We were travelling to beruwala and I wanted make the most of the trip and show my kid some interesting place from area , and then I came across the turtle hatchery places , the most famous place is kosgaoda hatchery Centre and since its was far from my destination so I wanted some place near. I’ve searched the Lakdasung forums also but could find any trip reports about the Induruwa Turtle conservation, so after getting some info. I visited the place and thought of sharing my visit details with others also ,since they will also get to see what I saw also

We started from Moratuwa at 10.30am and it was a painless drive to induruwa about 1.5 hours the place is situated right hand side of the road and there is a board on the side of the road showing the place

Entrance to the place – Click Image to Enlarge

We were very luck, cause the moment we got there was the time they were going to release some of the baby turtle to the sea and we even had the opportunity to gently Carrie them and put them to the sea which was a really a good experience

I had the chance to release one to the sea

Beautify sight them running to the sea

Just about to get in

This one was slow getting their

Inside the facility they have several tanks to keep the turtles and in each tank there are different kinds

The Facility Area

Baby Turtles

One of the BIG ones

This one they say is a unique and sensitive they say , and he cannot be released to the sea cause he will die

.	Another Tanked One

They also have small area to show Scholl kids and others about the turtles

Click Image to Enlarge

Click Image to Enlarge

Signs about the place – Click Image to Enlarge

Address of the place is

Sea Turtle Conservation
Research Project
Galle Road
Bentota South
Sri lanka

Tel 034-2271062/034-2275850
www.seaturtleszone.com

The route from Kalutara Junction – Click Image to Enlarge

So the waterfall hunter in my started grumbling need to go see a fall pretty soon, so I decided to go see this beautiful fall in Thudugala, Dodangoda which is 8m (27 ft) in height.

After a bit of a delay, the three musketeers Dimuthu, Podi and me went in Podi’s new and old car.

This is the first time we went a long way in that car so I was rather skeptical as to what would happen if we came across any technical faults along the way.

However, I decided to take it on and left Nugegoda around 10.30 and picked Dimuthu at Panadura. Reached Thudugala Junction around 11.45 am and when asked the villagers where Thudugala Falls is they asked if it’s the fall or the restaurant.

This took us by surprise and we said the fall of course. Then they pointed towards a very narrow path and we ended up near an entrance to a ruined building. When we asked the people there if it was far to the fall, they said it’s far and better to go to the restaurant and walk from there.

Nissan California… lived up to our expectations

However, to my utter annoyance this turned out to be wrong. It’s only about 200m from there to the actual falls. But thanks to those unhelpful people we ended up at the restaurant (this is where most of the people go) and there was a pool which looked muddy and not good to have a dip.

This is the pool at the restaurant… muddy and crowded with drunkards

I didn’t want to stop there since my target was to reach the falls and the people at the restaurant was no help either since they were more interested in selling us some of their food. (However, their kitchen didn’t look good and a cat was prowling about, so no idea about the quality of the place)

Why would they wanna destroy this nature

There was a path through the forest so we decided to go and see.

The path we took is above this tiny fall

Along the path

They had built kind of big square-shaped concrete pillars along the way towards the rubber estate, I guess this is to avoid soil erosion and earth slips. We then came across an impassable place and decided to come back feeling really sad.

However, Dimuthu saw an opening to the forest where we had to climb up and go through a narrow path. Up we wend and through the thick forest and came to another path through the concrete pillars and the rubber estate.

Ready for harvest

I then saw the stream further down and felt overjoyed as we didn’t wanna give up so easily.

Glimpse of the first part of the fall, what a joy

You can see in Red the fools destroying this beauty

We climbed down in a hurry and reached one of the beauties in Sri Lanka. Due to heavy rains recently, she was in full flow and looked like a newly wed bride.

Hurrahhhhhhhhhhhhh….

Top of the falls

Just like a newly wed bride

Can keep looking at her….

Dimuthu and Podi went for a dip but I didn’t, instead I went around and saw that the road we initially took was about 200m away and got very angry.

Base pool…

Dimuthu and Podi exploring

Tiny and not too deep….

I saw the old guest house now in tatters.

Decided to roam around a bit

There you are…. old guest house

Ready to come down

After about an hour in the pool, we decided to leave her and come back since it was threatening to train towards evening.

We came back to Colombo around 4.30 pm and what a memorable trip it was.

P.S. – As usual, typical ignorant drunkards were there drinking and littering the mother nature as if it belongs to them. I didn’t wanna take pics of those idiots. They were shouting and using a drum making a big noise destroying the peacefulness of this great place. What a shame!

All this started as my friend Yasa a keen wildlife enthusiast and the CEO of a private restaurant chain were planning to open their newest outlet in Anuradhapura and from last October, every weekend both of us were in and out to Anuradhapura to find a suitable location with the help of their Project Manager who was stationed in A’pura and all the time we used to go to Wilpattu on return journey for just a half a day run.

Later when I met Yasa I asked him to get a booking to stay at least one night so we could see some Animals.

Last Sunday (11th) he called me and asked whether I would like to join him for a two night stay in Wilpattu commencing from Tuesday the 13th (Mahashivaratri Day) as he would once again go to A’pura to see the renovation part of their new venue.

In-fact I was thrilled and gave my concern then and there.

We started Colombo at about 7.00 in the morning. (Scheduled to leave bit early, but couldn’t) The crew was three on his KIA Sorento (me, Yasa and his capable driver Lal). The jeep was packed with rations for two night stay.

Since our main priority was to go to A’pura, we had breakfast in a place near Mundal and drove straight to A’pura. We reached A’pura around 11.00 am and were welcomed by his Project Manager and his crew. As my friend was engaged with some official discussions with the contractors I went to the A’pura town to do the last minute shopping.

Around 1.30pm we left A’pura to come to Wilpattu. His Project Manager also joined us to make the crew to 4. We bought lunch packs from A’pura and Veggie’s from Nochchiyagama since there wasn’t time to get the lunch cooked at the bungalow as it would take some time to reach the bungalow that was about 48Km from the main entrance.

The main points of interest inside the park. Note how far the Kokmote Bungalow from the entrance!

We entered the park at around 2.30pm with the Tracker Saman and just drove on the main road towards Kumbuk Villa hut to have our lunch. As it was a weekday only few vehicles was in the park and the park was more or less flooded due to previous week’s showers.

Kokmote Bungalow with our Vehicle

As we were not in a hurry to go to the bungalow, we just drove along the main road and near Ibban wala our Tracker spotted a huge sloth bear within couple of meters away feeding on something. We were very lucky to see a Bear at that time as usually Bear’s could be seen in early morning or late in the afternoon.

Bear near the Ibban wala

Bear near the Ibban wala

In the vicinity we saw a juvenile Samber feeding the lush green leaves and grass

After about 15 – 20 minutes the Bear went in to the jungle and we just drove to Kumbuk Villa to have our lunch.

It was around 3.30pm when we had our lunch and Saman said that we will proceed towards the Bungalow since we have to travel another 35 – 40 Km’s on the worst road with huge muddy pot holes in Wilpattu. (It is the furthest bungalow in the park, bordering Modaragan Aru). It is closer to Villachchiya – about 15 Km’s than to the Entrance – 48 Km’s from the Bungalow.

While enjoying the scenery and could see the road condition

.

A lone Bull Elephant

.

On the way to the bungalow, Saman (Tracker) said that there is a shortcut on the Kokmote road that could avoid the huge muddy pot holes but he is not sure the condition of it since it passes through two Villu’s and sometimes the road get submerged due to rain and that we could do a test run in the afternoon round.

We reached the Bungalow at around 4.30pm and had a quick was and instructed Indika the bungalow keeper/cook to prepare a basic dinner Dhal and Pol-sambol and Samon to go with “Poran Pann” brought from Nochchiyagama and did the afternoon run

As we were on the shortcut road we spotted a Leopard on the road but vanished into the thick undergrowth. We stayed there for some time to see whether it would come back and drove down to the villu in the vicinity and just parked the vehicle. Within minutes a herd of deer came running out from the jungle patch where the Leopard was but it didn’t come out. We stayed there for about an hour but no luck.

Then we drove down towards Panikka Villa and its surroundings, but no luck. (all the animals may have gone inside since there was ample water after the rain)

Sunset at Panikka Villa (from the Panikka Villa Bungalow side)

At around 6.30pm we came back to the Bungalow and had some refreshments and played Oomi till the dinner was ready.

Next day morning we left the Bungalow around 7.30am as it was very gloomy in the morning and drove down the shortcut road towards the villu’s but could see many animals.

Chestnut headed bee eater

Painted stork fishing on a road pool

.	The best captures so far

A lone bull Elephant at Panikka Villa

A lone bull Elephant at Panikka Villa

Stag at Kuda Pallassa

Clearing jungle road blocks (Tracker Saman in Orange T-shirt, Our Friend in Dark Blue Shirt and the Driver in stripped shirt)

Majestic Samba

After a long round, we came back to the bungalow around 11.30am and had B’fast and had a cool dip in the Modaragan Aru.

Modaragan Aru – little bit over flowing

Modaragan Aru – seen from the Bungalow

Saw near the Bungalow

It was late by the time we had our lunch and thought to do a quick round but unfortunately it started to rain and so we had to cancel the afternoon round.

The evening went on a pack of cards and had early dinner and played cards till bit late into the night in candle light since it was the last night on our trip. (Usually Bungalows has solar power electricity which could handle for about 5 hours, but the Batteries at Kokmote was week and could handle only for couple of hours).

At around 10.30pm we heard some noise from the entrance roadway and aimed our flashlights and saw a huge elephant approaching towards the bungalow. We just waited to see what he is going to do, but it turned towards the jungle within few meters to the bungalow and went away.

Next morning was our last day at the park, so we had our things packed and had an early Breakfast and left the bungalow. Our idea was to do a round before exiting the park.

We took the usual by-roads we travelled the last two days and approached the main road thinking to see a Leopard since we had seen other animals at least once in the trip. As we were driving on the main road we say a glimpse of a Leopard by the side of a bend near the Ibban Wala.

Finally, there he was….

Was there only for couple of seconds and vanished into the undergrowth. (Photo is bit out of focus since I didn’t had much time to focus)

At last we saw the Leopard and fulfilled our list and happily ended our trip and returned to Colombo at around 4.30pm

Map No 1 – Click Map to Enlarge

Map No2 – Click Map to Enlarge

Map No3 – Click Map to Enlarge

Since the monsoons begun my journeys around Uva-Wellassa has been hampered. So I finally decided to gamble with the weather and loiter around a bit. There was a long list of archaeologically important places around Buttala and Wellawaya which I have been planning to visit. And since it’s raining and less chances of mountain climbing or forest trekking the set up was ideal for some temple visits but I had to face some unique problems in doing so. Most of the places I had to introduce myself and explain my purpose to get consent and at some points I had to produce my national identity too. Anyway it was one of those adventures where almost everything went perfect.

Day 1 was all about Badalkumbura and Buttala. My journey starts at Badalkumbura and ends at Gonaganara.

Weheragoda Purana Raja Maha Viharaya

This temple is located close to the Buttala – Badalkumbura Rd near the 5th mile post. It is famous for having an ancient image house which has antique paintings belonging to different eras. There is a pagoda built over the old one and there are some fallen pillars found around the temple premises too.

ancient image house at Weheragoda

the makara thorana

towards the past

just like ambekke

outer wall paintings

inner wall frescoe’s

and more

ancient statues in the image house

Rette(රෙට්ටේ) Peella

My next attraction was a famous miniature waterfall called “Rette Peella” and it can be found on the left side of the road after traveling about 0.5Km towards Buttala. The mini cascade seems like an artificially made one but actually it is formed by lime stone.

birth of a stream

Rette Peella

framed naturaly

Katugahagalge Raja Maha Viharaya

The famous Katugahagalge is located close to Mutukeliyawa on Buttala -Badalkumbura Rd. the walk towards the temple is a scenic one simply because of the lake. This temple is where one of King Dutugemunu’s giants (Gotaimbara) rested. Currently it is been guarded by CSD because of threats of treasure hunters. There is an ancient as well as a newly built pagoda on top of the rock. The main cave is a long one which has been modified; it has an image house and an “awasageya”. The statues in the main cave have been vandalized and only one ancient statue remains. There are few caves in the vicinity and one of those is located at a high level which is bit difficult to get in too. It is believed that “Gotaimbara” the giant has slept here once.

next attraction

Katugahagalge lake

on the way scenery

corn plants

Katugahagalge

steps at the entrance

roof paintings

and more

one of the remaining ancient statues

the stone inscription

inscription zoomed

stps towards the pagoda

modern day inscriptions – Click Image to Enlarge

a drip ledge cave

the ancient pagoda

a ladder to get in to the huge cave

the cave where Gotaimbara slept

and its plaster

another cave(refer the name board image)

an oil lamp

Tampita Vihara at Aluthwela Viharaya

To get to this special place called Alutwela Tempiti viharaya one needs to travel few Km’s on Buttala-Kataragama Rd and take the Alutwela Rd until it ends at the temple. This ancient temple is located close to Menik River and the main attraction is the Tampiti viharaya and the “Na Bodhiya”. There are few ruins scattered round the area too.

Alutwela tampiti viharaya

steps of the tempiti viharaya

to wash your feet

inside the tampiti viharaya

39 steps towards the pagoda

modernized pagoda

the only NA bodiya

Medagama Ancient Dagoba at Hathporuwa Viharaya

Hathporuwa was my next stop and to get to it one needs to travel few kilometers away from Alutwela turn off towards Kataragama and take a right turn to get to this temple. The main archeological finding was the ancient pagoda.

ancient sthupa at happoruwa

ancient bo tree

Waguruwela Ancient Dagoba at Poyamalu Viharaya
Next I proceeded towards Waguruwela junction and took the left turn until I reached the temple which was 500m away from the main road. There were only few pillars and alters left from the past, the pagoda was recently built over the old one (which is a common sight in the region).

pagoda at Poya malu viharaya

and the kotha

the statue in the image house

some ruins at Poya malu viharaya

Yatiyallatota ancient Sthupa and archeology reserve

Just before Budugallena turn off there is a road which directs towards Menik River. Once one crosses the river and travel upstream on a 4Wd road for 2Km’s the Yatiyallthota ancient sthupa and temple can be found. There is a huge pagoda which had been vandalized. In addition few altar’s and stone pillars can be found in the surrounding area.
We also got to know that there was a site close by which belongs to the Yatiyalthota reserve, so we decided to have a look before we left towards the main road. To get to this reserve we had to get back to the Menik River and take a small foot path for about 500m. This was something I never expected. There were two huge “Padanagara” and one “pond” just like in Anuradhapura which fascinated me a lot. We also came across few inscriptions a pagoda and many monoliths which suggested that this was once a royal palace.

Menik River

sugar cane fields

Ancient sthupa at Yatiyallthota RMV

remnants from the past

an alter at The temple

HDR

an ancient sthupa at Yatiyalthota reserve

an ancient pond been reconstucted

Padanagara

Padanagara at Yatiyaltota

well carved korawak stone

an inscription

zoomed version

seems like a building was built on this rock

another inscription near menik river

Gonaganara Ancient Dagoba at Valagamba Raja Maha Viharaya
Next I took a bus towards Gonaganara 19th mile post and further traveled 1Km towards Walagamba RMV. This place has an ancient pagoda and 4 “satara waram devalaya’s” and few more ruins. I also noted that two sites with ruins have been used illegally for cultivation by locals. My personal view is that these places should be taken over by department of archeology.

ancient pagoda at Walagamba RMV

People farming in temple land

few pillars

nidan gala

korawak stone

a drainage line

Udagama Dolapeela Raja MahaViharaya Buttala
After hanging around a bit I returned back to Buttala and decided to visit one more ancient temple very close to the town which was built by king “Mahanaga”. This is a modernized place and only few ruins such as some altars, monoliths and a unique Moon stone could be found. The “Bo tree” is said to be at least 900years old according to the head priest.

a pillar the 900 years old bo tree and the pagoda at Dolapeella

modern day carvings

an altar

ancient moon stone

here comes the monsoons

Due to bad weather conditions and tiredness I had to end my quest for the day and return back to Monaragala.
On Day 2 my main focus was to visit some ancient sites around Pelwatta, so as usual early morning I got in to a bus and left towards Pelwatta.

Yudaganawa Lake

Yudaganawa Lake is a not much visited attraction but it’s very close to the main road and located bit away from the famous Yudaganawa Pagoda. If you are coming from Wellawaya side there is a road towards the lake few Km’s prior to Yudaganawa junction. I was lucky enough to spot some birds though it was gloomy.

and its time for work

around Pelwatte

Yudaganawa lake – Click Image to Enlarge

namunukula range seen at the back drop

77 mirror image of lillies

fishing

waiting for the sun rays

fishermongers hut

on your marks

more them

patiently waiting

early morning hunters were so busy this day

and a hawk too

colourful

calm and quite

along the dam

Unawatuna Raja Maha Viharaya
Unawatuna temple which is located by the side of the main road (on A4) has got its name because the Tooth Relic has fallen at this place while King Dutugemunu was moving with it. The ancient sthupa has been rebuilt and few altars and steps from the past can be seen remaining. There are few stone pillars also seen in the temple premises.

the name says it

the pagoda

altars

pillars

the bo tree at unawatuna temple

Kukurampola Kukuluwa Raja Maha Viharaya
After getting to Pelwatta junction I took a trishaw towards Kukurampola. At this ancient temple an ancient Pagoda can be found and I also came across few Korawak stones too.

pagoda at Kukuluwa RMV

thr korawak stone

Mulagiri Raja Maha Viharaya
My next stop was Mulagiri RMV which is on Pellawatta – Passara road. There is a hidden pagoda within the small forest patch which has steps towards it and two guard stones with no carvings. I also came across few altars and two rock ponds too. I did note that someone has started cultivating around the ruins and dug a huge pit; probably he might have done some treasure hunting too.

they were making alot of sound

Pagoda at Mulagiriya

stps and the guard stones

altars

a rock pond

Ovagiri Raja Maha Viharaya
My next stop was ancient Ovagiriya. There are some ruins scattered around a rock plateau. The pagoda has been newly built but pieces from the past can be seen around. I came across some huge altars many stone pillars, carved in rock steps and many more artifacts here and there.

Ovagiri RMV

colourful flag of buddhism

steps on the rock

peace

an interesting pond

an altar on pillars

monoliths at ovagiriya

more monoliths

a huge altar

Devagiri Raja Maha Viharaya Horabokka
I proceeded further along Passara road and reached another old temple. At this place I came across few stone pillars, a part of a guard stone, an image house and the newly built Pagoda. Unfortunately there was no one to get any further information regarding the place.

pagoda at Devagiriya

pa dovanaya

altars

ancient image house

pillars at devagiriya

part of a guard stone

Ulwita Purana Raja Maha Viharaya
Next I proceeded towards Higurukaduwa and just before reaching Higurukaduwa I had to take a left turn and cross a small bridge to get to Ulwita temple which lied on the corner of the paddy field. On the way scenery was simply breath taking. This ancient temple once had an ancient image house but they have modified the whole thing to such an extent that nothing from the past remains. So it was bit disheartening for me though I enjoyed the visit.

on the way to Ulwita

traditional methods

modernized image house at Ulwita

sal

At this point I had decided to end my day and proceed back to Monaragala because heavy showers came down quite rapidly.
Day 3 was all about Wellawaya, actually I did travel further south until Athiliwewa

Kinkiniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Kinkiniya temple is right by the side of the main road and is very close to Nugeyaya so it’s a hard to miss place. After getting permission from the head priest I took a small foot path from the main temple which was crowded with children because of Sunday school and reached the site with ruins. There is an ancient Pagoda and many stone pillars around suggesting that this was once a huge complex. I also came across a carved drainage line too.

pagoda at Kinkiniya RMV

a drainage line

dew on lillies

many pillars were seen around

Kahaliya Raja Maha Viharaya
After hanging around Kinkini RMV I took a bus and got down at Hadapanagala junction where I met Thilina who was my guide around Hadapanagala on my previous visit too. I got in to his trishaw and left towards Kahaliya temple which is another main archeologically important temple complex in the region. There is an ancient Pagoda on top of a rock plateau and few steps were carved in the rock which led towards the pagoda and there was an inscription right on the side of the steps. There were many monoliths and plenty of altars of different shapes and sizes around the complex. I also came across a “Nidan Gala” close to site where someone had dug and engaged in treasure hunting according to locals.

steps towards the pagoda

korawak stone

the pagoda

the inscription by the side of the steps

where there was treasure

Nidan stone

remnants of buildings

an oil lamp

more ruins

plenty of pillars

Anjaligama Samadhi Raja Maha Viharaya
From here onwards we took a carpeted road towards Anjaligama and the road was winding around the base of Wadina Hela Mountain until we reached the temple. When we reached the temple the head priest wasn’t there but few locals agreed to show us around. There are few ruins to be seen suggesting of many buildings but the main attraction was the vandalized pagoda which had a fleet of steps towards it. There were many ruins in and around the mountain but I was not willing to explore because of the slippery nature of the rocks.

on the way to Anjaligama

the ancient pagoda at anjaligama

steps

the hunter

siri patul stone

a moment to rest

ruins of a building

expressions

Weherayaya Gangarama Raja Maha Viharaya
We took the same route we arrived and reached back to Hadapanagala junction and proceeded towards Weherayaya Gangarama temple which was by the side of the main road. This ancient temple has been completely modified and pillars and alters were used to keep flower pots, the huge flower alter was used as a rug:-P. We also came across two fleet of carved in steps which led towards the pagoda and another fleet of steps leading towards KirindiOya.

newly built pagoda over the old one

steps towards the sthupa

two imprints

steps towards Kirindi oya

modern day use of an altar

an altar used as a rug

Weherayaya3rd division (3 අදියර ) Raja Maha Viharaya
We decided to proceed further towards Athiliwewa and take the road towards the right which led towards 3rd division. After about 5Km’s we reached an ancient temple where there were plenty of stone pillars indicating there must have been few buildings around in the past. The ancient Pagoda seemed to be guarded by a “yellow Rat snake” who was standing tall.

the ancient pagoda

the guardian

a key like mark

pillars

looks like a wind has blown them away.

I had to cut short my visit again due to bad weather conditions and head towards Monaragala earlier than I expected. I think I have visited around 40% of ancient sites in this district and there are few more places I need to write up about when I have some time. These reports may be less-adventures than a wild tour but it will create great awareness among the community and that is my only goal

Thanks for reading

Nayakadura in Purple | Arawakumbura Dunhida in green – Click Map to Enlarge

Orange = Peessa ella | Red = Gerandi Ella | Brown = Aradunu Ella | Black = Passara RMV – Click Map to Enlarge

In yellow Ravana proper falls – Click Map to Enlarge

Lite Green = Devathura falls | Gray = Ranugalla falls | Blue = Pareiyan falls | Purple = Menik Ganga Dunhida falls – Click Map to Enlarge

So the Monsoons arrived for us at last and it was time to visit few waterfalls but I had to wait until the showers subsided a bit. I was checking the weather forecast daily and I suddenly noted that it was going to shine a bit for few days.
On a gloomy day I took a bus towards Bibile and from there onwards I took another bus towards Alawaththagoda on Lunugala Rd. After getting down from Alawaththagoda and inquiring about Alawaththagoda falls few people directed me further towards Arawakumbura for 1.5km’s after passing a huge bridge I came across a second bridge and continued upstream until I reached a beautiful waterfall called Alawaththagoda Naya Kadura Ella. I did hang around a bit to enjoy this hidden beauty before I decided to walk further 3km’s towards Arawakumbura to see a locally famous waterfall called Arawakumbura Dunhida falls

view towards Nilgala from A5

more scenery towards Nilgala from A5

side view of Alawaththagoda Naya kadura falls

through the falls

plunging down

on the way scenery

The 2 km walk along the scenic road was simply great and there were very few people around too. Once I arrived at the District boarder I saw the beautiful cascade formed by the Ibban oya which is a main tributary of Gal Oya. Unfortunately there was no clear path to get to the base so I wasted about 1hour tumbling downwards on a muddy path until I came to a place to get a direct picture. After climbing up through this difficult terrain and arriving at the top of the falls I was told by locals that there was a path to the base directly which begins from the top of the fall. But this would not produce a full view of it. I had to wash myself from the top of the falls before I said good bye to this beauty.

a glimpse of Arawakumbura Dunhinda falls

front view

Lower part of Arawakumbura Dunhinda falls

starting point

base of the fall

starting point of Arawakumbura Dunhinda falls

I took a long distance bus from Arawakumbura to Yapamma, Peessa junction and from here onwards hired a trishaw towards the famous Peessa waterfall. The road was carpeted and the stretch was about 7 Km from the main road. After getting down at the point where the steps begun my journey was a lonely one through a small jungle patch. Tackling the well paved steps was bit difficult because water was flowing along them. Somehow once I got to the small stage near Peessa falls I didn’t feel like leaving this marvelous beauty. Peessa which is formed by Kubukkan oya is one of the most scenic waterfalls I have seen. On the way towards the main road I did notice another waterfall which may be Milla Ella.

Maragala range was seen clearly while on the way to Peesa falls

Yellow it is

First glimpse

slippery steps

steps towards Peessa

it was difficult capture the whole waterfall

a miniature falls near Peessa

Beautiful Peessa Falls

turbulance

gush……

note the cave behind the fall

getting back

a cascade of Kubukkan oya

My next stop was Passara, from here onwards I hired a trishaw and asked the driver to take me to Aradunu Ella. So we took the road which led towards Passara Raja Maha viharaya for about 3Km’s and after taking few by roads we arrived at a tea estate where we had to travel further downwards towards Loggal Oya valley on a 4WD road where our trishaw got stuck in a mud hole. Unfortunately the waterfall was not flowing because the water had been diverted for a mini hydro project which produced energy to a factory. So I had to leave the place disappointed but with some hope. Next we somehow got back to Madolsima road and proceeded towards Medawalagama and from there we went further towards Gerandiella village. The total distance from Passara might have been around 8 Km’s. After getting to the village we took a path which went parallel to the stream until we came across a paddy field, there is a small house with some kind hearted occupants who volunteered to show us the path towards the waterfall (2km trek from the village). From the house the hike was roughly 300m’s until we reached the middle of the cascade. It seems to be one of those cascades which is been separated to many parts. After hanging around a bit we decided to get back to Passara.

valley of Loggal oya as seen from Madolsima road

what a view

Loggal oya reservoir

Gerandi ella kandura

first glimpse of Gerandi Ella

Upper reaches of Gerandi Falls passara

lower parts of Gerandi ella

Partitioned

a sweet puppy

Just before reaching Passara I was tempted to visit Passara Raja Maha Viharaya after seen the Archeology board. There is an ancient “Awasa Geya” with an inner garden and a modified image house with ancient tiles. I also came across an ancient Buddha statue close to the newly built Pagoda. I returned back to Passara and found a place to spend the night and have long nap.

ancient awasa geya at Passara RMV

note the garden inside the awasa geya

the pagoda

Chuda manika

ancient statue at Passara RMv

entering the image house

inside the image house

ancient tiles of Passara RMV

Flames at Passara

On day two my main objective was to get to Aradunu Ella before 8am and view the waterfall which I desperately wanted to see. I visited the place around 7.15am and the waterfall was in full flow. This beauty is formed by Loggal oya and if one wishes to visit it during rainy season you need to be there before 8am . After having taken few snaps I ascended along the path enjoying some breath taking scenery towards Namunukula.

dawn at Passara

on the way to the m

nine peaks of Namunukula

DOF	a beautiful tea flower

after the rain

Aradunu Falls

formed by Loggal oya

starting point

base of the falls

After getting to Passara I took a trishaw towards Higurukaduwa, actually my destination was an infamous waterfall called Ranugalla Dunhida ella. Just before Ranugalla we took the cart road towards Kirigalpoththa and after about 1Km at a random point shown by a local we descended until we reached the tributary of Menik River. We went down stream in search of the waterfall but we couldn’t locate it. At this point we noted two guys following us through the bushes with knives; we did approach them in search of help. And to surprise us these locals were spying on us and were not happy at all to find us at this position. They thought we had come to take a hidden treasure at this location but after having few conversations they understood our intentions and showed us the waterfall. I didn’t want to hang around anymore so as soon as possible we returned back towards our trishaw.

Maragala range as seen from Passara – Pelawatte Rd

a tributary of Menik ganga at Ranugalla

Top of Ranugalla Dunhinda falls

Ranugalla dunhida falls

cascades at ranugalla

After passing Ranugalla we took the turn off towards Meeyanakadura and Devathura which is an area which I’m very familiar about because I have worked at Devathura few months back. There is a small road which goes towards the left that starts at the Co-Op building. This road will lead one towards a small foot path which will end on top of a beautiful waterfall called Habaraththawa falls. To view this waterfall one needs to get down a bit from the left side. After washing the mud off us, we returned back to Devathura where I previously worked and sent off the trishaw guy. I met Bandara a staff member at this point, both of us together left towards a nice icy cold water hole in the estate and had a nice bath before we took our lunch and left Devathura towards Namunukula. The road towards Namunukula is one of those routes I really love because of its scenery and for a moment I forgot that I was still in Monaragala district.

Naja was crossing the road at Devathura

daisy’s

spicy

a cascade at Devathura

top Of Habaraththawa falls Devathura

Beautiful cascade of Habaraththawa falls

Habaraththawa Falls

Beautiful cascade of Habaraththawa falls

starting point

along the tea estates

buttala range seen on the way to Namunukula

valley of buttala

here comes the mist

time for a snap

When we reached Namunukula I had to say goodbye to Bandara and leave towards Ella. As always the road towards Ella via Balleketuwa was very scenic. After reaching Ella I walked along the railway towards Kithal Ella to view Ravana Falls (proper). I had to wait for 30 minutes until the mist cleared off for a clear photograph but the images with the mist also came out well. Since time was running out I returned back to Ella and left towards Badalkumbura via Wellawaya to spend the night at one of my staff member’s home.

Scenic Balleketuwa

narangala as seen from Balleketuwa

misty hill country of UVA

Ravana falls as seen from Kithal ella – bandarawela road

misty railways

Ella gap

Ella rock

upper reaches of Ravana falls(proper)

Ravana falls(proper) covered with mist

upper part of Ravana falls(proper)

mid part

perfect timing

lonely tree of Ella rock

Day 3 we got up early morning and left towards Punsisigama where we got off and hired a trishaw to get to the famous Badalkumbura Paraviyan Falls which was 2km away from the main road. There was a well paved path towards the waterfall but one need to descend to its base to view it properly. It is an extremely dangerous location to hang around because of the slippery nature of the rocks. If you are not careful you would easily fall in to the 70feet deep base pool and already this waterfall has claimed more than 20 lives. I was so happy to view this magnificent beauty of Menik River but to surprise me there was another huge waterfall less than 200m downstream called Menik Ganga Dunhida falls. Yes it’s another Dunhida falls  it seems like many waterfalls in Uva have got the Dunhida part to its name. The rock formation of the river gives a good idea about the turbulent nature of the flow during thousands of years.

mahamma ditch

caused by a turbulent flow

Pareiyan falls

with its deep base pool

upper part

another starting point

base pool

couldnt take my eyes off

multi species gathering, must be discussing a global issue

another gathering

i would not want to wonder about when it raining

Somehow we got to the top of Dunhida falls which is another massive waterfall but we didn’t attempt to get to the base. After enjoying some side views we returned back to the main road (Buttala-Badalkumbura) where I said good bye to Manjula and left towards Wellawaya.

upper reaches of Dunhida falls

Dunhinda Falls of Menik river

side view

a cascade of menik river

front view of the cascade above dunhida falls

the best view i could get

upper part

the base pool

shadows

colourful rock formation

At Wellawaya I hired another trishaw and asked him to take me to Ellawala Ella waterfall which is about 4km’s from Wellawaya. We drove few km’s on Ella Rd and at the junction where the Iran and Sri Lanka friendship Pillars are placed we took a left turn. After traveling about few hundred meters we took another road which had a causeway. From here onwards it was a very difficult 4WD trek towards the base of the waterfall. Now this is one of those hidden cascades that one needs to visit. The area surrounding the waterfall was extremely cool and I just didn’t feel like leaving the place. But since I had to return to work at Inginiyagala I had to cut short my trip and rush back with some splendid memories.

Ellawala oya flows calmly few kms further down

my guides

Ella wala falls

note the deep base pool

and it falls

gushes down

dripping

The map Green = Rahathan kanda and violet = Budugallena | Click Map to Enlarge

“It was the rainy season after the Buddha preached his first discourse to the five ascetics of Isipatana and due to the rains his preaching tours were cut down and he followed the ancient practice to spend the rainy season “Vas” in one place of residence carrying out his work on the Dhamma. However, as time goes by, this ancient practice was not observed by some erring monks and they wandered about defying the elements and inviting unwarranted remarks. The Blessed One therefore laid down the precept of observing the “Vas” retreat during the “Vassana” season. It was a period for monks to recuperate after months of travelling about teaching the dhamma and to spend time in quiet and serious meditation, give dhamma talks and help laypeople and junior monks in spiritual development.”
Rahathan kanda is a well-known monastery located near the Buttala army camp but I got to know about this place only few weeks back. I was tempted to climb up this mountain though the weather was not favorable. So early morning on a gloomy day I arrived at Rahathan kanda monastery which is 100m away from the main road (A4). There is a replica of a “watada geya” with a “sthupa” which can be easily viewed from the main road. Adjacent to this place is there is a small building where the pilgrims rest and few hundred meters away there is an ancient pagoda which is covered with bushes.

name board

Buttala Rahathan kanda range

the summit of Rahathan kanda, note the cave

the newly built Pagoda

the newly built Pagoda

patterned pillars

Monarawila Keppetipola

a drip ledge cave at Rahathan kanda

functioning drip ledge

a pagoda at the base of the rock, the tree is right on the top

After passing a drip ledge cave I met the head priest at the monastery and requested permission to look around. After getting consent I took the steps towards the “kuti’ and came across few caves with inscriptions. I really didn’t want to walk around the “kuti” much because monks were meditating at that moment so I took the uphill path which led to the last “kutiya” which was built out of clay, where I met a huge “nade”. It seemed like they were also climbing the mountain and they were climbing it for the second time. I felt really lucky because there was a possibility of getting lost. They happily welcomed me to their group of 12 which including two 2 year old kids. The path was bit slippery because it has been raining during the past few weeks and the forest was pitch dark and cold too. Somehow we ascended upwards until we came across an open view point where we could enjoy some breath taking views towards Buttala. From here onwards it was a path which was not so steep until we came to the main cave with a drip ledge close to the summit. This must have been one of those splendid places to meditate many years ago. I really wished that I could live in it for few days.

steps

modernized

more kuti

thissa kutiya

its inscription

a hidden cave

and its inscription

the minimally modified kutiya

note the plaster and the drip ledge

where the monk cooks

towards the forest

the path

the nade

through the boulders

on the way scenery towards Poonagala and Wellawaya

summit of Namunukula covered with mist

the supreme court at buttala

towards Wadina hela

dawn at Yudaganawa lake

misty Buttala

mist covering up the A4

the cave with the drip ledge at the summit

what a place to meditate

through the cave close to the summit

From here onward it was a matter of minutes before we reached the summit. The summit is a flat rock which was half a football field in size. On the top there were few rock ponds filled with water and tadpoles, also few “bovitiya” bushes which had started to blossom could be easily spotted here and there. I did walk around a bit enjoying the spectacular scenery of Wellassa while relishing the freshness in the air. From the top one can easily identify Wellawaya, Buttala regions, Buttala town, Yudaganawa lake, Poonagala-Nayabedda ranges, Namunukula, Buttala replica of the high court, A4 high way, part of Maragalakanda, Okkampitiya side, Dematamal viharaya, Kotiyagala mondanocks, Wedihiti kanda and other mountains around Kataragama, few lakes and many paddy fields. The most fascinating sight was seen the mist covering the whole dry zone which only can be experienced during this particular period. We also noted an ancient pagoda close to the summit. It is said to have many caves where “Rahatan” monks meditated which eventually led to its name.

summit

towards Kotiyagala , note chimney rock

the kids

the ancient Pagoda close to the summit

a cool pond on the rock

through the gap

Towards Wellawaya

as seen from the summit

drop

buttala town zoomed

namunukula cleared of mist

the gap towards Monaragala, part of Maragala range can be seen

while on the summit

some one has done some treasure hunting long ago

moments

the lonely Okkampitiya road

towards Kataragama

Bowitiya gaining some life after the monsoons

top of the world

At around 7.30 am we had to start descending because it started to drizzle a bit and within no time we reached the base. After having some “dane” as breakfast I said good bye to the “Nade” and left towards Buttala.

framed

getting down

Next place in my list was another well-known monastery on Buttala-Kataragama Rd. At Buttala I hired a trishaw (buses are available) and left towards Budugallena which was roughly 10km’s away from the town. One needs to travel further 1.6km from the main Rd to get to the monastery. After reaching the monastery I continued along the path which was well paved. The cold and quite nature of the forest almost wrapped me up with its magnificence. Finally after tackling few steps I reached the main area with a “sthupa”, Bo tree, a huge drip ledge image house and a building in ruins. The most interesting finding was the small museum with Buddha statues and guard stones near the main image house.

name board

Budugallena mountain range

At Budugal lena monastery

bark mushrooms

the surrounding forest

the cool and quite path

Its was retreat season

ruins at Budugallena

monoliths at Budugallena

the main cave at Budugallena

inside the main caved image house

focused

statues and guard stones found at Budugallena monastery

guard stones

the pagoda at budugallena

bo tree at Budugallena monastery

From this “Meda maluwa” there was a well paved path towards the modified “kuti” where monks from different locations of Sri Lanka meditated. I had few fruitful conversations with resident monks while visiting these “kuti” and at one point I came across a monk who was picking up seeds to plant somewhere else to ensure the sustainability of the forest cover and he explained me deeply why we need to be so close to the nature. This was one of those experiences I will never forget. There were plenty of wasp hives around the “kuti” but they were living in harmony with these monks. After experiencing spirituality it was time for me to leave the premises before 1pm. So I hurried back to the lower “wishrama Shalawa” area and rested a bit before starting to walk towards the main road through the small forest patch.

steps towards the kuti

a kutiya at Budugallena monastery

sakman maluwa made out of curd pots

another kutiya

drip ledge

for meditation purpose

and abandoned Kutiya

view towards wellawaya

view towards lunugamwehera

silent please

used for meditation

another kutiya

modernized kutiya

huge cave

one of those boards with an useful message

time for a sun bath

i love this flower

වන පොල්කිච්චා

Joker of the hena

Since it was monsoons the showers came down with no time and I had to rush back to a temporary shelter before I left back towards Monaragala with some unique memories..

Raigama, according to some historians, was the seventh capital of ancient Lanka, after Anuradhapura (4th century BC – 10th century AD), Polonnaruwa (10th century – mid-13th century), Dambadeniya (1232–72), Yapahuwa (1272–93), Kurunegala (1293–1341) and Gampola (1341–47). It is said to have been the capital for 68 years, until Parakramabahu VI moved to the comforts of Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte in 1415 (Wikipedia.)

“Alakeshvaras” were the supreme rulers of Raigama kingdom. Their sovereignty varied from time to time. So were the limits of the kingdom.Current Raigam Korale is an area of 350 sq km that covers the electorates Bandaragama, Horana and part of Bulathsinhala, but this should not be taken as the limits of ancient Raigampura kingdom in its heyday. The kingdom has spread over large sections of the provinces, Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa from time to time.

The centre, of course, was at Bandaragama where we visited. In the” Mayura sandesaya” the peacock that carries a message to Devinuwara, spends the second night of his travel in the palace of ‘Alakeshvara’ the Patahawatta temple mentioned below..

Having read interesting information in the internet and an article by the National Trust of Sri Lanka about the Historical Viharaya’s in and around Bandaragama close to Colombo and Kodi Gaha Kanda forest reserve we decided to cover the area as a day trip on the 27th of November travelling a distance of about 90Km from home.
We started the trip by traveling via Piliyandala, Kahatuduwa, passing Bandaragama turn off to Koralaima.

Then turn left before Koralaima junction to the left to de Soyza School and come to the visitor center managed by a local NGO called Mihithala Mithuro Environmental Development Foundation. We first contacted Mr. Munagama (Telephone 0713496971) the President of the center and informed before hand of our visit. He had arranged few youth members of the Organization to take us around ad guides.

Kodigahakanda is an 18 acre secondary scrub jungle on top of a granite based hill rock, 378 feet above sea-level at its highest point. Though the land belongs to philanthropist Rohan De Soyza, he has kept the forest without exploiting it for economic gains. He had wanted to keep the jungle unharmed for the benefit of diverse creatures living had organized a local NGO Mihithala Mithuro and are the now caretakers of the forest reserve.

We first visited the center and the youth members took us around, first to the Uda Bangalawa, a dilapidated Walauwa on top of Kodi Gaha kanda which has been the holiday home of C.H.de Soyza a great philanthropist of the yester year.
Today it’s not owned by the De Soyza family but one Mr. Liyanage who had bought the Walauwa from an auction we were told.

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This house had been visited by dignitaries such as the Crown Prince of Japan, Gurudev Rabindarnath Tagore, Hon D.S.Senanayake, Hon S.W.R.D.Bandaranayake, Hon. Baron Jayatilake and some have planted trees and to commemorate the visit.

The tree planted by Hon S.W.R.D.Bandaranayake

The tree planted by Crown Prince of Japan

The Ebony tree planted by Hon D.S.Senanayake

The whole place was dilapidated condition and the caretaker was not there so we could not go into the house but took photos from the glass doors.

A room inside

The only remaining decorative tile on the wall around the Walauwa

The pond in the Garden

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Next we visited the Kodi Gaha Kanda forest to climb to the top and see where a flag was hoisted to mark the Colombo harbor as there were no Light Houses then. Now only the hole where the flag post was fixed is seen below:

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Going through the forest was difficult at times, as no roots/roads are available. The Member guides maintained that it will remain as it is so that the visitor can gain a ‘true forest experience’ and many adventurer facilities are there for young visitors. According to a brochure given to us there are 33 species of flora, 18 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians, 16 species of fish, 45 species of butterflies, 72 species of birds and 17 species of mammals at the reserve.
From Kodigakanda we travelled back to the Koralaima and turned left and came to Pokunuwita and again turned left towards Horana and came to Pokunuwita Rajamaha Viharaya or the Kithsisimewan Rajamaha Viharaya.

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In the 4th century AD King Kithsisrimevan had a general called Deva and he had donated his share of revenue to this temple say a stone inscription at the site.

Click Image to Enlarge

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The old Vihara had been constructed with kabok bricks and mud and the frescos and being said to belong to the Kandiyan Kingdom style.

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Next we went to see the Lanawara Rajamaha Viharaya turning off tat the Panadura Horana road pass Raigama junction.

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This cave temple as most such cave temples had been a hiding place of King Walagambahu. Most intriguing part of this site is the entrance to a large tunnel, which it is said, runs underground for miles, even crossing the Kelani river. We had to turn right without going up the stone stairs to the main temple.But the entrance to this tunnel, is blocked off with concrete. This we are told is because, the last people to explore the tunnel from this end never come back.

Entrance to the Cave now covered by concrete wall

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The temple proper was on a small hill.

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An inscription by the king at Sunetradevi Pirivena at Pepiliyana records grants made to “Raigam nuwarabada Lenawara gallena Viharaya”. Archeological Department goes even further in naming it the foremost temple in the Western province during the Polonnaruwa period.
According to local legends a Brahmin from South Indian origins named ‘Ramasundara’ has once lived in the cave. His specialty was treating catarrh. ( ‘peenasa’). This Brahamin was also believed to have complied a book on treating catarrh called ‘Peenas Vedakama’ in gold plates to be donated to the king. As this ‘waraya’ (donation) took place in a ‘lena’ the place is believed to have the name ‘Lenawara’.
The scenery from its height is spectacular. Stretches of coconut palms, other local trees and paddy fields in blended greens faded into far away Blue Mountains. The hill surrounding the viharaya is cultivated with rubber and Coconut,

Next we visited the Pathawatta Rajamaha Viharaya
The temple now known as Sri Pushkararama Rajamaha Viharaya at Pathahawatte, Kothalawela is certainly an important piece of Raigampura Heritage – and not just for its religious significance. easily twice of that. This wall dates back to either Kotte or Gampola period.

Click Image to Enlarge

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The temple is surrounded by a huge wall of kabook. It is 2 meter wide and the height varies between 2 -3 meters. Given the depth of the foundation, the original height could have been easily twice of that. It is said thatThis wall dates back to either Kotte or Gampola period.
No temple needs that level of protection. So this place could not have been a temple in its heyday. Mostly, it could have been the palace of a king.
There are two schools of thoughts. The first is that it was the land that housed the palace built by Raigam Bandara or Pararajasinghe (brother of Buvanekabahu VII and Mayadunne) who ruled Raigampura from 1521-38 AD.
The other is that it had been the palace of Prabhuraja Nisshanka Alakeshvara (1360-87 AD)– perhaps the most illustrious ruler of Raigam kingdom. Nisshanka Alakeshvara was the one who built the castle at Kotte kingdom, surrounded by a huge wall not too different from the one we see today at Pathahawatte. So it is fair to attribute that too to him.
Most evident feature at the entrance is a huge pit of 25 m x 15 m size – which could have been either a pond or most probably a swimming pool (=pathaha). It was well built surrounded by a stone wall. The linkage to the place name Pathahawatte is apparent, but it should have been established long before.. Even Rajavaliya refers to Pathahawatte as the point where Mudliar Samarakoon arrived with his army to fight the rebel Edirille Rala during the Kotte period. (Curtsy from the Internet)

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The Pataha or the big pit near the kabok wall

There were only few archeological artifacts to be seen on ground. One was a part of a vessel made of stone that takes the shape of a head of an elephant. This might have been used to collect water coming from the roof of the palace. The other interesting one is the double toilet seat – which has two back to back seats. Who used it and how it was used (mostly not simultaneously) is not known. The common belief is that it was the common toilet seat of the king and queen.

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The next visit was to The Rambukana Rajamaha viharaya near the Bandaragama Town.

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The Viharaya is not as large as some other temples in the area. Not having referred in ancient literature repeatedly it may not also be that well known. However, this is a unique place in the history of Raigampura kingdom. It is from the land of this temple that perhaps the oldest rock inscription shown above in the Western province was discovered in 1997 during the renovation of the temple. This inscription is now named as ‘Ramukkana Raja Maha Vihara Puvaru Lipiya’ – because it is written on a ‘stone slab’(gal puvaruva).
As only part of the rock slab is available it is not clear what the message is. Only it mentions about two ‘Bhanakas’. These were the learned Bhikkus of the day who memorized Dhamma before it was documents during the time of king Walagambahu.
Returning back we visited the Veedagama Maha Pirivena on the road side.
Only what is there is the statue of Rev Veedagama Maithrya Thera and his Tomb.

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All other artifacts have been broken and was behind the Budu medura and all old buildings at the time of the Rev Veedagama Maithriya Maha Thera had been destroyed and what is now there are of recent built.

Click Image to Enlarge

Click Image to Enlarge

Ven Maha Veedagama thero, who gained fame for matters related to not just religion, but also ‘manthara gurukam’. Ven Thotagamuve Rahula thero was a student of Maha Veedagama thero. According to one legend, the former took an overdose of the memory enhancer ‘Sarasvathie Thailaya’ and consequently was able to remember everything he hears. Ven. Veedagama Maithriya thero, one of the two leading poets of Kotte era. He is said to have written five books of poems namely, Loveda Sangarava, Hansa Sandesha, Budugunalakara, Daham Geta Mala and Kav Lakunu Mini Mala’.
Since it was about to rain as its evening thunder showers as predicted by the Met department we got into the new High way at Gelanigama interchange and proceeded to Kottawa and back home.( As I am no Historian most information is from Internet )

Raxagala is the second highest peak of Dolosbage range and having different names. Locals called it Kinihira (කිනිහිර), Paththini amma kanda (පත්තිනි අම්මා කන්ද), Wangedi molgas gala (වන්ගෙඩි මොල්ගස් ගල )1: 50000Map shows it as Stentry box east.

Note the road from Nawalapitiya to Stentry box east – Click Map to Enlarge

The idea of climbing this unusual shaped mountain came into my mind when I climbed Kabaragala-higest peak of Dolosbage range.When I searched it, I found a nice article in Sri lankan travellers. It gave me a good guidance.

R axagala

View of Raxagala from Kabaragala

We started our journey from Kandy in the early morning around 5.45am and got a
bus to Nawalapitiya.

We reached Nawalapitiya around 7am and got the bus to Dolosbage.It started from Nawalapitiya at 7am and was full of school children and Teachers.

We got down at the junction where road starts to Raxawa state.

We satisfied with bread and dhal curry for our breakfast from there and started our journey towards Raxawa state around 8.15am.

The road was good and can go by a vehicle. We enjoyed the surrounding view and walked towards the tea factory of Raxawa estate.

Small waterfall came across on the way

Mighty Kabaragala looking at us

Then climbed few stairs near to tea factory and continued the walk on road.

The road

If you are coming by a vehicle, have to go through the premises of tea factory and have to get their permission.

Tea factory

Water from natural sources

Remanings of a cabel service

After we walked about 2.5-3km, we came across a foot pathway for actual hiking. Better to ask about the pathway towards the mountain from villagers when you walk.

Beginning of foot pathway

This footpathway continued through tea bushes initially. We came across a small Devalaya also.

On the way

Small kovil

Gradually it became narrow and divided into two. We selected the right one.

Filtering

Road gets divided

Then we had to cross few water streams. As this area had rain few days ago waterstreams had enough water. Then footpathway went through mana bushes and then entered into a forest patch. Gradually it ascended and we have lost our destination from vision.

Narrow pathway

Through the forest patch

Then we entered a clear area. This is the plain which seperates Kabaragala from Raxawagala.Again Raxagala appeared.

The plain

Lateral view

After having few minutes rest there we entered into the foreset back. This was the last ascend and Raxagala was near by. We came acroos small kovil as well.

Paththini amma kovil

Surrounding view

Finally we came near the mountain. It was bit difficult to climb last part of this rock.
Once we climbed some extent we realized this is the highest place of the rock we can reach. It was extremely difficult to go further up.

Later I confirmed it from villagers and they said need some kind of support to go futher up.

Most highest point we reached

We have spent around two and half hours to climb. Then we enjoyed surrounding beauty and came back

Narrowed view

Kabaragala

Can go further????

Another view

Breathtaking view

More and more

On the way back to Gamapola, we visited at two places.One is Niyangampaya temple. If you are coming by the bus from Nawalapitiya to Gampola, you have to get down at Mariyawaththa (2Km before Gampola town). It is situated other side of the road.

Niyangampaya temple (නියන්ගම්පය විහාරය)
This temple belongs to Kandyan era and important features are wood carvings, stone door frame and stone inscription. (Don’t know where is this stone inscription although it is mentioned in litreature). Wood carvings and stone door frame can be seen in the Image house.

We couldn’t see inside of the image house.

Wood carvings

Image house- note the stone door frame

The door

Then we came back to Gampola town and visited at Ambuluwawa enviormental center. We took the Hemmathagama bus from Gampola town and got down at Ambuluwawa. Then we got a threewheeler from there to Ambuluwawa tower.
They close this center at 5.30pm. Therefore better to visit at least before 5.00pm.

Ambuluwawa enviormental center

Ambuluwawa tower

Rising up

Surrounding view

Sun rays…..

Close up view

Gampola town

This whole idea of a “night climb” was in my mind for a while and was wondering where to try it out first. After evaluating the trails I have done already finally it was decided that I should try it on Bambarakanda first. The intention was purely based on excitement and the urge to try something different without following the same course as usual. Luckily my travel buddy Murtaza (A camping pro) was also on the lookout for some adventure hence me and him along with another two (02) friends of his planned the adventure within a matter of few days.

On the 10th of Nov Saturday night we left from Colombo approx around 18:00 hrs under heavy showers which followed us all the way upto Avissawela. The journey was delayed considerably due to traffic enroute but since our aim was for a nocturnal ascend up the mountain the traffic was never a disappointment for us

Finally, we were able to reach the Bambarakanda Waterfall trail head approx at around 00:30 hrs early morning on the 11th of Nov. After checking on our equipment and lightening the great nocturnal ascend was initiated!! Of-course it is not an easy task trying to trace a trail path in the night with the use of head torches and we almost got lost a couple of times enroute. To make things a bit more adventurous we decided to try a vertical steep climb off the beaten path and indeed! Though it was a slow climb, counting each step and ensuring that we step on stable ground, it was the most entertaining part of the ascend After reaching the summit we went further up until we came across the road which leads to the Village Udaweriya approx at around 05:30 hrs early morning on the 11th of Nov.

.Preparing for the mid-night adventure

Of-course there were leeches around the car park

Ascending!

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It does look a bit creepy in the night!!

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.	Murtaza observing a tree log

Di-routed from the actual Bambarakanda trail and on our way for a surprise dead-end with a mini waterfall  (For more information about this discovery Refer this link)

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Of-course at 02:30 hrs in the morning who would not be sleeping? Haha

A baby hump nosed viper having a nap on top of the cold stone..

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After hiking along the foot path over some rough terrain we clearly came to the conclusion that this is not the way up the Bambarakanda and that we are stepping away from the trail. However we decided to move on and to discover the route under the assumption that it will lead us either to a waterfall or to a village. There was no rush since this hike was purely for our entertainment so we took our time and moved on. Finally after walking up a few stones that were aligned as steps our hike came to a halt when we came across a “mini-waterfall” look alike rapid flow of water. We were unable to locate a way any further since the flow of water was quite strong and none of us felt like taking the risk trying to cross it in the middle of the night.

However after further investigations and thanks to the support extended by the Lakdasun forum members we came to the conclusion that it could possibly be an upper cascade of the Lanka Ella stream

Our Discovery – The mini waterfall from top to bottom (Given is the Upper Part of the same)

The bottom part of the mini waterfall

After taking a quick break at the location we traced our way back and was finally back on track on the correct trail after a successful ascend we finally reached the gravel road which leads to Udaweriya approx around 05:30 hrs in the morning.

After walking for a few meters we decided to camp under a tree alongside the road for a break and for a quick nap since we were basically up all night long. With the help of a hot coffee some of us went for a quick nap while the others decided to witness a breath-taking sunrise over the magical landscape that was in-front of us..
The pictures are not capable of expressing the beauty that we witnessed by our very own eyes!

Time for a coffee and to unwind after an adventurous ascend!

After having a hot coffee some of us went to take a nap along the road side cuddled up in a sleeping bag which was laid over the pine branches while the rest climbed up a tea plantation to witness a spectacular sun rise!

A bit of the heaven on earth at 06:00 hrs!

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It was then that I met a friend of mine who was enjoying the scenic sunrise just like us

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Having the final gaze at the sunrise before heading back to the camp

Back at the camp

Wondering why I took this picture?? Look closely

After a scrumptious home-cooked breakfast at around 11:30 hrs in the morning we decided to head back down the waterfall and the trail was getting misty

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The mist was getting thicker as we reached the pine forest above the waterfall

Since we started our descend later the day we decided to have lunch at the upper cascade of the Bambarakanda waterfall (slightly visible from the base of the waterfall)

upper cascade of the Bambarakanda waterfall

upper cascade of the Bambarakanda waterfall

Click Image to Enlarge

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Panoramic view of the road below including the trail head to the waterfall

The healthy look of the waterfall

After having a refreshing cold water wash from the house adjoining the car park we head back home from an adventurous holiday get-away

Cheers!!

Blue = mini worlds end | Purple = Metigahatenna falls | Green=Dunhida falls – Click Map to Enlarge

in green is Dun falls – Click Map to Enlarge

I have heard and seen some stunning images of a waterfall in a rural village in Uva long ago and I was tempted to visit this waterfall which is the 3rd highest in Uva and winning the 7th place considering all other waterfalls in Sri Lanka. So again it was a gamble with overcast conditions. First day I decided to spend the night at a friend’s place close to Madulsima.
Next day early morning it was a wonderful sight to see all 9 peaks of Namunukula from my friends garden which just made my day perfect. Next I took a bus towards Madulsima and then a trishaw towards mini worlds end. From Madulsima I think there was roughly 20kms. After taking the road towards Metigahatenna we had to take a right turn at Kuruvigolla and proceed along Pitamaruwa road passing Ambalama junction towards Cocogalla. Currently they have carpeted the road for a short distance and from there onwards it was pure torture. You really need a good 4WD or a Piaggio trishaw to tackle this road which leads to Roeberry. Just after passing Cocogalla we did notice D.S. Rock which resembles Hon. D. S. Senanayake on the opposite hill. After passing Cocogalla and reaching Elamanna we had to take another right turn in the direction which was saying “mini worlds end 1.1Km”.

Passara town lit up at night (15 sec shutter speed)

nine peaks of namunukula at dawn

Lunugala mountain

Welcome

Namunukula rising over the mist

HDR

gap

towards Knuckles range(on the way scenery)

the road under construction

D. S. Rock

directions – Click Image to Enlarge

on the way scenery

After tackling this difficult path we arrived at a summer hut where the foot path began and proceeded along that for 100 meters and arrived at an abyss which was covered with mist. When I raised my head and looked further I noted that I was over the clouds. I even went in to a stupor for few minutes; I really felt that I was at the end of the world. Few meters away from this point is the main view point towards eastern Sri Lanka where one will come across a plate with directions but to identify these land marks this was not the ideal time. I sat near the plate and gazed far away for miles over the clouds and imagined flying like a free bird . Sometimes imagination augments the beauty of mother nature a lot  on a clear day one can easily identify Kandy, Meegahakivula, Nagadeepa lake, Mahiyangana, Ulhitiya, Sora bora lake, Bibile, Kotagama village at the base, Batticaloa, Ampara, Senanayake reservoir, Monaragala, Passara and Badulla. Actually this mountain range which extends for many kilometers is the eastern slope of the central hills of Sri Lanka and it also the boarder of Badulla and Monaragala. There was another mini (mini) worlds end but didn’t bother to go there because the mist decided to cover up everything permanently for the day.

a hut near worlds end

from top to bottom

window view from heaven

Dorapada drop

wow wow wow

simply wow

the drop

the base of the drop of worlds end

mini worlds end

having a look

eastern slopes covered with mist

rise of the mist

i think im on an airplane

over the clouds

the plate with directions

mist started to clear up

Mini(mini) worlds end, didnt bother to go there

and more clouds

contrast

please clear off

paddy fields of Bibile

these fellows are not friendly

the eastern slope of the central hills of Sri Lanka

clearing off

note the lake

wow at last

plenty of fields

mist mist go away

towards alawaththagoda

couldnt stop clicking

atlast can see the bottom

kotagama area

a ancient temple of kotagama

plenty of clouds

and more paddy

sorry pal thats it

bye bye

Next we took a short cut which led towards Metigahatenna where we came across Metigahatenna falls located 2km’s towards Ekiriya. This waterfall is easily locatable because it’s very close to the road. After hanging around a bit we proceeded towards Madulsima. From here we took a road which passed the police station and arrived at a name board saying Kohanawela School. Now this village is one of the most rural villages in Sri Lanka, Children walk 20Km up and down just to reach the school which is located at a place where no vehicle can approach. We walked for about 1.5Km along this foot path which was leading downhill along a tea estate to view Madulsima Dunhida falls which I think should be renamed as Madulsima Diyaluma .

landscaped	a friend
paddy fields at Ekiriya	zoomed
Metigahatenna falls	plenty of bowitiya

tree tops

Madulsima dunhida falls	zoomed in
starting point	hard working
plucking & plucking	children walk 20km per day to reach their school
no idea what it is but yet beautiful	mirror image
evening mist	stages
they were so shy

After reaching Madulsima and having lunch I reached the police station and met the OIC who I had previously contacted, he welcomed me happily and treated me very well that day even by providing accommodation. If it wasn’t for him I would have been stranded that day.
Next day my main intention was to get to Pitamaruwa but no trishaw driver wanted to tackle that road but one guy said he would charge at least 4000/= for the hire. So one of the known police guys volunteered to take me on bike but after passing Cocogalla we got caught to a continues drizzle which made our journey extremely difficult, somehow at one point we came across a Tea lorry which offered me a ride towards Sooriyagolla where I really wanted to go. The journey through Rathkele towards Roeberry was one of those journeys I will never forget. The area was so isolated and the only vehicle we came across was Pitamaruwa Ambulance which was transporting an ill patient towards Badulla via Passara. But never the less the scenery was simply breath taking. After reaching Roeberry we took a left turn towards Pitamaruwa and the lorry had to take a stop at a place close to Sooriyagolla where I had to get down and walk towards Ititampala in search of Dun Falls. After walking 3Km’s I reached a mini reservoir built to divert water for a power house at Ekiriya. The guy who was at the power house was kind enough to guide me towards this waterfall. The sight of the waterfall was simply heartbreaking. The same destiny as St Clairs has struck this remote beauty, now only a limited amount of water is allowed to flow downstream and the right arm of the waterfall was completely dried out. Here is showing the waterfall at full flow taken by Kishan in 2005.

Dun falls at full flow taken by Kishan in 2005

sun rise through the mist

early morning pebbles	new life
morning shots	place of worship

perfect landscape

Good messages

the junction where i met the lorry

more to go – Click Image to Enlarge	siblings
Heaven is the places where gods reside	rural schools
they were every where	perfect

the evil dam which destroyed the beauty of Dun falls

Dun falls	two parts of Dun falls(one arm is dried out)
top of it	Dun falls upper reaches
lower reaches	scenery from top of the falls

I returned back along the 4WD road where the tea lorry was stopped and I was lucky enough to catch it before it left towards Lunugala via Janatha pura. When we started to return back it rained so heavily that the roads got covered with muddy water completely within no time. Somehow my head was aching like someone hammered me with a hammer and my guts felt like been entangled when I got down at Lunugala though the road through Janathapura was in good condition. I was again lucky enough to get the last bus towards Monaragala from Bibile to return back to civilization which was covered with clouds the day before

This was a long waited leisure trip for us to get away from the tight schedules and relax in the cool climates enjoying beauty of the up country. Our selection this time was one sensational hotel, the Heritance Tea Factory to enjoy a comfortable stay with lovely meals within the beautiful landscapes and creations in the surrounding. This week end was spent entirely among Ceylon Tea which was all about a stay in a ‘Tea Factory’ surrounded by an enchanting Tea garden while observing and learning the process of producing ‘Ceylon Tea’.

It was 4.30 a.m. when we started from Kadawatha. Our first stop was Kadugannawa Ambalama.

Shelter since ancient times

After spending some time there we again got down for some ‘clicks’ at Kadugannawa tunnel, the famous creation of Capt. Dosan. We had only a limited number of stops on the way as our target was to reach the hotel for lunch.

Historical gateway to Kanda Uda Rata

History… – Click Image to Enlarge

Art of nature

Thereafter we had our breakfast at Bentota Bake House, Peradeniya. This is a good place that serves good food which is known to me from the time I was in the University of Peradeniya. The place is located around 500m before Peradeniya town, close to CEB station. It was around 7.30 a.m. when we left Peradeniya after having breakfast. Kandy was our next destination as we had some other engagements. Then before leaving Kandy, as usual we worshiped the Temple of Tooth and it was 12.15 p.m. when we left Kandy. Although it was a Saturday, traffic flow from Kandy up to Gampola was high and could not have a free drive.

After reaching Nuwara Eliya, we turned to Uda Pussellawa road and reached Kandapola. It is around 8 km to Kandapola from the turn off in Nuwara Eliya. Direction boards are provided and it is easy to find the Way to the hotel. From Kandapola town, there is an ascending road to the right where it should be traveled another 4km to reach the hotel. First 3km of the road is concreted and the final segment is paved with tar. The road is narrow and two vehicles can pass only at certain places where space is provided.

Road to hotel from Kandapola – First 3 km

Road to hotel from Kandapola – Final stretch

Hotel as seen from the road

We managed to get to the hotel at 2.28 p.m., just 2 minutes before the official closing time of the lunch buffet.

After having lunch we had a look around the hotel as the hotel itself has a lot to explore.

The hotel once had been a graceful Tea factory named ‘Heathersett Tea Factory’ standing in the middle of the Hethersett estate producing a collection of finest tea to the world under the brand ‘Hethersett’ since 1890’s. The factory had been closed down and abandoned in 1968 declaring that its machinery is outdated and hence uneconomical. Later this colonial monument was transformed to a unique theme hotel in 1992, preserving its features to a considerable level including the outer appearance of the building. The iron structure of the building, the conventional factory elevator, some machinery, factory engines and many other features of the original factory has been preserved and blended with modern architecture to come up with this magnificent creation.

The hotel. The entire outer appearance and the iron structure remain exactly as the British planters had left them

Another view

Yes, the tradition is alive. Starts experiencing it no sooner you move in beyond this point

Usually, in a Tea factory, all the upper floors are occupied by withering troughs and other machinery is located on the ground floor. When converting this to a hotel, they have located rooms on the upper floors and the lobby, restaurant, bar, Tea counter, etc. on the ground floor.

Many other structures inside the hotel as well as in the surrounding have been made up using parts of the machinery and other structures of the old factory. Certain areas inside are still occupied by the structures of the old factory which are preserved at the original locations where they have been for over 100 years.

At its location for over 100 years

A huge engine of the old factory is installed in the basement. This is one of the two engines that had been used to run the two generators which powered the whole factory. Every day in the evening (6.30p.m.) they run this engine and the preserved machinery inside the hotel, to give the factory ambience.

Huge single cylinder engine manufactured in 1930’s in England

Engine and the connected machinery

More connections. Running every day at 6.30 p.m.

In the lobby area and at the reception desk, can see some furniture fabricated using parts of the old machinery. The conventional factory elevator is used still as the hotel elevator. Photos expressing the historical moments of the factory/hotel are displayed in the lobby with explanatory notes. There is a Tea counter where you can buy different types of Tea and souvenirs too.

Reception desk. Table is fabricated using machine parts

Plenty of awards. Note how the table is made up

Conventional factory elevator is now the hotel elevator

The lobby

Lobby – another view

The art of Tea

Tea counter. Mr. James Taylor, the pioneer of Ceylon Tea is standing at the corner

Expressing the rich history

Dryer area of the original factory. This is the reception area of the hotel now (Courtesy: Heritance Tea Factory)

Rooms are elegantly designed. Conventional large windows of the Tea factory have been taken as room windows. Rooms are equipped with all common facilities/utensils to match the four star standard. In addition to the common features such as Tea/Coffee making facility, all needs for the stay are provided such as bottled drinking water, bath slippers, toothpaste, tooth brushes etc. every attached Bathroom is equipped with a bath tub. In addition they provide a plate of strawberry with chocolate and a collection of short eats too, for the room. This is like a model hotel room seen in Sri Lanka.

Inside the room

Yummy…

Bath room

Everything provided

Restaurant is another interesting creation. Several structures such as buffet tables are fabricated using parts of the machinery of the old factory. Like in the lobby, there are some preserved structures of the old factory. The place is very well designed and the service is superb. The food was great.

The Kenmare restaurant

Elegance

Buffet. Old machinery blended with modern architecture

Live action corner

Dessert corner. Carts made up of Tea chests

Sri Lankan curry corner

A tea cart made up of Tea chests

Sifting room of the original factory – This is where Kenmare restaurant is located now (Courtesy: Heritance Tea Factory)

Rolling room of the original factory – This is where the Goatfell bar is located now (Courtesy: Heritance Tea Factory)

In addition there is a collection of photos expressing the history of the factory in the basement. There is a gym and a spa too.

The Misty Mountain Spa

Inside the Spa

The staff is very friendly and dedicated to serve the visitors. The service is exceptional. From the moment they receive us, the stay flows among the courteous smiles and care of the staff. In and around the hotel, wherever you go, your requirements will be fulfilled by them. Even in the dining area, staff there will have a friendly chat with you, get to know about you, and try to satisfy you with whatever the ways possible.

Then we got out to enjoy the evening in the garden. Within minutes whole area gets covered by a veil of mist and again gets cleared off.

Submerged in mist

Icy breeze through the mist

Then we had the dinner at the restaurant. It was a very nice buffet with a good variety. While enjoying our meals, we observed a very special thing. At once three members of the restaurant staff appeared with a decorated cart with a cake and some fireworks while a congratulating song played in the background and stopped at a couple next to us. That couple had come there for their wedding anniversary. Restaurant staff has come to know this and offered this surprise celebration. We came to know that they do this very often for visitors who come there for special occasions.

Happy anniversary…

Next morning our plan was to visit the three special features of the hotel which are the mini Tea Factory, Railway carriage restaurant and the Rose garden. After the breakfast we spend some time in the garden to enjoy the morning scenery and rushed to the Mini Tea Factory.

Hotel surrounded by this enchanting Tea garden

Another view

A Tea flower

Relax

Grass ‘carving’

Landscapes

Garden too ‘powered’ by an engine

Mini Tea Factory

It is located near the hotel and used to process Tea grown in the 25 acre Tea garden around the hotel. Tea produced here is organic and they produce Orthodox Black Tea (Tea which we consume generally), Green Tea and Silver Tips.

Mini Tea factory

Let us see the production process of Orthodox Black Tea step by step.

1. Withering

Plucked fresh Tea comprises of the bud and the first too leaves of the succulent shoots. After transporting to the factory, this plucked Tea is loaded on to withering troughs. The troughs are made up of steel. Bottom of a trough is made up of a mesh and air could be pumped underneath and released through the top of the trough through the mesh.

Withering trough

Fresh Tea leaves are loaded on to the mesh. Note the air blower fixed to the end of the trough. It pumps air underneath the mesh which flows out through the mesh brushing the loaded fresh leaves

Fresh Tea leaves loaded on to this trough and air is pumped underneath to flow out through the mesh brushing Tea leaves. (The air blowers and other machinery of a Tea factory are powered by electricity). This results in removal of moisture from the fresh leaves. Moisture content of the leaves is brought down to 55% approximately. This softens the leaves facilitating the next step of processing. This moisture reduction of the fresh leaves is essential for the optimal development of bio chemical compounds through enzymatic reactions which determines the quality parameters of made Tea. Well withered leaves will twist while rolling rather than breaking. Tea from the fresh leaf is bitter but sweetness develops when withered. Withering time varies from 15 to 24 hours depending on the weather condition.

2. Rolling

Withered Tea leaves are loaded on to a heavy machine called the Roller. This is just like a thick pestle like structure rotating above a round table with a small gap between each other. This rotation is not around its axis. It is a move on a circular path above the table. Due to this rotation, withered Tea leaves which are loaded on to the surface of the table are rolled over and twisted.

The Roller

Closer look.. Withered Tea leaves are rolled on the brass plates

This breaks cell walls of the leaves and lets the cell compounds mix up which activates enzymatic reactions. This starts the process of producing the flavor and strength of Tea through biochemical reactions which is called fermentation.

Rolling cycle involves applying pressure and releasing while rotating. This results in a spread of cell sap on rolled Tea which will dissolve in water when making Tea and gives the flavor and strength. While rolling the green color of fresh leaves turn out to brown coppery colored texture.

Twisting brings about the curly nature of Tea particles.

3. Roll Breaking

Rolled Tea is then loaded on to the Roll Breaker. It is a simple sloping table with a mesh which shakes horizontally at a high speed. Through the mesh, fine Tea particles will move to the container down and the remaining will be loaded to the roller again.

The Roll Breaker

4. Fermentation

Then fine Tea particles collected after roll breaking are laid on the fermentation table or a separate floor (This is just a clean elevated floor or a wooden trough) for around 3-4 hours. During this period, enzymatic reactions happen further and it develops the bio chemical compounds that give the strength and flavor of made Tea to the optimum level. This is where the black color of made Tea is developed.

Fermentation Table

5. Drying

After allowing to ferment up to the required level, Tea is then passed through a dryer where forced hot air passes over Tea particles. Due to the heat, enzymes are deactivated and it stops further fermentation. This in addition reduces moisture content of the Tea particles to 2-3% which is favorable for storage.

The Dryer

6. Cleaning and Grading (Sifting)

After drying, Tea particles are sent through a machine called the Stalk Extractor to remove stalks, discolored particles and inert matter. Dried tea is conveyed under a rotating metal drum which has a static electric charge. Inert matter mixed with Tea particles sticks on to the drum and Tea particles move out. The unusable stuff removed here is called ‘කසල තේ’. These are used to produce compost.

The Stalk Extractor

Closer look.. See the drum with inert matter

Now we have black Tea. But Tea particles here are of different shapes and sizes. To get the ultimate market value, this should be sorted into grades. Dried Tea is sorted in to grades by passing them through a series of vibrating meshes of different sizes. This mesh complex is called the Sifter. Here, Tea is separated into several grades. There are 12-15 grades of Tea.

The Sifter used for Tea grading

Examples for Tea grades:

• Pekoe
• OP (Orange Pekoe)
• BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe)
• BOPF (Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings)
• Dust No. 01
• Dust No. 02, etc.

Particle size reduces from top to bottom. Pekoe is leafy and the dust grades are fine particles.

Tea of all grades is of same quality. But flavor and strength varies with the grade. Qualities of Tea are different from grade to grade. Grades with larger particle sizes have more flavour (Aroma and Taste) and less strength. Grades with small particle sizes have less flavor but more strength. Usually people in Russia, Japan, Europe prefer Tea with more flavor than strength. People in Middle east and Asia prefer more strength than flavor.

7. Packaging

Finally, the graded Tea is weighed and packed into plywood chests, multi walled paper bags or corrugated cardboard cartons which are lined with aluminum foils from inside. Paper bags are more popular nowadays. In each chest, bag or carton, details such as the plantation name, Brand, grade of tea, weight, invoice number, etc., are marked. With this it winds up the process of manufacturing Orthodox Black Tea and the tea in the chests is called the ‘Made Tea’. From 100kg of fresh leaves, can produce 22-25kg of made Tea.

This packed Tea is auctioned at the Colombo Tea auction from where large scale traders and exporters buy Tea. They blend different types of Tea and market Tea under different brands.

A Tea chest. It contains made Tea. Brand – Hethersett, Grade – BOP

Packed tea. These are for retail sale. Not for Colombo tea auction.

Some highlights from the history of Ceylon Tea

• 1867 Beginning of Sri Lanka’s Tea industry. Tea was first planted by Mr. James Taylor on a land of 19 acres at Loolecondera Estate, Deltota.
• 1873 First shipment of 23 lbs of Tea to London from Loolecondera Estate.
• 1883 First Tea auction was held. Tea production at that time was around 2 million pounds annually.
• 1884 Construction of a central Tea factory on Fair Land Estate (Now Pedro) in Nuwara Eliya.
• 1925 Establishment of the Tea Research Institute
• 1961 Extent of Tea lands in Sri Lanka exceeded 200,000 hectares and Tea exports exceeded 200,000 metric tons.
• 1965 Sri Lanka became the worlds’ largest Tea exporter for the first time surpassing India.
• 1976 Exportation of Tea bags from Sri Lanka Commenced. Sri Lanka Tea Board and Tea Small Holder Development Authority established.
• 1982 Sri Lanka was the official supplier of Tea at the 12th Commonwealth games held in Brisbane, Australia.
• 1990 Sri Lanka became the largest tea exporter of the world for the second time.

CTK 5608 – The Railway carriage restaurant

In the British era there had been a railway from Nanuoya to Ragala via Nuwara Eliya and Kandapola. This railway had been used to transport Tea to Colombo. This is not the ordinary railway but the smaller one similar to that ran from Avissawella to Opanayake. This railway had been removed later.

Map of original railway lines in the up country. Note the railway line from Nanu Oya to Ragala 1903-1948

A railway carriage used for transport in this railway has been placed now at Heritance Tea Factory as a restaurant. From the main restaurant there is a way to enter the railway carriage and the entrance is named as Hethersett Railway Station.

TCK 6685 Railway Carriage restaurant

The entrance. 6,850 feet above MSL

Dining there is another different experience as it is arranged in a way that they feel like traveling in a train driven by a steam engine. The sound and vibrations are heard and felt by the passengers which is done through sound effects and mechanical vibrations. Staff serving there is dressed as railway crew. Dining in it is just like a 4D movie.

Inside the colonial history

Well equipped for a grand ride

Rose Garden

Then we went to have a walk around their rose garden. Photos will speak for the rest.

On the way…

Ready to fly…

Together…

Colorful…

Contrast…

At the hotel you can have a pony ride too (They charge Rs. 500/- for ½ km ride). In addition, any one can try plucking Tea in the surrounding Tea garden as a conventional Tea plucker.

As our check out time was getting closer, we had to wind up these fantastic morning hours. We got back to the room and packed our stuff and after a refreshing bath we started our return journey with the intention of coming back for the third time next year (This was our second visit).

Time to say good bye

Our return journey was via Ella. So, on the way we witnessed the beauty of the Ella Gap and the Ravana Falls (Correct name: Bambaragala Falls).

Ella Gap

Rawana falls

After spending around a half an hour at Rawana Falls we continued the return journey with memories of another splendid week end spent among Tea… Tea… and Tea…

I see this mountain from faraway almost every day but had not got a chance to climb it. My father had told me that the area was controlled by the army and we needed permission to go up there. He promised that he would one day find a way to take me up there.

In November last year my father was invited to join some of his friends to climb Piduruthalagala Mountain. He had asked them if I too could join.

The following day we went to Nuwaraeliya by vehicle and reached the army check point at the entrance to the forest. Although we had permission to walk to the top, the soldiers at the check point were reluctant to allow us to walk. However, my father’s friends made a few calls and then we were allowed to walk.

Although Piduruthalagala is the highest point of the country (2524m) the walk up the mountain along the road was easy. The distance to the top was 5.6km. Walking through the trees was interesting and as the weather was good whenever there were openings in the trees we could see beautiful scenery.

Adam’s Peak far way

Nuwaraeliya Town far below

Waterfall in the Jungle

Along the road there were some thorny bushes that had some wild berries. We picked some just to taste and I got the ripe ones.

Yammy

When we reached the top it looked like a town. There were lots and lots of buildings and antenna towers. Many more buildings were also being built.

We walked up to the top most point where the Survey Department has made a ‘Trig Point’.

2524m

North – South – East – West

However, as the mist had come down we could not see around.

After spending some time at the top we came back down the road in a vehicle and returned home.

I was home alone and since I will have to go back to ship somewhere in November, came up with an instant idea to visit Wilpattu once more. Called the usual resting place, L.L.T safari rest inn 1 day before to check the availability.I was lucky. One room was available. Spoke to my friends but no one could come in a short notice + since it’s during the week days. So, thought of going by bus instead of driving alone.

Started the Journey around 9.50am from Colombo and came to the rest inn by 3p.m. it started to rain in the evening… I was really worried. Started the safari next day morning. Sun was out till around 2p.m n started to rain. Will post the pics now on.

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.	Finally took a pic of some female peacocks

Perfect pose

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What???

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Friendly fight??

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Wet!!

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.	Close-up!!

Changeable Hawk in action

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.	Crested Serpent Eagle

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Then I saw a bear around Maradanmaduwa area late evening.. was very dark at that time :/

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Went back to the rest inn, had dinner and went to sleep early… was really worried about the rain. And it was strange not to see a leopard which was something very common during my past visits. Guess the rain has disturbed there life style…

Woke up next day n was happy to see no clouds. Started the safari with hopes 

Sun was out 

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Saw once more 

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.	Those jumps!!!

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.	Oops!!! My bad

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.	Trying to dry up…

Sambar deer

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Colors!!!

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It was raining after 2p.m. was roaming around and came back. Saw another sloth bear but I was late to take a pic since my cam was inside a bag to protect from the rain. There were no leopard sightings throughout the whole day as I got to know from other jeep operators. Spent the night at L.L.T Safari Inn n came back home in the next day.

Thank you for reading the report. Can check out the pics in below link,

https://www.facebook.com/anton.gihan/media_set?set=a.10151792351566909.1073741840.525126908&type=1

“Weather is changing. Seems like it’s gonna rain on Saturday heavily.” – Kasun had texted me.
“What to do buddy, we’ll take our chances.” – Replied me with a heavy heart.
“Yeah, still Friday is good. Think of any alternatives for Sat.” – He was really worried.

That’s the conversation Kasun and I had after planning our Nelu Flower hunting trip on 06 Nov. Typically it rains heavily to the upcountry along with Uva and Eastern Provinces but it didn’t scare me enough to postpone or change our plans for the weekend. It was all gang-ho as a result of Nelu Flowers blooming after so many years and everyone was yearning to go see them and we were no different.

So I sat down heavily on my chair and started to write a letter:

At Office
06 Nov 2013

My Dear Nuwara Eliya,

How are you doing? I’m doing great and can’t wait to see you again. I’m sorry it was a very brief visit last month and I couldn’t be with you long enough and hope you weren’t upset that I left very abruptly even without a proper goodbye.

Apparently, you’d been busy since then coz everyone’s talking about your newest creation, the Nelu Flowers. I too want to come and see them and be with you a bit longer too. I’ve been visiting you each year for the last 14 years and it’s gonna be two times in this year then. You know that you’re my favorite no matter what happens, don’t you?

The weather seems to keep us apart with her dark clouds and unending rains threatening to unleash her wrath. My friends are very hesitant to come as a result. Would you be able to chase her away on 08 and 09 Nov, please? You’ve always kept her at bay when I come to you and ask her to stay away from us this time too. Tell her that I promise not to hang around long and she can come back on the 9th afternoon.

I’ll be seeing you on the wee hours of 08th and till then take care.
Yours

It’s not a good idea for you to read my personal letters is it? But now you’ve read it, it doesn’t matter. I had to send this letter coz the rain kept threating to ruin our reunion and I was pretty sure she’d keep those dark clouds away. (Eventually that’s exactly what happened)

Sheham suggested we do the Nelu Flower hunt and I voted with both my feet and Kasun too, amid a very heavy workload, wanted to tag along. Athula, the ever-promising hiker, too joined willingly with Prasanna along with him. We were set for another majestic journey and decided to leave in the night to save us some time. My plan was to visit Horton Plains on 07 and do something else in the evening coz the whole day Saturday was reserved for the 3rd stage of my rail hikes.

Sheham too said that he was long overdue for a rail hike and gladly approved of the plan. However, the ever-changing weather patterns kept us on our toes right along during the planning stage. I wanted to do this no matter the weather and everybody else jumped in willingly coz they all are very seasoned hardcore hikers.

I happened to come by the Supipi Rest on Lakdasun Forums and they gave us a very reasonable rate and made the booking without second thought. On impulse, I suggested Kasun that we go see Kurundu Oya Falls as we failed to see her in the last month’s journey and we had the whole evening for us on the 8th Nov.

Day 01

Having planned everything to the last possible letter, Sheham left Dehiwala around 12.30am and picked Kasun, me, Athula and Prasa on the way and we were soon driving towards Peradeniya. We didn’t wanna take our chances on the Hatton-N’Eliya road due to its bad condition and stuck with the good old Peradeniya-N’Eliya road.

Tour Highlights:

1. Thotupola Hike
2. Nelu Flowers
3. Kande Ela
4. N’Eliya
5. Piduruthalagala Peak
6. Summary of Panos

The moment we passed Gampola, the road got winding like a giant snake and I felt giddy coz I’d had no sleep and neither had Kasun. We stopped around Pussellawa for some fresh air and the sky was cluttered with millions of different-size stars. It was as if a net attached with hundreds of glittering diamonds was draped right across the sky and we were simply fascinated. However the break wouldn’t work and I wanted to throw up very badly and soon it was a contest between me and Kasun.

Finally after all the hustle-bustle we reached N’Eliya around 5.30am and topped up our fuel reserves. Sheham had brought us all breakfast so we didn’t have to stop anywhere else and headed straight towards Horton Plains. We stopped at Pattipola for some coffee and the surrounding was as usual eye-catching. On the way from Pattipola the view kept making us want to stop at every now and then for picture taking and Sheham had a hard time containing us.

Finally we reached the ticket counter around 7.00am and bought our tickets. Passing the gate we reached Thotupola Trail in no time and the whole area was covered in Pink, Purple and White due to various colors of Nelu. We were simply amazed by the number of flowers, must have been about millions of them covering the whole area like a silk cloth draped over the trees. The morning dew added to the beauty of the flowers and they kept making artistic lines along the petals and leaves. What a sight for our strained eyes.

“Apparently there are 30 different kinds of Nelu and 24 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka”

We jumped out and headed towards the summit of Thotupola with an elevation about 200ft over 2km stretch. It was a sight to treasure for the rest of our lives. We were simply speechless and kept walking through dense forest patches till we reached a bit open area and the sight was simply outstanding. So many mountains were visible and Adam’s Peak was standing tall and majestic in the horizon with her distinct shape. Kirigalpoththa and the undocumented Agra-Bopath were standing next to each other.

We could see the Ambewela farm and its windmills almost 20km away. Along the path it was all about Nelu in vivid colors. All of a sudden Sheham and Atha were bending down very inquisitively and to our surprise it turned out to be a heap of freshly unloaded leopard scat. It had so many firs that the Sambar Deers have. Further along we saw hoof marks of Sambar Deers and possibly the Leopard’s too. It looked as if the leopard had been chasing the fellow from the top of the mountain and we saw a few marks where apparently the deer had skidded.

All of a sudden, Prasa was pretty scared. He kept looking back and forth and wondering when the leopard would pounce on him. We reached the first summit of the Thotupola and headed further uphill to the grand summit. There were many flowers waiting to welcome us to this wonderful creation of the Mother Nature. We reached the summit and it had that signature pit with rocks bordering and we could see they had even put up some solar panels for the telecommunication tower at the top.

It was a 360 degree panoramic view and rising sun kept us looking towards the eastern with her fierce rays. We saw the Ohiya temple and the Kovil where they had built when the 18th tunnel had collapsed and couldn’t be repaired. You can read more about it here. We spent about half hour savoring the freshness of the mountain air and gorgeous view and felt very hungry. The food was still in the car waiting for us and we hurried down and reached the road in no time.

Then we took the road further towards the Farr Inn where Thomas Farr had built it in 1900 and the entrances to the Kirigalpoththa and World’s End are located. Along the way just passing Maha Eliya bungalow we came across a Sambar Deer nibbling at the grass. We jumped out and started snapping away. We reached the Farr Inn around 10.00am and laid the mat Sheham had brought with him and spread out our breakfast which is long overdue.

Sliced bread with tempered onions and boiled eggs washed down with fruit juice was just what the doctor ordered. We rested a bit and saw the visitor center too giving out information and have replicas of animals such as leopard, snakes and owl. It was so horrendous to see a bunch of people playing cards inside a van coz there was so much beautiful sceneries to keep you occupied but those guys chose to ignore it. What a pity and a waste of a journey.

Around 10.30am we were back on our way and just passing the Farr Inn, Sheham noticed a Deer far away and wanted to take a pic and see what it really is. To see, it was not just one, but a whole gang of them sitting sunbathing about a km away. We managed to get a decent size pic with our long zoom and left them for it.

Passing Kande Ela, I wanted to get down and take a few pics. The boat service has resumed at Kande Ela and I was horror stricken to see the damage is done by the people around the area. The mountain is being invaded at a rapid rate, clearing and building apparently hotels. The way it goes, they’ll soon put up a hotel at the top of Kande Ela hill. Feeling down we reached the town and went to the hotel.

Towards Haggala in the wee hours

Windmills at Ambewela dancing in the morning

Getting ready

“Anything to eat?”

“Please driver uncle, give me a bun”

Towards Ambewela on the way to Horton Plains

They are mesmerized

One of many wows

Maha Rathmala

Couldn’t take our eyes away

Near the ticket counter

Well done

The isolated road

Here we are

One of a million

“Hi there!”

Ready to get going

Making patterns

Blooming like there’s no tomorrow

Different varieties of plants

Many different colors too

Morning dew making it sexy

Ravana Ravul collecting and preserving water

Shady bit

What color is this?

Gorgeous

More flowers bordering the path

Too high

Bunch of them

Through the trees

Standing tall

Getting towards open ground