When the Kingdom of Ruhuna was established it received many travellers and traders from Siam, China and Indonesia who sought anchorage in the natural harbor at Godawaya, Ambalantota. The ships or large boats these traders travelled in were called “Sampans” and “thota” means port or anchorage so the port where sampans anchor came to be known as “Sampanthota” (which is now known as Godawaya). After some time the area became to be called “Hambanthota”.

Within one month of my journey to Kehelpothdoruwegala I needed to revisit at Knuckles mountain range from Deanstone (ඩීන්ස්ටන්) area. We gathered at Hunnasgiriya town (Three from Colombo and two from Moneragala) started our journey from there. Loolwaththa (ලූල්වත්ත) CTB bus reached at Deanstone Conservation Center around 9am. After having brief visit at DCC we headed to Dothalugala (දෝතලුගල) trail.

This was kind of an accidental visit to archaeological sites in this area as my objective was to conquer the Waddakanda-an isolated mountain range which is situated in between Medawachchiya and Horowpathana (Refer trip report Weddakanda Climb). As we were unable to find a guide to climb Waddakanda, had to visit at these places. I decided to write down them because a lot of travelers are not aware of them.

he name Kehelpothdoruwegala (Rock shaped like a plantain sheath gutter) came to my knowledge in 2012 February in our Yahangala climbing. We have noticed a giant standing in front of Yahangala (1220m) and got to know it as Kehelpothdoruwegala. But the day of conquering came after one and half years of Yahangala climbing.

This is an isolated mountain range which is situated in Anuradhapura District closer to Medawachchiya (මැදවච්චිය) and Kabithigollawa (කැබතිගොල්ලෑව). It’s highest point is about 121m high and whole mountain covers by the forest. Most of the maps of Sri Lanka show this mountain. First I noticed it’s name when I was studying social science at school. Later when I started to travel, I had a curiosity to visit there.

Dimbulagala is a main religious attraction at Polonnaruwa. It is 534.5m high rock range situated 12miles from Polonnaruwa. To reach Namal Pokuna, Akasa Chaithya, Mara Weediya and Herbal ponds you don’t need a guide as foot pathways and steps can be seen clearly.

Hanguranketha and Walapane (Electorate areas) cover a large area of central hills. There are a number of unfamiliar waterfalls in this area. During my journey I wanted to visit at these waterfalls. Although I visited them haphazardly for your convenience I will note down them in an order.

Ancient Hanguranketha palace was destroyed by British people in 1818 rebellion. Remained parts of the palace were used to build this temple. Therefore it is called “Maliga” මාලිගා and because of the presence of a large library called “Pothgul” පොත්ගුල්. The original carved stone door frame, moon stone and stone pillars can be seen here.

This is the second highest water fall of Sri Lanka. It is situated in Nuwareliya district closer to Walapane town. Actually it is a cascade with two parts. (May be three parts). It’s origin is Kurundu Oya. Kurundu Oya fall is the tallest waterfall of Nuwaraeliya district and tallest waterfall related to Mahawali River. As it is situated in a remote area it has lesser tourist attraction. Reaching to bases of Kurundu Oya cascades is somewhat difficult.

Ekiriya (ඇකිරිය) is a village situated in Nuweraeliya district close to Rikillagaskada(රිකිල්ලගස්කඩ) town. Most of the villagers are farmers and this village is full of paddy fields and vegetable plots. The important thing is the subterranean lime stone cave situated in this village.

There are several pathways to approach Namunukula. Once I have been there from Namunukula village (a decade ago). I want to go there from 3rd mile post in Badulla-Passara road. It is accepted as the easiest pathway to climb the highest peak of Namunukula. Because you can reach the base of the mountain by a vehicle and then have to go through the tea estate till you meet the last part of the trail through forest covering.

I was used to travel from Colombo to Pollonnaruwa by morning train (Udaya dewi/උදය දේවී) in one part of my life and accidently noticed an isolated mountain just passed Konwewa (කෝන් වැව) station. I could notice this mountain till I pass Moragollagama (මොරගොල්ලාගම) station. As it was large and situated on a surrounding flat ground, aroused my curiosity and found to have it as the longest isolated mountain of Sri Lanka-Galgiriya mountain.