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

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

Route Map (Click Image to Enlarge)

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

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

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

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

Boats are ready for a ride

We started journey from Gampaha at 3.30 a. m. Very less traffic on the way and we could reach Riverston at 6.45. We were the first to be there for the day.

On our way to Reversturn.	We reached Reversturn gap at 6.45 am no mist at all
Reversturn gap	View from Reversturn gap
Start climbing up to riverston tower 7.30 am. (2 km)	On the way
SLT Tower Reversturn	We had to pay much attention to kids running here and there. No wind at all

We left Reversturn around 9.30 am and this is on our way to Pitawala pathana.

This is between Reversturn and Pitawala. I don’t kanow what it is	We reached Pitawala Pathana around 10.30 am
Mini worlds end	View from Pitawala Pathana
Paddy fields at beautiful Rathninda

Manigala behind the scene. This is around 5 Km away from the Hittipola Road. The road was very bad condition and difficult manage with the car. We had to stop the car and walk last 2 km.

Thelgamu Oya at Rathnida	Weddapani Ella Rathnida (Etanwala border). Really worth coming here
Short cut to Weddapani Ella. We got our lunch here (Parcels prepared from home.)

We could reach Wasgamuwa around 3.00 pm. Unfortunately we could see only elephants, Peacocks and few other birds.

we could see only elephants, Peacocks and few other birds

Mahaweli Ganga at Wasgamuwa

Then we reach Wilgmuwa and spend night at Irrigation Department Bangalow beside the Nipon bridge

Irrigation Department Bungalow Wilgamuwa

Day 2

Sandy Mahaweli river at Wilgamuwa

Structure with Architecture – Nipon Bridge Wilgamuwa

We started journey at 7.30 ,crossed the Nipon bridge and reached Dimbulagala around 9.00 am.

Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya	View from top of the Dimbulagala Rock
Timber statures in Dimbulagala temple

Then we travelled up to Madakalapuwa (Batticaloa) junction at turn right and reach Sewanapitiya. We turned left at Sewanapitiya and reached Nelumwewa hot springs at around 12.30 pm. Wells are situated inside the tank had to use boat to reach there.

Somaweera who knows a lot about the area and history of the springs	Nelum wewa hot springs. Hottest springs in Sri Lanka. Cannot bath without mixing
More information on Hot Springs of Sri Lanka	Nice summer hut constructed by Mahaweli Authority. We got our lunch there
A road to wells is under construction. I don’t know what will happen to innocent Somaweera’s job	There are lots of trees around. I don’t know why it chose to perch here?

We bought good dry fish from Ottamawadi , on the way to Passikudah. We reached Passikudha around 3.30 pm

Crowded Passikudha beach	He likes and wants to swim. But………
Coconut Cultivation Board Circuit Bungalow No. 2

Coconut Cultivation Board Circuit Bungalow No. 2. Where we spend second day night. I learn about this place from Lakdasun

Day 3

Start journey around 7.30 am. We drove northward along A15 road. Road is superb rarely find a vehicle

A bridge under construction	Fuel station Vakarai
A15 Road

We turned left just after Verugal and drive towards Lankapatuna. Road condition is very good. We visited Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya on the way. It had been used as “Koti Handa” transmission station past

Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya and Koti-handa transmission tower

Top of the rock at Pashana Pabbatha Viharaya

We could reach Lankapatuna around 10.30 am. We had to use free boat service operated by RDA to reach temple.

We had to use free boat service operated by RDA to reach temple

Broken bridge at Lankapatuna

View of beautiful beach at Lankapatuna

Then we came back to A15 road and drive towards trinco and turn left before serunuwara to reach Seruwawila temple. A culvert is under construction and we had to use a by road which was in very bad condition

We could reach Seruwawila temple around 2.30 pm	Ruins at Seruwavilla
Ancient pond at Seruwavilla

We started our long return journey from Seruwavilla around 4.00 pm. We used Serunuwara – Kanthale Road and spend around ½ hour on Kanthale tank bund

We spent around ½ hour on Kanthale tank bund

We reached Gampaha around 9.00 pm we had travelled 780km.

Lakdasun was a great help to organize the trip and thanks all Lakdasun members

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

.

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	.
.

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

My very first visit to Yala was in July 2010. “Armed” with my new Canon 100-400 we headed there with the hope of capturing a good shot or two of the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard. But much, much to our dismay, even after two rounds, we failed to catch even a glimpse of a Leopard! Dusty, tired and so disappointed, we headed back to Colombo. We must have been so upset with Yala, that Wilpattu got our undivided attention thereafter for the next 14 months

September 2011 came by – the time seemed ripe for “revenge”! So one fine afternoon, we headed off to Yala with renewed anticipation.

BUT FIRST, a relaxing evening at the new “hotspot” of Yala – the exciting new BACK OF BEYOND GURUGODA. Ever since seeing Priyanjan’s fantastic pictures, we were dying to experience the place first-hand. We were certainly not disappointed.

As are all BoB retreats, Back of Beyond Gurugoda is beautifully and thoughtfully designed – It is rustic but has ample comfort, with little touches that warms the heart. Priyanjan has captured all the “essentials”, but let me add something that made me smile.

A Deer with a Mission Didn’t you always want to hang your clothes on a Deer’s antlers? Well, here is your chance

The roof is beautifully thatched with palm leaves.
The color scheme is lovely, and the furniture has been carefully and artistically chosen.
There is one bedroom that sleeps 3, and two other beds outside.
The linen is crisp, clean and spotless white.
The toilet and washroom are both semi open-air. Lovely to gaze up on starry nights!
The cook and caretaker are very nice chaps and very accommodating.
Located only about 15 minutes away from Yala main entrance and situated before the Governer’s Camp (GC).
Just follow the sign boards to GC, but before that, you will find a “Designer Gate” to the left leading to BoB Gurugoda.
We heard that the latest Designer to add some finish touches was a Wild Elephant  :-)
It might be good to pay a visit to Back of Beyond Gurugoda before more people get to know of this lovely hideout.
You won’t be disappointed.

After a good night’s sleep, we started off to Yala feeling the warmth of the rising sun. The Jeep was hired from Yala Jeep Safaries, and driven by the owner’s son Sumudu, a good driver.
As usual, Yala was beaming with life, and before long, we couldn’t believe our luck when we spotted a Sloth Bear just by the roadside!!
I must have been so excited by my first wild Sloth Bear encounter that I totally forgot a basic rule of photography – always check your shot – only later did I realize that my camera settings were wayyy off, leading to shots so bad that I am ashamed to put them up here…sorry…
But we got to observe the bear for about 15 minutes, and it was a flying start to a great safari.
The first of the BIG THREE, THE BEAR covered! LEOPARD AND TUSKER to go. Fingers-crossed!

Our driver and our tracker were very eager to show us Leopards, and I must say we were so excited at the prospect too, but we did remember to take it a bit slow and enjoy the other beauties of Yala.

A dress that never ceases to impress - Indian Pea Fowl	black-naped hare
An albino Wild Boar

GOT TO REST TOO (A Spotted Dear resting under a Bonsai-like tree)

GOT TO REST TOO (a Grey Langur)

There were also Hornbills, Orange-breasted Pigeons, Serpent Eagles, a family of Jackals, Open-billed Stalks, Egrets, numerous crocs and many other birds. It was a beautiful flock of Painted Stalks that next caught our attention.

Try sitting like that!

Jumping the line!

More painted storks

“Am I the prettiest of ‘em all?”

You certainly are beautiful!

Ending a serene interlude, Sumudu’s cell phone rang. It was news of a Leopard!

When we got to the spot, two other Jeeps were already there, so we didn’t get the best view. But there they were, two Leopard cubs hidden well inside the bush. Finally, the dream of seeing a wild Leopard at Yala was coming true! Yippiee! When more Jeeps start arriving, one of them rose up and walked inside the bush, leaving only one, who compensated for her brother’s rude exit by posing for us beautifully.

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A final glimpse through the trees

Two of the “BIG THREE” – THE LEOPARD – Covered! Yayyyyyy

Fully satisfied, we returned to BoB Gurugoda for a good lunch. After resting a bit and enjoying the bungalow, we left and headed off to our accommodation inside Yala – the Old Butuwa Bungalow – to leave our bags and provisions before the evening round.

On the way, we had the privilege of spending some time with this Elephant Family – There was just us, which must have put them at ease. They went about enjoying the afternoon and giving us the pleasure of observing some heart-warming moments of Bonding and LOVE…

Trunks of all sizes …they can stroke..	…and wrap around …(Awwww…)
…or hold gently too…Awwwwwww

Seeing them so carefree, I thought, what a sin it is to disrupt their lives by robbing their habitats, or separating them, especially moms and calves, in order to satisfy Man’s personal gain or greed…They belong free in the Jungle…and we need to protect them.

Walking towards an uncertain tomorrow???? So hope not.. Dear God help us keep them safe

Warmed by the “Elephantine” Love, we arrived at the Old Butuwa Bungalow – Probably the best maintained bungalow in Yala, thanks to the caretaker KULE and his staff.

Old Butuwa Bungalow	Old Butuwa Bungalow
Lovely sea view from the bungalow	Fabulous view of the Elephant rock and beach from atop the rocky mountain

Panoramic view of the ocean and sky in various shades of blue

After a nice cup of tea, we started the evening round.

It was always a dream of mine to see a leopard on a tree, and it was about to come true. There he/she was – a very cute cub, lazily napping on a tree, observing the excited humans who were gathering fast to watch him

“Hmm, what a bunch of Nuts!”	“But I am too sleeeeeepy to keep my eyes open..zzzz”
“ok, ok just one pose ok”

After a lovely 20 minutes or so, the place became so congested we decided to leave and head off to a small lake close by, where a fully-grown Leopard had been observed the day before. We parked there, and patiently waited..a bit long..but the wait was finally rewarded by Leopard No. 4 for the day!

It suddenly appeared from behind a tree giving us a start!	After observing us for awhile, he decided to come out into the open Yes! We were delighted!
One SCARY Dude!!!!

He soon vanished off into the jungle, but we were happy to be the first to see him. Another jeep arrived as he went in. Don’t think they could see much..

It was getting somewhat dark and we decided to head towards the bungalow…on the way, we came across a fleet of vehicles. Two cubs and a mom! Leopards, 5, 6, 7 to complete the day. Mom was too hidden to photograph, but the two cubs were visible over the grass.

Could it be a boy and a girl?

Saying the Bedtime Prayers?

Sweet!

It was time for us to retire too.
We headed to the bungalow. When we arrived, we were a bit disappointed to hear that Gamini, the Tusker had just been there looking for food…come to think of it, we did hear some crackers – Kule and crew had used crackers to chase him away. We had missed a Tusker by a mere few minutes!

A good wash and a delicious dinner brightened our spirits, and we dozed off happily on the beds in the verandah, bathed in moonlight, to the lullaby of the sea.

The next morning, we were told to go to Rukvila as early as possible since the famous Rukvila cubs come there early morning to drink from it. When we got there, we could see fresh pug marks, but no cubs in sight. We drove towards the rocks, and as we took the bend, there was a leopard lying on a rock by the side of the road! Our driver for the day was a very young chap (Sumudu had a previous booking). Neither our tracker nor driver spotted it, and when my cousin who spotted it first said “Leopard”, our driver suddenly braked and stopped the Jeep right in front of the leopard! It looked at us for a couple of seconds (I thought he looked quite annoyed!), quickly got up, crossed the road and went up the rock. There was hardly anytime to get the cameras out… Lesson learnt : when a leopard is spotted suddenly, if you can’t give the Leopard a good distance, slowly drive by past it, turn and come back slowly. Give the leopard space so as not to bother or startle it. This will also give you good shutter chances than stopping abruptly in front.

We waited at the spot, being the only Jeep there. And a few minutes later the Rukvila Cubs appeared, Leopards 8,9 and 10.

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I may look sweet

but I can be scary too

climbing up the steep rock together

.	A beautiful finale

The last and final Leopard No. 11 was a very sleepy cub napping on a far-away rock near the fishing village.

I really wished I had a longer lens!

Afternoon round was nearing the end, and we had almost given up hopes of a Tusker, when we spotted an Elephant Family drinking water in a small pond. We stopped by to observe and the babies started playing in the mud! It was so sweet!

“Little Bro, I am gonna push you!”

Mission accomplished! See the small one on all fours? He had a time getting up!  But he sure was enjoying himself!

Then they came out and started playing again

Trunk Sumo?

A close up – Wait a minute! Could that be a small tusk on the little one in the right?

Have we completed the BIG THREE???
It seems like a Baby Tusker to ME
Well, I will leave it to you to decide

Thank you very much for reading!
Hope you enjoyed it.

We( 5 of us) started at 2.15 am on the 4th of November from Colombo and reached Yala office at 5.45 am. We were joined by 5 others who had come the previous day from Kandy and had stayed in Thissa.The group consisted of 3 families and 2 others who opted to leave the families behind. Buthuwa was booked for the 1st day and Ondaatje for the 2 nd night.Our tracker as usual was Shalika( t/p: 0776808666 ) and we went in at 6.10 as the office opens at 6 these days.

By 7.30 we had seen 3 leopards ( One at Rukwila) and a tusker as well.

1st at rukvila	2nd and 3rd
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Tusker (Gamini)	Tusker
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After making the round as planned we had breakfat near the river and crossed to go to block 2.We had to tow the Hi-Lux cab 3 times as there were mud and water from the rains in the previous days but it was expected and we wre prepared for that. We wanted to go upto the devalaya( Okanda) but came back as there was a noise in one of the jeeps.

.	Black Eagle
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Very Close	Ches nut Headed Bee Eater
Lesser Sand Plover	.
Jackals

Aferwards we proceeded to Buthuwa and after having lunch went to Thissa and got the jeep repaired.By the time we went back to the bungalow it was 7.30. We had a barbeque and some refreshments before dinner as well.It started raining heavily with lightning and thunder and we only could hope for the best.

The following morning when we woke up at 4.15 the stars were shining and we started at 5.30 and by 5.45 the sun rose and it was a beautiful day.And then the Leopard fiesta started and we were entertained by 9 leopards during the day. One was seen by only the jeep in front and 2 others were seen only and could not be photographed but it was so exciting and fulfilling.

4th	4th
5th	6th Crossing
6th Crossing	6th Crossing
7th	7th
7th	Button Quail
Croc	In full swing
In full swing	In full swing
Wild Boar	Changeble Hawk Eagle
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.	8th
8th

We missed the bear may be by hours but had left the unmistakable foot prints .

Bear marks..	Grey headed fish Eagle
Honey Buzaard	Common Iora
Whiskered Tern	9th Leopard to see
9th	9th
Yellow wattled lapwing

The 2nd night was spent at Ondaatje where the surrounding area was fantastic but the place was realy rundown with no maintenenace done which was sad to see and also annoying as we paid good money and also the income in Yala has risen dramatically.Though we made another trip inside the following morning also we could not see anyone though it was hot and sunny day but we were quite content , happy and thrilled as our mission was fully accomplished except the fact that there were very few elephants around.

Jungle fowl

I was away from Sinharaja for too long…….  It had been more than a year since the previous visit. Its a place which you can’t stay away from for long so I had to some how squeeze a two day trip in July. It  was going to be Thihela’s first visit to Sinharaja as well.

We left Moratuwa around 8.00 in the morning.  With no stops, we straigt away drove to the Blue magpie lodge. We reached there just passed noon.

This was my first visit to the Bluemagpie lodge. The lodge was located bordering a paddy field and a tea field. In front of the lodge, across a narrow concrete village road, was a crystal clear stream which was so inviting for a dip.

Shallow pool was so inviting

View Upstream from where we were bathing

rest of the day was dedicated for relaxation (a.k.a sleeping ). The lodge was well maintained and had all basic facilities required for a comfortable stay. The staff was friendly and very helpful. All in all it was a pleasant experience at the Blue magpie lodge.

After a good night sleep, we woke up to a beautiful morning.

Early Morning at Blue Magpie Lodge

Dining area overlooking paddy fields

After breakfast we thought of doing a short walk inside the forest.

The forest department ticket office has now been relocated further towards the protected area entrance on the Jeep track. The road up to the new ticket office is well paved. There is a parking area in front of the office as well. This new setup effectively reduces the length of the walk to the entrance of the forest from 2.5km to 1.5km.  The jeep track is now closed for vehicles and therefore you have to use the alternative jeep tack through the village (check trail map) if you want to drive up to the forest entrance (4WD only)

After completing the formalities we were greeted by our guide “Ajith”. Since we had the little one with us, we decided to drive up to the forest entrance.

By the time we entered the forest it was around 9.00 a.m. It was way past the prime bird watching window. It wasn’t meant to be a bird watching walk anyway.

We started walking leasurely towards the research center along the jeep track. Thihela was throughly enjoying his first walk in the rainforest. A lot of things facinated him on the way but what really caught his eyes was the little pool with a large shool of fish, on the side of the road.

Lush Green

Walking in a new world!

Fascinated by the large school of fish in the road side pool

The forest was full of may other fascinating creatures such as this Caterpillar swinging in the cool breeze

Even though we were not particuallry behind birds, we were pelasantly surprised when we came across a fairly large feeding flock where we were able to observe species such as Red Faced Malkoha, Malabar Trogon and couple other regular endemic species of bablers along with other regular feeding flock species.

We leisurrly reached the summer hut at the second Mulawella entrace at which point Ajith told us that there was a pair of frogmouth roosting in a tree fern and went to see whether they are still their. After some searching in the forest he came back with the good news. He had located them!

We were really happy to see the pair peacefully perched on a tree fern. Eventhough the location and light was not ideal to take pictures, I managed to take couple of “Average shots”

Pair of Frogmounth

Location and Light condition was not ideal but manageable

A closer frame with a long zoom Point and shoot

We spent a considerable time observing and photographing these rare Owls and came back to the summer hut to find another beautiful visitor at close range.

It was a flock of Blue Magpies. There were couple of individuals hanging in and around the summer hut. They appeared to be very comfortable with us and I could get as close as couple of feet from them.

Eye Catching Blue Magpie at Close range

Another one

They appeared to be very comfortable with People. So much so that one of them would even perch on a pillar of one of the concrete benches where we were seated!

The blue magpies were there for the entire duration of our stay at the summer hut. It appeared that they gather there when ever a group comes there to rest. These were clear signs of people feeding these birds there. In my opinion it is a bad trend which I have not previously observed in Sinharaja (Even though feeding wild animals have become serious concerns elsewhere for an example people feeding wild elephants at Udawalawa, See discussions Begging Elephants at Udawalawa and Elephant Beggars….)

We left the blue magpies and started walking back to the entrance. Up on our arrival at the gate guard brought us news of a GreenPit viper at a closeby location. It was easy to locate it with the information privided by the guard and the conditions were good of some macro shots.

The last photo opportunity of the day was a good one

green pitviper - a more serious look!

After a satisfying couple hour walk, we thanked our guide Ajith, particularly for his enthusiasm to show us most of the forest and locating some “not so easy to spot” species on his own initiative. We got back in to the double cab and drove back to the Blue Magpie Lodge.

after another cool bath in the river, we had lunch and drove back home. It was a short but an eventful two days at Sinharaja.

We started our journey at about 9 pm from Colombo with five members and headed directly to kurunegala to accompany with the other two. We spend the night at kurunegala and headed towards puttalm early morning, from this point onwards our crew was 7 in Hilux Vigo cab and a motor car. Road condition is excellent we only spend 45 minutes to travel 87 Kms. At puttalam we had our breakfast and drive towards Willpattu on A12 Puttalam Anuradhapura road.

We reached Wilpattu park entrance at about 9.30am and we had a grand welcome from the members of the Wildlife office since one of our crew members is senior State counselor who has helped DWC (Department of Wildlife Concervation) people quite lot punishing hunters and poachers at the Nochchiyagama courts.

Just before we entered into the park

Then we met Mr. Munasinghe who was willing to join with us as our tracker but actually he is a assistant Ranger, with help of him we contacted a safari jeep. It was a 4DR5 jeep. At last we entered the park at about 10 am and headed directly to Kokmote bungalow.

On the way to Kokmote

On the way to Kokmote

We reached Kokmote at about 12 noon and had an unfortunate incident minutes after we arrived. One of our crew member had cut his finger severely while re trying to cut a king coconut. We had no option other than taking him to Nochchiyagama hospital since we were at deep inside the thick jungle 48 Km away from the park entrance. So Jayathilake Uncle who is our jeep owner, left behind his 4DR5 and get into our hilux cab and flew towards Nochiyaagama again.

They came back at about 4.30 after getting treatment to the wound. Our friend had 8 stitches to his finger and back on his feet again.

At Kokmote Bungalow

Rushing towards Nochchiyaagama and Coming back…..

Everything went fine after that and we had a short safari session on that evening. We visited several villus, but didn’t had enough luck to see a leopard.

Next day morning we packed our goods again and moved towards kudiramalei and came to panikka vila Wildlife Bungalow where we stayed that night. If any one willing to planning a trip to wilpattu, better to reserve Talawila, Manawila or Panikka Wila bungalows. Those are best places to see wildlife. Kokmote is little bit luxurious bungalow but it’s quite isolated and cannot see much animals nearby. All the wildlife bungalows were solar powered (No hot water, no refrigerator but having light inside a thick jungle is vital) and carefully maintained, all of them had new linen and new mattresses.

Panikka Wila Wildlife Bungalow

We were able to see a pair of Sloth bears near the Maradanmaduwa tank bund, but unfortunately we couldn’t take any photograph because our DSLR ran out of battery life. Any way we met quite lot of wildlife in our stay but not lucky enough to meet any of the legendary Wilpattu leopards.

We met this eagle flying over the Kali villuwa	Croc at Kokari Villuwa
Near Maha Pathessa wila	.
.	තුන්පත් රෑන…. Off the Maradanmaduwa tank bund.

This trip too was organised for 2 purposes. The first day was dedicated for all the religeous activities.We started at 6 from Battaramulla and went to Saman Devalaya in Ratnapura and took part in the morning poojawa.Afterwards had breakfast that we had prepared in Pelmadulla and took our time taking photos of Birds and the Elephants near the fence in Udawalawe and arrived at the guest house for lunch. In the evening we went to Sella Kataragama, Kiri vehera and to the main devalaya and went to bed early.

The following day we hired a 4* 4 defender that has 9 very comfortable jeep which came and picked us at 4.45 ( For the full day he charged 9000/-) The driver was Janaka a very experienced and an interesting young boy. We were the first to enter the park at 5.40am and our tracker was Shalika may the best tracker around. (0776808666)

As soon as we entered the 2 started taking us to most of the rocky places famous for LEOPARDS and at 6.10 we came across this family at Rukwila and the pictures will tell the story.

At Play.....	.
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At Play..	.
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Mother Leopard in a pensive mood	Mother Leopard in a pensive mood
Relaxing...	Relaxing...
Relaxing...

It was amazing to watch and after that we had the luck to see 2 more during the day : one on a rock and another on a tree.It was a treat to watch and one of the best movements in wild life encounters . This was followed by coming face to face with a herd of Elephants with the young who were just meters away from the vehicles. and it was a very satisfying and a good day for photography.

Sleeping while standing	Sucking Milk
Protecting the young	Protecting the young
Protecting the young	Protecting the young
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Expecting a baby...	Closer to the Vehicle
Closer to the Vehicle	Closer to the Vehicle
Closer to the Vehicle	Protecting the young
Protecting the young	Protecting the young
crossing the road	crossing the road
crossing the road	crossing the road
.	crossing the road

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Openbill Feeding	Openbill Feeding
Openbill Feeding	Openbill Feeding

Coming out of the hideout	Coming out of the hideout
Coming out of the hideout	Coming out of the hideout
Coming out of the hideout

Relaxing on a tree	Relaxing on a tree
Relaxing on a tree	Relaxing on a tree
Relaxing on a tree

Showing off...	Showing off...
Showing off...	Showing off...

Sunset at its best	Sunset at its best
Sunset at its best	Sunset at its best

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

Since we have not been to down south for a while thought to organize family trip to Kataragama and then to Yala national park. We took following root starting from Matugama and crew was 3 adults and my son who is just 3 years old and we were traveling by car.

1st Day – 18th July 2011

We took Galle road and we depart from home early morning 5.30 AM since we are planning to visit Weherahena and Wawrukannala temples in Matara as part of this trip. Took our breakfast at Koggala beach and drive towards Matara and arrived at weherahena around 9 AM. Since this is a week day (Monday) there were only few visitors to the temple and we had good chance to observe the Lord Buddha statue (It says tallest statue in Sri Lanka but not sure since Kandewihara Lord Buddha statue might be taller than that) and also Umang wihara (tunnel) art works as well.

Koggala beach – Galle road

Weherahena Raja maha viharaya – Matara

Next destination was Wawrukanala temple at Dikwela and it was nice to see great Load Buddha statue and also the famous tunnel paintings and Sculptures to represent Yama Raja and Apaya (under word). It is sad to say that most of the paintings are ruined and damaged by visitors

Wewurukannala Raja maha Viharaya – Dikwella (Matara)	Yama raja statue at Wewurukannala raja maha viharaya
Ancient clock at Wewurukannala raja maha viharaya

Road condition from Tangalle to Ambalantota was in excellent condition and drive speed was almost between 90 to 100 Km/h and at last got caught to Police for crossing single line Had to pay the price (Rs. 550 penalty) and such a time wastage

There was so many massive construction work going on at Hambantota – Weerawila area due to 2018 Commonwealth Games preparations (Not sure whether 2018 games will be given to Sri Lanka or Gold Coast – Australia). Here roads are extremely wide and in top condition and you are welcome drive at top speed.

salterns (ලුණු ලේවාය) at Hambantota	Wind mills to produce electricity at Hambantota
Beauty of mother nature – Weerawila

We arrived Tissamaharama around 1.00 PM and we took our lunch close to Tissamaharama tank. This is a nice place to relax and perfect place for Bird watching in the Tissamaharama tank. If you have a Binocular you can easily observe so many water birds and also if you have time you can take a boat ride around the lake for Rs. 500

Tissamaharama tank – best place for Birth watching

You can have a boat ride in Tissamaharama tank

After the lunch we rushed to Kataragama and drive towards Katagamuwa to visit Sithulpawwa temple. Road was in gravel condition and dusty but there were only few potholes and we drove almost 50 KM/h speed across the Kataragama protected wild life sanctuary towards Katagamuwa entrance point of Yala. Middle of the way we observed few birds including
Blue-faced Malkoha

Katagamuwa entrance point to Yala was still closed for visitors and totally governed by the SL Army. We heard that they are going to open Katagamuwa entrance to Yala on 30th July 2011. We took permission from Army personal to drive towards Sithulpawwa and it is 18 KM from Kataragama to Sithulpawwa and it took about 1/2 hour drive to reach there.

Sithulpawwa was nice place to overview Yala national park in birds eye and temple and facilities were well maintained. At sithulpawwa we saw Tusk elephant which had got used to visit temple area to eat garbage thrown by visitors. There were large group of wild monkeys (25 to 50) at temple premises where we parked our vehicle and while we were out they took vehicle under their custody and we had to fight back to drive them away.

Kataragama dewalaya - Kataragama	Kiri-wehera chaithyaya – Kataragama
Tusk elephant at Sithulpawwa raja maha viharaya	“Leave me alone” – Deer at Sithulpawwa raja maha viharaya
Man made pond at rock mountain at Sithulpawwa Raja maha viharaya	Ancient විහාර ගෙය at Sithulpawwa temple
Yala national park from Sithulpawwa mountain	කුට්ටම් පොකුණ (Twin Ponds) at Sithulpawwa Temple
Small වැව (tank) at Sithulpawwa	කුඩා සිතුල්පව්ව
Sithulpawwa chaithyaya

Our next destination was Yoda kandiya (close to Kirinda) and there was 35 KM gravel road from Sithulpawa to Yoda kandiya but we heard road condition was not good and therefore we came back to Kataragama and visited Kiri wehera raja maha vihara Temple and then to Kataragama Dewalaya. Due to dry weather water level in Manik ganga was very low.

We drive back to Tissamaharama and drive to Yoda kandiya situated 6 KM from Tissamaharama towards Kirinda. We stay night at Duminda rest house at Yoda kandiya own by Harsha. He was very friendly and helpful to arrange Safari jeep for us to visit Yala next day. Duminda rest house was privately owned small guest house having 3 rooms with attached bath rooms with basic facilities. Room was clean and furnished with 2 double beds. It cost Rs 1000/= for 1 night (room only) and it is well worth to its price. If anyone interested to stay here and arrange Safari jeeps to visit Yala you may call Harsha’s mobile – 0726645587

2nd day – 19th July 2011

Next day we gotup early morning (4 am) and prepared to visit Yala, and our Safari Jeep – Land rover owned by Priyantha came to the guest house around 5 AM early morning. Road condition from Yala junction to Palatupana entrance (12 KM) was in bad condition. We took tickets from the office and there was a museum and an information center at ticketing office providing details regarding the Yala wild life sanctuary. We took tickets for 4 people and for the Guide / Trekker (Priyantha) cost almost Rs. 900/=

Our guide Priyantha told us that there was no raining for almost 2 and 1/2 months and due to that reason Yala was very dry and dusty. We had to wear handkerchief across the nose and mouth (මුඛවාඩම්) to protect from dust when driving through gravel roads inside Yala. Since it was early morning we had a good chance to observe so many birds including following.

1. GREY HERON (Alu Koka)
2. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Re-koka)
3. BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ali-manava)
4. PAINTED STORK (Latuvekiya)
5. BLACK-HEADED IBIS (Hisakalu Deketta)
6. ASIAN OPENBILL(Asiya Vivaratuduva)
7. PIED KINGFISHER (Gomara-pilihuduva)
8. COMMON KINGFISHER (Mal Pilihuduva)
9. SRI LANKA JUNGLEFOWL (Sri Lanka Vali Kukula)
10. INDIAN PEAFOWL (Monara)
11. MALABAR PIED HORNBILL (Poru-kedetta)
12. GREEN BEE-EATER (Punchi Binguharaya)
13. GREEN IMPERIAL PIGEON (Nila Mahagoya)
14. COMMON WOODSHRIKE (Podu Vana-seratitta)
15. ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Asiya Rehenmara)

Also we observe following animals while driving though Yala Park

1. wild rabbit
2. Wild fox
3. wild boar
4. wild buffalo
5. Deer and Gona
6. Crocodile
7. Civet cat (Urulewa)
8. Sri Lankan Leopard

Priyantha’s Land-rower safari jeep	Museum and information center at Yala entrace / ticketing center
Yala entrance	Skeleton (head) of a dead elephant
Off-road experience	Green bee eater
Very rare incident – Peacock (Monara) fully extending feathers	Wild Buffalo – other names “Kula” / “gawara”
his deer wounded by vehicle accident and unable to walk. Our guide tring to help	Wild rabbit – “හාවා”
Wild fox – "හිවලා" / "නරියා"	වළි කුකුලා - Jungle Fowl
Small deer	Female peacock with kids
Water birds	Manik ganga
Giant kumbuk tree at Manik ganga	Nature’s beauty at Manik ganga
Another view from the middle of Manik ganga	Closer view of deer
Flock of wild pigs drinking water	Wild Buffalo enjoying the water bathing
Wild pigs enjoying mud bathing

We are so much lucky to observe 2 Leopards in a tree top. Since it was far away from the Jeep we had to use Binoculars to observe them (too bad it was out of my camera zoom range ) Also we had to face unexpected incident close to Manik ganga block inside Yala. We were at Manik ganga river taking some photographs and suddenly a troop of monkeys were making distress calls (indicating near by danger) and our Trekker / Guide asked us to immediately get in to Jeep since a Leopard was some where close to us. Calls of Monkeys were heard very closely, I guess almost within 100 meters range. We rushed in to Jeep and Priyantha asked Jeep driver to go through the road towards where we heard Monkeys shouting. Just after 50 meters from Manik ganga our Tracker Priyantha found very fresh foot prints of passing by Leopard in the sand. We stay for a while anticipating to see a sight but unfortunately we missed the chance. I took a photograph of the foot print (see the photographs) to memorize this incident.

Very fresh foot print of Leopard – “දිවියා”

After spending almost 4 hours we were so much tired and lucky we had some sandwiches we took with us and we departed from Yala around 10.30 AM and drove towards Kirinda temple.

Kirinda temple and chaithya	Kirinda beach
විහාර මහා දේවි (Vihara maha devi) – statue at Kirinda

After that we drive back to Tissamaharama and took Pannegamuwa road towards Wellawaya road. However road was closed due to construction work and there was an alternative narrow road (recently concreted) that joined the middle of walawaya road. I am totally disappointed since I was planing to spend couple of hours at Weerawila tank and Pannegamuwa tank for Bird watching.

Yoda kandiya tank (between Tissamaharama and Kirinda)

Tissamaharama chaithya

Road condition from Tanamalwila to Udawalawe was perfect and we drove our car almost 100 KM/h. Close to Udawalawe we saw more than 5 elephants waiting near the electric fence until someone offer them food. I stop the car and took some photographs as well. There were some small shops close by and I asked whether those elephants come everyday and their response was people throwing fruits (pooja wati) close to fence and due to that reason elephants used to come and eat them.

Just after drive over the Udawalawe dam (View of Udawalawe tank and surrounding from the dam was fantastic), We went to Udawalawe – ඇත් අතුරු සෙවන : The elephant transit Home and we were happy to see baby elephants feeding with milk and enjoyed their freedom after that. While we were there one of the Safari Jeep fellows asked us to visit Udawalawe for Rs 2500 (I am not sure if this the correct cost for a Jeep safari in Udawalawe ?) but we refused since we are totally tired after Yala trip.

Elephant near electric fence at Udawalawe	Udawalawe tank
Baby elephants at “ඇත් අතුරු සෙවන” – Udawalawe	Baby elephant enjoy freedom after milk feeding

We drove across Godakawela towards Palmadula and took shortcut to Niwithigala from Kahawata that leads to nice road across beautiful tea plantations in Rathnapura district. After reaching niwitigala we took road towards Kalawana and then to Baduraliya. We came across Athwaltota and nice to drive across this road and we almost feel like we are going across Sinharaja rain forest

After Baduraliya we drive to Matugama and and finaly we are back home.

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

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

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

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

Climb this ladder to get into the first floor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Museum at Kaudulla

Museum at Kaudulla

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

He was about 50 meters away from our jeep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pagoda at Seruwila templ

A walk round the temple

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

War ravaged building

Closer view of same building

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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