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

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

Map of the area

Naya Ganga with Bambaragala at distance

1st and 2nd waterfalls

Old bridge goes to Uda-Maliboda

Babaragala and Seven virgin mountains

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

1st waterfall	2nd waterfall
Mushrooms	Gon Diva

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

Where we camped 1st day night

Early morning

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

3rd waterfall with ‘Dhothuru’ tree

Upper part of 3rd waterfall

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

Top of 3rd waterfall

4th waterfall

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

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

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

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

Top of 6th waterfall

More views from top of 6th waterfall

Fish tank?

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

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

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

Thank you very much for reading.

We decided to go on our 5th trip of this year (my 7th of this year during December. Since some of us (including me) had not visited Reversturn earlier, it was chosen as our destination. But unfortunately with tons of work at the office we could not book the forest department facility or any other guest house timely. Then Lakdasun came to our help, to find a contact of someone from that area and we were able to arrange a village house for our stay.

On the Friday eve, after office we started our journey from Battaramulla, typically very punctually, 2 hours behind our schedule. We stayed at a private place in Kandy on that night. Next day we wanted to leave Kandy as early as possible and again as usual we were way behind our schedule.

After having breakfast from a friend’s place in Rattota, we headed towards Riverston. Our first stop was at the small yet scenic “Bambarakiri Ella” falls. It is just a few hundred meters walk from the main road to the water fall.

සුන්දර බඹරකිරි ඇල්ල...

It looked like the Bambarakiri Ella is used for a mini hydro power project. A small cement dam and some pipes were seen on top of the water fall.

Bambarakiri Ella	Suspension bridge over the Bambarakiri Ella…
Seen at the Bambarakiri Ella and was so shy. Captured after much time…

After spending some time there we hit the road again. As our van’s engine groaning and showing its tiredness time to time wrestling with the steep climb, we witnessed the climate change and the change of the nature. With our GPS readings were changing rapidly from 700m to over 1200m within a few kilometers, the eye-catching, stunning views were unveiled.

A government owned tea estate on the way

It was almost noon when we arrived at the junction towards the Reversturn peak.

We started climbing the Reversturnalong the tarred road and were frequently disturbed by the drunkards climbing down singing and shouting. All the way from the bottom we could hear some drunkards shouting from the top of the mountain. But middle of all these disturbances, Mother Nature did not forget to bless us with perfect weather and to mesmerize us with her stunning beauty.

On the way to the peak… this is why knuckles range is also called “බට දඬු කන්ද....”

රාවණා රජුගේ දේහය තැන්පත් කොට ඇතැයි ජනප්රsවාදයේ කියවෙන “ලකේගල”

Panoramic view on the way…

Road to the Heaven….?

Finally we arrived at the VHF tower and decided not to climb the other peak as we were getting hungry and the foot path to that mountain was full of drunkards. Then suddenly a heavy mist came from nowhere and within few minutes surrounded us.

VHF Transmission Center

The Nature decided to cover its face not letting the mindless people seeing it….

Panoramic view from the top (Click Image to Enlarge)

As we started to climb down, we saw a small cement steps down the mountain slope leading into the jungle. One of our team said it is a shortcut to the junction where we started our climb, but goes through the forest and might be infected with leeches. Since we enjoyed the common road on the way up, we, except for four people, decided to try this route volunteering to offer the lunch for the leeches. We headed down the slope and soon entered the thick undergrowth.

Seeking an adventure

Soon the jungle started to test us offering the best possible resistance. The undergrowth was so thick and leeches were enjoying the feast. With the steep descend it was even harder to control our feet. Sometimes we had to walk crouching and for a few hundred meters we had to totally sit on the jungle floor and move. Finally we came out of the jungle after about 30 minutes of battle with the nature, sweating, tired and legs covered with the blood suckers

Just before we were buried in the thick undergrowth… After this all I could do was worrying about my camera and trying to protect it….

After the adventure we headed toward the Ilukkumbura village and met the person we contacted, Wasantha. He was one of the most innocent, humble and nice men I’ve ever met. As our stomachs were tumbling with hunger and tiredness, we enjoyed the delicious meal (ගමේ කෑම) Wasantha had prepared for us.

It was almost 5pm when we headed towards the village house Wasantha had arranged for us in Puwakpitiya village, Very close to the Sera Ella. We were told that there will be no electricity and other comforts which we really did not bother. But when we arrived there, which was owned by Wasantha’s relative, we were a bit puzzled because it was not an empty house. The owners of the house were also there, which was not a problem for us, but we thought our visit would be a trouble for them. But we were surprised by the way those villagers welcomed, treated and helped us. It was clear that they were not doing this for money, but just to help us. We made the arrangements for our dinner and went to the “Puwakpitiya Oya” flows close to the house and had the cool dip in the dark.

We started preparing our dinner, the BBQ under the moonlight, soon realized that we forgot it was the lunar eclipse day. We were so blessed to see the whole eclipse, with some disturbances from dark clouds time to time

The moon was covering with the earth’s shadow.	සඳ රාහු ගිලගෙන….
Coming out of the shadow…	Coming out of the shadow…
Our campfire continued…	Starting the BBQ

We went to sleep around 11pm on the mats (පැදුරු) Wasantha provided us

Our third day started with some doubts about our schedule. Our plan was to climb Manigala and have a nice cool dip in the “Thelgamuwa Oya” and leave after the lunch. But we missed two of our visits on the previous day, the Sera Ella and the Pitawala Pathana due to our late start. So we had to cover those places too. Huge black clouds also were gathering and that discouraged us on the Manigala plan. Then we decided to omit Manigala from the schedule.
After the breakfast we left the village house that sheltered us and those generous villagers. Sera Ella falls was very close to that place.

Climbing down to see the water fall along the cement steps…

Halfway down the way, there was a huge rock over the steps, which seemed to be part the same rock that forms the water fall.

.	No it’s not raining. It’s just the water leaking from the rock surface….

The last part of the journey under the rock was wetting us with the water leaking from the rock. We had to cover our cameras to protect from it.
Few yards down we saw the stream flowing and as we came to the end of the path we were speechless with what we saw. It was one of the most beautiful sights we’d ever seen. Sera Ella was on the full flow due to the rain it had got during past few weeks. One of my friends expressed the beauty of Sera Ella as “මචං මේක නම් හරියට ජේම්ස් බොන්ඩ් ෆිල්ම් එකක ලොකේශන් එකක් වගේ…”.

මනස්කාන්ත සේර ඇල්ල...

Majestic… Isn’t it….?

We were told that it is possible to go inside the cave of the waterfall and there was a stair way to enter the cave.

Into the cave….

Sera Ella, the side view…

It was the first time I’ve been behind a waterfall and it was magnificent. It was rare location for a photo session and we took the advantage of it.

View from behind the water curtain….

Inside the cave behind the waterfall

Panoramic View of Sera Ella

After the Sera Ella we went to the “Thelgamuwa Oya” for the cool dip and found it was very crowded close to the bridge. The water level also was low close to the bridge.

Water level was low near the bridge…

So we decided to walk up a bit to find a peaceful place for a nice bath. On the way we found a huge rock pool below the famous flat rock, which had a plenty of water, but were very distracted with what we saw. A group had camped on top of the flat rock. They were behaving in a very unacceptable manner, so we decided to walk up more. Their camp had littered the surroundings very much. A lot of cigarette filters, empty bottles, polythene and a smashed bottle were seen scattered around.

We went up a bit more and found good place with the water up to the chest height and had a nice swim and a freezing dip. But unfortunately it was raining time to time, so our cameras remained inside.

After the bath we had a nice lunch and said good bye to Wasantha and left the village.

Our last stop was at Pitawala Pathana. There also we found very distracted with drunkards behaving like animals.

Entrance to the Pitawala Pathana…

At Pitawala Pathana

පිටවල පතන... (Click image to enlarge)

Mini World’s End at Pitawala pathana

Paddy Fields below the mini world’s end zoomed…

Panoramic view from the mini world’s end…

Since it was getting late we hit the road towards Colombo. As we were climbing towards the Reversturnfrom Pitawala, the whole area was covered with a thick mist. The road was barely visible.

The Road was barely visible…

Misty road behind us….

We were safely back in Colombo around 10 pm after another enjoyable trip admiring the beauty of Mother Sri Lanka.

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

This was one of the best hikes we experienced so far and on the other hand a good example on how the travelers will have to survive the consequences caused by unavoidable delays.

I have done the same hike in 2002 with my school friends and this is after 6 years of that.

We were planning to start our trip at 12.00Noon from Colombo. Due to some unavoidable situations it was delayed for 2 hours and finally we left Colombo by 2.00PM. We took the low-level road and unfortunately there was heavy traffic at Orugodawaththa since construction of the flyover was taking place and we had to wait almost 1 hour there. After so many delays we were able to come to Rathnapura by 6.30 PM and still had a lot of things to be bought from Cargills. By the time we started the journey again we knew that we won’t have time to cook our dinner and decided to buy dinner from Balangoda town.

We turned left from A4, Colombo – Badulla road to Hirikatuoya camp site somewhere around 162km post (1.5km – 2km after the Belihuloya Rest house) and from there we had another 5.7 km to our 1st day destination. But the time was 10.30PM.
After several obstacles we were able to reach our day 1 destination by 11.00 PM. By that time the care taker has gone home assuming that we would not arrive on that night.

.	From A4 road to camp site 5.7 KM

‘Hirikatuoya’ Camp Site

Scenery…

Next day morning our plan was to get the breakfast & lunch prepared with the help of the care taker. Since he was not there we had to go to the main road to buy food for both breakfast & lunch. Group of people went back to main road (A4) while others were getting ready for the great hike. Bad luck was at its worst for us during the trip. When we were coming back the wooden bridge between camp site and main road was repairing by estate workers and we had to wait there another 1 hour till they give us a temporary solution to pass it.

The Wooden Bridge, we were given a temporary solution	‘Hirikatuoya’, from misty mountains…
Marvelous creation of nature	Scenery on the way to Non Pareil tea factory

Finally we came back to camp site with necessary food items for the hike. Then all of us got in to the van and went up to the Non Pareil estate Tea factory. From camp site to tea factory was another 9km and view of the surroundings was fantastic.

Beyond this place vehicles are not allowed (with prior approval you can go if you have a 4X4 vehicle) and therefore we started our hike (We told driver to go to ‘Maha Eliya’ bungalow via Ohiya). From the tea factory it is 15km to World’s End. We started our hike at 11.30AM. Fortunately we met an estate worker and he said “මහත්තයා short cut වලින් ගියොත් 7km, මම පාර පෙන්නන්නන්.” But we didn’t believe him because reducing 8kms was not seemed to be possible.

Non Pareil tea factory, where we started our hike. From here 15km to World’s End	.
Breathtaking…	Little Break

After several hours we were able to reach Bekar’s bend and view from there is marvelous. In a clear day you can see up to the Southern coastal line.

The famous Bekar’s bend - Click Image to Enlarge

Clear view of Samanalawewa

At the ‘Nagrak’ we had our lunch. From ‘Nagrak’ there is another route to Bogawanthalawa side.

Where we had lunch

Breathtaking…

After having little rest at ‘Nagrak’ we started our journey and came to the upper end of the Non Pareil Estate.

“Garden of the God”, View from the garden of manager’s bungalow at upper end of Non Pareil Estate	Bloomed for Sun
Bloomed for Sun

From here the jungle is thick, and another 3km to go.

In thick jungle…

Above all…

After 5 hours of journey we were able to come to our destination. Estate worker was correct. We were able to reduced 8km using shortcuts.

Breathtaking…	Hills and Clouds
Climax….	The way behind. Non Pareil tea factory where we started our hike marked in red circle. Finally travel distance is 6.99km, walking time 2h & 24mins, Waiting time 2h & 44mins
We made it…

Have a safe and enjoyable trip!!!

“The Rock of Lanka” is the meaning of “Lakegala” in Sinhala language. The rock is about 1310m high and it is in the Knuckles mountain range aka “දුම්බර කදුවැටිය”. According to the Sinhala legend, the Lakegala rock is considered as the Kingdom Lankapura where King Ravana’s capital was. It is also said that Ravana met Princess Sita, the Queen of Rama beside this rock. But the most people in Meemure Villages believe that Lakegala is the place where King Ravana lifted his air plane called “Dhandumonara (දඩුමොණර)”; an ancient glider; an Air Chariot. The triangular shape of the Rock is ideal for such an operation. This Dhandu Monara was his official Plane and he used it to capture Sita from India.

It was one of my dream journeys which I had waited for a long time to accomplished. Finally that day came.We departure from colombo on 4th of September by 12.45AM Ampara bus to go to the ancient Memure village.We arrived Hunnasgiriya at about 5.30 AM and get breakfast from there. We went to Loolwatta by a van which leaves at 8.00 AM from Hunnasgiriya. After that, there was no public transport vehicle on that road until 1.30 PM. After scenic drive along the Hunnasgiriya-Loolwatta road we came to the destination at about 9.00AM.From there we started our long walk towards Meemure.

Knuckles Range from Corbetts' Gap

From the Loolwatta there is short cut road to Corbetts’ Gap (In Sinhala අට්ටල මෙට්ටුව). Though it goes along steepest ascending, it saves lot of time because normal road longer than about 1.5-2 km. After about half hour hiking we reached Corbetts’ Gap. It was such a beautiful place where you can see mountain range all around you which goes to the infinity. Sometimes strong wind flow across corbetts’ gap, so be careful about your stuffs like caps. From corbetts’ gap to Meemure there is no considerable steep climb in road. After waiting a little while there, we stared to walking down towards Meemure. After Loolwatta we didn’t see any clean water source for drinking until Pusse ala, so carry enough water for drinking.

We thought this as Knuckles Mountain

After long walk we came to a small shop near the Pusse ala. We had tea with ‘Kithul Hakuru’ from there. Our plan was to stay at Pusse Ala on first day night. Since time was still about 1.00PM we decided to visit nitro cave. While we were walking towards nitro cave we saw Lakegala from far away.

Lakegala from Kumukgolla Village

We reached Kumbukgolla village in about one hour and asked for the distance to the nitro cave. But no one gave confident answer except everyone said different distances from there. Therefore we decided not to continue from there since we kept our stuffs and tent at the shop nearby Pusse ala and it was already 3.00PM. Later I found that there were only 3km from Kumubukgolla to Nitro cave while some locals said there was about 9km.

We came back to the shop and went to our destination for the 1st day which is Pusse ala. Although there was not much water in the stream it was a nice place for camping. There is a small water fall down the stream but bathing there is dangerous according to villagers. After having bath we prepared our dinner.

Pusse Ela

On 2nd day we faced unfortunate situation because one of our friend cut his arm while preparing breakfast. We faced lot of difficulties because there was no signal for mobiles, no transport and no dispensaries but luckily we got vehicle going to Hunnassgiriya. Two of our friends went with injured friend to hospital which caused to change our plan totally. We were able to understand clearly, difficulties of people there in a situation like that. Later I could find a location where mobile signal receiving. After getting positive answer from them we decided to continue our journey.

Remaining four of us continued walking towards Meemure while other three agreed to come from daily van going to Meemure in the evening. On the way we could see a Snake & buffalos.Since cultivation doing according to ‘හෙල් මළු’ land masters and tractors cannot be used. Therefore buffalos are very useful for villagers.

Snake

Buffallo

After passing Kaikawala Heen ganga bridge we entered to the final part of our jounery.We could see Lakegala in distance.After walking about 2km from Heen ganga we came to Meemure village.

Lakegala from Kaikawala

Since rain hadn’t fallen in months, Meemure seems like Anuradhapura area.Water streams almost dried out. We went to see popular suriya arana water fall,but there was not much water.:(

Suriya Arana Waterfall

However we decided to camping on a harvested paddy field after seeking permission from villagers. Some of them did not have a good impression about visitors due to bad incidents happened before. They said some were used water streams as toilets, put garbage all over there, make noises thorough the nights etc. If you aplan to go there keep in mind that it is a village, so don’t disturb their life style. And also don’t leave anything there. It was a beautiful evening at Meemure. Lakegala was standing behind the village proudly with full of colors at sun set.

Sunset at Meemure

Following morning four of our friends left by the van which goes to Hunnasgiriya. Three of us stayed back there to climb Lakegala. It is hard to imagine that one can climb it as seen from the ground. By getting help from villager we started to climb Lakegala from the left slope. First part of the journey went through the jungle and then we came to an open area. After that climbing was very hard and steep is about 60-70 degrees. One missed step would mean that you end up in the valley. There were no trees in that area and only had ‘mana’ and small plants.

Climbing was not easy

After about 2 ½ hours of hiking we came to a place where there was no plants even until the top of the mountain. Although villagers can walk on rock surface we couldn’t do that without the help of a rope. At the beginning of the hike we asked about ropes from the guide, but he said it would not be needed. But at the top he said it would be difficult for us to climb and specially climb down without the help of a rope. . And at that time sun troubled us while we were getting out of water and we hadn’t any thing to eat. So we had no option except climbing down . For future travelers, I would like to say carry enough water, food and a rope with good guide.

Above the clouds from Lakegala

After came back to village we were able to taste jack fruit. Then We came back to Hunnasgiriya by a three wheeler which cost us Rs.2000 . That was the longest three wheel journey in my life .From there we went to Kandy and return to Colombo by a Kandy bus. It was a most adventurous joinery I ever had with lot of experiences.

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This is my first trip report (Always wanted but never completed). We were on our family trip to Gal Oya Reservoir on the summer vacation (so cold) in September 2011. The interest to go on camping was drawn by my recent trips. We couldn’t get ready extensively (as we would do with my Uni mates) but adequate planning was done by my mother and me.

We planned the trip initially to the August school vacation but due to the National Elephant Senses which was on the way we had to reschedule the trip to September. All were enthusiastic on the trip and final number on for the trip was 10 with 3 teenagers, 2 youths and 5 adults. The campsite was booked in advanced and officers were helpful to provide us a campsite despite their strike. Cab service van was booked which was familiar due to the past experiences with the driver/owner of that van.

Kottawa- Kandy- Mahiyanganaya- Inginiyagala (Click Image to Enlarge)

Inginiyagala- Monaragala- Ratnapura- Kottawa (Click Image to Enlarge)

Splendid view of the temple of Tooth Relic and ‘Nuwara Wewa’

We started around 12.00 a.m. from Kottawa and last man was picked up from Borella. Driver was in no hurry and took his own time throughout the journey. We passed Kandy around 4.00 a.m. Cold weather made us stop near Digana for a tea break at 5.00 p.m. We passed one of the Fundamental Benchmarks of Sri Lanka (British survey point which is the center point of Sri Lanka) and the morning sun was rising and the view from the edge of the hill country was worthwhile of spending some time.

Fundamental Bench mark (Center of Sri Lanka)	board nearby (Click Image to Enlarge)
Road from Hunnasgiriya to Haslaka – Just before the great 18 Bends (දහ අට වංගුව	At the edge of the upcountry, golden sun is rising beneath the silver lake

All roads from Digana to Haslaka were under construction and even the road at the 18 bends was even widened.

Is this the 1st or the 18th bend? You need not reverse and take the bends anymore

We passed Hasalaka (Hometown of the war hero Gamini) and Reached Mahiyanganaya by 7.00 a.m. Passed the ‘Mahaweli River’ (longest river of Sri Lanka) and for our interest there was virtually no moving water in the river (it did not prevent people from enjoying a bath from the river). Whole Mahiyanganaya was getting ready for the ‘Binara Perahera’ (festival of September moon) and was busy and crowded (no traffic though ). Worshipped the temple of Mahiyanganaya but the temple area was pretty messy.

A salute to the great war hero Hasalaka Gamini	Mahaweli River – surviving the drought
Budun wedi Mahiyanganaya – The Mahiyanganaya Temple once even visited by Gouthama Buddha according to the legends

We had our breakfast by a man made waterway. ‘Seenisambal’ (Fried onion) and bread was great for the occasion

Lake, Van, Bread and our Friends and Family

From Mahiyanganaya we went to Bibile planning to go to Inginiyagala through Namal Oya Road. Our Driver was not that happy saying the road is pretty old and not good for the journey. With our persuasion he agreed to go. Around 10.30 a.m. we stopped for tea in Bibile and there was a warning that there is 7km of ‘Wedda territory’ (native peoples land) which we never understood until we reached that area. Road was not repaire for some time and was bad as anticipated.

Road to Inginiyagala trough Buttala from Bibile

We were passing the ‘නිල්ගල ඖෂධ වනය’ (Nilgala medicine forest) and there was more than a million butterflies mainly of two types(I’m not a specialist in wild life and I could only say one was predominantly Yellow and the other was brown). Butterflies were dead on the roadside

Nilgala Reservoir – Part of Gal Oya

A gang of Butterflies

We passed a Police post and our driver said that this route was used as the main route to Ampara in the war period. Rathugala would be a not nice to remember but an unforgettable experience of our trip. There was this wedda children by the road and two of them offered ‘Mora’ (a local fruit) and said one pack was 50 rupees. We did not want to buy Mora but we gave some money to both and started off. Only few hundred meters from their there were another bunch. They did not have anything to sell but asked for money or food. Then only we saw that it was continuous and there were more and more gangs of Wedda children ahead. When we said we don’t have anything to offer the wedda children started to put their hand in and tried to grab our stuff. We got pretty scared and one wedda child was hanging by the front passenger door (Where I was) and he did not let go. After a struggle with that child we started off and did not stop on any request. It was a pretty freighting experience.

Karandugala Police post – Used in the war time

We passed Namal Oya and the reservoir around 11.30 a.m. it was relieving as we knew that we are close to our destination.

Namal Oya

We reached Inginiyagala Wild Life parl office before 12.00 p.m. and the staff was welcoming. We did our payments for the booking of the campsite and other charges. We were asked to go to the Kossapola park office and we were told that a guide will join our journey from there.

Gal Oya, Inginiyagala Park office – Wild Life

Gal Oya, Inginiyagala Park office – Wild Life

We passed the Inginiyagala power plant and entered the Gal Oya resovoir. The sub office was 7km from Inginiyagala and was not so difficult to identify the route.

Inginiyagala power plant	Galoya Valley National Park
On the way to the campsite from the entrance

We met our guide and filled up the water bottles. Though it was said the water comes through a pumped well the water was not that pure. It was another 9km to the camp site. Our Guide Susantha ayya only had time to say that elephants drop down trees to the road we witnessed it. Had to spend almost 5 to 10 minutes to clear the road for 5 grown adult males.

Kossapola campsite office	.
Clearing the road to make way for the van	Termite mounds (වේ හුඹස්) were abundant on the way to the campsite

As we reached the campsite around 1.00 p.m. it was breathtaking to see a herd of 21 elephants near the campsite. The area was good for camping with a bit of slope towards the tank which prevented water collecting under a tent. There was a toilet without a door (a roofing sheet was close by to manually move and close the opening of the toilet. There was a concrete table and bench which were good as we could do the cooking on top of it. There was also a cloths line and a plenty of firewood around.

Breathtaking view of the herd of elephants with cubs having a mud bath	A toilet which was usable
Campsite ground

Then we got the chance to see elephants from close range. Guide Susantha took me pretty close to the herd and I was able to take some good pictures (with a Sony 14MP camera with 5x zoom – it was the best I could do).

Herd of elephants in close range	Solitary cub
Closer shot	Mother elephant and the cub

Watching elephants didn’t last more than 2 hours. We made too much noice and elephants head back in to the bushes. Some in our group were pretty scared of having an elephant herd so close and the retrieval of the herd in to the jungle was blessing to them.

Daytime view of the lake and the surrounding jungle was even worth it to camp at Kossapola. When we started to cook the wind started to blow everything off. The gas burner started to go off every minute due to the wind and we had to find an alternative place to do the cooking. Luckily Susantha ayya found a place nearby on a rock. It was difficult for the females to reach there and males had to do most of the cooking on the first day.

View of Gal Oya from the campsite – Splendid isn’t it?

Alternative place to do the cooking

We had lunch and went out for bird watching and had a wash in the lake. Water in the lake wasn’t so good due to the drought in that area and it was muddy. But it never kept us from enjoying a swim in the lake.

Birds in the dawn by the lake	Birds in the dawn by the lake
Enjoying a swim in the lake

We had the tents ready by evening and then came a heavy rain which was rather anticipated by all of us. We went to our tents and one of our crew members started to collect firewood and kept under shelter (something to be appreciated). Rain settled within 2 hours but our driver panicked and wanted to head back because the clay road would be slippery if the rain lasted like that overnight and he won’t be able to drive out of the jungle. After our persuasion he agreed to stay.

Why need an umbrella when there is 2 camps to share

Evening came so early but the change in the sky was something you would not forget for life.

Below: view above the tank in two hour intervals… (2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.)

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Then it was night and a campfire was essential. This was the first time I experienced a real campfire done by an expert. A large trunk of a fallen tree was used as the base, then came the small sticks and branches on top of it, two polythene bags was the fuel that was only needed, a campfire was ready thanks to Susantha ayya

Setting up campfire	Setting up campfire
campfire

Two campfires were lit on both sides of the campsite and we were getting ready for the night. We had our pre-prepared dinner had a chat around the campfire. Though we felt pretty safe under the trees, for our surprise a large branch from a tree fell on to the camp site where we were having our dinner. No one was injured luckily. Everybody was scared whether animals would come to the camping area in the night after seeing the herd of elephant in the day time. The fully charged emergency lamp as well as the fully working (but very difficult to switch on ) torches were a blessing.

We were tired after the long journey and went to bed around 8 o’clock. It was neither cold nor hot inside our tents. Packing up some pillows and a ground cloth is invaluable though it is an extra weight. We planned to maintain the campfire in a shift but it was mainly two of the adults who did that job until 4.00 a.m. in the morning. I also joined the crew around 3.00 a.m. and the fire was kept until morning. For my surprise the whole trunk was in ashes by 3 o’clock. Morning was so beautiful

Panoramic view of the lake in the morning

Panoramic view of the lake in the camp site

Breakfast was prepared early and was taken warmly. We always had to eat more than what we eat back at home to fulfill the hunger. Then came bird watching by the lake and thanks to the Nikon Actionx binoculars we were able to identify a large amount of birds (my best experience in wild – I’m an amateur )

Best place to see most of the birds around	.
Bird watching in the morning	Bird watching in the morning

After some rest and tea we started to trek in the shoreline.

Animal dung of an unknown (by me) animal	Mating butterflies
‘හතු පිපිලා’ Mushrooms on an elephant dung	On the trekking pathway

We had another bath in the lake (with some swimming practices). We had our lunch and started back to Colombo around 1.00 p.m.

Large tree by the side of the road

We passed Siyambalanduwa and Mahiyanganayaand came through Wellawaya to Beragala and then to Balangoda.

Filling place in Siyambalaanduwa.	Work by the White – more than 100 years old
Work by the White – more than 100 years old

Diyaluma waterfall was on our way and we enjoyed time by the waterfall.

Waterfall was fascinating but water level was so low

Diyaluma waterfall (Click Image to Enlarge)

We came to Ratnapura around 9.00 p.m. and took the Panadura road. As it was the full moon of September the ‘Perahera festival of ‘Saman Devalaya’ was going on. We experienced some amount of traffic and a dely not less than 20 minutes.

‘Perahera festival of ‘Saman Devalaya’

‘Perahara’ festival in ‘Saman Devalaya’

We came home by 1.00 a.m. and that was it. Although we faced some rough time, Trip to Gal Oya is one of my best trips.

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

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

Outskirts of Nilgala Beat Office

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

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

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

Completing work in setting up tents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was indeed a memorable journey.

Sunset from Kossapola campsite

The sight of waders on a morning from the campsite

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

Elephants in the distance

A pelican glides quietly

We were gathered into Colombo private bus stand on Friday night @ about 10.15pm to catch 11.45Pm Mahiyangana bus. Since it was a long weekend huge crowd was there. But we were lucky enough to get seats in 10.45 Bibila bus which was came unexpectedly late. Therefore it is better if you can reserve seats in advanced if you plan to go by Bus. We get off at the Gurulupotha rest house at about 5 am. There is a water stream, which is a branch of a Hasalaka oya is flow across Mahiyanganaya road. We had ‘Roti’ for the breakfast from a small hotel at Gurulupotha.

At about 7.am we started our hike to visit seetha kotuwa. There is a foot path which is started nearby the rest house. There was a small cannel and we followed it.

Small Cannel	Huge Tree
Along the stream

On the way there was a huge tree which may be old hundreds of years. After a while we came to a junction which cannel divides into three streams. Though we had a 1:50000 map and a compass we had no idea which direction to go since that cannel not marked in the map. Finally we decided to go along the right stream. Finally we end up at a house not at the seetha kotuwa. .But there was no one in house to ask the direction .

We lost the way while we were on our hike. But again we had no idea where to go.we just walk along the road and asked from a local the direction to seethe kotuwa. According to him we lost the way very early in our hike .However we asked the direction from him and again started our journey to find seetha kotuwa. We came to small anicut which is our starting way point told by local person. As he said we started to go along up stream. Wow!!! it was a wonderful journey. It was worth to loss the way. It was like a hidden paradise which is full of water. Sometimes main stream divided into branches. But we always follow the main stream. Map and compass was very much helpful to find the direction. After long walk along the water stream we came to the water fall which made of three stages. It may be about 30m height with all three stages. Again we lost the path . We tried to climb up to the top of the waterfall. Since it seemed difficult task, we gave up it. Since we heard sounds from vehicles we knew we are near the road.We climb up toward south direction. Because according to the map Mahiyanganya road should be at south.Final part of the climb was very difficult but finally we were on the mahiyanganaya road.

Though we didn’t find seetha kotuwa it was very much adventures trail.we walk about 200m along the road.Oh!! the hotel is there which we had breakfast. . We came back to same place after 3-4 km journey.
If you want to visit seetha kotuwa asked for the direction from the locals before start hike

Waterfall

We get in to Mahiyanganaya bus and get off from Hasalaka .Has a bath in Hasalaka oya and had lunch.Then we went Mahiyanganaya by bus.Since there is no public transport from mahiyanganaya to the sorabora wawa we walked about 3km.

at Hasalaka oya

First sight was able to leave tiredness from us. It was such a wonderful location to visit. We met (Nimal) local guy and talk about our camping.After arranging things we had a walk on bunt.After resting a while we get on to the Nimal’s paruwa.He paddled it from bunt to the ‘wawa iwura’. He had a bath at there.It was the best place I have ever bath.Can be walk about 300m,400m in to the wawa without any problem.No words describe scenery at the sun setting.We had lot of fun there In the mean while Nimal prepared ‘paruwa’ into camp.And he started to prepare dinner for us.

Sorabora wewa

Sorabora wewa view from boat

We had lot of fun

Heaven of the earth

Our home

After having dinner we went to sleep on the paruwa.It was a life time experience. After day, I wake up early in the morning to watch sun rise. Unfortunately it was covered by trees

Early morning at Sorabora wewa

Again we had bath about 1 1/2 h in sorabora wewa.Then we went back to bunt by ‘paruwa’. We went to mahiyanganaya by 3-wheel from there.

Mahiyanganaya Viharaya

We went mahaiyangana rajamaha viharaya too.We had lunch there.We came back home by 11.50am Colombo bus from Mahiyanganaya.

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 our journey from Katubedda at about 7.30 in the night. The crew was six. We came to Colombo fort at 8.30 pm by bus. We caught 9.00pm Mahiyanganaya CTB bus and reached Weraganthota by 4.30 am. Due to road constructions in 18 turns (දහ අට වංගුව), our bus went through Rajamawatha. Because we traveled in the night we missed a lot of sceneries along the road. We had to wait until 6.00 am to catch a bus to go to Hasalaka. We had our breakfast at a friend’s home close to the town. Then we reached Pamunupura after one hour journey by bus from Hasalaka.

Garmin Map (Click Image to Enlarge)

Inch Map (Click Image to Enlarge)

The bus terminated at Pamunupura junction. Then we have to turn left and continue the journey by foot. The sight of Yahangala too away our tiredness all the time. It brought ice cool to our eyes.

Yahangala view from Udaththawa village

The sight of Yahangala too away our tiredness all the time

There are few folktales about this strange “bed like rock (යහන්ගල)”. One of them tells that during the Rama-Rawana war, after being hit by king Ravana’s arrow, Lakshmana (king Rama’s brother) leaned on this rock and was treated with medicinal plants brought by Hanuman. Close to Yahangala, Lakegala is believed to be the the place where king Ravana’s palace was situated.

First part of the journey was along a concreted road between paddy fields.

After 1km, the road gradually started to climb. Now we were entering the Pallegaldebokka village.

We stopped briefly at a point where a small water stream crosses the road and fall over cliff on the other side of the road. After 15 mins we restarted the journey. It was a heavy climb thereafter and after 200m we reached the Grama niladari office of the village. It was closed and we got some more rest there. The concreted road ended there and a foot path began.

Time to rest……..

"Grama Niladari" office (click image to enlarge)

The sight of houses gave us a safe feeling because directions to Udugaldebokka were known by villagers. We could see solar panels on few houses. After Pamunupura village CEB lines are not extended to supply electricity to this village.

The road ran through gardens of village houses. Villagers helped us to find our way. Another heavy climb started and continued for more than 500m. After the heavy climb we got a 30mins rest at a wayside rest spot. This place was created by villagers to est during traveling to Udugaldebokka village. There onwards Chena cultivations started.

The village…..	The temple of Pallegaldebokka village
A wayside rest spot…

Thereafter the road goes through level surface. After about half an hour by foot we came to a small water stream. We got small rest there and started the journey. Just after the stream the road divide in to two paths and we selected left hand side one. That was because we wanted to visit Udagaladebokka village. Using right hand side path we could go to Galamuduna village without visiting Udagaladebokka village. After the Udugaldebokka village both roads join again. After the junction it was climbing…….. and climbing…….

Time was passed 12 noon when we reached the first house in Udugaldebokka village . It meant that we had to speed up. Still we were quite tired. We took a small rest and continued.

The road goes through level surface

The first house we met in the Udagaladebokka village

The path continued through village houses and we came to a junction in few minutes. We got directions from villagers. To go further in to this village we had to go to left side and the other path was going to Galamuduna village through paddy fields and chena cultivations. We selected second one because time was limited.

Then the path was again between paddy fields.

Local tobacco cultivation. We saw this type of fields at Galamuduna village as well

hut on tree

Every small hut on trees (අට්ටාලය) told us a sad story which is; during harvesting time wild elephants comes to destroy and eat the crop. During this period all the members of the farmer’s family come to this hut (අට්ටාලය) for two weeks or even a month to look after their crop. More than four members can stay there comfortably. During that season the village becomes an empty place.

Uhunugala—The higher version of Uthuwankanda

It was a great surprise for us to see that Uhunugala was identical to Uthuwankanda in Mawanella. It was also a landmark in our journey. The foot path goes on the right hand side close to the base of this rock.

After the village the path was between paddy fields and then small woods started. We were gradually climbing down. Throughout we heard strong sound of a water stream on our left hand side. We saw few foot paths to cross the stream, but according to villagers we should cross the stream only by a foot bridge (ඒදණ්ඩ). So we climbed down further and came to this place.

First land mark reached - the foot bridge (ඒදණ්ඩ)

Thereafter the path was through paddy fields and chena cultivations again. We were speeding up. After few minutes paddy fields were over and the foot path between old chena cultivations guided us.

Looked like this place had been a paradise for elephants just a week ago because we could see elephant dung everywhere in the fields. But in most places someone seem to have collected them into one place. According to spread of dung, I felt that wild elephants may have used this place as place to spend the night. It gave a very strange feeling to us. A huge open land without any sign of human presence multiplied that strange feeling. According to villagers Jumbos have left this area a week ago. Those words gave us strength to continue the journey.

Path through paddy fields and chena cultivations	Elephant Dung
A Large open land without any sign of human presence

Now the time was 1.00 pm. Climate was gradually changing to cloudy and clouds were becoming dark. We still had more than two hours to travel to our destination. We grouped into three and went to three directions to find a safe place to spend the night and to find water. As in other woods in Knuckles, mobile phone signals were there and it made our task easy.

After half an hour we were found our day one home…..a Hut on a tree (Attalaya).

Climate was gradually changing to cold and clouds were becoming dark

Hut on a tree (Attalaya). Hardly enough for six persons

We had to forget the tiredness and speed up our works. We prepared the hut for a night using raincoat of our tent and prepared our meals before rain came to us. We prepared everything before rain. But unfortunately we had to have our meals while it was raining. We felt that the Dhal curry with water was tastier!

prepared the hut for a night with using raincoat of our tent	One second leisure time while busy at work……
Rain!. A place where sky and ground joined by water droplets.	Heavy rain at Ulhitiya reservoir side

We bathe in rain and got some rest in our new home. In the evening when the rain was over few villagers joined us ans we had some chat with them.

We had every facility in that hut. There was a fire place, firewood and a cloth rack. Then we had a good sleep also without any disturbance.

Early in the morning we prepared our meals and packed our things. We did not forget to enjoy the beauty of the new world.

We had every facility in that hut	Good morning
	Yahangala and Kehelpothdoruwegala peaks
	View of above two peaks and Thelambugala peak ( Right hand side small peak)
Uhunugala zoomed--- villagers call this Kuvenigala as they believe that during early history Kuveni used this place as her administration base.

While we were preparing our meals, another villager joined us. We shared our food with him and said good bye to our hut.

The path continued through chena cultivations. There was a lot of undergrowth covering the path due to low usage of it by people. For more than an hour we walked through guava bushed and woods. They gave our teatime break as well. After we passed two water streams we came to this stream in the below picture. It was somewhat large one. There was a small waterfall at the end of this. We got half an hour rest there.

We said good bye to our hut

There was a small waterfall at the end of this

After few minutes and a small climb over a rock we got the sight of the Galamuduna village. After a 15mins climb down, we entered the village.

First sight of Galamuduna village	Warm welcome from Lakegala
we entered to the village	Traditional plough using bulls

We talked with villagers and got permission to spend the night in the school building. There are about 50 students studying in the school and 5 teachers. But at that time all teachers had gone home due to April school vacation. We carried two boxes full of exercise books to donate to school children. Because there were no official in the school, we gave those to Grama Niladari office.

The school building

After small rest we got familiar with villagers and explored the beauty of the village. We met Pe hami mama (පෙ හාමි මාමා), the oldest person in the village. He described a lot of folk tales about the village and had sound knowledge about the history of the village. As per him the village divides into two parts called Galamuduna and Panwatta. There are 45 families who live in both parts. We were invited for tea and after that explored every corner of the small village.

Beauty of the village	Pe hami mama (පෙ හාමි මාමා)
Invitation for tea	Thunhisgala
Roof covered by straw	We cannot see these things in most of the villages in our country

Just like the day before, weather was changing and we decided to have a bath before it rains. After bath we returned to the school. After few minutes it started to rain and we got some good rest till 5.00pm.

Then we prepared our meals and had dinner. After deciding our next day plan we slept with nice memories of last two days.

Lakegala covered in rain clouds

This small stream was beside the school and villagers used it for every need of water. This is where we had out bath.

We prepared our meals and had dinner

Early morning…… beauty of Lakegala	Thunhisgala with morning sun
Part of Kalupahana	Breakfast in Preperation

After breakfast we started the return journey. As per yesterday’s decision our route was along the foot path to Heenganga bridge through Hulugune village. It was the common path to town from this village.

After passing houses, we came across a concrete foot bridge. There was a nice waterfall on right hand side of the bridge. We spent few mins there.

Departure..	Concrete foot bridge
1st waterfall we met - There was an access route to upper waterfalls near the base pool of this fall.

After this point the path goes along level surface.

In honor of Kande Bandara (කන්දෙ බන්ඩාර) god. Since wild elephants attack can happen after this point villagers do this for safety.

Another village with no human sign. People who lived in this village had left due to wild elephant threat

Now we were climbing down another huge rock. A tributary of Heenganga slowly flow down along our left side. Some leech attacks were also experienced. We got some rest and continued the journey.

Then we reached a foot bridge just before the start of Hulugune village. We met few villagers who were going to Hettipola town at this point.

A tributary of Heenganga

The bridge just before start of Hulugune village

Start of Hulugune village

Crossing Heenganga. It was more than 30m wide. Water level was above thigh level in some places. Crossing was not easy for us.

Hulugune village. After this village road was concreted and motorable.

A brave lady. She started to cross the river after us with a small boy on her one hand and the bag on her head. But she passed all of us and finished before us

After few kms the road goes beside a canal. We could see the mountain range we passed, but all the time it was covered with clouds. After the next 2kms we came to our destination.

We could see the mountain range we passed	Ginipetti palama (ගිනිපෙට්ටි පාලම) - Minipe canal with in the bridge (Inside the box) and Heenganga below it.
Canal entering the box

The time was 12.30pm. After half an hour bus came and we were arrived Mahiyanganaya within 1.5 hour. We got our lunch there. Then we came to Colombo through 18 turns by bus. It was the end of another journey.

Thank you very much for reading my report. It will be helpful for planning your trip.

Seven waterfalls (ඇලි හත) is a collection of seven waterfalls at the upstream of Seethawaka ganga (tributary is called Naya ganga). Even though the access route is from Deraniyagala, seven falls belongs to Nuwaraeliya district and also all seven falls are inside the peak wilderness sanctuary. This exciting adventure will take you out of busy homosapiens to calm and cool virgin green forest with pure water streams.

This story begins by year 1992, when I was around 10 years old I could barely remember one of my uncles told a story about hiking “Eli hatha” which was an epic adventurous tour with full of fear, courage and excitement.

The idea of hiking Eli Hatha was deep inside my mind for years and years which came out to real in 2006 with the help of my friends.

We (the crew) came to Deraniyagala by the day before the hike. The first bus from Deraniyagala to udamaliboda starts at 6.15 a.m. It was 8 people and backpacks filled with food. We came to Udamaliboda around 7.30 a.m. It was a bright sunny morning with no sign of rain clouds. But rains can be expected at any time since it (April) was the starting period of showers.

Bus is Ready for departure at Udamaliboda final bus stop (samupakara Handiya)

From Udamaliboda we headed to the first fall. Directions were found with the help of local residents. In first 15 – 30 minutes of walking you will find the intersection for Adams peak trail (Uda Maliboda). After one to one and half hours walking the first glimpse of the first fall can be observed. Crew members were got excited with the beauty of first fall.

Starting

Water

Before starting the hike let’s look at the 1:50000 map for the seven falls.

1:50000 map for the seven falls (Click map to enlarge)

First glimpse of the fall one

A mini hydro project is undergoing around first and the second falls. You can take the trail made by those workers up to the 2nd waterfall.

After the second fall you have to find your way. We always tried to hike along the stream. Sometimes we had to go through the forest, but didn’t go away far from the stream.

Fall number 1

Fall number 2

Fall number 3 was hard to access; therefore we decided to proceed to number 4

Fall number 3	Fall number 4
Rocks are rocking	Green
Line of thirst	Cascades

Fall number 5 - Hiking all the way up to fall number 5 is not difficult

Falling (Fall number 6 and 7)

The most tricky and difficult part was climbing from 6 to top. And it’s very hard to access fall number 7. We climbed these two falls at once from the left side of the stream.

At the top, the stream becomes calm and quit. We decided to camp at the top
Warning: it’s too too risky to camp on the stream in any season.

Morning

Cascades at the top of the seventh fall

Hiking down

In the second day we started coming back. We took the same route used for climbing up for all the way back. Coming back from seven to five is bit difficult. It just took four to five hours to reach the fall 1(starting point). According to the previous report on eli hatha there is an another footpath. You can decide which way you could take depending on the crew and the time factor.

We did not know anything about the trail which has mentioned in his report. And also there were no guides with us.

Bambaragala will be on your left at the top of the seventh fall

Silence

All the way back

Return back:
The bus service from Udamaliboda to Deraniyagala in the late afternoon could not be guaranteed. If you are seeking public transportation, there will be tea transporters and minivans which could help you reach Deraniyagala. A minivan would be the best option from Udamaliboda to Deraniyagala. The last CTB bus leaves from Deraniyagala to Awissawella at 8.00 pm. If you miss the 8.00 O’clock bus you need to hire a van up to Avissawella.

With the reopening of the Kumana national park early this year it had been on our priority list for quite some time and finally we managed to make that dream come true. The camp sites were booked more than three months in advance as there is no other accommodation south of Arugam Bay. Wildlife department is trying to rebuild the destroyed circuit bungalows and hopefully we will get to use them before long.

Having never been to the east coast before, we wanted to have a glimpse of the rising sun from the east coast and planned the trip so that we will be at Pottuvil by sunrise. So we left Colombo late night at 10.30PM and drove through the night via the Beragala route. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the Beragala junction the road via Koslanda to Wellawaya was closed for repairs and the detour took us to Haputale, Bandarawela, Ella and then to Wellawaya. We lost a good part of an hour due to this detour and the sun was already rising as we passed Lahugala.

It was a night for the moon	A new day dawns (at 5.30AM)
Basking in the morning light	East coast at last…..

East coast at last…..

All of us were really hungry after the long drive and as soon as the shops opened we tucked into a hearty meal consisting of “Kiri Appa”, String Hoppers, Fish curry and a strange but fabulous coconut sambol which I have never had anywhere else. Then it was time to hit the beach at Arugam Bay. Since we were early the beach was isolated and we had almost the whole beach to ourselves except for the fishing folk who were returning from their fishing trips.

Beautiful Arugam Bay

We had the beach all to ourselves

After a nice bath and fun in the sand later we had a short nap at a friends place nearby before proceeding towards Panama and Okanda. The roads were in excellent condition up to Panama and the views alongside the roads were breathtaking.

Heading for the bushes

Towards Panama

At Panama without taking the turn towards Okanda, we proceeded up to the Panama beach amidst sand dunes & bushes. It was like being in a desert full of sand but the beach was spectacular here. Crystal clear water and golden sandy beach makes this a spectacular place which is totally isolated from the world. Unfortunately a drinking party was already on which made us rush away from the place as we did not want any unfriendly situations to occur.

Sand dunes at the Panama beach

Never seen a more beautiful beach than at Panama

Panama beach

It was getting close to the evening when we arrived at the Okanda entrance and along with the guide, proceeded directly to the camp site. On the way we saw plenty of wild buffaloes, birds, elephants, crocodiles and Deers.

Park office at Okanda	All that remains..
In and out of focus	You looking at me?
The lone one	Fast drying out

The thick canopy prevented sunlight from reaching the ground

The “maha gal amuna” camp site is the furthest and probably the best camp site in the Kumana national park. It is located at 6 32 24.19N and 81 39 46.39E.
There were plenty of sandy areas to setup tent and we put up ours in the shade of the trees. There is an actual “Amuna” made up of rocks which is said to be built by a king to take water to the Kumana wewa. The old canal which carried this water is still there to day just behind the camp site.

The Gal Amuna	Soothing..
We got the bonfire going to keep away wild elephants	Moonlight and firelight
Sun rise over the Kumbukkan Oya	Dying out
Footsteps in the sand, signs of visitors in the night	Camp site in the tree shade

We decided to visit “Bowaththagala” the next morning where we found signs of being an ancient dwelling. There were plenty of inscriptions and remains of an old stupa on top of the rock. It is sad that no proper study has been done on the history of these places. Indicating that this is a roaming place for the elusive kinds, we also found bear footmarks and fresh leopard footmarks printed in the sand.

Bowaththagala..	Inscriptions in the stone
Coming down the steps	Rocks..
A view of the cave	Footprints of a bear
Signs of a leopard??	Perfectly lodged
Kumana wewa, as seen from Bowaththagala	A pond in the rocks
Heavenly wine	A close up
Web of life	At the Kumana Villu

End of life, dead and scattered

Big fish (buffaloes) in a small pond

Looking for something..?

Another type of stork

After seeing many more herds of deer, wild buffaloes, peacocks, birds and elephants we decided to move out and headed to Wellawaya for the nights stay at Don Diogu. This is a wonderful place to stay with a nice family atmosphere and gorgeous food. After two tiring days this was the perfect wind down.

On the way back to Colombo we visited the ‘Buduruwagala” statues at Wellawaya and had a peek at the Museum set up near the turn off from the Wellawaya-Thanamalwila road. Even though many people visit Buduruwagala, it is sad to see that not many care to visit this museum which is open on Sunday as well. To me, the place was very interesting as it contained many artifacts recovered from the Moneragala District and a wealth of information from our proud history.

Buduruwagala statues	Blooming for Lord Buddha
Waiting to be lit	The great compassion
Our heritage	Buduruwagala tank
Well oiled..	The museum of the Moneragala district

We passed the Udawalawe park entrance along the way and as usual there were many elephants lurking close to the road in anticipation of the food thrown in by passers by.

Thanamalwila road..

Please sir, give me some more..

Even though, wild life department has set up boards informing not to feed the elephants, villagers have erased the boards or have taken them down all together in order to make a living by selling bananas to be thrown towards the elephants. It is very sad to see the ecological system of the forest being turned upside down by the acts of a few stupid people who think that wild animals are family pets.

Irresponsible behavior

If only people care more..

Have a nice trip..