This trip was done some time back in 2009, but still I cherish the memorable experience of this fantastic place. The other reason which prompted me to write this report is to clear the erroneous doubts among the members of this forum about the ‘bookings getting cancelled’.

You can reserve this place in advance but they accept money and confirm your reservation only two weeks before the arrival date. Once you pay, your booking is confirmed and there is very rare chance of getting it cancelled.

We started from Gampaha and came to Galewela through Kurunegala/Dambulla road and turned left at Galewela junction and drove another 20 Km to reach this magnificent place.

This is an extremely isolated place, surrounded by huge Kala wewa and blessed with the cool and continuous breeze throughout the day. I have stayed in many government circuit bungalows but I have no hesitation in ranking this place as one of the best. This place is very well maintained. Rooms, bathrooms and the garden are kept spotless. There are five A/C rooms with attached bathrooms, with H/C water. Meals are provided at a very nominal rate. Entire house is Rs 7500/= for one day. If you wish you can book even one room for Rs 1500/=. You can reserve this place from Mahaweli Authority Head office at Colombo. Tele 0112687491-5. Call Miss. Suba on 4th floor. I spoke to her recently and she said ‘Bookings getting cancelled’ is a false rumor. She is handling this subject for the past one year and there wasn’t a single cancellation so far.

This bungalow was built for a British Governor and then it was renovated for Queen Elizabath who came to Sri Lanka in 1981. Originally, it was a three roomed bungalow and in 2001 the VIP lounge with another two rooms were built in same premises.

Front view of the bungalow

Newly built VIP lounge

This magnificent tank Kalawewa which is the best engineered irrigation scheme of the ancient world and having a circumference of 40 miles, was built by king Dathusena who ruled the country from 455 AD to 473 AD. He built 18 irrigation tanks and also the Yoda Ela (Jaya ganga), a canal which carry water from Kalawewa to Tisawewa.

King Dathusena’s son Kassapa (who built Seegirya) rebelled against his father and jailed him to grab the throne. Kassapa believed that his father had vast amount of hidden treasures and threatened him to show them. Then Dathusena had taken Kassapa to Kalawewa and showed the water in it and said ‘This is the only treasure I earned so far’. Kassapa got annoyed with this and killed his father by plastering him to the bund of Kalawewa.

According to some inscriptions seen around the bunglow, Kalawewa had been renovated twice in A.D.1887 and A.D.1939, during the period of D.S.Senanayaka as Minister of Agriculture.

Renovated in A.D. 1887	Renovated in A.D. 1939
Giant Kalawewa seen from the bungalow	Footsteps from the bungalow to Kalawewa

This is an excellent bathing place and you can walk more than 200 meters deep into the Kalawewa safely. The cool dip in kalawewa went on for more than three hours.

Whole Kalawewa was ours’

After getting soaked for more than three hours we had a late lunch around 3 pm. Then we had a walk around Kalawewa and noticed most parts of the kalawewa were dried off, as there was no rain for few months

Dried off and the Water levels were low	Lonely
Gift of nature, on the bund of Kalawewa	One of the spillway of Kalawewa

In the evening we went to Anuradhapura and it was an one hour(60 KM) drive from this place through Kekirawa. As it was late in the evening we visited very few places. When we came back to the bungalow it was around 9.00 pm. Then we all sat down outside the bungalow for a sing song which kept all of us alive until the dinner is ready.

Ruwanweli Seya	Sri Maha Bodiya
Lowa Maha Paya	Sing song under moon light

Next day we visited Avukana statue which is only ten minutes drive from this place. This colossal standing Budda statue with a height of 46 feet is located at the west of Kalawewa and carved out of a single rock, is another wonderful work of king Dathusena. This statue was carved in such a way that early rays of the rising sun hit the top of the statue and it looks though the statue was eating the first rays of the rising sun. Hence it was named ‘Avukana’ as ‘Avu’ means ‘awwa’ (Sun rays) and ‘Kana’ means eating. Therefore the best time of the day to view this statue is dawn. This statue is a magnificent creation of the master sculptor named ‘Barana’. But some folklore says the sculptor is unknown. The robe worn tightly with neat pleats and clearly outlining the shape of the body was gracefully carved from a rough coarse rock. This merely explains the excellence of the Sri Lankan craftsmanship. This is one of the best handcrafts of ancient Sri Lankan artists.

While we were at Avukana statue, all of a sudden an unexpected flock of white storks invaded the place and intensified the serenity of the statue.

A flock of white storks invaded Unexpectedly

The robe worn tightly with neat pleats and clearly outlining the shape of the body

From Avukana we headed towards ‘Resvehera’ (also call Sesuruwa) through Galnewa, a less known historic rock temple, which is about 20 KM away from this place. First part of the road from Galnewa was narrow but fine with huge trees and faddy fields on both sides of the road. Last few kilo meters were gravel and dusty, but can manage even with a law clearance vehicle.
This temple which is situated in a sanctuary in North Western province with an extent of 1468 acres, was built during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa in 237 BC. Ancient rock inscriptions found in this place prove that there were 99 rock caves and 365 buddhist monks had lived in it.

There are two Budda statues, one was standing and the other reclining. The standing statue with a height of 42 feet is similar to that of Avukana but does not have the same finish. The workmanship looks inferior and it appears that it was left in an unfinished state of sculpturing for some unknown reason. The reclining statue with a length of 39 feet is found inside a cave. This is the only reclining Budda statue in a rock temple where pilgrims could walk right round it.

Standing statue, workmanship looks inferior

An ancient bed found inside a cave

The reclining statue with a length of 39 feet is inside a cave

The Bo tree which is a sapling that was brought from Jaya Siri Maha Bodi is spreading its branches around and standing majestically in front of the shrine cave. This Bo tree is protected by a three meter tall 4 layers of tightly packed stones.

Bo tree is spreading its branches around and standing majestically	‘Makara thorana’ (Dragon’s painting) of the Image house
Shrine cave	Chief priest Rev Nugegoda Vajiratissa Thero

Rev. Vajiratissa Thero, is supporting the poor villagers of the area and requests pilgrims to help with donations especially for school children with books, pencils etc.

Next day on our way back we stepped into Vijithapura Raja Maha Viharaya another historic place which is just fifteen minutes drive from this circuit bungalow towards Kekirawa.
The final battle between King Dutugemunu and king Elara had taken place here. Vijithapura was a highly fortified stronghold of king Elara.
King Dutugemunu who was ascended to the throne after the death of his father king Kawantissa (King of Ruhuna) had arrived with his army from down south. On the way they have captured number of forts and cities that were under King Elara. Finally they attacked this stronghold Vijithapura with the help of his ten champions (ten giant warriors) and the royal elephant Kandula and became the king of Anuradhapura, bringing the entire country under his rule.

Although there is no much historic evidence, the temple is littered with old ruins. The most interesting out of these is the ‘Kadu Ge Gala’ (කඩු ගෑ ගල), a granite stone used by Dutugemunu’s soldiers to sharpen their swords. This stone shows that it had been used heavily.

Kadu Ge Gala (කඩු ගෑ ගල)

Image house of Vijithapura

From Vijithapura we drove back home on the same route

Thank You for reading this report.

We started our journey at about 4.15 A.M on 27 th August from Colombo. Our crew consists of 07. (5 adults of between 45-55 and 2 children between 18-23.)

Our first stop was at Kurunegala for our breakfast. After the breakfast we drove through Dambulla,Nelumkulama and turned left to Anuradhapura air force camp road through Wilachchiya road to Nellikulama.

Nellikulama was a modern temple but its concept was little different from our traditional temple.

statues of 500 Arahat Buddhist monks	statues of 500 Arahat Buddhist monks
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After visiting Nellikulama temple we proceeded towards Wilachchiya and turned right to the Thanthirimale temple. The road was very good condition even a small car you can travel without any problem. In the Thanthirimale we had our lunch and then started to climb the rock temple.

Thanthirimale temple	Thanthirimale temple
Thanthirimale temple	Thanthirimale temple

This was an excellent location for Buddhist temple. Really very calm place. But I think the evening is preferred to visit this place because of the hot sun. In early days this area was called as Thivanka Bamunugama.The temple was on the top of the vast rock surface. Heavy wind in these days.

The temple was on the top of the vast rock surface

The temple was on the top of the vast rock surface

Road from Thanthirimale to Gajasinghapura camp junction at Madawachchi - Mannar road

We started our journey again at about 4.00 p.m from Thanthirimale to Mannar.
The road from Thanthirimale to gajasinghapura camp at Madawachchi- Mannar (A 14) road was a gravel road but not bad, easy to travel even a small car because no large pot holes. A14 road was a carpet road up to Madhu junction but after the Madhu junction also road was good condition.

A 14 road – Madawachchiya- Mannar road

Donkeys at Mannar road

Through A14 road we proceed up to Murunkan and turned left and go to Silawathura and from Silawathura again turned right to Arippu. From Silawathura to Arippu road was gravel road with lot of pot holes but can manageable for a car with slow speed.

In the Arippu you can visit old Doric house remains. We came to the Arippu at about 6.00 p.m. Very heavy winds at the beach area.

Doric house at Arippu	.
Inside of the Doric house - steps to the top floor	View from inside of the Doric house
.	Arippu beach
Doric tower	.

After a nice relax evening at the Arippu beach, we started our journey again to find our night station, Four Tees rest at Mannar. Actually to go to FourTeess you have to travel another 7 miles from Mannar to Thalaimannar road .Then you find small junction called Thottaweli junction and turned left to that junction and proceeded another 700 meters, and just next to the Thottaweli railway station you can find Four Teess rest inn.

Four Tees rest at Mannar	Four Tees rest at Mannar
Thottaweli railway station	A passenger waiting for the train!

We arrived to Four Teess at about 7.30 p.m , The owner of the Rest Mr. Lawrence was a good kind hearted person. He can speak English well but not Sinhala. But some of the helping people can speak Sinhala. After a hot cup of tea and having a good bath we have just relaxed till our dinner was ready. The dinner (rice and curry with prawn curry) was not much tasty but good enough to eat. The place was good clean and enough space, large rooms and not too much crowded. The rest has 4 large rooms with clean attached bathrooms. The large room has an A/C with 4 beds.

After a good sleep (no mosquitoes) next morning we get ready before 7.00 a.m, as planned for our boat trip to Adams bridge sand islands. Mr. Lawrence, as our request arranged idly for our breakfast. That was really tasty. After the breakfast we hurried to Thalaimannar pier. That was about 18 km trip and anyway we arrived to the pier at 7.45 a.m.
That was the time we got the heartbreaking news regarding cancellation of boat trips due to heavy winds. Then no choice and we have just relaxing few hours at pier and returned to the rest and get ready for the return journey.

Dung beetles	House sparrow
Great egret	Thalaimannar lighthouse

Thalaimannar pier

The boats used to visit Adams Bridge	Crabs removing Sand balls from their holes of the beach
Biobab tree –Circumference –19.51 m, Height -7.5 m	Biobab flowers
.	Mannar Dutch fort

Mannar old railway bridge blasted by L.T.T.E	.
.	Another Biobab tree
.	Giant tank at Mannar
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In return journey we have stop Jana Awanhala at Giant tank for our lunch operated by Sri-Lanka Army . The place was good and tasty foods and reasonable price also. After the lunch we have visited Madhu church and return to Colombo .

Maranda Madhu Church	No matter you are black or small ! We are friends…….
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We intended to cover Trinco and surrounding places of interest as much as possible and the trip was planned to the minute detail. However unexpected bad weather, poor road conditions and Grease Yaka prevented us from touching all places, meaning another trip when time permits!!!!

We started from Malabe at 11.00 pm on 12.08.2011 and reached Kantale by 4.00 am on 13.08.2011. As the road leading to Seruwila was deserted and in a very bad condition with a chance to meet elephants, we preferred to stay at Kantale till day break. However a lorry came from out of blue and they wanted to go to Mutur via Seruwila. We followed them. However before reaching the jungle area they panicked and stopped. Army personnel at a camp encouraged us to go ahead. When we called the Nayaka Hamuduruwo of Seruwila two days before, he too told us that elephants are harmless and avoid vehicle lights. So we continued our journey on a worst possible road and reached the temple by 6.00 am.

Two days before, when we called Nayaka Hamuduruwo, we asked what the temple requires most and we were informed that few FCL bulbs would be appropriate. I circulated a list in my office and we were able to purchase high quality 25 bulbs!!!!.
13th was Poya Day. Nayaka Hamuduruwo was so please about our contribution and gave us a special “Punyanumodanawa”

Chief Monk giving us Punyanumodanawa	Chaithiya at dawn. Lalata Dhathu is imbedded in this Sthupa
More Photos of Seruwila	More Photos of Seruwila
More Photos of Seruwila

From Seruwila we proceed towards Lankapatuna but failed to complete journey due to extremely bad road conditions.

So we turned back and proceed to Mutur.

We planned to go around Koddiyar Bay through A15 road but all people we asked discouraged us. Finally we selected a new road which is still under construction that connects to A15 near Kinniya Bridge.

Kinniya Bridge – Longest in the country	Kinniya Bridge
Kinniya Bridge

Through an Air Force friend, we have reserved VIP section of Marble Beach for bathing and lunch.

Common beach was packed with locals who have paid Rs.20 to Air Force base to get access. VIP section is more or less deserted.

Marble Beach is one of the best beaches in the country with crystal clear shallow water with no waves at all. Bathing there is a tranquilizing experience.

Even the high cost of lunch (Rs.750 per head!!!!!) did not dampen our excitement!!!.

Marble Beach	Marble Beach
Marble Beach	Marble Beach
Restaurant

After Lunch, we proceeded to see the famous tank farm. It is presently under a long term lease with IOC and they discourage people visiting the site. We had to get the permission from Senior In charge, Mr. Chandrakanthan (0262233283/0759278689)

The tank farm consists of more than 100 huge tanks. IOC is using only 6 tanks.

On the 9th, April 1942, a Japanese bomber crashed onto one tank and the resultant inferno took 7 days to subside. There Japanese were killed.

Tank 91 (Click Image to Enlarge)	Monument Built in memory of suicide bombers has vanished but the cross which held it still intact
Remains of the melted tank	.
.	Other Tanks are rotting in the jungle

After the Tank Farm, we went to our place of stay.

Golden Beach Cottages was recommended by one of our Navy friends. It is in the close vicinity of Trinco town. The complex has around 12 cottages. Each can accommodate 3, but any number is ok with the management provided you can rough out. It has a beach front and a restaurant. Cottage charge is Rs. 3000 per day. Lunch/Dinner is Rs.350 per head and Breakfast is Rs.250. The place is homely.

People enjoying in the beach front of the hotel

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14.08.2011 (Sunday)

Early morning we started from Trinco towards Pulmoddai. Near 39th KM post, at Kuchchiveli, there is a Navy Camp. Behind the camp, neat the beach on a hillock, there is some ruins of a Sthupa known as Pichchamal Viharaya (Kuchchaveli Viharaya).

Hillock is known as Karandi Malai (Walas Kanda).

You have to get permission from the camp to visit the place.

Pichchamal Viharaya - Kuchchaveli Viharaya (Click Image to Enlarge)	Click Image to Enlarge
Walas Kanda	Pichchamal Viharaya
Pichchamal Viharaya	Pichchamal Viharaya
Pichchamal Viharaya	Pichchamal Viharaya
Pichchamal Viharaya

We proceeded further to reach Girihandu Seya at Thiriyaya. This is the place where Thapassu and Bhalluka constructed the first sthupa in the country by embedding Kesha Dhathu. The area is glutted with ruins.

Girihandu Seya at Thiriyaya (Click Image to Enlarge)	Stone Script
Meaning (Click Image to Enlarge)	Stone Bridge
Road to Stupa	Road to Stupa
Ruined Stupa	.
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From Thiriyaya we continued towards Pulmoddai on a fine road with newly constructed steel bridges that have replaced several ferries on the way. Road was virtually deserted enabling us to take photos posing on the middle of the road.

Yarn (Yaan) Oya

Yarn (Yaan) Oya

Our desired destination was another beautiful beach called Arisimalai Beach. In Tamil, Arisimalai means a mountain of Samba Rice.

Turning right from Pulmoddai town and passing the typical black beach, we reached the entrance of Arisimalai beach. A short walk through a lusty patch of jungle ended at a closed alcove of a beach which is miraculously saved from black beach by protective rock formation. The sand is pure Samba.

Entrance to Arisimalai	Walk through Wilderness
To the Beach	Protective Rock Formation
Samba	.

From Arisimalai, we drove back to Nilaveli and visited Pigeon Island. It is glad to see that Navy is enforcing security requirements strictly. Our group consisted of 7 adults and one 3 year old child. We had to get a special permission to use one boat as the allowed maximum load is 7 heads!!!!

One good news about Pigeon Island. Approaching beach front of the island used to be a coral graveyard. Now budding corals can be seen here and there. Wildlife Officer warns off visitors from the area. We praised him and he was so happy.

Pigeon Island National Park

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We started back with the rain in progress and met rough weather halfway. Coastline disappeared, wind started screaming, waves came higher and higher and rain drops felt like pebbles. Life jackets were no consolation at all.

Bad Time of Departure

The second day ended like that.

15.08.2011 (Monday)

Our plan included a guided tour in Naval Base and a naval boat trip before rushing back to Colombo.

Early morning brought a bad news. There was a conflict between Navy and residents at Kanniya on Grease Yaka issue and orders were given not to launch any Navy vessel to water as a safety precaution. (Apitamai Wenne!!!). So we had to be satisfied with the guided tour.

Trinco Naval Base is a wonderful place. Our Navy friend described it as a country of its own with a population of more than 10,000. Most part of it is covered by thick jungle. Labyrinth of tunnels, constructed by British, lay underneath of ground formation. Some are used by Navy while most are abandoned to wild animals such as leopards, bears etc. According to our friend, an expedition through them would reveal marvels including things left behind by British.

The most fascinating place is the Hoods Tower Museum.

“The name of the museum refers to a watchtower built on a hill, which commands a 360-degree view of the harbor and the bay. Three massive canons with a five-kilometer range, installed during the British period, keep a silent vigil over the harbor. Used for defense, the canons now form the centerpiece of an impressive array of antiquated military hardware”

Hoods Tower	Top of the Tower
View from the tower	Demonstrative Exhibit – Ship’s Wheel
Ancient Fort built by a King – Now a part of Museum	Ancient Fort built by a King
Massive Canons - Description (Click Image to Enlarge)	Massive Canon – Loading Point
Massive Canon – Firing Point	Massive Canon – Seen from outside
Massive Canon – Seen from outside	Weapons captured from LTTE
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Boats captured from LTTE	LTTE Submarine
.	Suicide Boat

The Naval Base has two nice beaches called Elephant Point and Coral Cove.

At the Museum we saw some moving photos of a rescue operation where Navy personnel were saving the life of an elephant who was swept to sea while trying to cross the shallow water. Elephant Point is the place where they saw the elephant

Elephant Point	.
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Approach to Coral Cove – Scenic	.
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Among these rocks – Wanderland of Fishes	.
.	Nice Location to have lunch – All facilities available
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We left Trinco by 2.00 pm and had a late lunch on the dam of Kantale Tank.

lunch on the dam of Kantale Tank

END OF ANOTHER TRIP

This is the first time we visited to Riverseturn. That was windy season for Riverstone and best time to visit. The breathtaking surroundings, strong cool winds and challenging hikes. But the pitawala pathana was very dry at that time. According to the local persons, they didn’t get rain from 2-3 months. You can see how dry it was. We visited to Thelgamuwa oya for bath but we saw not enough water for that. Then we visited to Sera fall. We didn’t see large and beautiful water fall because of lack of rain.

We started our journey from Colombo and all the crew members gathered at our office. We used one of crew member’s(Amalka) van as vehicle. We stayed at Longvilla Bungalow at night and it was a good place. Next day morning we were back in Colomobo.

Give me your comments about our unforgettable journey.

Please make sure you read this before make you first step into “Riversturn Gap”	Through the mist to the top
The image is not faded , it’s the mist	Charging..? Or Showing up...? If anyone got the general name and the scientific name for this please share
Beautiful flowers	Beautiful flowers, All the way to the top of the Reversturn you will see the flowers along the path.
Beauty in the dark (white in black)	Beautiful flowers
Wonder this is an endemic plant…	.

Beautiful flower	For you and me it’s the beauty of the nature but not for all, even a beast can create beauty. For the nature all are the same.
A spider net caught with dew	Unity … But we don’t know exactly what happens here, might be a defensive action
Top of the Reversturn (Reversturn (කිරිමැටිය කන්ද) towers), you can imagine the thickness and why it’s called “Dumbara Kandu wetiya”	Ticketing office – Pitawala Pathana
Entrance to Pitawala Pathana , When the green lands caught in to drought , even at the feet of the “MISTY Mountains”	Pitawala Pathana – Very dry (No rain from long time)
View from top of the Pitawala Pathana	Mountain (24x zoom)

Mist is back …	View of the surrounding mountains from the “Pitawala Pathana”
Notice the mountain peak in the middle , doubt this is “Lakegala” which is famous because The great king Rawana	Nice view
Paddy fields(24x zoom)	.
Danger is just one step away from you... පුංචි ලෝකාන්තය	So please watch your step. පුංචි ලෝකාන්තය
Nice view	Nice view

Misty mountains	Misty mountains
You can see vehicles running in the road from Pitawala pathana (24 x zoom)	තෙල්ගමුව ඔය (No rain from long time)
තෙල්ගමුව ඔය	සේර ඇල්ල (Not enough water) , the basin at the base of fall is really deep as it seems
සේර ඇල්ල	Cave - සේර ඇල්ල

	Our crew – Longvilla bungalow
Sara Moon is also here	Longvilla bungalow

Short Videos

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

Went on a dual purpose trip.The main purpose was to fulfill a vow at Kataragama maha Devalaya.First went to Sella Kataragama and participated in the morning Pujawa at 11.00am and then proceeded to Maha Devalaya. After fulfilling the vow we proceeded to the hotel and had a change of clothes and had lunch and left for Yala around 1.45pm.

We entered the park around 2.30 pm and was lucky to get Saranga as the tracker(He was our tracker on our trip to Kebilitta in 2008). We told him that our priority was to see the Leopard and then Birds and may be a tusker as My wife and daughter were more in to animals than birds.

During the period of 3 hours in the park we were able to see the Leopard , a tusker and a few birds and the photo session was pretty good because of the superb lighting.

Yello Wattled Lapwing	Tusker feeding
Tusker feeding	Majestic pose
On the move	Drinking water just before the Leopard came out
White browed Wagtail	The Illusive Leopard in the open
Going back to the jungle	Going back to the jungle
My teeth are white	Common Kingfisher
Crocs sunbathing	Colourful Indian Roller
Malabar pied Hornbills	Mother with calf

We returned to the hotel and stayed the night and left for Colombo on the same route around 6.30am and reached Colombo around 4pm after stopping at Pelmadulls for lunch.All in all this was a very satisfyinf tripas we were able to see the leopard as you don’t see them often.The photos are attached and hope that you will like them.

Guys let’s have a cup of tea while loading our lungs with cool & fresh breath from the land of the finest Ceylon tea. Being obeying the “Nade Guru”, the vehicle was parked at a village café. We were moving towards Nuwara eliya from Colombo in this morning. Our journey was some what special because we had become bachelors for two days as per the theme assigned.

Being bachelors for two days

Our organizer (“Nade Guru”) Anuruddha was one of my university friends who put the first step to organize a get-together for the gang of closed hostel mates in our university days (which is also known as “ape Kade” in the university sub language). Theme of the get together was set by him as “Exploring lost memories of 15 years back“ because all of us having many sweet memories at Uva – Paranagama (Welimada) in our university days. We planned to explore “Bomburu” fall & the tunnel at “Sthri pura” which was related to the legend of Ravana. One of our batch mates from Uva – Paranagama itself was our facilitator.

Dates were fixed and ten were invited. But participation was limited to five, 50% of the total invited. The rest were looked forward for the next get together due to various reasons. Unfortunately our facilitator was also fallen in to the second category. Since it was no point of celebrating a wedding without the bride, we were compelled to alter the original action plan & the destination was changed to Nuwara Eliya.

Collecting tea leaves is common scenery to the highland

As a travel location; Devon was the first in our journey. 97m height water fall was identified as one of the 20 most spectacular waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It was located at a distance of 7km from Talawakele. There were two main view points located at A7. One was closed to Mlesna tea castle. The other was the lower one which was special because the both Devon & St. Claire falls can be viewed at the same place.

Devon	Mlesna tea castle
Devon

Having traveled few kilometers we reached St. Clair, another fall belonging to the group of 20 most spectacular waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Being the widest waterfall out of the country, it was called as the little Niagara in Sri Lanka. 80m height main fall was located at a distance of 3km from Talawakele. It also could be viewed from the main road (A7).

St. Clair’s fall the little Niagara in SL

How ever it was a sad fact that Devon & St. Clare were two of the six falls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project. Dear reader, visit them as they alive rather than observing them as mummies once the Hydro power project is setup.

St. Clair’s fall the little Niagara in SL

Passing Lindula, we met a Y junction at A7 road (the road was under construction then), where both directions were set to Nuwara eliya. We took the down path the shortest via Radella. The road was bit narrow & hilly. But it was worth trying. We were delayed a bit by fresh strawberries with vanilla ice cream on our way.

We were delayed a bit by fresh strawberries

Having passing a dramatic hill, we reached Nanu oya. The famous waterfall at Nanuoya was visible in a distance. Without visiting the same, we left for Nuwara eliya, since we had to be there before 4.00 pm.

We called him as “BUULA”

Condition of the climate and collection of unmet companions for years memorizing sweet memories with few drops of fresh beer made that evening excellent

Day 2 :

This morning we left for the Lovers leap at Hawa eliya. A road side beauty on our way robbed some time from us. We searched a bit but couldn’t get a proper identity of her, from the villagers nearby.

A road side beauty on our way to Lover’s leap

Having traveling nearly 4km from the city, we reached a place where the lovers leap was visible in distance. As per the locals’ advice, we parked our vehicle there and started hiking. The path was hilly & surrounded by vegetable gardens. Finally the path was converted in to a stepped one through the vegetation leads towards a sump built by the local authority for a portable water system. To reach the bottom of the fall, there was a hard trek of 100m where it needed four legs.

Beauty

the path was turned in to a stepped one through the vegetation

The fall was 30m in high and formed with a brook originated from Piduruthalagala (2524m) the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. It was another fall belonging to the group of 20 most spectacular waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

The lovers leap

Closer view of the lovers leap

Our next travel location was Shanthipura, the most elevated village in Sri Lanka. It was a nice view at the observation platform managed by the local authority. But we had to return being short time there due to the rain started.

Shanthipura, the most elevated village in Sri Lanka

To reach Pundaluoya for Danshinan & Shin fall, we turned to a by road from Kudaoya, a small junction at A5 located within 5km from Nuwara eliya. The road was through a series of tea lands. That was one of the best five scenic drives I ever had, though the rain & the mist prevented us exploring the whole.

Road from Kudaoya to Pundaluoya

Sceneries at one of the best five scenic drives I ever had

92 m height Dansinan-shin was another fall belongs to the group of 20 most spectacular waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Being located in between tea estates known as Dunsinan and Shin, She was given the name. Unfortunately Dunsinan is also one of the six falls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project

Upper part of the Dansinan-shin fall

When we reached the Dunsinan fall, the tough shower prevented us getting off from the vehicle. But it offered several seasonal falls which added more colors to the rest of our journey through the valley of Kothmale.

Two vehicles were been moved on the road laid through a series of luxurious coconut estates. That made us surprise on how such lands were escaped from greedy land sellers in Gampaha district.

Passing some manioc chena(s), the two vehicles turned into a by road lead to Amithirigala, which started from Kirindiwela – Hanwella main road, just before the AGA office at Weeke. Having traveling less than a kilometer from Weeke, both were stopped for a while at the base of Medagama viharaya, a temple where one of the first 8th daughter-plants of sacred Bo tree (Jaya sri maha bodhi) at Anuradhapura were planted. Traditionally each vehicle passing this temple used to stop; pray and put some coins in the till box on the name of the rural god “Ranwala Dewiyo”.

Amithirigala was a calm and quiet village town at the south-east corner of Kegalle district. As per the majority in Kegalle, rubber had become the dominant crop of the area. Unless Rathnapura – Katunayake road project was not existed, Amithirigala might still be another forgotten village.

The jeep is parked near a small house

Less than driving a kilometer from Amithirigala, two vehicles were parked near a small house. From there, the crew had to walk along the foot path used by villagers. The path was laid through streams, paddy fields and marshy lands heading a rubber plantation.

the crew had to walk along the foot path used by villagers

The path was laid through streams, paddy fields and marshy lands

The path was laid through streams, paddy fields and marshy lands

Having asking direction from locals met on our way, we reached the base of the fall in first. That forgotten beauty was consisted with several cascades. It seemed to be more than 30m in height & the rock background was more than 60o slanted. The water flow was not much because of the long drought (It was August). But as per the locals the view of the fall was superb in rainy seasons.

A village “dewalaya” met on our way	Since the water flow was not much due to the long drought, it flow through the left edge of the rocky wall (which is not seen in the image )
A cascade at the left edge of the rocky wall	cascades

cascades

After wards we climbed upstream with the trail laid through the rubber estate. The trail was terminated at the steam with both of the banks were dressed with tiny forest patches

we climbed upstream with the trail laid through the rubber estate

we climbed upstream with the trail laid through the rubber estate

Same as Mannakethi fall @ kitulgala; this Goraka fall offered us an unforgettable experience in her safe pools at the top. The pool located just before the cliff had moderate depth with sandy bottom and was ideal for adults. The tiny pool located 10m upstream to the first one; seemed to be created by Brahma for the enjoyment of kids.

The pool located just before the cliff had moderate depth with sandy bottom and was ideal for adults

The cliff

The flow of the stream formed Goraka fall was intercepted in several ways. First was a water intake for a rural portable water system, which located few meters upstream. The second was a water intake for an irrigation cannel located just before the cliff, which diverted the majority of the water flow in dry seasons. Perhaps such a reduction of water flow might cause to forget that gal from popular waterfall indexes.

On the other hand, thus authors might get confuse with existence of several “Goraka falls” in several parts of the country. Anyway though the fall was called as Goraka ella, my attempt was useless in finding at least one “Goraka” tree which added sour taste to the stream.

The tiny pool located 10m upstream to the first one with sallow sandy bottom

We had a cool dip there, while the sky was blessing us with a drizzle

Forgetting such nonsense, we had a cool dip there. The sky was blessing us with a drizzle while we were in the water. The parcel of manioc with “Lunu-miris” the dynamite; brought from one of our crew member, drive out our hunger for hours. But at least we had to obey the clock; when it reminded the time was almost 3.00pm. Since few doctors were with us, we decided to leave the beauty; because even brahma wanted, no doctors could retain after 4.00 pm

The fall (Zoomed) visible to the main road in a normal day

Year and Month	2010 August and some places before that
Number of Days	Mostly one day trips, some two nights
Crew	Most often 3 adults between 35 and 45 left Colombo but more joined on the way.
Accommodation	Homes of friends
Transport	Land rover (…for us, and wings for the malagirawa!)
Activities	Exploring? And in this trip report trying out a new (old?) form of guide book?
Weather	Various, its all in Sabaragamuwa
Route	Colombo –> Mawanella –> Hemmathagama –> Salawa –> Madiliya Colombo –> Kuruvita –> Ratnapura (as this report is a combination of trips, this route is not very accurate)
Tips, Notes and Special remark	As you may have figured out by now, this is not a single trip. More accurately it is a combination of trips to see if the සන්දේශ කාව්ය ( Sandesha Kavya) can be used as a guide book. Would love to hear from anyone who has done this with any of the other kavya.
Related Resources	Related Discussion: Walking the old Kandy Kataragama route (Following ancient palm leaf manuscripts)
Author	NG
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Following the path of the Malagirawa – මාලගිරවා සමග චාරිකාවක…

It was a discussion on Lakdasun that made me think what great potential our Sandesha Kavya has to act as guide books (Topic: Walking the old Kandy Kataragama route (Following ancient palm leaf manuscripts). I managed to find a small book that gave me a summary of all the routes in the මග සලකුණු (land marks along the route) sections of the 8 main sandeshayas. But when I tried to get the details from the original poems…the language was just too hard! I definitely needed to find someone (in real life or in the virtual world of Lakdasun!!) whose classical/literary Sinhala is much better than mine…so the project was put on hold for the moment.

But then, I got unexpectedly lucky! We went to visit friends in the Hemmathagama area with the intention of climbing Rahalgala. It poured with rain and that plan was washed away. In the idle time, our friend’s mother gave us a book she (Kamala Somaweera) had just published – මාලගිරා සංදේශය (Malagira Sandeshaya), thankfully written in 21st century literary Sinhala!

We have not quite managed all the places the Malagirava travelled to, but since we hardly ever visit every place named in a guide book, I decided to do a ‘work-in-progress’ trip report.

God Saman from mural inside the Viharaya at Madiliya where the Malagirawa receives instructions on the route and landmarks for his journey from Madiliya to Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya, where he is entrusted to deliver the message to God

Madilya village, Kalotuwa Kanda (verse 14) from the Ambalama in front of the Viharaya	Madiliya Rajamaha Viharaya, Tampita Budu Geya

Salawa Raja Maha Viharaya

Naipena gala, Madiliya village	නයිපෙණ ගල අසල….

Devanagala: the tiny white dagaba on a rounded rock deep in the valley you see from Kadugannawa	Devanagala

Inscriptions (Verse 39) - Click image to enlarge	Paddy fields (Verse 40)

Danagiri gala: Stairs that lead to the len viharaya	Danagiri gala: a playground in the sky…

There are lots of waterfalls that the Malagirawa is advised to fly over or rest by. The Kavya is filled with the beauty of nature in Sabaragamuwa.	The Kavya is filled with the beauty of nature in Sabaragamuwa.

Pathangoda: Historical, yes..and there might be a biodiversity interst? (Click image to enlarge)	No idea if this particular veriety (not in photos!) is common

Bairande Kovila If you look carefully there are all sorts of animals carved in the stone, in addition to the famous parrots.

Maduka Vila (Verse 206)	Divaguhawa (verse 208)

Batathota Lena, generally believed to be Divaguhawa

And finally, the destination: Maha Saman Devalaya, Ratnapura

…and the message entrusted to the malagirawa to be delivered safely to God Saman:

Tucked away in a crevice of the main wall of the Maha Saman Devale is a stone carving of a dark period in our history, in contrast to the events that generated the message carried by the Malagirawa.

The source of this breath-taking, 116m-high fall is the Kirindi Ella (stream), which flows from its starting point 940m up the Kuttapitiya Mountain. The stream travels 13km before the cascading point in the Kaluwaramukalana Jungle. It then flows via the Denawaka River to the Kaluganga River, located in the Bambarakotuwa Jungle. Local villagers say that there is a picture of a tortoise etched into stone here.

We started our journey from Piliyandala at around 6.30 in the morning. On our way we stopped somewhere near Horana to have our breakfast and reached the waterfall around 9.00 a.m.

From there you have to descend few steps to reach the viewing platform. There are around 430 steps in total up to the base of the waterfall.

First glimpse of the waterfall

After spending sometime in the viewing point we started to descend towards the base of the waterfall. Downhill journey is not that difficult and tiresome. It took around 30 mins for us to get to the base of the waterfall.

Stunning views from the platform

Stunning views from the platform

Spectacular view on the way to the waterfall base

Since August is bit of a dry month the water levels were a bit low, we were able to cross the river and go near the waterfall base easily. If you rare visiting the waterfall during rainy season please be extra cautious as the rocks can be slippery.

First few steps from the viewing point

First few steps from the viewing point

More scenery on the way…….

More scenery on the way…….

Still in the beginning…………

More to go......

Almost there….

This is all it carries…..	This is all it carries…..
Pictures taken at the base….	Pictures taken at the base….
Pictures taken at the base….	Pictures taken at the base….
Pictures taken at the base….	Pictures taken at the base….
Waterfall as seen from the base…	Waterfall as seen from the base…

Waterfall as seen from the base…

If you need you can visit the top of the waterfall as well. Ask from the lady in the ticketing office and she’ll give you the directions. Unfortunately we couldn’t visit the top then since we were very exhausted from the journey uphill a bit tiresome.

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

The trip was planned mainly to get away from all the stresses of our usual schedules. We wanted to visit Ritigala as most of us had not been there and Galkadawala was selected as it came highly recommended by one my friends. It was also perfect for the activities we had in mind – visit Ritigala, see the Gathering at Minneriya, photography and to relax. There was no TV, no telephone and that was just perfect for us (except for those who couldn’t bear to be away from their mobiles )

We left Colombo late and had just one stop for lunch. Perera and Sons had opened a new outlet along the main road at Dambulla and it was clean and the food was very reasonably priced.

Galkadawala our destination is a little village off Palugaswewa. The lodge overlooks the Galkadawala Tank.

The road to Galkadawala – the last bit

The entrance

Ring the bell!!!

The lodge – surrounded by trees	Brown capped babblers were busy foraging in the garden….
… while little tree frogs such as these were all over the place!!!	Our bedroom had a little balcony opening to the jungle
The loft was my favorite place – surrounded by trees and one end overlooking the Galkadawala tank. You can sleep here too!!!	The loft was a good place to watch birds and take photos!

Ritiglala is just about 30 minutes away from Galkadawala, off Habarana – Anuradhapura road. The entire trip can be done in a car with careful navigation at few points where the road has been washed away.

Life in the not so fast lane!!!

Ritigala seen from the main A11 road

A bit of the Himalayas dropped by Hanuman

Kissing the clouds……………	For a safe journey…
In perfect harmony…..	The look out

Ruins – permission must be obtained to go beyond this point

Ruins – permission must be obtained to go beyond this point

Ruins – permission must be obtained to go beyond this point

A walk around the Galkadawala tank gives an insight into life in the dry zone where water is so precious. It is also a perfect place for birding. During our stay we were able to observe around 55 species!

Galkadawala tank – in the morning	Breaking fast with the first light…….
The tank had dried up to a large extent…..	… but where there was water, there was life.
Watchful waiting……	Life, harsh and difficult…………

And then it was time for the elephants!!! We had called Kapila, our trusted friend from many previous safaris to meet us at Habarana to go to Minneriya. But the venue had shifted and it was to Kaudulla that we went to see this nature’s fantastic phenomenon – The Gathering.

At the entrance we met this crested serpent eagle	The venue for the Gathering – the Kaudulla tank
Waiting at the forest edge	Collared and in musth

The Gathering in full swing

Checking out the female – elephant style!	Courting danger and disaster – towards irresponsible eco tourism….
In the water and it’s play time!	Time for MY milk!

Good bye!!!

August 2010 was a super holiday for me. The very first day of the holiday started with a camping trip to Kumana. It was followed by a visit to the Jaffna Peninsula and a stay at Dehi Gaha Ela in Dambulla. This camping trip to Nilgala was going to be the last before school re-opens.

Day 1

We reached the Nilgala NP by late afternoon and straight away went to ‘Mahadrowwa‘ camping site. It was a nice place by the side of Gal Oya. We unloaded all what we had taken and pitched our tents. Oh! Yes, we had a bath in the river too. It was a nice and safe place to bathe.

Nilgala Rock

Our jungle home	Igloos……….
Green and Gold	Rushing down to Makara
These fish liked our food just like we did ( yummy )	Where we spent most of our time

Day 2

We visited the Kahataththa Hela rock cave and then climbed the rock to see some ruins on top of it. It was an easy hike. The view from the top was really beautiful. We were told that this place is in fact out side the NP.

The old cave	Ancient writing
Ruins……	View…

The rain came down in the afternoon. Uncle Yohan, Uncle Hemantha (the tracker/guide) and my father got a little wet doing the adjustments to the tents and cutting drains around them. Thanks to their work we did not get wet.

Day 3

We first drove and then walked to the place called ‘Makara’ camp site. It was a beautiful place. But, it is sad that visitors are no longer allowed to camp there.

Further down river is a place where the river is blocked by huge rock boulders and is called the ‘Makara Kata’. I think that is because it looks as if the water in the river vanishes until it emerges at the place called ‘Gilma’. Actually, the water flows through the huge bolders in the river and that’s why we can’t see the water from the banks of the river. ‘Gilma’ is the place where the rock boulders end and the Gal Oya falls into the Senanayake Samuddraya.

A good place to bathe	Where the ‘Makara’ gulps all the water
Gilma	Senanayake Samuddraya

My father went along with Uncle Hemantha further into the jungle to see the ruins of a fort that is marked on the maps. Uncle Yohan stayed back with us. If he too went we would have had to stay there alone. Thank you Uncle Yohan for staying with us. My father returned saying that it was not very interesting.

On our way back to camp we were able to see a ‘Madu’ plant that had fruits on it. It was the first time that I had seen the Madu fruits. Uncle Hemantha allowed us to get out of the vehicle so that we could take some photographs.

Madu fruits

In the evening we went for a drive hopping to see some wild animals. We did see some elephants and deer. They moved into the jungle when they heard the sound of the vehicle. We were also lucky to see a beautiful sunset over the whole area. It looked as if the whole sky was on fire.

The sky on fire Run… Run….. Run……..

Day 4

After breakfast, we packed all our things, cleaned the campsite and left for home.

Before we left the NP we went to see another camp site called ‘Seenukgala’. It was a nice place with a lot of places to bathe. My father fell into one of the big holes and he had to travel in wet clothes.

Where my father fell.

Our own special guard dog.

We reached Bandarawela for lunch. The others reached Colombo late in the night.

I must mention that we had ‘S-U-P-E-R-B’ food while in the jungle. I can’t make a list of what we had. My father says that he never has had such food in the jungle. Many thanks to Aunty N and Amma for what they made for us. My two friends and I also helped to cook.

I must also mention that we had a dog staying with us at the camp site. It came there just after we reached the site and left only when we left. It was a really good dog. Very alert all the time and did not trouble us at all.