I have a dream to visit Uda-Maliboda, ඇලි හත (Seven Waterfalls) for quite a long time. Finally with some of my friends we decided to do it in beginning of the year 2012. Our objective is to visit all the seven waterfalls without a guide and also explore the area.

In the early morning at 5.00 AM we started the journey from Kiribathgoda by hired van. At around 9.30 AM we reached Uda-Maliboda. From there we had our breakfast and started the hike near the Naya Ganga.

Map of the area

Naya Ganga with Bambaragala at distance

1st and 2nd waterfalls

Old bridge goes to Uda-Maliboda

Babaragala and Seven virgin mountains

We had to walk about 2KM to reach the base of 1st waterfall. New mini hydro power plant is building at the base of 1st waterfall. We reach there around 11:30AM. Mahinda Aiya is the supervisor of this hydro power plant and he gave us direction to waterfalls and also kind enough to offer a tea. After having the delicious tea we started hiking parallel to Naya Ganga water stream inside the forest from lest side. Within 15 minutes we were able to visit the 2nd waterfall. It’s quite high and beautiful waterfall. We stayed some time with enjoying the beauty of waterfall.

1st waterfall	2nd waterfall
Mushrooms	Gon Diva

Again we entered into forest and climbed parallel to Naya Ganga form left side. Because of steepness we had to climb down to water stream. The time is near 3PM and we find a place to camp and decided to stay there. We had a cool dip of the water steam and prepared rice and dhal curry for the dinner. In the evening there is a mist and some rain. Because of rain we have to keep alert of the water level.

Where we camped 1st day night

Early morning

Next day morning we rise with the sound of singing birds. We prepared noodles for breakfast. We started hike around 9.30AM. We couldn’t follow the steam from left hand side of the stream because of the left bank is so steep. Therefore we cross the stream and entered to forest from right side of the stream. There the undergrowth is thick and we need to make a path though the bushes. About an hour we were able to reach the base of 3rd waterfall. Threre is a ‘Dhothuru’ tree side of the 3rd waterfall and this may be the reason to call it ‘Dhothuru Ella’.

3rd waterfall with ‘Dhothuru’ tree

Upper part of 3rd waterfall

Again we climbed though the forest to top of 3rd waterfall. On top of 3rd waterfall there is a quite space and can see the distance from there. We crossed the stream and again entered into forest from lest side of the steam. After climbing half an hour we were able to reach 4th waterfall. Along the water stream we climbed to 5th waterfall. These are small compared to other waterfalls.

Top of 3rd waterfall

4th waterfall

Time was around 4PM and we thought to camp top of 4th waterfall. We prepared rice for dinner with soya-meet and sinisambol. There was a clear sky and we can see the moon very nicely. Also it was a cold night.

4th waterfall	Wood carving?
Top of 4th waterfall	5th waterfall
Where we camped 2nd day night	Early morning view

Next day morning we got ready by 7AM and stared climbing without our backpacks. Our aim is to climb up to top of 7th waterfall and climb down to the place we camped second day. We started from the bottom of 5th waterfall and cross the stream to right bank and went parallel to stream. Then we climb down to bottom of 6th waterfall which is we think most beautiful. Then we cross the stream and entered to left bank and climbed up to where we can peek into upper part of 6th waterfall. From there again we climbed up to top of 6th waterfall where 7th waterfall can be seen. There is a quite flat space in top of 6th waterfall where you can clearly see the valley.

6th waterfall	Upper part of 6th waterfall
Top of 6th waterfall	7th waterfall

Top of 6th waterfall

More views from top of 6th waterfall

Fish tank?

After spending more than half an hour we started climbing up till we found the top of 7th waterfall. Here also there is a flat surface where you can see the valley. Time is nearly 1PM and we stared to climb down. Around 4PM we were able to reach our camp site near the 5th waterfall. We had noodles for dinner and also prepared rice for the morning since our plan is to leave early in the morning.

Top of 7th waterfall	Top of 7th waterfall
Bambaragala mountain peak	Achievement

Next day morning at around 7AM we stared to climb down. At around 2PM we were able to reach bottom of Bambaragala near the tea plantation. After meet Mahinda Aiya we haven’t seen any human been for 3days. Even no cell phone signals after 3rd waterfall. Then we had to walk more than 2 km to reach trail head. We had a bath from Naya Ganga and hired two three-wheelers and came to Deraniyagala. From Deraniyagala we took the bus to Avissawella and from there to home. This is the most adventurous memorable hike I have ever done.

Thank you very much for reading.

From the very first day I heard about the centuries old tradition of Pada Yatra  and the opprtunity it provide to walk across Yala and Kumana, I wanted to do this walk. Eventhough Pada Yatra is mainly a religious and cultural event, my main interest was getting close to the wilderness of Kumana and Yala, to walk the terrain that one could only traverse in a 4WD otherwise.

As with many other excursions, this was limited to a dream due to logistical reasons and lack of infirmation to properly plan it out. Eventhough Pada Yatra had been taking place for centuries, there was very little information available to the general public. Communities who take part in this major cultural & religious event relay on experience and information passed down from one generation to another. As a result there is very little written on it.

Once again Lakdasun made it happen!

In 2010 couple of Lakdasun members lead by Priyanjan participated in Pada Yatra. As usual the resulting discussions in the forum provided every little bit of information one would need regarding the cultural event as well as the walk. In 2011 Priyanjan planned his North to South excursion along the full Pada Yatra route all the way from Jaffna. I couldn’t have got a better opprtunity to do this walk than joining Priyanjan at Okanda to do the last stretch!

After a month of walking from Jaffna, Priyanjan was supposed to start the last stretch from Okanda (Kumana) on 24th of June.  Therefore I left home on the 23rd night and caught the night bus to Pottuvil from Colombo. A group of five other Lakdasun members lead by Chaturanga also joined me. After a long journey through the night, we were at Pottuvil by 5.45 in the morning on the 24th.

Thanks to Theshantha ( and Lakdasun again!) we had a truck waiting for us at Pottuvil to take us to Okanda. The early morning drive to Okanda from Pottuvil passing Panama was fantastic!

At Pottuvil 5.45 in the morning. A truck was waiting there to take us to Okanda

Towards Panama on Brand new Tarmac

Sun rise over a lake close to Panama

Golden Goose! - A black winged Stilt

Early morning at Panama Wewa - Daily routine has already started

Dirt Road to Okanda from Panama

We met Priyanjan at Kumana entrance. First thing we did was to take a close look at what was in backpacks and to reduce as much weight as possible! We had approximately 80km to walk from Okanda, mostly through dry, harsh environment of Kumana and Yala (particularly block II) so every additional gram of wieght mattered.

It was the first few days of Pada Yatra so not many pilgrims had entered the park. We were given a number tag at the park entrance for tracking purposes.

After re-pack and a quick breakfast we started walking at around 8.00 a.m.

The surrounding was so was nice and beautiful. Sky was deep blue and the trail was sandy and white. Our first planned stop was at “Bagura”. Enjoying the beauty of kumana we steadily walked towards the destination.

Kumana National Park Entrance at Okanda

The sky was deep blue and the trail was sandy and white

As the sun rose, the surrounding began to heat up. Gradually the walk became tiring. Soft sand of the jeep track which looked so beautiful a hour or so ago was creating drag on every step we took. We realized the gravity of task ahead of us with in the first two hours of the walk. Within the first couple of hours, one realizes the value of leaving as much things as possible and carrying as much water as possible. Lukily we were well informed and reasonably prepared. With couple of short breaks we reached Bagura a little past noon.

Beauty of Kumana - walking across this landscape was a wonderful experience	Weaver bird nests
Dead and Dry!	Light became harsh and the walk became tough
Passing the giant hearth	Towards Bagura

9km out of 80km done! and more importantly that 9km did set the right expectations on what the most of the remaining 71km was going to be like!

In the burning heat,  shade of trees at Bagura was heavenly. We had some sweek cakes for lunch and relaxed for couple of hours. Bagura is a designated rest area for Pilgrims and there is a fresh water well at Bagura.

Bagura Oya and the Wooden Bridge

A well earned rest at Bagura

Bagura Kalapuwa - In the rainy season this will turn in to a sea

Blessings for safe passage

We fetched water from the well, purified it with Alum and Chlorine, filled the water bottles  and set out despite the heat.  We did not forget to make some Jeevani solution as well. The next target was to reach Madame Thota (මඩමෙ තොට), Kumbukkan Oya at the border of Kumana before the night fall.

There was almost 12km to reach Kumbukkan Oya, the designated night halting place. Apart from the last 1km or so before the river which was well shaded, the rest of the trail was similar to what we tackled up to Bagura; sandy, dry and hot!

From Bagura we walked passed the site of Thunmulla wildlife department bungalow and several  open areas and water holes such as Kotalindawala, Andaraka Kalapuwa and Yakala Kalapuwa (Open the trail map in Google Earth, Priyanjan has added images of all these places in GE)

By the time we reached Kumana Villuwa it was late after noon. Kumana villuwa was a sight to see in that beautiful light. The beauty of Kumana villuwa along with our almost worn out legs compelled us to spend about 15 minutes there.

Most Pilgrims don't seem to find the walk as difficult as we did. Is it faith, practice, preparation or simply having the right expectations	Did I say it was dry?
Sand Dunes. The sea is just on the other side	An occasional onlooker
වීර	Passing Yakala Kalapuwa (යාකල කලපුව)
Towards Kumana Villuwa	Kumana Villuwa - the Oasis in the middle of Kumana
Kumana Villuwa and Coconut trees marking the now abandoned kumana village	We spent some time here enjoying the tranquility and beauty of kumana villuwa

Walk from Kumana villuwa to Madame Thota in the banks of Kumbukkan oya was not that difficult. Of course my legs did not want to walk any more from Kumana villuwa so I was literally dragging my feet

Approaching Madame Thota (මඩමෙ තොට) at Kumbukkan Oya

Kuda Kabiliththa Devalaya

We settled down in the bank of the river to spend the night.

Day 2

Early morning on the following day we started our walk by crossing Kumbukkan Oya to enter Yala Block II. Next major milesotone was Menik Ganga at the opposite border of block 2 which was 30km from where we were. Pilgrims would generally spend two days walking this distance with a night park at Navaladi/Pahala Poththana fresh water wells (a.k.a Pahala Poththana camp site).

However our plan was to try and do this stretch in a single day and earn a full rest day at Menik Ganga. It was a demanding task. To accomplish our objective, we had to reach Navaladi wells before noon so that we can rest their during the mid day and do the second stretch in the afternoon when heat subside. There is 14km from Kumbukkan Oya to Navaladi wells and further 16km from there to Menik Ganga.

Crossing Kumbukkan Oya was a breeze since the river mouth had been cleared the day before and the water level was very low. We were told that the water level had been at chest height few hours before we arrived at Kumbukkan oya the day before .

The first 6km from Kumbukkan oya was mostly through open areas and scrubs. It really helped that we staretd early. By 9 a.m. the heat was so high that we could feel the rising heat from the ground hitting the face!

Crossing Kumbukkan Oya - Time 5.45 a.m.	Walking through scrubs towards open areas
Sunrise over tree tops	Vast open areas of Yala Block II - The trick is to cover as much as possible before it heats up!
Two Long Shadows - 6.30 in the morning at Ettarakke Eliya	Passing Karambe Aru

By the time we reached Karambe Aru it was 7.00 in the morning. We took some rest there particulalry to make sure that I get my feet properly dressed with plasters to avoid water blisters.  Continuous walking in heat is a perfect formula to get water blisters all over your feet. Even though I was wearing a light pair of sandles which I had used for some time, there were certain points which showed vulnerability. The best way to deal with blisters is to avoid them. To avoid them one should carefully dress vulnerable points with layers of platers and maintain the plaster cover. It was particularly difficult to maintain plasters in this stretch since there were couple of water crossings.

Also thanks to Priyanjan I was able to change my foot ware couple of times. That too helped a lot particularly the seasoned sandles Priyanjan had worn from Trinco downwards were very useful.

Passing Karambe Aru we reached vast open areas of Uda Gajaba eliya. Time was 8.00 in the morning but the heat of the sun was already high in the open muddy bare lands of Gajaba Eliya.

Muddy	...and dry in some sections
Stretches with Thorny bushes needed some additional care when walking	කෝප්‍රල් කටු - The needles resemble the insignia of Corporal and hence the name

Passing open areas of Gajaba Eliya, we entered more scrubby forest. While the presence of large trees occasionally provided the much needed shelter from the simmering heat, underfoot conditions became more difficult with long stretches of deep,hot,soft sand.

Entering the scrub forest

Hot, deep, soft sand which covered considerably long stretches did not help at all!

We battled through the scrubs, dragged down by the sand for about 4km and reached open areas of Etheliwela Kalapuwa. Time was quarter past nine but the dry open stretch looked and felt like a desert!

Dry open stretch of Etheliwela Eliya looked and felt like a desert

Left Behind

After Etheliwela Eliya it was again a brief scrub forest and then we were in Pahala Poththana where we had to cross some what deep water to avoid a long walk around the water body. Crossing over and a brief walk took us to Navaladi/Pahala Poththana rest area.

Water Crossing at Pahala Poththana

After the water crossing - Those layers and layers of plasters did the job very well. I finished the walk with no water blisters

It was just 10.30 in the morning but heat was already unbearable. We settled down under a huge Dun tree to spend time until the heat subsides in the afternoon.

We boiled some water and purified some more with Alum and Chlorine. Chaturanga and his colleagues had come prepared for some serious cooking so a heavy lunch was ready in no time!

Cooking Rice and Boiling Water	Lunch!
Place of God	Three Fresh water wells at Navaladi

We left Pahala Poththana around 2.30p.m. Heat was still high but at least it was on the declining trend! There was 16km to reach Menik Ganga from where we were.

From Pahala Poththana, after a brief walk in a forest patch, we reached Uda Poththana, another vast open area. We had to cross some water again and re-dress my feet with plasters!

Back on Track after more than 4 hour break at Navaladi/Pahala Poththana Wells. Occasional large trees like this provide much needed shade for short breaks	Time was 3.00 p.m. We were approaching Uda Poththana Open area
Water Crossing at Uda Poththana Lawaya	Uda Poththana

After Uda Poththana, it was a long walk through the forest. Heat was low now and walk through the forest was slightly easier.

Long walk through the scrub forest

We stopped every hour or so to take a short rest

End of another day at Yala

By the time we came out of the forest in to the open areas of Pilinnawa Eliya, it was late in the afternoon. Light was fast diminishing and we saw few groups of Pilgrims who had decided to spend the night at Pilinnawa Eliya without proceeding to Menik Ganga due to night fall.

We were however determined to reach Menik Ganga. It was about 5km to Menik ganga from Pilinnawa. We continued our walk along the jeep track in the dark with the help of head lamps.

We almost missed Katupila Ara crossing point where the Pada Yatra route takes a short cut through Yala Wela and deviate from the jeep track. Lukily, there were couple of army personnel setting up a water point for Pilgrims who showed us the right way. They had also marked the path through Yala Wela which helped us reach Menik Ganga without further trouble.

At Menik Ganga we reached an Army point where they had setup a “Dan sala” to offer plain tea to Pilgrims. We decided to spend the night there.

Walk in the dark with aid of head lamps	Signs showing us the way through Yala Wela
At the bank of Menik Ganga - We decided to spend the night here	Fire!

Day 3

The following day was the well earned rest day for us. We woke up early in the morning. Guys who chose to sleep outside have had a time with mosquitoes while Priyanjan and I slept in the small tent we brought.

On the first light of the day we packed up and moved little further upstream on Menik Ganga bank to find a place where we could dip in water for the whole day! Roughly a kilometer along the river from the point we reached Menik Ganga towards Warahana was a designated camping ground during Pada Yatra so we had plenty of choice in terms of camping locations.

Good Morning!	Little tent saved us from Mosquitoes
Beautiful Mekin Ganga beside the location we chose to move our camp to	This is where we spent most of the day three - Enjoying the well earned rest day in the river

About 1km along the river from the point we reached Menik Ganga towards warahana is designated camping ground during Pada Yatra

Place of God - Some groups may spend couple of days here after the long walk, some walking all the way from Jaffna. If you are interested in the culture aspect of Pada Yatra plan to spend some time here with the pilgrims.

Our Camping Location of the Third day - Just couple hundrad meters away from where we spend the second night

Cooking! - Even though Priyanjan and I had planned for zero cooking Chaturanga and the team were well prepared for it!

Day 4

Fourth day walk was by far the easiest out of all five days we walked. We only had to cover 8km, all of which along the jeep track through well shaded Riverine forest. It was a piece of cake compared to the terrain we tackled before!

Well shaded track to Warahana	While walking towards Warahana we did not forget to reach the river from time to time and enjoy the serene beauty of it
Reflection!	A tarantula we came across - It was hunting termites when we found it

By 10 a.m. we were at Warahana. Chaturanga and the team decided to continue to Kataragama on the same day while the two of us, the old folk, decieded to spend the rest of the day again in the river!

We set up our tent at a nice location in the river bank and spent the rest of the day in water watching  fishing action of a white bellied sea eagle. It was so peaceful and refreshing. We were also lucky to receive some tasty ආමි බත් ගෙඩි for lunch and dinner from the Warahana camp !

Looooong dip for the second consecutive day	The sea eagle which entertained us for hours with acrobatic fishing
Our tent at Warahana - again in the bank of Menik Ganga	ආමි බත් ගෙඩිය
The veteran - Collapsible bucket which helped us in water purification throughout the journey

Day 5

On the fifth and the final day we queued up early with Pilgrims and waited until the gate was open for us to cross Warahana bridge and enter block 3 of Yala. The gate is only open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is not allowed to stay over night beyond Warahana until you move out of the national park via the Katagamuwa entrance.

Total distance to Kataragama is roughly 20km from Warahana.

From Warahan to Katagamuwa Entrance it was around 7km. All of that was  a walk along the jeep track through scrub forest typical in Yala block 1 & 3.

Waiting for the Gate to open	Crossing over to Yala Block 3 - Warahana Bridge
Directions	Blossoms
Sithulpawwa	Dead and Decaying

Walking out of Yala - Katagamuwa

At Katagamuwa Entrance - Yala National Park

Leaving Yala, we continued our walk along the gravel roads through Katagamuwa Sanctuary on Sithulpawwa road towards Kochchipatana (7km from Katagamuwa). Kochchipatana is the night halting place for the pilgrims who generally spread the walk from Warahana to Kataragama across two days.

It was 10 in the morning by the time we reached Kochchipatana. None of the pilgrim seemed to have arrived by that time. Preperations were underway to welcome the first large groups of pilgrims. There was a kovil at Kochchipatana.

Sithulpawwa Road through Katagamuwa Sanctuary	Katagamuwa Sanctuary (Click Image to Enlarge)
Signs of Civilization close to Kochchipatana	Kovil at Kochchipatana

Passing Kochchipatana we entered tarred road towards Kataragama. With a stop at a small “kade” to have some short eats and a drink, we arrived at Kataragama Devalaya by 12.30 p.m. Preperations for the annual festival and Perehara was at full swing. We ended our walk there visualizing what it will look like in the coming days when thousands of Pilgrims, who come walking in Pada Yatra and some others who chose to use more modern and easier modes all to get here for the Perehera!

From Gravel road to tarred roads	Where we stopped for some short eats and a drink
80km Vs 800km - I must do the 800km walk before I die!	Approaching Kataragama Sacred city
At the destination - Kataragama Devalaya	Preparations for the festival

Day 1
We started our journey from Hikkaduwa at about 4.30pm and reached to Kaduwela at about 7.30. We spent the night at our relation’s place.

Day 2
We left Kaduwela at 4.00am and headed along the low level road reached to Avissawella about 5.00. We could see the first rays of the day at Kithulgala.

We stopped at a small restaurant near by the river and had hoppers as our breakfast.

Dawn at Kithulgala	Breakfast at Kithulgala
Early Morning at Kelani ganga	We noticed a giant moth near Kelani ganga which was attacked by a predator

We turned to B189 road from A7 at somewhere between Ginigathhena and Kithulgala. (I don’t know the exact name of the junction. A villager said that it is ‘Pitawala’. There is a police barrier here.)

Turning point

The road from here to Norton Bridge shapes very bad. But it spreads through very beautiful area. (Near Seven Virgins hills)

.	At the seven virgins hills near by ‘Koththellena’
Breathtaking scenery from the top of kottellena

Then we reached to the city of Norton Bridge and had a cup of tea from a small restaurant and headed towards Hatton.

In memory of Martin Air DC 8 crash

The road from Hatton to NuwaraEliya shapes very bad. (Specially the part from Kotagala to Thalawakele.) The situation became worst because of the construction of Ihala Kothmale hydro power house. The whole area was covered with the dust. We stopped few minutes at the beautiful and very famous waterfall.

Then it was the time to stop at another marvel of the nature, the St. Clair’s falls. But it looks little dirty because of the constructions of the power house.

Devon the veil of bride nature…

We tried in our best to avoid the wires but failed….

Then we headed to Nuwara Eliya and reached there about 1.30pm. We had the lunch at Sri Ambal’s vegetarian café. Then we went to the government holiday bungalow and the caretaker Thissa welcome us warmly. We went to the Gregory lake in the evening and enjoyed the activities like riding bicycles, walking etc.

Gregory lake in the evening

Gregory lake in the evening

Day 3

It was a bright morning. No rain or mist at all. We decided to leave as early in the morning to visit Horton Plains. We rode quickly to the same vegetarian café and had a heavy breakfast consisting of Thosai, Wadei, etc. Then we headed to Horton Plains via Pattipola.

Road towards Horton plains	Kande Ela reservoir
Heaven on earth at Ambewela

We stopped for a few minutes at Ambewela farm and tasted fresh yoghurt and proceed

Pattipola Railway Station	Horton Plains Location Map (Click Image to Enlarge)
Sri Padaya from Horton Plains	Breathtaking view of the plain

The plain was quite dry as there was no rain for a long time. The dust was there instead of mist.

.	A fresh water crab caught at the red bridge
.	Mini World’s End
.	.
Dwarf Bamboo bushes	Beautiful tiny flower

We roamed all over the plains leisurely. We came across an endemic lizard coming out from a bush

Endemic lizard

We were quite sorry to see that many invasive species were spread all over the plains. Gorse (Ulex europeous) shows a noteworthy growth there. We noticed that some trails were totally covered with this plant making tunnels

Ulex tunnel

Ulex europeus

We were lucky enough to see some Maha Rathmal flowers blooming around chimney pool and my wife’s vigilant eyes found a Binara flower too.

Rhodrodendron (Maha Rathmala)

Binara

We reached to the ticketing office back at about 4.30pm. We collected our helmets there. We were quite tired at the moment as we had only biscuits and tea for our lunch. So we rode directly to NuwaraEliya and had a vegetarian diet at Ambaals.

Day 4

That was the final day of our journey. We woke up early in the morning and left NuwaraEliya about 6.00am. It was extremely cold and mist in the morning. We rode along Welimada road (was under construction those days) and turn to Bogahakumbura road from Keppetipola.

Road from NuwaraEliya to Welimada

From Boralanda we headed to Haputale. It was about 7.30am when we reached to Haputale. Then we stopped at Haldummulla to by some Aligeta Pera (Avacado).

We had our breakfast at a small restaurant near by the main road.

From Balangoda we turn to Kahawatta and reached to Madampe. The road shaped little bad from Madampe to Rakwana but we were able to manage.

.	A tea break at Beragala

Road go through the heaven after Rakwana. We met hairpin bends. We stopped our bike near Rakwana Bridge and walk along the river until we met a nice place to have a bath. We met other two guys who are also traveling by a motorcycle. They have come all the way from Kelaniya. That was the 3rd day of their trip. They wished to pay a visit to Morning side. They were exploring a hermitage inside the jungle near by Rakwana in the morning. We wish them a safe journey and they wished the goodwill of us too.

Dipping in the icy cold water

It was about 12.30pm when we left Rakwana. We reached to Deniyaya about 2.00pm and had out lunch there. Then we headed to Akuressa, Yakkalamulla and Hikkaduwa. It was about 6.00pm when we come back home.

Road from Rakwana to Deniyaya

.

Early morning on Friday we started from Colombo and headed straight to Back of Beyond – Gurugoda. We were greeted by Ajith and Anverdeen (a veteran trekker with excellent knowledge about Yala) along with Priyanjan who were waiting there to join the four day excursion to explore, particularly the block two of Yala national park. Yohan’s Nissan Patrol and Ajith’s Land Rover were quickly loaded with supplies and we left straight away to Palatupana Entrance.

At Back of Beyond - Gurugoda

Formalities at the park office did not take long. Wildlife department guide assigned to us was Premarathne. Premarathne is one of the most expreinced guides in service at the department today and he claimed that he is a descendant of Henry Engelbrecht, the first park warden of Yala. Well, he knew Yala well but largely his attitude and certain behaviors did not make us very comfortable with him.

Leaving park office we drove along the Yala main road to paranaganthota (a.k.a Parana Thotupola) where we crossed Menik River and entered Block 2. Our camp site was “Nuga Sevana”, one of the newer camp sites established on the bank of the river. It was only a couple hundred meters away from Paranaganthota (පරන ගං තොට).

Location of the camp site was good, particularly because of its proximity to the river. The river was so inviting with shallow flowing water and clean sandy bottom so that we couldn’t resist a long bath under the shade of giant Kumbuk trees every day! One of the negatives of the camp site’s location was its proximity to the Paranaganthota which is the designated resting place for day visotrs to Yala Block I. On Saturday and Sunday we got disturbed by their noise occasionally. Also there are couple other camp sites on the either banks of the river in some what close proximity. If a party at any one of the camp sites does not behave well, that tend to disturb the rest of the sites. On one of the nights we could hear people singing at one of the other camp sites (most likely Kosgasmankada). Wonder why the wildlife guide who should have been with them did not stop them.

It took some time for us to setup our tents. We had quite a number of them.

Crossing Over to Block 2 at Parana Gan Thota	At Nuga Sewana Camp Site
Menik River bordering the camp site	So obviously this is what we did for hours EVERY day

After setting up tents we had lunch we brought form BOB-Gurugoda. After lunch we relaxed a bit, and set out for the first drive in block 2. Passing Yala wela (යාල වෙල), we drove up to Katupila Ara (කටුපිල ආර).

Yala Wela with Maliththan Trees scattered

Water level in Katupila ara was too high for a vehicle to cross it safely at the usual crossing point. This is a usual occurance, particulalry in the dry season, when river mouth gets blocked with sad, forcing water to build up upstream.

Katupila Ara - Water Level was high due to closed river mouth

Mangrove Roots, Katupila Ara

We had to drive couple of kms  upstream to find a suitable crossing point with less water and we did a hassle free cross over to the other side.

Having crossed Katupila Ara, we drove back along the opposite bank of it and got back on the main road. Passing vast, dry, open, sandy sections of Pilinnawa Eliya (පිළින්නාව එලිය) we drove along the main road towards Kumbukkan Oya. On our list to see were fresh water wells at Pahala Poththana (also known as the Navaladi wells in Paada Yatra) and Uda Poththana Modara (උඩ පොත්තන මෝදර) (View Google Earth Trail Map (KMZ))

As soon as we entered Block 2, we immediately noticed two remarkable differences in the animals we saw, compared to block 1. The first was the size of herds of Deer, Buffalow and Boar. Every herd we saw had many dozens of animals which was a great sight to see. The second was their unfamiliarity with vehicles. Every creature we saw would start running like mad as soon as it saw our vehicles!

We came across large groups of Deer, Buffaloes and Boar but all of them were on the run!

A Large group of Wild Boar, again running like crazy for the dear life!

Occasionally there were "Brave Hearts" as well

We drove mostly  along the main road through scrub forest typical in the area. Passing open areas at Uda Poththana (උඩ පොත්තන), we drove further down towards Pahala Poththana (පහළ පොත්තන). To reach fresh water wells, one should deviate from the main road towards right, just before entering open areas at Pahala Poththana.

We first reached the place where there are three fresh water wells together. It immediately brought back memories of Pada Yatra we did couple of months back. While on Paada Yatra we spent couple of hours resting at this very same place. The only difference this time was that the huge Dun trees in the vicinity were full of fruits!

The three Wells

Dun Trees were full of Fruits

Signs of Pada Yatra

Signs of Pada Yatra

We left the three wells and drove few hundred meters further to reach another freshwater well. We were pelasantly surprised to find another hudge Dun tree full of fruits there as well. The Dun we found were much more tastier than what we had before .

Yummmmmmy!

Leaving fresh water wells we started our journey back along the main road. It was late in the afternoon and the light was perfect for photos.

Malabar Horn Bill in Flight	Herd of Spotted deer paused their mad run briefly and posed beautifully against the light
Harsh Dry Environment was certainly not forgiving the weak	Driving on the "Death Valley" - Uda Poththana
Spikes and the Spider Web	Closed River mouths force water to accumulate upstream like this, sustaining life in a death valley even during the height of the dry season

Once we returned to Uda Poththana area, which is supposed to be an abandoned saltern, we turned left from the main road and drove towards the sea to explore the river mouth (Uda Poththana Modara – උඩ පොත්තන මෝදර) and the Estuary. (View Google Earth Trail Map (KMZ))

We parked close to the beach and explored the area. With pure white sand and calm water of the Estuary bathing in the late afternoon light, it was such a beautiful sight to see.

Sky, Sand, Water and exposed Corals - Uda Poththana Modara

Magical setup at Uda Poththana Modera kept photographers busy!

Lonely "Krishan Putha" at Uda Poththana Modara; most likely brought here by the Tsunami

We tried to locate “earthened wells” some of the previous travellers had described at Uda Poththana but we couldn’t locate any signs of them. Both Anverdeen and Premarathne were of the opinion that those must have been washed away by the Tsunami as they had been located very close to water.

The day was coming to an end. We started our journey back to the camp site. On our way back we saw fresh paw marks of a leopard on the jeep track but were not luky to see it.

Fresh Paw Marks on the Jeep Track

Heading back to Camp Site

Day 2

We left the camp site early morning on Saturday. The Plan was to explore Pilinnawa sand dunes and “Miniha gal Kanda (මිනිහාගල්කන්ද)”.

We crossed Katupila Ara and reached Pilinnawa Eliya driving along the main road. Then we turned right towards the sea and drove until we reached Agara Ara (ආගර ආර). Turning left at Aragara Ara, we continued to drive along the bank of the Ara until we found a point where we could safely cross over to the other side (just like Katupila Ara, water level was high in Agara Ara too; both share the same river mouth). Once we crossed the Ara we tackled some steep climb up to the sand dune and parked right at the base of it. (View Google Earth Trail Map (KMZ))

Parked at the Sand Dune at Pilinnawa

The sea is right there on the other side

It was very early in the morning (just past 6.00 a.m.). Sun had just started to emerged from the sea (Yes, we were in the east coast!). We climbed up the sand dune and reached the undisturbed, beautiful beach on the other side. To reach Miniha Gal Kanda we had to walk 2.1km along the beach. We thoroughly enjoyed this early morninng walk on the beatiful, undisturbed, remote beach. On our right had side it was the Indian Ocean meeting the horizon and on our left was the tall sand dune with perfect patterns created by wind, complimented by dune vegetation.

Sand Dunes complimented by dune vegetation

Rising Sun and the Ocean

The Walk; looking for the "lonely man in the beach"

Patterns on Sand and the colorful rock formations

Closer look at the patterns

……and the man came to our sight!

The rock was certainly resembling a man looking towards the vast ocean in a relaxed posture with his hands on the hips. “Miniha Gal Kanda” is said to be an ancient Coral reef which had been elevated from water a long time back and since then had been eroded by the wind and water to create some unique shapes like this “lonely man”. It is constantly changing, as per Anverdeen, who has seen the lonely man for more than half a century now,the man used to be even more prominent before.

The Lonely Man by the Sea - Miniha Gal Kanda

This is what the man is made of - A coral reef elevated from the sea many million years ago

The area immediately around the man was a fascinating geological formation. Continuous erosion of lose rock have created massive, roughly semi-circular craters with vertical walls. The rock wall was a live demonstration of what lies underneath, a perfect cross section with clearly segregated layers of earth in different colours. Travelers who visited the area before had called these gigantic craters “Amphitheaters” and they had described three of them.

One of the Gigantic Amphitheaters

Vertical Rock wall with layers of earth in different colours

We spent some times exploring the “Amphitheaters”. The rocks were so fragile and would trun in to powder with the ligthest pressure applied. Again Anverdeen recalled that the rock walls had changed drastically over the past few decades due to continuous erosion.

Travel literature describes three Amphitheaters along the coast. Even though we thought we saw all three,  Priyanjan’s studies of Google earth images afterwards suggests that we may have seen only the first one, or the first and the second. Certainly future visits are on plans to Verify

From the base of the Amphitheater

More like Martian Land than Earth

We also found evidence supporting the elevated coral reef theory. Hard shells of sea creatures could be seen trapped in lose rock. They appeared to be in some stage of fossilization.

Lose rocks that formed Amphitheaters

Evidence of early day sea life - Are these shells in some stage of Fossilization?

The sun was rising and the whole area was starting to heat up. Since we had a 2km walk back along the beach, we started our walk back by 8.15 a.m.

Light was getting Harsh

But photo opportunities were not all exhausted

A long the beach we walked back to where we started. Rather than walking back to the vehicles, we decided to continue the walk along the beach to reach the place where the Estuary opens up to the sea. We were also looking for an archaeological site where some stone pillars are said to be there. Again Anverdeen and Premarathna were able to show us the stone pillars scattered in the scrubs.

Pilinnawa Modara (Pellussa Modara) - Where water form Menik Ganga, Katupila Ara and Agara ara meets the sea

Two of the Stone Pillars. We saw couple more standing in the scrub forest close to the Modara

Estuary at Pilinnawa

Estuary at Pilinnawa - from another view point

We then returned to our vehicles. Getting them out of the dunes was not that straight forward!

Sand Dune 4X4 Action

Getting the Land Rover out of it was not that Straightforward

We drove back along the same track we came, crossed Agara Ara and approached the Estuary from the side of it. We found a large tree under which we settled down for breakfast.

Egg + Some sort of sauce + cheese sandwhich - Near Pillinnawa moya

After breakfast we returned to the main road and again continued along it towards Kumbukkan Oya. The plan this time was to explore “Mahirawa – මහිරාව” where a camp site from the hunting days with a waterhole that persists through the dry season were supposed to exist.

Passing Uda Poththana and Pahala Pothathana, we drove up to Ethiliwela Eliya (ඇතිලිවෙල එලිය).

At Pahala Poththana we drove passing the lonely Dan tree, known as “Boer’s Tree” which is said to be where Henry Engelbrecht (The first Park warden of Yala National park during the colonial era) used to camp. (View  Google Earth Trail Map (KMZ) )

"Boer's Tree" at Pahala Poththana where Henry Engelbrecht said to have camped.

Ethiliwela Eliya is another open, dry stretch of land around an Estuary (The water ways that feed this estuary are Athurumithuru Ara – අතුරුමිතුරු ආර and Nabadagas Ara – නාබඩගස් ආර).  Again we turned right towards the sea and drove around Ethiliwela Kalapuwa (Lagoon) in an attempt to reach Mahirawa beach. Again, water bodies were pretty full and we could not approach the sea. We parked beneath a large Dun (දං) tree, again full of fruits, and decided to have lunch there.

The five Dead Bodies! (and the authorities discussing how to dispose them)- After Lunch at Mahirawa

We did not particularly attempt to locate the fresh water hole or the camp site. Water levels was restrictive and we had no specific clues to look for on the ground. Anverdeen and Premarathne were also not too sure about the exact location of the campsite/water hole.

After some rest at Mahirawa, we headed towards “Walas Kema – වලස් කෙම”, another camping location said to have been frequented by the hunters in early 1900 when Yala was a game reserve.

At Walaskema we found a large rock scattered with several water holes (Kemas), most of them had water even in this height of the dry season. View from  top of Walaskema was nice too. Also there were signs of steps cut in the rock surface leading to one of the water holes. May be work of hunters or can this also be an archelogocal site?

Walaskema - Three of the water holes in the rock bed	View from the top - Walaskema
.	Clean Bones of a beast, according to Anverdeen and Premarathne it is not uncommon for animals to fall in to these waterholes or get ambushed by a waiting leopard in their desperate search for water in dry season

On our return journey to the camp site we explored the large earth mound right by the jeep track, close to Katupila Ara, known as “Weheragodella – වෙහෙරගොඩැල්ල”. The inch maps shows a Dagaba in ruins here but we couldn’t locate any signs of it. The soil and the rokcs appeared to be different in color and heavier than ususal. The surrounding and the rocks reminded us of a large meteorite impact site.

Weheragodella as seen from the main road	Climbing up
View from the top	Unusually heavy, colored Rocks - Can this be a Meteorite impact site

Leaving Weheragodella we came back to the camp site along the usual track. A gentle giant proved that our decision not to cross Katupila Ara at the usual crossing point was a very rational one!

Crossing the road between the two Jeeps

Getting in to Katupila Ara

Crossing over to the other side - as you can see there was enough water to submerge this giant so a vehicle crossing the Ara at this point is impossible

Day 3

We had explored most of the key places in the block 2 during past two days. Several other places we wanted to see were lying in areas not open to visitors (inside the strict nature reserve) and we did not want to break any rules. Also the drives in block 2 did not give us opportunities to observe wildlife. Therefore we decided to dedicate the third day to explore block 1.

An elephant feasting early morning at Buthawa lake

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Driving by the Elephant Rock also know as Akasa Chaithya - You can see ruins of two Dagabos at the top of this rock

An egret

A common Kingfisher

Early Morning at Parana Gan Thota

As we return to the camp site after the morning drive, we were called up on to help a jeep stuck in Katupila Ara.  Some 4X4 craze had foolishly attempted to cross the Ara from the wrong point. They had no guide with them and had not got proper permission to enter block 2 even! Apparently he drove the jeep in to the water with women and kids on board just of the fun of it and and ended up like this!

Stupid and Irresponsible are the most suitable words to describe the situation

We Pulled it out. Since the vehicle could not be started, they had to tow it out of the park with the help of the other vehicle which accompanied them

After breakfast Anverdeen shared some of his experience with us. It was very interesting to listen to him. We were particularly interested to find about  ”Ali manthara – අලි මංතර” from Anverdeen. Our conclusion on  අලි මංතර was that it is the aggressive and dominant behavior demonstrated by the person who chants the Mantra that deter the elephant, not the Mantra it self!

How about some sweets after breakfast - we had a load of sweets

Anverdeen Relating a Story

Around 3.00 p.m. we again headed towards Block 1 in anticipation of seeing more wildlife. It certainly was a good start with a peacock in full display.

Beautiful Display

The next sighting was this bear. It was feasting on Maliththan seeds and we watched it in close range for a quite long time

Bear feasting on "Maliththan" seeds

Closer look

Leaving the bear we drove towards Darshana wewa (Modaraagala Digana Wewa). On our way, we came across a family of yellow wattled lapwings. Two parent birds and their three little chicks. As soon as the parent’s saw us approaching, they forced the little ones under their wings. One of the chicks however kept coming out despite the parent bird’s desperate attempts to keep it under the cover.

Mother's protection - One chick is already hidden (you can only see its legs) and another one is hurrying in!

One brave chick kept coming out despite its mothers desperate attempt to keep it under the cover

By the time we reached Darshana Wewa it was late in the after noon. We drove along the earth bund enjoying the tranquility.The place looked very calm and quite with only some birds and couple of crocs in the vicinity.

Crocodiles at Darshana Wewa

1...2...3....

The silence did not last for long. A herd of elephants (with young) got in to water form the opposite bank of the lake. They walked right in to the middle of the lake and started drinking and bathing. It was such a lovely sight to see . The herd would keep the little ones right in the middle of the pack and would chase away anything that came close to the herd, including birds and even Crocs, quite aggressively.

The herd walking in to water with Young in the Middle

Enjoying the cool dip - All what the Croc could do was to watch

Drinking.....

After some time, the herd decided to get out of water. Again, chasing anything and everything that came in their way, the whole group came out of the lake.

Walking out of water

" Being BIG means a lot" - this young calf learnt it first hand (it was just a mock charge and there were no casualties!)

The herd then started spreading sand/dust all over them and we decided to leave them alone.

With the last rays of  sun hiding behind the tree line, we returned to the camp site with exciting memories of the day.

Sun Setting behind the tree line over a lake

Day 4

It was the final day!

We decided to do a one last round in Block 1. The very first destination of the morning was “Padikema – පඩි කෙම” rock to see whether the famous “Rukvila” cubs are around. Sure enough, they were there.

Wake up brother

Jumping out of the bed!

The play continued at the base of the rock

Siblings In Actions!

.	Walking against the Light

It was such an amazing sight to see!

The place started to become congested with more and more jeeps gathering there to see the cubs. Therefore we decided to leave them and explore more of the park.

Seen on the opposite side of "Padikema" rock	Flowers seen close to Patanangala beach
Buthawa Lake	More early morning activity

The last treat of the trip was again a herd of elephants. This time, they were busy playing on a newly built bund of a tank (breaking a good part of it in the process!)

Pushing and Pulling	A closeup
Colorful Dust Bath	.
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Well it was time to say goodbye to all the wonderful things at Yala. We left the paradise behind and faced the relaity of having to go to the office and start work on the following day

Ampara had been in the ‘to do’ list for far too long. Untidy circles and notes scribbled in red permanent ink makes reading my maps of the Ampara area quite a difficult task. There is such a lot to see and I had not seen any of it. Was waiting for a chance to scoot off to Ampara.

Day One
A call from a friend took me in the direction of Barons’ Cap. Well that’s what the Surveyors named it. For the people in the area it’s Kudumbimalai. As a direct result of the idiot box (OK… TV) the rest of the country (including me) calls it Toppigala.

Destination

It was Deepavali and the kovils I passed were full of activity. A good day to photograph kovil activity. Unfortunately, time (the lack of it) did not allow me to make any photo stops. Had to be satisfied with giving a lift to a group of ladies in bright coloured sarees, hands covered with bangles and flowers entangled in their hair…… obviously late for the pooja! They told me that there were no buses…. Lame excuse….. Surely the reason had to be extra time spent ‘dressing up’.
Maps opened, compasses out….. The measurements taken calculations made indicate a distance of 2.5 km on a bearing of 321 degrees magnetic that’s to the base of the rock. Later, it was a climb to the top… on low first gear, yet with the engine boiling!!! It was time to finish off the jujubes – emergency rations.

The climb is an interesting one. Lots of tell-tale marks reminds of its past. The circular mound on the top is definitely what remains of a dagaba of ancient times. An inscription in Tamil lettering tells us of its more recent past. Accept it or not…. It’s all part of our history.

More to go

Inscription from the recent past

Whatever said and done, the views from the top of the rock as well as the view of the rock is breath taking.

Shaa!

Cap!

Day Two

Heavy rain the previous night. The water level at the culverts / sapaththu paalam along the road linking Toppigala with Kiran had risen. Sooner or later vehicles will have to be replaced by boats…. That will only add to the suffering of the people in the area…. As if they have not had enough of it.

Time to get the boats ready

It was a rather quick drive to Ampara. By the time I had reached Ampara, I had counted at least ten ‘kalu boards’. Did not try to ‘explore’ as I was alone and walking into jungle patches alone is never a good idea. But, there were lots of interesting things that happened on the road.

Balancing Act	The place to go to when Feeling Blue
Notice Board!	Maaara Trees
Hot Water!	Until the rain falls

Day Three

Rain. Yet, the plan for the day was too good to be given up. Had heard a lot about the ‘site’ planned to visit that day…. Rajagala….. It had to be done.

Two others who also believe that rain will not cause us to dissolve joined me.
We climbed.. jumped.. crept… pulled… pushed… walked for a good five hours or more.
STUNNING! That’s all I can say about this ‘site’.

Can’t possibly write about everything we saw. The gloomy light and bursts of heavy rain did not help me with using the ‘Auto’ button in the camera. I will try to share what was on display with a few viewable photographs. But, this certainly is Justice denied!

Drainage line	Strange! A drain cut right through an inscription
The little dark brown/black thing in the cavity is iron	Scratch marks… said to have been caused by an iron door!
Carved In	Carved Out
Ah! Digging through…. Probably the back door to China!	Displaced

The cave complex was certainly the best I had seen

Entrance to (what I like to call) the VIP Quarters

Drip ledge worked perfectly	Walls still In-tack
Spacious corridors	Wall painting(s)

Sadly, there is also lots of evidence of destruction and treasure hunting seems to be the main cause. Whom can we blame? Those who hid/buried the so called treasure or those who dig it out?

Reference to Minindu Thero

The only one left

As is always the case, the view from the top is fantastic.

Ah! Toppigala

View from the top. Nawakiriaru Wewa

Back in the car… soaked… dripping….. cold… and like I said…. STUNNED!

Day Four

What could it be that I saw when I opened the door? Rain.

In the car with a friend…. Drove the whole day in whichever direction our heads turned to. Managed to visit a few places whenever there was short lulls.

Talking Secrets! – Himidurawa Wewa

Owagiriya Ruins

Bridge over Pallan Oya

Luke warm water!

Senanayake Samudraya…	Held up traffic for a good 15 minutes
Boat Yard – Namaloya Wewa	Here comes the rain – Namaloya Wewa

Ah! As usual food was from where ever we found it. Lunch at a kade at the Polwatte Junction. රෝස්(ට්) පාන් and මාලු හොදි…. Talk about being vegetarian! Later somewhere along the Bibile-Inginiyagala road it was plain tea with roti with lunu miris at Ralahami Akkage Kade. She did mention that she used kochchi miris.

Buddies!

Day Five

Although my visa to loiter around (as a friend called it) was ‘unrestricted’ there was no point in hanging around. Such a lot was on the list. More got added on the way. Yet, the South-East Monsoon was in command.

Forced to return home. But, then it would have been a crime to take the normal route back. Had to see something. Had to drive along roads that I had not been on. It was one of those Parangiya Kotte Giya circuits. Yet, was well worth it.
Was able to visit some places with ruins as well as the Wahawa hot water springs

Wilaathigoda - Bibile	Nagala - Bibile
Wahawa	Shower!
One of many ponds/wells

Something else that struck me was the Sigiriya like rock formations that I saw. There were a lot but was able to photograph only three of them.

Ululla - Ekiriyankumbura	Helagala - Wahawa
Leygalla - Ekiriyankumbura

Like I’ve mentioned the rain did force me to change most of my plans. But, who can blame the rain.. It does bring lot more than gloomy weather.

Somewhere along the road

Somewhere along the road

Got to go that way again…….. Soon

We left Colombo at about 11.30am on 10th October 2011 and reached Kantale at about 4.30 pm.Up to Habarana it was normal traffic but beyond few vehicles and broad wide carpet road. We were cruising at 110KMPH, but slowed down close to Kantale as traffic cops were in the road with speed check gun.

Habarana Kantale road

Kantale Seruwila road

Overland, the best way to reach Seruwila Mangala Viharaya is to drive from Kantale along the main Kantale Seruwila road pass Seru Nuwara and turn off at Arippu Junction road, a distance of around 48 km. This part is a gravel road in good condition unless it rains and gets muddy.

We reached Seruwila at about 6.30pm and it was heavy rain and could not get out of vehicle till 7.00pm, and booked a room at the pilgrims rest.

There were only few people even next day being a poya day

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We left Seruwila to LANKA PATUNA at about 12.30 pm via Toppur. Twenty Five KM on that road to Lanka patuna.The road was Muddy and a lots of pot holes and terrible road surface. A vehicle with high clearance can traverse.

The road was Muddy and a lots of pot holes and terrible road surface

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I will not attach many pictures of the Viharas as most trip reports have the same photos

The Black Beach on the approach road to Lanka patuna. We collected the Black sand and it’s heavy.

The Black Beach on the approach road to Lanka patuna

Our stop was Lanka Patuna is significant as an ancient port known as “Lanka pattana” where the prince Dhantha & Princess Hemamala who came from India ‘Kalingu Desaya’ and landed with the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

The damaged Bridge

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We left Lanka Patuna at about 4.30 pm to Trincomallee as threre were signs of heave rainWe traveled along to Muttur and a gravel road of about 15 KM to Kinniya in Trincomalee. We reached Trincomallee town at about 6.30pm on 11th evening. And booked into Sarvodaya Hostal.

Next day 12th early morning we left to Girihadu Seya.The Pulmodai road was excellent and you have to turn at Triyaya Junction

The Pulmodai road was excellent

Irakkandi New Bridge

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Girihandu Seya Vihara is the oldest Buddha stupa in Sri Lanka. At over 2600 years old perhaps the oldest Buddhist Vihara in the world. Indeed for decades this ancient vihara was inaccessible to Buddhist pilgrims, lying as it was in LTTE rebel controlled areas. The base for a time was a LTTE training camp. After clearance of the rebels, pilgrims again can visit this ancient monument freely.

Girihandu Seya Small stupa	Old Stone Bridge
.	The Stone Inscription and the pond
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Arisimalai Beach

We turned to the right at Pulmodai road and traveled on a gravel road towards the beach. There is a Navy camp and after signing book has to walk on a gravel road to the beach 300 meters.

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We next went to Pitchamal Viharaya at Kutchuweli.

Near 35th KM post, at Kuchchiveli, there is a Navy Camp. Behind the camp, neat the beach on a hillock, there is some ruins of a Sthupa known as Pichchamal Viharaya (Kuchchaveli Viharaya). Hillock is known as Karandi Malai (Walas Kanda). You have to get permission from the camp to visit the place.

Pichchamal Viharaya (Kuchchaveli Viharaya) - Click Image to Enlarge

Hillock is known as Karandi Malai (Walas Kanda)

There is a stupa at the mountain. Some say Tapassu Balluka Merchants landed at this spot
Some others say that පිච්ච මල් (jasmine flowers) was taken from here to be offered to Ruvanweliseya

Stupa at the mountain

Back to Pulmodai Road we turned off to a muddy track and traveled towards Velgam vehera. We travelled on the Periyakulam Tank bund.

Periyakulam Tank

Periyakulam Tank

Velgam Viharaya

Velgam Vehera is located around 15 km away from Trincomalee by the Trincomalee – Anuradapura Road.
According to the historical facts, the Velgam Rajamaha Viharaya was constructed by king Devanampiyathissa. Later on some additions and renovations were done by first Bathiya, Second Agkbo, first Vijayabahu and first Parakramabahu.

The most important point is this temple was that this was worshiped by both Sinhala and Tamil Buddhist. That is one of the reason that Vilgam Vehera was not destroyed by south Indian Chola invasions in 10th century.

Velgam Vehera

Velgam Vehera

Koneswaram Temple	Koneswaram Temple
Kanniya Seven Hot wells	Kanniya Seven Hot wells

On our return Journey on the 13th Morning , Having visited Koneawarm Kovil and hot wells traveling back from Trinco to Colombo we again turned off at Kantale Junction and visited MAVILARU ANICUT as it was dark on first day of visit trip to Seruwila. The road from the turn off from Kantale Serunuwara road to the anicut was a muddy track.3 KM from the turn off point. No room if two vehicles meet on the Mavil Aru tank bund in driving towards the famous anicut. Road to anicut is closed after 5.00pm

MAVILARU ANICUT

MAVILARU ANICUT - Click Image to Enlarge

Sarvodaya Center where we stayed in Trinco

These days Trincomalee is experiencing evening showers and better avoid and get latest weather condition and travel. A high road clearance vehicle is a must if you intend to travel to all places

We began a long and wonderful journey on the morning of 13th July 2011 around 5 a.m. after I completed packing and loading all items which were arranged at my home, the previous evening. The van went about picking the rest of the members and finally, we were on the A5 route passing Victoria and Randenigala reservoirs in the early hours of a warm day.

Breakfast was at a boutique at Keerthibandara-Pura. The journey resumed and finally we reached Bibile around 12.00 noon. We bought a few essential items like bread, lunch packets to be had at the office premises at Nilgala and some sweets at a supermarket at Bibile. It was a hot afternoon, we were sweating and in need of a bath!

Outskirts of Nilgala Beat Office

Nilgala forest reserve, where an abundance of medicinal plants are to be found. It is said to be a forest that was used by King Buddhadasa in the 7th century BC

Lunch time came at the office premises (Nilgala), and everyone just started munching eagerly. After our lunch, we set off to the Kahathaaththahela rock where we saw ruins of an ancient temple complex.

We set up camp at Mahadorowwa that evening and completed setting up tents and cooking early, to spend more time in the stream. Feeling wonderfully fresh, dinner was enjoyed by all and then it was time to turn in for the night.

Completing work in setting up tents

The following morning, after breakfast, we set off to have a look at the Nilgala Anicut, and had hopes of sighting the three toed kingfisher. We were not fortunate enough to spot the bird. The anicut and the water that flowed beyond proved to be a haven to many in the group who just sank into the sand and water.

lovely display of buttress roots of a ‘Kumbuk Tree’ next to the Nilgala Anicut.

On the way back to the camp, a nuthatch was spotted

That evening surroundings were spellbinding that being a poya day. The moonlight and the gushing water made everyone relaxed.

15th morning while a group went birding; the rest of them cooked breakfast. Then it was time to move on to Galoya side of the national park to camp out at Kossapola.

The newly shaped up road, leading to the Kossapola campsite.	The campsite overlooking Senanayake Samudraya
Setting up tents for the night	A campfire
The campsite bathed with the evening sunlight	Reflection of setting rays of the sun on the waters of a magnificent lake

We set up camp, cooked during the two days, went on a boat ride and watched gentle giants staring back at us and an assortment of birds in Bird Island chirping and screaming at us for disturbing their roosting time! One morning some early birds in our group were fortunate enough to see a lone elephant swimming across the lake to get to the other side. The sunsets were appealing; the quiet evenings were only disturbed by varied bird calls.

The final day dawned, bags were packed and loaded, and with heavy sighs, we set off to the city once again. A visit to Deegawapi temple complex was made by afternoon, and then we were on our way to Kandy.

It was indeed a memorable journey.

Sunset from Kossapola campsite

The sight of waders on a morning from the campsite

A view of the lake, and a fisherman with his catch

Elephants in the distance

A pelican glides quietly

We are a group of three families and use to go on leisure trips during school holidays, and this time it was towards north east. We started from Gampaha around 6.00 am and reached Dambulla around 11.00 am, after having breakfast at Kurunegala.

We bought all provisions from Cargills food city at Dambulla and headed towards Habarana. From Habarana junction we turned left towards Maradankadawala and after few kilo meters we turned left at Palugaswewa, which was the road to Galkadawala tank. Another four Kilo meters on this road, we were at Galkadawala forest lodge.

This lodge is an isolated, quiet very simple place and it is far away from human habitat. It’s surrounded by huge trees and gives the real feeling of a forest. You will not be disturbed as there are no TV or telephones, except the hassle of your mobile phone. There are swings and outdoor showers. This is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday.

There are three rooms with attach bathrooms and three persons can accommodate in a room. There is an upper deck for the purpose of viewing surroundings and there are facilities for another four persons to sleep there. There is a cook and a caretaker, (Shantha and Kariyawasam) both are very friendly and obliging.

Climb this ladder to get into the first floor

Upper deck is an open area and the cool breeze from Galkadawala tank is really refreshing

While they were preparing the lunch we all had a walk along the Galkadawala tank

Water levels were very law (almost dry) due to the prevailing drought

Having lunch in a hurry we rushed to Kawudulla and reached the park by 3.30pm. We were lucky that we could see few herds of elephants within a short period of two hours we spent inside the park.

The park has not lost its green, in spite of the existing dry whether	First herd of elephants seen
Lonely elephant	Sand bath
Another herd

After spending about two hours inside the park, we left around 6.30 pm. Before leaving the park we visited the museum at the entrance to the park.

Museum at Kaudulla

Museum at Kaudulla

We reached the main road and turned towards Habarana on Habarana/Kanthale road and all of a sudden someone in the jeep shouted saying ‘Aliyek enawaa’ (අලියෙක් එනවා). Then we all looked back to see a jumbo was charging towards us. Couldn’t get a good picture as all of us were panic and didn’t even bother to find the camera. Anyhow my daughter had managed to get a click with her phone camera which was not very clear. It was around 6.45 pm and gloomy.

He was about 50 meters away from our jeep

It was a memorable experience especially for kids. When we reached the lodge it was 7.30 pm. All of us were tired and were refreshed after a cool bath under outdoor showers.

Next day we had the breakfast with hoppers. Shanta and kariyawasam are experts in cooking and they can prepare hoppers, String hoppers, Pittu, rottee, Kola kenda etc.

After a delicious breakfast we left the lodge around 9.00 am and headed towards our next destination, Kanthale. It was just less than one hour journey and the road was in excellent condition. We stayed in a government circuit bungalow for two days. It was a magnificent location to have a holiday bungalow, just on the bank of the Kanthale Lake. The continuous and noisy blow of cool air which comes from the lake side was really refreshing.

Kanthale Lake seen from the bungalow, water levels are very low due to the drought

My two sons are crazy of flying kites and they brought two kites from home. The blow at circuit bungalow was perfect for flying kites

Getting ready	A test run
High and high fly over the sky	High and high fly over the sky
While they were flying kites others had a cool dip in the lake

The entire evening went on with kites and bathing. It was very late when we arrived at the circuit bungalow.

Next day morning we prepared lunch packets and started our long journey to Lanka Patuna. Our first destination was Seruwila which is 42 km from Kanthale. The road was under heavy constructions and the RDA was putting up new culverts at every inch of the road. Therefore we had to use byroads at each construction site. We wasted four hours on the road, to drive 42 km from Kanthale to Seruwila.

Seruwila (Also refers as Seruwawila) is situated 20 Km south from Muttur. King Kawantissa (Father of King Dutugemunu) has built this pagoda after burying the sacred forehead bone relics of the Lord Buddha.

Pagoda at Seruwila templ

A walk round the temple

From Seriwila we proceeded to our next destination, Lanka Patuna via Thoppur and the distance was 23 km. Road was mostly gravel but not that bad. After passing Thoppur town the entire area up to the Lanka Patuna was under LTTE control until 2009. But now people are moving freely and there were several housing schemes coming up for resettlement of displaced persons. We saw several buildings that were destroyed during the war.

War ravaged building

Closer view of same building

Lanka Patuna is significant as an ancient port known as “Lanka pattana” where the prince Dhantha & Princess Hemamala who came from India ‘Kalingu Desaya’ and landed with the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. From there both of them left to Anuradhapura to hand over the scared tooth relic to the then ruling king Kithsirimewan.

This temple is elegantly located on a top of a rock and surrounded by the sea from east and ‘Ullukkuliya’ lagoon from west. Most remarkable feature is that the population around this temple are 100% non Buddhists.

During the war, LTTE has destroyed the pagoda and many other ruins of this temple and used this place as a base for their operations. The pagoda which is there today was built in 2009 by army and navy personals under the supervision of Archeological Department. The designer of the pagoda is Venerable Ellawala Medananda Himi (Member of Parliament)

Pagoda is seen emerging through the thick jungle	Pagoda is elegantly located on a top of a rock
Endless view of the wonderful eastern coast seen from Lanka Patuna	‘Ullukkuliya’ lagoon (west border of the temple) seen from Lanka Patuna

LTTE has constructed a bridge at this place with the help of a NGO. But the air force has destroyed it by shelling bombs. A new bridge is now under construction across the lagoon for those who come via Vakarie, Verugal and Mawadichena side. Until then there is a boat service for pilgrims (free of service) to cross the lagoon.

There is a wishrama Shalawa which can accommodate more than hundred pilgrims at a time. There is a Kitchen and you will have to do your own cooking. You can reserve this place by calling Bandarawela Sumeda Himi on 026 5682387 or 077 9704311

We had our lunch (which we brought from Kanthale) at the Navy camp near Lanka Patuna and then proceeded back to Kanthale on same route. On the way we stopped at a small hotel to have a tea. Name of that hotel is Very famous and known by any Srilankan.

But Mavil Aru channel is miles away from this place	Very well brought up” group of pupils walking calmly in front of their master
We met some jumbos on our way back but couldn’t get a good view as it was around 6.30 pm and dark

Travelling back along the same route from Seruwila to Kanthale was sickening. It was almost 8.30 pm when we reached Kanthale.

Next day was the final day of our journey. While having breakfast there was a suggestion from kids to go to Nilaweli. But I (Nade Gura) was reluctant as it was another 50 Km on the opposite direction and it will add another 100 km for the last day. Kids were insisting and I decided to go. Although it was 50 Km it took only one hour and fifteen minutes to come to Nilaweli as the road conditions were excellent.

Beauty of Nelaweli beech and the pigeon island at the far end

It’s much more beautiful to observe as the colour of water is getting changed from light brown to dark blue towards the pigeon island

1st day – Kurunegala Ridi Viharaya at Ridee gama and Monaragala Buddha statue.

Ridi Viharaya is a nice and ancient place. You will not be allowed take the photographs even without flash. But sadly you will see high voltage flash lights directed to some walls with ancient paintings.(Now those paintings are difficult see and don’t seem to have any protection)

Ridee Viharaya – Rideegama, Kurunegala	Some ancient paintings - Ridi Viharalya (Silver temple)
වරකා වැළදූ විහාරය – Ridi Viharaya	The largest samadi statue(67.5 feet) at Monaragala viharaya – Rambadagalla, Kurunegala
The largest samadi statue (67.5 feet) at Monaragala viharaya – Rambadagalla, Kurunegala. This is not an ancient one and construction still in progress.	Kala Wewa is an ancient reservoir in A’pura. It was built by King Dhatusena around 400 AD. This reservoir has a circumference of 40 miles (64.4 km) and has a total area of seven square miles 7 square miles (18.1 km2) at full capacity.
Aukana Buddha Statue – This statue located close to the Kala Wewa rainwater reservoir, the perfect & elegant 12m-high standing Buddha Statue.	Aukana Buddha Statue
You will see paint or something in the statue. Seems some one had put something accidently or purposely. We should avoid this kind of activities and we all should keep this kind of great statue for our next generations.

I noticed that there were several renovation and repairing workhappening when at A’pura and P’naruwa. people who are assigned to do these tasks seems to have no idea about the value of ancient structures. No one was monitoring what they were doing. This should not be just repair job and should follow the correct process for it.

2nd day – Mihintale and Atamasthanya (අටමස්ථානය)

Difficult to visit the palces in time between 11 am – 2 pm because of strong sunlight and hot conditions. I think it is better for you to start going there early in the morning and rest in between mentioned hours (You can use these hours for cooking/lunch/bathing)

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. The site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Arahat Mahinda and the King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the Buddhism in Sri Lanka	Mihintale
Mihintale	Mihintale
Mihintale – View from top of Aradhana Gala (ආරාධනා ගල)	Mihintale – View from top of Mihintale
Mihintale – Aradhana Gala (ආරාධනා ගල)	Mihintale – Mihintale – The way to Mihidhu Lena
Mihidhu Lena – Belief is that the Mihidhu thero rest at this place	Aradhana Gala (ආරාධනා ගල) - Mihintale
Some ancient buildings – Mihintale; Seems like there is no proper maintenance of this historical site.	Ambasthala Dagoba (අම්බස්තල දාගැබ) - Mihintale
Isurumuniya temple	King’s family – Isurumuniya Museum
Lovers – Isurumuniya; One of the famous Gupta style carving in Sri Lanka	Ruwanweli maha seya
Ruwanweli maha seya	Inscriptions (Click Image to Enlarge)
Sri Maha Bodhiya	Lovamahapaya
Thuparama stupa	Muragala
Abhayagiri Stupa	Samadhi Buddha Statue – Consider Sri Lanka’s most perfect Buddha Statue
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)	Korawakgala (කොරවක්ගල) – You can see sri lanka’s best Korawakgala close to Kuttam Pokuna
Jethawana Stupa
Mirisawetiya stupa

3rd day – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

Use morning hours. Then you can get there without much tired.

At Sigiriya only few sentences you can see clearly in “Katapath Pawra (කැටපත් පවුර)” and don’t foget to see it.

At Polonnaruwa don’t forget to visit “thiwanka Pilima gee” If you are interesting in our old paintings (But you should go there before 6 pm. Because you have to go through forest)

Sigiriya Road map (Click Image to Enlarge)	Sigiriya
Paintings	කැටපත් පවුර (Mirror wall) - Only these text you can see clearly
View from Sigiriya	සිංහ පාදය (lion’s gate)
View from Sigiriya	Thorne – Sigiriya
Sigiriya	Statue of King Maha Parakramabahu
Gal Viharaya (Rock temple)	Gal Viharaya (Rock temple)

4th day – Minneriya National park, Namal Uyana

These days you will not see many Elephants in the park (sometime not even one). That happens due to heavy rain experienced during last few months. According to our trekker, a lot of elephants can be seen in July – August months. Also you will not be able to visit some areas of National park during this time of the year because the graces growing.

Also don’t use early morning session and use after 3 pm session to visit there.

Minneriya National Park – Night Safari (We didn’t do the night safari but according to the trekker this is still not up to the standard)	Inside Minneriya National Park
Inside Minneriya National Park – They are trying to remove these bamboo trees because these spread fast and becomes a threat to some other trees. But that hasn't been sucessful
Nice view – Inside Minneriya Park	Nice view – Inside Minneriya Park
Nice view – Inside Minneriya Park	Museum - Minneriya National Park
Namal Uyana - Galkiriyagama (Click Image to Enlarge)	Namal Uyana – You can see lot of Na trees
Pink quartz – Namal Uyana	Pink quartz – Namal Uyana
Pink quartz – Namal Uyana	Pink quartz – Namal Uyana
Namal Stupa – Namal Uyana	Kalutara Stupa - Kalutara

I was lucky to get invited by my BIL Rohan to go to Kebilitta in the last week of September 2007.I was very excited as I had heard about this place from my BIL as he had gone there the previous year as well. His cousin Mohan had gone 3-4 times before and was the tour leader who had to approve the people joining the pilgrimage as lot of rituals had to be observed and carried out before embarking on the tour as every one who makes this trip go with outmost faith and belief.

The story is that the God Kataragama had met his future wife Walli amma on a rainy day near a tamarind tree at this place which is also called Siyambalawa devalaya (මහ සියඹලාව දේවාලය).We were asked to be refrained from consuming all kinds of meat and alcohol for one week before the date and we bought fruits and other stuff which are needed for the pujawa (පූජාව) the day before.Mohan been a veteran organized a couple of cooks with all the dry rations needed. A කපු මහත්තයා also joined as there were no people living around this place . Two mechanichs were also taken as the terrain is very difficult having to cross about 4 steep casueways.

Though the rest of the party came to Kataragama from Kandy I went with a friend in his Defender from Colombo .

We arrived at the guest house (cant remember the name) around 5.30 pm and showered and joined the others at Sella kataragama for the evening pujawa. Later we went to Kataragama devalaya and to Kiri wehera as well and prayed for a safe and fruitful pilgrimage. As this time of the year was not safe even to go to yala due to LTTE activities, special approval was obtained to go through Yala.

After early dinner we retired to our rooms as we were planning to start the day as early as 5. By 5.45 we were near the situlpawwa turnoff and after crossing the river had breakfast and continued.

CROSSING THE RIVER IN YALA	ABOUT TO HAVE BREAKFAST
COOKING BREAKFAST	HAVING BREAKFAST

RELAXING AFTER BREAKFAST

SOME OF THE VEHICLES

We passed the flat terrain in block 2 which consist of vast baraon land like play grounds and after few hours arrived at the kumana saman devalaya which can be accessed from kumana as well. After a pujawa we resumed crossing kumbukkan oya going through thick jungle cutting branches of fallen trees on many occasions as we were equipped for that as well. A tyre was punctured in one jeep and we attended to that as well.

We had lunch packets which we made in the morning near the oya and crossed the aras ( causeways) where we had to tow a couple of jeeps with the help of electric whinches , cables and tapes. We finaly arrived at the camping site around 5 pm and started to erect our tents.

TRYING TO COME ON TOP

THE PLACE WE HAD LUNCH ON THE WAY

Later all of us bathed in the river dressed in new clothes and crossed the river armed with mamoties and brooms etc to clean the place. Also we took kodi wel to put around the old bo tree which is situated before the devalaya land.Most of us took something to be installed at the place: a stainless steel platform to keep fruits, kiribath etc, a cement irrection to light pahan, thrishulas to tie panduru etc.

BATHING BEFORE CROSSING

THE FIRST THING WE NOTICED WAS THE AREA THAT HOLDS THE TAMARIND TREE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA WHICH IS A SQUAR OF AROUND 400SQ.FT WAS VERY CLEAN AS IF SOMEONE HAD SWEPT THE AREA THOUGH RIGHT AROUND LOTS OF TREES , SOME TAMARIND TREES WHICH SHED MANY A LEAVES AT ALL TIMES WERE THERE. WE WERE REALLY TAKEN ABACK AS THIS UNUSUAL SCENE WAS VERY PROMINENTLY SEEN.

But we swept anyway and made it cleaner and lighted the pahans and chanted pirith and went back to the other side afterwards. Had dinner which was cooked by our guys and went to sleep around 11pm.

We got up around 5 in the morning and with torch lights found our own places to do the routine job on the river bank and coverd with the help of shovels we took and then could hear the sound of water flowing fast and we knew the water levels have risen in the night.

CAMPING SITE

COOKING IN PROGRESS

When it dawned we could see that the water level was up. We bathed and holding on to a rope we put across the river tightening on to 2 trees from either side, went to the other side. Some of the crew had already gone ealy to the rituals. To cook muluthenge kiribath they had taken fresh water strained from 7 holes near the bank and a fire was made under “udu viyan “and cooks had worn” mukawadan”. Afterwards the pujawa was taken under udu viyan and placed on the platform and the කපු මහත්තයා started chanting and we prayed. Afterwards we ate kiribath and came back to the camping site.

DRESSED IN NEW CLOTHES	THE PATH TO DEVALAYA
OBSERVING RITUALS	THE BO TREE
THE SACRED AREA	THRISHULAS AND OTHER THINGS DONATED BY MANY
THE OLD TAMARIND TREE

We cleaned the place and started the journey back at 10.30 or so and took the monaragala route and arrived through kotiyagala and had lunch at a known place in the village at around 4.30pm.We stayed the night in kataragama at the same place and departed in the morning with ever lasting memories.This was one pilgrimage that we will cherish for a long time.

THE PLACE WE HAD LUNCH ON OUR RETURN

We are a group of three families and we use to go on leisure trips during school holidays (April, August and December) and last December we decided to go to Udawalawa and Ohiya. We reserved these places well in advance.

We started around 6.00 am from Gampaha and stopped at Rathanapura and had the breakfast. Then we proceeded towards Udawalawa and reached Udawalawa bungalow around 1.30 pm. While passing Udawalawa park we saw few elephants inside the fence, just by the side of Udawalawa road. These elephants have got used to come up to this point as visitors feed them with fruits. There are signboards saying ‘Do not feed animals’ but visitors don’t adhere to these instructions.

Coming towards the fence seeking food

Waiting to get something to eat

Coming out from the jungle in seeking of food

While watching these giants on the way, we reached the bungalow around 1.30 pm. There was a cook and a caretaker and they were quick enough to prepare our lunch within an hour. This is a calm and quiet place with two rooms with attach bath and eight beds were kept on a row on the sitting room. It can provide accommodation for twelve people altogether.

Eco type beds

Paddy fields around the bungalow

Having lunch in a hurry we started the safari to Udawalawa park. The caretaker organized a jeep for us. They charged Rs 2500.00 for the tour and came up to the bungalow to pick up.

First scene inside the park probably, two brothers	Herd of elephants seen at a distance
This is not a rare sight in Udawalawa park	But this is certainly a rare sight to be seen in any wild life sanctuary

We were told by the tracker that this was there since previous day. A leopard had killed a sambur and kept the body on a fork of a tree, perhaps to eat on another day.

Mother and the baby	Probably a loving couple
More elephants	‘Thani Aliya’ seen at a distance

We were not fortunate to see large herds of elephants. Any way by 6.30 pm we arrived at the bungalow. Next day morning after the breakfast we rushed to see the ‘Eth Athuru sevana’ ඇත් අතුරු සෙවන

It was 9.15 am when we arrived there and it was the feeding time	Patiently waiting for his turn
I will worship if you give me more	Tasty as my mother’s milk
Getting back to their home after the milk feed

Once the feeding was over, we proceeded to our second destination in Ohiya through Thanamalwila and Wellawaya. Road from Udawalawa to Thanamalwila was horrible and was under construction, but the stretch from Thanamalwila to Wellawaya was in excellent condition. My van driver was annoyed as I always warned him whenever he exceeds 100 KM on speedometer. Once we came to Wellawaya we bought some lunch packets from the Wellawaya rest house and proceeded to Beragala via Koslanda, but did not forget to stop at ‘Diyaluma Falls Inn’ for a refreshment.

View of the Diyaluma falls from this hotel	I’m Thirsty, straightly drinking from the Diyaluma falls
Closer view of Diyaluma fall

From Beragala we came to Haldumulla and were searching for a place to have our lunch. Passing about 3 Kilo meters from Haldummulla town we found a place with good shade to have our lunch. Having lunch under a tree we proceeded to our next destination at Ohiya. After about 4 Km from Haldummulla on A4 road you have to take a right turn and climb another 3 km to reach this hotel. We arrived at this place around 4.30 pm.

It’s “Worlds End Lodge” situated at lower Ohiya. An isolated, peaceful place and ideal for a relaxing holiday. This hotel consist about 20 rooms in two compartments. Rooms are spacious and well maintained and bathrooms are very clean. Their food also was very good and all three meals were served buffet on the first day as all the rooms were full on that day. I must also say that their rates are very reasonable.

There was a swimming pool with crystal clear water. It was supplied with a continuous floor of water from a nearby natural stream. I haven’t seen anybody inside this pool for the two days I stayed there. Water was so cold that you could get freeze if you jumped into this.

Silently sleeping until someone comes and wakes him up
Misty surroundings	Breathtaking view of Horton plains range from the hotel
More attractive views	Another spectacular view from this hotel

Next day was warm with bright sun light

Around 6.30 am

Around 7.30 am

We had our breakfast around 8.00 am. There were kiribath, bread, string hoppers and rotti on a buffet table. After the breakfast we started to proceed to famous Adishams bungalow at Haputale.
We came to Haputale via Beragala and turned towards Welimada road. The road was misty from Haputale to Adishams.

Welimada/Haputhale bus was looming through thick mist	A wall hanging at Adishams bungalow
Adishams bungalow view from outside	Adishams bungalow view from outside
Inside views of Adishams bungalow	Inside views of Adishams bungalow
This stall at Adishams is very famous for their Strawberry jam
This type of inscriptions were common at Adishams	Another one

While we were returning from Adishams there was an unexpected rainfall which was fairly heavy. So we decided to come back to the hotel and had the lunch. Thereafter we were waiting with the hope that the rain will cease as we wanted to visit Bambarakanda water fall. But we were not fortunate and we were confined to our rooms playing carom and 304 followed by a sing song which went on until late night. Then we had the dinner and went to sleep with the hope of visiting Bambarakanda falls on next day, if rain permits.

We were so lucky when we got up the next day to see the bright sun. So we had the breakfast and packed up everything and said goodbye to “World’s End Lodge”. We straight away proceeded to Bambarakanda Water fall which was only 12 KM from this hotel.

There were signboards throughout

Bambarakanda seen at a distance

You have to park your vehicles and then climb about 500 meters to reach this water fall. This was my first visit to this place and once I came here only realized that this is a very famous bathing place.

There were few crowds bathing there

It is a very safe place even for children

We didn’t have time to enjoy the cool dip at Bambarakanda as we had a long journey afterward. We started to get back home and came to Balangoda and then Rathnapura. We had lunch at Rathnapura and drove back to Gampaha finishing an enjoyable trip.

Please forgive me for any shortcomings in this report as this my first trip report as a new comer to this forum. This is the work of a poor ‘Kodu Karaya (කෝඩුකාරයා)’.

Thank You

With a 5 day holiday on the calendar we had planned a long trip across manner etc. but with rains and floods we gave up the idea and headed south without any particular plan. And somehow the 5 days disappeared!

Life along the way…

Did anyone say the young men don’t enjoy කුබුරු වැඩ….!!

Learning early…and having fun

Process of paduru making

If you take the back roads rather than the coastal road, the environment is quite different. We were rather surprised to find such a lot of lovely wawes. When we passed Lenabatuwa wawe (between Akkurassa and Kamburupitiya) it was too late for photos but it seems a very very lovely place. There is a little guest house just on the side of the wawe which looked like a potential base. There was a board for the Lenabatuwa Bio Diversity Park and someone told us that walking in the forest is quite interesting. It certainly looked lovely.

Some other wawes were:

Dandeniya Wawe ( near Ratmale, it is possible to approach from Dikwalle)	Uyan wawe
Uyan wawe, very close to Umangala Viharaya. We did not have time to go looking for the waterfall that is supposed to be close by.	There were some very obvious leaks in from under the tank bund, but the villagers seemed to be quite used to living with them!

Umangala Ovagiri Viharaya, Gangodagama. Closest town is Hakmana, which can be approached from the coast via Dikwalle.

Board showing the way

Signs that we have arrived at a Viharaya – Helmets and slippers off!

But a small warning:

But all those steps lead somewhere…

Three tiny Budu Ge with some unusual paintings, and right at the top, in addition to the view, a little Dagaba and pond and some dramatic Arayaliya trees.

A depiction of the 5 places that the Buddha has placed his foot print in Sri Lanka. I could only recognise Kalpitiya ( Makkama) and of course, Sri Pada. I have heard that Abeyagiriya is built over a Print, but can’t see a Dagaba in the painting so not sure. Does anyone have any ideas where the other 3 are?

One little Budu Ge was impossible to photograph, if you moved back to get it in the frame you fell down the crazily steep steps!! But two that I managed:

One little Budu Ge was impossible to photograph

The dramatic line of really old Araliya trees, three little village kids who ran up with us went direct to the trees and sat dangling their legs over the side!

The dramatic line of really old Araliya trees

For two nights were stayed just outside Yala Park but did not go in after seeing the perahara of vehicles that were going in and out.

It’s not a eco retreat, just a lovely මැටි පැල්පත ( near Yoda wawe)

just a lovely මැටි පැල්පත

But we also had our own little මැටි පැල්පත… Thanks to Back of Beyond, Yala!No words to describe it, especially on a brilliant poya night.

So if we didn’t go into the park, what did we do?

Once again explored the Yala beach, not so many shells as last time ( Trip Report: One week Deep South: Yala and around) but still beautiful.

Once again explored the Yala beach

Yala beach

Went looking for the Andagalwella Modara (cross the road at Yala Handiya and proceed towards Bundala):

Expanse of rock not sand. You can spend hours watching sea life in the rock pools below

The waves obviously come high on to the rocks

Squatters!!

Stunningly patterned fish. Attacking a crab??

Joys of growing up by the sea…!

Village boys waiting for the wave

Daily bath is nothing but a long water game!

Visited the Nimalawa Aranya and Thalaguru Vehera on the Yala road

Well camaflaged kutiya

Sakman maluwa edged with recycled bottles. Apparently it also helps to minimize creepy crawlies invading the maluwa and inadvently getting stepped on

Did a trip into “town”. Explored around Yatala

Yatala Dagoba

For the final day, we headed towards Embilipitiya thinking we can catch at least part of the opening match of the World Cup. Nothing doing, everyone but us had tickets so we went to where no tickets were needed:

Ramba Vehera ( on Nona Gama – Embilipitiya main road, just before Embilipitiya). Huge site, maintained like a tree covered park. Only a fraction has been excavated so far.

Dancing elephants: The playful look as in Isurumuniya and Ranmasu Uyana

Past, present and future: A student monk reading out loud pacing up and down the ancient viharaya

Urusitano Wawe and Sorowa
A big thank you to Priyanjan (Photo) for highlighting the place. A mind spinning combination of technology and artistry. It’s the first time I have seen the entire system of the ancient wawes so clearly. The biso kotuwa ( photo 1), the canal that would have been under the earth bund but is now visible (photo 2), the mouth of the canal (sluice?) where the water comes out of the wave and taken to the fields through canals (Photo 3). The old system has not been touched. The wawe (photo 4) is once again functioning the bund is as always where the main road runs, and the canal (photo 5) runs parallel to the ancient one. Lovely area to walk down.

For the fold history of the name see this article

Photo 1: The biso kotuwa	Photo 2: The canal that would have been under the earth bund but is now visible
Photo 3: where the water comes out of the wave and taken to the fields through canals	Photo 4: The wawe is once again functioning
Photo 5: The canal

There were lots of other ‘adventures and attractions’ but this is becoming a long trip report! So –The End.