This one day trip was planned to visit at Pleasure Island at Ibbankatuwa reservoir. Then we added a short visit to Jathika Namal Uyana for it.
Jathika Namal Uyana (ජාතික නාමල් උයන)
Jathika Namal Uyana consists of largest Na forest (Iron Wood/Mesua Ferara) of Sri Lanka, largest pink quartz reserve of South East Asia and few ancient ruins. This is the forest reserve called Ranawa Kanda (රණව කන්ද).
Iron Wood/ Mesua Ferara is the national tree of Sri Lanka and spread over 260acers here.
Pink quartz is having history of more than 500millions of years. There are seven rows of mountain situated 180m-300m range of sea level. Old name for this mountain range is “Lunugal Debala” (ලුණුගල දෙබල) -salt like mountain. Cylicone di-oxide is the chemical which gives pinkish appearance here. It is believed King Shajahan has used the marble from Namal Uyana pink quartz in constructions of Taj Mahal.
We were the first travelers entered the Na forest on that day. It was nice to walk along well paved foot pathways under the shades of Iron wood trees. At the end of foot pathway we entered pink quartz mountain which was identified as the largest of South East Asia.

Tree canopy…..

Just in front of entrance

.	Well paved foot pathway

Well paved foot pathway

Information on bio diversity

Ancient pagoda

Bodhigaraya- බෝධිඝරය

Local gods

Water stream. According to the literature there are three water streams starting from the mountain range

It is a forest reserve

Trio of the journey

Pink quartz mountain range

Pink quartz

Beliya Kanda බේලිය කන්ද (largest one is seen behind) and nearby small lake

Pink quartz range

Buddha statue found at the base of the range

On top of pink quartz

Ritigala (රිටිගල) is seen

Following Namal Uyana visit we came back along the same road. Ranawa RMW is situated about 1km away from Namal Uyana.
Ranawa RMW රණව රජමහා විහාරය
King Dutugamunu has been here for sometime while he was attacking Anuradhapura. The stone bed seen here belongs to him.

.	Ranawa ancient temple

Stone bed

New image house

Then we drove to Dambulla back and bought for food and beverages to visit at pleasure Island.
Pleasure Island (සතුටු දූපත)
This is a small islet situated at Ibbankatuwa reservoir (Dambulu-Oya tank). This island has been rented by the local authority to a private owner for tourism. They arrange boat tours to Pleasure Island.
At Pleasure Island you can have a bath at Ibbankatuwa Lake and can spend your day. For bath, they indicate a safety boundary and not good to swim beyond that. Then a life guard would be there to look after you.
Nothing much you can see in this islet as it is too small. But it facilitates a good view towards surrounding area. Pleasure Island can be recommended for a group fun in a one day trip.
You have to drive about two kilometers from Dambulla along Kurunegala road and get a right hand side turn to reach the lake.

Directions

Just before start the boat tour

Travelling with pleasure

Pleasure Island

Pleasure Island-the area for bath.

The foot pathway within the Island

???Ruins

Over the bank

Fun at water

Dambulla cricket stadium and Yakkurugala (යක්කුරුගල) are shown by the arrow

Pink Quartz mountain-“Ranawa Kanda”

Boat is ready for return journey

Dambulu Oya- දඹුලු ඔය

Ibbankatuwa Tank

Gates

Our last place of visit of the day was pre-historical burial site at Ibbankatuwa.
Ibbankatuwa pre-historical Burial
Ibbankatuwa pre historical burial is situated about 4-5km from Dambulla along Kurunegala road. You have to get right hand side turn from main road to reach the burial in about 200m.
They have found 10 tombs here which belongs to 750-400BC (early Iron Age). Each tomb is separated from four stone slabs and covered with another slab on top of it. Excavation has revealed personal belongings such as clay pots, necklaces and some beads etc.

Ibbankatuwa Pre historical Burial

.

Thanks for reading

Gala Pita Gala (ගලපිටගල) is an unusual rock formation found at Kalupahana area. There are three rocks and largest one on the smaller one is balanced on flat rock surface with small contact. It has been there for thousand years without fallen down. Therefore it is called “Gala+Pita+Gala”(Rock on the other). Also it is called “Hellena Gala” හෙල්ලෙන ගල (Swinging rock). Because one can move the rock by a finger.
We can see structures of a face on this top rock. Prof. Raj Somadewa (Archaeologist) says this face is a creation of pre historical human. There are lots of folks around this. (Refer Derana TV programme)
It has drawn my attention in few times. First in my latest visit to Bambarakanda waterfall. Then we went to closer to World’s end lodge to see this rock in distance.

The photo of Gala Pita Gala captured in my latest visit to Bambarakanda

Facial appearance of Gala Pita Gala- Captured at World’s end cottage

Zoomed view of three rocks and facial appearance of top one

World’s end lodge

Whole area in one photo

Flying eagles

It was in my to-do list and the day came after my hike to Wangedigala (වoගෙඩිගල) in Pambahinna.

We reached Kalupahana around 8am and hired a three wheel to reach Gala Pita Yaya (ගලපිට යාය) estate. Three wheel drivers well know about the place. He dropped us to the road directing the estate. It was a bright day and my previous day target (Wangedigala) was clearly seen.
Gala Pita Yaya estate seems a less functioning estate and got to know resettling under new management. For unknown reason there was nobody in the houses of estates and we had to find the pathway by our self. It was useful to view the video clip of travel with Chathura here.
After passing the estate the pathway laid on the edge of paddy field area and we clarified the way from a villager found in other end of the paddy field.
According to her description, we went through Mana bushes where the foot pathway was traced by recent visitors. (Might be for TV programme) It was a sharp ascend first and at the end reached a place to have nice view of surrounding environment. Again foot pathway was clear through Mana and reached to a Pinus plot where foot pathway was vanished.
It was not difficult to trace the pathway in Pinus plot as Gala Pita Gala was seen in left hand side beyond another Mana patch.
Last section of Mana was disastrous. There was no foot pathway through this stretch and Mana has grown even above my height. Though I wore attire I didn’t have hand gloves. Therefore I had to make our foot pathway by forearms as the front liner. After a number of cut marks in forearms we reached the destination.

View of Wangedigala, Balathuduwa and Gommolliya Kanda

View of Wangedigala-I have been there yesterday

The scenic road towards Gala Pita Yaya Estate

Scenery…..

Scenery…..

Gala Pita Gala is circled

Towards Udaweriya and Bambarakanda

Welcome to Gala Pita Yaya estate

It was a brighten day

මාර

Get blessings….

Leaves

We traced the foot pathway in the estate

We traced the foot pathway in the estate

Foot pathway at the edge of paddy field

Side view of Gala pita Gala

First Mana section and foot pathway there

Nicely marked pathway….

Nonstop snapping….

Pinus patch

Pinus patch

The view from Gala Pita Gala was fantastic. It was kind of a view point due to it’s centered placement. I could view Beragala Kanda, World’s end Lodge, Haputhale, Kalupahana area, Wangedigala, Balathuduwa, Gommolliya, Bambarakanda area, Udaweriya and Hortain plains as well.
Few people can spend the time under the rock as well. After spending about hour there we started our return journey. It was not difficult as pathway within Mana was clear at this time.
We were not able to visit Nidangala waterfall (නිදන්ගල ඇල්ල) which is situated closer to Gala Pita Yaya estate.
After having a bath and lunch from nearby double bridge we got into the bus to come home.

Fainted view of Gala Pita Gala through last mana patch

Reaching Gala Pita Gala

Front view of Gala Pita Gala….note-vandalism

Front view of Gala Pita Gala

How it touches with the ground….

When we looked up…

The face…..

The view of face…..

Paddy fields at Walhaputhanna

Towards Kalupahana side…..

Towards Wangedigala, Balathuduwa and Gommolliya

Towards Bambarakanda side

Towards Bambarakanda and Udaweriya side

Where we came…

Galapitagala compared to a man….

World’s end lodge….where we had the view of Gala Pitagala

A waterfall from Bambarakanda area

Colombo-Badulla road….

The drop of Kuragala

When we look back…..

Marginal view of Beragala Kanda

Coming down…

Good bye MANA

Coming down ….

Gala Pita Yaya estate

Double bridge at Uwathanna- We had a bath and lunch there

Thank you for reading

The map – click to enlarge

Trail to KMP – click to enlarge

Trail to Kalupahana – click to enlarge

Every year there is something on top of my to-do list and this year also was no exception. It was something mysterious and well researched by me. Been a very dry year I decided to ride my luck. Thunhisgala / Kalupahana is one of the center most peaks of Knuckles conservation area providing the best view of the forest reserve. My attempts on searching for a guide was the most troublesome thing and hearing that the path to KMP wadiya was overgrown brought up some concerns. The day before the hike I came across a contact posted on the following link. I decided to call that person and request for help while we were on our way to Bambarella. This time Amila was the only person who could join me and sadly I had to leave behind Harinda who really wanted to join this hike. We reached Panwila early in the morning where I called Dakshina(the contact) and he directed me to another person who helped us in finding a guide. When we reached Bambarella it was around 8.30am where we met Sinniaha who agreed to find us a guide. The guide he found was not able to join until 12 so both of us had along pre hike bath under the Bambarella bridge.

kalupahana as seen from etanwala

as seen from pitawala

As seen from Gombaniya by Krishan Aranwala

as seen from Hemachandra wadiya by Krishan Aranwala

At 12 we reached the Kovil at Lebonon estate where Thaygaraja the guide joined us. From the Kovil we took off towards Rathnagiriya estate where we parked our vehicle. After passing the last few houses we started to climb up along the tea estate and then through a path which ran along an abandoned foot path covered with Mana. The path through the mana also had many guava trees with ripened fruits and we didn’t forget to taste them. At the end of the “mana patch we entered the forest which was a pleasant walk and to our surprise there were few leeches despite been the driest period of the year. It was a gradual climb and at one point we had to descend a bit where we came across the first significant stream. There is a small shrine at this place where locals perform rituals before entering the dense forest. The climb from the shrine was a long one through an open area where 3 peaks of knuckles and victoria reservoir could be seen. Next it was a section through a thick forest with bamboo forest at some parts. The climb ended at Hulang kanda where we suddenly emerged through some tree tops. From here onwards it was a downhill journey parallel to a water stream. This area was heavily infested with leeches. After a while we came across a barely noticeable junction where we had to take the right turn. Most of the other hikers miss this junction and proceed straight downwards to end up at a cardamom plantation. Next stretch runs further downhill crossing many streams (two main streams) before ending at KMP wadiya.

KMP (Konara Mudiyanselage Piyadasa) wadiya has lost its glory and it had been attacked by a local jumbo who roam in the area. There were 3 guys at the Wadiya when we went there and one of them was Nihal Mama who has been there for more than 30 years sometimes living all alone. They welcomed us with a hot cup of tea while we were busy plucking 100’s of leeches that were attached to our leech socks. We were told many stories of the yester years of Kalupahana by Nihal mama and one could spend weeks listening to those stories from him. According to them KMP wadiya was not destroyed because it’s the only place that provides shelter to Forest officers and travelers while traversing this difficult terrain. The triangular peak of Kalupahana was seen through the branches which was sought of an invitation to us. That day we cooked and shared our stuff with the guys at the wadiya who made us feel like staying at home.

kids	Lebonon estate was our starting point

on the way scenery

Rathnagiriya

rituals

nice place to camp

Knuckles seen

the stream which we came across

Binara

the pattini devalaya near the stream

final climb from the pattini devalaya

forest path

leech infested path

through the tree tops at hulang kanda

getting down

mountain forest

maha ganga

mushrooms

the downhill path

reaching the wadiya

our destination

Leeches

Next day morning we woke up shivering and had our breakfast at around 7am. Since our guide has not been to Kalupahana Nihala mama decided to come with us until we reached the ridge of the mountain. Passing the wadiya we headed along the Ranamure trail through the cardamom plantations. Few hundred feet away there was a path to the right which takes one towards Heen ganga valley which is called the Galbokka trail. At one point we started ascending uphill parallel to a stream through the abandoned cardamom plantations. These clearings which were cleared many years ago run close to the ridge of Kalupahana range. To enter the ridge we had to crawl through few Nelu bushes too. After reaching the ridge Nihal mama returned back to the wadiya. We started marching along the ridge while clearing the covered path.

where we spent the night

main cook

scribbling’s by idiots

the villages tell time by this clock

lovely cardamom

undergrowth which was cleared for cardamom

through the cardamom plot

a home

gal veralu collection – probably work of rodents

more to climb

a forgotten path

Gombaniya seen

more to go

mushrooms

After a while we reached the base of the triangular part and the climb became bit intense. The path was almost covered at some places and the mountain canopy was not easy to push aside. Not like other days we had to use our whole body to tackle this terrain. While climbing up our heads were emerging through the bushes and the scenery we saw was unique and exceptional. A whole circular area from Gerandigala side to Laggala could be seen clearly. Opposite to Kalupahana were knuckles and beyond it was Piduruthalagala, Adams peak, Ambuluwawa, Kabaragala & Hanthana range. Connecting knuckles range via selva kanda was Yakunge hela and Gombaniya range. Also Kirigalpoththa, Bata nadu kanda with Riverston peak, Manigala, Atanwala, Pitawala, Karagahatenna & Arangala was seen. After tackling the narrow bushy path we reached the vast summit with plenty of tree tops which were multicoloured in contexture. We trekked through the summit to find few view points and we noted paddyfields of Meemure, Karambaketiya, Kehelpathdoruwa, Dumbanagala, Ulhitiya and Rathnkinda, Maduru oya reservoir and Kokagala. The best scenery was of Lakegala, look at the photos and you would understand what I meant. I have never been to a mountain top this colourful and so isolated from human constructions.

gombaniya range was free of mist

miles and miles of virgin forest

gap of heen ganga

capturing

more to climb

knuckles peak on the opposite side

dumbanagala and gerandigala

knuckles

landscape

through the tree tops

note the ridge which we climbed along

towards etanwala

a wide pano

vast area

remains of hemachandra wadiya

manigala and riverston

dhuvili ella plunges down from this gap

riverston range

ITN tower

prominent

steep climb

wow

the bride

having a break

katu kithul

summit is getting closer

probably kirigalpoththa

knuckles range framed

hanthana the rocky range and kabaragala at its backdrop

samanala kanda

piduruthalagala range

summit of SL with all of those towers

namunukula and narangala

yes this is heaven

paradise

seetha pera

while at the summit

at the top of Kalupahana

multicoloured

paddyfields at Karambaketiya – Meemure

ulhitiya, rathkinda and maduru oya reservoirs seen

Kehelpathdoruwa

lakegala

dumbanagala and gerandigala

the view

lakegala as seen from tunhisgala

painted

searching for view points

eastern sri lanka

lakegala

summit of kalupahana tunhisgala

Karagahatenna and arangala seen at the far left

getting down

wow	manigala ,riverston and pitawala pathana seen at etanwala

down we go

bridesmaid

getting back

looking back

After spending a good hour on the top we returned back on the same route to reach the Wadiya by 12.30pm. Nihala and the gang had prepared some lunch to us and we were ever so thankful to them. There was a nice cold “Peella” at the wadiya which I used to have bath before starting our return journey. At around 4.30pm we reached Rathnagiriya where we halted our vehicle. For both of us it was a fantasy hike and we were wondering how we were going to tell Harinda that we left him and went on this journey. Ah yes Harinda was furious with us and he even denied to speak with us but by now he had already planned the same and done Thunhisgala hike (In April) too. I must say that this was the hike of the year for me and a long awaited achievement which I would cherish for many years. I hope you enjoyed my journey through my report and please keep in mind to leave only foot prints behind.

greenish guy

a male

dumbara ang katussa

they were so helpful

leopard poo

hunnasgiri peak seen at rathnagiriya

part of victoria reservoir

Rathnagiriya

Lebonon watta

yummy gouva

It was a 3 day holiday and I really wanted to go somewhere. So I decided to hike few Rocky Mountains around Kurunegala. After many years I got a chance to get Anupama involved and Chamara also joined in. we left early to reach Mallawapitiya at around 7.30am where we had breakfast. From Mallawapitiya we took the Indulgodakanda road and on our way we saw a jackal caught in a trap near a road side forest patch. With few villagers we only managed to free him partially because a piece of wire was still left on his body. I pray for this little chap who had been caught to a “madda”. Our next stop was Indulgodakanda from there we took the road towards Handurukanda. The road was a 4wd one and at some points it was cemented. We stopped at a small village with line houses though the road continued uphill. The road goes further uphill but through a privet property so we had to stop at this point.

The map – click to enlarge

Handuruk kanda as seen from keppetigala

a fox caught in a trap

Yakdessagala

Athugala seen on the way to indulgodakanda

We had to climb parallel to a dried out stream which lied along the left border of the privet estate until we reached the Buddhist shrine at the end of the estate where the road ends. If you get permission from the estate you could drive up to this point in a 4wd. From this point it was a continuous ascend and one needs to tackle 500m’s before reaching the summit. The summit is covered with trees and bushes so there is no clear view. There were ruins of an ancient Pagoda and people call it Bimba viharaya. The only side one could view is Mawathagama side from this point.  There is another steep climb to the summit from Udugammana and Yatiwela villages which Anupama has done on his previous attempt. From the summit we went towards the 3 way junction where the two paths meet and at this point we headed towards the rocky area to get a clear view of Kurunegala side. From this point one could easily see Kurunegala town, Athugala, Kurunegala lake, Yakdessagala, Bathalegoda lake, Mallawapitiya, Mawathagama, Ambokka peak, Etipola, Wiltshire, Keppetigala, Bisogala and Rambodagalla area, Thunbage, Parape range & Alagalla.

on our way

on the way scenery

Kauwel kanda – Parape kanda

starting point of the proper trail

steep climb

morning rays

all together

walking along the summit

Bimba viharaya in ruins

close up

paddy

left hand peak is etipola and right hand peak is Wiltshire

a flag

alagalla peak seen

paddyfields of mawathagama

valley of paddyfields

more scenery

Alagalla

Rambodagalla biso gala range

Mawathagama town

bisogala range in the front

towards thunbage

Kurunegala town

kurunegala zoomed

Batalegoda lake

Ambokka peak

paddy been plucked

Mallawapitiya

the team

the rock where we spent some time

After a 45 minute stay we started descending down because the heat was unbearable. Within one hour we reached the village where we halted our vehicle. After a successful morning we were now ready to attempt another mountain in the evening.

getting down

natural peella

Thank you for reading

Hello my friends hope you’re doing well and not being roasted alive on a stick. The sun had got very ferocious showing no mercy whatsoever. I hope you enjoyed my Pictorial Story 1 from Wilpattu where we spent two full days roaming along the muddy and flooded tracks looking for the Holy Grail with no luck. However as we were down and out, a Sloth Bear took pity on us and paid a quick visit about a few kms from the entrance thus making our efforts somewhat fruitful.

I hope you liked the new version of report which I’ve introduced which sort of told you the story of our wildlife, especially the plight of them in Wilpattu thanks to a Government Minister who’d taken the law into his hands destroying many acres of precious lands belonging to the buffer zone of Wilpattu by giving it to his supporters. It’s just pathetic the way things happen even though the Ministry of Environment is under the President himself. We also saw how they started building Mini Hydro Power Plants at Handagiriya destroying many more cascades very recently. It’s just so saddening to see the people who’ve been elected to safeguard these things help destroy them for monetary benefits. I hope they will soon see the erroneous ways they’ve been handling our natural resources and get back on track to protect them. However the million dollar question is, “Will it be too late?”.

So, just like that journey, I’m going to plunge straight into business and leave the fairy tale stuff aside. I’m sure the story of the wildlife in Kumana, the farthest away from Colombo, is much more interesting than my vivid imagination. However, just a bit of foreplay wouldn’t be too much to bear I suppose. Well, the newest of our crazes has become the wildlife, probably due to the less appealing states of my beloved waterfalls. Thankfully Hasi too shares the same taste and ever since Wilpattu, we’ve started to manic chase of our wildlife.

So during the Wilpattu journey and amid chit chats, we decided to do Kumana as soon as the time permitted coz it’s probably the farthest located Wildlife Park in Sri Lanka. If you’re not from Colombo or surrounding areas, I’m sure you’d agree. Well, here’s a list of National Parks in Sri Lanka administered by the Department of Wildlife if you’re not familiar with them.

• Yala National Park
• Wilpattu National Park
• Gal Oya National Park
• Kumana National Park
• Udawalawe National Park
• Lahugala Kitulana National Park
• Maduru Oya National Park
• Wasgamuwa National Park
• Flood Plains National Park
• Somawathiya National Park
• Horton Plains National Park
• Bundala National Park
• Lunugamvehera National Park
• Minneriya National Park
• Kaudulla National Park
• Hikkaduwa National Park
• Pigeon Island National Park
• Horagolla National Park
• Galway’s Land National Park
• Angammedilla National Park
• Ussangoda National Park

Ok, guess it’s time we got on with the journey. We left Colombo around 2am even though we were planning on leaving at 12 midnight. Hasi had taken care of the pre-journey tasks such as booking the Thunmulla Bungalow which is extremely difficult as it is the only one in Kumana. He’d also paid an advance to Sena, our Jeep Driver, and fixed some water bottles (5-litre) and all the other little things. We reached Potuvil and met Sena and he helped us leave our car in one of his friend’s house in the town. Please be warned that there are many jeep drivers in Potuvil who are trying to just rob you in broad daylight as Anton had very truly mentioned in his report. So try and get Sena to accompany you by all means. He’s also taking parties to Kebaliththa so if you’re doing Kebaliththa, you can still contact him unless you’ve found some reliable contacts from elsewhere.

If you want to buy any stuff, you can do so at Potuvil (there are two well-known supermarkets). Also, Panama (now don’t get too confused with Panama files) too has some groceries where you can get essential stuff. There are some archaeological sites both inside and outside Kumana. You’ll find many typical black archaeological signs on the way after Monaragala and Lahugala. Kudumbigala is at the border of the Kumana NP and before Panama town, you can see Sashthrawela and many others.

Inside the park there are a few more archaeological sites such as Nelumpath Pokuna, Bowaththa Cave Complex, Bambaragasthalawa, Okanda Devalaya, Kuda Kebaliththa, Kebaliththa etc. You’re not allowed to go to the Nelumpath Pokuna Archaeological Site but there’s a pond some distance before the site you can get see. Bowaththa Cave Complex and Bambaragasthalawa can be visited with the help of the tracker. Unlike Bowaththa Cave Complex, it’d take almost a day to visit the Bambaragasthalawa due to the distance and the difficulty of the track. I’ve noted down some historical information on Nelumpath Pokuna and Bowaththa Cave Complex below.

Nelumpath Pokuna

—This is a rocky mountain of around 286ft in height. There are two huge rocky fountains situated on one such mountain which are not affected even during dry season. It’s true to admit that these two rocky fountains are unparalleled creations of nature serving wild beasts to quench their thirst. There are few pagodas on top of the mountain which have been devastated by treasure hunters. A stone script on one of these rocks dates back to King Kanishtatissa Era (167-186). According to that, in the past this place had been called as “Gosagalamahavihara”.—

Bowaththa Rock Cave Temple

—It’s very difficult to trace the real historical facts of this place as no historical study or survey had been conducted. Even such, it is possible to unearth a few historical facts related to this place by studying the book written by Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero having studied the stone scripts found in the premises, “Eastern Province & the Sinhala Buddhist Heritage in Northern Province”.

 According to the book, there are four prominent stone scripts found in the place. Two of which are referring to a King named “Jettatissa” who was the son of the “Great King Mahasena”. This book further sheds light on evidence from stone scripts to effect that the Great King Jettatissa had contributed to various religious activities in Ruhuna as mentioned in the “Mahavamsaya”. It further reveals that one such script reveals about conducting a Pooja by King Jettatissa in 8 A.D. for making way to “Ariyawansa Pirith” Sermon. According to the views of Medhananda Thero, Boawaththagala Cave Temple has been named as a place where the very famous Ariyawansa Sermon had been conducted.—

Ok, brace tight folks and here we go.

Some of the Tour Highlights:

1. Bowaththa Rock Cave Temple.
2. Gal Amuna Camp Site.
3. Kuda Kebaliththa Devalaya.
4. Plenty of Birds & Wildlife

Day 01

We came to the park entrance around 11am and went in. There’s a museum at the ticketing office with plenty of skeletons and other form filled creatures. We were planning to go straight to the bungalow after an hour or so coz the check-in time is 12 noon. Here’s the story of them until we go settle down at the bungalow.

“Yo! I’m the Pied King Fisher”

“I’m the Lesser Adjutant or you very insultingly call me as Thatta Manawa”

“Oh, I’m the Black-Headed Ibis”

“Can you see my reflection? I’m a Grey Heron”

Okanda Devalaya where people gather before the Pada Yathra across Kumana and Yala

Well, it’s a Ramsar Wetland too (Click image to enlarge)

Well, now you’ve seen that Kumana was also named as a Ramsar Wetland and if you wonder what Ramsar Wetlands are, just click on the link and it’ll be directed to the information on that. For your benefit, I’ve just put the list of Ramsar Wetlands in Sri Lanka below with the size of them in hectares. According to that, Kumana is the second largest after Wilpattu.

List of Ramsar Wetlands in Sri Lanka

Ok, shall we go on the journey then?

Very nicely done

A great pity to see the number of jumbo, especially the tuskers being killed like this

Gosh, even I got scared

This was on the roof and there were 2 of them.

Get a sense of the distance

Nicely done and maintained

Oh, look at them

“Oh hi, you know me, don’t you? You’ll also see our proud Chestnut Headed folks too”

“Who asked you to take my pictures?”

“Oh hi, I’m the Maha Mugatiya”

The giant hearth. Just imagine the size of the people who cooked in such a huge pot

A nice bridge across Bagura Lagoon

Must belong to an eagle

If you’re willing to see pictures of the Thunmulla Bungalow, please click on the link so that it’d direct you to the post I’ve published. I purposely left of them from the report as I wanted to put more pictures of the wildlife. Now that we’ve arrived at the bungalow, it’s time to take stock of the situation and get our cooks to make some lunch for us while we unpack our baggage and take a break coz we’ve been on the go for the past 10+ hours.

Our two young chefs were very efficient and the smell wafting from the kitchen was churning the worms in my tummy. We waited with the greatest difficulty and the moment it was served to the table, we swarmed over it like a pack of wolves. After lunch, we were restless coz we wanted to get out and explore but the sheer hot conditions prevented us getting out and the animals would be in the shades too. So around 2.30pm, we embarked on our evening voyage, a voyage which is to be treasured for the rest of my life.

“Now stop that shooting right now”

“Can’t you just leave a woman to have a bath?”

He’d just walked along this road, even on top of the tyre marks

“Don’t think I’ve got sore eyes”

“Be careful”

“Got my buddy’s marriage tomorrow”

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Fellas, that jackal is around, watch it”

“I’ll just settle for some more of these lush grass”

“Hmmm, juicy”

“Will have to run and hide”

Bowaththa Rock Cave Complex

Our next stop was to visit the Bowaththa Rock Cave Complex which is located about 50m off the main jeep track. This is one of the few places you’re allowed to get down but always adhere to the advice of the tracker as you’re entering into the dangerous territory. The bears tend to roam these caves and you need to be extra vigilant when you’re going around. Always stick together as a group and don’t get separated whatever happens.

On the way

This is called Gal Kema (ගල් කෑම / කෙම)

Another

Must’ve been used for drinking or bathing

There it is

From the front

Writings on the drip ledge

Some more scripts found on the rocky surface

Despite the low number of visitors, this kind of vandalism can still be seen. You just can’t believe what kind of psychotic ill-minded people they are

Stone steps still visible

Time to go before the bears arrive

Back to Wildlife Exploration.

The time was flying and sun was dipping fast. We decided to turn around can go back to base. However little did any of us know that we were about to make first-ever contact of the most sought-after animal in Sri Lanka, the Leopard. It was so sudden and none of us was expecting it when that happened. It took Gayan by so surprise he’d found it unable to utter a word and point him to us. Thankfully our guide was so sharp and he pointed us in the direction.

I just couldn’t believe my eyes. There was this beautiful animal about 100m away standing on his hind legs and scratching at a tiny wood apple plant. He stopped doing that and looked at us coz of the noise of the Jeep. Then started slowly walking away into the jungle. The light was so dim and the foreground grass made it too much of work for our point-n-shoot cameras. I was trying to get the camera to focus properly but managed only couple of pictures with average quality. Well, this was anyway a great sighting and hopefully there’d be many more in the future coz we’d keep coming. Here are the rest of the pictures for the day.

“Hey, can barely see you”

“Hey, you are too late”

“Sorry, not today, probably another time. My wife won’t be happy if I got late”

“Where was this rabbit?”

“Don’t be deceived. I’m not from Ambalangoda and not a puppet head either.”

View from the bungalow

“Do you see anything strange of me?”

We finished a hearty dinner held a cabinet meeting as to what to do on the following day. Our initial plan was to go to Bambaragasthalawa on the second day but when we put our idea to Sena and our tracker, they said it’d take a whole day to go cover it. We actually didn’t wanna spend a whole day on archaeology having come so far. So after a lot of arguing and counter arguing, we all agreed that Bambaragasthalawa would have to wait even though it was very important and beautiful as we had to give priority to the wildlife. Our sighting of the leopard this evening sort of made a strong point in this regard.

Oh, it wasn’t the only thing we argued about. Most of the time we couldn’t figure out whether it was a male or a female when it came to birds and animals and my theory was hotly contested by Hasi and Gayan whereas their wives were all in favor. I told them that if it was a very beautiful one, it was the male and not so beautiful fella was the female. It’s only among the Humans and Horses we’d see the females more beautiful than the males. However, Hasi and Gayan were not in agreement so we went to bed with that though in mind in the upper dormitory where there are 8 beds with mosquito nets. Well, you’re welcome to share your ideas on this hot topic.

The night was calm and relatively cooler. There was the noise of the wind and the tree branches fluttering in the winds. Then there were noises of buffaloes crossing the tank in front of the bungalow in large numbers. A few other animals too made some unintelligible sounds and it sort of put us into sleep. Tomorrow we’d be packing our breakfast and leaving early in order to save time and increase sightings.

Hello folks, here I’m with the second day of our marathon run at Kumana NP. Hope you guys enjoyed the journey on day 01 and ready for another day of wildlife. Let’s get going then folks.

Day 02

We got up and took a few pictures of the moon and the tank in front while the breakfast was being prepared. Here are a few.

Good morning! The moon was dipping to the west

The morning sun falling on the tops of the trees

We went to the tower which has been built for bird watching. However there were not very good sightings so we went on our early morning safari and there were a couple of other jeeps too but it was not a mad rush like in Yala or at Wilpattu. That’s one advantage of Kumana coz of its location, only a few groups go there and hardly ever you’ll get half-day tours. I hope it’ll stay like that forever. If only they can limit the number of jeeps entering to Yala (I heard that there are 400+ jeeps operating there) in order to make it more pleasant to the visitors and bearable to the wildlife as well.

Oh, we got very lucky coz we managed to photograph a pair of Black-Necked Storks aks Ali Manawa that are very rare to find. They’re apparently the tallest birds found in Sri Lanka (I’m sure our bird experts like Dhana can provide us with the exact details) with a height of around 129-150cm (51-60inches). We only managed a couple of long range shots but come tomorrow rather in the next report coz we’ll have some stunning images of them for you. Here we go:

“Get off my back you brute!”

“Hey, what are you doing?” – “You got a big tick here man”

“Hey, don’t die on me”

“Hey, how do I look?”

“Got it but got a scratchy limb here”

“This is our community toilet”

“I lost most of my sexy feathers due to this severe drought”

“Time to go look for some delicacies”

“I know I look Royal”

“Hey, do you know that I’m the tallest?”

“Hey, just you wait”

“Must go behind these”

“Must go behind these”

“I’m in the Great Seal of US with a bunch of arrows and an olive branch”

“Hey honey, how’s my dance?”

Bird Watching Hut

Well, water levels are a bit more in Kumana Willu

“I’m feeling sad today”

“Look, you need to find a partner like us and enjoy the life”

As you might have noticed there were only a few birds we could see from the tower despite our early arrival at the point. Ok, let’s go and see if we can get lucky with some more sightings before I wrap it up for this report and meet you again with the next episode. Oh by the way, we were also able to go see a rocky cave used by an ex LTTE Terrorist Leader. He’d tried to build a fully pledged bungalow by laying a foundation stone as well but thankfully our heroic soldiers managed to end the brutal control of those barbaric killers just in time. Our tracker said in the past when the East was more or less controlled by those LTTE killers, they’d killed so many animals, especially the leopards for their skin and others such as deer, wild boar, buffaloes, etc. for meat. That damage was irreparable and it’d take so long for it to get back to normal if it ever does. However the poachers and henchmen of the powers that be might continue this from where the LTTE left. Keeping our fingers crossed, let’s hope for the best.

“Olu Pipeela Wila Lela Denawa Sudata Sude Nango”

“Hey, you think this is Kumana Star Contest?”

“That’s the thing and I’m the Kumana Star anyway”

“Hi, I’m Kithala or Purple Swamphen”

Looks glamorous

“There’s a nice Willu here”

Here it is

Tons of leopard and bear poo

Lush greenery beyond

“Hey, you see my broken tail”

“Hmmm, where did that little one go?”

Gal Amuna Camp Site

This is probably one of the best camp sites in the whole country. We actually wanted to go and see the famous Gal Amuna which had apparently been built so long ago across Kumbukkan Oya in order to stop sea water flowing inland making the water in the river not usable. It’s about 1.5-2km from the river mouth and located with plenty of shade from mammoth Kumbuk Trees. Usually you’re not allowed to go into the camp site when it’s been booked by another party as it’d be an intrusion into their privacy. However we were wanting so badly to see the Gal Amuna so our tracker offered to go and check with the residing party if we could go take a few pictures and return.

Thankfully they welcomed us and allowed us to go and see the place to our sheer joy. So you too are lucky to see it the way we did and here are the pictures. Oh guess what, according to our tracker there are plenty of sea fish that come upstream during the low tide and get trapped in the tiny ponds along the river bank. We also wanted to go to the river mouth but as Sena didn’t have the wrench in his jeep we decided not to attempt it coz the path was so muddy and would have made it so difficult. So we played it safe and didn’t go up to the river mouth.

Kumbukkan Oya

Towards the river mouth but far away

Nice view

Here’s the famous Gal Amuna

“Hey, you’re not out to catch us, are you?”

Well, time we went

Back on the Safari

I hope you liked what you saw but it was nothing compared to what you’d see with your own eyes. Let’s go on the last bit of Safari where we’d take you to another significantly important religious location inside Kumana, Kuda Kebaliththa. The road to Maha Siyambala Devalaya aka Kebaliththa goes near this which is located off Kumbukkan Oya. Most of the Jeep drivers would not dare do it in one jeep instead they’d insist on two jeeps just in case if one broke down which is quite common on that road due to the extremely bad conditions.

I’ll take you up to Kuda Kebaliththa and end it there coz it’ll have to be a better planned journey to go beyond that to Kebaliththa. We’re going back to the bungalow for lunch and a break after this and will come back in the afternoon for the rest of the day.

“You must be thinking I’m mad to dry them out but jump in again into the water”

“I can’t bear this pain anymore”

“This froggy is a very slick one”

“Hey guys”

“Well, I’m not as tall as that Ali Manawa”

Kumbukkan Oya near Kuda Kebaliththa, the Moya Kata aka River Mouth is nearby

With the blessings of the gods, you may go. But don’t forget to come again

We turned around after seeing a couple of jeeps coming from Kebaliththa. They looked as if they’d all been through a hurricane and the people inside looked haggard and were coated half an inch thick with dust. The drivers were the worst affected and their faces were white and visibly exhausted. It told us how difficult the journey to Kebaliththa actually is and how much planning and time needed to do it the proper manner. Still you’re bound to get knocked about in that difficult terrain.

We turned around and came to the bungalow for lunch as the time was getting closer to mid-day. On our way we met a few other friends who came forward to tell their story but some of them were still vary of our presence so stayed well away from us. Here we go:

“Hiya folks, how’s it going?”

“Gotcha”

“Such a greedy stork”

“Thani Thatuwen Piaymbanna”

“Off we go then”

“I heard some rifle shots I guess”

We came in time for a still warm lunch. It was midday and the heat was unbearable but the breeze coming from the tank was a blessing. We all stretched our legs and took showers while waiting for the lunch to be served. Despite the heat and exhaustion, we felt elated at some good sightings in the morning. So we decided to take a short break, about one and half hours before venturing onto the wild once again. The water in the bungalow was brackish with a touch of mud in it. So you should not expect a similar bath you’re having in Colombo or elsewhere. However, it’s nothing alarming but if you’re frantic about water and its condition, just watch out so that you won’t get disappointed. Also, remember not to expect so much as the main purpose of those bungalows is for the facilitation of wildlife sightings, not deluxe accommodation.

After a break (we were too excited to take a nap), it was time to get on the track again. We got Sena and our tracker Nalinda out of their resting points and got back on the jeep around 3pm. The heat was somewhat bearable so we made it slowly towards deep into the jungle. Let’s see what we’d find now before I wrap this up for today.

“Morning runs are always really good”

“I know you’re impressed with our spoon like beak”

“Just hurry it up son”

“This is how you take off vertically”

“And land vertically”

“You saw my husband?”

“Hey, you got me”

” Must have a wash like this”

“And brush my feathers well”

“Hi, I’m the Podu Poroluwa or Hoopoe”

“It’s very hot today”

“I’ve torn my ears”

“Perfect Jumbo, huh?”

“Hey, do I look beautiful?”

“Yo, I’m taking a nap”

“Lols, I know I’m fat”

“I left it here”

“Hey Lapwing, what ya looking buddy?”

“You guys need some help?”

“This is good for our wedding photo”

“Oh, you scared me”

“Did you hear that?”

“Well, should I run?”

“It’s the best time for a relaxing float”

“Ok, now you can pass”

Up close

View from the bungalow

So what you think about them? It was great especially the Spoon Bills and that huge Croc. Of course the credit of spotting the Spoon Bills should go to Gayani (Gayan’s wife and now don’t ask about the coincidence in them having similar names) coz we probably had missed good many of them as they were very much like those Egrets you find almost everywhere. And they keep their beaks either buried in the water looking for food or at odd angles making it difficult to spot. However, thanks to her we managed to see a good number of them as we were looking for them since the first sighting.

All in all, it was a majestic day and we witnessed another glorious sunset over the trees. By the time we arrived at the bungalow, the sun had all but dipped below the horizon leaving this orange and crimson mixture on the sky. We’re ready for some noodles and hit the sack. Come back in the morning as we would be spending the last day at Kumana and will be leaving after lunch. So we’d be doing a morning session and come back for brunch and check out of the bungalow and do a small safari again before saying good-bye.

Day 03

Good morning and hope you’re all set for a morning session with these beautiful creatures. Well, let’s not waste any more time and get cracking. We witnessed this glorious sunrise on our way over the lagoon and treetops. Here are some pics of that.

Glistening beautifully

A dreamy shot

Reflections on the water

That was a great show, wasn’t it? Who would’ve thought we’d be treated to such glory inside a National Park? That was a really good stroke of luck. Ok, now let’s go to the nearby lagoon coz we saw a couple of Ali Manawa (Black-Necked Stork) yesterday and see if they are there. It’s such a rare sighting of them as much as Pelicans and Spoon Bills. Hopefully we’ll get lucky and they’d have a word with us.

Glistening beautifully

A dreamy shot

Reflections on the water

“A nice juicy breakfast”

Our arrival at the lagoon for the big show

“Did you catch anything?” – Nope not here”

“Those Ali Manawas are very proud”

“You got stuck?”

“Let’s go there”

“Pooh, almost broke this spoon”

“How’s my landing?”

So guys, how did you enjoy the mesmerizing display of the Ali Manawa? They were simply amazing and the morning rays lit up the whole lagoon bringing their colors beautifully. Well, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off our day and let’s go and see what else lies ahead for us.

“I’m a lot better than the one you saw yesterday, right?”

“Plenty of food here”

“Not very tasty though”

“Oh honey, been looking for you all over”

“Hey stop disturbing me and go away”

“Ok, then let’s get started”

“Why did you get so late? Been waiting for ages”

Our team from left: Nalinda, Sena and two cooks)

We arrived at the bungalow around 11am and had rice and curry so that we could hold until we were well away from Potuvil before we had to stop for meals. However, we got some Roti made and packed to have on the way. It was very saddening to bid farewell to this wonderful location and I wish we had more time. We said good-bye to our cooks and left for the entrance. This was one helluva journey and I’d treasure it to the rest of my life. However, we managed to do a little more safari before winding up our tour and here are those pictures.

“It’s a nice shady place”

“Anything down there?”

“Just admiring my nice and long beak”

“It’s a nice place for us”

“Xo xo xo”

“Oh you taking a portrait of me”

“The nectar is tasty on these”

“Shiny feathers”

“I’m watching you closely”

Well, that was our journey inside the Kumana National Park, one of the very best in SL. If you’ve not been there yet, please go by all means and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Please take care of the nature and bring back all the garbage with you. Treat the nature with the due respect and do everything possible to protect it for the future as well. We left the park having thanked our tracker Nalinda who was a very good person. There was so much we couldn’t see yet, namely the Bambaragasthalawa and Kudumbigala. It means we’d definitely have to come back once again to this breath-taking place.

On our way, we came across somebody who was very muscular and handsome. You’d wonder if it was a Bollywood or Hollywood Star. Well, lemme show you what he looks like.

“Perhaps it’s best if I flew away”

“Well why should I coz it’s my place?”

Well, how was the star player? He was really muscular and reminded me of Sylvester Stallone in Rambo. I think it’s time to end this report and hope you all enjoyed these beautiful encounters as much as we did. There was so much we missed capturing on our lenses so it’s really important for you to be there in order to get a better understanding of these beautiful and wonderful creatures of the Mother Nature.

Well, that’s it from Sri and I’ll see you once again with another Pictorial Story from another National Park. Until then, take care and keep travelling.

This is first time in Sri Lanka, Fly Board. Riverside Araliya is the introducer it to Sri Lanka but still the main instructor from Japan Mr Kent. And a good helper Mr Sampath. We had this flying experience and it is totally amazing.

No need to tell by words, you will realize this adventure by seeing these pictures.

Visit FB– Travel in Sri Lanka-Sobasiri

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After tackling Handurukanda in the morning we wanted to explore something new. The best thing is I selected this location with the help of Google earth and it did pay off as predicted. After having lunch at Ridigama we took the B264 route which was been carpeted and reached Ankumbura. The mountain which we were planning to climb was clearly visible from this road. From Keppitigala town we had to climb uphill through winding roads with fantastic scenery and the road was bordering the base of this mountain.

The map – click to enlarge

Google map – click to enlarge

Keppetigala as seen from Ridigama rd

Keppetigala

Scenic road to keppetigala under construction

maha gala and kuda gala

Just before Ankumbura we took the road leading to the factory (Meezan group). After passing the tea factory we took an uphill road towards the left and reached the end of it where we parked and started hiking towards Mahagala through the tea patch. After passing the tea patch it was a difficult path through the tall mana but somehow we got to the rocky edge. The edge provided similar scenery just as Alagalla. We saw plenty of paddy fields bordered by Bisogala mountain range. On the opposite side overlooking the tea estate, peaks of Mathale could also be seen. This mountain is actually the border between Mathale & Kurunegala districts. Two of my favourite mountains which are Etipola and Wiltshire were seen close by. Few peaks of Knuckles were also appreciated. After hanging around we decided to get back and on the way we lost our way and had a very hard time traversing the mana bushes.

on the way to maha gala

Ambokka seen

Etipola and wiltshire

Dolukanda seen

reverston and opalgala mountains

kuda gala as seen from maha gala

towards Gombaniya

an angle

a clearing

alagalla seen far away

ambokka

handurukkanda seen far away

Katugasthota side

just like on alagalla

the peak

wow

a pano

Rambodagalla area

handurukanda

Bisogala and rambodagalla proposed reserve

the road we took

lovely

hunnasgiri peak

us

scenery

kuda gala

Etipola and wiltshire

returning back

towards kuda gala

After reaching the estate we hiked about 500m’s along the tea estate until we reached Kuda gala which was one flat rock with an acute drop providing a feeling like been at a worlds end. We did enjoy the stay at this point more than Mahagala. It was almost 5pm so we headed back to our vehicle to call it a successful day of hiking before reaching our homes.

kuda gala

top of kuda gala

flat top

endless

hunnasgiri range and knuckles seen at far left

knuckles

gombaniya

ankumbura seen nearby and Alawathugoda in the backdrop

maha gala

evening rays

pano from kuda gala

another pano

the drop

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

The peak as seen from below.

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

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

Climbing through the forest

Climbing through the “Mana Patch”

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

Reaching the base of the final rocky part.

Sisira at the base of the “Sinha Kata”

Climbing the “Sinha Kata”

Only the three of us made it to the peak.

Only the three of us made it to the peak.

Only the three of us made it to the peak.

View from the peak.

.

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

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

At the top of “Katusu Kondha”.

At the base of “Katusu Kondha”.

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

Having lunch in the middle of the forest

The place where we stopped to have lunch.

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

Sacred footprint on Poojagala.

Cheitya on top of Poojagala.

.

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

On our way down

Inside the 2nd longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka.

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

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

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

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

Thank you very much for reading.

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

View of Peacock Hills from Paradeka

View of Peacock Hills from Rajathala Wela (රජතලා වෙල)

Another view of Peacock Hills

Doraboda tea factory where you have to turn left

Landscaping seen on the way….

More closer….

More and more landscaping….

More and more landscaping….

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

Through Pinus plot

Through Pinus plot

Pinus everywhere….

Reaching the top

Peak of Peacock hills occupied by towers

Peak of Peacock hills occupied by towers

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

A5 road between Pussallawa-පුස්සැල්ලාව and Thawalanthanna-තවලන්තැන්න

A5 road and Piduruthalagala range

View towards Kotmale reservoir

Zoomed view of Kotmale reservoir

Pussallawa town

The head of the peacock with it’s quill

The head of the peacock

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

Peacock on peacock…

Two man team

Bamboo

Found on top…

Coming down…

Peak is marked by star…

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

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

View of Mahaweli Maha Saya from Kotmale reservoir

Mahaweli Maha Seya in 2011

Inside the Stupa in 2011

Mahaweli Maha Seya in 2016

Pinnacle of Stupa

Inside the Stupa

View of Kabaragala-highest of Dolosbage from Mahaweli Maha Seya

Scenic road towards Kotmale Dam

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

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

Historical information about Dehadu Kadulla

Renovated Dehadu Kadulla

Renovated Dehadu Kadulla

Renovated Dehadu Kadulla

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

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

Kotmale museum

Information about Kotmale Dam

Area map of Kotmale

Kotmale Dam and reservoir

Boats are parked at bank

Kotmale reservoir

View of Mahaweli Maha Seya from Kotmale reservoir

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

Kotmale reservoir is named as Gamini Dissanayaka reservoir as well.

Over the dam

Sliced door

View of reservoir over the dam

Moneragala/ Peacock hills and Mahaweli Maha Seya

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

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

Image house of Kadadora ancient temple

Buddha statue of Kadadora Temple

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

Makara Thorana of Kadadora Temple

The place where Bo tree found

Constructions of steps…now giving ancient appearance

Stupa found on other side of the bank

After passing Kadadora, next area is Morape.

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

“Kattaha Maduwa-කට්ටාහ මඩුව

“Wishnu Dewalaya” -විෂ්ණු දේවාලය

“Katharagama dewalaya”-කතරගම දේවාලය

Kitchen

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

Directions to go down to view Ambagaha Pihilla

Ambagaha Pihilla

Ambagaha Pihilla and surrounding Mango trees

Kotmale reservoir

Kotmale reservoir

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

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

Mawela Yathurugahuliyadda RMW

Ancient image house of Mawela RMW

Makara Thorana

Entrance of image house

Paintings…..

Stupa…..not an old one

Bo tree….Origin from Sri Maha Bodhiya

Entrance with Swastika mark

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

Nagaha Pihilla

Nagaha Pihilla

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

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

Ranamune Pihilla and changing room for bath

Ranamune Pihilla

Origin of Ranamune Pihilla

The foot pathway laid at Rajathala Wela Ranamune Pihilla

Rajathala Wela

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

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

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

Steps to temple

“Maliya Maha Paya”-මලිය මහා පාය

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

Ceiling of image house. Paintings belongs Kandyan era.

Wall paintings of the image house.

Ancient Porcelain

Wooden piles of Tampiti Wiharaya

View of Moneragala through the window of image house

Information about “Dalada Hapuwa”

Ancient Hapu Tree-Dalada Hapuwa

Ancient image house and new Damma House

A branch came from sacred Bo tree

Slab inscription written hundred years ago.

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

Seated Buddha statue seen in second image house

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

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

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

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

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge in monochrome

Ulapane Fool’s Bridge

New bridge over Mahaweli River

Second old bridge

Second old bridge

Old vs. new

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

Thanks for reading

St. Anthony is the saint of worship among catholic population at coastal areas of Sri Lanka. There are annual festivals to worship St. Anthony at Kochchikade, Katchatheevu and Palaitivu churches.
As Katchatheevu and Palaitivu islands are out of bound for general population, festival season is the only opportunity to visit there. Usually Katchatheevu festival occurs in March and Palaitivu festival would be held on following Sunday. As Katchatheevu is a debatable island, the festival last only for two days and south Indians also participate. But Palaitivu Island festival last for seven days and opened only for Sri Lankans.

Where is Palaitivu situated

History of Palaitivu Island church
It doesn’t have a long history like Katchatheevu. The church was established by locals 50 years ago.                       ( Source: Jaffna Bishop House)

Last year when I visited at Katchatheevu, got to know about Palaitivu Island and it’s festival. We were waiting for a year to do this visit. Ashan, Neranjana and Nuwan also joined with us for this journey.
Thanks for Amila, he has arranged everything nicely for this visit. Myself and Nuwan arrived Jaffna from Kandy and other two reached there from Colombo. It was a sleepless night for Amila as both parties arrived in early morning in two occasions. Our journey was planned at 5am and we have reached Mankumpan jetty at that time.
We had to travel by a water jet and we were only five civilians with two other government workers. It was the last day of annual festival and maximum crowd has reached the island to participate the morning mass.
The journey took around 1hour and surrounding was beautiful with rising sun. We have reached the island by 7’o clock and hundreds of boats were roaming around the Island.
According to the Navy officer total number of 5000-6000 devotees has come to the island for morning mass. Navy has supplied drinking water for all devotees. We spent few minutes at morning mass and started to hang around.
Palaitivu festival market was luxurious and can be seen large variety of goods. We also bought some Thosai and Chinese rolls. After walking through the market we decided to get into the island.
We had to cross a nice grassy land and human droppings were found there. After jumping over human droppings we reached the beautiful beach. This beach extends around the island and shallow sea was ideal for bath. A coral reef is margined the island about 500m away from beach. It creates a shallow sea around the island. After having the bath we again walked further around this island. Island doesn’t have large trees only bushes can be seen around.
We came back to Navy camp around 10.30am and had the breakfast they prepared for Navy officers and priests.
Our return journey also happened by same water jet but it spent much time as boat has to avoid fishing nets.
It was a nice short visit to Palaitivu Island.

Early morning view of Mankumpan jetty

Just before dawn

Team except me at Mankumpan jetty

Water jet has arrived to the jetty

Nicely woven mat

Happy faces

Sun rise

View of sun rise from the boat. Click credit goes to Amila.

I had nice clicks with sun rise

Going to hear morning mass

It is not safe to travel without life jackets.

Different kind of boats around the island

Different kind of boats around the island

Different kind of boats

They are sailing towards island

View of Palaitivu Island church from sea.

View of Palaitivu Island church from sea.

We have reached Palaitivu Island jetty

Boats around the island

SL Navy base at Palaitivu Island

St. Anthony shrine at Palaitivu Island

St. Anthony shrine at Palaitivu Island

St. Anthony shrine at Palaitivu Island

St. Anthony church at Palaitivu Island.

They were around the church.

They were around the church.

Devotees at morning mass.

St. Anthony church at Palaitivu Island

The place for light lamps…

Part of massive crowd around the church.

This little lady is also hearing the mass. Click credit goes to Amila

At Palaitivu festival market

At Palaitivu festival market

At Palaitivu festival market

At Palaitivu festival market

You can have a hot Thosai here

Colourful

Skinning of a chicken

Fun time of young crowd

Temporary shelter of devotees

Get into the grassy land.

They were captured over grassy land.

It made nice pictures in my camera.

It made nice pictures in my camera.

Beautiful shallow sea around the island. Bottom was full of live corals.

Beautiful shallow sea around the island. We have walked in the sea.

Corols

Corals at bottom of the sea

Found at beach

Found at beach

Found at beach

Found at beach

Found at beach

Corals

They are posing

Walking around the Island

Another special feature of this island is having shrines everywhere of the island.

Walking around the island

Walking around the island

Don’t know how it has reached here

Don’t know how it has reached here

Don’t know how it has reached here

Don’t know how it has reached here

Back to land side

Back to land side. Tractor path used by Navy.

Grassy land

The tower situated at Palaitivu jetty. This was renovated in 2009 by SL Navy. This tower also has the purpose of light house.

Similar tower situated at Mankumpan Jetty.

Google view of the island when we were there

Google view of the island when we were there

Thank you for reading. Have a safe journey

This small report is to note down the garbage cleaning activity done at natural water stream flows across the small forest reserve called Indikada Mukalana (ඉදිකඩ මූකලාන). Always we are getting something from the environment and this time decided to do something for the nature.

Indikada Mukalana and it’s water stream is a famous bathing place at Waga area. As it is situated in Colombo district a lot of visitors come in weekend for bath and drink here. This water stream starts from Indikada Mukalana and flows through rubber estate called Srinivasa estate. Usually our people don’t know how to enjoy the nature and put garbage everywhere after eating and drinking. As Indikada Mukalana is also a famous bathing place there are polythene, glass bottles on either side of the water stream.

Our friend Amila has noticed it on his way and suggested to a have cleaning project. There is a nursery belongs to forest department closer to this water stream. Large amount of garbage was infront of this nursery. Main factor was the people who come for bathing here and put empty bottles, polythene and plastics. Sometimes they break glass bottles and it will injure someone else leg.

Indikada Mukalana/ Indikada forest reserve connects with Siriniwasa (සිරිනිවාස) rubber estate. Actually entrance to the water stream is situated at Siriniwasa estate and easily the management can regulate it.
This water stream has some fish species and Nilanga who is an undergraduate came to get pictures of them. Then he also joined with us to collect garbage.
At the end we were able to collect five fertilizer bags of bottles and broken bottles. There were polythene and plastic bags were well.
Amila has handed over it to Pradeshiya Sabha.

At the end we suggested followings:
1. Restrict the entrance by putting a gate. It can be easily done as entrance through private property.
2. Make this area liquor and beer free. Police visits need to avoid liquor here.
3. Public awareness by putting some notices.

Map of Indikada Mukalana-Photo credit-Ashan

Entering to Siriniwasa Estate

Nicely painted old tea factory. Still functioning

Gravel road at Siriniwasa estate

It is a rubber estate

It is a rubber estate

The bridge over the stream

Siriniwasa estate

Water stream….Where you can find enough bottles and polythene

Nursery of forest department

Chamra in work

Chamra in work

Amila-The man behind this work

The board was found…. Photo credit-Ashan