I came across a news article about Sandaraja Wana Arana few months ago and kept a picture of it at my mobile phone. Before two weeks I have visited at famous Asupini Ella and again Sandaraja Wana Arana came across while I was searching activities around Asupini Ella. As we didn’t have enough time to visit there following Asupini Falls, I made a back to back visit to Aranayaka.
There are different routes to reach Sandaraja Wana Arana and we selected the route from Mawanella. We got down at Hulang Kapolla and hired a threewheel to Dotel Oya estate. Hulang Kapolla has windy climate like it’s name itself. We have to pass Moratiya estate to reach Dotel Oya. There was a waterfall formed under the bridge of Moratiya estate, we named it as Moratiya estate waterfall (මොරටිය වත්ත ඇල්ල) as it has no name.
Kukulpitiya Kanda (කුකුල්පිටිය කන්ද), Kodigala (කොඩිගල) and Samasara Kanda (සාමසර කන්ද) were in one line and made beautiful sceneries around. The climate was fairly cool and we have noted the mist has reached upper line of the forest.

Beautiful Moratiya Estate

Three peaks in one line: Kukulpitiya Kanda (left), Samasara Kanda-Kodigala Kanda (right), middle peak must be other end of Samasara range where mud slides occurred.

The water stream is about to form Moratiya Estate Falls

Moratiya Estate falls-This is about 10m tall and flows in two parts.

Moratiya Estate Falls

Moratiya Estate Falls

Pilot view of Moratiya Estate Falls…Captured when we were at Kodigala in next week

Wild flowers

Surrounding beauty

Kukulpitiya Kanda was added to TO DO LIST

Samasara Kanda-Kodigala was our next week target

Hide and came out

Passing Moratiya Estate to reach Dotel Oya estate

Dotel Oya tea estate was one of beautiful estates I have met. Misty climate with greenish tea bushes gave fantastic appearance. We got direction from villagers and luckily Sandaraja was a well known place for them. It was about 1hour walk from Dotel Oya estate to Sandaraja Wana Arana.

Dotel Oya church

Scenic

Dotel Oya tea factory

Dotel Oya Kovil

Follow the steps infront of tea factory and closer to day care center

Misty peaks….

Misty peaks….

Sandaraja Wana Arana / Sandaraja forest reserve (7.115639,80.409871)
Sandaraja Wana Arana / Sandaraja forest reserve is a privately owned place managed by Mihisara environmental organization. Let’s look at the importance of Sandaraja Wana Arana.
1. This is situated at highest plain of Kegalle District called Lepalawa Mountain (ලේපලාව කන්ද). Sandaraja Forest reserve has 70 acres of virgin forest and 50 acres of secondary forest.
2. The name given as ground orchid species called Sandaraja is abundant in this area.
3. Sandaraja Forest is rich in biodiversity. It is a sub mountainous rain forest patch with abundant trees of Hora family. You can see 22 tree species of Hora Family at Sandaraja forest patch. There are 108 birds’ species, 46 butterfly species, 42 snake species, 20 amphibian species, 05 bat species and 29 mammal species.
4. Sandaraja is an important place to see green pit viper.
5. Sandaraja is under threatening of illegal tree cutters, Wallapatta seekers, gem miners and treasure hunters.

Unfortunately it was the day it was closed and nobody was there. There were different trails branching from main route. The office and dormitory is situated at center of the forest where surrounding tea estate and peaks are visible well. We have loitered around and came back. Enjoy the pictures taken at Sandaraja Wana Arana.

Where it is situated

Enter to Sandaraja Wana Arana

The gate

Wild tracks

Wild tracks

Close up…

Nicely engraved on rock

පොහොට්ටු

Request

It has virgin forest as well as secondary forest.

Katu Kithul

බෝවිටියා

Green Vine Snake (Ahetulla Nasutus)

Foot pathways

End of a foot pathway

Reached the slab rock where office and dormitory are situated.

Charges of Sandaraja Wana Arana-These might be changed

Collection of seeds

A note about the founder of Sandaraja Wana Arana-Mr. Susil Karunarathna

The office

Surrounding peaks…

Benches at Sandaraja Wana Arana

The office and Dormitory at Sandaraja Wana Arana

Towards Dolosbage range…

Under low light…

Coming back

Sandaraja has different threats. Illegal tree cutting is one of them.

Sandaraja is the highest plain of Kegalle district. It is surrounded by different peaks.

Back to Dotel Oya estate

It is a common scenario to see peaks covered with mist here

Our next target of the day was Ganthuna Falls situated at Sakkara Kanda village at Ganthuna. We descended from Dotel Oya to Sakkara Kanda along a scenic foot pathway. We came back to Dotel Oya tea factory and got direction to the foot pathway. It was about 1hour journey from there to Ganthuna Falls.

Crossing Dotel Oya

This foot pathway first descends through a tea patch and then goes into the forest.

Met a friend

Foot pathway to Sakkara Kanda village and Ganthuna Falls

Scenic…

“Edanda”

Ganthuna Falls / Ellegedara Falls / Kuda oya Falls (7007’12.6’’N 80024’20.0’’E)
This waterfall is situated at Sakkarakanda village at Ganthuna. Ganthuna can be approached from Kegalle, Awissawella and Mawanella. From Ganthuna there is a 2km hike towards the waterfall. Half of this distance can be tackled by a motor bike or threewheel.
Dothalu Oya origins from Lepalawa mountain and creates Ganthuna Falls at Sakkarakanda village. Then it joins with Gurugoda Oya at Ganthuna town and later flows to Kelani River.
Ganthuna falls has three segments. Upper part is just a 15m angle of Dothalu Oya. It is kind of a bathing place and the foot pathway crosses this water stream.
Second and lower parts have 15m and 20m height respectively. To reach latter segments you have to come down along the foot pathway and have to walk towards the water stream through tea bushes.
Dothal oya is named as Kuda Oya at this area and name Kuda Oya falls might be due to this reason. All parts of the waterfall can be seen above Ganthuna Bridge. But I was not able to get that picture.

Upper part of Ganthuna falls-15m

Upper part of Ganthuna falls

Upper part of Ganthuna falls

Middle and lower parts of Ganthuna Falls

Middle and lower parts of Ganthuna Falls

Middle and lower parts of Ganthuna Falls

Thanks for reading

The map – click to enlarge

It has been a long pause from my last report but finally I found some time to do this write-up. Since lately I have found a special interest in Dambulla area and there was a long range which was at the eastern boarder of Dambulla which caught my sight when I did a hike to Arangala. The lowest part of this multiple peak range is known as Gedaragala pathana(759m) and the summit is known as Wehigala pathana/ Kumaragala kanda (890m).

Kumaragala range as seen from arangala

today’s target

summit is called Wahigala pathana

When we reached Nayakumbura village it was already 10am and we found a house close to the “Kalu wala” those friendly villagers couldn’t find us a local guide so we had to proceed with the aid of satellite imaging despite been a risky hike. We decided to climb along a stream which had clear water. When there were mini cascades which were difficult to pass we took the forest path. At one point we reached a junction where we took the left turn which took us close to the summit. The last bit of the journey was through a beautiful short savannah like area which provided some magical views.

නෝකෝල්

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Gal wala the starting point

Fresh dumplings everywhere

rituals

following the stream

lot of bathing places

where the stream divided (we took the left branch)

.	out of many resting points

steeper by the second

in to the savannah

scenery as we came out

ambokka seen at the backdrop just behind arangala

.	the 5Km long range

wow	towards Menikdena giant

more to climb

Karagahatenna, Opalgala and reverston peaks seen

the summit is seen

The summit provides a 270 degree view and you get a bird’s eye view of Moragahakanda and Dambulla areas. Some prominent landmarks which we saw were Dambulla rock, Beliya kanda, Menikdena, Arangala, Iginimitiya, Knuckles range peaks, Moragahakanda, Kandalama, Erawugala, Yakkurugala, Ibbankatuwa etc.

summit point

the gedaragalapathana range

ah he was curious

summit

.	galkoth kanda and erawuwagala

kandalama tank

yakkurugala range

Dambulla rock

kala wewa and balalu wewa seen behind ibbankatuwa

pano

Ibbankatuwa lake and satutu dupatha

ritigala the giant

Beliyakanda the landmark of galewela

Menikdena

summit

looking down

the savannah

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.	Moragahakanda dam

moragahakanda reservoir

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top of the world

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Getting down was much quicker but was a painful task for our legs and chances of tripling were high. On the way close to the village there was an elephant near the stream and we had to keep our distance from it. After reaching the village we had a bath from a water storage tank and left towards our homes.

Arangala, marathulawa, rilagala, menikdena & lenadora peaks

while getting down

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lovely

more to go

looking back at the summit

.	Arangala , Marutuluwa , Rilagala

Menikdena

Ibbankatuwa

.	along the stream

“Dandi”

day to day life

Somawathiya temple (Somawathi Chethiya) is one of the popular places among Buddhist devotees. The right sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was kept at Somawathi stupa. (The left sacred tooth relic is found at Dalada Maligawa-Kandy). Most of the tourists come to Polonnaruwa don’t forget to visit at Somawathi Chethiya which is situated 40km from Polonnaruwa ancient kingdom.

History of Somawathi Temple

Prince Giri-Aba (ගිරි අබා) (2nd century BC) and princes Somawathi (සෝමාවතී දේවිය) (sister of King Kawanthissa) has built this stupa at “Somapura” (සෝම පුර) which was a sub kingdom situated closer to Mahaweli River. They have requested from Mahinda Maha Thero for some “Dathu” (ධාතු) to be kept in the relic chamber of stupa. Mahinda Maha Thero has visited “Naga Lokaya” (නාග ලෝකය) and brought right sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha to be deposited at stupa. After completion of Somawathi Chethiya and six vihara, prince and princes handed over to Mahinda Maha Thero and sixty other Thero.

Though Somawathi temple was built on the eastern bank of Mahaweli River, currently it is seen on the western bank of the river due to change of the course of the river.

Somawathi stupa was renovated and developed under many kings of Rajarata. The temple premises with stupa got lost in the forest and rediscovered in 1947. It is not mentioned even in Polonnaruwa era. Archeologists have found four moonstones, flower pedestals and “Siripa Gal” around ancient Somawathi stupa.
They have found nine stone inscriptions around the site. Four of them situated on Eric Swan Rock situated on right hand side of the road from Polonnaruwa, few kilometers away from Somawathi Stupa.

Somawathiya Temple-2013

Somawathiya Temple-2013. They have kept a cross section of Stupa to show the structure of the wall to public.

Devotees around the Stupa. It is a common thing to see hundred or thousand gatherings around stupa in poya days.

Finial/ කොත් කැරැල්ල with crest gem.

Ruins around stupa

Ruins around stupa. Slab inscription.

Moon stone

Sacred foot prints

Eric Swan Rock/ “Dig gala” (දිග් ගල)
This longitudinal rock is situated on right hand side of the road from Polonnaruwa, about 1km before Somawathi temple. It got this name because a photographer called Eric Swan was killed by a wild elephant near this rock. He used to visit on this rock frequently.
There are number of inscriptions found on this rock mentioning commercial laws, taxes to Somawathi Temple etc.

View of Eric swan Rock/Dig Gala from Somawathiya road.

Eric Swan Rock. It’s inscription is protected.

Stone inscription of Eric Swan Rock

Stone inscription of Eric Swan Rock

A pond/ cave?

View of Somawathiya road from Eric Swan Rock

Journey to accessory stupa of Somawathi stupa.

The forest reserve situated around Somawathi Chethiya called Somawathi forest reserve. It is the flood plains of Mahaweli River, similar to Flood plains national park situated southern to Manampitiya Bridge. According to folk there are many ruins situated at this forest reserve. One of them is accessory stupas of main Somawathi stupa. (There are seven accessory stupa).

Ashan has drawn my attention for the TV programme on accessory stupa of Somawathi Chethiya. I found a trekker to visit at Somawathi forest reserve but Ashan couldn’t join with us on that day.
We started the journey from Polonnaruwa and entered Somawathiya forest reserve via BOP 400 area. (Akkara 400)-අක්කර හාරසීය. There were two people who know the forest reserve very well.
First we entered the forest after crossing a branch of Mahaweli River. After walking about 1km we reached to the site where one of accessory stupas situated. Unfortunately it has been excavated by treasure hunters. There were some ruins I captured. Second site was situated on a rock where engraved steps could be seen. There were traces of recent activities of treasure hunters. They have blasted a part of the rock. Third site of ruins consists of ruins of a stupa and some rock slabs.
After visiting these places we reached a canal which drains to Mahaweli River and have cooked our lunch there. Then we crossed the river again to reach the village where we parked our vehicles.

Entering to the forest. This is the area of old Chena. (හේන)

Entering to the forest.

Entering to the forest.

Looking at us…

Weather was perfect on that day

Crossing another Chena (හේන)

One of my favorite snaps

Crossing Mahaweli River or it’s branch

Somawathi forest reserve

Came across in the forest

Came across in the forest

Going over a rock…..

View towards Somawathi forest

On top of a rock. We were waiting for others to be joined with us.

Cave used for mediation before.

Excavated accessory stupa. This has been done a long time before.

Basal layers of the stupa. Treasure hunters have done their job up to depth.

Scattered ruins around the stupa

Scattered ruins around the stupa

Scattered ruins around the stupa

Scattered ruins around the stupa

Debris of another structure. Might be a stupa.

Passing another rock

Mahaweli River or it’s branch

Having a rest at river bank.

We had a bath there. Must be careful about crocodiles

Somawathi forest reserve

Root architecture

Towards second site of ruins

There are foot pathways as well

Not even treasure hunters, illegal wood cutters also there.

Brighten weather

Part of our team

Second site of ruins. Seems it has been recently blasted. There are evidences of recent “Pooja” to get treasure.

It was blasted to get treasure

Stone steps…..

Walampuri mark on the rock

Another excavation

Under forest canopy

Third site of ruins

Further excavation done

Some more ruins

Mahaweli river or it’s branch again. We have cooked our lunch here.

Mass lunch for 10 people.

Crossing the River

Crossing the River

Evening sky

Evening sky

Sun set

Evening sky

Evening sky

Evening sky

Somawathiya at night
As Somawathiya is an important place among Buddhist pilgrimages there are devotees even in the night. These are the pictures of Somawathiya temple at night.

Somawathiya temple at night

Somawathiya temple at night with devotees

Illuminated

Buddhist flags

Hatharas Kotuwa and Koth Karalla

Buddha statue

Somawathiya at night

Illuminated

With monochrome colours

With monochrome colours and cross section of Chethiya

According to description there are three Somawathi temples in Sri Lanka.
1. Famous Somawathi Chethiya at Polonnaruwa-Above mentioned
2. Dambulu Somawathi Temple (දඹුළු සෝමාවතිය)
3. Ruhunu Somawathi Temple (රුහුණු සෝමාවතිය)-Found in Somawathi Forest reserve on other side of the River. Some archeologists believe this as the correct Somawathi Chethiya of ancient Sri Lanka. Still I couldn’t visit there.

Thanks for reading

It was December holidays again we decided to have a family trip and we opted to cover part of the East this time. On a Friday I made some calls to two friends at Ampara and Trinco and got 2 hotels booked. This was intended to be a road trip with time to rest in between.

Summery

Day 1, 3 and 5 were more or less travelling and days 2 & 5 were visiting places at a relaxed pace.

The places visited are not discussed in details. If you wish to know the exact locations, more details or driving directions on google maps you can click on the links below listed places.

1. Udawalawe National Park
2. Veheragala Archaeological site at Thanamalvila
3. Senanayake Samudraya Fishing Harbour
4. Senanayake Samudraya Dam (Inginiyagala)
5. Rambakan Oya Canal Ruins
6. Rambakan Oya Archaeological ruins near the Dam
7. Rambakan Oya Reservoir
8. Niloba Wewa
9. Kiralagas Wewa
10. Mahaoya Hot Wells
11. Aranthalawa Massacre site
12. Buddhangala Monastery
13. Trincomalee Lagoon
14. Kathiraveli Prehistoric Burial Grounds & Archaeological Site
15. Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya
16. Lankapatuna Samudragiri Viharaya
17. Seruwila Raja Maha Viharaya
18. Girihandu Seya
19. Kokilai Lagoon
20. Arisimale Beach
21. Kanthale reservoir and the ancient stone sluice gate
22. Kala Wewa
23. Awkana

So we were off on a Saturday at about 4.30 AM from Moratuwa and we were at Udawalawe around 7 AM. We had our home made breakfast at a peaceful location  bordering Udawalawe National Park.

Breakfast with a view at Udawalawe

Breakfast with a view at Udawalawe

Just before Thanamalwila Junction, we noticed a Kalu Board called “Veheragala Archaeological Site” and took a turn in to the road. We travelled quite a distance without any success and one elderly gentleman showed us a temple on a rock little away from the road. We could see the site and figured we would take about 1 hour for the detour with the kids and decided to visit the temple on another day due to timing restrictions.

Veheragala Archaeology Site

We couldn’t resit stopping at this guy on the way to Veheragala

We came back to the main road and a friend at Monaragala recommended us of a nice eating place near the famous Biso Pokuna called Siyambala Sevana for lunch.

Lunch Break – Siyambala Sevana at Monaragala

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Our next stop was Senanayake Samudraya Fisheries Harbour point. The waterline of the reservoir has receded about 200 meters at the Harbour since my visit in January and lot fresh growth could be seen on the exposed tank bed. It was about 3 PM now and elephants were already appearing on the dried up lake bed adjoining harbour point. We spent a good 45 minutes there enjoying the scenery and took a tea break.

Senanayake Samudraya Fisheries Harbour

Senanayake Samudraya Fisheries Harbour

Senanayake Samudraya Fisheries Harbou

Elephants @ Senanayake Samudraya Fisheries Harbour

Tea Break @ Senanayake Samudraya Fisheries Harbour

Then we were off to the Senanayake Samudraya dam at Inginiyagala. After enjoying the scenery we took off on the final leg for the day – destination Ampara. We had booked the Kings Jay, a new hotel at Ampara solely on the friends recommendation but found it to be an excellent place. Rooms were more than we expected and service and the facilities were also impressive.

Through Galoya

To Inginiyagala

Next day was our visiting day. First, we took off to Mahaoya to visit the Rambakan Oya Ruins which was on my list of places to visit for some time.  The site lies about 12 kms off Mahaoya. The road is being constructed and there are number of stretches lined with crushed stones with sharp edges.

First you will come across the massive ancient canal built by king Giri Abaya in the 3^rd century BC of prince Saddhatissa (2^nd century BC) about 500 meters before the dam.  Huge Rectangular cuboids cut in granite creates a two channel canal for over 250 feet. Why this project was not completed is unknown.

Rambakan Oya Ruins – click to enlarge

Rambakan Oya Ruins

For a perfect fit

Next we travelled a further 500 meters to reach the Rambaken Oya Reservoir which was deserted  other than for us. Spending a good time there we came down the gravel path from the bunt to see another “Kalu Board” in middle of shrub jungle declaring it an archaeology site.

Rambakan Oya Reservoir

Rambakan Oya Reservoir

Weaver Bird Colonies from the Rambakan Oya Reservoir Bund

Rambakan Oya Reservoir

The area was completely covered in thorny bushes and creepers. We managed to get in to the area under a large tree with some scratches and found few granite remnants of an ancient building. There should have been more ruins further in but it was not possible go walk any further.

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.	Ruins hidden by Jungle. Couldn’t make out what lied here thousands of years ago.

One thing we noticed was this area was abundant with weaver bird colonies. Some birds had gone to the extend of building two levels in their nests.

Ruins hidden by Jungle.

Note the double decker nests of some enterprising Weaver Birds

So after washing off the scratches we came back to the Mahaoya town.

There are 3 minor lakes which had been renovated with the Rambaken Oya project on the route from Mahaoya to Rambaken Oya. We missed the  Pollebedde tank but made stops at Niloba tank and the Kiralagas wewa tank on the way back.

A tree of a weaver bird colony

Niloba Wewa

Kiralagas Wewa

Kiralagas Wewa

Unfortunately we were unable to locate the Hinguremada Archaeological site which is supposed to be on this route.

Our next stop was the  to the hot water wells of Mahaoya. After a refreshing bath at the wells, we returned to Ampara and and made a stop at the site of Aranthalawa Massacre. The first time I visited this site was in 2009. The site was in the middle of a jungle with only a footpath towards the monument. It was very sad to see that today it has turned in to a fully fledged business operation. A large area has been cleared, buildings constructed and a temple has been set up to run the business.

Around 4 PM we took off the Buddhangala Rajamaha Viharaya. The temple is known to enshrine the relics of Sariputta and Mogalana maha theros. Compared to what this temple was in 2009, this temple too seems to be getting more and more commercialised.

The chances of finding wild elephants on the road to Buddhangala is is quite high after about 6 PM

Buddhangala Monastery

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Buddhangala Monastery

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Day 3 was again a travelling day and our destination was Trincomalee. We drove through Kalmune, Kanthankudi and Batticaloa. Seeing some large flock of birds we got down at the Batticaloa lagoon and found the edge of lagoon infested with Jellyfish. At the rocks on the edge we could see jellyfish in the ephyrae stage. May be it was their mating season.

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Click, click, click and we were off again. We stopped at the Kathiraveli Prehistoric Burial Grounds  & Archaeological Site to find that it has been turned in to a Tourist Park.

Its still not opened and gates were locked.

Kathiraveli Prehistoric Burial Grounds & Archaeological Site

Kathiraveli Prehistoric Burial Grounds & Archaeological Site

Our plan was to go to Seruwila and then to Lanka Patuna and possibly Foulpoint Light house. But we saw a signboard directing us to Lanka Patuna after passing Verugal, we decided to make this visit first. On the way we came across the Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya, an ancient temple complex which was used as a base for the LTTE terrorists and their transmission station.

After liberation, the incumbent priest has taken over and held on to the site under many difficulties from the politically motivated Tamil community. TNA (Tamil National Alliance)  has made number of attempts to grab the land belonging to the Temple to build an Hindu Kovil.

The priest, Rev Dr Devananda thero is a tough charactor fighting a lone battle with the tamil political parties in the east. He is a medical doctor who had taken up robes at the later stage of his life. Without a single Buddhist in area, he stated that he doesnt even stay the night at the temple due the threats to his life. ‘Is that why I see cops at the entrance?’ I asked. “They not here to protect me but to protect  the Kovil. The kovil owners has put a case against me stating that I have burned their kovil, and the case is still going on” he said. His final words before departing was “මේවා අපි බලාගත්තේ නැතිනම් කවුරු බලාගනීවිද මහත්තයෝ” We climbed up to the top of the rock passing few rock inscriptions which had etched the history of this ancient site. At the top you can see remains of a stupa, now

overgrown.

View from the top @ Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya

View from the top @ Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya

Remains of a stupa at the top

One of the many inscriptons

Next destination was to be the Lanka Patuna at the end of this road. But we found that the bridge to the other side of the lagoon was still being built and we had to travel on boat to get to the other side. This being a 4 day holiday, there was a quite a queue for the boat. So we decided to give it a miss considering the time we had.

Lanka Patuna

The bridge is being built across the lagoon

We turned back to the road which we came, and proceeded to the ancient Seruwila Rajama Viharaya built during the reign of King Kavantissa (2nd century BC) containing the Lalata Dathun Wahanse (sacred forehead bone) of Buddha.

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Then it was to the hotel we had booked at Trincomalee. After getting lost number of times we finally managed to find the hotel.

We planned to go further up for day 4. First stop was Girihandu Seya at Thiriyaya. Driving along the Pulmode Road, there are 2 routes to access Girihandu Seya. One route is from Kuchchaweli, or else you could travel further upto Thiriyaya and then take the turn towards  Girihandu Seya. The road from Kuchchaweli is not carpeted but that is off set by the surrounding natural setting. Considering the drive, this is by far the most picturesque route.

Girihandu Seya lies on a hillock. 300 steps will take you the main Watadege site. The walls of the Watadage is well preserved and you can observe the pillars which held roof lying all around the temple grounds. This is considered the first ever stupa built in the world and enshrines the hair relics of Buddha.

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To the right of the stupa house lies steps going down to a different level of the hillock where you will find ruins of number of buildings which has been used by the monks.

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Ruins of the Monastery

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After Girihandu Seya we took the road to Thiriyaya and drove further up to Kokilai Lagoon which is a declared bird sanctuary. We ended up in a fisheries harbour and the lagoon turned out to be an birds paradise. We walked along the edge of the lagoon a bit enjoying the flocks of birds and the eagles surrounding them.

On the way to Pulmude

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@ Kokilai Lagoon

@ Kokilai Lagoon

@ Kokilai Lagoon

@ Kokilai Lagoon

We turned back after about an hour and returned on the Pulmde road until we reached the turn off to the Arisimale. Arsimale is an beach hidden near a navy camp. You need to drive about 2 km on a gravel road to the reach the site. The road is motorable but washed away in few places.

Once you park the vehicle at the Navy camp site you need to walk about 500 meters through thick thicket to reach this beach hidden away from any public view. As the name suggests the sand particles on this beach is large like rice grain.

Although its so much hidden, being a 4 day holiday, the beach was crawling with activity. Most of the people had come here by lorries and 3 wheelers. So probably they were youngsters from  surrounding areas. Since we didn’t find the tranquillity we expected we decided against taking a bath.

Path towards the Arsimale Beach

Path towards the Arsimale Beach

Path towards the Arsimale Beach

Sand like Rice

Seems to be a popular bathing place for locals.

This was the last stop for the day and we returned to our hotel around 4 PM to have a sea bath in front of it.

Few things about Trincomalee. Being on the Eastern beach, sunset and sunrise was awesome, with the sun setting against over the land and rising over the sea, it gives a different view compared to sunset from  west.

Sunset in the east. The tall building is our hotel

Sunrise in Trincomalee

We couldn’t find a single decent pastry shop in the town but there are enough Saivar Kada. These didn’t look decent enough for a family, so going out for a meal is a not a option unless you know of a good place.

Kanthale Reservoir

Kanthale Reservoir

Kanthale Reservoir – Ancient sluice gate

Restoration memorial of the Kanthale Reservoir dated 1875

Day 5 was getting back to to Colombo. We left Trincomalee after a late breakfast and decided to make a one last vist to Awkana. Passing Kanthale and reaching Habarana, we took the Maradankadawala Road and took a shortcut to Kekirawa and reached the Kalawewa around 1 PM. After a stop at Kalawewa, we were off to Awkana Statue.

Kala Wewa

Some attribute Awkana statue to king Dhatusena of the 6th century AD, when he was living in a temple called Sinhagiri Vihara. Still others say it was built during the epic reign of King Parakrama Bahu the Great of the 13th century, AD.

In addition to the massive granite Buddha statue, walking passing stupa will take you to 2 ancient inscriptions, a large rock pond and a fantastic view of the area.

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.	Protected inscriptions

The stupa at Awkana

The stupa at Awkana

More protected inscriptions

View from the Stupa

From Awkana, we came back to Galewela and from there it was back to Colombo

through Kurunegala, Giriulla and Katunayake ending a 1300+ km 5 day family trip.

Thank you for reading

History

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

Biodiversity

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

Attractions of Udawatta Kele;

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

Lady Horton’s Road

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

Royal pond

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

Giant Bamboo

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

The Senkanda Cave

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

City view point

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

Information Center

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

Hermitages and Caves

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

Kodimale (Flag point)

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

Puss-Wel (Giant Liana)

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

Ironwood Forest

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

Map – click to enlarge

Name Board at the entrance

It says about all attractions

The Entrance/Ticket counter

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Just entered

Directions/Map – click to enlarge

Royal Pond

Royal Pond

Royal Pond

Save Forest – click to enlarge

Royal pond

low water

Beautiful path

Beautiful path

Beautiful path

Towards city view point

We saw a Barking deer in this place

Don’t know the name

Direction

City view

City view

Bahirawa Kanda Buddha Statue

Viewing desk

Kandy Lake and city

The Island in the Lake

Queens Hotel & KCC

.	Path to Garrison Cemetery – CLOSED

Their Home

Instruction near Information center – click to enlarge

Information centre

All information you need

Hambawa

Knuckles region

Hut in the Mini Worlds End

Information about Knuckles

Information about Udawatta Kele

More Information

More Information

More Information

Jack Tree

Nature Walk

Lover’s Walk

Directions

Towards Kodimale

The Flag Point

Kodimale

Liana

At Flag point

Taking him on hands

He wanted to swing

Lady hortons road

Lady hortons road

Puss-Wel

Explanation – click to enlarge

Puss-wel

All around the area

Beauty

Be watchful

We saw 3 snakes in 3 places

Iron wood Forest

Forest

Sky view

Giant trees

Giant Bamboo with pond

Pond

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

Island

lake

Hotel-Dalada Road

Visitors

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Boat Ride

Around lake

Thanks for reading..

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Initially there were 5 members (3 of my old school mates, me and my better half) for the trip. We wanted to be little adventures and the destination chosen was Yala Nationala Park.

Day 1

The first stop was at Udawalawa Elephant transit home. As per our findings on the web, the feeding times are scheduled as follows

• 9 am
• 12 pm and
• 3 pm

We were too early for the 12pm time slot.  There is a museum of elephants and elephant skeleton in the front, where you can pass time. So we decided to go in.

Udawalawa National Park – CLICK TO ENLARGE

Skeleton of an elephant

You have to buy a ticket in order to see baby elephants feeding. I cannot recall the ticketing fee though. The observation point was at a distant from the location where elephants were fed. This may be to minimize the disturbance from the crowd.

Waiting in the queue till the gates are opened

Here comes the first to feed.

Yum Yum

Play time in muddy water

After the session, we were heading to our next interest of the day “Katharagama”. We took the left turn at Lunugamwehera and found the road is under construction. However, the road condition is OK to travel by a car.

Katharagama Devalaya

By the time we reach “Katharagama Devala” premises there was a Perahera, which added lot more colors to the sight.

.	Media coverage for Perahera

Katharagama Kiri Wehera

That’s all we have planned for the Day 1 visiting.  We were on our way to lodging at Thissamaharamaya.

What all of us waited was the next day Safari at Yala. After arriving at the place we met the trekker and the driver of tomorrow’s safari. They offered us safari + one-day camping at Yala together with some other group. Although this would extend our trip by one more day, without a second thought, we all agreed.

Day 2

After completing the official procedures at Block 1 entrance, we were permitted to enter. The combined group (about 15) could not fit into the jeep and van, as we had to carry all the tools and equipment for camping. So we had to join in one of the cars too.

Here we come

They were everywhere

We were much interested on seeing a leopard. The trekker said that it would be entirely depends on the luck though. We were hanging around here and there looking for them. Then we spotted him while taking a short nap on a tree.

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Lot of vehicles behind and in front of us, were waiting impatiently to see him. He didn’t bother about the shooting taken place in his territory. It seems he was taking a much needed sleep after an exhausted day. Everybody wanted a well posed photo of him. Suddenly he raised his head, slowly climbed down and disappeared in the jungle. I haven’t had a DSLR at the moment and this is the best I could do with the camera I had.

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He didn’t want me to take a full blown picture of him

Crocodile is getting a rest under a tree

After a successful safari we were heading towards the camping site at Yala Block 1 named as “Kosgasmankada”.

Unloading the camping equipment

After cleaning the area, we started setting up the camps.

These are used as supporters to the tents

Going to provide lighting to camp site

Busy with work before it is getting dark

It was a ready-made tent

Yeah!! We are done

Digging holes in the river bank to get filtered water

Panoramic view of the camping site

The next essential item was to set fire covering the camping site. Three vehicles were parked covering the site and entrance. A small irrigation system was made around the huts to save the floor from possible raining. Some spread kerosene around the area. The trekker explained the idea was to chase away the snakes that would be coming in.

Set a fire

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We had to sleep in turns when one group is watching the camp site while the others are sleeping. In the morning we noticed trails of a bear close by camp site. Also the river was full of crocodiles at night. In the dark their eyes were reflecting blue color to torch light.

Trails of bear

The trekker said crocodiles would not attack humans normally. But it is advisable to be extra cautious and get into water as a group.

Upper part of “Manik” Ganga

After having the breakfast at camp site, the adventure was almost complete. We said good bye to our camping companions and decided to visit Kirinda beach few kilometers away from Yala. The sea was bit rough. We were managed to take few snaps.

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As we refreshed ourselves for few hours there we decided to come back to home town keeping the wonderful memories­.

Thanks for reading!!!

Maduru oya National park (මාදුරු ඔය ජාතික වනෝදයානය) is one of four national parks created in Mahaweli Development project. It is situated crossing two districts: Polonnaruwa and Ampara. There are few isolated mountains situated at Maduru Oya national park. Omunugala is the highest of it (513m). Omanugala has a historical back ground. According to Ellawala Medhananda Thero’s description “A beautiful waterfall is seen, and a dam (Avuna) was constructed at the foot of the mountain to direct water. Thus the name Hoya Avuna<Omuna may have come into existence.”

Omunugala peak is shown by black star. Black arrow shows the only approach. Currently this road doesn’t exist. Click map to enlarge.

Historical Background of Omunugala
According Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero Omunugala has a history from Pre Common times. The ruins show its gradual development over considerable centuries. He describes number of ruins at the foot of the mountain. And there are caves from base of the Mountain up to a level little below the summit. One inscription of a cave tells about General Nandimitra (නන්දමිත්රh යෝධයා) of King Dutugamunu. According to the description the largest cave is about 120’ in length.

I have noticed Omunugala in several times: On Dimbulagala, Thoppigala etc. And it must be best viewed from Kandegama rock/ Dhanigala-one of the popular destination of these days. It was a dream for me to climb this mountain/rock as it is situated at a national park. However I was able to resolve permission issue.
Prabath and Chamara came from Colombo and joined with me at Polonnaruwa. As usual we have started the journey early morning and drove up to Aralaganwila. Then we have selected Manampitiya-Aralaganwila road and passed Kandegama wild life office. This road runs through Maduru Oya NP and developed for Dayata-Kirula.
Four wild life officers with a civil defense member also joined with us and it was around 8.00 am when we started the journey.
Omunugala is a range of mountain with two peaks. It is a rock with sheer drop in three sides and can be approached only in one side. (Map reading tells it). It is situated about 2-3km from the main road inside Maduru Oya NP. This 2-3km is an almost plain where we came across number of water streams needed to cross. These water streams drain to NDK Lake. It was something unexpected at dry zone, might be due to heavy rain occurred 1week ago.
This journey was special for wild life officers as none of them have been at this rock before. The civil defense officer was supposed to be the guide but he said he also has been only at old Omunugala village and cave. Actually you can encounter wild Elephants at anytime but they had “Ali Wedi”-අලි වෙඩි. According to them there was an old village closer to this rock and removed after it was declared as a NP. The cave temple was the temple of that village.
First we went to visit at cave but watched it in distance and divert to climb the mountain. This stretch of journey gave us the chance to visit number of ruins and drip legged caves. All these caves situated closer to the base of the mountain. Most of the ruins were destroyed by treasure hunters. There are evidences of recent human activities as well. It was bit difficult to find a place to get on to the rock but eventually we did it. It was surprise to see another water stream pouring from the rock.

View of Omunugala from Dimbulagala (දිඹුලාගල).

View of Omunugala from Dhanigala/Kandegama ( කන්දේගම/ ධානිගල). Photo credit goes to Ashan.

Early morning beginning from Polonnaruwa.

Get blessings from Ayyiyanayaka Dewiyo (අයියනායක දෙවියෝ).

Passing Manampitiya Bridge

Along Manampitiya-Maduru Oya-Maha Oya road. This road runs through Maduru Oya NP.

Along Manampitiya-Maduru Oya-Maha Oya road. This road runs through Maduru Oya NP.

View of Omanugala

Dhanigala / Kandegama mountain range. One of popular destination of these days.

Southern end of Dhanigala range

Starting the journey. Notice the plain where mountain range is situated.

Crossing water streams. These get activated following recent rain.

Sometimes it needed a jump to cross. Sometimes we got into the stream and crossed it.

Maduru Oya NP

Walking along flat area

Omunugala Range

Closer view of Omunugala

Other part of Omunugala range

Poultry is an illegal activity within a NP.

Going around the rock to view the cave.

Omunugala. And this is the plain where ancient Omunugala village was situated. It was removed after establishing NP. Cave is situated closer to right hand side of the rock. Rock can be only approached in left hand side of the photo.

Omunugala cave where temple was situated. We didn’t visit there.

Omunugala cave. Photo credit goes to Chamara.

Crossing a main water stream. It was amazing to see these kinds of water streams at dry zone.

Ruins

Five headed Cobra

Drip legged cave

It was like walking in Great Canyon

I have never been at a place like this.

Finally got on the rock

Finally got on the rock

The upper surface of Omunugala ascended to east and highest point is situated towards east. Initial rock surface was a good view point where we could watch Dhanigala/ Kandegama rock, Maduru Oya-Maha Oya road, NDK Lake (Nagolle Dee Kodiunee), Kamburagala (කබුරාගල), Maduru Oya reservoir, Ulhitiya Mountain (උල්හිටිය කන්ද) , Kokagala (කොකාගල), Pimburaththawa lake (පිඹුරත්තාව වැව) and Dimbulagala. We went through Mana bushes and ended up at a long rock plain where you can pitch about hundred tents. There were some bricks at highest point of Omunugala is telling the story of an old stupa. This side faced towards Narakamulla (නරකමුල්ල) and Thoppigala (තොප්පිගල) area. And we could view the eastern coast as well.

Trying to identify surrounding structures

Good view point

Narakamulla side and Thoppigala popped up just above hills.

Maduru Oya NP. We could observe few Wadi from here. These are evidence of illegal activities inside the park.

NDK Lake. Pimburaththawa Lake is seen bit far.

Kamburagala /Topagala. Kokagala is seen far behind.

Maduru Oya reservoir and Ulhitiya Mountain.

Kind of unknown rock is seen in eastern side.

Going further up….

We kept our track closer to the edge of the rock. There was a Mana growth.

The rocky plain.

Debris of Stupa at the highest point Omunugala.

On top of Omunugala

On top of Omunugala

Macro view

On top of Omunugala. This is a nice camping site.

This water stream originate from Omunugala

I am on top of the mountain

We spent about 2 hours on top of Omunugala. As it was around 4-4.30 pm we expected to come across wild elephants on our way back.
It was bit late when we crossed the plain and surrounding was dark when we reached the road. But it gave an opportunity us to capture nice moments of sun set. It was a day of my dream became true.

Life is uncertain in the forest.

Elephant encounter

Return journey

Captured with sun set.

Captured with sun set.

Evening view

Captured with sun set.

Eranga and Chamara. My travel companion.

Sun set

Sun set is over.

Our work out. If we didn’t visit at Omanugala cave this pathway would be little bit different.

Thanks for reading

Wilpaththu NP (විල්පත්තු ජාතික වන උද‍යානය) is the largest (131, 693ha) and oldest national park in Sri Lanka. It is famous for visiting Leopards and wild bears. Special feature of Wilpaththu NP is having water filled natural lakes-Willus. There are nearly sixty Willus and tanks found through the park.
It has two entrances: Hunugamwila-හුනුගම්විල (main entrance) and Puttalama-Eluwankulama. Puttalama-Mannar road goes through Wilpaththu NP and Eluwankulama park entrance is situated where road goes into the park.
We have reached Puttalama town around 5am and two over night hotels at Puttalama town were awake at that time. We bought our food stuff for breakfast as well as lunch. Our safari jeep was waiting at Puttalama to collect us.
It was freezing cold with wind when we travelled from Puttalama to Eluwankulama by safari jeep. Kala oya was flowing over the road at the park entrance.
Wilpaththu Park was fresh following recent rain and Willus had enough water. We have visited Pallekandal church, Kuweni Palace and Kudiramale point as archeological sites. Safari tracks in Wilpaththu NP have a lot shades compared to Yala NP, though both situated in extreme dry zone in SL. It was not the day to visit Leopards and Bears and we had to satisfy with water birds, Deers and a couple of jackals. We could view few Elephants were feeding at Pomparippu (පොම්පරිප්පු) grassland. The jeep was stopped at two places for breakfast and lunch. Our last place was visit was Kudiramale point (කුදිරමලේ තුඩුව).

Kala Oya is flowing over the road

At Eluwankulama entrance

Good morning Wilpaththu NP

Destroyed with rain

Travelling to Mannar

The Peacock

Directions

Shrine at Pomparippu junction

Getting the aim

Elephants at Pomparippu grassy land. According to our jeep driver this is the common place to visit Elephants in Wilpaththu NP.

Across the road

Pallekandal Church

Roman Catholic shrine for St. Anthony situated at Wilpaththu NP. Though there was a temporary shrine this permanent one was built illegally during past few years. (2013)

Pallekandal Church

Pallekandal Church

Pallekandal Church

Pallekandal Church. Reason for the name Pallekandal is due to nearby grass land of this church.

Back to wild

Jeep tracks have enough shades compared Yala NP.

Filtering of sunrays into the road.

A herd

Lesser Whistling-duck

Going to be a Giraffe??

Lesser Whistling-duck.

Lesser Whistling-duck.

තලගොයා

Cautious….

Lesser Whistling-duck

Painted stroke

Crested Serpent-Eagle

Crested Serpent-Eagle

Tree canopy

Breakfast time

Breakfast time

Little Cormorant (left) and Darter (right)

Willus was captured with internal frame.

Willus is filled with water

Willus is filled with water

Flowers

Painted stroke

Couple of Black-winged Stilt

Willus is filled with water

Peacock

Near wildlife bungalow

Openbill shows colours

Don’t know the name

Couple of Jackals

Close-up

Greenish with blue background

Where we had our lunch-Kumbukvila.

Where we had our lunch-Kumbukvila.

Palace of Kuweni

Palace of Kuweni

Fresh after rain.

Wild Bores

Having grass

A herd

A herd

Kudiramale point (කුදිරමලේ තුඩුව) / Thambapanni (තම්බපණ්ණි)
The place where King Vijaya (විජය රජතුමා) has reached called Thambapanni due to it’s copper colored beaches. It’s old name is Kudiramale (Horse Mountain). It has a great historical value.

Entry point of Kudiramale/ Thambapanni from Puttalama-Mannar road.

Information about Kudiramale Point. Click image to enlarge.

Stepped on copper colored beach.

Baththalangunduwa (බත්තලoගුන්ඩුව) is seen far away.

March on Thambapanni

Thambapanni / Kudiramale point.

Thambapanni / Kudiramale point.

Lonely man on Thambapanni.

Team at Kudiramale Point.

Kudiramale point was an important place in ancient Naval maps.

Sea eagle is showing it’s colours

Sea eagle is showing it’s colours

Ruins of a Hindu temple.

A tomb might be belongs to Muslim saint.

We found this Turtle was floating on the water. For an unknown reason he looks ill.

Team at Kudiramale point.

Kudiramale point.

Bushes at Kudiramale point.

Kudiramale point.

Rock formation is bit unusual here.

Copper coloured beach.

Crossing the road.

A Crocodile is awaiting….

A Couple of White Bellied Sea Eagle

Caravan experience for accommodation
This trip was special for me not only because of the first experience of Wilpaththu NP. We have selected a caravan as our accommodation option here. Caravan concept is fairly new to Sri Lanka but widely used among travelers in western countries.
There different words called Caravan, Motor home and Campervan.

• Motor home: Large berthed vehicle built on a long-wheel base. It usually includes kitchen and bathroom facilities as well as other features typically found in home.
• Caravan: It is generally an unpowered vehicle, pulled/ towed by a powered vehicle. Basically you tow a mobile home or trailer, fully equipped with household accessories and towed behind a vehicle.
• Campervan: A van equipped as a self-contained travelling home, they are normally small than a motor home.
I booked the Caravan through Yoho bed. Later I knew it is parked about 10km away from Eluwankulama town closer to Gange Wadiya (ගගේ වාඩිය). Actually this made our Wilpaththu entering through Eluwankulama entrance. This Caravan is parked at Wilpaththu Nature Resort premises and they are the caretakers of this. The one we booked facilitates for four people.

The caravan we stayed night

Inside the Caravan.

Team in front of the Caravan.

The team infront of the Caravan

A branching stream of Kala Oya. Caravan was faced to this. It was a nice experience to view fishing here during night time.

Kitchen of the Caravan.

Bed room of the caravan.

Having our breakfast outside the caravan.

Thanks for reading

Kaudulla national park probably is the best location to watch elephants in Sri Lanka if you are a big fan. But the exposure given is very much less in my opinion comparing to other national parks.

We left Colombo on 23^rd of December early morning to Kaudulla as planned. Campsite was reserved in advance and all geared up for camping. Me and Thushan left Colombo in my jeep and Aravinda and Laksri joined from Nittabuwa and Narammala respectively. Thushan was a super excited human being at the time as this was his first ever camping trip experience.

We had our breakfast in Kurunagala and was able to reach Kaudulla entrance around 12 noon. Park office seemed like a well-kept place and there were plenty of room and reserved space for visitors to walk around and have their meals as they wish.

Have to mention that the park office personnel were extremely friendly and helpful. It was after more than a month they had people who is on for camping and they looked a bit confused first. We met Mr. Anil, who was the second officer at Kaudulla who explained about the park. I would mention the details we got from him here as it would be helpful for someone who is willing to visit the park for camping.

One can reach Kaudulla by train or by a vehicle. If you are coming in the train, you have to get down from ‘Galoya Handiya’ railway station and Kaudulla park is at a walking distance.

Kaudulla mainly has two campsites and both campsites located somewhat near to the park entrance. One is Olumaluwa campsite. And the other one is located in an island which you need to use paddle boats to reach. You can leave your vehicle at the park entrance car park if you are visiting the second camp. But unfortunately, as per now, Olumaluwa campsite is the only functioning campsite in Kaudulla, as one cannot reach the second campsite in the island due to the malfunctioning and unusable paddle boats. But according to the park officials it is the most exciting campsite in the park! Another thing to note is that both the campsite are likely to get flooded during the rainy seasons so avoid rainy seasons as much as possible.

We left for safari with Madhava (Tracker) after lunch and roamed around for a few hours in the park watching jumbos. Kaudulla basically is a tank other than being a park. You can do a complete safari in Kaudulla in a few hours as there is no larger area to cover. It all depends on the Kaudulla tank and safari season starts when the tank dries up. Jeep tracks are located inside the dried up tank and elephants gather around the water retaining areas giving tourists so many better elephant sightings, sometimes around 300 to 400. In rainy period tank is full and whole area will be covered in water leaving no tracks at all. That will be the off season.

Having a 4wd vehicle will be an advantage here if you are going for safari. It will make your life easy.

Laksri and Aravinda taking a moment to watch these items at the visitor’s area

Kaudulla park office and visitor’s rest area, where we had our lunch.

Passing the entrance and into the park (Sloping gravel road to the right hand side just after the bridge will lead you to the campsite)

Driving along the tracks in the dried up Kaudulla tank. Total treat to the eye seeing a considerable number of old Mitsubishi monsters running all around the park pretty easily.

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A lonely big guy enjoying some fresh herbs while posing for photos and a little herd of elephants with a mischievous junior by the water.

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A complete giant gangster and it chased away others who came in his way and took the crown of the herd.

Accidentally bumped into this one too. Foxy!

After a few hours of driving around, we came to the campsite. Note that no one has been to this campsite in a month, so the access road to the campsite was barely a road but jungle. We had to clear the road and drive through the bushes and trees to our destination. At around 5 p.m we reached our destination, Olumaluwa.

It was located near a dried up water body and the surrounding area was not being cleared proving that it had not been used recently by anyone. Campsite had no larger trees in it hence there was no shading. Elephant footprints were seen all around the campsite. When I asked Madhava about it he pointed at a far end of the nearby lake and showed the big guy having his evening meal. This was his area and Madhava further stated that there is a high chance of seeing him paying a visit to the camp as well. Hahaa!! And during last camping session big guy actually had come around to say hello!

Just love these shaded gravel roads in Kaudulla

Road to campsite. Barely a road but a jungle to drive through

Olumaluwa campsite

Can you spot the jumbo who is in charge of the area Photo was taken from the campsite.

Aravinda and Laksri went with Madhava in search of firewood while me and Thushan set up tents. Biggest issue was to find water as the lake was almost dry.

Dinner was prepared and the campfire was lighted up. It was important to have a fire running all night here as it will help to keep the animals away. Additionally we had a few lanterns around as well. One or two from us rotationally stayed awake in order to do the watchman duty. Big guy was definitely around and we and our tracker, Madhava had no doubt about it after hearing the tiny noises of water splashing caused by something walking in the lake slowly and steadily. Each one had their turn of watching and had to be in full alert as thick dark jungle was surrounding the camp very closely. If anything approached, we wouldn’t have noticed until the last moment due to that reason. Even though I have camped in the wilderness many times before, this happened to be the most exciting and most unpredictable night I have spent in a campsite ever. And hey, that’s the way to go. Otherwise where’s all the fun in camping? Complete isolation in the thick jungle!

You can hear trains running all night from time to time until morning also as railway tracks are located very much through the park itself. It wasn’t a wise idea to stay at the campsite for longer as there was no access to water what so ever. Hence we cleared the area and packed ourselves up in the morning and returned.

.	Waking up to a cold morning

Crew at the entrance

If you feel like you have plenty of time left and there’s nothing to do, there are few options available. Pay a visit to Minneriya park for a safari or Minneriaya tank where you can have a refreshing and a peaceful bath. And again you can drive all the way to Girithale and visit the Wildlife training center and see the Wildlife museum as it is such an interesting place.

Cheers!

My memory goes back to 2009 when we first climbed Great Western Mountain (It was 6^th highest peak). Ashan, Keerthi and Myself climbed this mountain with guidance of Murugan and it was a strenuous hike (That’s why I Ashan mentioned it as once in a life time hike). There was no proper foot path and steepness was high. And the trek is extremely slippery following rain. I still can remember the coldness I faced when I returned back by night mail train alone. I had only a small short trouser and a T shirt to wear as all my clothes were wet. I got into a good shelf at train compartment and tried to sleep with shivering.

Click image to enlarge. Great Western 1:50000 map. It’s height is 2215m.

I am at Great western station 9 years ago

Hiking with aid of guides. I think current foot pathway has bypassed this rock.

Steepness and greenish appearance. No proper foot path.

Two guides and Keerthi-Right hand side. Celebrating his birthday on top of Great Western Mountain.

After successful hike. Back to GW station.

After nine years I wanted to repeat the hike. Now Great Western dropped it’s position to 7^th highest peak of SL due to new comer-Agrabopath/ Kudahagala to 4^th place. After hiking of hundreds of travelers for last nine years a clear path has been created and seems no need a guide to hike Great Western Mountain anymore. I also have grown by age as well as travel experience.

Usually I don’t repeat travel destinations unless there are special reasons. My main objective is to get down to Pundalu Oya side from Great Western peak. I was informed that there are beautiful cascades above famous Dunshinae falls / Pundalu Oya falls which can be traced when getting down from that side. And recently there was a discussion about the actual highest peak of Great Western range. Last time we reached the Peak of Great Western Mountain and this so called highest peak was identified as “Pundalu Oya Kanda.”-පුන්ඩලු ඔය කන්ද (Refer trip report).

Let’s move to our journey:

Plans of the trip was upset since beginning. Trail head starts from the rail track between Great Western and Radella railway stations, more close to GW station. (That’s why everyone includes a picture of GW railway station in their albums)

It can be reached from Great western station and earliest train to reach there is Colombo-Badulla night mail. But we were not able to book it as we planned the trip at last moment. Next available train was mixed train from Peradeniya but it reaches the station between 8.30am-9.00am. As it is quite a late start, I planned to reach trail head by walking along the rail track with initial journey by bus.

Though it is a long weekend we were able to get a seat in a bus from Colombo-Nuweraeliya. Then we transferred to Nuweraeliya-Hatton bus and my plan was to get down at Sommerset junction. Google map reading tells we can reach the rail track by walking 1-2km from Sommerset junction. Unfortunately bus conductor has dropped us about 2km beyond the correct place. As a result we had to follow shortcuts by asking locals to reach the rail track from Radella. It permitted us to enjoy the morning view of Radella. Before we reach the trail head to Great Western Mountain, mixed train passed us indicating we are having a late start.

Getting down beyond 2km from correct place

Uda Radella range is seen behind with Radella cricket ground. Nanu Oya flows

Our target of the day.

Nanu Oya gets water from a branch.

Radella tea

Radella tea

Along estate roads we were able to reach the rail track. I can remember I have used the same short cuts to reach the main road from Radella railway line in waterfall hunting at Hatton-Nanu Oya.

Great Western mountain-7th highest of SL.

View of sacred peak-Sri Pada. Kotagala Kanda is also seen.

Along the rail track to trail head.

Kandy mixed train is coming.

Great Western Mountain.

Kandy mixed train.

Towards the trail head

Though we had fairly late start we were able to reach the top of Great Western Mountain in 2½ hours. It was a continuous ascend till you reach the edge of the mountain except middle flat area. Following that you have to walk along the edge to reach the Peak of Great Western Mountain. Top of the mountain has bushes compared to large trees. There was one water stream on our way up, somewhere middle of the trail. We met a large group of hikers who were having breakfast just before their hike. Then couple of travelers who had an early morning hike and on their way back. First few hundred meters had more steepness compared to middle part of the journey. Middle part has less ascend but under the shade. Again last few hundred meters had steep hike to reach the Peak of Great Western Mountain.

Team except me at trail head. (Keshan-left, Kasun, Nirosh and Nuwan-right)

Shrine at beginning

Clear foot pathway through Mana patch. I think this trail is quite different than what we followed at first time.

View of the rail bend on our way up…

View of the rail way quarters

Seems the area hasn’t received rain for a long time

Time for a click….

It was a continuous ascend since beginning. The track is bit slippery due to dust and dryness.

Peak of and edge of the mountain. First you have to get one the edge and then follow the foot path to reach the peak.

Initial part of the foot pathway.

There were some tags…..

Break at middle part of the trail. This area is fairly flat and water stream was found here.

Foot path through the forest patch. This was a great relief to avoid heat.

Foot path through the forest patch.

Before get on to the edge of the mountain.

Mountainous forest

Mountainous forest

Hiking along the edge of the mountain

Different shapes

බෝවිටියා

Different shapes

Close up…

Great western peak-1

Great Western peak-2.

Looking at the target

There is a moderate ascend along the edge of the mountain to reach the peak

Railway bend

Great Western Mountain has two peaks: Peak-1: Everyone visits there, next to camp site, most popular one and can have a good view including GW railway station.

Peak-2: Highest point of Great Western range, only average number of hikers visit there and it has limited view. But there is a clear pathway till peak-2 and it’s about 45min journey from camp site. There is about 200m difference between two peaks.

(Last time when we visited Great Western Mountain, we reached peak-1 only. Our guides told peak-2 as Pundalu Oya Mountain. Therefore though we identified peak-2 is higher than peak-1, we didn’t try to visit there).

Following mountains and structures can be viewed from Great Western Mountain in a clear day: Piduruthalagala with towers, Uda Radella with towers, Elbedda range, Peaks of Hortain plains-(Thotupala, Kirigalpoththa, Agrabopath), Waterfall point and Conical Hills, Peacock Hills, Mahaweli Maha Seya, Devon Falls, Thalawakele town, Sri Pada, Dell mountain, Kotagala etc.

Someone has raised a white flag at highest point of Great Western Mountain. We have finished all our water when we reached at peak-2 and another set of travelers were kind enough to give some water for us.

And we were lucky enough to capture train with railway line in couple of instances.

Piduruthalagala with towers

Uda Radella with towers

Piduruthalagala and Uda Radella in one frame

View towards Agarapathana side and Elbedda

Elbedda range

Conical Hills and Waterfall point in right hand side. ? Thotupala Kanda in left hand side

Towards Hortain Plains

Something familiar to me. But can’t remember the name.

Thotupala Kanda

Zoomed view of Conical Hills and Waterfall point

Peak-1

Hindu shrine at one view point. Estate workers come here on January 1st.

Trekking along the edge of the mountain to reach peak-1.

View of peak-2 from the edge of GW Mountain.

Zoomed view of Wangi Oya upper division line houses and a play ground

Great Western camp site. Situated next to peak-1. This is one of the highest camp site in SL. (At 2000m level)

On top of peak-1 of Great Western Mountain. Keshan (right) is cutting a cake to celebrate his birthday here. It is interesting I birthday celebrations at both visits to GW Mountain had.

Zoomed

View from peak-1 of Great Western Mountain.

Rest at camp site

View of peak-2 from peak-1.

Another view point and a camp site

Heading to peak-2

Another set of line houses and railway track

Mountainous forest.

රත්මල්

Now peak-1 seen behind

Peacock Hills

බෝවිටියා

More to the highest point

Mahaweli Maha Seya is circled. Peacock Hills is shown by star

Mahaweli Maha Seya.

Devon Falls

Highest point of Great Western Mountain range. A white flag has been raised there.

View of railway line from peak-2

View of railway line from peak-2

View of railway line from peak-2

View of railway line from peak-2

View of railway line from peak-2

Tea factory and another set of line houses

Thalawakele town. Upper Kothmale dam is also seen

Team on top of Great Western Mountain-At peak-2

Great Western Mountain in Google map. Black arrow shows peak-1 (2000m). Red arrow shows the highest point-Peak-2 (2180m)

When we are at highest point of Great Western Mountain.

Getting down to Pundalu Oya side with exploring Upper Pundalu Oya cascades

Our next part of the journey was to getting down to Pundalu Oya side. There was no foot pathway. But it is a continuous descend. We planned to descend under the guidance of Google map. Main challenge was drinking water was out of stock. We all were refreshed by the water given by other group of travelers.

As there was no foot pathway we had to go through bushes. At one point we have noticed a dry water path and we kept our track closer to it. After about 500m we have noticed water at this stream. We were happy a lot and filled our thirsty with fresh water from the stream. This is the beginning of Baby Pundalu Oya. Later it became wide and started to form cascades. We tried to descend closer to Pundalu Oya to view waterfalls and it’s safe to walk parallel to a stream.

We were able to find out three waterfalls above famous Pundalu Oya Falls/ Dunshinae Falls. Therefore I would like to name them as Upper Pundalu Oya falls.

After spending 4hours at thick forest we were able to reach the upper division of Pundalu Oya estate. After the third falls we have deviated from the water stream and follow a foot pathway. There might be some other falls between 3^rd falls and Dunshinae falls, need to be explored.

Getting down closer to the water stream.

Some set of bones found…

Junior Pundalu Oya

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-1

This small waterfall is formed by fresh Pundalu Oya. According to our observation it is about 3-4m tall.

Upper Pundalu Oya Falls-1. Though my water mark is there photo credit goes to Keshan.

Upper Pundalu Oya Falls-1. Though my water mark is there photo credit goes to Keshan.

Upper Pundalu Oya Falls-1. Though my water mark is there photo credit goes to Keshan.

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-2

This is about 10m tall waterfalls formed by Pundalu Oya before Dunshinae Falls. There is a considerable distance between first and second falls.

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-2

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-2

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-2

Compare the height of the fall.

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-3

This fall is situated immediately down to falls-2. It is about 15m in height. One can get these two cascades as a single fall. (Is this the fall mentioned by guides in our previous visit to GW?)

Top of Upper Pundalu Oya falls-3

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-3

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-3

Upper Pundalu Oya falls-3

Compare the height of the fall

There was another 30-45minutes walk to reach a main estate road to get a passenger van. The sky has made beautiful pictures with sunset at Pundalu Oya side. We reached Pundalu Oya town first and hired three wheels to Thalawakele to get a bus to Hatton. We had a day!

Out of wild…

Foot path we came out

Upper Pundalu Oya estate

Upper Pundalu Oya estate

Estate road with a bend.

Line houses

Estate road

Exhausted after a good journey

Sun set….

Nice summer hut…

Sun set

Peacock Hills

Line houses at Upper Pundalu Oya estate

Sun set

At the end of the day.

Thanks for reading

Same as last year we arrange donate school items for rural school. This time we selected Batuhena Primary School in Elehera Bakamuna area for our donation. 81 children & 6 teachers in that school. We arranged school bag , full set of books for 2018 , water bottle , lunch box , other stationery items for each student. Also we arranged to donate sports items for school. We leaved on December 07th midnight & reached Bakamuna at around 6.30 a.m. First we went to friend’s house & he contacted this school for us. We had quick wash there & went to school with him. The school children & their parents warmly welcomed us. They arranged little ceremony & few dancing items from little ones. First the Principle address the meeting & he pointed out from it’s start this school never got outside donation like this. After that little ones showed their talents. We noticed that these kids poor but have good talents. The teachers gave their best to educate these poor kids.

After that most awaited moment came & starts distributing gifts to children. After distributing school items & we gave them pack of sweets. They highly enjoyed it. It’s better to view photos than explain it. Finally we gave gifts for all teachers in the staff.

After donate every thing, we completed another very successful program with lots of happy memories. Around 12.30 p.m we left from school & went to our next destination.

Gifts packed & ready

Batuhena Primary School

Details of the school

Lined up for welcome us

They welcomed us

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Unloading the Gifts

They want to check it & can’t wait

.	Waiting till start

.	The principle addressing

Happy faces

Happy faces everywhere

They showed their talents

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.	Vote of thanks speech by student

Receiving their gifts

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.	Gifts for teachers

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Happy faces everywhere

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Smile in every face

Smile in every face

.	Leaving school premises for 2017

After completed another very successful event we came to Angamedilla National Park. We reserved it’s bungalow for 2 days. First we went to Park office & we met some villagers came to collect “Aliwedi”. They explained their helpless situation regarding threat from elephants. Previous night 7 elephants came to his land & destroyed all the coconut trees. They mentioned that these days they can’t sleep in the night even. This was the common sad situation in theses villages. We came to see elephants in the park but villagers every night see elephants coming to their door step. After produce ID wild life officers issue only 2 “Aliwedi” for each farmer. This was the real picture of these area & which we never seen or can’t imaging.

After share their details we went to the bungalow. Friendly 2 staff members there & they informed us very little visitors for this park. Remain few hours we spent leisurely & went to sleep early.

Next day morning we went to see “Raja Bemma”. It situated other side of the Park entrance. To visit there people have to get permission from park office. They informed us from previous night elephants there & be watchful. It was nice place & can see remains of ancient “Raja Bemma”. We got instructions from bungalow staff not to bath there due to high water level. Also they told us lots of crocodiles there & later we saw 2 of them. We spent nearly one hour there & decided to walk to the forest along with the river. Walking in the National Park was prohibited by the law. Also there was a danger but we took the chance. After walking couple kilometers we found the name board of “Wasgamuwa National Park”. We walked further to the forest using elephant path. It was nice journey & finally came to the river. We turn back from there & came back to bungalow.

We quickly took our lunch & prepare for safari tour in the park. There was only 1 safari jeep in this park & it contacted by bungalow staff for us. Around 2.30 p.m we started our journey & mainly large number of deer’s we saw. Luckily we met the huge jumbo in the park. He was very dangerous one & not familiar to people. Our guide arrange “Aliwedi” to tackle the situation. After some time he left from the road & went to the forest. They told that there were nearly 100 elephants can see in the park but we saw only 2 of them.

Next day morning after having our breakfast we left from “Angemedilla Park” & left to Polonnaruwa. Around 9.00 a.m we came to Polonnaruwa & we visit to see ruins. We spent couple of time to see ruins & Gal Viharaya. Lunch for us prepared in Hingurakgoda friend’s house & we left from Polonnaruwa to Hingurakgoda.  After having good time there we started our return journey. Around 7.30 p.m we came to back to home.

We completed another memorable journey with lots of happy memories.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

Angamedilla National Park

On the way to park

Entrance to the park

Villager came to collect “Aliwedi”

Entrance to Bungalow

Park Bungalow

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.	“Debara Gotaya”

“Raja Bemma” – Angamedilla

Entrance

Inside the park

.	Nice view point on the tree

Remains of “Raja Bemma”

High water level

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Views from top

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.	Entrance to the “Wasgamuwa National Park

Left from previous traveler

Walking on the elephant pathway

Try to lift this

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Angamedilla Anicut

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.	We met this huge jumbo

.	Only this safari jeep for the park

Came to the Parakkrama Samudraya

Another jumbo waiting

.	Fishing boats

.	Mahaiyawa Wewa in the park

.	Bungalow Staff

Polonnaruwa Ruins

“King Parakkramabahu’s Palace”

“Pond”

“Raja Saba Mandapaya”

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.	Gal Viharaya

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.	Stupaya on the “Hingurakgala”

Sangamittha Perahera at Dambulla

One of our relative every year offer “Dhanaya” for  “Kudumbigala Aranya”. For this trip he is taking large number of people. In this trip every person has to wear white cloths & observe “Dasa Sil” under his guides.  This time he joined 45 people for this trip. On this trip he donates water bottles ,king coconut &  food items to another 3 temples also. Lorry used for carry all these goods.13th Friday midnight we start our journey & first we went to “Kithul Kote Aranya”. From there we had our breakfast & most of the people in our team took “Dasa Sil”. Next we went to “Tharulengala Viharaya”. We took our lunch before 12 noon & went to see ruins in the mountain. Longest Lena in Sri Lanka situated in here. Our plan was visiting some important places on this way , but our plan was changed. Our lorry broke down & we have to hire another lorry from there. It took long time to unloading / loading process & around 4.30 p.m we reached to “Kudumbigala Aranya”. Before getting dark we carry water bottles , king coconuts & pirikara up to the “Dhana Shalawa” on the mountain.

From the night we start prepare of “Heel Dhanaya” & “Dahawal Dhanaya”. On next day morning around 5.15 a.m we carried the “Dhanaya” for monks. Around 7.00 a.m we visit to “Akasa Chaitya”. We had good time there & had amazing views of whole area. We came back & again carried “Dhahawal Dhanaya” around 10.15 a.m. After return back around 12 noon we had our lunch there. After that we packed our goods & ready for return journey. On that way we went to Panama Viharaya , Maninaga Pabbatha Viharaya & Muhudu Maha Viharaya. We donate water bottles , king coconuts & food items for these temples. After visiting all above places we started our return journey. We came back home around 2.00 a.m on 16th Monday. We finished another memorable trip with different type of experience.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

Kithul Kote Aranya – Thanamalwila

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.	Monks returning after having “Pindapatha”

Tharulengala Viharaya – Hulannuge

.	Ruins of “Dageba”

Ruins of building

“Sellipiya”

Steps to the mountain

Having “Dhahawal Dhanaya”

Another “Sellipiya”

Wewa seen from distance

Buddha Statue

“Wedda Paintings”

Another Lena

Ladder – Support for climb difficult part

.	Views inside the longest Lena

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Kudumbigala Aranya

Details of the Aranya

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Stupaya near the Entrance

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“Bodhiya”

Path to the top

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Path between two rocks

“Maha Suddarshana Lena”

.	Inside the Vihara Geya

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“Stupaya”

.	“Akasa Chaitya” seen from distance

Steps to top

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.	“Stupaya” on the rock

.	Ruins of another “Stupaya”

Ruins of another “Stupaya”

Views from top

Morning views from top – around 7.00 a.m

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Surrounding views

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