Visiting ritigala has been on the cards for a long time now and the closest I got was a planned trip last August but had to cancel it at the last moment due to unavoidable circumstances. Yapahuwa too has been lingering in my mind for some time but never materialized.

Due to the above reasons my initial idea was to do a 2 day trip but for that too work commitments got in the way and on the ‘thaipongal’ weekend on Saturday I hastily decided to do a one day trip the next day(Sunday) to visit the above places which I’ve never been to.

Having left Delgoda at 4am my first stop was at Dambadeniya to pick my 2 cousins.

The road condition from Kadahapola to Wariyapola was not in a good state and my target of being at Yapahuwa at about 6.30am was delayed by a bit.

Twilight past Katupotha…

Sun rise

Sun rise over the stream at Ella dewalaya..

We reached Yapahuwa by about 7.15am.

Yapahuwa

Quote from Amazing Lanka
The Yapahuwa rock and its surrounding area became the capital of the island for a short time in the 13th century. It is known that King Buvanaikabahu 1 (1273-1284) made this rock, rising loftily out of the outskirts of Kurunegala his capital. There is no mention of anything about Yapahuwa beyond 13th century in Sri Lankan historical sources.

The outer rampart	.
.	.
.	.
.

Views from the top of Yapahuwa (Click Image to Enlarge)

Views from the top of Yapahuwa

After breakfast at Ambanpola we proceeded towards Galgamuwa hoping to visit Haththikuchchi viharaya as initially planned but we missed the turnoff and when asking for directions, got to know that the road leading to the viharaya was closed for repairs. The alternate route was a “parangiya kotte giya” one going around the rajanganaya wewa so we decided to visit ritigala and then go to pidurangala.

The progress from Galgamuwa onwards was slow as the road was being repaired.

Business as usual for others..

.

Ritigala

Quote from Amazing Lanka
Historically, this has been called as Arittha Pabbatha (the mountain of Aritta) which can be translated as ‘Dreadful Rock’ or ‘Safety Rock’ or even ‘Riti trees’ growing upon it. Around 3rd Century BC, Aritta , who was the Chief Minister of King Devanampiyatissa, who later was ordained as the First Sri Lankan Monk and became an Arahath, spent his monastic life at Ritigala.

There are many monastic ruins of stones, terrace ways, circular terraces, a stone bridge, and remains of a giant stone banked pond built across a water stream.

Ritigala from a distance	.
“banda pokuna”	“Banda pokuna”
.	.
.	.
.	.
Sakman maluwa	.
.	.
Bhavana kuti

Our next destination was Pidurangala

Pidurangala

Quote from Amazing Lanka

This 13 acre extended monastery Complex illustrates religious attitude of king kashyapa (477-495 A:D) who built world renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress during his reign. Pidurangala ancient monastery which is located adjacent to the Sigiriya rock is believed to be the Royal Temple where the king Kashyapa worshipped. According to legend when kashyapa arrive Sigiriya rock to built his rock fortress capital, the caves around here was occupied by Buddhist monks who observe meditation. The king shifted that “Sigiriya monastery complex” to Pidurangala. As the legend goes referring the meaning for “Pidurangala” as “offered+monastery+rock”. But some inscriptions says pidurangala was also a monastery beyond Kashyapa period.

According to historical chronicles, Pidurangala has been existed as a well civilized, ancient place. All these details have been well confirmed by Brahmin inscriptions, rock inscriptions on the rock shelters. More over these bear witness that this viharaya was built according to the panchavasa concept and about 500 monks resided in a pirivena (educational institute of Buddhist monks) in ancient era. Panchavasa concept is “Bodhigaraya” (boo tree chamber), “Image house”,” Chapter house”, “Dagoba”, and meditation chamber. That all has been been discovered and now restored. All area have been well surrounded by brick rampart.

Bodhigaraya	.
.	Pohoya geya
Pilima geya	.
.	Steps Leading to the Top
.

A panoramic view from the top of Pidurangala

Sigiriya from Pidurangala

Sun set

Sigiriya at sunset as seen from pidurangala

By about 7pm we were back on the road heading home after a very satisfying journey.

I had been looking forward an opportunity to visit the Hiyare Forest Reservoir since long time as I have never got a luck to visit this place even if I have born and grown in Galle up to 20 years of age. Still I am regretting to miss that great chance to visit this during my early stages. This located just 10Km away from my Parents place.

Hiyare Forest reserve is located just 18 km (about half an hour’s drive) Galle town. The 55 acre reservoir was built in 1911 to supply water to the Galle city and was only decommissioned in 2002. In 2003 the reservoir and 600 acres of the surrounding low country tropical rainforest was turned over to the Municipal Council of Galle. One part of Hiyare is managed by the Sri Lankan Forest Department and the Wildlife Society of Galle administers the reservoir area.

Route Map (Click Image to Enlarge)

In addition to this there is a Biodiversity Breeding Centre and an Animal Rescue Programme, which provides medical treatment and rehabilitation for injured wild animals, they are treated, rehabilitated and then released back into the wild.

Among its many activities, the Society also carries out educational workshops and conducts regular classes to interested parties.

Some of the injured and rescued wild animals under medical treatment.

Purple -faced Leaf Monkey (injured)	Eagle
Baby Slender Loris	Baby Slender Loris
Crested Serpent Eagles with damaged wings	Forest Eagle-Owl
Black Naped Hare	More Black Naped Hare
Injured Pangolin – Hide & Seek	Hog Deers
Hog Deers	Baby porcupine
Baby porcupine different pose	Natural forest surrounding Hiyare Reservoir
Natural forest surrounding Hiyare Reservoir	Natural forest surrounding Hiyare Reservoir
Natural forest surrounding Hiyare Reservoir	.
Natural forest surrounding Hiyare Reservoir	Natural forest surrounding Hiyare Reservoir

Boats are ready for a ride

We had to go to Kandy for a “bana” and an “arms giving” and since the”bana” was on Saturday night I made a plan and went on Friday night and reached Kandy at 11.45 pm and stayed at my Sister in law’s place in Katugastota .

The following day I started alone at 5.30 am as my wife and daughter was more keen on shopping at the city centre and went via Theldeniya and Digana and arrived at Deanston at around 7 am.

Sun strggling to rise	.
.	.
Hunnasgiriya	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
Hunnasgiriya town from above	.
.	.
.	.
At Deanston	.

As there was heavy mist I did some walking checking for birds.

.

Probably a female whistling Thrush

Later went in the vehicle towards Corbett’s gap and then turned towards Loolwatta and Meemure.Though I only did go close to the village due to time constraint, it was a very pleasing drive ,fresh air breathing down my neck and the awesome scenery opening up.

Heavy Mist Passing Deanston	Heavy mist passing Deanston
Turn off to Meemure	This realy made my day

.

.

The only concern was the very narrow road going through the village from the turn off from Corbett’s view lodge and fortunately for me only a three wheeler came from the opposite direction and I could make room for it to pass and if a bigger vehicle came I would have had to reverse for a good kilo meter or so on a winding road.

.

.

.

Grey Wagtail

Phillipine Shrike

.

.

.

Red rumped Swallow

Crested Serpent Eagle

Black Bulbul

Brown Shrike

Female pied Bushchat

Lesser Yellow Nape

.

It was a good day for birding as well and left Hunnasgiriya around 11.30

We organized this hike as a university tradition. There were seven secret members for organizing the hike.

We started the hike at about 9 in the morning from the Faculty canteen with a guide dog “White Fang” .

towards Udaperadeniya	We walked along the Udaperadeniya road to Upper Hanthana Bungalow
Upper Hanthana Bungalow

Then we entered into Hanthana forest reserve with sudden a rain fall. We had to face a terrible leech attack at the start.

Inside the Hanthana Forest Reserve	Inside the Hanthana Forest Reserve
.	.
Inside the Hanthana Forest Reserve	Inside the Hanthana Forest Reserve

We came to a huge area with pine trees. Then we climbed through the tea estates to a plain area of the mountain range. We had our lunch there.

Pine Trees	Pine Trees
mist around pine trees	one after one
.	.
.	White Fang needs a rest
.	.
through the tea estate	beautiful
.

Then we walked through the highest margin of the mountain range to Bowalawatta end.We could see the whole area of Heerassagala, Bowala, Gatambe and Mahaweli river from Peradeniya to Gohagoda.

.	.
.	Bowalawatte
.	.
.	.
.	White Fang

Then we climbed down towards Hotel Amaya Hills,Bowalawatta.

We came to Bowalawatta at about 7 in the evening and then walked to the university via Rajawatta.

When the Sun emitted his first rays of the day; it was captivated scenery of a group of elders in white; walking along the narrow road lay on the dame of a village tank. It was the first full moon day of the year (Duruthu poya day). Those devotees were moving towards the village temple located at the far end of the reservoir. Kathnoruwa, the village I had been; was another live example for the ancient concept of Wewayi-Dagabayi Gamayi-Pansalayi (the relationship between tank, pagoda, village (people) & the temple).

The village tank at Kathnoruwa was the last reservoir fed by the Mahaweli multipurpose project. As a result of that, it was always having sufficient water, which made the economy of the farmers much better than the same ones in nearby villages. The electric fence built against wild elephants was also played a vital role for the same.

a group of elders in white; walking along the narrow road	The village tank at Kathnoruwa
Good morning….	Life is simple

By this morning; Chamila (my wife) and I had become special guests of Hemantha, one of my University mate living at Kathnoruwa. Having a cool dip at the village tank before the brake-fast, we decided to explore the area. First travel location of the day was Sasseruwa. It was a historic Buddhist temple located less than 10km from Kathnoruwa. Though the gravel road got muddy due to the rain received few days back, the poor van was capable enough to manage the same without harm.

“Vie bissa” (වී බිස්ස ) seen at Kathnoruwa

On our way to Sesseruwa

Sasseruwa was famous due to existence of a giant statue of Lord Buddha. It was carved with a natural rock; very similar to the statue of Aukana. Further, it was believed that both were built in same period with same techniques. Comparing with Aukana, the statue at Sesseruwa was less finished in crafting while not having a “Siraspatha”. Folk says both statues were built by the Guru (master) & the Golaya (student) as a part of a competition. At the end of the day, less skilled disciple was lose and not able to complete the carving before his master who did the statue at Aukana.

The Giant statue of Lord Buddha at Sesseruwa

Few caves out of them were converted to houses of images in Kandy era

In addition to that magnificent statue, there were 99 drip-ledged caves used by monks for meditation. Few caves out of them were converted to houses of images in Kandy era. It was believed that a holy snake (Cobra) was there for protecting the houses of images.

Inside of a house of statues built in Kandy era	Living place of the holy snake (Cobra) ?
Pagoda at Sasseruwa

We visited Hasthi-kuchchi at Giribawa as our second travel location of the day. It was a pleasure that the archeological site had been much developed than my previous visit made in 20 years ago. The total complex was managed by the Dept. of Archeology. As per the officers of the same, this complex was believed as the real place where the King Sirisangabo’s sacrifice of life was occurred. But since they were not yet able to prove it with strong evidence such as an inscription, they have not officially published the same.

Entrance of the archeological site

As per them; existence of a huge rock appeared as a sleeping elephant had been caused to name the place as “Hasthi-Kuchchi”. Further; a number of inscriptions were also found on it.

There were many ponds built throughout the complex in various eras, facilitating Bhikkhu (monks). Therefore archeologists believed that Hasthikuchchi had been a leading temple/institution of the country in Kings Era.

Scientific clarification on Hasthi-Kuchchi

The huge rock appeared as a sleeping elephant

And also it was identified that Hasthi-Kuchchi had been located closed to a leading ancient route; most probably started from Anuradhapura. The rocky trap visible in a distance provided good evidence for that.

The rocky trap visible in a distance

At the Bodhigaraya builing, there was a special structure made with bricks which had many signs to represent a torso. Archeologists believed the statue as a tomb of a Bodhi-Sathwa. However that was located few meters away from where the fallen torso would be found if the King Sangabo sacrificed his life at the cave believed to be used by him.

Ruins of the “Bodhigharaya” building	The special structure made with bricks which had many signs to represent a torso
The cave (see above) believed where the king had meditated	The cave

Having observing the house of statue done in Kandy era, we proceeded further. The paths of meditation made with granite were still in good condition.

Paths & bridges made with granite

Having climbing few more steps, we reached the cave believed to be used by the King Sirisangaboo. According to the legends, the cave used by the king had a pond which would not be exposed to sun & moon. Proving the same, there was a pond under the shade of the cave which was believed to be 60ft in depth.

the rocky plane at the eastern side of the cave where a priest can meditate in the evening times

You can easily observe the Ruwanwali Seya (Locate the white dot)

And also folk says the King used to meditate in the evening times looking at the Swarnamali Chayithya at Anuradhapura. You can easily observe the Ruwanwali pagoda from the eastern opening of this cave and you can meditate there only in the evening time, otherwise you will be beaten by morning sunrays.

Pond which would not be exposed to sun & moon

On the other hand, the western opening would be used by the priest for meditation in the morning times. Since it was faced to the ancient road, the passenger would able to see the priest accidentally when he was getting ready to have his lunch.

the western shade believed to be used by the priest for meditation in the morning times

Further, folk says that the passenger had reached there from Anuradhapura. He had travelled the whole distance on foot since that morning. Originally this place is located nearly 14 miles from Anuradhapura and that is realistic.

Though there are much minor evidences, why our archeologists not yet able to discover a major evidence (such as a rock inscription) to prove this place as the real Attanagalla where the King Sirisangabo’s sacrifice of life is occurred? The answer is clear. Archeologists believe it is happened due to a political reason. When the King Gothabhaya visited the site and discovered the torso, he might pay his full respect & ordered to convert the site to a temple to memorize his brother. That was politics. Since making a memorial temple would help to retard increasing trends against the new King. But he would not want to be guilty among his citizens, for the death of his Bodhisathwa brother. Therefore he might not put any inscription or strong evidence at the site so that let Sinhala people to forget it even from the history.

The huge tank at Siyambalangamuwa

Our last travel location of the day was the huge tank at Siyambalangamuwa. It was much popular due to the death of the Siyambalangamuwa tusker (We paid our visit in January 2011. That unfortunate incident was occurred few weeks later). The tank had a huge rocky plane which was ideal for camping. You can drive a vehicle up to the rocky plane, where would not meet any molestation but an electric fence against wild elephants.

The huge tank at Siyambalangamuwa

The tank had a huge rocky plane which was ideal for camping

We started at 5 am and reached Sinharaja via Mathugama/ Kalawana (Kudawa Entrance) at 7am. Unfortunately we had to park the vehicle 1 km before the ticket office at the regional forest office as a bridge was under construction.The climb to the park entrance was steep and by 7.30 we were inside with the tracker Somapala( 045 7210845)

May be Brown Shrike (migrant)

Green pit Viper

We came across the 1st bird flock around 8 though there were only about 6 species consisting of Orange billed Babler, Crested Drongo, Malabar Trogan, White faced Starling, Laughing Thrush and Schimeter Babler.

Malabar Trogan	Greenish Wabler (migrant)
Dark fronted Babler	Brown Breasted Flycatcher (migrant)
Orange billed Babler	White faced Starling
Female Jungle Fowl	Yellow fronted Barbet

It was a perfect day with the Sun up and was a very good session for photography.The best thing was finding a Frogmouth couple inside the shrub.I hope that some of the Birding members might enjoy looking at the photos.

Blue Magpie	.
Frogmouth	.
Sri Lanka Laughing THRUSH	Crested Drongo
Asian Paradise Flycatcher	Schiemiter Babler
Black Headed Bulbul	Kunakatuwa (a Pit Viper)

Giant Squirell

Nelu flower blossoming every 4 years

Back at the Entrance

While returning from Sinharaja yesterday, from Mathugama we turned towards the highway and after checking the credentials of my friend who carried a special pass we were allowed to proceed. We started at 3.15pm and by 4.45 we were back at Kottawa exit.

There were some work been carried out to finish before the opening on the 27th and the different colours of the carpet due to re-doing at places were seen but it was a good experience but it will be a different ball game when the full vehicular flow starts. The noteworthy concern was the number of dogs staying near the middle fence but hope that the necessary action will be taken to sort this out.

.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.

Another fag was swing. The vehicle stopped for a while obeying the signal again. None of passengers could remember how many times that were practiced from the beginning of the journey. No one could be set free from the hospitality of Buddhists youth in Sri Lanka, because that was the Vesk full moon day. No other community in the world who feed unknown passengers as them for charity.

Our first travel location, the historic temple at Thalagama was located at a distance less than a kilometer from Ambepussa, the first train destination of Sri Lanka. The temple was consisted with three levels. The Sangawasaya, Dharma Shalawa and other general buildings used by Bhikku are located at the lower level.

In the middle of the stepped path to the second level

Reaching the second level where the house of statues is located

The house of statues & Bodhi (sacred Bo tree) were located at the second level which was located 100ft above the first. A stepped path was there to reach the second. The houses of statues were built using rock caves few centuries ago.

House of statues in rock cave

Towards third level

The most important part was the Pagoda built to imitate the famous pagoda at Sanchi-India. There was a stepped path to the third level which was located not less than 200ft from the second. A Gal kema (rock based pond) and an inscription, stone were also there.

Reaching the summit	Pagoda built to imitate the famous pagoda at “Sanchi” -India
abyss

Our next travel location was the Kota vehera (Short pagoda) at Dedigama. This was also known as the “Suthighara” (the birth place) pagoda. It was believed that the king Parakramabahu the great, was build this when he ruled the western part of the country as a regional ruler (Mapa) to memorize his birth place. And also it was popular as one of the three short pagodas of the country.

Information	Kota Vehera at Dedigama
Kota vehera

The most spectacular item was the ඇත් පහන  (The lantern of tusker) which was displayed at the museum in nearby. That was identified as a wonder of hydraulic in Polonnaruwa era. The lantern was made with bronze and decorated with fine craftsmanship. It was important to notice that one of the same lanterns found was displayed at the general museum at Colombo.

Information

The Museum

The lantern was consisted with to main components, a hollow tusker (the oil storage) and a lighting dish (a dish consisting lighting nozzles). At the beginning you have to fill the tusker with oil & put it on the dish, putting some oil in to the dish and light the lantern. When the flame consumed oil, the oil level of the dish would be reduced. Then an air hole on the tusker’s leg was exposed and let some air to get in to the abdomen of the tusker. As a result some oil would be poured to the dish showing the tusker was passing urine. When the oil level of the dish was increased, the air hole would seal with oil until a new cycle was begin.

ඇත් පහන ( the lantern of tusker)

Details on “ඇත් පහන” (Click Image to Enlarge)

Afterwards we moved towards Narangoda and had a cool dip in the Gurugoda oya at a nice safe bathing place showed by a villager. On our way back, we stopped a while at Bataleeya, but we found that cashew nuts were too expensive to be given for charity.

Originally we planned this trip to visit the waterfalls in Ginigathhena and Hatton area, but since we were able to reach Ginigathhene before 7, made a sudden change of plans and decided to hike the Thotupola kanda. As I mentioned earlier the climate was really cool and the roads were all covered in mist.

Misty road in Hatton…	Trees covered in mist…
Tea plantation in Hatton area…	Tea plantation in Hatton area…

On our way to Nuwaraeliya we also came across the famous Devon fall and St’clair fall in Talawakele..

Devon falls….	Standing tall…
Scenery…	Beauty…
St’clair falls..	Mist appearing from time to time

Again from Pattipola onwards we experienced thick mist; inside the park it also remained the same….

Ambewela farm covered in mist….	Ambewela farm
Pattipola entrance…	The small pool near the entrance…
Near the ticketing office…	Thick mist inside the park…
More inside the park…	Inside the park
inside the park	Click Image to Enlarge
Trail head…	Trail….
Spooky…isn’t it…?	Spooky…isn’t it…?
On the way to summit….	On the way to summit….
On the way to summit	On the way to summit
On the way to summit	On the way to summit
On the way to summit	On the way to summit
Summit…….	Summit

After having lunch near the Gregory’s lake we started heading back home….

Gregory’s lake…

Thank you very much for reading my trip report. Have a safe journey …..

We started our journey from Piliyandala around 3a.m. in the morning and had only one stop somewhere around Kalupahana to have our breakfast.

Around Haputale	Passing Haputale
On the way to Lipton’s Seat	On the way to Lipton’s Seat
On the way to Lipton’s Seat	On the way to Lipton’s Seat

We were able to reach the Lipton’s Seat at around 10.30am in the morning. Cars can go up until the last turn to the Lipton’s Seat from there you have to walk around 500m through the tea estate to arrive to the view point. Since it was a very bright and sunny day we were able to enjoy clear and endless views.

We were able to reach the Lipton’s Seat at around 10.30am	Lipton’s Seat (Click Image to Enlarge)
it was a very bright and sunny day	we were able to enjoy clear and endless views

After having some sumptuous Laddu and a cup of fine tea we took leave to reach our next destination the Pilkington point. Without taking the detour of going back to Haputale, we continued along Nayabedda tea estate until we were at Bnadarawela-Poongala Rd. Beware that you will be required to purchase tickets at both the entrances of Dambetenna and Nayabedda tea estates as you will be driving inside private properties.

After driving for 10-12km approximately we took a turn from Poonagala junction and arrived at the Poonagala estate. A normal car can reach up to Pilkington point without any trouble at all…

Projection…

Vantage hut…

Again we were very really blessed with the splendid views thanks for the fine weather through out the whole day.

View from the Pilkington point….	View from the Pilkington point….
.	.

We had to abandon our plans to visit Millennium point due to time constraints.After having lunch there we started heading back to our ultimate destination of the day Diyaluma waterfall.First we decided to visit to the top of the waterfall. After proceeding some distance along the Poonagala-Koslanda Rd we came to a place called Makaldeniya junction.From there we took the left turn and just after few meters and there we were at the trail head but decided to follow the trail which start through the entrance of a small eco lodge. We came across some Elephant dung along the way too… After proceeding some distance through the trail we were truly surprised by the beautiful sight of mall waterfall on top of Diyaluma.

Entrance of the eco lodge…	Kuda Diyaluma…
.	.
We also managed to go to the base as well.

Thank you very much for read ing mytrip report. Have a safe journey …..

Wawetenna an off the beaten travel location has been hidden from popular travel forums for years. Times to time many inquiries have been made by travelers on this marvelous travel location, but none has received answers satisfactory. As per the 1:50,000 map of Kandy, there were two locations with the same name. Finally having analyzing limited data available, a place closed to Madamahanuwara was identified as the real Wawethenna where a panoramic view point was existed. This travelogue is dedicated to all who interested on re-discovering of this hidden travel location.

It was 11.00 am. We were on our way home from Mahiyanganaya, abounding the scheduled activities of the day. When we passed Hunnasigiriya, a little memory on Rajagala & Wawetenna was came in to my mind. But we could not obtain proper travel information until we stop for a tea in a café closed to Madamahanuwara. Having satisfying ourselves with “Pol rote” with “Kocchi Lunu Miris” like dynamite, I had a chat with the shop owner. He was a very helpful man and gave me few travel tips what I wanted to know the most.

As per his tips, we found a narrow route at a huge bend; later we got to know as “Hulan Wanguwa” at A26 Hi-way. Before get in to the sub route, we inquired on road condition from a three wheeler (Tuk-tuk) driver, who just reached the main road from the said sub route. What he said was the distance to Wewethenna from there was about 5km and the route could be managed with our van since usually three wheelers do. Further he mentioned that three wheeler drivers of the area used to visit Wawethenna occasionally for fun. We encouraged much with the comment he made in his words “එතන එල පොට්එක අය්යා“. How ever at the end of the day; we realized that the information given by him was not acceptable except the last one. The distance from the Hulan wanguwa to Wewethenna was 9km & the road was not recommended for a van like ours but an off road vehicle.

First sight of the Estate road started from “Hulan Wanguwa”

The road was narrow and steep. Surface was completely eroded and stones exposed were armed with sharp edges for damaging tires. Most of the time our vannete used her full strength to protect the oil sump from boulders; exposed in the middle line of the road.

The first landmark of our route was a tea store. Up to that point the road was some what manageable though there were several road segments in bad condition.

Office of the Grama Niladari @ Rajagala

The tea store was located at Rajagala. Rajagala was important due to existence of the place where the King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe; the last King of ours, captured by English in 1815. The exact location was hidden from outsiders due to not providing correct road information by villagers. Because villagers believed that memento was a sign of traitorous & shamed on that historic incident.

Having moving another 500m uphill, we reached a three way junction (way point 2) where a Hindu shrine was located. We turned right & proceed along the lower path. Since the junction was populous, we faced no difficulties to verify our route.

first three way junction (way point 2) where a Hindu shrine was located	A broken culvert we met just after the way point 2
Hindu Kovil	Hulan Wanguwa (Zoomed) visible in a distance

Having passed nearly a kilometer we met the first vehicle in that route. We were much lucky that we met the same at rather wide bend where a Catholic shrine was located.

wide bend where a Catholic shrine was located

From there onwards the road laid through a turpentine forest. At the middle of the same we reached another 3 way junction. As like previous one, this was also populous & we could verify our route from villagers. How ever we met the second effective 3way junction in the next 75m uphill. (Waypoint 3) from there we took the left, the uphill one, while the right one lead to A26 hi-way.

Peaceful lives in country side

the second effective 3way junction (Waypoint 3)

Again the poor vehicle had to use her full strength to overcome obstacles in the narrow road ascending continuously. Having traveling nearly 2km, we reached the 3rd effective 3way junction (Way point 4) in our route to Wawethenna. We turned left & proceed up to the line houses located nearby. The junction was special since the right side path was lead to Moragahamulla junction at A26, which we tried at the end of the day.

Feel free

Having verifying our route; we proceed uphill. It was nearly 1.5km distance from those line houses to the summit. Half of the same was driven through the turpentine plantation while the rest; the final segment was laid through a natural vegetation. The road was steep & narrow as usual and allow no room to turn-back a vehicle in the middle.

Line houses are visible below	Towards the summit
obstacles

Finally we reached our dream destination; yes it was seemed as the door step of the heaven. The climate & the surrounding were much similar to the Horton plane. Wind and low depth soil had made trees on the plane pigmy. Earth of the summit was consisted with whitish sand as same as the summit of Namunukula. The plane was larger than few hectares and part of the same was covered with the reservoir, which was almost empty due to the drought.

Finally we reached our dream destination

Wawethenna; it was seemed as the door step of the heaven

Earth of the summit was consisted with whitish sand as same as the summit of Namunukula

There was a view point wider than 180o and it was not interrupted with mist due to the dry weather condition at that time. The valley where the Victoria reservoir was located was clearly visible. Remaining of an abundant estate bungalow made the place mysterious.

The valley where the Victoria reservoir was located was clearly visible

Remaining of an abundant estate bungalow made the place mysterious

Wawethewnna is worth visiting travel location and also recommended for camping lovers. It was 1.5km to the nearest civilization that you can have portable water. For other purposes, you can use the water in the reservoir. If you need any dessert, you can collect Chinese-guava (චීනපේර) from thousands of trees grown around the reservoir.

thousands of Chinese-guava (චීනපේර) trees grown around the reservoir.

When we visit there, young team had been enjoying there. They had reached wawethenna with two there wheelers. They were kind enough to provide road information on an alternative route for us. Since I was mad on returning the same route, I accepted their proposal cheerfully. Having spending nearly an hour there, we decided to take our move.

A young team reached Wawethenna by 3wheelers were enjoying there

The return path was same up to the way point 4. From there onwards we used the other route which was rather acceptable in condition. After the Hangurugama Estate, the road was concreted.

Road laid along the edge of the reservoir

Large butterfly found at the forest patch

Way point 4 – the third effective 3way junction

Sign board of the Hangurugama Estate (Way point 6)

At Welekumbura junction the concreted road joined with a well paved tarred road. Turning right, we conditioned downwards until we find the carpeted road driven from A26 to Victoria dam. It was more than 4km of continuous descending from Welekumbura to that junction. Having turning right again we reached Moragahamulla junction from where we get into the A26 Hi-way. We felt comfortable having seen a road sign board indicated that the distance from there to Kandy was just 31 km.

cabbage

Waypoints

Even though we live very close to the city of Galle, we didn’t explore the grandeur of the city very closely. So we decided to look close at the Galle Fort and explore the living beach of Koggala and Martin Wickremasinghe memorial folk museum.

We started our journey from Hikkaduwa railway station at about 8 am and got a bus to Koggala from Galle. We reached to the exciting beach of Koggala and had our breakfast at well maintained beach park about 9.

On the way to Galle
Exciting beach of Koggala	Exciting beach of Koggala

The beach park is well maintained by the local government body. No garbage is seen on the beach and plenty of dustbins available. Water and toilet facilities are also in good condition.
We could see numerous creatures on beach when we look closely.

Moving sea shell	Each and every sea shell moves!
every sea shell moves	Crab on a mossy rock

After exploring the beach we entered to the Martin Wickremasinghe memorial folk museum. We were lucky to see the birth place of this great Sinhalese author in its original condition.

Martin Wickremasinghe memorial folk museum

Ancestral home of Martin Wickremasinghe

There were numerous exhibits in the museum with a great archeological value. But unfortunately I’m not allowed to take photographs of them as it’s prohibited. We spent about 4 hours in the museum and then had our lunch in the museum premises. The water sources in the premises were quite dirty and unhygienic. So you are thoroughly advised to not to drink water from taps in the premises.

After having the lunch we moved to Galle by bus to visit the Galle Fort.

First glimpse of great fort!

VOC Symbol	Canon base in Fortress

An “Ambalama” can be described as one of an important public building in ancient Sri Lanka. There were series of “Ambalama(s)” located along the roads, being land marks & resting places for travelers for free. It was a convenience and comfort to people traveling far; going on pilgrimages or visiting relatives by foot or cart. Usually “Ambalam” were built in a chosen spots such as by the side of a paddy field or stream. Facility of portable water was provided with a “pin-thaliya” (a pot of water) or a well.

Usually “Ambalam” were built in a chosen spots such as by the side of a paddy field or stream

Commonly “Ambalam” were simple buildings built by villagers on co-operative basis. They were consisted with a hipped type tiled roof on few timber or masonry columns. Perimeter walls were short and formed a seat for resting known as “Pila”.

Few were built totally with timber structures. In such a case, the Ambalama was built on four rock boulders to prevent from termite attacks. Panavitiya (or Panapitiya) was one of the said few.

Direction…

Chamila(My wife) & myself paid a short visit to Panavitiya few months ago. Finding the Panavitiya Ambalama was not much difficult although there was no sign board on the main road (Negombo-Kurunegala). The turn-off was done at Matiyagane; a small junction met before reaching Narammala town. The by-road was lead to Kadahapola junction. (Matiyagana School was also accessed by the same). Having traveling another few kilometers; we found another junction where the first sign board was located and we turned left again.

we reached the Archeological site passing a temple

“ Sri Lanka Thilakaramaya “ the temple @ Panavitiya

With nearly 4km drive from the main road, we reached the Archeological site passing a temple. In the first moment, having seen the outside appearance of the Ambalama, I was also confused as like as most of the previous travelers, whether we had reached the correct place. But once we entered in to the shelter, we could discover the wonder of wood carvings that Panavitiya was so famous for.

The boutique located in front of the Archeological site	Little confused having seen the outside appearance of the Ambalama
wonder of wood carvings	Inside view
Beams, rafters & ridge plate	A dancer?
Column heads & wall plates	Another column

The Panapitiya Ambalama is renovated and restored by the Department of Archeology. It is believed that Panavitiya Ambalama is one of the series of resting places located along the ancient foot path existed from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa, via Kurunegala.

Might be the latest version of the said ancient foot path.

Angam fighters?

There was a popular folklore at the area. Once; a set of European soldiers (not exactly defined whether English or Dutch) were about to burn the Ambalama. But at the last moment one had noticed some carvings of Europeans among hundreds of wood carvings in the Ambalama. Having wonder on the same, the leader decided to give up destroying the building. But the real story behind the scene was that they had gone misunderstand on the dress (Saruwalaya) of “Angam fighters” in wood carvings as trousers. (Note: people who dress up in trousers were only Europeans those days). This might be a fiction. But the carvings of Angam-fighters are still there.

Have a safe journey!