Whenever I take my camera with me it will drive me to somewhere interesting and this was one of those days. Since I had some official work on a Saturday which I managed to finish within 2 hours, decision was taken to pay a quick visit to Olagangala(at Mahiyangana). Working in a remote area where plenty of archaeological sites could be found is one of those benefits I cherish.

Yahangala prompted me to go through few Ravana documentaries and important places related to the legend; though I’m not a blind believer I think he was one of the greatest kings in Sri Lanka. While going through some articles I came across a site called chariot path which urged me to pay a visit someday because of the unusual location of it.

Yakdessagala first came across my senses in 2011 while I was on top of Yapahuwa and again last year when I visited Wellagala rock. The temptation of conquering this rock surged after seen Dinesh Dekkers video which prompted me to do so ASAP! I must thank Anupama who guided me in every way he can to make our journey a success!

It was end of the monsoons and everywhere seemed to be flooded. I did have few free days in hand but couldn’t think of a better thing to do other than a rail hike. Since I dint get a chance to do a long distance hike after last year’s 90km “Pada Yathra” I thought of walking 70km along the railway backwards from Badulla. Usually many hikers do not do the Badulla – Haputale stretch because nothing much to see but you won’t believe, there are plenty to see around.

It was yet again a day with a not so appealing forecast but I just couldn’t stay back in my quarters so this time got together with few of my staff members who were on leave and decided to do a trishaw ride around Iginiyagala. We came to Namal oya junction and waited until Danushka arrived because he was our guide for the first two locations.

Few months ago myself and Mithila got together and thought of doing the last two remaining trails of Sripada which were Dehena kanda/Hapugastenna trail and Morray/Rajamale estate foot path. We intentionally postponed this journey to march hoping that the path would be cleared off by then. This was a long awaited dream for me and this year it came true. This time our group was a huge one comprising 7 Lakdasun members and others been Theshantha’s family members. I knew this was going to be a unique experience that i will never ever forget and indeed it was.

Bibila is a town located at an altitude of 240 meters bordering the mountains of Badulla district. It is one of the richest towns in terms of nature and heritage of Monaragala district. First of all let me start from a waterfall called Nayakadura ella which is located 50 meters upstream from the second bridge one meets after Alawaththagoda on A5.

Ok this time it was an area I have not traveled around much and this stretch which extends from Iginiyagala to Bibila is also known as one of the most scenic rides by many. My intentions were mainly on hunting historically important locations. So on a random day I headed towards Rathmalgahaella with one of my staff member from the area.

The Monsoons seems to be coming to an end and most of the waterfalls were at full flow so the temptation was too much that I could handle so finally decided to give it a shot though I was not feeling very well. As usual within few minutes after the idea popped out I gave a call to Lahiru who simply loves waterfalls and he was in to it within no time. So as planned we met on the next morning at Avissawella and took off earlier than expected.

Finally the monsoons seem to be over and it was all what I needed to stretch my muscles a bit. Following my last visit to Ihala Galagama I jotted down the name of beautiful mountain range called Havagala which is linked to the Ravana folklore “The arrow released in war games by King Ravana is said to have pierced seven mountains and penetrated two more mountain peaks.

While I was at Buddama i got a wonderful opportunity to visit some ancient places which were hardly known by the public. So one day I got together with Nishantha and decided to visit few places. We arrived at the 2nd mile post junction on Siyambalanduwa-Ampara road and took the road towards the Degal hela mountain and after passing few km’s we reached the ancient unoccupied temple at the base of the mountain.

This was one of those journeys I did few months a back while intending to visit some unheard rarely visited places but yet archeologically significant. Actually most of these places are within 20Km’s to my resting place so on a day with a clear sky I departed towards Dambagalla and proceeded towards Mari Arawa. I had to get down at Meegahapitiya to pay a visit to the ancient temple of Meegahapitiya.