cat, Otter and

All of the Montane endemics of Sri Lanka are found in Horton Plains. Sri Lanka bush warbler, Dull-Blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka whistling thrush and the yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka White-eye, Spot-winged Thrush, Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Scaly Thrush, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Spur-fowl and Sri Lanka Jungle-fowl. Other highlights are the Himalayan migrants Pied Thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher Indian Pitta. Black Bird, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Jerdon’s Baza, Pied Bushchat, Hill Swallow and Hill Munia.

Now the Horton Plains has become a happy field of herds of Sambar Deer. However the growth population of Sambar Deer has resulted in the increase of number of Leopards. Wild Boar, the endemic Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey, Slender Loris, Fishing cat, Otter, Barking deer, Strip-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel are some of the other mammals found here.

Until a century ago, Horton Plains was rich with Elephants. Then the whole population was hunted down to extinction by the British colonialists in Sri Lanka then called Ceylon. Today Horton Plains is the only national park in Sri Lanka where elephants aren’t seen at all.

A Whole New Species: Horton Plains slender loris

Horton Plains slender loris was discovered in 1937. However since then there haven’t been recorded sightings at all in Horton Plains. The diminutive primate has been presumed extinct. In 2002 a fleeting nighttime sighting of something looking like the elusive tree-dweller, however, gave conservationists hope. Follow-up surveys led by the Zoological Society of London finally confirmed the lorises are alive-if not exactly well-in 2009, when two individuals were photographed and examined. The Horton Plains slender loris is generally classified as a subspecies of Sri Lanka’s red slender loris. But, thanks in part to the first ever pictures, researchers now believe the Horton Plains slender loris could be a whole new species!

• Stratification: Wet grasslands Sub-Montane and Montane forest
• Area: 3,160ha
• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site (nature), National Park
• Altitude: 2100 – 2200mm
• Temperature: 15 C°
• Annual Rainfall: 2500 – 5000mm
• Best time of year to visit: November to March
• Optimum duration of stay: 1 to 3 nights
• One day excursion: From Nuwara Eliya
• Most convenient accommodation option: Nuwara Eliya
• Nature Highlights: The escarpment (900m) called World’s End, Barker’s falls
• Wildlife – regular sight: Herds of Sambar Deer
• Location: Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Source – Lakpura

On the way from Ohiya

The most beautiful road for me

Scenic ride

More to go

Reaching the plains

Mist

Entered to the area

Here we go

The Horton Plains

Agrabopath Mountains

Follow the guidelines

The path

Environment

Environment

Environment

Environment

Environment

Environment

Some known mountains

The path

Rest of the areas

Here we go

Environment

Environment

Witnessed mountains

Environment

Environment

Environment

Environment

Maha Rath Flowers

More to go

Our people

Environment

Environment

Environment

Beautiful Surrounding

Maha Rath Mal plant

Horton Plains

The office area

Mist is coming

Summit of Thotupola

Flowers

Environment

Back to the entrance

Clear day

Ambewela Towers

Cloud Forests

Environment

Near the Pattipola ticket counter

Lets go

Greeny roads

Saw you

Mountains

Endless beauty

Alone

Green Areas

The beauty of the environment

Sambar deers

Endless beauty

Environment

Flowers

Flowers

See the beauty

See the beauty

See the beauty

Chimney Pool

Adjusted

The Sky

Sunshine

Another view

There are many things to see

The bridge

The environment

The environment

The environment

The environment

Walawe River

Trees

bakers Falls

Another View

Another view

The environment

The environment

The environment

The environment

Owner of the area

The valley

Speechless beauty

More to explore

The route

Colors

Styles

This was seen at the first time

Mist

World’s End

The map

The environment

Surrounding covered

Path to Non-Pariel

Flowers

Closer view

Final capture

At the hotel at Belihuloya

Beauty of there

A rare look of the Hawagala

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Nuwaragala (නුවරගල) and Ethbaddegala / Ethbadda (ඇත්බැද්ද) are giants of Nuwaragala Forest Reserve. There are other rocks rising around these two giants. I wanted to hike some of these mountains to get different view of Nuwaragala and Ethbadda. Here we hiked the mountain adjacent to Nuwaragala and in front of Ethbadda. In metric map it is mentioned as Pethangala (පෙතන්ගල) but locals called it as Rawulagala (රැවුලාගල).

Pethangala in metric map (marked in red arrow). Note it is situated closer to Nuwaragala and Ethbadda. Click image to enlarge.

This was the first day of two days journey to Maha Oya. Our approach to Maha Oya was quite long as we had to pick up Kasun from Matara and Duranga from Bible. After passing a difficult section from Bibile to Padiyathalawa (due to construction of roads) we have reached Maha Oya. “Homemade” was the place we can recommend to have meals when you pass Maha Oya. Road construction was undergoing till 69 junction to make the start delay.

When I looked at Google map Pethangala/ Rawulagala is situated closer to Aranthalawa side compared to Pollebadda. Therefore we planned to enter the forest reserve from Aranthalawa side and we could notice some gravel roads into the forest reserve from main road. After visiting Ethbadda and Nuwaragala in 2019 we returned to main road in Aranthalawa side.

We were able to find a friendly place to park our vehicle and there was a gravel road into the forest reserve. These villagers warned us about wild elephants but to thanks to god we didn’t come across any till we returned. Our beginning was slight late-9.30am.

Google map was our main guide of the journey. The gravel road gets branches and became a foot pathway. We cautiously walked in the forest due to warning of wild elephants.

Journey started. Four man team with newly added Duranga who stands right behind me.

Gravel road into the forest. This is mainly due to cattle.

It was a brighten day.

The road is branched and became a foot path.

.

The route was almost a flat terrain till we reached the base of Pethangala. On our way we got on to a small slab rock to look around. Walimbe Hela (වාලිම්බේ හෙල) / Friar’s Hood was seen as a giant while Ethbadda and Pethangala appeared in front of it. The view of Nuwaragala was covered by Pethangala.

We got on top of a small rock to look around.

.

.	Back to the path

Group snap….

Terrain in dry zone….

.	Walimbe Hela

Close up of Walimbe Hela

Ethbadda (left) and Pethangala (right).

This is our destination of the day… Pethangala / Rawulagala

.

It was a gradual ascend from base of Pethangala to the top of it. There were some covered areas and large trees to get a shelter during the ascend. Pethangala hike was kind of a step wise ascend like Ethbadda. After hike certain distance we were able to watch around and identify some nearby mountains. Here Omanugala, Kamburagala, Dimbulagala, Henanegala and mountains at Narakamulla area drew our attention.

The hike started

A natural cave

After ascend some distance

It was kind of a step wise ascend

Kamburagala and Omanugala

Omanugala and Henanegala (most right)

Dimbulagala

Mountains at Narakamulla area

Unknown

With further hike we came to the edge of Pethangala where Ethbadda is seen. We were able to see elephants roaming on top of Ethbadda. Later we came to the edge of Pethangala where Nuwaragala and rest of mountains are seen. It was kind of unique view of Nuwaragala you can have. In addition to Nuwaragala we were able to see Nilgala (නිල්ගල), Berahela (බෙරහෙල), Kurittupudam (කුරිට්ටුපුදම්), Mahagallela (මහගල්ලෑල්ල) and Viyana Hela (far away) from Pethangala. We spent time to get snaps with back ground of Nuwaragala and accessory mountains.

Came to the edge of Pethangala where Ethbadda and Walimbe are seen.

Close up of Walimbe Hela.

Elephants on Ethbadda-circled

Elephants on Ethbadda-circled

Walking under forest cover for a relief

Human activities

Full view of Ethbadda

We came to the edge of Pethangala where Nuwaragala and rest of mountains are seen.

With Nuwaragala

Nilgala, Berahela and Nuwaragala (right)

More details of adjacent mountains

The drop of Nuwaragala. Viyana Hela is seen far away

Fruits are ideal to carry at dry zone hiking instead of starchy snacks and sweets.

With back drop of Nuwaragala

Accessory mountains of Nuwaragala range

The jump

Further moved to Nuwaragala side

Then we moved to the highest point of Pethangala which is under forest cover. We could notice evidence of some human activities there. It was around 2pm and we have spent about 4 hours to reach the peak (We spent much time for photos and it was bit hard due to heat). Then we followed the same route in return journey to get back to the vehicle. It was fairly late when we were back to main road but didn’t have elephant encounter though we expected at late evening. So another successful dry zone hike was over.

The highest point of Pethangala.

Highest point of Pethangala is under forest cover

Team at highest point

Wild flowers

.

Return journey

Let’s see some aerial pictures taken from Pethangala

Pethangala

Pethangala

Nuwaragala

Here you can see Gorikana (Right behind Nuwaragala with greenish cap), Kokagala and Unukirigala

Ethbadda. Here you can see Walimbe Hela (left) and mountains at Dora Ira area (left)

Greatly appreciate the help of Chamara to name these mountains. Rambakan Oya reservior is also seen here.

The drop

On top of Pethangala

On top of Pethangala

This is our route to Pethangala.

Thanks for reading

I had to go to Dambulla for special work and I thought to have a ride on my motorcycle to see some mountains and nature and to identify them on my way to Dambulla. I started my journey from Jaela at 4 am and able to pass Kurunegala around 6 am and then I started exploring the nearby mountains and decided to visit them as much as I can.

First, I found two beautiful peaks on my way and turn to the road heading to Moragasgoda and Kotagala mountains, since I have no travel partner I observed the trailhead and the surroundings and talked with the villagers, and got the information and wrote them on my notebook.

After that, I continue my journey and identified Karanampotha, and headed to the base of the mountain and then I observed that the Karanampotha is connecting with a long tail mountain which is a bit small than Karanampotha but the hike of the range is easy as there are only maana bushes.

Then I continued again and turned to another road and headed to the summit of the peak by motorcycle as there is a proper road for the villages over there. There was a university student who walking to her home and she said that the name of the mountain as Madahapola mountain.

After that, I stopped at a beautiful lake where I saw the Beliya Kanda and spent some time having a cup of tea. Captured some pictures and noted about the land area and left to Dambulla. Finally, I was able to capture some photos of Manikdena, Lenadora, and Abmokka mountain range with Newgala and Selagama mini world’s end.

Heading to Moragasgoda and Kotagala

It looks like the Sripada

Kotagala and Moragasgoda

Beautiful summits

Through the paddy field

Another view of it

Closer view

The road along with a canal

Beauty

Clear pathway

Time for a selfie

Kotagala and Moragasgoda

Full view of the area with a familiar one

The road connects with the main road

The canal

Heading to Madahapola Mountain

On the way to find another one

Nobody is there

Climb up a mountain by bike

Nice road

More to go see the Madahapola Kanda at Beligamuwa

I’m free

More and more to go

Getting close to the summit level

Almost flat area

Cultivation

The only person that I met

Bridge on the way to the Madahapola Kanda at Beligamuwa

The stream

Designs

Time for another selfie

The road connects with the main road

Heading to Karanampotha Mountain

Karanampotha Seen

Closer view of Karanampotha

On the way to the base of it

Getting closer

How it connects with another mountain range

More to go

Another view

The road to Karanampotha

Passing Karanampotha

Zoomed view of Karanampotha

Another view

Beauty

Journey continued

Beliya Kanda Seen

The lake with the view of Beliya Kanda

Captured

Zoomed view

Heading over there

Stopped at this beautiful lake

The Lake

Time for another selfie

Panorama view

Zoomed view of Beliya Kanda

Witnessed a beautiful lake

Pano view of the area

Getting closer

Manikdena and Lenadora Seen

View of Manikdena and Lenadora

The view

Manikdena and Lenadora

Lenadora zoomed

Another view

Giant Manikdena

Amazing view

Through the paddies

Zoomed

View of Ambokka and Newgala mountain range

Ambokka and Newgala Seen

Ambokka

Covered by mist

The range

The connection of destinations

Misty

A clear view

Final capture

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

This is the second day of two days trip to Maha Oya. We have stayed at Wijewickrama Guest at Maha Oya last night. Maha Oya has limited accommodation options and Wijewickrama guest is the most easily available one at the town but not in good quality. We got the breakfast from “Homemade” at Maha Oya which can be recommended for meals. Our main target was Seethawanniya (සීතවන්නිය) peak which is standing with Rambakan Oya reservior. Seethawanniya is also a part of Nuwaragala forest reserve.
We successfully finished the hike Rawulagala / Pethangala in previous day and Keshan joined with us for Seethawanniya hike. Our access point to Seethawanniya was Pollebadda village (පොල්ලේබැද්ද ගම්මානය). The distance from Maha Oya town to Pollebadda is 10km and it has some gravel sections but can be managed by a car.
My last visit to Pollebadda was in 2019 in view of hiking Ethbadda and Nuwaragala. When we entered Pollebadda we met “Gunawardana Aththo”
(ගුණවර්ධන ඇත්තෝ) who is a Vedda lives at Pollebadda. He voluntarily came to show us Rambakan Oya reservior and it’s archeological site.
“Gunawardana Aththo “is said to as the leader of Pollebadda Vedda community at Pollebadda and Kasun knows him before.

First we came to see Rambakan Oya archeological site. Rambakan Oya archeological site has a slab inscription and ancient granite rock canal.
Rambakan Oya (රඹකැන් ඔය) which is a tributary of Mundeni Aru (මුන්දෙනි ආරු) and it is dammed for irrigation purpose of surrounding areas. History of ancient Rambakan Oya reservior goes back to King Saddhatissa (137-119 BC) and King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AC) periods. But ruins of rock canal remains today from ancient time and it is situated closer to new Rambakan Oya reservior. We were able to reach the place by car.

Rambakan Oya Ruins of Ancient Granite canal (රඹකැන් ඔය ඉපැරණි ගල් ඇල) (7.456282, 81.398746)
The canal has been built with massive interlocking granite slabs as a twin canal system to get connected with ancient Rambakan Oya dam. There is a slab inscription situated closer to these granite sluice mentioning the stone canal was built by Liyana Nayakayan and Kananthkan Vahanse who lived in Gal Weta area. It is about 250 feet long and no evidence to prove that the construction was completed or the reservior was functioned.

Information about ancient granite canal

Twin canal

Twin canal

Granite slabs of ancient Rambakan Oya canal

Granite slabs of ancient Rambakan Oya canal

Granite slabs of ancient Rambakan Oya canal

Rambakan Oya slab inscription

View of Gorikana Mountain

“Gunawardana Aththo” is delivering a voice cut

View of Seetha Wanniya

Then we have moved to visit new Rambakan Oya reservior. Here we followed a gravel road from archeology site to the Rambakan Oya spill canal and parked the car there. We have noticed locals come by vehicles to have a bath at this spill canal. But this gravel road is not suitable for a car. Then we got on to Rambakan Oya dam.

Rambakan Oya Reservior (රඹකැන් ඔය ජලාශය) (7.444476, 81.406379)
Rambakan Oya reservior is developed under Mahaweli Development project in view of irrigation purpose and drinking water. This project started in February 2007 and opening ceremony was held on 20th July 2013.
Rambakan Oya dam is an earthen dam of 1225m length to cross Rambakan Oya. It has 24.7m height. There are two spillways.
Rambakan Oya project is the 10th zone of Mahaweli Development project. Seetha Wanniya mountain range is situated on one side of the reservior and Gorikana Mountain (As “Goraka” (ගොරකා) trees are ample here it is called as Gorikana) is situated behind Rambakan Oya dam. In addition there are a lot of mountains seen to Rambakan Oya dam but I couldn’t identify them exactly as I am new to this area.

New Rambakan Oya reservior and dam

Rambakan Oya reservior and dam

Two spillways of Rambakan Oya reservior

Mountains seen to Rambakan Oya reservior.

Mountains seen to Rambakan Oya reservior.

Mountains seen to Rambakan Oya reservior.

Gorikana Mountain.

There are few caves situated closer to Rambakan Oya which were used by ancient Vedda people. Gunawardana Aththo has shown some of them and we said good bye him following this activity. We are interesting in seeking these caves lived by ancient Vedda people and there are few around Nuwaragala and Ethbadda. Therefore I would like to come in a separate report with these ancient caves.
Let’s move to our main target of the day-Seetha Wanniya / Seethawanniya

Dr. R.L. Spittle has described in his book of Vanished Trails how this mountain got the name Seethawanniya / Seetha Wanniya. (192-193 pages)

එක් කලෙක මෙහි විසූ සීටා නම් වැද්දෙක් විය. එක් දිනක් ලබු කැටයකුත් රැගෙන කැකුරන්පොළවට ගිය ඔහුගේ අඹුව වළෙන් දිය බොන බඹරුන් වගයක් දුටුවාය. පැය ගණනක් තිස්සේ මේ බඹරුමැස්සන් පසු පස්සේ වනයේ ගමන් කළ මේ වැදි ගැහැණිය මේ කියන සීතලවන්නියේ හෙල වෙතට පැමිණියාය. එහි බැද තිබුණ බඹරවද රාශියක් දුටුවාය. එතනින ආපසු ආ ගැහැනිය බොහෝ ප්‍රමාදවී දිය ගෙන ගෙදර ආවාය. දිය ගෙනෙන්නට ගොස් මෙතෙක් ප්‍රමාදවී පැමිණීම නිසා මැය අනිකෙකු හා යන්නාට ඇතයි සැක කළ ඇගේ සැමියා ඇගෙන් ඒ ගැන විමසුවේය. තමා බඹරවද බලා ගැනීමට බඹරුන් හමා ගිය බව ගැහැනිය දිවුරා කීවාය. හොදයි එහෙම නම් ඒ බඹරගල හෙට උදේ මට පෙන්වන්ට ඕනෑ යයි වැද්දා තරවටු කලේය. පසුව දා උදයේ අඹු සැමි දෙදෙනා එක්ව බඹරගල සොයා ගියෝය. එහිවූ බඹරවද රාශිය දුටු වැද්දා ඒවා කොටාගැනීමට බිරිදත් සමග හෙල මුදුනට නැoගේය. ගලමුදුනෙන් පහළ බඹර කඩා ගැනීමට වුවමනා සදහා අවශය දේ සපයා ගැනීමට මෙහිදී දෙදෙනා දෑතකට ගියහ. වැද්දා ඉණිමගට වේවැලක් හා කිරිවැල් ද සපයා ගෙන එන විට වැදි ගැහැනිය ඊට කලින් වැල් ඇදගෙන අවුත් ඉණිමග තනා බඹර කොටාගෙනත් ඉවර බව, හේ දුටුවේය. මෙයින් පුදුමයටත් අඹුවට පැරදයාම ගැන ලජ්ජාවටත් පැමිණි සීටා වැද්දා එකෙණෙහි ගලෙන් පහලට පැන දිවි නසාගත්තේය. මෙතැන් සිට මේ ගලට සීටාවන්නියා මළ හෙල යයි නම් වී පසුව එය සීතල වන්නිය හෙල යයි වවහාරයට ආවේ යයි මෙහි ගම්මු කියති. Quoted from “මැකී ගිය දඩ මo” translation of Vanished Trails.

Metric map of Seethawanniya. (Circled). Here you can’t see Rambakan Oya reservior as this is an old map. One of the old Vedda villages called “Kurunduwinna” is marked here but it was submerged with Rambakan Oya reservior.

Seetha Wanniya / Seethawanniya / Seethalawanniya (7.440989, 81.426825) (සීත වන්නිය)
There is a gravel road in left bank of Rambakan Oya. We have followed it according to the Google map and Seethawanniya was seen in our left hand side. Seethawanniya has two peaks to be conquered. With guidance of Google map we got into the forest and started the hike. Throughout this journey we were cautious about wild elephant as they can come across at any time. Within about an hour time we were able to reach the first peak of Seethawanniya. Both peaks of Seethawanniya were amazing viewpoints of Rambakan Oya reservior and dam. In addition to Rambakan Oya reservior we were able to view Madiyagala, Kokagala, Viyana Hela side, Oyabodahela (the one next to Seethawanniya), Walimbe Hela, Wadinagala, Govinda Hela etc. Ethbadda and Nuwaragala side was covered by the forest.

Along the left border of Rambakan Oya Reservior

Along the left border of Rambakan Oya Reservior

Gorikana and Omanugala (far) are seen to Rambakan Oya

Mighty Kokagala

We were so careful about wild elephants especially at this stretch of the journey

Seethawanniya

One peak of Seethawanniya

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Get into the dry zone forest

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Rambakan Oya reservior and dam. Here you can see the spill canal of Rambakan Oya reservior (right side). We stopped our vehicle closer to this canal and followed the way along the bank of the reservior.

Rambakan Oya reservior and dam. Towards Pollebadda village and Kokagala.

Other side of Rambakan Oya reservior

This mountain is mentioned as Oyabodahela (470m) in Google map.

Govinda Hela, Wadinagala and Senanayake Samudraya

Towards Dora Ira area

Mountains seen beyond Rambakan Oya reservior. The one rising in the middle must be Madiyagala.

Mountain seen beyond Rambakan Oya reservior. Towards Viyana Hela.

Towards Walimbe Hela. Here you can see typical appearance of Walimbe. Ethbadda is covered by forest

Close up of Walimbe Hela

Distance peak of Seethawanniya.

Distance peak of Seethawanniya. “Sada Sulang Kadawadina Gal Ge” (සැඩ සුලo කඩා වදින ගල්ගේ) is situated here.

On top of Seethawanniya peak-Shashi Gayashan

On top of Seethawanniya peak-Kasun Lakmal

On top of Seethawanniya peak- Duranga

After having enough pictures from this peak we were back to forest and moved towards the second peak of Seethawanniya. “Sada Sulang Kada Wadina Galapita Galge” (සැඩ සුලo කඩා වදින ගලපිට ගල්ගේ) is situated here. Dr.R.L.Spittel also has mentioned about this cave in his book called Vanished Trails (page 37). This cave gets roaring wind due to it’s situation on top of a mountain. There is a unique slab rock at this peak where everyone get snaps at it’s edge

Back to forest

Famous slab rock of Seethawanniya

The famous slab rock of Seethawanniya where everyone gets pictures

The famous slab rock of Seethawanniya where everyone gets pictures

The famous slab rock of Seethawanniya where everyone gets pictures

On top of second peak of Seethawanniya. The cave is shown by an arrow.

View of Rambakan Oya reservior to second peak.

First peak of Seethawanniya is seen

When we were at Seethawanniya, mist came and wrapped around to give the real meaning of Seethawanniya. I was able to fly the drone at first peak as it had more flat surface than second peak.

Mist came in between Seethawanniya and Oyabodahela.

Mist came.

.	End of another successful journey.

When we were at second peak of Seethawanniya. Another information we could get from this picture is provincial border of Eastern and Uva lies next to Seethawanniya second peak.

Summary of the journey to Seethawanniya.

Aerial photos taken from Seethawanniya

Over Seethawanniya

First peak of Seethawanniya

Second peak of Seethawanniya. Walimbe Hela is seen behind.

Rambakan Oya reservior, dam and spill canal.

I was able to identify number of distance peaks in this picture. It includes Kokagala, Madiyagala, Hela Gala, Amunehela, Avalahela and Viyanhela. I would have taken this shot bit higher.

We expected a rain following the mist. Therefore we were hurry to get back to the vehicle. Luckily rain came when we passed Pollebadda village. It was the end of another successful hike at Nuwaragala forest reserve.

Thanks for reading

Lunumadulla (ලුණුමඩුල්ල) is a small peak (actually it is a Pathana / පතන) situated at Knuckles forest reserve closer to Ranamure-Duwili Falls trail. This is not a popular mountain but marked at metric map as Lunumadulla. Villagers in Ranamure used this Pathana to roam their cattle and they call it as Lunumudagala (ලුණුමුඩාගල). When we were getting down along Ranamure trail from KMP in 2016, I can remember Eshan mentioned about this peak. Eshan and I have marked this as a “to do peak” but he couldn’t make it on this trip.

Click image to enlarge. Lunumadulla peak is marked by a star.

Approach to Lunumadulla is through Ranamure village. Actually we planned to do Ranamure waterfall trail in this visit and Lunumadulla was our plan B. We four came by the car and Isuru Lasan joined with us from Pallegama. Isuru was attached to Kalu Ganga reservior project at this time.
All five have arrived to Ranamure village and parked the car at a particular house (They were friendly and we were used to park the car there in our back to back visit to Ranamure). This was my visit to Ranamure village after four years. We have followed Duwili Eli trail in view of watching Ranamuru Oya cascades but our hopes were broken due to low water level of the stream. Further continuing at Duwili Eli trail we have reached a slab rock / “Gal Poththa” (ගල් පොත්ත).
As weather was so warm we all were exhaust and had a break there.

Heading to Pallegama. A break at Bakamuna.

At Bakamuna Road.

Ranamure village.

Leaving Ranamure Village

Following Ranamure-Duwili Falls path

Following Ranamure-Duwili Falls path

කඩුල්ල

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Extremely dry Ranamure Oya

Extremely dry Ranamure Oya

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Posing….

Particular junction at Ranamure-Duwili Falls trail. Kasun is at Duwili Falls trail. Isuru (blue) is at Angunukole Falls path.

Checking the map.

Reached a “Galpoththa”

Particular “Gal Poththa”

Following this “Gal Poththa” / slab rock we followed our way to Lunumadulla with assistance of Google map. At one point we were on wrong track but later followed the correct path (there was no foot path). After deviation of Duwili falls trail it was a mixture of forest cover and open areas. As I mentioned earlier this mountain is called as a Pathana by villagers. So called Pathana can be seen even from lower part of the mountain. Eventually we have reached this lower part of Lunumudagala Pathana. Here onwards it was gradual ascend through this shrub areas. But we didn’t come across cattle at these open areas.

Look what he found.

Reaching lower part of Lunumudagala Pathana.

Continuing the journey through Pathana.

Surrounding view.

Selfie during ascend….

Lower part of Lunumudagala

A break while on our way to top

Lower part of Lunumudagala

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While on our way to top of Lunumadulla we have noted different nearby peaks of Knuckles massif. One side we have noted Sudu Gala, Lahumanagala, Riversotone peak, Yakunge Hela and Gombaniya (actually Yakunge Hela and Gombaniya were covering with mist). Majestic Lakegala and Wamarapugala appeared in other side. In addition to above peaks we were able to view Riverstone, Pitawala Pathana, Manikdena, Lenadora, Gedaragala Pathana and Moragahakanda Reservior. Here our target was the edge of Lunumadulla peak with the drop.

This is Sudugala side.

This is Sudugala side. Gombaniya and Yakunge Hela are covered with mist.

Further ascend along Pathana.

Sudugala and Lahumanagala

Clear view

Gombaniya and Yakunge Hela are covered with mist

Riverstone and Pitawala Pathana side

Riverstone peak

At drop of Yakunge Hela

Lakegala and Wamarapugala side.

Meeriyagolla and Narangamuwa Lakegala

Zoomed view

+ Meemure Lakegala

Wamarapugala

Manikdena and Lenadora

Gedaragala Pathana and Moragahakanda Reservior

Construction site at Kalu Ganga Reservior

Thorny bushes with berries.

The highest point / edge of Lunumadulla peak was ultimately a view point of Kalu Ganga Reservior. Kalu Ganga Reservior was the last step of Mahaweli Development Project. This view point was important to Isuru as he is working at this project. Beyond this, we could see Rathkinda Ulhitiya reservior, Unukirigala, Kokagala and even mighty Walimbe Hela. As this edge was our ultimate goal we spent much time in getting photos here.

Newly opened Kalu Ganga Reservior

Kalu Ganga Reservior (right) and Moragahakanda Reservior (left)

Kalu Ganga Reservior and new road at it’s bank

Towards Kalu Ganga reservior side

Rathkinda Ulhitiya reservior and Unukirigala. Fainted view of Walimbe Hela is there.

View of Kokagala.

Busy with snaps

Posed at Lunumadulla peak

Unique picture at Lunumadulla

Other side

This rocky mountain might be Ranamure Kanda according to Metric map.

The team on top of Lunumadulla

On top of Lunumadulla

It would be easy to understand the shape of Lunumadulla peak when you looked at drone pictures.

This is the drop of Lunumadulla. This was our ultimate target. The background is filled with mountains at Sudugala side.

Lunumadulla Mountain.

Lower part of the mountain. We have passed this area to reach top of Lunumadulla.

When drone comes up Thunhisgala was visible

Lakegala and Kehelpothdoruwegala is behind. The valley is formed by Ranamure Oya. Alakola Falls upper part is situated here.

Kalu Ganga Reservior

Five men team….

Flying the drone on top of Lunumadulla was bit challenge due to wind. We were able to return to Ranamure in 2 hours’ time. It ends another one day hike at Knuckles Forest reserve.

Coming back.

The villager lives at last house of Ranamure mentioned it as Lunumudagala.

Click image to enlarge. This is our approach to Lunumadulla.

Thanks for reading

Wadinagala is fascinating peak situated at Gal Oya sanctuary facing to Jayanthi Wewa / Pallan Oya reservior (ජයන්ති වැව/ පල්ලන්හෙල ජලාශය). It is the second highest peak of Gal Oya Sanctuary and the district border of Ampara and Moneragala lies over it (on the other hand it is the provincial border of Uva and eastern). It is said Lord Buddha choose this peak to keep sacred foot print before he arrived Sri Pada. (බුදුන් වඩින්න +ආ ගල -වඩිනාගල) (The same story applies to number of mountains which resemble the appearance of Sri Pada Ex- Thoranakotha, Hagasulla etc.)

Click image to enlarge. Wadinagala peak in metric map.

Pointed peak of Wadinagala is unique and can be seen to nearby mountains.

Wadinagala is seen to Govinda Hela.

Jayanthi Lake and Wadinagala

View of Wadinagala from Pallanhela

View of Wadinagala to Inginiyagala peak

View of Wadinagala on our way to Konduru Hela

Wadinagala is seen to Viyanhela

How it was seen to Seethawanniya

Ashan has conquered Wadinagala in 2012 and after reading his successful attempt it was one of my dreams to conquer it. Main obstacle was to find a guide to hike Wadinagala as Ashan’s guide has passed away and he has no other contact there. Meanwhile Thilina Agasthi and his friends have summited Wadinagala without guides and it stimulated us to visit the place with no assistance of guides. Following that Kavinda also has hiked Wadinagala with “Man Salakunu” (මo සලකුණු) team and their advices and information were really useful in succeeding this hike.

Approach to Wadinagala is from Waragama (වරාගම) village in Buddama (බුද්ධම). We have planned to do this as a camping trip. Two teams came to Buddama from two sides. Eshan came with Dasun Tharuka and Wikum by their vehicle from Kandy side passing Maha Oya. I came with Shashi, Keshan and Kasun Lakmal via Southern highway to Buddama passing Siyambalanduwa. Our plan is to park vehicles at Buddama hospital and reach Waragama by three wheelers. We had a warm welcome by Dr. A. Batuwanthudawa-Medical Officer at Buddama. After having breakfast we departed from Buddama to Waragama village. Here we filled all our bottles with water as we were informed by Kavinda about lack of water. Three wheel drivers have dropped us to the end of gravel road after Waragama village. We followed the gravel road which goes through Mana bushes and Corn Chena. It was an opening area and we have noted few brick building places as well. The peak of Wadinagala was seen and this is called as “Wadinagala Kotha” -වඩිනාගල කොත by villagers.

Journey starts….The gravel road goes through Mana area. Wadinagala Kotha is seen.

Part of the team.

The road

Nearby mountains…..

Passing a shady area

This open area is filled with Corn Chena and Brick building sites.

We have entered the forest closer to tree house.

We have entered the forest closer to above mentioned tree house (7.084241, 81.519121). The terrain was almost flat up to now and then we crossed a water stream. These streams are finding it’s way to Jayanthi Lake. Next stretch was an ascend under forest cover then number of boulders found where we have to go round the boulders to find the way. It was around 12 noon when we reached a peak (7.094978, 81.515393) which is situated next to main Wadinagala peak.

Get in to the forest. The water stream….

A giant tree

Dasun first time with us….

Rocky area like walls…. Have to go around of these to find the way

.	The area we passed

.	Steep ascend was overcome with assistance of roots

Cave like structures

Cave like structures

Having lunch. PC-Kasun Lakmal

We had our lunch at this peak and planned the journey according to the Google map to highest point of Wadinagala. There was a descend from this peak and then an ascend to Wadinagala peak. One last section of the trail was so steep (7.098785, 81.518398) and someone needed to go up and help others to come up. Following that it was another small ascend to Wadinagala peak. It was around 3.30-4.00pm when we reached the top and this was a strenuous journey consuming large amount of water.
Wadinagala peak is basically a narrow one and it has no good flat surface to pitch tents (you will understand by looking drone photos). But it provides 360 view to surrounding. A large part of the view is occupied by Jayanthi Lake. We could see elephants roaming at Lake Bank. Then we were able to view Govinda Hela, Deegal Hela, Panam Panguwa, Gal Oya Reservior / Senanayake Samudraya, Hills around Gal Oya Makare, Maragala Range, Kithal Hela, Muthukandiya Lake and Namal Oya reservior etc.

Govinda Hela (middle) and Deegal Hela (behind). Panam Panguwa is situated in front of Govinda Hela.

Gal Oya reservior and mountains situated around Gal Oya Makare

Towards Meeyagala and Baduluwela

We have reached top of Wadinagala from this peak.

Towards Ambala Oya

Unknown

Jayanthi Lake / Pallan Oya reservior

Streams searching their way to Jayanthi Lake

Close up of Jayanthi Lake

Maragala Range (behind) and Kithal Hela (in front)

Muthukandiya Reservior and hills around Muthukandiya. And towards Buddama.

Gal Oya reservior and Namal Oya reservior seen behind it.

Zoomed view of Namal Oya reservior (far)

Enjoying the view

The team on top of Wadinagala

The team on top of Wadinagala

Relaxing….

The place is just enough to pitch two tents

We were able to enjoy a beautiful sun set from Wadinagala. The sun went down behind five peaks of Knuckles. It was one of the beautiful sun set I had on a mountain after a long time. Night was not that much cold as we expected and good wind was around.

Sun set from Wadinagala.

Knuckles five peak can be seen

?? Towards Mahakudugala and Piduruthalagala

? Madolsima Range

Sun set

Sun set

Sun set

Sun set

Sun set

Sun set

Sun set

Enjoying the sun set

Enjoying the sun set

Enjoying the sun set

Day 02

The sun rise was not beautiful like sun set and it was from Senanayake Samudraya side. There were letters engraved on top of Wadinagala peak which might be provincial marks / Surveyor marks. Morning hours were the ideal to fly the drone and capture some scenery. We started to get down around 8.30am after having a light breakfast. Here we directly targeted the trail head rather than going to other peak and getting down. As a result we had to overcome steeper descends. I was not keen in get photographs till we reached the water stream at base of the mountain.

Morning Tea

Awaiting for sun rise

Sun rise from Wadinagala

Enjoying the sun rise

It’s me….

.

Sun rise from Senanayake Samudraya side

Morning view of Senanayake Samudraya

Fainted view of Omanugala (far)

Morning view of Jayanthi Lake

Jayanthi Lake is shining with sun rise

Panam Panguwa, Govinda Hela and Deegal Hela

Unknown….

Jayanthi Lake bunt

Surveyor mark / Provincial marks on top of Wadinagala

Surveyor mark / Provincial marks on top of Wadinagala

Surveyor mark / Provincial marks on top of Wadinagala

Group photo

Aerial photo…So called Wadinagala Kotha / Wadinagala peak

Narrow Wadinagala peak.

We pitched tents on this narrow top

First we reached nearby peak and then followed our way to Wadinagala Kotha. You can easily work out our path by this picture.

Another aerial photo

Over Jayanthi Lake

Jayanthi Lake, Senanayake Samudraya and Gal Oya sanctuary

Classic view of Wadinagala

We are on top of Wadinagala with back drop of Jayanthi Lake

We are on top of Wadinagala with back drop of Jayanthi Lake

Reached base of Wadinagala.

The exit point into the forest was not exactly the entry point. We have come across some scattered ruins at forest. These might be “Garulugoda Ruins” (ගරලුගොඩ නටබුන්) described by Ashan in his report. It was around 12 noon when we exit the forest. We have called the same three wheeler to accompany us from Waragama to Buddama. After having a wash from Buddama Doctors quarters we reached Buddama junction to get our lunch. Eshan and Dasun said good bye to us from 9th mile post as they drive to Kandy. It ended up successful hike to this awaiting peak-Wadinagala.

Ruins found at Base of Wadinagala

Ruins found at Base of Wadinagala. Photo Credit-Kasun Lakmal

Ruins found at Base of Wadinagala. Photo Credit-Kasun Lakmal

Summary of the journey. Trail head is shown by the bottom green pin. Yellow line is the one we followed. Here we went to nearby other peak and headed to Wadinagala peak then. Red line shows the one we got as GPS points. Our return journey was bit closer to this red line.

This was first two days of three days journey. Our next day plan was to visit hidden Buddha statues at Budupatuna-Ethimale. We have reached our accommodation at Nethmi Regency-Siyambalanduwa by evening. The last activity of the day was visiting at Muthukandiya Lake.

Evening at Muthukandiya Lake (මුතුකණ්ඩිය ජලාශය) (6.972597, 81.508845)

Muthukandiya reservior is considered as one of the largest irrigation project of Moneragala District. The main water source of Muthukandiya Reservior is Meeyan Oya (මීයන් ඔය) which begins at the hills of Meeyagala (මීයගල). It is about 4km from A25 road (Ampara-Siyambalanduwa Road) and road condition is satisfactory up to the reservior. It was the sun set time when we reached Muthukandiya. Kukulumulla and Meeyagala range are situated right behind Muthukandiya reservior. Our last day destination Wadinagala was also seen at Muthukandiya Lake.

We have reached Muthukandiya at evening time.

Fishery at Muthukandiya Lake

Kukulumulla and Meeyagala Range

.

.	Wadinagala popped up….

Sun set at Muthukandiya Lake

Sun set at Muthukandiya Lake

Sun set at Muthukandiya Lake

We had a rain bow as well

.

Some aerial photographs of Muthukandiya Lake

Lake Bunt of Muthukandiya Reservior

Govinda Hela (right), Panam Panguwa (middle) and Wadinagala (Left) with Muthukandiya Lake

Wadinagala and rest of Gal Oya hills

Over Muthukandiya Reservior

Muthukandiya and Maragala Range

Paddies at Muthukandiya

.	Good bye Muthukandiya

Thanks for reading

2021 is an amazing year that I was able to pilgrimage 3 times of Sripada. It was due to the renovation of the Andiyamalathanna Toilet complex. However each time I witnessed different nature, weather, and surroundings. Also, I was lucky to see the Colombo in the morning and in the night at Andiyamalathanna Ambalama. Actually, we identified plenty of mountains and areas and noted everything to share in our Facebook Group.

This is the last visit for the year 2021 as we have completed our project. This time I spent 4 days at Sripada at the Andiyamalathanna and that was the best time that I have witnessed so many things and views. The other report which is the finalizing the project will show the photos of the rest of the days.

Enjoy and stay in touch with the සමනල කන්ද රසික එකමුතුව

View of the Holy peak

At seetha gagula and seen Hortain Plains

Maussakele

Misty mountains

MIst over the valley

A long-awaited scene

It’s raining

Small shower at Mahagiridaba

The water

Few more steps to the top

Reaching

Another misty day at the top

It’s misty

The session

Not allowed for photos

Our gang

Achintha

Not allowed for photos

At the highest point

It’s calm and not crowded

Signs

Dewalaya

Our T-shirt

Few of us

Top point

Misty

Not crowded this time

Time for my picture

Calm	Reminding the ancient stories

Achintha again

Time to leave

Heading to Ratnapura road

The shadow

Surrounding

Getting down to Andiyamalathanna

Lucky to witness

KDP in action

Shadows

Shadow in between of KBS and KDP

Twin Bena Samanala

The shadows

Milky morning

Witnessed mountains

Our Driver Ayya

Signs of the owners

View to Andiyamalathanna side

View

Rawanage Madilla

Common in this area

Another view

Sunshine

Colombo over the KDP

Witnessed Colombo at Andiyamalathanna

Lonely moon

KDP

Another view

KDP and HP

Twins of Bena Samanala

Surrounding

Another view

Surrounding

The beauty

In action

Night VIew

Witnessed Colombo night at the Andiyamalathanna

Colombo is seen

It’s marvelous

It’s about 70-75km away

Night sky

Dinner at Andiyamalathanna

Dinner at Andiyamalathanna

Dinner at Andiyamalathanna

End of the journey

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

ආඩියාමලතැන්න වැසිකිලි පද්ධතිය ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණය කර අවසානයි

• යකඩ දොරවල් 12 සහ නාම පුවරු සෑදීමට – රු. 130,000.00
• සියලුම අමුද්‍රව්‍ය පිරිවැය – රු.190,000.00
• අමුද්‍රව්‍ය අම්බලමට ගෙනයාමේ කුලිය – රු.140,000.00
• පළමු කොටසේ මේසන් කුලිය – රු.15,000.00
• ගමන් සියල්ලේම ප්‍රවාහන වියදම – රු.38,000.00
• සියලුම ආහාරපාන සඳහා වියදම – රු. 20,000.00
• දෙවන කොටසේ මේසන් වියදම සහ ත්‍යාග සඳහා – රු.33,000.00

ඔබ සැමට සුමන සමන් දෙවි පිහිටයි. 

Chamud on duty

Journey started

Fixing them

Achintha ready to go

It’s too heavy

On the way

Near Makara Thorana

Hard works

Paid works

On the way

Next destination

Andiyamalathanna Ambalama

See the difference

Completed

Completed

Shammi on duty

The walls

They were clean now

Achintha on duty

On duty

The view

In front of the ambalama

The path

Ready to paint

Cleared

Surrounding was clear

The finishing

Old than 70 years

Few items

Around the toilet complex

The new pits

To be filled by pipes

More to clean

On duty

Made in 1951

To be completed

Cleaned

15th September 1951 by Public Works Department

Made in England

An old item

Misty

Ladies side

Misty

Well cleared path

Surrounding

On duty

On duty

Cleaning

Wow

On duty

The view

On duty

On duty

Misty

Removed items

Surrounding

The path

On duty

It’s completed

On duty

To each toilet

Well cleared path

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

Upper part is done

On duty

Well cleaned

Fixed parts

Painting

New look

New system

On duty

On duty

On duty

Under painting

On duty

To be finished

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

Captain On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

1st round is done

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

On duty

Made by us

On duty

On duty

Working at night

Working at night

Working at night

Working at night

Morning Tea at ….

Finishing

Finishing

On duty

On duty

Working for the electricity between two buildings

Finally, it’s done

Completed

Completed

Bulbs fixed

Finished

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

All cleaned and completed

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

All completed now

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Completed site

Name board

Name board

Name board

Name board

Name board

Name board

The Notice

All the posts related to the program published on the group.

ඔබ සැමට සුමන සමන් දෙවි පිහිටයි. 

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©

Yasmin and Estife were some of my friends and they requested me to take them on a day trip where there is a dangerous bathing place and they wanted to swim over there and check the reality of it. So, I thought about Mannakathi falls which is suitable for a day trip and where it has a larger natural pool which is known as dangerous to swim as some villagers told me that the depth of it is about 50 feet in the center.

I got joined Malith and Nirosh as Yasmin and Estife can go on their bicycles and I travelled alone to guide them. However, we came to Mannakathi falls at about 9 am and visited the lower falls and then went to the upper falls and reached the larger pool. As mentioned, they jumped into the water and had a swim for the entire pool and a little bit dived and noticed that the pool is not that kind of dangerous but the center level is a little bit difficult to dive. They were enjoyed for about 1-2 hours and hiked to the top of the upper Mannakathi falls.

After that, we left the fall around 12 pm and went to adventure base camp for a white water rafting experience. And we were nicely done the rafting and other activities and had the lunch over there and left to the home around 5 pm in the evening. It was a memorable day for Yasmin (18 yr) and  Estifie (20 yr) as they are traveling around the world and we were happy that we were able to show them a little bit of the beauty of our country.

Mist near Urapola

Another view

Malith over there

Early morning view

Path to the Mannakathi Falls

Here is she

Surrounding

Mannakathi Falls

Lovely view

Under the shadows

The path

Heading to the upper part

Top part of Mannakathi Falls

Surrounding

Falling

Yasmin is enjoying

Upper part

Milky water

Estifie is there

The upper falls

Upper Mannakathi Falls

Witnessed this place over 16 times

Nature

They are exploring

Slow shutter

Here they are

Nirosh and Malith

Enjoying

Surrounding

The top part of the fall

They are exploring

It’s Estifie

Enjoying

Lovely mermaids

Darkness

Meditating

All are enjoying

Rainbow

Pano

Another view

Three lines

Water level is low

Exploring

They have experienced it

Time to leave

Styles

Lovely

Milky water

Time to leave

End of the journey

Thank you for reading!

Sobasiri Team ©

It was another day of my journey around Dambulla from Jaela via Kurunegala. I wanted to have a solo hike to some small giants around Dambulla and I took the best out of my solo journey to explore many more mountains and attractions on my way to the destination. Erawula is one of the destination villages where I found a lot of beautiful views as it was an innocent village with traditional habbitats.

I explored the backsides of Galkoth Kanda and Erawulagala range and Pahala Ewarula lake and some paddy fields and noticed several other known mountains and areas. I was alone in most of the areas as there was nobody to ask for directions or any kind of help hence I traveled by my bike on various sub roads and off roads.

However, it was a amazing journey and I will share my experience on the village beauty as it is a must-go village for a traveler as to witnessed the summits of Galkoth Kanda, Yakkuragala ranges.

Map of the area

Galkoth Kanda seen

Dambulu Gala

Dambulu Gala

Zoomed view of it

Way to Erawula

Beautiful view in the morning

Surrounding

Reaching it

Caml environment

Reaching the village

Another view

Under the shadows

The temple

Roaming around the roads

Back of the Galkoth Kanda

Giant is sleeping

Way to there

The mountains

I’m alone

Reaching the village