Through the Kuruwita Erathna trail in torrential rain – Off season hike to Sri Padaya (Adams Peak)

Sri Padaya via Kuruwita Erathna Trail in off season was one of the most awaited hikes in my life. I have done Hatton – Nallathanni, Rathnapura – Palabaddala & Deraniyagala – Udamaliboda trails in off season respectively but not this. The continuous rain was a major barrier for us to fix a date, however the final decision was to do the trail without wasting time until rain stops. Also many trip reports stated “Avoid monsoon months” under special remarks and we wanted to see how it is during the monsoon.

To start the hike as early as possible we arranged a place to stay the night at Kuruvita (a rest house) & left Colombo before date. The bus from Colombo to Rathnapura took few hours to take us to Kuruwita. The place we arranged to stay was on the way to Erathna but very close to Kuruvita town.

Since we had time on the same day we went to the temple which was very close by (I couldn’t get the name). Also we did not forget to talk to the head priest because we could get some useful information. The head priest was kind enough to spend some time for a chat & specifically mentioned to be careful while crossing “Seetha Gangula” if water level is high & to be aware of the elephants while crossing “Medahinna” & “Indikatupana” area. Even during the Sri Pada season very few number of groups taking this route to the summit.

On the starting day we were able to catch the 1st bus to Erathna around 6.30am. From Kuruwita Junction it is around 10-12kms to Erathna & bus stopped there. Since it was drizzling at that time we did not start walking to the trailhead. We took a trishaw & that guy was kind enough to drop us at the trailhead.

Rain has stopped temporary & within few mins of walk we were able to make it to the water tunnels. We did not want to spend much time at any place since the plan was to reach the summit or make it at least to the “Gal Wangediya” (Heramitipana Ambalama – where Erathna & Palabaddala trails meet) before the nightfall. Climb was not that difficult since we were in full of enthusiasm & energy & we reached “Jambola Gaha Yata Ambalama.”

Reaching the tunnels

One small streams we crossed. These were everywhere

Another

Another

A tiny waterfall. These were born thanks to the rain

& another

That’s bed rock of “Warnagala” covered with water.

Jambola Gaha Yata Ambalama

Jambola Gaha Yata Ambalama

At Jambola Gaha Yata Ambalama

Thereafter the climb was steep which made us tired & slow. Rain was started and stopped in a short while luckily. We were able to cross the bridge at “Warnagala” & reach “Daimangala Ambalama” to have breakfast. The “bed rock of Warnagala” was fully covered with water letting no one to get in there.

More water

We crossed this too

A friend we met

More

Path

Warnagala

Near the bridge at Warnagala

The bridge

While crossing the bridge

At Diamondgala Ambalama

For the breakfast – We were vegetarians for 7 days

View from Diamondgala Ambalama

The Buddha statue at Diamondgala Ambalama

These were found just behind the Diamondgala Ambalama

The upper part of it.

After a quick breakfast we were back on track, passed the restricted area of Hydro plant and reached “Warnagala Ambalama”. Comparing with others it was not in a good condition. Finding the footpath which leads to “Warnagala Falls” was bit difficult. It is starting nearby the toilet which is in a side of ambalama & have to be careful while stepping. It is not far from there & takes only few mins. And it was not the “Warnagala Falls” which I have seen in photographs

These sections were rare

A beauty

Mist is back

Looking back

Restricted area

Warnagala Ambalama

Not in a good

To be replaced

Warnagala Falls

Have you ever seen Warnagala Falls like this?

Another one near by

Couldn’t capture the latter part. Too dangerous

After spending some time at “Warnagala Falls” we returned back to Ambalama and continued, but the rain did not allow us to continue much further. However we made it to “Seetha Gangula” in the rain.

As seen the water level was bit high and we thought it is possible to get through. But once stepped in to the water we felt it’s a high risk since it flows so fast. A small mistake can make us all worry because 10-20 meters downstream Seetha Gangula adjoining with Kuru Ganga & the flow of water will be faster than here. Then the “Warnagala Falls” & the “Bedrock of Warnagala”. In other words it is the fastest way of descending but as a lifeless.

Reaching Seetha Gangula

Few meters downstream “Seetha Gangula” meets “Kuru Ganga” (Not clear due to mist)

Upstream

Ambalama at Seetha Gangula

Inside

As noticed there was a cable from this side to the other side but it was broken & trapped somewhere under water. Even we tried pulling it out, didn’t work. Then we kept Buddhika there with the stuff and went upstream through the jungle. That was to find a less wider place to cross. We had to give up that also due to the encounter with a Green Pit Wiper. It was on a tree & when I see, I already passed him & Thivanka was few inches away. We consider that as a signal from god telling us not to deviate from the route & get in to unnecessary troubles. Return back was immediate.

Pulling the cable out

Above to give up

Rain started again

Notice the rock in the middle. Notice the water level. Photo 01

Photo 02

Photo 03

Photo 04

Downstream

We started a fire using some news papers & wood which were inside the amablama because anyway we have to wait until the water level goes down & there’s no turning back. While waiting 3 more guys came. They were also having the same mania exactly like us. After a small interaction session & a hot plain tea we collected few pieces of rope which were in and around the ambalama in order to make a lengthy one

Starting a fire

Done

Meeting new friends

Making pain tea

Upul was brave enough to cross the Saatha Gangula first and tied up the rope while Prageeth made it to the rock at the middle for more safety. Then me, it was so had to keep the balance while crossing. Could not depend only on the rope since we were not so sure about it. However everybody made it to the other side. Seetha Gangula took several hours from us.

From the other side. We made it

The rope

There is another Amblama available but not in a good condition like the previous. From this point onwards there were no pit stops since we were running out of time. We reached Medahinna Ambalama by the nightfall & spent couple of mins there to eat something & mainly to take off leeches. The drizzling was turned in to a heavy rain but we decided to continue up to “Gal Wangediaya” & spend the night there.
No photographs after “Seetha Gangula” until “Gal Wangediya” due to rain & nightfall.

Resting at Medahinna Ambalama

Again there were no stops. We came across with some new elephant droppings around Indikatupana area, maybe only few hours old. It truly became an examination of fitness & stamina. Heavy rain, Heavy backpacks, dark night, signs of elephants, no rest, middle of a jungle, shivering legs, aching shoulders, continues climb etc.

When reaching “Gal Wangediya” we felt like we reached home. Heramitipana Ambalama was ok to spend the night. The noodles we prepared for dinner was helped us to be temperate & gain some energy up to some extent.

Waiting for dinner

Mmmm

Ready

Without flash

Next day morning we started at around 6:30. Cement steps starts from here. Ascending was slow & there were many resting points. We always checked mobile phones for coverage to update our status to loved once & finally we were able to do it at “Adiyamalathenna”. We had the 1st sight of the peak at “Ehelakanuwa” where “Maha Giri Dambaya” Starts.

Heramitipana Ambalama – The place we spent the night

Heramitipana

Surroundings

The team

“Gal Wangediya” – Where Erathna & Palabaddala trails meet)

Gal Wangediya

Gal Wangediya

On the way scenery

Climbing & resting

Reaching Adiyamalathenna

Adiyamalathenna

Like abandoned

Looking back

Way to go

Ehelakanuwa

Maha Giri Dambaya Starts from here

The 1st sight of the peak

Looking back – From the middle of Maha Giri Dambaya

The Summit

At the peak we met some guys who climbed up via Hatton route. They also have spent the night somewhere in the middle due to heavy rain. “Wishrama Shalawa” was locked & the caretaker was also not seen.

Uda Maluwa

Panduru

Misty

Newly placed

After spending some time at the peak we started descending via Hatton – Nallathanni route. It is the easiest & shortest way down. Also we did not forget to get in to the freezing cold water at Seetha Gangula

Descending

Safe to drink

More to go

1st sight of Sama Chaitya – Just before Seetha Gangula

Seetha Gangula – Upper part

Seetha Gangula – Latter part

Didn’t get the name

Sama Chaitya

A complex of water falls

At Makara Thorana

At the end of the trail we found hot roti in the hotel which is just after the bridge (Nallathanniya) & it was like heaven.

I believe this experience of off season hike will remain unforgettable in all 6 of our minds.