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

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

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 started the much awaited trip to Bambarakanda on the 30th April from Colombo, and proceeded towards Ratnapura, where we stopped and got hold of some essential items for the journey. It was a nice and a sunny morning and we weren’t in a hurry as our plan for the day was to reach Bambarakanda and stay the day at the Bambarakanda rest. Just after passing the 171st kilometer post on the road we found the turnoff to Bambarakanda. A couple of kilometers along the way, the falls suddenly opened up in front of us.

We were greeted by Mrs. Mayakaduwa who runs the Bambarakanda rest, and after having a sumptuous lunch, we hiked to the base pool of the falls and had a very refreshing bath.

We were greeted by Mrs. Mayakaduwa upon arrival at the rest.

Smart aren’t we?

The following day was a big day for us as we were getting ready to do the real adventure. We loaded breakfast packed by the lady onto the jeep and after checking the jeep on fluid levels etc, we set off towards Ohiya. Mrs. Mayakaduwa enlightened us on the trail and the surroundings before us setting off.

Need more oil?

Just meters away from the resort, the conditions of the road changed drastically, in to a broken rocky track with a fair ascent towards an unknown territory.

Heading towards the unknown

The only vehicle on the track for the day.

The road conditions were pretty much the same if not worse for a fairly long distance and it was a very slow climb. On to your left was the precipice of the Bambarakanda and in certain places it was clearly visible. It’s important to engage 4X4 and be cautious on the steering. Thereafter we came to the infamous V-cut pass, where the first flat terrain is found after leaving the resort, and it was a perfect place to rest a bit and click on some beauty.

A small rest at the V-Cut pass

It’s a peculiar place!

The local elderly person we met there seemed to be very helpful in giving us information on the terrain ahead etc, however we later found that the information given was hardly correct. We actually later realized that even though many people talk about this track, not many people have actually done the track so it s more of what they have heard than what they really have seen.

Another land mark was just around the corner as we started from the V-cut pass, which was the feeder stream of Bambarakanda falls. We crossed the stream which flows across the track. A good place for some more clicking.

Crossing the Bambarakanda feeder!

The road conditions continued to be challenging, with hairpin bends with the same gradient of the track, and it was always rocky. The slow journey continued through many tea estates – four estates to pass till ohiya – where the sceneries are always in abundance.

The “West Haputale” sign board gave us the indication that we were closing in on the most awaited part of the track. From the start, it was self explanatory why they named that part of the track as devil’s stair case. It is a series of very sharp bends descending rapidly over a short distance. The drizzle made it even more challenging, and you truly start to praise the inventor of four wheel drive. Be careful here as a wrong decision on any of your pedals could cause serious situations.

Negotiating the bends was strenuous and we needed a small break, and the perfect place was right beneath the stair case, where the track becomes flat aside a huge boulder.

Just after negotiating the Devil’s stair case. She obviously looks tired..

The only sign board you would find for a long distance (Click Image to Enlarge)

Continue straight, not a place to turn

As we continued the journey we found an option of turning towards Ohiya – Horton plains road which was three kilometers long as opposed to the alternative route which was ten kilometers. As we were planning to return to Colombo the same day, we opted to take the shorter route with a view to saving time. The climb as well as the challenges kept on continuing. It became rockier too. The assistance given to us by Ganesh, a friendly local who offered his services as a guide was extremely important to us.

Where have all the rocks come from?

Could it be steeper?

Hold on tight brothers!

Almost there!

We reached the Ohiya – Horton plains road near the 26th km post, and the rubber met some proper roads at last. After bidding farewell to Ganesh, we climbed down towards Ohiya, where we indulged ourselves in some Rotti, Seeni sambol and plain tea. The much awaited shop was a treat in itself as all of us were way too tired and hungry. The refreshments gave us a good boost to start our journey back home. We headed towards Boralanda, cut across to Haputale and headed home with some unforgettable memories of the infamous devil’s stair case. Nadeera, Harsha, Nava and I, along with my beloved old cruiser did it together as a team. We feel great about it!

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The locals – Ranjith, Ganesh and Ganesh’s pet dog – Thanks for the guidance guys!

Sun was shining in the sky as a silver globe. We were on our way to another adventurous journey heading Namunukula. The small open canopy jeep was packed with 5 Lakdasun members. The itinerary of the day was to reach Passara via Beragala & Pilklinton point @ Punagala estate, since it was identified as a much scenic drive.

Just we passed Balangoda; our itinerary was challenged by ourselves. The main role of the same was played by Dinesh, who bucked on the distinctive weather condition prevailing and suggested to change the route.

According to his words, we would not have such a good weather to explore the Devil’s staircase in the rest of our lives. Since we had many experiences of gaining better outputs with footloose decisions, the jeep was allowed to deviate from the main road at Kalupahana junction, in the next 30 minutes.

Kalupahana junction

[A set of deadly hair-pin bends, located at the upper division of Udaweriya estate is called as Devil’s stair case. This can be reached by the estate road which connected Kalupahana & Ohiya. Road from Bambarakanda to the abandoned tea factory at Udaweriya is the worse part and identified as one of the most serious off road drives in Sri Lanka. ]

The sub route started from Kalupahana was heading Bamabarakanda, the tallest fall in Sri Lanka. Though the road was bit narrow & hilly, it had been maintained well enough up to Bambarakanda. Moving upwards nearly 500m passing the car park at the waterfall, our CJ5-horse got a little rest at the back yard of the popular eco-lodge at Bambarakanda.

On our way form Kalupahana to Bambarakanda

The tallest fall in Sri Lanka

In the next minute, we were warmly welcome by Mrs. Sera, the proprietor of the Bambarakanda  lodge. The lodge was situated in a superb location facing the fall. Dinesh was very familiar with this place since he had visited there several times. Thus helped us to get arranged our lunch without placing an order in advance. How ever we had to spend few minutes more until our lunch got ready.

Eco-lodge at Bambarakanda

The fall is visible to the lodge

When we were at the lodge, one showed us some thing interesting. That was a vehicle; moving in the uphill left passing the lodge before 45 minutes. (We met them later on our way……)

Bamarakanda fall – Zoomed (the rock at your left side is known as lovers)

Saying good bye to Ms. Sera and the lonely eco lodge, we continued our journey. It was a continuous ascending. At the beginning, condition of the road showed easily manageable. But; that happiness was not last at least to the end of the first 500m of our journey. The road was eroded and the surface was consisted with sharp edged stones, the worst enemy of your tires. Though our CJ5; the American Military jeep was born tough, most of the times; she had to move slower than a turtle, to escape from the said enemy.

the surface was consisted with sharp edged stones

Road condition

At the end of the first kilometer of our journey, we stopped a while at a bend for capturing nice images of the Bambarakanda fall & her surrounding.

she had to move slower than a turtle

Having climbed nearly 3km from the eco-lodge, we reached the popular V-Cut which was treated as a holy place by villagers. In the next few minutes we met the causeway / Ford from where the water source of the Bamarakanda fall was crossing the jeep track at the upstream.

The valley

An ice cooled natural pool was waiting for us; and no one had time to waste. We had a cool dip and refreshed with shivering arms & shattering speech.

Popular V-cut

It was the time for a cool dip

From there onwards the road condition showed little improvement for few kilometers. But it rose continuously.

Lanka ella visible in a distance.

The bend where the Lanka Ella was visible

Awaiting for Hikers of Lakdasun

Passing the series of hairpin bends known as Devils staircase, we reached an open area which offered a nice view of the valley. Then we met a three way junction where the left turn (up hill) was heading HP. Since a villager informed us that road was blocked due to a fallen tree, we had no option other than proceeding right which heading Udaweriya. The narrow road descended to a bridge and it was a nice place for having our lunch.

A hair-pin bend	Little shade
Reaching West Haputale Division of Udaveriya Estate where the Devil’s stair case is located.

View to the top of the Devil’s staircase

From the said bridge we moved to the other bank of the valley and we were offered an endless view up to the southern coast. And also the devil’s staircase was clearly visible to the road itself we were moving. No sign of mist. We felt that Mother Nature was blessing us with crystal clear sky; which was very rare to the area.

The narrow road descended

it was a nice place for having our lunch

The first vehicle we met after Bambarakanda	endless view up to the southern coast
We felt that Mother Nature was blessing us	Surprised children of the village

In the next kilometer we reached a village. Surprised children of the village having seen our open canopy jeep; were busy in waving their hands for greeting us. Just we passed the village; we were stopped by another villager. As per his words, the narrow road was completely blocked by a broken vehicle which cannot be moved for half a day. Further he advised to turn our vehicle & return Kalupahana since there was no alternative for us. But we were not ready to relay on the massage & decided to proceed until we reach the obstacle.

Finally we found the obstacle. It was the same vehicle seen; when we were at the eco lodge. They had cut two tires due to careless driving.

the devil’s staircase was clearly visible to the road itself ( But Sun prevented getting good images of the same)

Finally we found the obstacle

Since it needed two wheels, the situation could not be changed even by offering our spare wheel to them; because their spare wheel was sadly tighten at the spare wheel carriage and could not dismantle. Finally they took a decision to abundant the poor vehicle for the moment and hire a call cab. They moved the vehicle to the deadly edge of the narrow road with two naked wheels, to provide space / room to pass / over take them.

3 way junction

In the next few minutes we reached another three way junction from where the tea factory of Udaweriya was accessed. We paid a visit there and found that the factory was temporary out of operation. It should specially note here that the location of the factory was an excellent view point.

the tea factory of Udaweriya

the factory was temporary out of operation

the location of the factory was an excellent view point

Can you locate the abundant jeep (Zoomed)

From the said junction onwards, condition of the road was improved terminating the off road experience being experienced so far. Passing Ohiya & Boralanda we got in to the A5 hi-way back at Diyathalawa. How ever it was nearly 7.30pm when we reached our destination, having delay a bit at Badulla, for necessary stuff.

The junction to HP & Ohiya…….

it was nearly 7.30pm when we reached our destination

This tour/pilgrim is blessed by God Kataragama. I thought to write this report to update the people who really want to go there with respect of god and their beliefs. Please don’t go just for fun

This was going to be some of the hardest and in some places the scariest riding I’d ever done.

If I explain to you the very little I know about the devalaya, this place is considered very sacred by devotees of God Katharagama . They believe that the God’s present staying place is the ‘Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya’ (Kebaliththa). I’m too believe that without any doubt. There are so many ‘Haskam’ which I cannot explain here. People at Kotiyagala respect this place very strongly and they are even scared to deal with this place. So I listened to their word and prepared my self as per the customs which they told that we have to follow.

I have visited the devalaya two times before and this time I took the leadership and guided the others. So I wanted to go on my bike and the others too agreed with me. Road conditions are very hard to ride. Up and down, we did 70 km from Kotiyagala. It was very hard, muddy and very challenging track. Mostly large tractors are required to go there. But we really enjoyed the adventure ride.

Let me tell you from the beginning. I was waiting from last November (2010) for normal weather conditions. One of my friends at Kotiyagala informed me that mid March 2011 would be ideal for the ride. So the tree of us prepared ourselves for seven days with having only vegetarian food and prepared our bike for the long and hard journey. Most suitable bikes are trail (on/off) dual sport bikes. But unfortunately Danu’s NX developed a starting problem. So we took one Indian Pulsar 200. We had big problems with it when it came to handling in jungle & mud.

Day 1 (18th Friday night): We start from Makola at 10:00 pm in three bikes (Me, Dinna, Danu) and straight a way went to Diyaluma falls in Koslanda at 1:00am and we had our dinner; what we took from our home. It was a very nice experience in the moon light. Nobody at the road and only the sound & mist of Diyaluma falls. Dinna arranged his camp light fixed on his bike.

Danu & Dinna at Diyaluma fall

We did rest some time in the cool breeze with some chit chat regarding the way we came. After our dinner we headed out again at 3:00 am and it was very cold and misty. After Wellawaya, road condition was superb and we rode like fast & furious. Around 4:30 am we came to Monaragala for fuel and to refresh ourselves. Full tanked our babies and took some extra fuel in the jerry cans.

Faithful buddies…even though iron

Big Boss of Monaragala - Colombo came for juice

After the fuel load Dinna’s TW200 needed to adjust the chain. We had some packing problems in Danu’s Pulsar too. So took much time to reach Kotiyagal at 8:00 am of next day.

Kotiyagala Police post with my friend

Day 2 (19th Saturday) – My friend introduced his pal to me and said that he will also join us. We gave Petrol for him and prepared our bikes for the jungle track. We removed the side mirrors, our jackets, helmets and other road gear.

We started the holy journey with prayers for the God’s blessing. My friends too had prepared for the tour with having only veggies and following other customs. They too were scared to make it a fun trip and all of us kept trust on the faith. Generally it said that you should be careful with your words (කට ඉස්සර කරගන්න එපා!). Therefore our target was to do the Pooja and only after it is done we would think about the return journey. So there were no plans for returns.

Danu’s Pulsar 200	Dinna’s TW200 (with loads of pooja items)
Platina	Discovery (my friends bikes)
My XR250

After a significant amount of pushing, pulling in mud and massive roots we got the bikes up to the ‘Thelaboo gala’. It has sapped all our energy and drained most of our water. I removed a 10 ltr water can due the excess weight on the bikes. It was too hard to control the bike with the load. We planed to have our breakfast and climbed up to the top of the rock.

Bread with seeni sambol. Yameeee…..	All of us on ‘Thelaboo gala’
Food operation….	Bit ok now…
Waiting to hammer the mud….	Ok.. lets go

I Kept the cameras in the bag for safety. And our target was go straight to the devalaya. So we decided not to waste time for filming. Also it was very hard to carry the camera and ride.

Once again the going was really hard. We frequently had to dismount and man handle the bikes over fallen trees and push them out of hidden holes that we got stuck in. The trail was covered in the parallel rattan which meant that I had to concentrate hard to keep the bike upright. It was a total nightmare

We crossed ‘Alakola-ara’ with about 3 feet of water. We took bikes one by one without causing any damage to them. My team was superb. We all worked hard as one team. Finally we came to our destination at 1:30 pm (5 hours ride)

Quickly we prepared ourselves to do the Pooja. We jumped in to white sarongs and took off the muddy riding gear. There was an Army point there and they came and registered our information. They were surprised when they saw our bikes. There was a very nice officer with his buddy and they told us to ask from them if we need any thing and they were willing to help us.

Last driving point of Kumbukkan Oya	People used to stay overnight here. There was a good toilet
Rest for a while to the hot engine….	Cross the Kumbukkan oya with pooja items
Walking through fast water flow…	Close to bank…
Danu	My friend
Dinna	me
After the pooja…

I setup the camera in video mode and didn’t take any stills when we did the pooja. (If would you like to see it I can arrange to copy) We prepared (milk rice) ‘Muruthan bath’ and ‘Plathuru watti’ (fruit trays). After we properly worshiped we had fruits and milk rice for our lunch. We gave a plate of rice and fruits to the Army post as well.

Everybody was happy about the way we did our pooja. It was Nicely done without a ‘Kapuwa’. Not a rushed “Pooja” like at the Katharagama maha devalaya. After cleaning every thing; the place and the things we used to cook, we headed back home with blessing of the God’s.

Water level had increased…	Dinna & Danu crossed it by foot
....... and others came along using a fallen tree as a bridge

We came back to our bikes and planed to stay the night there. It was 5:30 pm. Since my friends had to report to the Police station next day morning I decided to ride back in the night. It was deadly and dangerous because of elephants, bears and snakes. But the faith came on top of all of that and we decided to start.

Considering the experience of the ‘Bogas yaya road (බෝගස් යාය පාර).’ we decided to ride on ‘Kammal yaya road (කම්මල් යාය පාර).’ its first 15 km is a hard muddy track and the rest is bit easy. Oh.. God.. what a track it was. We got stuck in big ruts made by large tractor wheels and the mud was slippery like බණ්ඩක්කා (ladies-fingers). Danu fell 2 times with in 7 feet’s on his Pulsar 200. Dinna had a tyre punch in the front wheel of the TW200. But he still said that he can manage. Bikes got stuck in more than 2 feets deep in the mud and required the full strength of all of the team to get them back to track. Fortunately my friend’s bike was not as heavy as ours.

The going iwas really slow, but at this time of the day that was ok. All of us wanted to find some where to spend the night. Elephant dung and newly broken branches where every where. Now the hearts began to pump fast…. All of us had butterflies in stomach when ever we saw the big round footprints. In the front was my self (XR250) and Dinna (TW200). Dinesh too was brave enough to take the challenge. Some times we had to speed straight in to a mud rut for about 200 meters in pitch black. When bikes were switched off it’s was like a nightmare to see the surrounding. If we stop the bikes they would sink in mud and would require recovery by all of our strength. So we had to ride fast in the mud and shout each other to signal whether they should come or not. If they cannot do it we had to find another route in the jungle. So we would park our bikes and would come back with a small torch to find a track to slowly navigate them to avoid the deep mud holes.

A stretch of 100 metres through a swamp was incredibly hard. It was a mud hole after a mud holes, each one swallowing the bikes as there was no way around them. It took us the best part of an hour to haul our bikes through it.

My Honda XR is pretty tall – 940mm. I’ve never managed to flat foot a XR as I’m 5′ 6″. The height is hardly ever a problem when riding. I would ride mostly standing and try to keep my feet on the pegs as much as possible. If my feet come off the pegs, I fall off.

After 20 km we got into some really dense jungle and down into a stream bed. We had no water for long time and when we saw the stream it was a real wow……. We drank pure water which came through the natural filters. The time might have been10 in the night and the fear of thick jungle had gone off. After refreshing, we started the battle again. Danu had a problem with his bike as the Pulsar 200 had no brakes in rear or front. He was totally flat due to his riding. He said that he cannot ride anymore and felt like smashing and burning his bike.

Oh.. What a situation! We were all soaked and knackered and I sensed that there was some tensions within our team. Under these extreme circumstances I began to see sides of people which I don’t normally see. I left it at that for for the time being and decided to exchange bikes with Danu. He was back in the game again and I had to get used to the new beast. I hate Indian bikes but what to do…. so going got tough.

The trail was fairly hairy in places and at times we were riding a thin single track with deep rain ruts on either sides. As I descend through this section there were more than a couple sorry moments. There were some impressive sand stone stalagmites on both sides due to heavy rain erosion.

We search for a way around and descend into a large overgrown swamp.

Inside the swamp it was hard going again. Full of mud, fallen trees and vines which half strangled me as I ride through. I thrashed and drag my bike through the slop. Others helped me. My friend from Kotiyagala said that he came along this route after three months and it was difficult to find the track in pitch dark. He guided us by pointing to large trees. How lucky were we? …we came to some ‘Iringu chena’ (හේන) planted illegally by the villagers. There were some illeage hurbs chenas too (kansa/ganja). It was a danger factor because the care takers of those illegal plants may think that we had come for raid and may even shoot at us.

So I decided to spend the rest of the night some where safe. Now the time was close to 12 mid night.

I didn’t take many photos. I was completely drained – physically and mentally. I was not sure how much more I could take of this pulsar 200. I felt light headed and dizzy again. The only thing I was aware of was the heat and how bad I felt. only thing I could do was to blame the Pulsar 200 bike and find some higher gorund to stay.

Thank God… we came to ‘Wadigala’ at 12:05 in the mid night with full of moon light as it was the 19th the day the moon was closest to the earth. No need of extra lights. There was a small stream running close to the rock with 5 inches of clear water. I dug a hole in the middle of it and made a small well. As soon as we reached there we start to cook some rice and dhal. We had some pickle and seeni sambol brought from home. I had a bath and others had body wash. We had our dinner while it was hot and while having dinner Dinna slept on the rock. It was a nice place with moon light so all of us slept well without any consideration of the wild beasts. We kept the fire alive but didn’t know what happened tilll 7:00 am the next day.

Off roaders… best fallen bike…	My beauty…
Kept the tent on bike and slept on naked rock. No strength to fix it	Best runner…
Next day morning check the surrounds	Wadi gala – people came to here when they do the chenas. Close to the rock there was a man doing a small boutique with buicuts, cigarettes, tea for the workers when the period start.
He helped us too….	Place we cooked rice…
Place we slept	Dinna packing again… in the background is the ‘Food City… gedara yana gaman…’

With fresh blood we hammered the gravel road up to Kotiyagala police post as it was a off-road running event. We were that much eager to see the end of the track. Thank God, we came safely to the Kotiyagala after running 70 km in the wood and mud.

DTD Off-road Team. (Dinesh-Theshantha-Danushka)	Hello Dinna…

After we reached there a gentleman from Police HQ (Bamunu) requested us to pose for a photo. They were shocked when they saw bikes and us. They were also ready to leave by tractors, parking their 4×4 at police post due to the road condition. Thanks to him; he sent me this via email.

After saying good bye to loving friends we headed back to Athimale to repair Dinna’s TW200 tyre punch. We were done with it but still no brakes on TW200 and Pulsar 200. Managed the ride on the gears… After riding 17km we reached the carpet tarmac at ‘Kalukobbawa’ at Siyambalanduwa. Every body looked at us; what a dress code and muddy beauties…

We couldn’t speed even 100 meters before we were stopped by the whistles of Traffic Police. Kindly they asked us where we went. After we said that we went to the devalaya it was alright and they even guided us to a river where we could clean ourselves and change in to new clothes.

Had a bath…	Slightly washed bikes…
Nice water….

We came to ‘Kotiyagoda’ for lunch and at Monaragala TW200 & Pulsar200 were repaired for brakes. It had no liners or pads due to mud. Luckily the parts were available there. Then we started to hammer down the carpet up to reach Colombo. We spent two, three hours at Kumbalwela at Dammika’s place and came home on the 21st Monday early morning 4:30 am at Makola.

Nice Adventure. Love to do it again on my XR250…Hope you all enjoy this.

Thank you.

We started form the Colombo at about 11.00 pm on the 16th February. (Though we had the booking for 2 nights/3 days (from 16th – 18th) we had to sacrifice a day as the permit holder was in abroad for business and landed only on 16th afternoon). So we decided to leave that night to be at the park entrance by 6.00 am on 17th Morning.

We stopped at a night hotel somewhere near Nittambuwa as two of my friends were out of dinner and drove up to Dambulla without stopping. We re-fueled from Damdulla around 3.00 am and drove to Pallegama. We stopped in a night tea shop somewhere near Pallegama to have a cup of tea. We arrived at the Park Entrance at around 5.45 am and proceeded to the bungalow after completing the formalities at the entrance office.

We faced thick fog along Dambulla – Bakamuna road and also from Pallegama to Wasgomuwa. And in some occasions we could not see the road clearly and had to use the road center markings and electric posts to find the road

The crew was 3 of us (the usual team is four, but the fourth member was in Kumana for the long weekend), so my son joined this time as the fourth member. My friend Upali drove up to Dambulla and Yasa drove from Dambulla to Wasgomuwa.

At last we came… Park entrance - around 5.45 am the entire area was covered in mist (“L” board – Vehicle using for driving lessons by my friends son)

The Kadurupitiya Bungalow (According to my knowledge this is the only Bungalow in all wildlife parks which have main Electricity and even Ceiling fans – which we didn’t expect) Usually the bungalows have only solar power

We unloaded the stuff and asked the Bungalow keeper Chandrasiri to make the B’fast and had a quick wash and proceeded the morning round.

As we were very tired and without sleep for a whole night, and decided to have a quick round trip around Medapitiya and Mahakadurupitiya.

Misty Morning - Mahakadurupitiya

Can see the Mist at the background

The roads inside the park were in very bad condition and muddy & full of water. Mostly all small water streams and causeways were overflowing. We had to turn-back on most of the occasions as we could not proceed along in some jeep tracks due to water and mud. So we could not see many animals but there ware lot of birds around these patches.

There ware lot of birds around	There ware lot of birds around
There ware lot of birds around	There ware lot of birds around
Peacock in abundance

The B’fast was Bread (we took from Colombo), Dhal, Pol-sambol and a Fish ambulthiyal especially made by my beloved wife.

After B’fast, we just relaxed and slept for couple of hours till Chandrasiri prepared the Lunch

Playing cards till lunch get ready – the gentlemen in white shirt was the Tracker – Mahesh

After lunch around 3.30 pm we set for the afternoon round and proceeded to Yudaganawa pitiya expecting Elephants as it is a famous spot for elephant gatherings. But there were only about 12 scattered around with a calf about 2 months old.

Don’t go that way Son…	I’m tired mama

Afterwards, we proceeded along the Waul Abe road and within few meters from the Waul Abe camp site turnoff we came across with 2 juvenile elephants and a fairly big female. One of the juvenile did a mock charge towards our vehicle.

One of the juvenile did a mock charge towards our vehicle
These were captured by my Son as I was on the other side of the vehicle	The big mother

As it was getting dark, our Tracker – Mahesh mentioned that it’s time to get back to the bungalow and we proceed on the main road towards the bungalow. After proceeding few kilometers we saw another tracker standing by the side of a jeep track.

He mentioned that 2 vehicles, a TATA cab and a Mitsubishi Montero Sports were stuck in the mud and asked us to help them to get it out. So we proceed along the jeep track and found both vehicles has trapped deeply in mud

we proceed along the jeep track and found both vehicles has trapped deeply in mud

Trapped deeply in mud

As non of the vehicles had any tow-ropes, we tried our level best to pull both with what we had and managed to do it with the help from another 4WD jeep and the crew cab of the park office.

Sunset from Yudaganawa pitiya

By the time we pull both vehicles out it was around 7.30 pm and we rushed back to the bungalow.

As we prepared ourselves for the night, we heard an alarming call of a Samber just behind the forest patch of the bungalow and within few seconds we heard a growling of a Leopard. We pointed our search lights towards it but couldn’t see anything. Chandrasiri – the bungalow keeper mentioned that this Leopard hang around that forest patch for quite some time and visits the bungalow area on and off.

We decided to check that area in the morning and left the bungalow around 6.00 am but we were not lucky enough to see it.

After B’fast, we packed our belongings and proceed back to Colombo via Dambulla, Kurunegala and reached Colombo around 4.30 pm

This is the trip report from the visit to Galoya National Park, Nilgala, Makare, Ekgaloya, Ambalanoya tank, Pannalagama tank, Kumbukgolla, Bakmitiyawa, Siyambalanduwa.

We started form the suburbs of Colombo at about 6.00 in the morning. There were 11 adults and a 7yr old child (3 families and 5 bachelors) in a Land Cruiser and two double cabs.

We took A4 route to enjoy the scenery. We stopped at Diyaluma falls for the crew to point their camera’s at the falls.

The Diyaluma fall looked better, may be due more amount of water from prevailing monsoon rain.

The A25 Highway

The Westminster Abbey

After quite a lengthy drive we arrived at Ekgaloya Bungalow.

The breath taking Ekgaloya Tank...

Really enjoyed the fish (වැව් මාලු) from Ekgaloya Tank

The second day we drove to Nilgala to see the famous Makare. It was over 100km drive up and down from Inginiyagala Wildlife office… We were not offered to take the road through the park due to the prevailing rain in the area.

The trek (footpath) to Makare was adventurous for many of us. The Tracker, Nalinda told about the elephants who use the same or part of the path. He was very informative and friendly. It stared pouring in too.

Galoya National Park sign board

Inginiyagala

“Makare” where Galoya disappears into Senanayake Reservoir

Galoya as seen from ex-Makare camp site

Third day we drove into rural villages in Ambalanoya tank, Thottama, and Pannalagama tank.
The scenery from Pannalagama tank was breath taking. And it was a great place to camp (if allowed). There was a Civil Defense force bunker and a Irrigation Dept bungalow on the sides of the bunt.

The Pannalagama tank

The Pannalagama tank

The rest of the return route was an off-road track via Kumbukgolla and Bakmitiyawa villages which ended at 6th miles post on A25.

We drove through thick patches of forest, cleared forests with abandoned STF bunkers (as these were terrorist threatened villages few years back) and chena’s. Also had to cross many Ara’s with less water levels.

School of Bakmitiyawa village

off-road track via Kumbukgolla and Bakmitiyawa

And we drove back home via Moneragala, Udawalawe and Ratnapura.

Started from Rathnapura (My Home) around 5.45 am , took 15 minutes to reach Rathnapura town . From there, straight to Balangoda (46km), early in the morning no traffic at all, Reached Balangoda By 6.50 am . Pumped Fuel and had a cup of coffee from a small “appa kade” It’s too early for me to have breakfast .Next stop will be at “ SUN HILL – HOLIDAY RESORT” owned by Udaya Abeysekara a friend of mine for breakfast .By 7.30 I was there “Sudu Bath and Pol Sambola” for my Breakfast. Spend about 45 minutes at Sun Hill. Done 71 km from my home another 21 km to go ,to my Target “Nagarak”. This road ends from there. The bungalow is in the Horton plains Border.

Ready to go – its 8.15am – lets enjoy – with pictures and briefings………………….

ENTRANCE (Click Image to enlarge)

BREAK FAST @ SUN HILL

Peak Wilderness

FIRST VIEW

IN TO THE WOODS

MAN MADE JUNGLE	ROCKS
Rocks	MORE ROCKS
MORE ROCKS	SCENARIES
SCENARIES	MORE SCENERIES
MORE SCENERIES	WATER
WATER ……….	MORE WATER…..
AGAIN WATER	HIRIKATU OYA ELLA
HIRIKATU OYA ELLA – CLOSER LOOK
	SCENIC AND INTERESTING
LIFE AT ITS OWN PACE	SAMANALA WEWA RESERVOIR
GRAVES AT THE EDGE OF THE ROAD	CAN THEY REST IN PEACE AT A EDGE OF A ROAD ????
INTERESTING	ROAD SIDE WATERFALL
NO NAME BUT IT FALLS !	SERENE
OOOOOOOOPS THAT’S ME.... AND MY MACHINE………	BAD SITU……. MIST BLOWING
MISTY	THE BALCONY – REACHING 5000 FT – BEKAR’S BEND
BEKAR’S BEND	VIEW FROM BEKAR’S BEND
VIEW FROM BEKAR’S BEND	VIEW FROM BEKAR’S BEND

TOWARDS NAGRAK – FINAL DESTINATION	DIFFICULT ROAD CONDITIONS
DIFFICULT ROAD CONDITIONS	NAGRAK
NAGRAK DIVISION	ALMOST 7000 FT
THE BUNGALOW	MORE OF NAGARAK - WILD FLOWERS
MORE WILD FLOWERS	MORE WILD FLOWERS
PATHWAY TO HORTON PLAINS ( 1 Hr WALK TO WORLDS END)	BUT PROHIBITED TO PUBLIC
AN UNOTHERIZED CONSTRUCTION BY A BUSINESSMAN FROM COLOMBO WHO HAD A FORGED DEED FOR A PORTION OF LAND AT HORTON PLAINS , FINALLY DEMOLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WILD LIFE.	FINALLY......
SOME MORE…………………	SOME MORE…………………
IF YOU JUMP FROM TOP OF THE WORLDS END - YOU WILL BE HERE……………………..	UPPER DIVISION OF NON PAREIL ESTATE
MANAGER’S BUNGALOW	HIRIKATU OYA EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CENTRE
HIRIKATU OYA EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CENTRE	HIRIKATU OYA EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CENTRE
PATH LEADING TO HIRIKATU OYA CENTER	PATH LEADING TO HIRIKATU OYA CENTER
MISC……………	MULTI RELIGIOUS
WOODEN BRIDGE	TREE ON A ROCK

THE END

We were beaten by sun rays showed no mercy. But in the next moment we were covered & protected by an umbrella woven with crowns of trees. Rubber was introduced to Sri Lanka by English in 1876. From the day it introduced as a crop, Rubber plant has been served the country for not only earning of coins, generating a culture of cultivation. Meanwhile rubber is known as the only crop which served the environment much the same like a forest. As like providing evidence for the same, the atmosphere of our surrounding became more & more fresh & comfortable in each kilometer.

The road was driven along the valley of We-oya (River)

we were covered & protected by an umbrella woven with crowns of trees

This was the last day of year 2009. Four of us, Buddhika, Saman, Werasinghe & me were participants of the journey. We were moving towards “seaforth” from Yatiyantota. The jeep was driven in low speed to enable passengers to explore the beauty of the environment.

Reaching Malalpola

A road side beauty

The road was driven along the valley of We-oya (River). Many seasonal waterfalls at road sides enhanced the beauty of the environment. Houses, boutiques and many other buildings used in rubber processing met on our way; memorized sceneries in movies of 1960s.

Memorized sceneries in movies of 1960s.	Another seasonal waterfall ( or Gorok ella ?)
Reaching tea lands	Clove harvest

Having traveling nearly an hour we came to the first travel location of the day. It was the wooden bridge at Amanawala village. The bridge was consisted with a number of wooden sleepers. When we drove through the bridge; it emitted a sound of “Daka doka”. At the end of the same, our jeep was parked at the edge of the cliff. The bridge was important not due to this “daka doka” song, because of having the 5th highest waterfall of Sri Lanka, the OOlu falls. Since it was formed with a branch of WeOya stream a tributary of Kelani River, Olu fall was considered as the highest fall in Kelani River. The fall expanded to the both side of the bridge.

When we drove through the bridge; it emitted a sound of “Daka doka”.

our jeep was parked at the edge of the cliff

The fall cascaded to several. Because of the huge height, there were no provisions to taste the beauty in full, unless it observed from the mountain opposite to the same.

Upper part of the the 5th highest waterfall of Sri Lanka, the Olu falls

The section of the waterfall above the road

A villager directed us for a safe pool close to the “thunmodara” (3way junction) where the Olu fall meets her bridegroom “way-oya”. Having hours of cool dip with them, we said good bye to the couple newly wedded, since we were in a thought of exploring Weweltalawa, one of the highest rain receiving area out of the country.

Way oya

Cool dip at we oya

We had to drive few kilometers back to reach the junction where the narrow estate road was started. Since it is a private road, you need to get permission from the tea factory at the said junction. Otherwise you may have to return from the road barrier located in a distance of few kilometers upwards.

Reservoir of the mini hydro power plant at “Peragas handiya”

Swing bridge over the We Oya at “Peragas handiya” - Malalpola

The road was well paved but narrow, hilly and bendy required very good driving skills to pass the hair-pin bends at a single attempt. Cable trolleys use for transporting tea leaves from hilltops to collecting centers made the scenery much interesting. We were passing high restricted area of the catchments of the We-Oya. Finally we reached the end of the restricted area, it was Wewelthalawa. That was a nice plane; surrounded by ranges of mountains covered with velvety tea plantations. Climate of the plane was much similar to Nuwara eliya. Since the area was in a country side, there was no human sign at the plane except few buildings (it was a full moon day also).

The road was well paved but narrow, hilly and bendy	The road was well paved but narrow, hilly and bendy required very good driving skills
Cable trolleys use for transporting tea leaves	We were passing high restricted area of the catchments of the We-Oya
Wewelthalawa Division	That was a nice plain; surrounded by ranges of mountains covered with velvety tea plantations
Wewelthalawa	School building at Weweltalawa

The ITN/SLBC transmission towers were clearly visible to the plain

The ITN/SLBC transmission towers were clearly visible to the plane, though they were located in a distance not less than 5km to Wewel-thalawa. They were how attractive was we were compelled to drive towards the same. Up to 2 or 3 kilometers it showed not much tough drive. But the final two were really tough. Finally we were at the police post of the summit of the mountain. As per the police offices there, we were so lackey to be there in such a clear surrounding. Most of the times, the area was fully covered with thick mist. How ever in a clear day you can see up to the Western horizon (Colombo city) from there.

we were compelled to drive towards the towers	On our way to the summit
Here is the giant of SLBC	Photographic moment

Sun was emitting his last rays

We left the place at the dusk. Powerful fog lamps helped the driver to find the correct path. We were blessed by the “Unduwap” full moon with drizzle and dewfalls periodically, until we reached Yatiyanthota.

A four day trip covering waterfalls of southern parts of Sinharaja forest that involved some off-road driving. Later on, relaxing in Morningside.

Just to get away from our hectic work pattern, me and a few of my colleagues try to utilize every opportunity that comes by, by going out of the city. Every time, we try to select a place that fulfills our passion of being close to nature, which not only gives us plenty of fresh breath but also goes easy on the wallet. So it was Sinharaja this time.

Even though reaching Deniyaya through Galle would have been much nicer for the body, it wouldn’t be so for the mind. So we decided to travel off the beaten path and it was fully worth it.

Sceneries were quite a few on the A17; but continuous rain ruined a lot of photo opportunities.

A water stream falling down from a surrounding mountain - seen from Rakwana.

As altitude increased, rain reduced, but got surrounded by more and more fog.

Having left Colombo early morning, we managed to reach Deniyaya before noon, where we shopped for cooking ingredients for two days and had lunch. Next stop is PCC.

Since the moment I went through this trip report, I was so keen on trying out the 10km jeep track described there. However, almost at the Pallegama bridge, we were told that the jeep track is currently being upgraded to a concrete road. Good for the village, but I was hart broken as I missed the opportunity to have some fun with a serious off-road.

So we decided to take the alternative path – i.e. through Mediripitiya. However, as we reached the town, few meters before the bridge, I just through of asking for an alternative route – of cause I was so desperate, but lucky this time. The road to your left leads to the original jeep track that we were going to take. Needless to say, I was over the moon .

Unfortunately, I couldn’t measure the exact distance, but my gut feeling is that we traveled about 4km before reaching the original track.

This alternative path is worse than the original track as most of it had no rocks at all but just soft soil. After some rain it was really sticky and slippery.

Once, one side of the rear axle got stuck deeply in mud and we had to lift the vehicle to get it out as we couldn’t winch. Then we decided to reduce air pressure considerably, increasing tire footprints.

There were two grooves of varying depths, depending on how soft the soil was, caved because of tractor tires.

Just before reaching the original track, we found a brief stone paved stretch, which had a steep hill to climb at the end.

After falling on to the original track, we met quite a few tractors during the journey and they were really corporative and encouraging too saying ‘road ahead is not as difficult as passed’…

...even though we didn't really see much of an improvement.

And the pattern continued.

As we had time on our side, we spent time taking to quite a few people we met on the road and they were very nice to us and pleased seeing visitors. One chap told us that it’s been four years since any vehicle other than a tractor has driven on that road.

As you move along, you’ll find a by road towards right hand side which his more than 90 degrees – that leads to PCC. If you follow the path without taking the turn, you’ll reach Neluwa through Lankagama (18km from this point).

Crossing a water stream

We reached PCC in the evening; first task was to plan out meals for rest of our stay. Having a badly needed dip in a water stream near by, rest of the day was spent relaxed.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a tracker for exploring the jungle next day. One of the cooks offered to show us the way around. Understandably, his knowledge on flora and fauna wasn’t as good as we would have liked to be.

Mal Mora Ella

However, we managed to see a bit of living...

Pathan Oya Ella

Not having seen any endemic birds, I wasn’t thrilled end of the day, but we managed to visit all three waterfalls nearby. We were lucky not to catch up with any rain.

The dog who joined us for trekking even crossed water streams to be with us all the way

By the way, a raft isn’t required anymore for crossing “Gin Ganga” as the bridge construction has been completed.

We had reserved Forest Dept. bungalow at Morningside for the final night. Officer at the PCC told us that we should reach there before 5pm as there were a few elephants hanging around in that area during the past few days. However, we got a fairly late start to the day to begin with.

Rather than going back, we continued on the jeep track towards Neluwa. The roughness of the track ended even before reaching a kilometer. After that, the road could be traveled by a non-off-road capable vehicle. You’ll find a small ‘kade’ here, from which, we bought some rations the day before.

On the way to Neluwa

We stopped at Lankagama for exploring more waterfalls – this time, not much of trekking as all of them are located pretty close to each other.

Side-on view of Brahmana Ella

Thattu Ella

Duwili Ella - Lankagama

From Neluwa, we reached Deniyaya through Morawaka, where we bought enough ingredients for the next few meals. It was early evening and we just had some snacks because we wanted to get moving quickly.

However, sun was setting as we approached Morningside.

After few hundred meters passing the 111th km post, we took a left turn to the road that goes to Morningside bungalow. Initial part of this road goes through a tea plantation and then through the jungle – 7km altogether. You would need a vehicle with very high clearance for this. Going along this road, you’ll find it branches off at several places. No sign boards at all, except for the one that’s there on A17.

We skipped the first couple of by-roads as we were under the impression that this road goes directly to our destination. However, then we came to kind of a ‘Y’ junction. We had no clue where to go. It was almost impossible to decide which direction we should take as it was pitch black. Guys were running around with torches to figure out whether we could find some kind of tire marks but failed. There were two small buildings just around the corner, but nobody seamed to be there. The only person we met on this road so far was just after turning in.

Anyhow, I just decided to take the left path, which lead us to a fairly well built building and we were really happy. But there was nobody either. We figured that this is not the correct path and turned back.

Even through we tried to get the phone number of the bungalow both from Colombo office and PCC, they said they don’t have. Somebody came up with the idea that we should go back to Suriyakanda and ask for proper directions. Having heard about the elephants, guys were a bit shaky too. The road was so narrow, there’s no way to give way even if you come across an elephant. Now we hear people scolding each other for not getting up early enough (just for the fun of it).

We contacted a friend of ours who’s been there before and the reply was that the path we have to take is obvious. Thank you very much, goodnight!

We drove back and took the other path, reluctantly, but had no other option. After some distance, we were in the same dilemma. After few minutes of observation and wondering, a lady appeared out of nowhere and gave us directions for the rest of the journey. Wow – she was like an angel.

When you are about to complete 7km from A17 turnoff, you’d get to an area where the road has very little obstacles. Look for a by-road towards your right hand side. And this is the road that ends up at the bungalow!

Caretaker here is a very nice guy, and his food is even better! Can’t say the same about the cook at PCC tho.

As we expected, the next morning was full of fog. Nobody wanted to do anything but relax and enjoy the climate. This is just an ideal place to get away from busy life and spend a day or two. Unfortunately, we had to head back home after lunch.

It was around 6AM when we left Colombo with UdaWalawe national park being our destination. The crew consisted of me and my wife, along with three other close friends from our uni days. We loaded up the camping gear and other paraphernalia to the back of the pick up and I took the wheels for the first part of the journey.

The drive upto Pambahinna was rather uneventful with three stops for breakfast at Awissawella, fuel at Rathnapura and change of the spare tyre at Pelmadulla. Once we turned to the Rajawaka road from Pambahinna, things began to a great deal exciting and must say that it was one of the best drives I have ever had.

Just before the security point near the Samanala Wewa dam

We went past the Sabaragamuwa University and got through the security point near the Samanawewa Dam after providing details about us and the destination. The security officer was quite helpful and seemed happy to actually get up and do something rather than sitting all alone in his cabin on the side of this lonely road.

This road passes just below the Samanalawewa Dam and we could see the water stream coming from the leak of the dam. Also, the views of the reservoir were simply breathtaking. The road afterwards was like travelling through a jungle with thick vegetation covering both sides of the road and only the chirping of the birds accompanying the purring engine. The pictures tell the story very much better.

The Samanala Wewa reservoir	The road towards Rajawaka – a lush vegetation covers both sides of this road
A fallen tree just over the road	Some parts of the road were not tarred but in pretty good condition

We drove quite slowly and it was close to 11AM when we reached Rajawaka. Since it was too hot, we decided not to visit Kuragala, but proceed to the “Duwili Ella” instead. The road upto the waterfall from the Kalthota road turn off was of acceptable quality and can be easily tackled by any vehicle except maybe a bus because of the narrowness. There was quite a crowd at the place and it was difficult to truly enjoy the splendor of the beautiful water fall. Anyway, we caught a rare glimpse of a monkey trying to drink water from the cascading falls by clinging onto a small bush that grows on the wall of the steep rock.

The stream before taking the plunge creating the Duwili Ella

Kalthota – Duwili Ella

Kalthota – Duwili Ella

The top part of the falls – If you look carefully you can spot the monkey that came for a drink near the bush at the center of the picture

After having lunch there, we proceed towards Kalthota and then along the Weli Oya -> Hambegamuwa Road. There were many more wonderful sights along the way with the vegetation gradually becoming that of the dry zone. There were some beautiful lakes and vast paddy fields right by the road and we spent a long time in here.

Leaving the Kalthota area towards Hambegamuwa

Sceneries around Weli oya	Sceneries along the road
Old age – Near the Hambegamuwa Road	Paddy fields and mountains
The colour of green is such a soothing sight	A small lake just by the road
A giant amongst us	A tree god
Another lake just by the road	Sceneries near Hambegamuwa

It was about 4PM when we reached the main entrance on the UdaWalawe national park. Even though we had booked the “Alimankada” camping site, upon arrival we decided to try out the “Renagala” site since it was deeper inside the jungle (about 25kms from the park entrance) and was further away from civilization. The location of the site is close to 6 33N and 80 52E and right by the river. We saw plenty of peacocks, water buffalos and crocs along the way, but not many elephants. There was also a sighting of an eagle attacking a peacock right infront of our eyes. The sound of the cab may have confused the eagle as it missed its mark and the peacock escaped into the forest. Well, it must have been one hungry eagle for the night.

Searching for nectar

On the way to Renagala

The Renagala camp site at dusk – The river is to the right of the picture

The camp site is under a thick canopy of trees and we set up our two tents before having a dip in the cool waters to soothe our tired limbs. The threat of crocs was always around and we had to keep an eye open at all times while we were in the river. After a hearty meal cooked on a camp fire we relaxed ourselves into the night with the sound of the river and the rustling of the leaves as our only companions.

The next day dawned bright and we left the camp site early to catch a glimpse of the awakening wild life. We even managed to startle a couple of buffaloes who were chasing each other and they almost collided head on with the cab as we emerged around a corner. The trekker informed that this sort of behavior is quite rare for buffaloes and these two may have been in a private moment when we crashed into their path.

A herd of buffaloes arriving for their morning bath

We did not see many elephants and it seems that most of them are now roaming nearer to the park entrance and the fence close to the road since some stupid people feed them through the electric fence. We encountered only a few lone elephants and not many herds.

After giving up on elephant sightings, the trekker suggested to have some 4×4 experiences on the mud tracks that are lesser traveled by normal safari jeeps. The mud has started to get dry and water ways had just enough water to enable the pick up to wade through. Some roads were blocked by trees felled by elephants and we had to make our own road through “mana” bushes in those areas. All in all it was a different experience and all of us were quite thrilled to say the least.

Road block made by the elephants – Provide your IDs please	More obstacles ahead
Trust the wheels and hold tight	Shhh.. A lone jumbo having breakfast
The southern slopes of the central hills in the distance – The Diyawini Ella falls is also visible from here

Afterwards we went to see the feeding of the baby elephants at the “Ath Athuru Sevana” at 9AM. It was quite fascinating to watch them come in pairs and have their ration for the day from the feeders. The young ones were being naughty and tried to somehow evade the controller to get at the milk bottles more than once. There was one especially naughty one who managed to get fed three times despite the threats of the controller who kept on chasing away the little one.

We had arranged our breakfast at UdaWalawe CEB quarters and refreshed with a good meal and a bath we headed back home along the Pallebedda road and reached Colombo in the afternoon feeling very happy about our weekend.