I was used to travel from Colombo to Pollonnaruwa by morning train (Udaya dewi/උදය දේවී) in one part of my life and accidently noticed an isolated mountain just passed Konwewa (කෝන් වැව) station. I could notice this mountain till I pass Moragollagama (මොරගොල්ලාගම) station. As it was large and situated on a surrounding flat ground, aroused my curiosity and found to have it as the longest isolated mountain of Sri Lanka-Galgiriya mountain.

Galgiriya Mountain. The image I have taken on my way by train.

Galgiriya kanda. It can be reached from A-28road (Padeniya-Anuradhapura). Colombo-Batticalo railway track goes on the right side of the mountain (Not seen here).Therefore I have seen other side of the mountain first and climbed the mountain in its left side. Black line shows my approach to mountain through Kaduruwewa. I climbed to the Bambarakanda (බඹර කන්ද)-Northern peak of the mountain. Black star shows the Katakapu Gala (කටකැපූ ගල)-2nd highest peak and Red star shows Mahakanda (මහකන්ද)-highest peak of the mountain.

Importance of the Galgiriya Mountain

1. Geographical value-It is situated in Kurunegala District. It is 478m (1,568ft) high and 7th highest mountain in North Western province and the 212th highest mountain in Sri Lanka. But it is the longest isolated mountain in Sri Lanka-7km long.
2.  Historical value- It history goes back to Anuradhapura era. Prince Saliya (සාලිය), the son of King Dutugamunu has fallen love with a Chandala girl called Ashokamala (අශෝකමාලා). Saliya gave up his crown due to this affair and fled with Ashokamala from Anuradhapura. Later they came to this mountain and inhabited here. One place in this mountain called Saliya hermitage and Saliyagama (සාලියගම) is also situated close to this mountain.
3. Botanical value-As it has a good variety of flora and fauna, this mountain has been declared as a forest reserve.
4. Archeological value-A lot of archeological sites is situated on the mountain and close to the mountain, named as Weragala Rajamaha Wiharaya, Darmarajagala hermitage etc.

We came from Colombo around 5.20am but reached Kaduruwewa around 11.20am. (Delayed due to various reasons) Then we drove towards Darmarajagala Hermitage to find someone to go with us. But the road condition was bad and we stopped the car in front of Kaduruwewa. Meanwhile we met a kind hearted villager called Jayathilaka Ayya. He accompanied us to his place and arranged someone to go with us.
As the time was around 12noon we decided to go to Bambarakanda. Bambarakanda is the northern point of this long mountain.
We approached it through the paddy fields then bushes and last we have to cross the lake called Diwulgane Lake (දිවුල්ගනේ වැව) which has no much water during dry season.

Bambara kanda-Nothern part of the range.

Black arrow-Katakapu Gala and Red arrow-Mahakanda and yellow arrow-Kaduruwewa lake.

Katakapu gala zoomed

Wuminda is heading with the guide through paddy fields

Part of Galgiriya kanda

Kaduruwewa Lake-This part doesn’t have water

Diwulgane Lake-No water during these days. People use it to feed cows

Once we cross the Diwulgane Lake, we started to climb the mountain. Climbing is not a big thing at all.

Wild elephants are common here. The trunk of the tree was scraped by wild elephants

Mark on the ground-Deer or wild boar has been there

One of a common tree for this area

That’s why they call it as a Galgiriya mountain-

Madu tree (මඩු ගස් ) is also common for this forest reserve. Our guide said they eat Madu fruits.

Creation of the nature

After came to some extent. It is a nice “Sulang Kapolla” සුලo කපොල්ල here.

Yapahuwa (යාපහුව) in Red arrow, (Diyabettekanda) දියබෙත්තේ කන්ද in black arrow

Kaduruwewa Lake and paddy fields- Zoomed

Bambara kanda-our destination

Can’t identify this mountain

Southern part of the range and Kaduruwewa Lake

Naturally made steps for climb

Our guide

Vandalism there

We climbed further up to reach the highest point of Bambarakanda. But the surrounding view was not good as we think .Because it was obstructed by trees.

Kekirawa (කැකිරාව) side-May be Mana kanda (මානාකන්ද කන්ද) and Ritigala (රිටිගල) behind that

Anuradhapura side

View of the other part of the mountain from Bambarakanda. Note surrounding trees obstruct the view.

Having a little rest there we started to get down. Then we needed to reach the hermitage called “Darmarajagala Senasanaya” (ධර්මරාජගල සේනාසනය) which is situated close to the base of Bambarakanda.

Getting down

Showing collection ant’s droppings used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Darmarajagala Hermitage (ධර්මරාජගල සේනාසනය)
According to the chief monk of this hermitage, it belongs to the Anuradhapura era and caves with drip ledges and some ruin can be seen there.

Nice name board

This is called wee atu galllena වී අටු ගල් ලෙන. Oldest cave. Currently nobody there.

Brahami inscriptions seen near to that cave.

Caves

Siri Pathul Gala සිරි පතුල් ගල

Scattered ruin

Used for meditation

The cave with longest cave inscription of Sri Lanka

Longest cave inscription (ලෙන් ලිපිය) of Sri Lanka

This is built on top of old Stupa

Old caves were converted to new ones. Nice place for meditation.

Leaving the hermitage

This is called “Pathaha” (පතහ) -lowland filled with water during rainy season. It acts as a seasonal lake.

Wood apple-Another common member of this society

Elephant Dung….

There is a nice flat stony ground next to mountain…..They are constructing a new Bodhigaraya බෝධිඝරය on top of that.

Black arrow shows the Sulang Kapolla we went. Red arrow shows the highest point we reached.

(පැල) Most of the time villagers have to spend their night at these huts to protect the paddy fields from Wild elephants and wild boars.

Returned back to the village

Lush green

Need another day to visit there

Jayathilaka Ayya has arranged a tasty lunch for us. Thanks for their hospitality.
After saying good bye to Jayathilaka family, we came to nearby ancient temple called Weragala RMV.

Weragala RMV. (වේරගල රජමහා විහාරය)

Don’t know the exact person build this temple

Nice place to have a temple. This is the image house.

Paintings of Kandy era

Last part of the Galgiriya is seen behind the temple

Old “Asanagara” (ආසනඝරය) is used for new construction

Ruins of old Stupa

The pond

Sacred foot print stones සිරි පතුල් ගල

Belongs to British colonial period-Year is 1884

Scattered ruins

Work of Treasure hunters

We came back by the same route and on our way noticed a board towards Nillaggama (නිල්ලග්ගම) Bodhigaraya. You may come across two boards showing this on your way to Galgamuwa. One says the distance is 5km and other says 2km. We followed 2km road but actual distance was about 3-4km.Road condition was fairly o.k.

Nillaggama Bodhigaraya (නිල්ලග්ගම බෝධිඝරය)
This is considered as a great creature of Sinhala architecture. Bodhigaraya is a house made around the Bo tree.

.

Actual distance is about 3-4kms.

Outer wall-exquisitely by granite

The place where Bo tree was planted. Note they have placed granite for the floor as well.

Carved lions

Western entrance

Eastern entrance

Thanks for reading.

The map – Click to enlarge

Have you guys heard about a village located in the valley of Loggal oya where they do not have a road even and they have to climb an abyss to get to the nearest city (Madulsima) for 3 hours. Yes still our fellow citizens do live in the dark where even some of the basic facilities are not available. The sun is seen only at 9am and it vanishes in few hours at around 3pm, even when the sun could be seen the thick layer of mist covers it off and deprive them with their right to enjoy the sunlight. And yet these 200 odd people have managed to survive happily despite all of their troubles. After some recent media programs these people have got some hope and they are looking forward for a brighter future.

Last time when I visited Madulsima my friend OIC Jayathilake said that “next time when you come here don’t forget to visit this rural village” which he has been to on many occasions more than any other citizens of Madulsima. So after many months, that wonderful day arrived and I was all ready to go in and experience a true rural village life style. At around 8.30am I hired a trishaw from Madulsima and asked him to drop me off at the starting point of the trail where a board saying Kohonawala Vidyalaya 9.6Km. From this point one needs to walk through a tea patch and cross a bridge and continue along the foot path which will lead towards Kohonawala.

Once you begin walking along the path through the tea estate you will enjoy the endless view towards the valley of Loggal oya and the paddy fields in it which are done by Kohonawala villagers. After about 200m’s there is a 3 way junction and if one takes an acute turn to the left it will lead you towards Madulsima Dunhida falls which I didn’t attempt at this instance because I have been to it during my last visit. Almost at the edge of the tea patch I came across an old Archchi who was 93 years old and I decided to have a small chat. When I met her it was 8.45am and she had started climbing at around 5.30am in an attempt to collect her “Pin Padi” from Madulsima and just hearing that made me feel sorry about this poor lady. Just imagine the hard life these people go through while other elderly population in the country benefits a restful life. I stayed few minutes watching how this elderly lady with a bent back passed me and proceeded towards Madulsima. From here I took a short cut called “padi desiya” and reached the foot path at a lower level. The path now was through an endless mana patch with a splendid 180 degree view and at some places I had to tackle slippery rocks which were placed as a stair way on the slope of the mountain. One needs to be careful not to step on a slippery rock which will take you down towards an abyss.

a view of Namunukula is always a blessing to start off

starting point of a long trail (according to my readings it was close to 5Km)

entering the tea patch

had to cross the bridge and continue along the foot path

paddy fields seen in the valley

i need to get down there

the opposite mountain range as seen while descending

the foot path which branches down will take one towards madolsima dunhida ella

she was 93 years old and started climbing up from 5.30am to reach madolsima to get pin padi

the path

padi 200

some shelter

had to get to that turpentine patch

Within no time I came across few locals carrying their goods who didn’t notice me until few feet away. I did talk with each and every one I met. They were carrying all type of grains and fruits towards Madulsima where they could sell these crops with not much of a difficulty. The tiredness in their faces simply disappeared while talking and converted in to an ever so lovely smile which I will never forget. Climbing up to Madulsima to sell their crop, buy stuff or for other institutional services has been their routine since birth and one will only understand their hardship if they climb up and down this abyss once. Even though they go to Madulsima they had to take a bus to Passara to fulfill their requirements most of the time. These people were mostly over forty and some were 70 plus. Next I had to descend to another mini peak with a turpentine section and once this section was tackled I reached the resting place of this trail called the Ambalama. Now this is a heavenly Ambalama built on the top of the mountain near a mango tree and one will automatically stop at this place to enjoy a well-earned brake. This was recently built by villages and there was a statement written on a roof pole saying “wagakiwa yuththange as arewa” . From here onwards the path is disastrous because of its steepness. I almost loss control of my speed and ran short stretches downhill to tackle this steepness.

the valley

more villagers who were carrying their goods to madolsima

it was heavy but he seemed so determined

gender doesnt matter

downhill path

he was 79 years old his farther is close to 100 and going strong

view towards Kohonawala

entering the turpentine patch

a rare flat stretch

paused for a smile

the beautiful ambalama

READ!

The village of Kohonawala was now in my visual path and few scattered houses here and there could be clearly seen, the mighty Loggal Oya River was flowing not so far away in the valley towards the beautiful reservoir of Loggal oya. On the opposite side of the hill there was a temple on a rocky ledge with few loud speakers turned on and the “pirith” was oscillating in the valley of loggal oya making my journey so much special. I also did note a newly dozered road on the opposite side of the river which leads to Kahataruppa in a zig zag manner, I wonder if any vehicle can tackle such a road. There was an another zig zag path on the hill close to my foot path which is rarely used by locals to get to Galloolla estate and from there to Metigahatenna hospital. Just before the village I came across and “archchi and her Minipiri” who were climbing uphill with a smile. The little girl was so friendly and she was not aware that they were living a very hard life compared to others. After about 4.5Km I reached the first residence which at that moment had no one around. I did continue further down until I met a villager where I acquired directions towards the temple. The foot path was running through a dense area with lot of Jack trees and pineapple bushes. I did come across few typical rural village houses with villagers and did enjoy their innocent smiles which were a blessing to my tired soul. I had to cross a mini bridge where one can refresh themselves and continue. Within 10 minutes I reached the temple where the head priest was already aware about my arrival..

few houses of kohonawala

archchi and minipiri carrying some goods to Madolsima

more to go

here they come

paddyfields of Kohonawala

bambaragala

the temple they call sripade

descending

the first house i came across

ancient looking kadulla

yummy

had to have a wash from this place

සරල ගැමි දිවිය

Solar power was the way to go

through the village

natural springs providing clean water

Katu mati geya

they produce what they want

village faces

an innocent smile

a gray hornbil

the temple

loved these

the product

flowers blossoming between manyok leaves

the head priest

The temple was built within one year and it’s currently under construction, the image house and another building which was underway had been slowly built by village craftsman. The head priest with two more small monks came here after seen the Rupavahini TV programme last year and has done a lot to establish this temple. These are the details of the monk (name: Rev Olaboduwe Dhammananda, Account num: 116-2-001-4-0063593) if one wants to help them out in fulfilling their dream of a village temple. More than financial support the monk said he would prefer some cement bags and other stuff please contact him on this number (0555653138) for further details.

making some tea

image house under construction

bo tree

the little monk lending a hand

අපූරු දන් ලයිස්තුව.

proud of our health services…they have received triposha

another 80+ seeya

held together

After spending about one hour in the temple I decided to get back and a 9 year old kid was there to show me the way towards his school which was shelter for 17 village kids. There are two teachers for these kids and the ones doing O/L & A/L’s have to climb uphill to Madulsima for schooling. It was a 10 minute hike to the school which was at a corner of the village and though it was a small school it was well maintained. After hanging around the school a bit I decided to take a short cut to the main path and get back towards Madulsima (Please do note that the Google earth trail map has been measured from the temple of Kohonawala via this short cut to Madulsima). After a steep ascent I reached the last village house where I noted a window made out of a bicycle rim and this was the only wheel I saw in this village.

ගැමි දරුවෙකුගේ නිර්මල හසරැල්ල!

Kohonawala school with 17 children and 2 teachers

where they study

words

take home message

beautiful…!

getting back

a dead tree

paddyfields

wow what a window

The path towards the Ambalama was so steep that I had to stop frequently to catch few breaths. Things got bad to worse when a continuous drizzle appeared, been exhausted I finally saw the Ambalama and I just lied down on the side wall and started breathing slowly for few minutes. A passing by villager who saw me started a conversation and he explained how they built this Ambalama step by step. He said they don’t need anything other than a bridge across Loggal oya so they could send their crop in vehicle to Badulla side without much of difficulty. Electricity is also an issue but for now they are managing well with solar panels. They really prefer having a road from Madulsima town because they are linked with Madulsima division but it seems to be yet another dream. After having a rice packet as my lunch I started the second leg of ascend. It was not so steep but yet an uphill one. On the way up I met a teenage girl carrying few books in her arms. When I inquired from her about her whereabouts she said that she had gone for extra classes at Galloolla School and returning back to the village. She finally said “yannan aiya” and disappeared like a rocket on that steep foot path. I did stop by and watched how she went hoping like a rabbit to get to her home before dark falls. After 3 hours of continuous climbing I reached the trail end where I hired a trishaw to Madulsima police quarters where I halted that night. As the previous time OIC Jayathilake did treat me very well and I’m honoured to have such a friend.

So I hope you guys did enjoy this write up on Kohonawala rural village and hope you will get an opportunity to visit it someday. Also I wish the villagers a brighter future and sincerely hope this would not be another Meemure.

back on the main route

note the zig zag path to galloolla

here comes the rain

mahaththayo loggal oya haraha palamak hadunoth apita e athi

the abbys

another beauty

after the rains

good bye

Nyctemera coleta – Erebidae

the ambalama seen on the way

narrow path

Lunugala

Aiya mama gedara yanawa!

life on a rock

namunukula covered in mist

back to the tea patch

end of the trail

these are all my photographs displayed at the madolsima police station.. – Click to enlarge

Namunukula is the 12th highest mountain of Sri Lanka which has 2035m (6,677ft) height. The name Namunukula means due to it’s nine peaks. It is situated in Badulla district but closer to Badulla-Moneragala border.
There are several pathways to approach Namunukula. Once I have been there from Namunukula village (a decade ago). I want to go there from 3rd mile post in Badulla-Passara road. It is accepted as the easiest pathway to climb the highest peak of Namunukula. Because you can reach the base of the mountain by a vehicle and then have to go through the tea estate till you meet the last part of the trail through forest covering.
(In contrast my previous approach we had to walk through Pines trees as well).

Namunukula mountain range…This was taken on my way to Bambaragalapathana

Black star shows the starting point at 3rd mile post. Red star shows where the real hiking starts and arrow shows the twin peaks of Namunukula. Green star shows the Namunukula town where my previous approach stared.

As we wanted to camp on Namunukula we started the journey after our lunch. We reached the 3rd mile post around 3pm and got a three wheeler to Deyangalla division of Glenalpin estate. The road condition was extremely bad and only a three wheeler or a four wheel can go. After about one hour journey we reached the last lime houses of Deyangalla division where real hike started.

View of Badulla town on our way to Deyangalla estate

Badulla Zoomed

Line houses of Deyangalla division started. Our three wheel driver has dropped us here.

We stepped through the lime houses and clarify the way from villagers. Peaks of Namunukula can be seen from here and we climbed up along narrow pathways through tea bushes.

The trail starts from the point where tea estate separates the forest covering the peak. We were seeking of it.

Black arrow shows the point where tea estate separates the forest and the line shows the direction of trail.

The way through the tea patch.

Looked back

Another snap in the tea estate

Arrow shows where trail starts

Entering to the forest patch…the pathway is very clear

These kinds of concrete markers can be seen along the pathway

One of clear areas along the track

After about one our climbing we reached the summit of this Namunukula peak where you can see a camp site.

Camp site 1

Evidences of recent camping

From there we followed the pathway of right hand side to reach the second camping site which is better than previous one. It has a small well but water can’t be used for drinking purpose.

We fixed our tent there and time was around 5.30pm. The temperature was going down and wind was blowing all around.

The well-We managed for washing purpose.

Fixing our tent on camp site 2

The foot pathway next to the well brought us to the sacred area of the peak. Actually this is considered as the highest point.

Small shrine house for Lord Buddha

God Vishnu and Ghana

Surrounding view

We set a fire and it was easy to find dry fire wood from surrounding. Following the meal we gathered around the fire to warm our bodies. Actually it was difficult to bear cold and we were shivering.

Late in the night it was drizzling for about one hour and water dropped on our bodies. Fortunately it didn’t last much.

As it was following day of full moon Poya day the peak was bathing with moon rays.

Sun set

Another picture of sun set

Around the fire

Early morning we were able to set the fire even after the rain

Believe the time is around 5am….It is due to moon light

Early morning view

Despite of cold we started to get down from the peak around 7am. We were able to reach the tea estate by 7.20am.

Surrounding view

Another set of mountain

Here I would like to add couple of photographs I took in my previous hike. It is about 10years ago.

On our way towards peak

Warming up….Those days there was a small room made by wattle and dub on the peak of the mountain. We spent the night there. Villagers have made it for shrine house for Lord Buddha. But I couldn’t see even a basement of it during this visit.

Thanks for reading

the map – Click to enlarge

There are some places one must visit and Nilgala is one of those places. Finally after 1 ½ years been to Monaragala that day seemed to be closing in. I was determined to visit Nilgala during the Esela weekend and only needed few guys to accompany me but at last I had a huge crew. First of all my office staff was ever so willing to venture on and later to be joined by few of my Lakdasun friends. Though I was disappointed with the wild life department because of all the messed up bookings, I was not going to give up this time and decided to camp the first day at the park entrance.

First of all I would like to bring forward what happened to us with the bookings of the camp sites. We initially booked Mahadoruwa camp site for two days from the Inginiyagala office over the phone. But we were told from Nilgala range office that they handle the bookings and also bookings can be done from the head office at Battaramulla. When Kasun inquired from the head office he was told that they do not handle any bookings so we decided to go ahead with the Inginiyagala office bookings. When I went to do the payment at Inginiyagala the park warden said that the camp site was booked from Colombo by another party and I was very disappointed with these guys who ruined all my plans. At that particular day they had even given bookings to 3 parties for boat rides and was wondering what to do when the parties arrived , I was also surprised to hear that the boats were functioning because few days back when I called them they said the boats were under repair and will be available only in August. I am really disappointed of the management of this park but I didn’t let these miss-happenings spoil my adventure.

We somehow packed all our stuff (specially the cooking stuff) and arrived at Bibila on a Saturday afternoon to meet up with my Lakdasun friends and set off towards Bulupitiya on the bumpy road. From Bulupitiya it was a dusty ride towards Nilgala and we were covered with dust while traversing through the Aralu, Bulu & Nelli forest. After about 12Km’s we reached the Nilgala range office where we halted and met Chandima who was introduced as our tracker for the rest of the tour. Since it was around 3pm we decided to visit Kahatatta hela which is close to the Nilgala ranger office.

To Get to Kahatatta hela we went back about 1Km and started trekking through the Nilgala forest. Within no time we reached the cave complex at the base of the rock. At this cave one can identify remnants of wall and also two rock inscriptions. After wondering around we started climbing uphill which required few pit stops. Though we got to the top in 10 minutes we had to walk a good 30mins to reach the highest point. On the way we did come across a recently demised Pangolin and it seemed to be attacked by hawks. The summit is a dream place where one could enjoy a panoramic view of Nilgala region. Some of us just fell down on the rock imagining it as our beds from top of it one could appreciate a panoramic view towards Danigala, Andagala, Rathugala, Galgamuwa, Madulsima, Bulupitiya hela, Nilgala, Ul hela, Berawa hela, Makare, Wadinagala, Mullegama range, Iginiyagala reservoir and the paddy fields close to the ranger office. After enjoying some stunning scenery we set foot towards the ruins site. And it took about 20 minutes for us to get there.

The ruins site was on another end of the rock and there were remnants of about 6 buildings resembling its prosperity from the past. From here we had to rush back before we came across any wild jumbos since it was close to 5pm. After getting to the cab we felt dehydrated but some juicy Water melons did the trick.

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Scattered all around were the remains of ancient structures. Legend has it that this was also one of the many places where King Dutugemunu had camped and gathered his forces as he marched on King Elara. It is also said that King Valagamba had taken refuge here.

Our next stop was Seenukgala which was very close to the Nilgala entrance but out of the park boundary, this place is a suitable place to camp if you couldn’t book any camp sites within the park. We found a nice cool calm swimming pool in Gal oya and had a swim for about an hour before getting back to the ranger office. That night we were offered camping facilities at the Nilgala office though we also had the option of camping at Seenukgala. Few of us decided to spend the night in a tree house done by the wild life officers while others camped on ground zero. At 8pm the vehicle was sent to pick up Amila from Bulupitiya and while he arrived we did have some superb dinner consisting of deviled Mannyokka . The night was along one with all of those shouting going around the paddy fields plus the turbulent winds.

the unique park road

packing up

a small climb

the cave

Kahata aththa hela rock cave

checking out an Atamba tree

remains

inscription

we did not disturb them

glimpse of the reservoir

ulhela resembling lakegala

on the way scenery

berawa hela, ul hela and wadinagala

plenty of ele dung

Gal oya national park

Nilgala and bulupitiya hela

towards Madulsima

the paddy fields at the buffer zone

illegal activity

where the reservoir meets

towards rathugala

Andagala and danigala range

Panorama from the top of Kahata aththa hela rock

almost full team

rock of meditation

mana was a challenge

ruins at Kahata aththa hela rock

more	pieces of history

another building

beauty

wonder if this is kahata?

Aralu,bulu,nelli

yummy

Seenukgala swimming pool

peaceful gal oya

came out well

Nilgala ranger office

full moon

deviled manyokka on the fire

Our cooks

Next day morning produced some stunning scenery towards the paddy fields which were done by the locals of Bulupitiya. After having some rice as breakfast we decided to cross the paddy fields and reach the beautiful anicut which supplies water to these fields. On the way scenery was superb the blue and green was simply perfectly merging together. After a 20 minute walk we reached the anicut of Gal oya which was an isolated yet beautiful location which a traveler must visit.

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The Galoya National Park is situated on the border of the Eastern Province. It was way back in 1954 that this large tract of jungle covering a total of 25,900 hectares was declared a national park. In fact it constitutes the upper watersheds of the Senanayake Samudra, the key irrigation facility of the Galoya Project. It has also become a refuge for all the wildlife displaced by the settlement scheme.

At one end of the park is Nilgala. The rolling savannah is surrounded by a ring of hills, the more famous among them being Danigala. Yakunge Hela, Nilgala, Bulu Hela, Endagala, Kahatatta Hela, Guru Hela and Akuna Hela are the other peaks in this range.

The diversity ranges from tiny lizards to elephants. But unlike other such reserves, Nilgala has to be approached on foot. As wondrous as the sudden sighting of an elephant is as one weaves one’s path around the Aralu, Bulu Nelli and through the tall mana grass, a certain degree of caution has to be exercised for the dangers are many. Any excursion, then, has adventure written into the unfolding script.

Within the protected area there lies a large tract of paddy land. Legend has it that the ancestors of the present day farming families had arrived in the area fleeing from the marauding British troops that ran riot to quell the Wellasssa Rebellion. Needless to say, these lands have always been threatened by elephant attacks, especially in the context of dwindling feeding grounds for the threatened creature.

good morning Nilgala

view from the hut

where we slept

plenty of true tree huts

paddy at the buffer zone

HDR

breakfast is ready!

wow

Nilgala and bulupitiya hela over the paddy fields

Phone signal booth

the hut

the guard!

pus wela

wonders of mother nature

along the water way

the anicut

beautiful

lazy guys

gal oya

Baobab kumbuk tree

the beauty of the blue sky

an Ibis

the beauty of green

trying out a gal dunna

lovely

yum yum

After returning back we packed up and entered the park and on the way through the beautiful landscape of Aralu, Bulu, Nelli and mana we reached a spot where the Mukkuru tomb (sohana) could be found. We really were puzzled about its origin and even our trekker didn’t know why it was called Mukkuru sohana. Not so far away from it and very close to Madugasthalawa (where plenty of Madu trees could be seen) we came across few boulders which were said to be remains of ancient Kalugalbemma road which King Dutugemunu used to travel towards Polonnaruwa side.

Our camp site Paraviyan ara was very close to the jeep track and there was a sand platform plus a toilet with a nonfunctioning tap line and it seemed to be a camp site which not many prefers to stay. Our tracker suggested that we could camp at the river bed which was the perfect place to camp in the end. Simply the river bed was a magical place and the only obstacle was carrying stuff towards it. On one side we were bordered by the deep river and no animal could reach us from there, we only had to worry about the opposite side. Within no time our specialist cooks started cooking and the knives and the coconut scrapers were working like machines while the eggs were boiling on the fire. After having a cool dip for many hours a perfect lunch (noodles) satisfied our hunger.

the path through the forest

Mukkuru sohana

what a landscape

lovely

ancient Kalugal bemma road which King dutugemunu used.

summery of Nilgala

madugasthalawa

finding our own camp site

the cooks were busy

our camp site

our bathing spot

thanks kasun for this capture

oluwen hitagena

splashing

what a time we had

At around 2.30pm we started to walk towards Makare which was already been crowded due to the long weekend. First we reached “Stage Wella” where day camping is allowed it was just like Mount lavinia beach and the difference was the people who were all local villagers around Bibila. We did walk about the Rocky River to enjoy some stunning rock formations. It’s like walking along a 3D painting and one should not miss this place. Next it was a 200m walk towards the reservoir through the forest and on the way we did note the “Gilma” where the mighty river disappears under the rocks to re immerge at Makara kata (makare) out of nowhere. It is fascinating to note the river seems to be blocked at this exit point with these huge boulders. Once we emerged at Makare it was all sand but no rocks and once a year this layer of sand keeps renewing itself and one could appreciate the in between humus levels too. We decided to venture in to the Makara kata and that was a fascinating experience. The saddest part was seen the drunken locals misbehaving worse than any wild animal on earth and I think the poor rangers are facing difficulties in handling them because most of them been locals. Strict laws on Alcohol use should be a must at Gal oya and hope the authorities will take necessary steps.

Next we decided to venture further on to see the ruins of Andayampola fortress which was a 30 minute walk through boulders and the muddy reservoir. It seemed to be a wall like structure done by rocks placed on top of each other and there were no ruins of buildings to see around. On our way we heard a bears cry but was not lucky to see one jumbo even thanks to those drunken guys who were screaming around. We reached the camp site at dusk and set up a good camp fire before the cooking session begun. While the popcorn was popping few of us had a dip in the river enjoying the rays of the full moon. That night we slept without any interruptions thanks to the comfortable sand bed.

walking towards stage wella (makara day camping site)

Stage wella

rock formation

natural pools

3 layers

Gilma where the river disappears

close up

suddenly its sand

it meets the mightiest reservoir

Makare

where the water appears from

framed

where it ends

Mullegama range

colourful

drackula island and mount inginiyagala

foot prints of a bear

water levels starting to drop

the tank

towards andayampola

the wall

Andayampola fortress

best place on earth

trying to role a dry tree

our camp fire

yep we had pop corn

full moon was bit shy

finally appeared

What a comfortable bed

Next day morning the rays of the sun were creeping through the braches producing beautiful photographic opportunities. After having some rice with papadam and stuff we had another morning session in the river before deciding to leave this luxuries paradise. I must thank my staff for the superb food they cooked which made this camping trip to Nilgala much more special than it looked. Saying good bye to King Budhdhadasa’s herbal paradise we headed towards Monaragala on a Ceylon takaran bus which seemed to be reserved only for us and a “komadu dansala” plus the “sawu dansala” which the bus stopped at confirmed it.

our tents

camp site

peaceful gal oya

wow

dawn at gal oya

our well

gal oya beach resort

brekfast again

time to leave

left it as it was

plenty of these guys

Good bye gal oya

Thanks for reading guys!

“Sampath, Sampath; get up, get up. You’re talking in your dream.” – My mother shakes me. I try to open my eyes and they are glued to the eye sockets.
“Who’s Lakegala?” – She keeps at it.
“What?” – I can’t make head nor tail of this.
“You were talking in your dream calling Lakegala. Who’s that?” – She is not about to give up on my dream talking.
I start giggling like a kid who got caught with Candy in his pajamas.
“What are you giggling at? Who’s Lakegala?” – She’s now highly suspicious.
“What’s going on” – My brother and grandma join the fun.
“Amma, Lakegala is not someone. It’s a rocky mountain in Meemure” – I can hardly get the words out.
“He’s crazy. Going around the country and now talking to them in his dreams not letting us get a decent night’s sleep.” – Typical grandma too wants big chunk of this pie.
“Amma, how can a girl be called Lakegala” – My brother wants to make a mockery out of this now. However little does he know that I always refer to Lakegala as her.
“Get back to sleep. Make sure you say Ithipiso Gatha before you do” – Mum warns and I duly oblige amid my hysterical laughs.

“Bambu Sema Thena Thena Gal Kanu Seduna
Sembu Sema E Matha Olugedi Thenuna
Thembu Diya Sema Anga Dahadiya Galana
Bambu Gala Medin Api Meemure Yanna”

“Epita Konata Kandupana Keleya
Mepita Konata Lakgala Meemureya
Desiya Dekak Usa Ethi Gomareya
Hondai Parakas Laka Meemureya”

Belu Belu Sathara Wata Us Kandu Getaya
Kandukara Idamwala Enasal Pala Baraya
Pasekin Yodayeku Men Ethi Lak Galaya
Me Hema Medin Aththe Meemuraya”

Nava mama’s voice was still echoing in my ear when I went back to my dream world. Gosh I miss Lakegala that much.

—I just typed up a recent conversation in my house late in the night with my family. Sampath is what my family and neighbors call me at home if you wonder who Sampath was.—

I left you in Kandy with my last report and hopefully you’ve read it by the time this comes online. I was furious with my friend Dimuthu when he got late to arrive in Fort and Tony and I had to leave him to find his own way to Kandy. Fortunately we managed to have a fruitful time in Kandy visiting Garrison Cemetery and National Museum, Kandy.

So Dimuthu came to Kandy around 10.30am and Tony and I joined him at the station. I’ve my bunnies (not mine actually) at the front garden of the station and I always make it a point to go see them possibly with some carrots too. Unfortunately this time I didn’t come across any vegetable vendors so had to visit them empty handed.

To my both disappointment and amazement, there were new bunnies. I was frantically searching for my old fellows without success. What happened to them? I had no idea and didn’t wanna check with those rude tickets issuing people at the station. Hope nothing bad had befallen on them. There were a bunch of new fellows very cute and I felt like cuddling them to me. Tony practically had to drag me out and we came to the bus stand looking for a Mahiyangana-bound bus. There was one filled to the brim and almost bursting at seams but we had no choice but to hop in squeezing in between sweating passengers.

I was still having that darn fever in me and found it very difficult to stand but there were no seats reserved for sick people no matter how much I tried to find one. The bus getting cramped like a lorry full of sand and conductor kept pushing and shouting to go back and forth. The fact that we’d not had any decent breakfast let alone lunch didn’t improve things. After a lot of huffing puffing we reached Hunnasgiriya as tired as racing horses panting nineteen to the dozen.

I called Nava mama but he was at the power plant overseeing the restored hydro power project with the help of Ana and Wije and his wife said Upali (one of their cousin son) is there waiting for us. So we went to Disage Kade (Disa’s Shop – this is where Meemure and Kaikawala vans stop) to have some lunch and met Upali too.

We ordered lunch and gobbled it down hungrily and I had a handful of tablets to go with it. Yuck yuck yucky… All of a sudden my phone started singing just before I put it flight mode. Dana was calling and I was wondering what it could be.

“Hey Dana, what’s up?” – That’s me.
“How are you feeling? Heard you suffering from fever” – Gosh how on earth he knows.
“I’m ok buddy, now in Hunnasgiriya getting ready to go to Meemure” – I couldn’t hide my surprise.
“Are you serious? Going to Meemure when you are down with fever? You’re nuts man” – Couldn’t agree with him more.
“I had to Dana, coz I can’t miss out on Meemure” – A darn fever wasn’t going to hold be back from visiting my beloved Meemure.
“Gosh, good luck then” – I knew I was gonna need so much of that.

Afterwards we bought some provisions for the journey (I was kicking later myself for not buying some biscuits) and got into the tuk-tuk with Upali putting my phone on Flight mode for the next 80 hours (you gotta believe me)

I had everything planned and our first stop was Knuckles Conservation Center (KCC) at Deanston for the Dothalugala trail. I had done Mini World’s End trail before and had no intention of doing that again. Tony kept saying that he’s going back to Meemure after more than two and a half decade (now you can guess his age coz it’s classified info) and was mesmerized by the roads.

Tour Highlights:

1. Dothalugala Nature Trail
2. Toddy Tapping
3. Nitro Caves Trail
4. Trekking along the Na Ela from Nitro Cave
5. Re-awakening Meemure – Re-stored Hydro Power Project
6. Meemure – Reassa Trail
7. Reassa – Narangamuwa Trail
8. Narangamuwa – Meemure Circular Trail
9. Alternative Energy – Dendro Power Plant

Day 01

Listening to Tony’s old stories we were soon at the KCC and got down to buy the tickets and leave our baggage coz we couldn’t risk leaving our bags inside the tuk-tuk. We bought tickets from the friendly officer there and left our baggage inside his office. Fortunately there were only a couple of hikers already on the Dothalugala trail so we were pretty much alone.

Dothalugala Trail

The trail head is about 500m away from the KCC towards Meemure and we decided to take the tuk-tuk and arrived at the gate. (Be warned: if the gate is locked just don’t panic or run back to the office. Just pull it hard and it’s bound to unlock itself. On our way back we had a funny experience with the gate).

There was the sign giving the distance to the camp site and cabin (2km and 1.8km respectively) and we managed to get the tuk-tuk onto this track as well. We found that he path right up to the Dothalugala cabin (1.8km) is easily accessible by a tuk-tuk and no problem with a Jeep or double cab. I really can’t tell you if it’s possible to do it with a van but I see why not.

The winds were coming from all the directions trying to push us away and we instantly felt so chilly as if we were in N’Eliya. Just remember when you were in World’s End amid strong winds and the experience is very similar there. We were hugging ourselves trying to retain what’s left of our body warmth. The scenery around, let me tell you, is absolutely a treat to the eyes. It will soothe your mind and body as if you were meditating or doing Yoga.

The mist was coming down from the top of Dothalugala Mountain enveloping us and then flying away towards the mountains afar. The sky was in two colors, slate grey towards the Dothalugala and bright blue away from it, what a contrast. We kept snapping away while Upali followed us in the tuk-tuk ever so slowly. Around halfway through, we decided to leave it behind as we wanted to feel the surrounding and take hundreds of pics not bothering with the vehicle.

To my surprise we found that our driver Upali, being a Meemure fellow, had never been to Dothalugala. Last time, Chanaka our then tuk-tuk driver said he did the Mini World’s End trail for the first time with us. It was so strange and maybe they don’t value things like that as much as we do since they are living in those areas.

The path was grass covered and a leech or two kept disturbing us (we didn’t know the reception party was waiting patiently at Dothalugala upper trail). Tony kept talking about Prince a.k.a. Kumaraya (by now you know him who’s suffering from leech phobia) and he’d have run all the way to Meemure had he come across a leech or two.

As given correctly on the sign board at the entrance, we were soon at a small stream which ran across the path and just beyond that we saw the camouflage structure painted in dark green which was the cabin. Fortunately nobody had booked it so it was all alone. We decided to have some water and fill our containers at the waterline there. The board giving GPS coordinates said the altitude is 1177m.

Cabin consists of two parts; the kitchen is separate from the sleeping areas where 12 people can stay. It was amid a tiny patch of forest so pretty much hidden inside. About another 50m away, you come to an opening where the trail is divided into three just like a “Thrishul”. The left and middle tracks join one another making a circular trail just like Mini World’s End. The left one is 2.3km in length up to the top and the middle one is 2.2km (making the total length 4.5km) to the top.

The right path takes you to the camp beds about 100m away and around midway folks into two making the left one taking you to the camp beds while the right one takes you to Bird Watching deck. This bird watching deck ends up at a waterfall (which I duly named Dothalugala Ella) with a natural pool for a cool dip.

We chose the middle path and went up through the forest patches and bushes on and off. The path was infested with leeches and Tony was initially protected by the denim jeans but later he found a few leeches underneath that. Somehow or the other, he had gotten the ability to separate leeches gender wise at the end of the journey. According to his findings, he was mostly bitten by female leeches for some reason or the other. Dimuthu was the most affected by leech attacks making his shoes a pool of blood but for some strange reason I was spared maybe I was leading the track all along.

We kept going higher and higher passing breath taking views of the mountains afar and tiny cascades flowing across the path. The path was marked every 100m making it easy to know how far you’ve come and how much more to go. After about an hour, we reached the top. It was nothing much but a small clearing covering all around with thick forest. They had put up GPS coordinates there. The altitude said 1407m. So it was a climb of 230m over 2.2km. Pretty steady one might think.

Then it was time to come down along the other path as there was nothing much we could do amid the forest and thickening mist. We were practically chilled to the marrow and didn’t wanna hang around anymore. When we were coming down, we passed heavy landslides which had taken huge rocks, trees and chunks of earth downhill.

Tony was pretty scared and wanted to cross that bit fairly quickly. We took about another 45mins to get back to the “Thrishul” junction and I was frantically searching for the waterfall. While Tony, Dimuthu and Upali were buys plucking leeches, I took the right path towards camping beds and it forked into two about 50m away and the right hand side said bird watching deck. Further along, there was a sign saying Natural Pool 500m and I could faintly hear the water hitting the rocks. My heart leaped and I rushed through to find this beautiful waterfall coming down creating a grand base pool ideal to have a cool dip on a hot summer day.

All the others missed this thanks to leeches. I was very happy to see this beauty and duly named her Dothalugala Falls. Then it was about another 1km to the tuk-tuk where we had left it. I wish we had taken it further up making the downhill journey easy. We noticed that the tuk-tuk had moved about 20ft and was wondering what had come over it. By the time we reached the gate, it was closed with a padlock.

I was beginning to worry coz it was starting to get dark and we were long overdue to arrive in Meemure as Nava mama was waiting for us. I ran to the KCC about 500m away to find the office is closed. Oh my gosh, how on earth we were gonna get the gate open and take the tuk-tuk out, what happened to our bags, I was near fainting. There were officers’ quarters across the road and they were empty. I ran here and there knocking on doors and windows but no one was there. I felt as if I’m acting in a ghost movie. I ran again to the back of the main building and there was a shower stall and to my amazement and annoyance, the fella who issued us tickets was brushing his teeth. He’d been in the toilet all that time and told me he had brought the bags to the bungalow and all we had to do was pull hard on the padlock and it would come off.

Feeling sheer frustrated, I ran back to the gate pulled hard on the padlock and away it came like a hot knife through butter. We came back to the KCC, collected our baggage and hit the road towards Meemure. It was going past 5.30pm we had to hurry coz we still had more than 25km to get there and the darkness can be pretty hazardous on that road.

Having travelled about 5km, Upali stopped the tuk-tuk all of a sudden to find that the left back tire had got a puncture. Fortunately, the spare wheel was there and another 15 mins time we were away finally leaving all the bad luck behind us.

At the KCC

What a wonderful song; never heard it though

The entrance…

Just getting started

Top of Dothalugala was covered with mist right throughout

Towards Loolwatte, beyond these mountains are the Kaikawala and Meemure villages

Little did we know that this was gonna be the hikes of our lives totaling 100+km in four days…

Unbelievable scenery all along

The sky towards the valley was very blue with artistic clouds

Tony shooting his next movie. (Flying wihtout Wings)

Unfortunately, the wood getting rotten

Through the dense forest

Please adhere to this wherever you go

Getting closer to the Cabin premises

The waterway just before the cabin

There it is… slightly above is the kitchen

Peeping through the window into the cabin

GPS at the cabin

This has some valuable info – Click Image to Enlarge

The kitchen door wide open so I decided to have a peek in search of something hot

Unique experience

The Opening after the cabin. See the “Thrishul” shaped tracks. The left and middle connect to create the circular trail and the right trail with stones takes you to camp beds and the Dothalugala falls

We chose the middle path; according to this the right one

Beginning of a 4.5km leech-infested trek

The forest welcome us with both hands

Tony, Dimuthu and Upali bringing the rear. This was his first-ever Dothalugala trek

There hadn’t been many visitors lately

The kingdom of mountains

Anyone there in the burrow?

Different shapes; different sizes

Just like a perimeter wall protecting the whole area

My favourite places to picture…. young paddy fields captured from almost top of Dothalugala

Tiring journey but Mist and fresh air kept us revived

Tony trying to squeeze the dust out of “Dum Gedi”

Tiny cascades were coming down all around

The Dothalugala sloping towards KCC

Trying to hide from us

The Dothalugala sloping towards KCC

Rising majestically and uncontested

The color contrast

It must be close now coz fever is getting at me big time

Grapes??? Not a chance but like that green

They’re panting

The last bit before the top

45 Finally at the top but all around is covered by the trees and hardly any gap

We reached slightly behind our schedule

Getting down in a hurry fighting leeches all the way

Land slides in side the forest

See the damage?

Our path was washed away and Tony trying his gymnastic skills to cross over

Climbing down were easier

Wow…

Mountains on the way down

Couldn’t get enough of this blue sky

Hi beauty

Leech attacks while Tony was deducing the gender balance among leeches

The right trail at the beginning

It forked into two and the right one leading pass bird watching deck to the waterfall

Good advice

Eurekaaaaa!!!!

Inviting pool

She’s a biggie

Not much water but enough to keep me interested

Pretty cold

Flowing downhill

Enough to have three tents

Bidding farewell

Icing on Dothalugala

Getting towards the locked gate and all the chaos

At the KCC, while searching for somebody frantically, I couldn’t help taking these

At the KCC

Ticket office

Golf balls on trees???

Time to go, getting dark by the second

We reached Meemure around 7.30pm and to my happiness Nava Mama’s house were illuminating with Electricity. Not Solar powered but by the re-stored hydro power plant. What can more I could’ve wished than lighting those people’s lives? I felt like jumping in the air and shouting from the top of Lakegala and say that we did it. Lakdasun forum helped bring this issue to Ana and Wije and as a result those innocent people got benefited. What a feat?

Nava mama telling his signature stories in the light now…. No more candles or dim-looking solar powered lights

Nava mama came and gave us a warm welcome and his wife had prepared our meals and got worried us being late. After a quick wash we started chatting with Nava mama and he was very grateful for Ana and Wije for helping them out at that crucial time. Tony got very well along with Nava mama and they started talking about good old times about three decades before how the village was and all.

The time flew listening to their stories coz they were so interesting and I was practically hooked. It was during this conversation Tony asked if I knew how the drummers at Perahera got their beats or rhythms for which I had no idea. Then he described in the past those drummers had no particular rhythm to play their instruments and went on to reveal how the Thammatam players and later drummers (the chubby one, probably Yak Beraya) and later Horane players learned their beats. If you meet Tony, don’t forget to ask about this and the story related to this. Hopefully he’ll feel obliged to confide in you.

I then called Lasantha, my friend who was due to arrive on the following day, giving him directions and Upali’s contact number. I asked Nava mama to send Upali around 11am to Hunnasgiriya to pick him.

Finally around 11.30pm, we decided to call it a day and hit the bed. We had planned a long day for the following day and wanted to get our heads down as soon as we can for as long as possible. I was so happy that we could use real electricity coz I can remember last time we had to use the washroom in the candle light. We had to sit in the dark in his Verandah listening to his grand stories but those were things in the past. I hope before sleeping that those things will remain in the past and not bother them ever.

Day 02

Toddy Tapping

Tony usually gets up very early and I too joined him and the morning sun was up and fresh air mixed with bright sunlight was leaking through the window and the door hinges. We could hear birds chirping and leaves rustling in the morning wind. Such a relief to be among the nature away from the concrete jungle. The mobile that usually keeps ringing was at peace finally sleeping next to me on flight mode. I’m sure he too would’ve enjoyed this quietness away from yelling via him all the time.

I got up and came out to see Nava mama busy at work. He’d found a pot and was busily tying a wire around it making sure to hold it in place. When I asked what it was for, he surprised me by saying that he’s gonna do some toddy tapping and I can take pics. I asked during my last visit if it was possible to see one of them and he’d remembered. How nice and I just go my camera and started snapping away. He got the razor sharp knife in a handmade sheath and put it on the small of the back tucking it firmly into his sarong.

The tree was just behind the house and Tony joined me in seeing this miracle. He went to the base of the tree and did the typical rituals and started climbing up along the pole (most of these are bamboos) tied to the trunk of the tree with creepers (not strings or ropes) and the toddy pot hanging in one arm. It was so scary and fascinating sight too and I couldn’t take my eyes off. For a second I forgot that I was supposed to take pics.

When he reached the top, he started clearing about chopping away the dead leaves and settled nicely on a branch of a tree. Then removed the previous morning bucket and started cutting away at the flower. It was like a half-cut cauliflower and looked very brown and polished due to continuous cutting. Then when he was satisfied with the work he’d performed on the flower, replaced the bucket under the flower which was there with the new one and covered it with a polythene sheet in order to stop flies getting into the pot and came down. Throughout the day the freshly cut flower will pour juice into the pot.

Meanwhile Tony was playing Miss Meemure with a long Kithula Mala placing it on his head like long haired African beauty. Then it was time for us to go and have our breakfast coz we had a long day ahead of us doing one of the very difficult hikes around Meemure.

Major incomes are generated by these

Garden fresh and we frequently had these…. Daiiiiiyaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Horn of a Wild Boar, very strong

Mouth watering

Early morning, busy at work

Getting ready

Way to go

Finally on top, had to run here and there to get a good clear shot

Clearing around

Cutting away at the flower

Bunch of ropes or a cauliflower cut in half???

Tying polythene cover around to protect from flies and bees

Everything ready

Everything done and dusted

The African beauty with her wavy hair…

Nitro Cave Trail

Having witnessed firsthand how to tap toddy trees, we started on our breakfast while Nava mama’s wife was busy getting something ready for our lunch. However, Nava mama protested saying it won’t be hot and fresh by the time we have it midday and instead asked for some flour dough to make Roti at the cave. This immediately appealed to all of us and Tony was a strong supporter of this and with all our votes, his wife had to give in but warned us not catching a stomachache by eating raw flour.

Nava mama wrapped it in a plastic sheet and plucked some fresh chilies you saw above along with tomatoes and onions to go with roti. A flat iron plate was also packed to cook roti and we were ready to go. We could’ve taken the tuk-tuk about a halfway through but decided walk instead along the road passing Kaikawala too.

Morning walk was so refreshing and we enjoyed every bit of it. Tony was getting friendly with all the dogs along the road and they chose to follow him at a safe distance with contempt. The concrete paved road right up to our breaking point passing Kaikawala (Barber shop) helped us immensely coz the strenuous bit was yet to come. Nava mama showed us the canal made by villagers that take water through the village to the hydro power plant. The side walls are fractured in places and need to be renovated sooner rather than later as precious water is leaking through the gaps.

We stopped by the sign saying the Meemure sub post office is nearby. Then walked passing Kaikawala School where they have till GCE OL. At the huge bridge of Kaikawala, we stopped by the “Kaikawala Falls” (named by us and many more waterfalls had to be named on our trek downhill along Heen Ganga) and Nava mama wanted to show off his rock sliding skills. To my horror, Tony’s camera fell on the rock and my heart skipped a beat. However, Dimuthu managed to fix the issue and got it back working to my relief. What’s point going there without a camera? Then Nava mama came down the rock surface of Kaikawala falls (about 20+ft) and swam away in the base pool.

This time I duly recorded the action and posted it on YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeLtBscfCbE&feature=em-upload_owner)

Afterwards, we stepped up our gear and walked and entered a cross road at the Kaikawala barber shop and went through the village passing paddy fields and people working in the scorching hot sun. Lakegala was watching us from afar and she looked happy to see me again. There were so many other mountains surrounding us and it all looked like protecting Meemure and Kaikawala from the wicked world outside.

The highest mountain in the Knuckles region Gombani could also be seen and just below her was the Belum Gala which Nava mama said that we could climb and now it’s in my never ending to-do-list. Either side of Gombani were Andirigala (at the bottom is Nava mama’s house), Kalawel Bokka, Appala Pathana, Hellena Gala (like a parrot head) and Lakegala standing tall like bodyguards of the Great King, Ravana. We reached Ma Oya and crossed over on to the other side which is Hunuketadegalaha Village (don’t twist your tongue trying to pronounce that) and found yet another waterfall about 100m upstream.

Such a great beauty flowing down and in the middle as if jumping up before falling down again. We couldn’t think of a better name than Hunuketadegalaha Falls… Sorry folks if it’s difficult to say. The terrain got so difficult afterwards and we kept pushing to the limits, especially the youngest fellow in our team didn’t show a bit tired. We then came to the Na Ela Junction where there four tracks meet. (Kalugala, Karambaketiya, Na Ela and Kaikawala via Hunuketadegalaha)

We took the left leading to Na Ela and soon as we turned there was this small house and a girl was making Jaggery out of toddy on the specially designed stove. Having refilled our water bottle and getting a much needed break we decided to take the track towards Nitro Cave. Passing a bunt we came to the Na Ela which goes downhill till she merges with Heen Ganga between Kaikawala and Meemure. This is where I felt like kicking myself for not taking anything, even some biscuits coz we were ravenous after a tiring walk but only the refreshing water of Na Ela was there.

Tony and I gave a water therapy for our battered legs while Dimuthu went in search of fish and prawns in the waterway without success. The wind was so comforting and there was this tiny waterfall about 15ft and you know the drill by now. She is now “Nitro Falls”, named by us. I felt like sleeping on the rock surface but we had a deadline to meet and we couldn’t waste anytime cooking our Roti here. So motivated by ever-growing hunger, we hit the last bit of our journey climbing up though the dense forest about 2-3km to the destination, Nitro Cave. The path hadn’t been used lately but still visible and Nava mama had more senses we could imagine so there was no fear of getting lost.

Finally, Eureka, the Cave was visible and we stepped on the gas. It was a huge cave jutting out of a rocky mountain and now occupied by many thousands of bats who got very angry by our intrusion. You can climb up and see the inside of the cave even though there’s nothing much other than hundreds of tons of bat excrement but the place looked lived on. There were a couple of sticks to help you get on to the rock slab from where you can see the mountains far away, especially my beloved Lakegala showing herself beautifully.

We came down and along the rocky path went a bit up and came across a huge wasp nest full of wasps and had to be careful not to arouse them. Finally we settled about 100m away where there was this tiny stream of water and got busy with our Roti making. Dimuthu and Nava mama got busy making a hearth with rocks while Tony got all the stuff out and started washing onions, tomatoes and chilies. If you wonder then what I was doing, just picturing all this was my duty and they were better at what they did and didn’t wanna be a nuisance.

We found some dry twigs and got the fire going and on top went the flat iron roti maker and Nava mama was busy breaking small balls out of the dough and spreading it evenly on the surface and putting it this side and the other nicely burning both sides and I was getting mighty hungry. Tony and Dimuthu started making our Salad with freshly cut onions, chilies and tomatoes and Nava mama had brought an orange to supplement lime and we were good to go. The lunch was superb and we tucked in like a pack of wolves and what a feast it turned out to be.

I managed to record a short video and uploaded it to YouTube and it’s here for you to check.

The tasty water made our thirst and tiredness vanish into thin air and we were ready to get back after about 10min break. It was one helluva hike and we were looking forward to the return journey when Nava mama surprised us by asking if we wanna take a different route to the village. I’d never dream of saying no, so was Tony and Dimuthu and we were soon on our way towards Na Ela where we were supposed to get along the Na Ela till we came up to Heen Ganga about 8km downhill.

You know who these are. In the middle is not a cowboy but our Nava mama

An aggressive water buffalo won’t let us pass. See the pinkish ears, but don’t think you can see the steam rising through the nostrils

Right across the road…

Katuwel Batu Hanging beauty

About 100m away… now lightened free of charge by Meemure Society

Nava mama showing us the man-made canal that takes water to the Hydro power plant… it needs restoration too as the bunt is fractured in many places leaking precious water

Mountains beyond Kaikawala

Gorgeous view

Kaikawala Falls

Base pool

Ma Oya going down…

The stuntman is back

Sliding down captured simultaneously recording

“How was it?”

The mountains in the horizon

Side view glance at Kaikawala Falls

Endless mountains with lush greenery

Heading towards Ma Oya crossing point

Here we are, water levels were low so crossing was no prob…. You can see pillars down which are the remains of a bridge yet to be built

Hunuketadegalaha Falls

Cool water helped us replenish our stocks

There she’s jumping in the middle

She’s small but gorgeous

A friendly person we met on the river bank

Endless mountains

What a contrast in colors

Pano with the mountain range. (From left: Hellena Gala, Kalawal Bokka, Gombaniya, Belum Gala, Andirigala, Appala Pathana)… Hope I got them all correct

Gombani in the middle and towards her right slope is the Belum Gala

More majestic views

Na Ela Junction (Tony-Kalugala footpath through the forest// Nava Mama-Karambaketiya//Dimuthu-Na Ela//Me-Kaikawala)

Single-horned beast found at Na Ela

What a simple house; This is where we met that girl making Jaggery

I’m sure you recognize this…. the fella wearing this decided to abandon it

Jaggery stove made out of a barrel

Jaggery getting thicken ever so slowly

I suppose you can’t call this a Skeleton of a Butterfly

The bunt doesn’t have enough water to retain

There can’t be a beautiful mountain than her

Committing suicide… I removed the fella but he went back to the water… must’ve been let down by his wife…. (Tony, the animal specialist, confirmed this)

Na Ela crossing point

There’s the Nitro Ella, about 15ft

Not much water but enough to look nice

4-man reconnaissance team

Commander is checking the path ahead

Birdie nest

Hard climbing

A much relieved Tony looking flabbergasted at the cave

Nava mama, not a bit tired, carrying onto the cave

We made a Toy Red Indian with a feather and a mushroomy stick

The cave is jutting out of the rock

Wasps busy at work….

Climbed up Nava mama and Tony in the background busily picturing

Nava Mama’s skills helping to explore the unreachable

The ground is covered with sand mixed bat excrement with worms

Looking out of the gloom

The walls are all rocks

Getting down was yet another fiasco

Finally some breathing space

The rock carves in further

Met a similar fella at Morning Side too

Going further up looking for a place to make lunch

Finally all set up

The tiny water stream where we collected ours….

The fire is on fire and our dough is resting and onions and other stuff ready for chopping

Tony playing the chef….

Busy at work…. Nava mama very good at it

Can’t wait anymore….

All three busily doing the final touches….

Eat…..

United black ants carrying their share

Good bye…. got a long way back

Trekking along the Na Ela from Nitro Cave

I practically ran climbed hill and was back at Na Ela crossing point (near Nitro Falls) in record breaking time and gave my feet another cold water therapy. Couldn’t feel like taking them out, just wanted to lie down on the rock and let the nature envelope me with her arms. The rest of the crew came about 20mins later very sluggishly coz the tiredness has by now set in big time.

They too wanted a piece of that calmness and lied down heavily sighing deeply. We had by then done nearly 20km or more most of it hiking and felt dog tired. Nava mama said that we now have to walk downwards along the Na Ela and I felt happy but it was one of the hardest things to do as we had to keep on constant alert jumping from rock to rock and avoid boulders and obstacles and getting back in thorny jungle.

The walk reminded me of Grand Canyons in the US as the either side of the river rose huge rock boulders in various shades of brown. The water levels were pretty low but it was so hard to walk, we had to jump and we soon arrived at a massive earth slip along the Nitro Cave mountain right down to the river itself. It had carried a huge tree all the way and dumped on the river bed. All these had been due to the heavy rains in last January which moved the massive concrete bridge at Kaikawala by 6 inches.

Suddenly Nava mama spotted something in a shallow rock pool and was trying to take it out of the water when we saw what it was. That horrible looking white skin covered bag like thing had belonged to a wild boar mother. We then saw blood had trickled down a flat rock where apparently she was butchered by the poachers or hunters. They had erected a cross bar where they had made a fire supposedly roasting the fellow. They had removed those fetuses (we counted 6 in all sticking out like balloons out of it) and dumped in the water.

Nava mama and Tony with the help of Dimuthu took it out of the water using a stick and left it on the cross bar as it would’ve spoiled the water. That was such a horrible thing to look at but I took some pics and was pondering whether to put it on the report or not. I decided to put it anyway and hopefully admin will decide if it should be censored or not. Just after that was the Sri Lankan Grand Canyons as we called it and was a magnificent thing to look. It made it all the more difficult for us to move to the other side but we managed it with a great difficulty.

Passing that we came to a somewhat larger waterfall and the name given to her was “Na Ella”, even though Tony suggested “Samanala Ella” coz there were plenty of them but I wouldn’t have any of it. She was about 50ft in height and unreachable via a path. Only option is to walk up or climb down along the Na Ela. There were flocks of butterflies on the ground and was wondering if they were feeding something from the earth.

We then had to abandon the river as the going was very hard and Nava mama led us through the forest full of thorny plants. We had to be very careful so as not to slip into the river about 100ft below. It was pretty dark inside the forest as sun had no way of penetrating that tree cover. We then saw another waterfall about 20ft but couldn’t get up close. The name came effortlessly (now I’m very good at it) as “Katu Ella”. If you wonder why Katu Ella, we usually say “Maara Kattak” for something very difficult. It was something similar getting to her so the name stuck really well.

Another waterfall was round the corner, would you believe it? I was fast running out of names and had to come up with something fast. It was in two parts totaling about 8ft in height and “Galpoththa Ella” seemed a better name. Tony said if we continue for some more, we’re bound to run out of names pretty soon. Afterwards, to our relief, we got onto a nearby paddy field running parallel to the river and the going got easier. However when we entered the abandoned paddy field, we barely saw another huge falls, around 40ft around the river bend but couldn’t see her properly and no name was required.

We joined the Heen Ganga crossed over to the next side where people of Kaikawala busily working on their lush paddy fields. I noticed that the greenery of these fields is not so lush as much as Meemure. I can’t think of why but it was very noticeable.

The earth slip from Nitro Cave mountain

Massive tree taken for a ride

Strenuous hike downhill

Rocks in various sizes

There’s the ugly one we got out of water. Dried blood marks are still visible

We just left it there. This is where they had apparently roasted the fellow

SL Grand Canyon

These rocks might have come crawling with the flood waters in Jan

Top of Na Ella….

Here she is…. not full flow

The reason why we thought of calling her Samanala Ella

Pretty high even without high heels

Inviting base pool

The Trio

Leaving her behind

Nava mama looking for something

Plenty of tiny cascades

Katu Ella

Up close barred by those branches

Top part zoomed in from far away

Time to move on

Galpoththa Ella

Both parts in view…. tiny one

This had once been an Anicut

Below the Anicut, we took to the paddy fields from the corner left

Snake’s

We missed that big waterfall just

Ready to cross over Heen Ganga

Lush green

Overhead view of far fields

Simply awesome

Found it a bit less grandeur than Meemure

Re-awakening Meemure – Re-stored Hydro Power Project

Walking along the lush paddy fields revived our sapped energy. The sun was going down below Andirigala and Appala Pathana mountains and I wanted to hurry and go see the power plant as I had strict instructions to take pics of the renovation work and do a short video from Ana. I didn’t wanna disappoint them at any rate.

We reached the point where the used water coming out of the power house via a tunnel and there was plenty of water gushing out in a mad rush. I was very happy to see the state of the power house and Nava mana in a humorous gesture switched off the main switch joking now they don’t have power and switched on again saying now they do.

It showed how relieved that person was. It was running smoothly and we didn’t feel any vibration in the plant and they had used more screws and bolts to strengthen the whole machine. Meemure society has got hold of a boy (Jayasinghe Banda) who’s willing to do the night shift at the power house for Rs. 4000/-. It’s surprising how small that amount is but that boy had volunteered saying he doesn’t need much as it’s something he’s doing for the village. He lives about 1km uphill where the path to the power plant starts.

I took pics of the plant and did the short video too which you can see here:

Afterwards, it was time to go back to Nava mama’s place for the night. We still had to climb the hill to get to the foot path where the main tank of the power house is built. It’s about 50ft in length and over 10ft in width and a height of another 10+ft. It retains the water and sends to the power house via a pipeline about 28cm in diameter. Unlike in all the other plants I’ve seen, this is a half inch PVC pipeline whereas most of the power houses use iron pipelines. The path the pipeline is laid is supported by concrete pillars but we saw at certain places there a lose points which might endanger the pipeline.

We then walked up the path towards the main road and met the boy, Jayasinghe Banda and the person who stays for that night, Ukkubanda mama. Nava mana and the society have done a roster so that every night along with Jayasinghe Banda, someone from Meemure who’s using electricity must come and stay at the plant. If they can’t come, they have to pay Rs. 500/- to the society. I found this to be a very good option given the fact that they need to protect this very badly.

Along with them I met Mr. W. G. Samarakoon who’s the postman. I’m sure he has to walk many a miles every day delivering letters to the remote parts of those villages.

From the Meemure society, they give free electricity to the following places:

1. Post Office
2. Dispensary
3. Kaikawala and Meemure Schools
4. Samurdhi Bank and the Office
5. Grama Niladhari Office
6. Meemure Temple
7. Agricultural Office

There’s been lot of charity work going on as well and it was so nice to see these people enjoy their lives. The Dendro plant is about 50m towards the village but I decided to take some pics on our way back to Hunnasgiriya as it was very dark. We got into the main road passing the post office and walked the last few kilometers thanks to my torch.

We found Lasantha (my other friend who missed out two days of fun) was waiting all fresh and ready to hit the road but we were exhausted. I remembered sending replacement soldiers to replace the battered ones in the battlefields. The legs needed so much rest and after a quick wash and dinner it was time to hit the pillow hard. We had a very long day the following day with a night in Narangamuwa. We had walked more than 35km throughout the day.

The water gushing out the power plant

Part of the plant

Newly installed part with more screws

So much to capture

Trying to get as much as possible in one go

No vibration detected

Any idea what these say?

The meter board but I couldn’t make head nor tail of this

Power house

The PVC pipeline laid amid the forest supported by concrete pillars at intervals

This hike was more challenging

The tank that holds water

From left: Nava Mama, Jayasinghe Banda, Ukkubanda and Samarakoon the postman

Free electricity at work

Closed for the day…

Day 03

Meemure – Reassa Trail

Morning arrived and brought with it authentic fragrances of the trees, earth and the wind. I jumped out of the mattress and went in search of Nava mama who’d done the ritual with toddy tapping. Got washed and packed our bags as we had to stay overnight at Narangamuwa. We tried to take as few items as possible since climbing with a huge backpack gonna test your spine and knees.

After a breakfast of tasty rice and curry we were good to go. Nenda gave us our own packs of lunch to have on the way but Nava mama packed some onions, tomatoes and chilies as usual. We were not hoping to cook a meal but I knew he was up to something.

We walked towards the famous Mee Tree in the center of Meemure village near the primary school. We met Athula (hope you can remember him, he was the one who took us in our previous visit to Meemure) helping do a stone wall around a neighbor’s land. They don’t use cement; just keep one rock on top the other balancing it nicely. This reminded me of Delft Island where they’d done the same with corals. Nava mama had got a call the previous night confirming the arrival of some French tourists but he couldn’t go meet them as we had fully booked him.

Instead, he asked Athula to go to Narangamuwa and pick them and bring via the circular trail to Meemure the following day and the same thing we were gonna do. Lady Lakegala was waiting for us patiently having cleared all the clouds around her so that she looks very appealing. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her no matter how much I look at her. Nobody was gonna take me away anytime soon coz I was busy with my camera picturing her in every angle possible.

After sometime, we crossed the bridge and started our journey towards Reassa which is a part of Lakegala but can’t be seen from Meemure. That’s where Ravana’s palace was built and below his tank. Apparently Rama had attacked it with a special weapon (Possibly a nuclear attack in modern day descriptions. Otherwise there could’ve been no way a conventional weapon done so much damage to that gigantic rock. Even a 2000lb Joint Direct Attack Munition wouldn’t have inflicted so much damage) and that arrow had gone clean through that part of Lakegala like a knife through butter completely demolishing it sending tons of rocks to the tank and the nearby Narangamuwa.

— Reassa means maze in English which is a place full of obstacles and difficult to find your path and can easily get lost. As many believe Reassa is not what you call the broken side of the Lakegala, but the area where those chunks of rocks fell covering the Tank and the nearby lands of Narangamuwa. If you ever venture into the path towards Narangamuwa from the broken part of Lakegala, you’ll know what it really means as it’s very difficult to find your way to the village through the forest and endless rock boulders. —

We bypassed the “Akula Ella” which you came across in my previous report and the name was suggested by Nava mama. She was just a trickle going down the rock surface now. Then it was familiar territory right up to the Lakegala base. We did it last time with Athula and had a nice cool dip in the artistic rock pool at the base and was hoping to do the same this time around too.

However, when finally arrived at the place, I was so disappointed to see the rock pool has turned into a junkyard full of leaves as the water levels were too low to send them away. We rested our feet and munched on rice crackers. I couldn’t afford to take the risk of not taking any snacks to munch throughout the journey so stocked as much as we could carry. Meanwhile Nava mama was busy around a rock plucking some plants to find they are Gotukola.

This is the reason he packed all those orange, tomatoes, onions and chilies in the first place. Now we were gonna make some delicious Gotukola salad. However, we had no container to make it but I just left it at that. Then we were onto new territory taking the left turn around Lakegala and soon stopped at the tiny waterway to fill our waterbottles.

Suddenly, Nava mama warned us of a tree called “Maassa” which makes your skin itch and swell if you come into contact with it. Should you wash the area with water, you’re bound to get high fever according to folklore. We had to stay alert for about 1km until the danger had passed.

The treatment for this is to apply Kurahan flour mixed with coconut milk having scraped the infected area with a knife. (I hope you remember applying coconut oil when touched by a caterpillar after scraping with a knife. Kahambiliya tree is a similar one that we very well know of). There was this funny treatment of applying just coconut milk on the infected area and let a cat lick the area with its rough tongue.

Nava mama then showed us Meadiya Creepers which they used to tie the poles and sticks when building mud huts as real ropes are hard to come by. If you saw Toddy tapping pics, those poles were also tied to the tree with these creepers.

We then reached the Komala Pathana and started having our lunch when Nava mama brought a flat rock about 2 square feet. He then washed all the Gotukola and cut them with his knife and put them on the washed out rock surface and mixed it with chopped onions, chilies and tomatoes. Squeezed out orange added that wonderful flavor and we tucked in hungrily. The flavors started exploding in our mouths with those crunchy onions and fresh Gotukola.

We suddenly started a steep climb and Nava mama kept looking for any danger such as Wild animals, wasps or any traps in the jungle. Attempting these trails without a guide will put you in endless troubles and dangers. Nava mama showed us Black Monkey about a km away and I tried to see the fellow with my own eyes with a great difficulty. Then I used my tiny point and shoot and got a decent enough pic which made Nava mama very keen on it.

He was asking all about cameras and said that he’s gonna get one soon as he comes across many interesting things that go without a record since he hasn’t got a camera. “I’ll get one when the peppers are sold” he kept telling me. Imagine the things he gets to see in those un-ventured areas. We haven’t seen even one hundredth of what he’s seen. Soon the forest disappeared paving the way to small plants then and there. We were nearing the top and the surrounding looked fabulous even though the scorching sun kept pounding on us.

Suddenly it was right in front of us and I felt mesmerized of what we saw. The Narangamuwa side of Lakegala has been cleanly cut away as if a slice of a loaf of bread and the height is so much we couldn’t gauge it. However, Nava mama threw a stone to the bottom and it took 11 seconds for us to hear the boom. Must be a long way down and I suspect it to be around 600-800ft.

We were very little below the top of Lakegala but couldn’t climb up from that side as the mountain is divided in the middle. Only way up is to take the right trail up at the base of Lakegala where we rested. We took many pics and could see Narangamuwa faraway specially the Temple and Stupa along with those beautiful paddy fields. There was a huge rocky mountain towards left of Narangamuwa and on it two openings showing that they were caves dug into the rock.

Nava mama explained that those were said to be the storage of King Ravana for grains, especially paddy. He’d been inside of them and said the length is about 70ft and height and width around 20ft each. The shape is like a cone overall. Apparently there are remains of those grains still in those caves. They are called “Kapuwatugala Caves”.

We stayed there about 40mins and decided to head towards Narangamuwa as it was another long hike through the maze (Reassa). On the way we were to pass the foot of that rock where the caves are dug in.

Lasantha fresh looking but we are no worse

Doing the wall with just putting rocks on top of each other

Rice mill

My Love…

Going towards the bridge through sawed paddy fields

Crossing the bridge the crew in single file

No matter whether you’re young or old, you have to work as much as others

Gigantic

The scenery along is worth the whole journey

Getting a rest and Lasantha kept looking for signal

Collecting firewood…

You could see the Maediya Creepers. Just below is the Akula Falls

Differently shaped Lakegala when you go around her

Familiar Territory. Tony’s with his two sticks that helped him right throughout

Hurrahhh… finally the base of Lakegala

Nava mama washing the freshly plucked Gotukola to be kept for later

Can you see the dark base pool? This was the artistic pool where we had a cool dip. But not this time

Mountians far away. If you wanna climb the Lakegala, the trail is slightly to the left of the pic

Maaussa – The poisonous tree…

Nice doorway created by those smashed rocks from Lakegala

Nice Pus Wela

Another skull of a buffalo

This is another piece of bone but looked like a head of its own with eyes and the mouth

The faraway black monkey which made Nava mama wanna get a camera ASAP

This is not wasps, but ants

Another massive landslide

Funny shaped in the middle

This is good to have as a plant in your garden. Name is “Baludan”

Komala Pathana…. ready to lunch

The water was getting very scarce to find

Nava mama the explorer

The all-rounder: Guide, Host, Cook and so much more

I know this makes your mouth water….

They can’t wait anymore

Tony on crutches?

Destination is close by…. we finally arrived in this open area along the climb

So much to cover….

This is called “Kahata” and they cook a nice curry with those fruits

The top of Lakegala and we were heading to the left. It’s separate in the middle as a result you can’t cross from this side to the top

Tired but happy bunch

Here it is. The straight line on the left is where the rock is cleanly shaved by that arrow

I’ll let you get the pic

Imagine the height

This place used to have Ravana’s tank but got all covered up with those chunks of rocks… Narangamuwa is far away

Can see a glimpse of Narangamuwa from here

This is not the summit, it’s on the other side

The models were back

I’m like the Atlas who carries the world

We had no idea the following day we’d walk along these paddy fields

Tried my best to get this

My fav pano

From Narangamuwa to Meemure, the path is beyond those rocks

See the Stupa at Narangamuwa Temple

Nava mama throwing a stone and Tony measuring the time

Such depth

Time to head back as we had a long walk to Narangamuwa

Reassa – Narangamuwa Trail

On our way to Narangamuwa, Tony’s shoe broke and fortunately he’d bought a pair of rubber slippers. It was climbing down time and we soon entered into a nearly dried up river on a rocky bed. There was still a bit of water stubbornly flowing in the middle but we had no such difficulty in tackling the path. On and off Tony had to resort to foul wheel bringing back his childhood abilities.

Afterwards we were soon enveloped by the jungle and it was pretty dark but Nava mama wasn’t gonna miss the trail. He did it after a very long time still managed to guide us through the correct path using his own abilities and some land marks such as trees and rocks.

We came across a funny shaped tree which had a kind of archway that we could walk through. Soon Nava mama identified the Jack tree where we can go to the Kapuwatugala Cave. It was getting close to 6pm and Nava mama still wanted to climb up about 60ft and get us some pics. I knew it wasn’t a good idea even for an experience person like him so asked not to do it. I said we could always come back later and explore it and he very reluctantly gave in.

There was another cave at the bottom about 30ft long and 6-10ft in depth. There were trees grown at the mouth of the caves covering it from prying eyes. Looking back we saw a differently shaped Lakegala mainly due to the broken piece of her. Lakegala is the separating point of Meemure and Narangamuwa.

Then we entered the village and walked passing paddy fields till we reached the Narangamuwa town Centre. It’s powered by the main line and had no problem with electricity like Meemure. Nava mama’s relative (one of his nephews) was there waiting for us. We were to stay at his place more to the irritation of Nava mama’s younger brother. He said that Nava mama came to Narangamuwa after a long time and wanted him to stay at his place.

We had cream soda to pamper our parched mouths and it felt like the best in the world. Nava mama in the meantime bought the rations for our dinner and breakfast. It was very dark and we had our torches thankfully along with theirs. Another 2km walk brought us to one edge of the village and beyond that was the Knuckles protected area. They said to our horror that the Elephants come to the village and even to the garden but no damage so far being done. I guess either the villagers and elephants live in harmony or the worst is yet to happen.

We were so tired but were warmly welcomed by them. Immediately the house became like a bees’ nest everyone trying to see to our needs and Nava mama kept boasting that we were the ones who initiated the restoration work of the power plant so VIP treatment was around the corner. After a very cold bath, we had a delicious dinner and juicy home grown papaya. What more could a man ask for other than a cozy bed which was exactly what we got in the end.

However, Nava mama’s brother kept telling us some of the folklore and it was very interesting to hear they talk about all these things. It was time to grab the pillow and dream about my Lakegala so we turned in for the night.

The Baby Tony learning to walk

The dried up river on the rocky bed

Looks like a Wadi

Odd rock pool or the other

Another pic of the team….

This is a river nearly dried up

The tree archway

It really was a Maze

The cave at the base

Another one just above

With the flash on…. not so big

The trees are masking the entrance of Kapuwatugala Cave

Differently shaped Lakegala

Up close

This is where they keep the calves…

Getting to the town was very tiring

Day 04

Narangamuwa – Meemure Circular Trail

We slept without a hitch and no fear whatsoever for elephants trampling on us. We got up to another fantastic day and the sky was crystal clear and everything was looking as best as anything can look. We saw Kumara’s (our host) son was already dressed up and remember it’s Mon and the schools are still functioning. Very good to see him in pristine white shirt and royal blue shorts which came sweet memories flooding back to me.

The kitchen was very busy and Kumara’s wife was multitasking while preparing our breakfast and getting her son and daughter ready for school and Montessori. We had wash and came to a sumptuous breakfast and wolfed it down like no tomorrow. We were planning on coming back to Colombo the same day and had to hurry and get back to Meemure. Still a journey of 16+km. I was already tired and wished we could stay that day as well but my office was not forgiving any more.

We had breakfast and managed to get a pic of Kumara’s little girl who looked like an angel with her uniform up. She shyly posed for a pic and I got the whole family to pose too even though Kumara’s wife was very reluctant. We bid our thanks and farewell to those wonderful people and got back on the road. On the way we stopped by at Nava Mama’s brother’s place for a glass of water.

We walked through the paddy field which we saw from the top of the broken bit and it was simply amazing. We saw an old lady working on a grain field (Mun Eta) and the lush greenery of the plants were very adorable. We came across and got into the road to find Athula coming to Narangamuwa to collect those French foreigners.

Everybody seems to know everybody else as both the villagers are relatives in one way or the other due to marriages between them. We met a person who had collected his daily ration of Toddy and Nava mama and Tony who were creeping behind us had managed to help themselves to a cup or two. We soon entered the jungle and saw a some holy tree with tree branches hanging. Nava mama did the rituals asking for protection along the journey by hanging a branch of our own.

The god they worshipped was called Wanniya Bandara. He has many other names such as “Kele Bandara, Aluth Bandara, Biso Bandara, Gale Bandara, Devatha Bandara and Dedimunda Bandara”. Different areas used different names, according to Nava mama but the same god.

—It was a walk through the “Donduru Weddha Mala Thenna” (Where the Donduru Weddha was killed). Nava mama said the story. There had been a Weddha called Donduru who lived there and no villages nearby not even Meemure or Narangamuwa. One day he met this hunter and they got very friendly. The hunter went and told his brother about the Weddha and the area where he roamed and suggested it was ideal to start a new village. However, Weddha wouldn’t hear of it and one day they took him hunting and killed the fellow. Afterwards they started the villages Meemure and Narangamuwa. —

This is just one of many stories how the Meemure and Narangamuwa were found. Then he told us another story how the Meemure and Lakegala were named.

—The great rock called “Maha Pabbatha” became Lakegala and many other names had been used where it ended up Lakegala.

1. Lankagala
2. Ilakkagala – Where the rock was targeted.
3.  Lanka Pabbatha
4. Yakgala – Where the devils (Yakun) stayed

—Meemure was initially called “Maha Pabbatha Gramaya” and descended from “Maha Mure” and became “Meemure”. —

We soon came to a flat rock where we stopped for a quick biscuit and some water. To our amazement, we saw Athula and the gang of French girls coming round the corner. It had been pretty fast. However while I was taking some pics we heard a big thud to find one of the girls were on her all four having tripped over a rock.

Tony rushed to help talking in rapid English with an Arctic accent but those French understood very little of it. Tony was wishing he could speak French and we had to pacify him all the way. We left them to have their own picnic and hurried on. Nava mama showed us a place where a massive tree had fallen and claimed three lives long time ago. Apparently one villager had grown sweet potatoes nearby and burnt the base of the tree to remove it. But that tree hadn’t gone without taking his revenge.

Yet another place, like a quarry some villages about 50 years ago had seen a Female Devil (Yakinna) while trying to dig a treasure. They had run all the way to the Meemure. One of them is still alive and he had confided in Nava mama the incident. Most terrifying moment came when we had to pass a wasp nest about 5ft away from it. We crept like a bunch of thieves after some treasure when the household is asleep. Fortunately they were busy at work and not bothered with us.

Finally we reached the outskirts of the Meemure and felt very glad coz of never ending exhaustion. Panic was setting in too as we were running out of time. Nava mama once joked that Sri is going around Lakegala in an effort to protect her. Tony too had his piece of news up his sleeve. He kept pestering Nava mama to find me a girl from Meemure. He willingly agreed to come speak to the girl’s family (if there’s such a girl) on my behalf and get the things settled. Not a bad idea, what do you guys think?

I got a close look at a Madu Tree and it’s seeds still not ready to harvest. Those people make a delicious curry using Madu leaves (Dalu) and Pittu using those seeds. Finally we crossed the bridge and sat beside a rock offering our remaining biscuits to the farmers. We could waste no time and started walking between the paddy fields when two water buffalos started to chase each other. At first, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to record the event when one turned towards us. Horror-stricken, we ran like headless chickens forgetting all the tiredness and I still wonder how our legs managed that much strength.

Nava mama and the farmers were laughing their heads off at the incident and we hurried onto the house.

The garden looked fabulous

Duck shaped flower

Here’s the little angel

Kumara and his wife…. great hosts

Saying good-bye

Lakegala and the surrounding mountains

Early morning, she’s already busy

Mun Eta

Getting richer

Lakegala up close

What a wonderful experience to walk in a paddy field early morning

Nothing can replicate what you actually see

They couldn’t keep their eyes off Lakegala

Just a funny capture

Nava mama and Tony having had some Toddy coming like crabs

Deep into the jungle

Doing the rituals in their own way

Those are rock hard

I have no idea who this is

unny to have come across something like this, could be one of the toddy tapper’s

Tony was pretty excited to see the lady bird

Tony’s scared that the elephants will come

I have no idea where this leads to

Artistic but blocking the path

Do you see what I see? It’s almost like an Elephant

Where we stopped for a biccie break

Having regained some energy thanks to biscuits

The third girl in a white top is the one who fell. I missed the action by seconds. Seeing her trying to balance didn’t surprise me that she fell

Not edible

Can you see the art carved on this? I suspect this could be one of the pieces from the Palace on top of Lakegala

Had to wait a long time to take this

Like a beard

The scary bit

Busy at work to care about us

Dunno who this fella is

The stuntman is back

The batman was there too

Outskirts of the village. Do you see the cables? They’ve laid them from a long distance away so that these people at the edge can enjoy a bit of luxury too

This is the hay house and under that the bull or cow is tied. This will allow it to eat whenever hungry and the roof above gives him shade and cover from rain.

Kept turning back to see her

This is not a vase

Madu seeds

Madu flower

Mission accomplished and they are dragging themselves back to base

Mountains looming at large

The farmer taking a much needed break. The dog followed us from the edge of the village…

After the Buffolo attck. The one on the left was the aggressive one.

Final glance at Lakegala… time to leave lady

A very rare pic and I simply can’t guess how old she is

Two brothers

Alternative Energy – Dendro Power Plant

We arrived at the house like old CTB buses belching smoke and thundering under their own weights. Nava mama’s wife had prepared the lunch. We quickly had a wash and eat hungrily. While Nava mama was telling more stories we tried to relax.

Upali came around 3.00pm to pick us and along with Nava mama’s tuk-tuk we left for Kaikawala Dendro Power Plant. This has been started as a compliment of the hydro plant generating electricity when the water levels are not enough.

I wanted to take a pic of Nava mama and his wife together but she was very shy. In the end, after all our pestering she agreed to pose very reluctantly. Nava mama even dragged a wooden seat for but in the end he had to sit on it.

We reached the dendro plant which is passing the Meemure post office. The place looked used before but not in the recent past. They use firewood such as Giniseeriya (Albeesiya in other words – Gliricidia Sepium scientifically) for burning to generate power. It’s a fast growing plant and the environmental impact is minimal. It’s said if we grow 400,000 hectares of these, we can generate 1000 megawatts of electricity.

I’m sure Ana and Wije have their eyes on this as well and they are planning to visit Meemure very soon to check on the hydro plant. It was time for us to go and Nava mama was very sad too. It was all dry and plenty of sunshine right throughout but all of a sudden out of nowhere black clouds formed threatening to rain. We could feel the droplets of water in the air and I felt it’s Lakegala crying over our departure. She must be very sad like me but what to do we had to say good-bye.

It was a marathon journey right along and I do hope I’ve not made you tired having to read and go through hundreds of pages of my fairy tale. It took me ages to compile all these and I’m sure it must’ve taken up a huge chunk of your precious time. All I can hope is the time you spent on this is worth your while.

Please read my previous report “Jaunting off the Most Beautiful Village on Earth – Meemure”for a different viewpoint. That was when I got fascinated with Meemure and fell in love with Lakegala. This time it turned out to be a more strenuous but a stretched stay. I’ve already planned what I’m gonna do next time. Hopefully will have something similar in a few months’ times, rather few weeks’ even.

Again, big thank-you should go to Ana, Wije and everybody else who showed their interested and offered to help these people.

Here ends my fairy tale and hope you enjoyed it as much as me.

Take care…

Here’s the couple… Like on their wedding photo

Dendro plant

Getting inside

Very complicated for my understanding

UNIDO had their hands on this as well

These meters don’t mean a thing to me. A joint venture by Austria, India, GoSL and UNIDO

Hopper is where you put the wood for burning

I’m getting up for a closer look

Inside the HOPPER

The rest of the room with machinery

They need to get this going again

Good bye Meemure and my Lakegala…. Coming to see you soon

A cave is a natural opening or cavity within the earth, generally extending from the earth’s surface to beyond the zone of light. Limestone caves are made by dissolving of limestone with naturally occurring acids such as Sulphuric and Carbonic ect. Limestone caves are the commonest type of underground caves.

Ekiriya (ඇකිරිය) is a village situated in Nuweraeliya district close to Rikillagaskada(රිකිල්ලගස්කඩ) town. Most of the villagers are farmers and this village is full of paddy fields and vegetable plots. The important thing is the subterranean lime stone cave situated in this village.

One beautiful morning Wuminda and we stepped towards Ekiriya village to visit at this cave. We got the bus from Rikillagaskada towards Pallebowala(පල්ලෙබෝවල) and got down at Rotupihilla (රොටුපිහිල්ල) junction. We were seeking someone to guide us and Chandare mama (චන්දරේ මාමා) voluntarily came.

First we went to his place and changed our clothes and kept our bags there.

Ekiriya is shown by a circle – Click Map to Enlarge

Ekiriya is not a single cave; it is a collection of caves. Some caves are branched. In contrast Wavulpane limestone cave, Ekiriya has less number of bat droppings. I rarely saw bats in Ekiriya cave. As it is not a single cave, we visited at number of caves. Although it has different entry points none of them have exits.

Chandare mama showed us different cave entrances as much as possible.

One of Ekiriya lime cave entrances

Chandare mama is entering to a cave. Note this cave entrance was bigger than this before and due to soil erosion it has become narrow.

Outer surface of underground cave

Dewalaya is also situated in the cave

Inside the cave

It is totally dark need a good light

This cave has an end. We walked only about 10-15meters. But some caves extend few kilometers.

Underground water flow is essential to maintain the cave cavity to dissolve the lime stone.

Villagers use underground water flow for their drinking purpose. This water has high amount of Calcium, Magnesium and Bicarbonate ions.

Spiders are seen on cave wall. According to our guide they are venomous. ???

Another common friend we met there.

My friend capturing a spider

The formations which hang from the ceiling of the cave are called stalactites.

The formations built up above the floor of the cave are called stalagmites. This is shown stalagmites joins with stalactites to form the column.

According to our guide this part of the cave extends few kilometers

Chandare mama is heading. We didn’t walk more than 50meters.

Stalactites formation started.

Chandare mama is looking for more and more entrances.

Rough outer wall of the cave

Natural cave paintings.

Another dark area

Lime stone decoration

We spent about two and half hours with the limestone cave in Ekiriya. I would like to add some landscaping I captured at beautiful Ekiriya village.

Paddy fields

Towards Wegama side

Still preparing

Greenish

Vegetable plots

Nice place to stay

It is very difficult to make these paddy fields.

Prevention of soil erosion

The way through the paddy fields

Good bye Ekiriya village.

Thanks for reading.

Another one of those trips hastily arranged after seeing we have an extra couple of days off after the sinhala & tamil new year festivities.
This time our plan was to go on a camping trip to meemure, thereby making use of the tent I bought about 1 ½ years ago but has never been used.
So on the 16th 2 of us left Delgoda at 4am picking up the 3rd member on our way from Dambadeniya. By about 6.30am we were at kurunegala and proceeded towards ibbagamuwa as we intended to take the dodangaslanda – yatawatta road to matale.
The 38km distance from ibbagamuwa to matale was a gradual ascend. The scenery as we gained elevation was breathtaking.

Sun rise on the yatawatta-matale road

scenery along yatawatta-matale road

scenery along yatawatta-matale road

After having breakfast at matale and buying some rations required for our stay we headed along the kandy road where we took a left turn towards the kandenuwara –kabaragala –madulkelle road. The journey was a continuous uphill climb along one of the most scenic roads I’ve travelled. The drive up to Rangala along carpeted tea estates and the views were simply breathtaking.

View towards elkaduwa/kandy from kandenuwara road

Views along matale-kandenuwara road

.	Waterfall with little water

Taking a break to enjoy the stunning scenery

Matale town(360m above msl) from a 1000m above msl

Posing for a picture

More views

World’s best tea

.

.	Lunch was from jothi hot pack

Unknown waterfall @ madulkelle

Huluganga Falls

Top part of the falls

Bottom part

Distant view of jodu ella/ twin falls

A close up

More scenery along the way close to rangala

Raiding a mynah nest

.

A waterfall seen close to rangala

Badly wanted to have dip but time wasn’t on our side..

On the way to rangala

From rangala our intended route was through Thangappuwa to Loolwatte but due to conflicting information (some said the thangappuwa – loolwatte road was damaged by earthslips and was not motorable) given to us by locals we decided against it and turned back towards teldeniya to take the hunnasgiriya – loolwatte road to meemure.

Topmost part of a waterfall seen on the left of the main road @ hunnasgiriya

Middle part

Bottom part

Heading towards loolwatte from hunnasgiriya

@ loolwatte

Waterfall seen at loolwatte..this can be seen from udu dumbara as well..

Panoramic view from loolwatte

.	@ corbett’s gap

.	Waterfall seen on the way to meemure

It was around 5.30pm when we reached meemure and contacted ‘navarathne mama’ as he had promised us to help find a place for us to set up camp when I contacted him for the first time two days earlier and for the second time a day before. But when we contacted him upon our arrival at meemure he was less willing to come by and told us to ask someone who is around to help us to which we found none. The excitement of our first camping trip was suddenly gone when we felt we were helpless and was in a state of despair. After asking numerous people one person directed us to the road where the famed ‘suriya arana’ film shooting places was located. So finally we headed in that direction with a glimmer of a hope in finding a place to camp. While heading on that road we were relieved to finally find a person to help us. This person showed us the numerous places where the film was shot and also a place to set up camp on top of a rockbed beside the river.
It was already dark when we finished setting up camp. After having a dip in the river for about an hour we prepared our dinner and by about 10.30pm we were off for the night.

Right after setting up tent and a fire..

Preparing dinner

With the not so fond memories of the previous evening still weighing on our minds we decided to cut short on our trip and leave meemure after breakfast.

.	Lakegala bathed in morning sunshine

.	A morning dip

Carrying our stuff back

Carrying our stuff back

Leaving meemure

On our way back we took the time to visit rathna falls at hasalaka.

First glimpse of rathna falls

Rathna Falls

Rathna Falls

.

.

Sunset over yahangala

We were back home around midnight a bit sad that we had to cut short on our trip. This will be etched in our memories forever as our first camping trip but mostly because of the breathtaking sceneries that we experienced while driving through the knuckles mountain range.

map 1 – Click to enlarge

map 2 – Click to enlarge

I had to go to Matara to meet some of my foreign friends and next day I was supposed to return back to Monaragala. I didn’t want to waste my visit by not visiting few places so I picked up few random locations which I could drop in without much of a difficulty while getting back.

First I went to Mulatiyana and headed towards Mawarala and few Kilometers away from Mulatiyana Kos gaha dola falls could be found on the right hand side of the road. It does originate from a natural spring and later flows to the river in Mulatiyana reserve. There is a nice observation platform for viewing purpose and almost all villagers know about this. From Mulatiyana I headed towards Kirama and from Kirama hired a trishaw which took me towards Warapitiya Lake and on the way we came across a junction where there was a black board which stimulated me. We took the left road from that junction (as I remember this was Warapitiya) and reached Siththam gal lena RMV.

through Mulatiyana reserve

Kosgaha dola falls

On that particular day there was a Sunday school prize giving ceremony going on and I couldn’t meet the head priest to get proper permission. Anyway I started climbing uphill and reached the main rock cave where some beautiful paintings could be found but only to enjoy them through a meshed window because the entrance door was locked. From this cave I further climbed up and came towards the restored Pagoda where one can enjoy a fantastic view towards Kirama. After climbing few more steps I reached the last maluwa where the devalaya’s could be found. I strongly recommend visiting this scenic ancient temple to other visitors also and I myself might go there again someday too. After getting down I headed back towards the junction where we deviated and took the right turn to reach Rammale Kadura/ Sapugahadora Biso falls. This waterfall been the highest of Hambanthota district is a beautiful cascade and it’s very easy to reach too. They were building a bridge across the stream where one could enjoy the beauty of it easily.

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Sapugahadora Biso ella/Rammale kadura

The sources of this 12m-high fall are the brooks flowing down the Rammale mountain range. It flows on to the Warapitiya Reservoir and then the Kirma River. During the dry season the flow is languid but when the rains come, it cascades magnificently. Tea plantations and other crops in Rammale and Wadula have taken a heavy toll on the environment, putting the fall’s existence in jeopardy.

The fall is situated near the Sitamgalla Temple, Hambantota District. From Katuwanna PC, near the Warapitiya Tank, take the Warapitiya – Uruboka road for 3km. It is 20m from the first culvert to the fall. Alternatively, take the road from ktuwana town via Rukmalpitiya Dangalkande towards Hulankande. The fall can be found between Hulankande and Kirama. 

Warapitiya tank

at Siththam gal lena RMV

another cave

note the ancient paintings

Siththam gal lena

steps carved in

restored sthupa

view towards kirama

warapitiya tank as seen from the pagoda

the devalayas

sculptures

the concrete leading towards Rammale falls

side view of the Biso ella

like a shower

close up

Rammale biso falls(Sapugahadora falls)

the top

the base pool

From Warapitiya I got back to Kirama and headed towards Ambalantota. After getting to Ambalatota I wanted to go in search of a waterfall called Abarana falls which is the 2^nd documented waterfall of the district. Fortunately one trishaw guy knew about this and he took me towards Ridiyagama. At Ridiyagama there is a road called Abarana ella and if one follows it the cascade could be reached. This miniature waterfall is formed by Walawe River and when I visited it the waterfall was covered 50% because of the high water levels. The importance of this miniature falls is because of its history rather than been a waterfall.

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Abarana falls

According to folklore, the 2m fall derives its name from the fascinating but sad story of King Wijebahu. The king was married to beautiful twin sisters, both seven months’ pregnant. Before leaving for a sea battle, he announced to his queens that should he be successful, white flags would be hoisted from his ship’s mast upon his return, but should he be defeated, black flags would be flown instead. He also warned them that he would not live to see defeat.

After many days keeping vigil from the nearby Usangoda Mountain (800ft), the queens spied the king’s ship on the horizon. Although the king was victorious, he took up his general’s suggestion to fly the black flags as a practical joke, curious to see the reactions of his wives. The queens saw the black flags and assumed the worst. Overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, they committed suicide by throwing themselves into the river, after first gathering all their jewellery and laying it on the bank. Upon realising the fate of his queens and unborn children, the king was overcome by grief and plunged after them into the water. The fall is now said to be haunted by the Dark Prince – the king’s reincarnation – and it was the jewellery left on the riverbank by the distraught queens (apparitions of which have been reported) that gave the fall its name.

Also found growing near the fall is the plant locally known as dalumura, used by local villagers in devil exorcism rituals. Beware! Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are often seen basking in the sun, half submerged by the pool formed by the fall. The fall’s source is the lower tributary of the Walawe River. It is situated near the town of Ambalantota and the village of Pallerota (in the Ambalantota Ridiyagama area), and the last 2km of the journey must be made on foot. To reach the bullock cart track that serves as the footpath, from the Ambalantota Nonagama junction head to the 77th mile post and cross an irrigation canal, passing a bathing spot/boat yard and a tobacco plantation. A convenient place to stay is the Hambantota rest-house, 26km away.

Since it was getting late I rushed back to Ambalantota to catch a Monaragala bus to end a tiring day where most of the time was spent on dusty roads.

turbulant walawe

Abarana falls(its 2m in height but due to the increased water level it is not clearly visible)

Day two was another random day which I decided to visit few more places which I couldn’t complete on day 1. So as usual early morning I headed towards Embilipitya where I got a bus via Padalangala towards Suriyawewa. I got off at Unuwatura lin junction and hired a trishaw for the 3Km stretch towards the famous Mahapelessa hot springs. As I remember travelers who previously visited this place many years ago had mentioned that this was a jungle but now the surrounding area is just like a botanical garden. They even have caged rabbits and ducks etc.. I even noted an aquarium under construction. This is now a place of income rather than an attraction to the provincial government.

entering the hot springs

well maintained

the wells

bubbling

plenty of caged ones

cute bunny’s

After playing around with hot water, I decide to visit two more hermitages which were located in the Madunagala sanctuary. Just passing the hot springs we took a right turn and proceeded about 6Km’s to reach the rock hermitage of Karabulena/Karadu lena within the sanctuary and a car with careful driving could be used to access this place during the dry months. The hermitage is a huge and functional one with plenty of drip ledged caves. It is said that “rahathan theros” once meditated at this hermitage. There were two interesting caves one been the “cool cave” and the other an “umbrella cave”, on top of the rock there is a beautiful Buddha statue and a renovated pagoda. One could enjoy an endless view towards Hambanthota region including the harbor. I also noted the nearby huge Ridiyagama tank.

Karabu lena (Karadu lena)

main cave at Karadulena hermitage

plaster

lighting

inside the cave

what a shape

another cave

more caves

altar

a moon stone

towards ridiyagama tank

Thissa side

few more tanks

Madunagala hermitage as seen from Karadulena

pano from the so called worlds end

just like athugala

serene

Hambanthota

cattle

umbrella shaped cave

Seetha lena

watch post

Next was Madunagala hermitage which was not so far away from Karadulena. Again we had to go through the forest to reach this place and better not to venture around in evenings because few elephants do roam around. After climbing few steps we reached the main Meda maluwa where few drip ledge caves could be found and there was a paved path through “Araliya trees” to reach the inscription and “palamu lena”. From palamu lena it was a small climb to the top where an unique designed pagoda which one could walk about inside it is found. Karadu lena hermitage was clearly seen from the rock top and also an endless view towards Hambanthota was appreciated. On the way back we did manage to visit few rock ponds which had water.

road through madunagala reserve

steps at madunagala hermitage

chula naga lena

another cave

been used during nights and rested in mornings

beauty on the thorns

contrast

path through the araliya trees

a huge kema at madunagala hermitage

an inscription

palamu lena

read – Click to enlarge

pagoda at madunagala hermitage

Karadu lena as seen from madunagala

life at a hermitage

naga lena

Abaya lena

palace on the tree

From Madunagala we reached Suriyawewa where I got in to a Embilipitiya bus to reach Chandrika lake where I spent some time enjoying the breath taking scenery towards Sooriyakanda. After having lunch from Embilipitiya I proceeded towards Katuwana where a road side Dutch fort could be found. This Dutch fort was reconstructed few years back and is a wonderful place to drop in whenever one could. It is said that the deep wide diameter well like tunnel was used by them to reach the southern shores of Sri Lanka without been noticed. For more information please go through the images. Not even 500m towards Middeniya there was an archeology board directing towards Nakadawela Purana viharaya where one could find an ancient image house which had been restored during different periods. The outer wall paintings are the older ones and the inner wall ones are from Kandyan era. After thanking the head priest I decided to return back to Embilipitiya and then towards Monaragala to end my mini quest around Hambanthota.

at Chandrika lake

sooriyakanda as seen from Chandrika lake

wow	a good place to camp

Katuwana dutch fort pano

Katuwana dutch fort

entrance

the tunnel they used

inside the fort

hal danda

rested

invaded by a giant

read 1 – Click to enlarge

read 2 – Click to enlarge

read 3 – Click to enlarge

read 4- Click to enlarge

read 5- Click to enlarge

read 6 – Click to enlarge

pagoda at image house at Nakadawala PV Katuwana

Nakadawela image house

old is gold

ancient drawings

and more

modified during kandy era

broken

inside the image house

more paintings

the well in a tunnel

One of my favorite hiking places is knuckles. I can still remember my first trip to knuckles about decade back. It was in 2003 and we went to Meemure and hike Lakegala Mountain. After that I went several times to Knuckles range with different entry points. Last time in April 2013 we hike Knuckles peaks. After this I had a dream to climb highest peak in Knuckles range, its Gombaniya Mountain. I read a trip report published in LAKDASUN. One of my friends coming to Sri Lanka for his vacation. Normally he does hikes. He is very experience hiker – Lasitha. Also there are two other friends of mine, Hiruna and Chaturanga. They are also experience hikers. With two other new comers Rukmal and Asanga we planned to hike Gombaniya on Esala Poya.

I and Asanka started to travel at 3:30 AM from Kotte by hired van. Chaturanga joined us from Kaduwella and Hiruna and Rukmal joined from Biyagama road. We were able to reach Lasitha’s house in Kandy around 6:30 AM. From his home we had breakfast tea and also his mother gave us breakfast and lunch packets. At 7:00 AM we left from Lasitha’s house and went to Huluganga, by another hired van. We had our breakfast on the way. It was pol-rotty with potato. At 9:00 AM we were at Allakolla Estate upper division. From there onwards we have to walk with our Bags.

Allakolla Estate

Using shortcuts

On the way scenery

Resting place

By using tea estate road and some shortcuts we were able to reach border of tea estate around 11 AM. There is a resting place where it seems to be used as Resort. We had a rest there and started hiking with our bags. Our intention was to hike Gombaniya without a guide exploring by ourselves. After entering the forest the path is dividing to two and we took left turn since we thought it should be the way to Gombaniya since it’s on that direction. This foot path went to the small Shiva kovil inside the forest. After that the path vanishes. We searched everywhere and couldn’t found clue. Then we decide to use map, compass and GPS device. After hiking another three hours inside the forest with steep ascends, we were able to reach a place where there is a dead-end. It’s too sleep to climb from there (altitude ~ 1600m).

Large mushrooms

Angkatussa

Resting

On the way scenery

Time is around 2:00 PM we thought of finding a camping place before getting dark. There were few water sources, but we couldn’t find a flat land to pitch the tent. Therefore we retrieve back to the tea estate border resting place. On the way we lost the path once, but able to find it using the help of GPS device. We were able to reach resting place at around 6:00 PM. After having cool bath at natural pool we had our lunch packets. Then we pitch the tent and went to sleep early for prepare challenging day ahead of us.

Where we camped 1st day night

Early morning view of Gombaniya

Next day morning first thing we did was again studying maps. We had both 1 inch map and 1:50,000 map. But it clearer in 1 inch map. We identified it should be accessible using valley between Gombaniya and Yakungegala. Morning we had bread with sini-sombol. We kept our bags there and took only worth items and biscuits, cheese, date and water bottles. Since it’s very hard to go through forest with bags and also climb steep ascends.