It was an unplanned trip this time around with my parents. Was there in wilpattu 2 weeks back and wanted to go for a trip before my sister’s wedding. So I decided wilpattu since my sis n parents haven’t been to a jungle for a long time + this is a good opportunity to try out my newly brought 500mm lens 🙂

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

Endagala is a unique place which I came across for the first time while going through a book called “Stone in Eloquence” and since then it was roaming around my dreams. One day while traveling to Padiyathalawa I noted a board saying Endagala put up by Uva tourist board and that was enough to stimulate me to go in search of it. I have only seen few pictures of a pond but I was sure that there were much more to expect.

The road took us passing the Kehelgamu Oya which was in over flowing condition forming creamy white foams and running mischievously passing rocks. We had to stop for a pic. The sky looked gloomy and threatened to rain at any moment but we were not swayed by that.

With most parts of the country experiencing rain continuously for 4 months, an amount of rain that has never been experienced for the past 40 years or so started to ease by end of July, the moment I’ve been waiting for. After experiencing 3 days of sunshine without rain I thought the moment has arrived for me to go on another waterfall hunt and decided to do it the very next day making use of the week-end.

ince we have enough time, we decided to go to Devil’s Staircase around 2.00 pm. Road beyond BHR was very good (Concreted / paved). Even though we expect bad road, less than 2 kms from BHR road condition was horrible. After climbing about ½ km we decided to revise the vehicle for ½ km and came back to BHR.

I still remember how we first planned to do a trip together in 2010 but it only came true in 2013. Last year when Priyanjan suggested of climbing Narangala “I said I would not attempt it without him” and finally that day arrived during this August vacation. Actually Priyanjan was the one who found information about the route and etc other than that I only found some information posted by Kishan long time ago on this forum about Narangala. One would wonder why this mountain is so special.

Year and Month August, 2013 (17th to 20th) Number of Days Three Day Trip Crew 16 – three families (7 kids and 9 adults )(age group 4 – 75) Accommodation MILCO Circuit Bungalow, Ambewela Transport Train, bus, car, tuk-tuk Activities Family trip, Site-seeing & Railway hike Weather Excellent weather – sunny and bright – not […]

As usual, we spent longer than we could afford with her (not unusual when you’re at the bottom of that massive falls towering over you like a mother Panda trying to cuddle her babies.

Last year when we hiked brandy rock I did note a nearby mountain range obscuring the view towards Matale and knuckles range. Since then I was eyeing on this peak (Wiltshire/Alu vihare Kanda), almost after and year I was all ready to venture on but as usual couldn’t find any companions. Amila who promised to join me also couldn’t make it because of a bike accident. I arrived at Matale on the previous day and stayed at Selina guest close to McDowell Fort. Next day early morning I wondered around the fort wall and entered the cemetery which lies in the fort premises.

One of my favorite hiking places is knuckles. I can still remember my first trip to knuckles about decade back. It was in 2003 and we went to Meemure and hike Lakegala Mountain. After that I went several times to Knuckles range with different entry points. Last time in April 2013 we hike Knuckles peaks. After this I had a dream to climb highest peak in Knuckles range, its Gombaniya Mountain. I read a trip report published in LAKDASUN.

We started from Gampaha at about 5 o’clock in the morning. The crew was five in a car. Could not book a bungalow inside the park and since arranged to stay @ L.L.T safari hotel close by wilpattu park. Owner Tiuder is a very nice and honest guy. He has few jeeps as well. Charges were very fair and helpful as well. Contact him through 0714187083 and try to arrange the driver named Dammika. Very nice and a great guy who will go for that extra bit to show us the best.