We all gathered near to the Pettah railway station at 4.00am and the bus left around 4.15am. We stopped the bus for breakfast after passing the Ratnapura and again we stopped the bus at Pambahinna junction to buy lunch packets. After that we came near to the Kalupahana junction by 11am and we started to walk from there to the 3rd mile post. All bags and tents were transported by three-wheelers separately and all the participants were able to come to the 3rd mile post within 40 minutes. After that we met our friendly guide Mr Ranjith and he was carried our heavy weighted tents and the rest of 6 tents were carried by the participants. We stopped at the bridge where we met the only water source during the journey at the base of Wangedigala trail. We had lunch over there and got refreshed by washing our faces. And then we started our trek at 12.30pm. Ranjith guided the journey and our members were located at the beginning and at the end.
We use the mud road as it is close to the pines forest. We took the first break at the famous stone at the pines forest. We saw the dried Bambarakanda waterfall and hidden Lanka waterfall clearly. After that we started our journey again. This route is the closest and easiest route to Wangedigala as we can go to the top quickly. However we came to the top of the Wangedigala around 3.30pm. And then Ranjith went as we hired him only for the Wangedigala. Before he leave he showed the dying water stream to Tony and our guys where it was located at the closed horse track. That was a small water stream and it takes 10-15 minutes to fill a 1Litre bottle. But in the evening our guys were able to create a dam over there by covering a raincoat and collect the water.

After the all participants came to the camping area we were started to build our tents. Finally we build 8 camping tents at the Wangedi Plains where we can see a 180 degree view towards Haputale, Idalgashinna, Devils Staircase and Horton Plains. That day is a luck day because there wasn’t any rain and there were billions of stars. The environment goes dark slowly and our guys create the massive camping fire 100ft away from the camping area. That fire was about 6ft tall and we grab many woods and pines leaves. By 7.30pm we all gathered around the camping fire and light up it. Some guys went to Wangedigala and spent some time with the stars and the darkness.

By 9.30 we all went to the respective tents and all the girls were located to two scout tents. We all had our dinner and went to sleep by 10pm. We had a good time during the night and some were waked up at 2am to see the stars falling/rain. By 5.30am we waked up and one by one went to see the dam and were surprised by seeing the water. There were enough water to wash our body too and one guy had a bath too. And some were gone to the jungle to catch rabbits too.

On the way to 3rd Milepost

At a bend

Observing the guests

Preparing to the adventure

Village Beauty

at the 3rd milepost

We are ready to the trek

Giving an introduction to the journey

We started it

Getting closer to the water stream

Moving to the jungle trek

The old bridge

Strcuked at the Mud area

jungle path

Small rest at the jungle path

Dried Bambarakanda girl

Beautiful Flowers

Entering to the Pines patch

Along the Pines forest

Resting place

We are on the track

First Group photo at the common resting place at Pines forest

Along the journey

Its time to a selfie

Resting

Resting

Resting

Trek is again started

The Wangedigala peak

Wangedigala peak zoomed

Came to the top of Wangedigala

Moving to the Camping area

Searching the path

Old is Gold

We prepared the Tents

We prepared the Tents

We prepared the Tents

Wangedikanda at the behind

A billion star hotel

Preparing the giant fire camp

Our Night Lamp

Plain at the top of Wangedigala

We build 8 tents

Making the dam from the little water source

Dam is ready for tomorrow morning use

Fire Camp Started

Fire at the bottom & Billions of Stars at the top

Tony in action

Just singing songs

Second Group photo at the night

Lovely capture

Haldummulla Beragala Area at Night

We had our breakfast and started Gommoli trek by 8.30. We reached to the Wangedi Kanda with in half hours and came to the Balathuduwa Mountain by 12.30pm. However there was a rain at Balathuduwa and due to the time and darkness we decided to get down from Balathuduwa to Wangeduigala base. As we didn’t carried our bags to this journey we were had our lunch which is similar to breakfast at camping site. After that we started to descend the Wangedigala at 2.30 pm and all participants reached to the Bridge by 5.30pm and had a cool bath over there. After that we all went to the Kalupahana junction by three-wheelers and came to Colombo by 1am on Monday.

All together there were 35 participants including with 2 participants over 55 year old. They are Tony and Ranjith who performed the whole journey without any help or any problem. Further there were 8 participants who had their first night camping experience from this journey. Wangedigala is a good place for camping and trekking as it gives a beautiful view over the mountains. Further we noticed that the old horse track which is closed 10 years ago is still in good condition to try a bike ride to the top of wangedigala. We met a person and he said that the road will start from 1.5km before the Kalupahana junction but there were some landslides at past hence this road closed. Because he is the person who carried “Mayim Kanu” to the top of Wangedigala by his Van 10 years ago.
We as the SOBASIRI TEAM, not doing these kind of events for money. We just join others to our own trip and give them a chance to feel the adventure, night camping and forest surviving experiences. We only collect some money from each participant for the transportation, and for the tents. Hence the cost per head is about Rs.1, 500/-. SOBASIRI TEAM is a five of people and we always highly care about the participants, there are two our members will take the lead and another 2 our members will come from the back and they will help to the people who get tired and further they will encourage the participants who is getting slow. And the other members will be at the middle of the journey to check whether all the people are in line with the journey. Before the journey we send an email to all the participants mentioning the nature of the journey and about the foods, water, bathing etc. and strictly not allowed liquor. Tony aiya (senior Lakdasun member) was participated for two of our events and he will witness for us.
Facebook – Travel in Sri Lanka-Sobasiri

Early Morning

Refreshin at the morning

Early morning

Moments of the Sunshine

Moments of the Sunshine

Moments of the Sunshine

Moments of the Sunshine

Moments of the Sunshine

Moments of the Sunshine

This is called feel the life

Morning Beauty

Priceless place

Devil’s Staircase and Ohiya side

Collecting water from the Dam

Feel the nature at a priceless place

Our destinations of the day, Left Balathuduwa Right Gommoliya

We at the top of Wangedikanda

Wangedi Kanda

Leading the path

To the Balathuduwa

On the way to Balathuduwa

Entering to the Forest of Balathuduwa

Pines Patch

Camping site at Balathuduwa

Along the forest

Bambarakanda Area

At Balathuduwa

On the way to Balathuduwa

Thick Forest

Balathuduwa bend

Non Pariel side

Trees in White background

Came out from the Balathuduwa forest

Final Group photo at Balathuduwa

Year and Month	2016 Octomber 30th
Number of Days	One
Crew	Two-Chamara and My self
Accommodation	Not applicable
Transport	Bus, Three wheel and climbing
Activities	Hiking, Sightseeing and Photography
Weather	Excellent
Route	Colombo->Kandy->Ududumbara (උඩුදුම්බර) ->Uda Iluka (උඩඉලුක)->Velangolla Pathana (වෙලන්ගොල්ල පතන) ->Medakelle (මැද කැලේ)->Lihinikatiya (ලිහිනිකැටිය)->Batumulla (බටුමුල්ල)-> Udaththawa (උඩත්තාව)->Udawela (උඩවෙල) ->Hasalaka->Kandy->Colombo
Tips, Notes and Special remark	Start the journey in early morning. Threewheel charges from Ududumbara to Uda Iluka is varied. Average is Rs 800. Carry at least 2l per person. There are no water sources after the one at Mana patch till you get down to Udaththawa. Can’t recommend of approaching to water sources at Velangolla Pathana as elephants are roaming. Still this area is clean. Don’t pollute. It is better watch elephants from far. Velangolla Pathana is a nice place for camping. But be cautious about elephants. There is a significant drop to Medakelle side. But can go down through Mana bushes. This is not something to promote visiting wild elephants. It is a risky activity and you must have an escape plan in a case if an elephant chase you.
Related Resources	Back to Yahangala
Author	Niroshan and Chamara
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Searching Jumbos at Velangolla Pathana (1020m) Some photographs belong to Chamara Perera.

This was our back to back visit to Velangolla Pathana in order to view elephants. It was kind of a rare incident to watch elephants at high attitude. We have seen an elephant on Velangolla Pathana on our way to climb Yahangala. It was seen far and we have noticed it was not moving much. We were so curious on watching this elephant and planned a separate journey to visit the elephants at Yahangala Pathana.
But it was only Chamara and myself on the day of visiting Velangolla Pathana. As usual we started the journey early morning and reached Ududumbara. We had our breakfast from Ududumbara and hired a three wheeler to reach the trail head to Velangolla Pathana. We were familiar to the environment due to recent visit.
Chamara and myself reached Velangolla Pathana in 1hour time. Surrounding was bit gloomy compared to our Yahangala visit.
Velangolla Pathana spreads on right side of Yahangala. Basically it is covered with grass and Mana bushes. It is not a flat plateau. Velangolla Pathana has less tall trees except the mana patch. Our plan was to get down to Udawela side from Pathana and reach Hasalaka.

Yahangala becomes an acceptable tourist attraction

Following rituals before enter the forest. Photo belongs Chamara

On the way to Velangolla Pathana-Garandigala at back drop

At Velangolla Pathana. Two man team with back drop of Yahangala. Photo belongs to Chamara.

Get blessings from Gale Bandara Dewiyo. Photo belonges to Chamara.

View of Kehelpothdoruwegala from Velangolla Pathana

View of Knuckles peaks from Velangolla Pathana. Click credit goes to Chamara.

View of Balalgira from Velangolla Pathana. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Paddies of Uda Iluka. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Moving on Velangolla Pathana.

We always kept our path at the edge of Pathana to view the drop. Last time we have noticed the elephant at the middle of Pathana. We have passed small Pinus patch and reached almost flat grassy area. Suddenly we noticed an elephant at a drop with 15-20m gap. We were nervous and started to run back. But when we looked back we saw the elephant was also running away from us. It made to stop us and move towards the elephant. The elephant gradually hided into tree cover and we could see another one with this elephant.

We always kept our path along the edge of right hand side of Pathana.

Nice cross section of Velangolla. It shows the step ladder way of climbing Yahangala.

This shows our pathway along Velangolla Pathana.

The view towards Uda Iluka.

Chamara is enjoying the view.

Velangolla Pathana and Yahangala.

Velangolla Pathana and Yahangala

It was kind of a gloomy weather.

Foot pathways from Kalugala to reach Velangolla Pathana. We used one of these to descend in 2010.

Velangolla Pathana.

Velangolla Pathana. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Different appearance of Yahangala

At the edge

Pinus patch

Most beautiful section of Velangolla Pathana

Most beautiful section of Velangolla Pathana

Velangolla Pathana

Velangolla Pathana

Fresh elephant dung

Passing a small peak at Velangolla Pathana

Looked back…..

Typical plateau. This area is good for camping.

Typical plateau. This area is good for camping.

The descend of Pathana where we assumed to have elephants. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Coming across jumbo…… The elephant is also running away from us. Click credit goes to Chamara

The elephant is moving away from us… Click credit goes to Chamara.

Under the cover of trees. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Under the cover of trees. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Click credit goes to Chamara

The elephant roaming at Velangolla Pathana. Third encounter. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Second one out of three. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Hope these elephants have enough food and water at this Pathana.

Then we moved further and reached the other end of Pathana. Velangolla Pathana gradually connects with the low land from this side. On the other side we saw a
Chena with a small house. But there was a huge drop where we wanted to get down. We looked for a foot pathway to reach this Chena but it was not successful. Then we decided to get down through Mana bushes at the drop to reach Chena.

Nearby lake at Batumulla side. Photographed by Chamara Perera.

18 hair pin bends / photographed by Chamara Perera.

The drop to Batumulla side. Photographed by Chamara Perera.

The drop to Udaththawa side.

Pathana gradually connects with low land from this end.

Pathana gradually connects with low land from this end.

View of Yahangala and Kehelpothdoruwegala with Velangolla Pathana.

Incidental capturing….

Getting down through Mana patch

Mana and Velangolla Pathana

Where we were…..

This Chena belongs to Kiri Banda Mama (කිරි බණ්ඩා මාමා) who is 86years old. He lives here with her disabled daughter. They asked us to stop for “Kahata”/කහට but we politely refused it and got directions to Batumulla where we can get a bus. It was almost a descend from there to Batumulla. By one and half hour we reached Batumulla. We had a small wash from Batumulla hospital and hired a threewheel to Hasalaka.

The Chena at Medakelle

Reaching Chena

Posed for group photo. Belongs to Chamara Perera.

Small road named by his name.

Crossing the bridge

Map reading: Click to enlarge. Blue star shows our start from Uda Iluka. Black star shows Velangolla Pathana. Red star shows Medakelle village where we descend.

Thanks for reading

This was the second time I camped at Mahaeliya (Horton Plains). We started our journey from Colombo by Podi Manike train. Our crew was eight with three Boys and five girls. Train journeys always made me happy, Since we have reserved our tickets early we got managed to travel to Ohiya without any disturbance. some foreign friends there. We made Train arrived to Ohiya with half an hour delay. We got our Lunch at Ohiya. Than 11 KM Journey was by three wheeler.

Waruna – one of our travel mates got a chance to drive the three wheeler as well. That was the first time in his life, he drove a three wheeler. However, we managed to be at the main entrance around 4.00. After checking our backpacks, we went to the place we have planned to stay that night.

Famous bathalegala (Bibles rock)

Podi menike on the way

ON THE WAY

On the way

On the way

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After setting up tents we had a quick discussion what to do cause it was already late. We asked from others and they wanted to see the world end So we left the campsite with our lighting equipment. The walk was so slow at the beginning. If got late we had few challenges . There were leopards as well. With the discussions we got managed to visit Bakers fall though it was bit dark. Then we rushed towards WE anyway. And again, there was no one around and park was so lonely place at that time. we had a nice scenery of the Samber family. They were climbing a small mountain. She was red with the background that was awesome scenery we regret so much that we left our cameras back. We had a feeling that we have lost our way, but we had that gut feeling that we are following the correct path. So far were travelling like few small teams. Finally, we reached the world’s end that was the real worlds end feeling. lights were on in below cities. I can’t describe that feeling, it was fantastic. We returned to the campsite without any harm before it got too dark still it was so adventurous, Once we heard one animal moving in the jungle so closely.

The Valley

The site

View from the site

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At world’s end

World’s end at dusk

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Then we went to the campsite and had our dinner. as usual reason was the cook, Waruna me and Wasana also joined with him to finish the stuff, cause we knew we had to sleep before it get cold around.Waruna, rashan and myself slept in one tent and other two tents were for five girls.The next day we returned to Colombo with adventures and awesome memories. And photo credits must go to Waruna and Wasana

Dinner is being prepared

Morning view

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Breathtaking

The team

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In 2013 I did a grand tour around Thissamaharama and Kataragama and this year I thought of extending it further away towards Hambanthota. In this report I have focused on few places I haven’t visited already. As usual I left early morning and reached Bandagiriya to start off my day.

Map around Bandagiriya – click to enlarge

Map around Hambanthota – click to enlarge

Map around kirinda and thissa – click to enlarge

Map around kataragama – click to enlarge

• Bandagiriya
• Yahangala
• Lanka Salt factory
• Martello tower and light house
• Leonard wolfs old quarters
• Gallows
• Hambanthota cemetery – Englebretch tomb
• Andare’s tomb
• Veheragala aranya
• Wilpita rmv / Nadigamwila rmv
• Dalada viharaya kirinda
• Talaguru hela
• Bembawa
• Yala magul maha viharaya
• Maha naga rmv
• Kanda suridu gama cave temple
• Sella waturuwa RMV

Bandagiriya (  6°14’26.56 “N  81° 8’41.37″E)

Few Km’s after passing Mattala I reached a turn off towards Bandagiriya tank. By the side of the road is a rocky plateau with two pagodas on top of it. The top provides some stunning scenery of Hambanthota area. There were few caged inscriptions in the vicinity too.

wow what a sight

steps towards Bandagiriya

inscription

ancient steps

Bandagiriya tank

new and old

huge tank

Yahangala (  6°13’7.55″N  81° 9’55.81″E)

From Bandagiriya I took the road towards Pallemalala and few Km’s before Pallemalala junction I came across Yahangala archeology site. The site was well maintained and the two pagodas provided some lovely photographs.

Yahangala archeology site

kema

ruins

yahangala

a pagoda

the 2nd one

Lanka Salt factory (6° 8’32.11″N 81° 8’28.37″E)

My next stop was at Lanka salt factory though I had been to the salt plant / factory in 2009 Nirosh insisted me to have a look around and I warmly accepted that offer. For me the most interesting artifact was the salt train which was used many decades back.

salt at the salterns

inside the factory

the product

this was used to bring salt in to the factory

Martello tower and light house (  6° 7’19.23″N  81° 7’37.16″E)

Martello tower is a short and unique defensive tower used by the British and to reach it one needs to take the rest house road. The old light house is also located few feet away.

Martello tower

entrance

inside it

light house

Leonard wolfs old quarters (  6° 7’21.02″N  81° 7’41.73″E)

From the Martello tower we headed towards the coastal line and came across famous Leonard wolfs quarters which is now a museum. We opted not to visit the museum.

Leonard wolfs old quarters

side view

Gallows (  6° 7’18.37″N  81° 7’48.22″E)

From the museum we headed towards the pointed land plot adjoining the walking path where the remains of the Hambanthota gallows could be seen. As I heard only 5 convicts (mainly 1818 rebellions) were hanged at this point.

hambanthta gallows

Hambanthota

Hambanthota cemetery – Englebretch tomb (  6° 7’38.37″N  81° 7’33.89″E)

Next stop was the catholic cemetery close to the bus stand of Hambanthota.

Henry Engelbrecht, the first game warden of Sri Lanka’s most famous Yala national park was a Boer Prisoner of War who tended the sanctuary for 21 long years with great devotion. It was in search of the camps where he and some 5,000 others like him who had been shipped here from South Africa had been interned that Britisher Robin Woodruff first came to Sri Lanka four years ago

Englebretch tomb

zoomed

Andare’s tomb (  6°10’35.12″N  81° 9’49.83″E)

After saying good bye to Nirosh I headed towards Udamalala junction of Thissa road. There is a statue of Andare so it’s easily identifiable. Take the road until you reach Kuda wewa and get directions from locals. The tomb of the famous comedian of ancient sri lanka lies close to the lake where he fell dead.

tomb of andare

kuda wewa

where he fell dead

some ruins

Andare statue

Veheragala aranya (  6°11’23.51″N  81° 9’2.28″E)

After visiting Andare’s tomb I headed further along the road until I reached a lovely hermitage where a pagoda could be found on top of a rock. There are lots of ruins scattered around and there were well refurbished drip ledged caves.

path to Weheragala Aranya senasanaya

top of weheragala

new pagoda on weheragala

a kema

Shrub forest of hambanthota

steps towards the ancient pagoda

cave at Weheragala

Wilpita rmv / Nadigamwila rmv (  6°13’48.63″N  81°17’18.93″E)

From Weerawila I took the Debarawewa road and just before reaching the bridge across Kirindi oya there was a sharp acute elbow turn on the main road. I took the road towards the right and went parallel to the river until I reached Wilpita ancient temple which was about 6Km’s away from the main road. There was a huge restored pagoda and many ruins of ancient buildings in the temple premises. It is believed to be done by King Mahanaga

Nedigamwila RMV

ruins

click to enlarge

Dalada viharaya kirinda (  6°13’14.53″N  81°19’52.24″E)

From Wilpita I headed towards Kirinda and just before reaching Kirinda – Thissa road I noted a name board of temple on the left and decided to pay a visit. At this temple there is a small restored pagoda and few monoliths scattered around.

Pagoda at kirinda dalada viharaya

siri pathul gala

Talaguru hela & Nimalawa Monastery (  6°14’2.17″N  81°20’38.98″E)

From Kirinda I took off towards Yala junction and headed along Palatupana road until I came across Nimalawa road. 1.5Km along Nimalawa road one would come across the entrance to Nimalawa aranya. But unfortunately no one is allowed to head to the monastery other than 11am to 1pm period. Somehow I got permission to visit the nearby rocky Thanaguru hela where a pond, few steps and caves could be seen. More ruins were in the vicinity but was covered by shrub forest.

road towards Nimalawa

wild boars at Nimalawa

Talaguru hela

a stairway and an inscription

read if you can

a kema

view from the top

a cave at thalaguru hela

a moonstone

Bembawa (  6°17’16.94″N  81°23’11.64″E)

Next I went towards Yodakandiya and took the Kirinda – Sithulpauwa forest route until I came across the wild life gate of Yala. The DWC gate and the office lie on an archaeology site with an ancient pond and some ruined buildings.

Bembawa archaeology site

pagoda

more ruins

Yala magul maha viharaya (  6°18’14.39″N  81°24’0.28″E)

Few Kilometers after entering the park the Sithulpauwa road goes through a vast archeology site called Yala magul maha Viharaya. This hermitage is a branch of Sithulpauwa temple and it’s believed to be the site where King Kavanthissa & queen Vihara maha devi tied the knot. The pagoda is a restored one and one cave has been modified as an image house. There are many caves in the vicinity but didn’t have time to explore. An interesting shadow of Queen Vihara maha devi could be seen on the huge rock in the premises. The lovely caretaker was very kind to offer me a tea and some biscuits at the temple. (Kaluarachchi is the caretaker at the site (0779733239))

Yala magul maha viharaya

restored

a cave

main image house

another cave

inside a cave

original doorway

Queen Vihara maha devis imprint

unique inscription seen on the clay wall

serene location

the view

Maha naga rmv/ Yodakandiya temple (  6°15’34.99″N  81°18’34.87″E)

After returning back to Yodakandiya I came across a road side temple at the eastern edge of the Yoda wewa tank. There are some ruins in the temple but the most interesting finding was the two  cobra headed guard stones. Close to the temple gate one could get down and reach below the bridge which the B422 runs. I accidently noted the ancient sluice gate of Yoda wewa. It’s really surprising to find such a structure just below a bridge which millions of devotees pass by.

Yoda wewa

evening shift

ruined image house

a statue

found at yoda kandiya temple

cobra

ancient sluice gate of yoda wewa

Kanda suridu gama cave temple (6°23’27.15″N 81°18’32.95″E)

From Thissa I took the Kataragama road (B259) and on the way at Kanda suridu gama I came across a road side cave temple. There was an inscription pillar at the site too.

long cave

katarama

Kanda suidu gama Gal len viharaya

an inscription

Sella wathuruwa RMV (6°26’25.62″N 81°17’27.12″E) 

Next stop was Sella Kataragama, passing the Sella kataragama maha vidayalaya we came across a road to the left which took us towards Wathuruwa temple. There were ruins of many buildings and an inscription pillar belonging to King Nisshankamalla era.

After enjoying a hectic and extensive traveling day I headed home via buttala to plan my next trip to Ambalanthota.

pagoda at Waturuwa RMV Sella (a privet donation)

lovely

inscription pillar

ruins of a building

pagoda

Click to enlarge

After my last two visits to Thanamalwila and Hambanthota I decided to head further south towards Ambalantota.

1. Ussangoda
2. Ramba viharaya
3. Gangarama rmv
4. Walawe ganga estuary
5. Pulinathalaramaya
6. Giri hadu temple
7. Therapuththa rmv
8. Rangiri viharaya
9. Galankuttiwala rmv
10. Uchawalika Temple
11. Veheragodella Temple
12. Wilgam rmv
13. Punyawardanaramaya
14. Gallavila rmv
15. Galenda rmv
16. Godawaya rmv

Ussangoda (  6° 5’55.49″N  80°59’10.54″E)

My first stop was Ussangoda plain which is believed to be a part of Ravanas legend. Since it was the rainy season the colours produced some stunning scenery

welcome to Ussangoda

ground zero

wow	note the coastal line

fishery harbour

Ramba viharaya  (  6°11’42.92″N  80°56’57.91″E)

From Nonagama I took off towards Ramba vehera (A18) which is about 8km’s from Nonagama. This extensive archaeology site needs about 2 hours to properly explore and there were many buildings which were restored. This is believed to be done during King Maha Naga’s era.

Ramba viharaya

ruins at Ramba viharaya

a statue

a guard stone

one out of many buildings

elephant carvings

a moon stone

more buildings

Gangarama rmv (  6° 6’15.15″N  81° 0’39.70″E)

After passing Nonagama village guest house I came across a road to the right which took me to the beach. After meeting a 3way junction I took the left turn and ended at Gangaramaya temple. There is an image house with an ancient “Pirith mandapaya” in it where Kandyan era paintings could be seen and the floor of it had square clay tiles. The head priest also mentioned about a similar “pirith mandapaya” at Kassagala.

Gangarama rmv image house

lovely mandapaya at Gangarama rmv

kandyan era paintings

kandyan era

survived a tsunami

a chamber

flow tiles

Walawe ganga estuary

From the temple I entered to the beach and headed towards the Walawe ganga estuary which is a scenic location. Please don’t consider getting in to the water at this point because there are many man eating crocs (even the fisherman fear them)

southern coast

livelihood

where the river meets the ocean

walawe river

Pulinathalaramaya (  6° 6’12.38″N  81° 0’17.75″E)

From Gangaramaya I returned back to the 3way junction and took the other road and ended up at Pulinthalaramaya. Here also an image house could be found. The lower level paintings have been damaged due to the tsunami but the upper paintings still could be visualized. These paintings belong to the Kandyan era.

pulinathalaramaya image house

paintings at image house

more

and more

what remains

head priest

Giri hadu temple (  6° 7’22.26″N  81° 1’12.33″E)

Just before the bridge of Walawe river at Ambalanthota one would come across a road side ancient temple where few monoliths could be seen. This is said to be done by King Kavanthissa and “Kesha dathu” of lord Buddha could be found in this pagoda.

Giri hadu temple

ruins

Therapuththa rmv (  6° 6’43.54″N  81° 1’6.17″E)

From Ambalanthota town I took the road in front of Ridiyagama road and reached Therapuththa temple. Where and interesting inscription and many ruins could be found. (This temple relates historically to the giant called Therapuththabaya)

pagoda at therapuththa rmv

පා දොවනයක්

inscription at therapuththa rmv

pillars

Rangiri viharaya (  6° 7’37.28″N  81° 1’19.72″E)

After returning back to the town I took the road which starts at the post office and ended up at an ancient temple. There were few ruined statues and huge monoliths in the temple premises plus a huge flower alter.

Rangiri viharaya awasa geya

pagoda

remains of a statue

statue at Rangiri viharaya

random pillars

කිරල

Galankuttiwala rmv (  6° 8’3.16″N  81° 1’29.98″E)

I returned back to the town to take the Beragama road and after about 2Km’s I reached this ancient temple where few scattered ruins could be found.

galankuttiwala rmv

a pillar

Uchawalika temple (  6° 8’58.67″N  81° 0’39.20″E)

From Galankuttiwala I headed back to Ridiyagama road and proceeded towards Ridiyagama until I came across an archaeology board directing towards Uchawalika temple. At this temple a ruined image house with a broken statue and a restore pagoda could be found.

direction board

new pagoda at uchchawalika

ruins of an image house

another building

ancient pagoda

Veheragodella temple (  6° 9’56.97″N  81° 0’59.53″E)

From Uchawalika I headed towards Bolana and just before Bolana School I took the Koggalla road. 1km from this junction Veheragodella temple could be found. At this temple few scattered ruins and a broken statue could be found.

pagoda at veheragodella

statue at weheragodella

image house in ruins

Wilgam rmv (  6° 9’37.41″N  81° 2’33.98″E)

Passing Veheragodella I headed towards Beragama. At Beragama with the guidance of locals I took the post office road until I reached the ancient temple of Wilgam. At this temple few ruined buildings could be found. There was also a broken statue.

pagoda at Wilgam rmv

korawak stone

steps

a building

broken statue

well preserved

Punyawardanaramaya (  6° 9’25.54″N  81° 2’6.75″E)

Continuing along the above said road will take one towards another small temple where few scattered ruins and an ancient pagoda could be found.

pagoda at Punyawardanaramaya

a statue

old pagoda

Gallavila rmv (  6° 8’58.67″N  81° 3’14.56″E)

From Punyawaradanaramaya I headed south to take the Beragama road. When the Beragama road ended at a 3way junction (close to Beragama tank) I took a right turn and again took a left turn to reach an ancient temple in the region where a restored pagoda plus a caved image house could be found.

gallavila temple

cave image house at galvila

pagoda at gallavila

siripatul rocks

Galenda rmv (  6° 7’42.70″N  81° 2’45.54″E)

I returned back on Beragama road until I reached the junction where I entered Beragama road after visiting Punyawaradanaramaya. I headed towards A2 on this road and about 1Km before reaching the main road I came across another ancient temple. Few scattered ruins and two lovely guard stones could be found at this temple.

Gal enda RV – kuda bolana temple

a lovely guard stone

ruins

Godawaya rmv (  6° 6’32.07″N  81° 3’4.60″E)

At Dehigahalanda School (On A2) I took a road towards the south and reached the ancient temple of Gothapabbatha. Since the road was under construction had to take few byroads in the process of reaching it. It is believed that King Kavanthissa’s farther Gotabaya did this temple and there is an interesting inscription mentioning that taxes should be donated to the temple which was earned by the ancient Godawaya fort. In the nearby ocean many artifacts and many submerged ships have been identified.

Godawaya pagoda

ancient port of magampura

historical inscription

a building in ruins

urinal stone

mal asanaya

In this journey my main navigation tool was Google maps because most of these temples were mapped properly on it. So I recommend Google maps if you attempt on visiting these temples. This would be the last report by me from southeast Sri Lanka for a while.

This is a waterfall visiting from Halpe to Belihuloya. This is the last stretch of cascades situated in Rathnapura district and Surathalee Falls borders Rathnapura and Badulla districts. I had to visit some of them twice as water level was low in my first visit.
We started from famous Surathalee falls at Marangahawela.

Surathalee falls (සුරතලී ඇල්ල)
Surathalee falls is situated in between 169-170 kilometer posts at Marangahawela. Earlier it was called as Marangahawela Falls and now named as Surathalee Falls due to shooting of famous film- “Surathalee.”
Waterfall is formed by Kadawath Oya (කඩවත් ඔය) which flows from Elamanna (එලමාන්න) Mountain. This is the margin of Sabaragamuwa and Uva province.
Surathalee falls is 60m tall and flows in three steps. There is a foot pathway to reach the top of the waterfall.

Surathalee Falls

Surathalee Falls

Surathalee Falls

After visiting the fall we came back and got right hand side foot pathway to reach the top of the fall. Seems the top of the waterfall is good for camping.

Get left hand side turn to the top of waterfall.

Where it drops

Top of Surathalee Falls-Nice for camping

View of Colombo-Badulla road from top of Surathalee Falls

Next fall of visit was another road side cascades are called Brampton Falls 1 & 2. Brampton Falls-2 is situated in the vicinity of Brampton Falls-1.

Brampton Falls 1 and 2
Brampton falls are situated at 165/10 bridge. These are road side cascades. The water stream starting from Papulugala mountain forms Brampton Falls and later joins with Walawe River.
Brampton Falls-1 is 6m tall and Brampton Falls-2 is about 5m tall.

165/10 bridge

Brampton Falls-1

Brampton Falls-1

Brampton Falls-1

Brampton Falls-2

Brampton Falls-2

Brampton Falls-2

Brampton Falls-2

After passing Pambahinna you will come across the road mentioning Non pareil estate. It hosts number of waterfalls and tourists attractions. Hirikatu oya (හිරිකටු ඔය) flows in right hand side of this road and it makes few named and unnamed cascades. You can visit the hidden beauty-Galagama falls at the end of the road.

At the beginning of Non Perial road

Waterfalls at Non Pareil road

Road side cascade come across before Hirikatu Oya center

1. Cascades situated at Hirikatu oya education and information center
As Hirikatu Oya center is situated crossing the main stream, you can view number of unnamed cascades.

Hirikatu Oya education and information center

Unnamed waterfall

Unnamed waterfall

Unnamed waterfall

Unnamed waterfall

Unnamed waterfall

After passing Hirikatu Oya information center we come across another road side beauty called Non Perial estate waterfall in between 5th and 6th bends just after the school.

Non Pareil estate falls (නන්පෙරියල් ඇල්ල)
This is about 40-50m tall waterfall flows in three steps. It is formed by a tributary flowing to Hirikatu Oya.

Non Perial estate falls-all three parts

Non Perial estate falls-all three parts

Lower part of Non Perial estate waterfall

Wild beauty

When you look in front from Non Perial estate water fall, you can view number of cascades formed by Hirikatu Oya. Most of them are seasonal cascades.

Hirikatu Oya forms number of unnamed cascades

Hirikatu Oya forms number of unnamed cascades

The foot path way to Galagama Falls is situated at 33rd bend. Before that you will meet another two significant unnamed waterfalls in left hand side.

Unnamed cascade at 11th bend

Unnamed cascade at 11th bend

Superb view

Connecting roads

View of Balathuduwa and Gommolliya

Non Perial tea factory where gate is placed.

Second significant unnamed waterfall

Samanala Wewa reservoir

The gap

Team at 23rd bend-Baker’s bend.

Baker’s bend

Journey to Galagama Falls/Kathigana Ella (ගලගම ඇල්ල/ කැතිගාන ඇල්ල)
Galagama Falls is the hidden beauty of Belihuloya. It is about 30-40 m tall waterfall formed by Belihuloya, considered as the highest waterfall of Belihuloya. The foot pathway begins at 33rd bend. After one hour journey you will come across this beauty. With high water level it forms mist which covers the cascade frequently.

Where foot pathway begins at 33rd bend

The forest similar to Hortain plains

Through mist

Memories of “Nelu”

Crossing streams

Harinda was in front line

Macro

Beauty of Galagama Falls

Galagama Falls

Galagama Falls

Galagama Falls

Galagama Falls

Galagama Falls

Galagama Falls

Base of the waterfall

Top of the waterfall

Thrill of the journey

Coming back

Misty pathway

Galagama Falls is considered as the highest and last achievement of waterfalls in Non Pareil Estate road.

Pahanthudawa Falls (පහන්තුඩාව ඇල්ල)
This 5m tall waterfall is the last fall made by Belihuloya before it joins with Walawe River. Landuyaya road begins next to Belihuloya rest house. After travel about 1.5km along this road you will come across the down ward road in left hand side to the Cey power cascade power plantation. There is a small foot pathway to Belihuloya next to the fence of power plantation. This area seems to be a famous bathing place. When you go up stream along Belihuloya, an anicut will come across. It has to be crossed and then have to walk in left hand side of Belihuloya valley to visualize this waterfall.

Valley of Belihuloya and anicut to be crossed.

Valley of Belihuloya

Pahanthudawa Falls

Pahanthudawa Falls

Pahanthudawa Falls

Pahanthudawa Falls and it’s follower

Thanks for reading

This journey was a mob hike which me and my group of friends organized within a day and took off. Our hope was to start the journey from Sarasavigama, then reach the Uragala summit, which is the highest peak of the range and then to hike along the range ( Katusu Konda, Hanthana1, Hanthana 2 and get down to Hanthana Udugama road.)

We gathered at Kandy clock tower bus stand where the Sarasawigama buses halt. It was about 7 O’clock when all the gang (18) were present. We took the sarasawigama bus and went on it to Sarasawigama, where the ticket is Rs.32 and it took about half an hour to reach there.

Then on, we started walking on a concrete road which led up to a shrine, as directed by the villagers. Then we took a foot path to the right from the shrine and entered the wilderness with the directions taken towards Uragala peak.

On the concrete road

We walked about twenty minutes and came across a thick iluk field in which going through was almost impossible without hurting ourselves. So we diverted from the iluk field and walked around it towards a pine forest to our left. By this time, we were off any foot paths and were totally in the wilderness.

Decision pending – to go through or around the iluk field.

The climb through the pine forest also was not easy as it seemed to be as it was so slippery due to the accumulation of non-degrading pine leaves. In case we had to climb on all four limbs or to take assistance of a stick.

Climb through the pine forest – it is harder than it seems to be.

Then on it was a hike towards the peak through the forest blocks and some grass fields. No foot path or markings were found along the route which we hiked through.  It took about three hours of hike to reach the Katusu Konda peak, which is the second highest peak of the range.

Through the grass fields

Hanthana 1 and Hantha 2 as seen from the Katusu Konda.

Uragala peak as seen from the Katusu Konda

At the Katusu konda peak, we had our breakfast/lunch which made our backpacks lighter. There was a little cave at Katusu Konda and was a scary place to visit as it was a long fall if a single step was mistaken.

The cave

In the cave – the Uduwela side is visible

Friendly Support – On the way to Uragala

Then we had to decide whether to go towards Hanthana 1 or Towards Uragala. With the time we had in hand and the energy level of the participants, we decided to go towards Uragala. As we walked several minutes towards it, we were able to find fresh route marks towards Uragala (most probably by Pera Hikers.). So we took that route and were able to reach the uragala top within another hour or so.

Katusu Konda, Hanthana 1 and Hantha 2 as seen from the Uragala summit.

Gampola side as seen from the Uraala summit

Then we went further in the same direction and reached the stone platform with 45degrees of angle. To reach it, had to climb down through a narrow crack in the stone and go around it.

45 degree stone platform

Then we turned around and headed towards Hanthana 1 peak passing the Katusu Konda peak again

On the way to Hanthana 1

Hanthana peak 2 seen beyond Hanthana peak 1

Transmission towers at Hanthana peak 2. The town of kandy is visible beyond.

Then we took water from the towers and got down to the Hanthana-Uduwela road and started walking towards Kandy. On the way, a bus came along and we got onto it and reached Kandy town at around 6 O’clock.

P.S: The hike was enjoyed a lot. But there was no need to use liquor or drugs to achieve it. Safety first; keep it in mind. No journey would make joy if anyone get hurt or dies.

Hi folks, I hope you enjoyed the first-ever trip report in Lakdasun on Runakanda, a part of Sinharaja.

Afterwards I was craving to pay a visit once again to Sinharaja despite my being there from all 4 entrances

before.

So, Gayan who’s become an avid bird lover, invited for a day trip to Sinharaja I couldn’t be happier even

though I’d just come back from a hike to Sri Pada two days prior with Atha. So I called Atha too and he too

was willing to join us. So the three of us started at 4am on Sun the 2 nd Oct and took to the highway towards

Mathugama. Taking the Highway and going from Mathugama to Kalawana is the easiest and fastest now

that the Mathugama-Kalawana Road is fully complete.

Gayan had booked our lunch at Martin’s Lodge, one of the oldest houses at the border of the Sinharaja

Forest and also he’s known to be a keen environment enthusiast. After a steady drive with no traffic

whatsoever, we reached the entrance by 6.30am, the perfect time for a hike/walk/trek. However we’d for

some reason forgotten to fix the breakfast and after buying tickets drove back about 1km to Kudawa

Junction looking for something but was only able to find a couple of sweet buns and hot coffee.

Afterwards, we came back and around 7am, with a quarter-full tummy, entered the trail. There were signs

of dark clouds but we had our umbrellas with us. Anyway there’s this untold and unwritten law of the

Mother Nature that when you’re ready for something, it wouldn’t happen, almost all the time. So as

predicted, our umbrellas were no useful than walking sticks throughout the journey.

Well, enough said and let’s get going, shall we? Our tracker was Jayarathna and he was simply awesome.

His knowledge was better than the Wikipedia and many so-called environmentalists about Sinharaja.

There were many stories and important aspects of the jungle which he taught us and I wish I could’ve

recorded everything and given you on a CD. So if you happen to visit Sinharaja, do keep an eye out for him.

Good morning and stop right there

The detailed map

.Closer look – Well for me that area is not big enough and to make matters worse it keeps shrinking

Hi there

Emerald Dove, one of my favorite

Looking up to the sun

That kinda snail is very special according to our tracker

Bandura

Common sight at Sinharaja

This fellow was too very special

Not this one though

Nobody home

Oh hello!

Blending with the environment

Got panicked

And hung up

Just landed

Booming colors

You can see hundreds of these tiny ones and its surprising how much is there to see

One of those resting places. Do bring back your food leftovers

21 Alien ship?

This was the cover page for my first-ever trip.

Take those distances with a pinch of salt, a fairly large one at that

We arrived at the proper gate where you enter into the main trail which goes all the way to Sinha Gala aka

Lion’s Rock some 10.5km (according to the sign board) away. However from bitter experience I know the

distances given on the notice boards can’t be trusted and even the trackers second it. On the other hand

the signposting with distances in Knuckles are very much accurate and can be trusted fully.

From here, the tracker decided to go towards the village instead of into the trail as we might get lucky with

a few bird sightings. Remember that my knowledge about birds is no better than your understanding of

Greek. However Gayan was quite knowledgeable and had studied so much about them and he carries this

bird book like a devoted Christian with his bible. Some of the words he uses to communicate with the

tracker about birds are definitely not English, if so a funny dialect.

We walked parallel to an abandoned paddy field but was still not rewarded with a plenty of sightings

except for another Kangaroo Lizard. Here are those pics:

Abandoned paddy field

Not edible, at least for us

Another one of those tiny fellows

Hiding from us

Came out

On the path bordering the forest and village

Can hold quite a large quantity if used as a container

Grand

This was so beautiful

Traffic police?

Well looks like them and he was blocking the path

The trouble I had to take this fellow

Not to forget this one too

Just peeping over the surface

Afterwards still feeling dejected due to the lack of birds, we decided to go into the forest and returned to

the trail head where they check your tickets. Little did we know that our destiny is about to be changed

and some wonderful sightings were not so far away all thanks to the sharpness of our guide. The two main

attractions were the Blue Oakleaf (in fact South Indian Blue Oakleaf – Kallima Horsfieldii) or

බඹරකොලයා in Sinhala. He has got some gorgeous blue wings when they’re fully opened but when

closed, it sort of works as camouflage and depicts a leaf complete with midrib. You’ll understand after

seeing the pictures.

The most important of all was the Sri Lankan Frogmouth or Ceylon Frogmouth – Batrachostomus

Moniliger (check the Video of Frogmouth here) and this was a very rare find. To make it more beautiful,

there was a pair of them, husband and wife. However if you ever come across them, do be careful when

you’re approaching for a look or a pic as they are easily frightened. To make matters worse, they’ll then

leave their resting places which is a great harm coz they usually have these favorites spots/roots among

dry leaves and branches. So don’t break the branches or clear the roost to take a clear picture or a view if

they’re somewhat blocked. They usually stay in the same spot for days if left undisturbed.

Do enjoy with your eyes if your camera is not so smart to focus through the branches. In our case, our

camera very stubbornly locked onto the branches in front all the time but after trying for a few dozen

times, he realized it’s not the dreaded leaves or the branches we were targeting and got some super cool

pictures.

We were extremely lucky and I guess I’ll just let you all enjoy the pics while we go further towards the

Mulawella and Giant Nawada Tree Trails.

The second counter before youre allowed into the forest

Can you see him? They always stay like that and very hard to spot let alone take pics

Another tiny fellow

Our tracker explained how these mushrooms grow. He was an encyclopedia about Sinharaja

Wild berries

Looking for trouble

See the angle

Wiry fellow

Her colors were brightened due to the sunlight

This had been incapacitated

By this fellow

Trying to drag into his den

Which is this and dug it in record time

Pushed the fella in and he went afterwards

What do you see?

Typical leaf except for those tiny legs

Unfortunately he was so far high for us to take a pic of the bright blue wings when opened

Crystal clear water

Some more

The moment of truth

Those piercing eyes

The other fellow is right behind

Such beautiful birds

Fascinating, aren’t they? Well I’ve got a couple of more nice pics of them but they’re for later. After this Frogmouth show, we went further towards the forest and found a very tame Jungle Fowl. Unfortunately many people leave remains of their meals, especially rice, behind at the places allocated for resting and eating thus inviting birds like jungle fowls to come to these places in search of food. Please don’t leave any morsel of the food behind and take everything back with you.

We came across a Green Vine Snake (actually two closer to each other) Ahaetulla Nasuta or and that is commonly known as ඇහැටුල්ලා in Sinahala but don’t confuse it with the Green Vine Snake/Flatbread Snake – Oxybelis Fulgidus.  This was followed by a Hump-Nosed Lizard too. It is also called the Hump- Hump Snout Lizard or the Lyreshead Lizard. In Sinhalese language, it is known as “Kandukara Bodilima – කදුකර බෝදිලිමා.” This was all before the Magpie Show. Well, just enjoy these pictures and I can hear my tummy growling like a starving mountain lion. I’ll bring the pics of the Magpie Show after this.

Majestic walk

“Hey, what’s u staring at?”

Must have got a tic

Showing off his colors

Just love this one

Pity he’s called “Wali Kukula”

Copied and pasted

Still shallow water levels

Bright tale of a Thalkossa

Not edible

Towards Giant Nawada Tree

Many such bridges across the streams

Time for a break

But how

Remember Runakanda?

He’s called Commander

As good as any camouflage

Oh ho

Coiled spring

Perfect triangle

Fella was very long and bright

The second one

Just amazing how they blend with the nature

We would never have spotted him

Ferocious look

He was just nearby

Holding it tight

Spotted us

Do you see the mosquito on its head? In fact there are 3, two behind the eye

Its genes go all the way to pre-historical eras

Looking those bony but strong arms

Opened its gular sac at last

And closed again

Well as with many other environmental sites in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja too bears a great burden within the depths of her heart due to some ignorant and careless decisions made by the politicians. Well what can you expect from such lower-class politicians? Anyway, under the Colombo Plan, Sri Lana was donated 12 Locomotives by the General Motors Diesel, Canada and Electro-Motive Division, USA. They are M2 Locomotives and considered the most successful in our railway history.

However as with all the other so called grants and donations, we always have to pay a price. So Sinharaja had to pay with her timber for these 12 locomotives and even today you’ll see the great bridges which had been built over streams to facilitate the logging business which had been a lucrative business for these so-called foreign donors. These rich and powerful countries loot from poor countries like ours under the guise of foreign aid which are in fact rackets. Now you know why countries like Sri Lanka and many in Africa and South America remain at “Developing Nation” status all the time. We’ll never get to be the rich and powerful thanks to conspiracies of them and our corrupt and ignorant politicians.

Well having said that, shall we go and see the magic show of the Sri Lankan Blue Magpie or Ceylon Blue Magpie – Urocissa Ornata. This happened so unexpectedly as we were coming back to the entrance to go and have our lunch at Martin’s Lodge as our tummy worms were marching in protest blocking all junctions inside. However as we were coming we heard this familiar sound of the magpie (rather Gayan and our tracker did) and stopped to look around. What happened afterwards is beyond me and thinking about it now gives me such pleasure I’m lost for words.

There was this brightly-colored magpie that flew towards us out of the jungle and he kept coming closer and closer without giving a break for our slow focusing and under-performing point-n-shoot cameras to take a decent shot of him. He kept coming and with every hop my heart began faster and faster and I was sort of frozen with my arms extended and the camera on but not moving them. He kept coming and finally jumped right in front of my feet, almost touching distance. All I had to do was extend the left leg and I could’ve stroked its back but I was like a statue nailed to the ground.

The same thing happened to Atha as this was his first magpie sighting. This really was an awesome sight and experience. Amid all the confusion I managed to take a few pictures and to my annoyance most of them were not usable as they were blurred due to my shaky hands and the constant movement of this fella. Anyway, here are the pictures that I took which are reasonably good with no more of my vivid explanations.

Here we go

Just look at those colors

Keep going

Full body

Wish the lighting was better

Giving us an unprecedented show

As if asking us how we are

Was hard enough to capture him on the screen

Calling out for his pals

Just can’t get enough of him

Very nice

My favorite

Oh lighting

One final look

So how do you like the how? It was simply phenomenal and we enjoyed to the maximum. We then continued our journey out of the park but I wonder where my almighty hunger had gone. We paid another visit to the Frogmouths who were still lovingly perched up on their roost.

Afterwards we went to Martin’s Lodge and had a sumptuous lunch. Unfortunately one group had promised to come for lunch (for 17 people) but hadn’t kept their word so Martin Uncle was very disappointed and told us that it happens quite often making them no longer trust the genuineness of the callers. Well that’s the sad side of their business and pathetic side of some of our fellow folks’.

We then returned to the main road to the Sinharaja ticket counter and were just about to go out, when a group of magpies (make no mistake, it really was a group and I saw 5 of them in the distance perching quite closer to the road) playing around. Unfortunately a group of young boys went past us making noises and speaking at the tops of their voices. They didn’t even have the time to enjoy these beautiful creatures. Gosh, why or why people like these visit such places? Just stay in your homes with your eyes glued to the computer monitors coz it’ll save the nature for the genuine lovers and your efforts of dragging yourselves out of your dens.

However I was lucky to take only 2 pics of them and the rest simply flew deep into the forest as if ashamed to be staying closer to such loud and rowdy people.

Not only them, there was a group of students from a leading girls school in Nugegoda area with their parents and teachers who behaved as if they were still in their playground. It’s a pity that these kids are not taught the importance of nature and the difference of a world heritage site such as Sinharaja and their playground. It’s extremely essential that we behave in a proper manner inside a forest and it was really saddening to see they run wild shouting and hooting all over as if this was the Galle Face Green.

The adults were busy talking to each other and trying to collect plants for their gardens. In fact the authorities too should take a more proactive role in handling such large groups and giving them a fair warning before entering into the forest. It’s true most of our national parks and environmental sites are heavily understaffed (unlike CTB, Railway and Ports) and they find it hard to control large groups. Just one tracker can’t keep an eye on each and every member of a Leyland-bus crowd. The result is that most of the birds and animals who reside in the forest go deeper into it to avoid being harassed like this thus making the sightings fewer all the time. It’ll also have a very negative impact on the nature lovers and our tourism industry.

Well, we must teach our younger generation the importance of protecting these treasures and the value of them so that at least they’ll do something tangible in protecting these for the future. Most of our adults are too far gone to reverse and start thinking differently. Well, here are the pictures of the end of our stay inside this world heritage. We’ll then be going to visit another sexy lady, Pitakele Doovili Ella afterwards that is located about 2-3km from Sinharaja.

Look at those artistic patterns

Better look

Finally got one of them

Just hid behind

Look at the art underneath

The top too

Here we are once again

Must be wondering what on earth we’re doing

The best of the lot

Tiny and playful

Pair of them

One more

Spider man?

Found this one too

Gosh, I’ve forgotten the name

Black Monkey. Do you know in a group of them only the leader can make noises? We were told by our tracker and if there’s two of them that make noises, a confrontation is brewing for the leadership and until one gives up they’d be fighting

Beauty

The road to the village

See what he;s got in his beak

Again poor lighting and camera

Ok, are you ready to go and see the beauty of Kudawa? Let’s go then. Come to the Kudawa Junction where the road branches off to the right when coming from Veddagala. You’d cross a sizeable river with an ancient metal bridge. As soon as you turn right (may be 50-100m), you’ll then find a concrete paved uphill road to your left. Take this but if you’re on a low clearance car, you can only drive for about 200m or possibly little more and have to seek permission from a nearby house to leave your vehicle in their garden which is what we did. Afterwards, it’s a long walk for about 2km until you come to a section of the road paved with interlocking stones.

You’ll be walking parallel to the river that feeds Pitakele Doovili Ella (she’s named after the village Pitakele) all the time. Once you see that road section, you’ve reached the destination and start going downhill (the footpath is quite prominent) to the right. It’s less than 100m to the water and on to your left another 50m or so will be this majestic lady. By the time we arrived it was closer to 5pm and the gloomy weather didn’t help with lighting. However I took a few pics for you. Here they are:

There she is

Closing in

More	And up close

Portrait

River downstream

Another close up

Base

There’s a nice shallow pool too

Lighting was the issue

Remember we saw these at Runakanda too

Another downstream view

Kissing the rocks

Distant view

Zooming in

Connecting the other side of the river

Makeshift bridge

Time to go but how to leave her

Some more

There’s the proper view of the bridge

There is this nice bungalow on a hill

Well it translates into: “Those who broke into the house and stole the treacle shall be cursed and burnt in hell”

Closer look

Farewell pic

Well did you see that curse printed and pasted on a lamp post? A sad story but very much amusing too at the same time. It’s amazing how these rural villagers act for things like these when there’s no way of finding the culprits.

So, we’ve come to the end of my story, have you noticed? I’m gonna have to come again with another story and until then stay put and safe. Be extremely careful if you plan on going camping these days as the lightening has started with rains so avoid open flat areas as much as possible.

Take care

Sri…

Year and Month	2016 Octomber 30th
Number of Days	One
Crew	Two-Chamara and My self
Accommodation	Not applicable
Transport	Bus, Three wheel and climbing
Activities	Hiking, Sightseeing and Photography
Weather	Excellent
Route	Colombo->Kandy->Ududumbara (උඩුදුම්බර) ->Uda Iluka (උඩඉලුක)->Velangolla Pathana (වෙලන්ගොල්ල පතන) ->Medakelle (මැද කැලේ)->Lihinikatiya (ලිහිනිකැටිය)->Batumulla (බටුමුල්ල)-> Udaththawa (උඩත්තාව)->Udawela (උඩවෙල) ->Hasalaka->Kandy->Colombo
Tips, Notes and Special remark	Start the journey in early morning. Threewheel charges from Ududumbara to Uda Iluka is varied. Average is Rs 800. Carry at least 2l per person. There are no water sources after the one at Mana patch till you get down to Udaththawa. Can’t recommend of approaching to water sources at Velangolla Pathana as elephants are roaming. Still this area is clean. Don’t pollute. It is better watch elephants from far. Velangolla Pathana is a nice place for camping. But be cautious about elephants. There is a significant drop to Medakelle side. But can go down through Mana bushes. This is not something to promote visiting wild elephants. It is a risky activity and you must have an escape plan in a case if an elephant chase you.
Related Resources	Back to Yahangala
Author	Niroshan and Chamara
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Searching Jumbos at Velangolla Pathana (1020m) Some photographs belong to Chamara Perera.

This was our back to back visit to Velangolla Pathana in order to view elephants. It was kind of a rare incident to watch elephants at high attitude. We have seen an elephant on Velangolla Pathana on our way to climb Yahangala. It was seen far and we have noticed it was not moving much. We were so curious on watching this elephant and planned a separate journey to visit the elephants at Yahangala Pathana.
But it was only Chamara and myself on the day of visiting Velangolla Pathana. As usual we started the journey early morning and reached Ududumbara. We had our breakfast from Ududumbara and hired a three wheeler to reach the trail head to Velangolla Pathana. We were familiar to the environment due to recent visit.
Chamara and myself reached Velangolla Pathana in 1hour time. Surrounding was bit gloomy compared to our Yahangala visit.
Velangolla Pathana spreads on right side of Yahangala. Basically it is covered with grass and Mana bushes. It is not a flat plateau. Velangolla Pathana has less tall trees except the mana patch. Our plan was to get down to Udawela side from Pathana and reach Hasalaka.

Yahangala becomes an acceptable tourist attraction

Following rituals before enter the forest. Photo belongs Chamara

On the way to Velangolla Pathana-Garandigala at back drop

At Velangolla Pathana. Two man team with back drop of Yahangala. Photo belongs to Chamara.

Get blessings from Gale Bandara Dewiyo. Photo belonges to Chamara.

View of Kehelpothdoruwegala from Velangolla Pathana

View of Knuckles peaks from Velangolla Pathana. Click credit goes to Chamara.

View of Balalgira from Velangolla Pathana. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Paddies of Uda Iluka. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Moving on Velangolla Pathana.

We always kept our path at the edge of Pathana to view the drop. Last time we have noticed the elephant at the middle of Pathana. We have passed small Pinus patch and reached almost flat grassy area. Suddenly we noticed an elephant at a drop with 15-20m gap. We were nervous and started to run back. But when we looked back we saw the elephant was also running away from us. It made to stop us and move towards the elephant. The elephant gradually hided into tree cover and we could see another one with this elephant.

We always kept our path along the edge of right hand side of Pathana.

Nice cross section of Velangolla. It shows the step ladder way of climbing Yahangala.

This shows our pathway along Velangolla Pathana.

The view towards Uda Iluka.

Chamara is enjoying the view.

Velangolla Pathana and Yahangala.

Velangolla Pathana and Yahangala

It was kind of a gloomy weather.

Foot pathways from Kalugala to reach Velangolla Pathana. We used one of these to descend in 2010.

Velangolla Pathana.

Velangolla Pathana. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Different appearance of Yahangala

At the edge

Pinus patch

Most beautiful section of Velangolla Pathana

Most beautiful section of Velangolla Pathana

Velangolla Pathana

Velangolla Pathana

Fresh elephant dung

Passing a small peak at Velangolla Pathana

Looked back…..

Typical plateau. This area is good for camping.

Typical plateau. This area is good for camping.

The descend of Pathana where we assumed to have elephants. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Coming across jumbo…… The elephant is also running away from us. Click credit goes to Chamara

The elephant is moving away from us… Click credit goes to Chamara.

Under the cover of trees. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Under the cover of trees. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Click credit goes to Chamara

The elephant roaming at Velangolla Pathana. Third encounter. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Second one out of three. Click credit goes to Chamara.

Hope these elephants have enough food and water at this Pathana.

Then we moved further and reached the other end of Pathana. Velangolla Pathana gradually connects with the low land from this side. On the other side we saw a
Chena with a small house. But there was a huge drop where we wanted to get down. We looked for a foot pathway to reach this Chena but it was not successful. Then we decided to get down through Mana bushes at the drop to reach Chena.

Nearby lake at Batumulla side. Photographed by Chamara Perera.

18 hair pin bends / photographed by Chamara Perera.

The drop to Batumulla side. Photographed by Chamara Perera.

The drop to Udaththawa side.

Pathana gradually connects with low land from this end.

Pathana gradually connects with low land from this end.

View of Yahangala and Kehelpothdoruwegala with Velangolla Pathana.

Incidental capturing….

Getting down through Mana patch

Mana and Velangolla Pathana

Where we were…..

This Chena belongs to Kiri Banda Mama (කිරි බණ්ඩා මාමා) who is 86years old. He lives here with her disabled daughter. They asked us to stop for “Kahata”/කහට but we politely refused it and got directions to Batumulla where we can get a bus. It was almost a descend from there to Batumulla. By one and half hour we reached Batumulla. We had a small wash from Batumulla hospital and hired a threewheel to Hasalaka.

The Chena at Medakelle

Reaching Chena

Posed for group photo. Belongs to Chamara Perera.

Small road named by his name.

Crossing the bridge

Map reading: Click to enlarge. Blue star shows our start from Uda Iluka. Black star shows Velangolla Pathana. Red star shows Medakelle village where we descend.

Thanks for reading

Samasara Kanda (සාමසර කන්ද) is situated at Aranayaka area and became famous since last year May due to fatal mud slides. It cost number of lives and displaced families. Samasara Kanda is a range and this landslide happened at one area only.
This unfortunate mountain is related to Rama-Rawana legend. Prince Rama has flown his arrow to King Rawana from top of this mountain in historical war. Therefore it is called Rama Sara (රාම සර), now became Samasara.
It is a mountain range and it has a proper peak-Samasara peak and accessory peak called Kodigala. Kodigala is about 1040m in height and famous trekking peak among villagers. They have put a flag on top this peak giving the name called Kodigala.
I have noticed Kodigala at my journey to Sandaraja Wana Arana. It stands with Samasara peak and sharp rock called Kukulpitiya Kanda. The flag has been placed at the view point. I decided to conquer this mountain in next week and clarified the route from villagers.
We got the first bus to Hulangkapolla-හුලo කපොල්ල (actually Ganthuna bus at 7.05am) from Mawanella and reached there by 8am. Anupama has joined with us there by his bike. There was a road towards this peak from Hulangkapolla and it is a mortable road. Tea estates occupied a major part of Samasara range. We walked along this road and got a left hand turn towards Kodigala (This was just before road side “Peela”). The foot pathway winds through tea bushes and disappeared when tea estate was over.
The climate was superb when we reached Mawanella but changed to gloomy then started to rain. We halted our hike and got an interval at a boutique. That stop was worth as I could get more information about mountain from boutique owner while having a cup of tea.

We had to restart the journey with misty weather though rain stopped. Leeches were active following rain. At the end of the tea estate forest patch started. There was no proper foot path at this forest patch and we had to tackle thorny bushes as well. It was the most difficult part of the journey and we ended up at slab rock on top of Kodigala. Surprisingly blue sky appeared when we reached the peak.

Samasara peak and Kodigala peak

Back to memories. This was captured when I was going to Sandaraja. It shows how Kodigala situated with Samasara Kanda.

Zoomed view of Kodigala.

View of Kodigala, Samasara range and Kukulpitiya Mountain in one raw. This was captured when we descend from Sandaraja Wana Arana to Sakkarakanda

Left turn from the gravel road

There was a Pinus patch between lower part and upper part of tea estate

Starting of a misty day…

Foot pathway…

Time for pose…

Climbing up…

Reaching the upper tea patch. Actually these tea patches belong to villagers

Along the tea estate

Mist….

Getting bit clear…

Tent of villagers who lost houses in mud slides

Get into forest patch….

It showed nobody has visited there for months

Bushes are above his height…

Need a help to get on to the rock…

Walking along the rock till reach the flag point

Top of the mountain was a nice long rock

Reaching the flag point…Superb view point

Kodigala is a superb view point with 270 degree view. One side of the view is obstructed with Samasara Kanda. We have observed Dolosbage range, Lepalawa Mountain, Dotel Oya area, Sandaraja Wana Arana, Moratiya Estate Falls, Asupini Falls, Ambuluwawa, Kukulpitiya Kanda, Road to Ganthuna, Dewanagala, Rahala Kanda etc.
Weather was not kind too much to enjoy the surrounding view. We had another pouring rain on top of the peak and waited under umbrellas. Return journey took only about 45minutes to reach Hulangkapolla.

Samasara Mountain-proper peak. Seems it is 40-60m higher than Kodigala. But both are in one range. Might be the target of next week..

Kukulpitiya Kanda…This rock is sloped in three directions…added to TO DO List

Zoomed view of Kukulpitiya Kanda…

Ambuluwawa…

Asupini Ella and Rahala Kanda on other side

Dolosbage range

Dolosbage range

Nearby mountain…This is not a landslide. It is a geographical variation

Road to Ganthuna

Paddies….

Dotel Oya area, Road to Dotel oya and Moratiya estate falls

Winding roads at Ambala Kanda and Mount Kamel tea factory

Dotel Oya tea factory

Star shows the approximate area of Sandaraja Wana Arana

Where we came….

Team on top of Kodigala

Tents of refugees… still some people live there even after one year.

On top of Kodigala…As usual I am missing

I was not fortunate to have clear back ground for my picture

Samasara Kanda can be climbed in this way.

Return journey

Kodigala is covered with mist

Misty peak…

Finishing…

Hiking map at the end

Thank you

This is the second part of rail walk from Maho junction to Habarana (හබරණ). Actually I have already done the stretch of Habarana to Kekirawa (කැකිරාව) and remain was the filling the gap between Awkana (අවුකන) to Kekirawa.

Awkana to Kekirawa (12.4km)
Nirosh has also joined with the rail walk from Awkana to Kekirawa and he got into Udaya Dewi from Maradana at last moment. Though she was punctual at beginning, was late about 30minutes when she reached Awkana.
We had a plan to cover main tourist attractions around this rail stretch includes: Awkana Buddha Statue, Kala Wewa and Wijithapura Temple. The foot pathway to Awkana Buddha Statue was situated about 500m after Awkana railway station. Udaya Dewi-down was also delay on that day and we met her on our way along the trek. It was just few minutes walk from rail trek to Awkana Buddha statue.

Awkana railway station

Udaya Dewi-down has reached Awkana station

Awkana Buddha Statue
The Awkana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha which has a height of 42feet (13m) was carved out of a large granite rock face during 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya Mudra and closely worn robe is elaborately carved.
A narrow strip of rock has been left at the back of the statue, connecting it to the rock face and supporting it. The pedestal on which the Buddha stands, which is carved in the form of a lotus flower. The statue had been located within a large image house or shrine, of which parts of the walls still remain. It is believed this was made by King Dathusena who has built the reservoir called Kala Wewa nearby.

Awkana RMV

Awkana Buddha Statue

Awkana Buddha Statue

Awkana Buddha Statue

Awkana Buddha Statue

How it is connected to main rock

Apart from Awkana Buddha Statue, there are few stone inscriptions (hard to see letters there), a pond situated on the rock, stupa (new construction) and ancient Kadawara Dewalaya (කඩවර දේවාලය) are other attractions of this premises.

This was Queen’s second visit to SL since independence and happened on 21-25th Octomber 1981. She visited SL to attend the celebration marking 50years of universal adult franchise in SL.

Pond is having the shape of SL.

Stupa and stone inscriptions

Ancient Kadawara Dewalaya.

Closer view of stone inscription. It is hard to see the letters.

View of? Ritigala from Awkana premises.

We spent enough time to visit this great creature of ancient Sri Lanka and came back to rail trek. Kalawewa station is situated in 3km along this path. There was a bridge hanged over Kala oya and Kala Wewa-Awkana road, might be the longest railway bridge we crossed this section. We have noted number of farms and chenna around the rail trek till we reached Kala Wewa. Just before Kalawewa station we followed the road in right hand side to reach Kala Wewa which was a hall mark of ancient Sri Lankan irrigation technology.

This plat form was notice closer to the foot pathway to Awkana Buddha Statue. Don’t know the significance of it.

The bridge over Kala Oya

The bridge over the road

It’s hard to see wattle and dub houses in these days.

Straight railway lines with green surroundings.

Kala Wewa
Kala Wewa was built by the King Dathusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters. This reservoir complex has facilitated with a stone made spillway and three main sluices. From the central major sluice, a 40 feet wide central conveys water to feed thousands of acres of paddy lands and ends at the historical capital Anuradhapura city tank Thisa Wewa meandering over 87 km (54 mi) at a slope of 6 inches per mile and is an another wonder of primeval hydraulic engineering facility in ancient Ceylon.(Quoted from Wikipedia).
Kadawara is a man who helped the king to find the place to built Kala Wewa and protected the dam from it’s leak. He sacrificed his life to save the dam and born as Kadawara Dewiyo to look after the lake. Kadawara Dewalaya is seen at Kala Wewa bunt.

Steps over Kala Wewa bund.

Kala Wewa

View of Ritigala over Kala Wewa

View of Kahala Pallekale Mountain

Erawula kanda and Galkoth kanda are seen

Kadawara Dewalaya at Lake Bunt

Statue of King Dathusena

We followed the same road to get back to rail trek and crossed Yoda Ela-1 just before Kala Wewa station. Kala Wewa station was also a small one as same as other stations we met on this journey. It was quite humid climate made us to sweat drench and we got a small break near Kala Wewa station.
Wijithapura temple is also situated few hundred meters away from rail trek but we didn’t want to spend our time there. We have crossed Yoda Ela-2 then. Just before we came across abounded Ihalagama (ඉහලගම) station, we crossed the road to Thalawa. Nothing special was there apart from farms (amazing to see mighty Guava there) and chenna till we come to the destination of the day-Kekirawa.

Crossing Yoda Ela-1.

Kala Wewa railway station.

Wijithapura Temple is at vicinity

The rock situated closer to Wijithapura temple

Nirosh and Nuwan-Friends of the journey.

Crossing Yoda Ela again.

Yoda Ela.

Common finding at dry zone rail walk.

Chenna

Abounded Ihalagama station.

Raining over rail track

There were many jumbos in boards but nobody was live!

Signal towers indicating Kekirawa railway station is nearby.

Reaching Kekirawa station

Parked at Kekirawa station

Habarana to Kekirawa (21.8km)

This is the earliest part of rail walk we have done in this stretch. It stimulated me to do rest of the journey. It was the dry season of Rajarata when we were doing this rail walk. But the rest of the rail walk was done following the rain and greenish appearance is well seen then.
Nileeka and I met Chamara at Habarana town and we had our breakfast there. Then we travelled to Habarana railway station by a three-wheeler. I have been at Habarana station earlier to do Habarana-Galoya junction stretch. We had a small chat with workers at Habarana station. There was nothing special at first few kilometers of the walk. There were chenna and paddy fields on sides of the railway. We could notice lands of echo tourism as well. We have crossed Habarana oya / Yan oya (හබරණ ඔය/යාන් ඔය) which flows to join with Hurulu Wewa (හුරුළු වැව). The area becomes more dry and dry when we walked further. The hall mark of this rail walk was Ritigala (රිටිගල) which entered to the scene after 2-3km walk. We were able to observe different appearance of Ritigala in our right hand side of the journey. Palugaswewa (පළුගස්වැව) station was situated km from Habarana station and we crossed Habarana-Maradankadawala (A12) road just before Palugaswewa station. We felt the extreme of afternoon heat, surprisingly our new member (Nileeka) has tolerated it well. Horiwila (හොරිවිල) Lake was situated closer to the rail way line and we spent a time to enjoy the beauty of this as well. It was badly dried due to drought. Next train stop was Horiwila station and we met Udaya Dewi-up at this substation. The area was so dry after we passed Horiwila station. There were some sections of fire on either side of the railway line. This might be manmade or wild fire burning utterly dried Mana bushes. Though different sign boards of wild elephants were seen, we didn’t come across them. Kinihirigala (කිනිහිරිගල) was situated close to the railway line. We were head there are some caves and ancient temple at this rock and added to my TO DO list. By 3pm we have reached A9 road. Kekirawa (කැකිරාව) station was situated few hundred meters away from A9. It was the end of another rail walk with different experience.

Good morning Habarana.

Habarana railway station and Colombo-Trinco road.

Ready for next 22km. Nileeka and Chamara

Railway line extends from Habarana to Kekirawa

Thoppiya is coming. Maho-Batticalo slow train is called Thoppiya.

Plan to lay new slippers.

Chenna

Paddy fields…

Chenna and greenish appearance is still remaining.

Crossing Habarana Oya. Don’t know where it starts.

Friendly chat with railway workers.

Walking along the railway line

Greenish paddy fields on side

A farm with nice name…

It reminds we are in elephant kingdom.

First appearance of Ritigala

Ritigala over paddies….

Black and white

Parked on side

Closer to Palugaswewa station.

Udaya Dewi down is on her way to Colombo.

Palugaswewa station and Habarana-Maradankadawala road. (A11)

We have reached Palugaswewa station.

Double line at Palugaswewa station.

Shapes….

Horiwila Lake

Horiwila Lake

Tree house at Chenna

Older than 50 years

Horiwila Railway station

Railway quarters at Horiwila station

By road…..

It’s hard to see greenish sections due to drought.

Fire at railway line

Going through the fire

Udaya Dewi-up is coming.

Here she is….

She is passing us….. We were lucky to meet all three trains regularly travel along this railway line during day time.

A weak bridge is ahead…

Crossing another water source.

Life along railway line….

Kinihirikanda

Goats….

Kinihirigala…

Hard life…

Kinihirigala…

At ground level…

Crossing Kekirawa-Ganewalpola road…

Beautiful paddy fields…

Hard life….

Old elephant dung

Crossing a gravel road closer to Kekirawa

Closer to destination. A9 road and Kekirawa railway station is few hundred kilometers away.

End of successful rail walk. Photo credit to Nileeka.

This is our work out. Note we have crossed three A grade roads in this rail walk: A6, A11 and A9.

P S:We (Chamara, Ashan and myself) have proceeded along the rail track till Gal Oya junction from Habarana. Galoya junction is the point where passengers get down from Udaya Dewi train to get their way to Trincomale. I have followed further her track up to Minneriya from Habarana. I hope to continue this rail walk till Batticalo. Let’s meet with notes of another rail walk in dry zone.
Thanks for reading

Udaya Dewi (උදය දේවි) is the name of Colombo-Batticalo train which leaves Colombo fort by 6.05am. Maho junction (මහව හන්දිය) is the place where northern line and eastern lines separate. Express Udaya Dewi gets a rest at Maho junction and train engine is attached to the other end of the train. Hereafter Udaya Dewi changes the track to eastern line.
This was one of long awaited rail walks to be done at dry zone along Batticalo line.
I wanted to do the rail walk from Maho junction to Habarana as forest coverage of this section is satisfactory. Though I have done this stretch as four parts in different directions, I would like to write as one report consists of two parts.
Udaya Dewi usually doesn’t get delay and reaches Maho junction by 8.55am. Nuwan and myself got down at Maho junction waited till train pass us. It is interesting to watch where three railway lines get connected at Maho. Maho has a fuel station as well. People gathered at tail end of the train to watch how the engine is attached with the main body. Once the train left we started the journey.

Maho junction

Waiting to see how engine is being attached

Must be a safest joint

Maho junction station

My way of showing Maho junction

Fuel station situated at Maho station

Maho to Moragollagama (18.5km)
After passing Maho station we came across Maduragama Lake (මදුරගම වැව). It seems an abounded lake situated somewhat closer to the railway line. Yapahuwa (යාපහුව) rock has risen from my right hand side after passing Maho station. Then we crossed the road to Yapahuwa and halted at Yapahuwa rail stop. We got a rest at Yapahuwa rail stop and Batticalo-Colombo morning train passed us there. Then railway line has passed a rocky mountain area and later I found the name of this interesting mountain as Diyabettekanda-දියබෙත්තේකන්ද (256m) in the map. Konwewa (කෝන්වැව) substation was found after Yapahuwa. A torrent rain was started when we passed Konwewa station and we had to stay at a”Pela“of a chenna. Another rocky mountain called Nikawewa (නිකවැව) Mountain was seen when we passed Ranmukgama (රන්මුක්ගම) substation. Nikawewa isolated mountain was seen till we reached Moragollagama (මොරගොල්ලාගම) station. It was around 4.45pm and we refreshed at station to get the last bus at 5pm to Kurunegala from Moragollagama station.

Maduragama Lake is situated closer to Maho town.

Most of the time rail line is margined by bushes. Therefore railway workers have to clear these bushes to keep the rail track margin.

You can see straight railway lines only in dry zone.

Getting a bend.

This speed limit boards were seen at most places.

Yapahuwa Rock

Yapahuwa rail halt. Only “Thoppiya”-තොප්පිය stops here. Thoppiya is the nick name given for slow train travelled from Maho to Batticalo as it stops everywhere.

Nice railway crossing gate hut. Another interesting point was finding railway crossing gate huts at each and every main crossing. They were different.

CTB bus is crossing the railway line…

Morning Batticalo train passes Yapahuwa station. There is a train free period of 6/7 hours following this.

Nuwan is getting ready with camera

Proposed site for deviation to northern line. But this proposal has been abounded.

Passing 142Km post.

එක යායට

Nice bend….

This interesting spiky mountain is mentioned as Diyabettekanda (256m) in map. But when I asked from some villagers in Moragollagama they said it’s name is Kaikawala.

Whole range of Diyabettekanda. This spiky rock is best seen to top of Yapahuwa.

Close up…

Another railway crossing

At ground level

වරා	Another small rock situated at side of railway line.

Konwewa sub railway station

Passing Konwewa railway station

Common place for wild elephants

Happy face of my travel companion…

Another railway crossing gate hut. This is Nikawaretiya-Moragollagama-Siyambalangamuwa road.

Foot pathway to a house

Wooden railway slippers are replaced with concrete slippers.

Crossing a railway bridge

Ranmukgama substation. Nikawewa Mountain is seen behind the station. Photo credit goes to Nuwan.

Ranmukgama Lake. This is also seen as abundant lake situated closer to railway line. Photo credit goes to Nuwan.

Passing another railway crossing gate hut. Photo credit goes to Nuwan.

Nikawewa Mountain is seen on left hand side of the railway line. Photo credit goes to Nuwan.

Nikawewa Mountain. Photo credit goes to Nuwan.

Nikawewa Mountain

Reached Moragollagama station. End of the day. Photo credit goes to Nuwan.

Work out