A long time back, while talking to some one at the Horton Plains office to get directions to Kirigalpoththa, we learnt that there is a bridle trail to Bogawantalawa which branches off from Kirigalpoththa trail (Kirigalpoththa trail wasn’t clearly marked then as it is now; and GPS for hiking was not even heard of!).  Since then it was in my list of “to do trails” but I never had enough information to plan the walk.

Last year Ashan walked from NorthCove to Horton Plains via Nagrak (Non Pareil) and the discussions in the forum that followed lead to members contributing solid evidence proving the existent of this trail and its history. This motivated us to spend a bit of time to take a closer look at the maps of the area where I found this trail, along with the trail Ashan did, clearly marked on the meter map!

The trail traced from the meter map (Click Image to Enlarge)

Now with the trail known, it again took almost a year for the actual walk to happen. Priyanjan and I had been discussing this trip on and off for couple of months and the key issue we had was sorting out permission when entering the Horton Plains National Park along this route as there was no ticket office for us to by tickets on this route.

Again lakdasun network solved the problem . Theshantha was able to speak to the authorities at the wildlife department and sort out the permission issue .

NorthCove cabana was the obvious accommodation option since the trail head, as per the map, was very close to this place.

With everything sorted out I made a reservation at NorthCove Cabanas for two nights.

We left Colombo in the morning and reached NorthCove early afternoon. Our Parents and kids  also joined us on the trip. The Cabanas are located bordering the forest and the whole set up there was very nice and clean. Sunset we witnessed from Cabanas was particularly memorable.

Short break to admire the beauty of tiny flowers - On the way to Hatton - On the A7 passed Diyagala

Lunch Stop passed Hatton - Raod side between Dikoya and Norwood

Welcome to NorthCove Cabanas

Memorable Sunset as seen from NorthCove Cabanas

After dinner I had a chat with “Shankar”, the friendly care taker of the Cabanas about the trail we plan to take in the next morning. We wanted to find out whether he can help us with finding a local guide to accompany us. Even though we had the coordinates of the trail, we wanted to have local presence with us in case if we come across the illegal gem miners. We were aware that there is extensive illegal mining taking place in this area above NorthCove. Ashan’s report too confirmed that.

Shankar’s first reaction was proposing us to take the trail via Nagrak to World’s end. When we showed him the map and insisted that we wanted to do the Bridle trail to Farr-Inn, he told us that this trail is little used and little known to the local plantation workers. Then we told him that we are simply looking for local presences, he agreed to arrange a person to walk with us.

Next day early morning we greeted Theshantha and his brother in law Dhanushka who rode over night from Colombo to join the hike. After a somewhat heavy breakfast, we left the Cabanas and started the walk. We arranged the hired van we came in to pick us up from Horton Plains office in the same day evening.

Leaving the Cabanas we walked up to the border of the estate, which was just few hundred meters away from the Cabanas. Following Shankar’s advice we then started to climb down along the estate border. Our guide who was little late to turn up also joined us. After walking for about 15 minutes we realized that we were deviating from the planed trail. When inquired, our guide took us back to where we first reached the boarder of the forest and showed us a little foot path that goes in to the forest which agreed with the track we had in the GPS!

This mess up  delayed us roughly by about an hour. It was 845 a.m. by the time we entered the forest on the correct trail.

Crew at the border of NorthCove just before we entered the forest. On extreme right are our guide and Shankar

In the very beginning it was rapid ascent through jungle terrain for about two Kilometers. After the walk through the jungle we reached an open grassland. We climbed down taking a right turn towards the Gem mining sites near a Turpentine forest. This place is called “Mahaeliya”. Even though Ashan had met miners at this place we could only see the mess they had left behind. The site appeared to have been abandoned for couple of months at least. On the way to, and closer to, Mahaeliya we could witness signs of the old jeep track that said to have existed few decades back from Farr Inn to Bogawatalawa Estate.

MahaEliya

Stream, Turpentine and evidence of mining at MahaEliya

Leaving MahaEliya, we walked further along the valley to reach “Mahadeniya” which was another open area with a lot of abandoned gem pits. Again Ashan had met miners here as well but the site appeared abandoned to us.

Towards Mahadeniya from Mahaeliya along the valley

Approaching Manadeniya

Mahadeniya abandoned gem Pits

Large Stream in the Valley - Mahadeniya

According to the data we had in the GPS we had to walk towards left from Mahadeniya where as the guide was suggesting us to walk biased to right hand side. Soon we realized that he was suggesting us to take the route via Nagrak. we tried to convince him that we want to do the bridle trail, but he was not willing to go that way. Finally we said good bye to our guide and made an attempt to find the trail ourselves. Luckily we could see trace remaining of the old trail going uphill from the valley, confirming to cordinates we had. Time was 11.45 a.m. and we set off along the trail on our own.

Around 12.00 noon we decided to take the lunch break. We had bread and seenisambol with us and had a refreshing 30 mins break.

Climbing up from Mahadeniya (valley below in distance) following the traces of the bridle trail which confirmed to the GPS coordinates we had

On the bridle trail passed Mahadeniya

Lunch Break - near some boulders just few hundred meters from Mahadeniya

After lunch got back on the trail. We were happy to find a clear trail on the ground confirming to the coordinates we were following on the GPS. We had completed roughtly 1/2 of the distance to Kirigalpoththa trail by this time. We had plenty of time in hand, particularly because we have finished all the climbing already. Elevation profile of the trail ahead was rather flat. We had nothing to worry as we could maintain good walking phase.

Soon this bright outlook started to turn gray. The trail started to gradually dissappear in valleys where there was evidence of extensive gem mining and the undergrowth in forest patches became increasingly thick. More and more we had to rely on the GPS to show the path to take. Occasionally we would merge with footpaths used by miners (We came across a skeleton of a hut made by miners as well). We were strictly following the coordinates of the original bridle trail which made us deviate from the foot paths and walk through the forest regularly to avoid getting disorinted by the foot paths of miners.

After an almost three hours of tough walking, we reached another large mining site on the trail. Unlike the sites we came across before, this appeared to be a functioning one (We did not meet any one, we saw equipment scattered around so it was very likely that who ever who was there was hiding close by). It was an unfortunate site to see how miners have managed to encroach this fragile eco-system so deep in side one of the most important protected areas and watersheds of the country.

Time was 3 p.m. We had only managed to cover less than 2km from the point where we had lunch. For the first time, we sensed that we may have miscalculated timing. We realized that, when estimating the time that will take us to complete the trail, we did not take in to account the fact that this trail may not have been used for years and therefore we will have to deal with dense undergrowth. We did not have anything bigger than a Swiss army knife to help us clear the vegetation. Our assumptions were purely based on the elevation profiles assuming at least  remenants of a bridle trail to be there for the most part.

From this last gem pits we reached, it was almost impossible to find the continuation of the trail. It appeared that we had reached the last regions accessed by miners and therefore there were no footpaths beyond that. We had to completely rely on the GPS to guide us. The progress was very very slow. The thorny undergrowth slowed us down a lot and sometimes we chose to walk along water ways, where ever possible to do so without deviating too much from the mapped trail, to maintain speed.

After some strenuous walking (or should I say mostly crawling!) we reached an open grass patch sandwiched between forest covered mountains. Traces of the bridle trail was again visible confirming that we were on track. Unfortunately after a brief easy walk along the grass patch the coordinates were pointing us again in to the dense forest in front.

Time was almost 6p.m. We had covered 7km and there was 2.5km to reach the Kirigalpoththa trail (We knew that once on the Kirigalpoththa trail we could walk even in the mid night!). It was absolutely clear that we are not going to make it  without  spending at least 2-4 more hours. Trail conditions we experienced up to this point made it clear that it is no possible to tackle the rest of the trail in the dark anyway. It was time to evaluate emergency exist options!

To avoid having to spend the night in the forest we decided to make an attempt to follow the direct direction towards the Baker’s Falls Trail, which according to the coordinates we had is not too far from where we were, and see whether we can make it to that. Again, we knew that it is possible to walk along the Baker’s falls trail even in the night.  We gave up following the bridle trail and started to walk up along the opposite side of the mountain towards Baker’s falls trail.

After walking for about 15 minutes, we reached some higher grounds on the mountainside where we could see the valley of BelihulOya and the Baker’s Falls trail winding along the mountain side across the valley. Time was around 6.30 p.m. and we had less than 30 minutes of daylight remaining. We made couple of attempts to descend down to the valley of Belihul Oya but it was too dangerous to climb down in low light.

Without taking any unnecessary risk we settled with the last option. Spend the night up there!

Once the decision to stay overnight was made, we had to first look for a water source.  We had run out of water by this time. Eventhough the forest was quite wet, there were no large streams in the steep mountain slope we were in. After a bit of searching Prabath managed to spot the sound of a tiny spring from which we got our water bottles filled. We had little bit of extra rations so food was not an immediate concern.

To spend the night we picked a well covered place on the steep mountain slope, hiding in the undergrowth, which gave us some cover from the freezing breeze. There was barely any flat ground for the seven of us to sit together. We knew that it was going to be a long night.

Next task was to light up a fire to avoid the risk of  catching cold. We knew that we were inside Horton plains National Park and lighting up a fire was against the rule. Yet it was not “Business as usual” and the fire was essential for the survival of the team.

Prabath volunteered and collected a pile of wood from fallen trees. Having collected wood we faced the biggest obstacle. It was impossible to light up moist wood with matches we had. Even the fallen leaves on the ground was wet. In a desperate attempt to start a fire we started burning everything we had from paper to polythene wrappers  with no luck.

The thick rubber sole of one of my boots had came off earlier in the day and we carried it with us thanks to Theshantha who insisted that I take the sole back home and get the boot repaired. We immediately decided to chop it in to pieces and burn it to start the fire. Lukily the burning rubber generated enough heat to dry some wood and finally we had the fire going.

None of us had any sleep that night. The fire required constant attention and there was not enough space even to stretch our legs. Luckily it did not rain in the night even though we had a rudimentary shelter made using some sticks and our raincoats ready to be used to protect the fire in case if it rained.

Most difficult yet the most critical camp fire I ever started....

None of us slept that night. The fire needed constant attention and there was not enough space even to stretch our legs.

After many long hours it dawned to a gloomy and rainly morning. With the first lights we carefully extiguished all traces of the fire and started evaluating exit routes. In the interest of getting out of the woods as quickly as possible we re-attempted to climb down to Belihuloya and cross over to Bakers falls trail. Even in day light the decend was too steep and dangerous to tackle. Quickly we realised that the only viable option is  to track back to the point where we deviated from the original path and follow the GPS track again.

So we tracked back and started to follow the bridle trail once again. The trail condition was as usual. Thick thorny undergrowth and impossible to walk. Slowly but steadily we moved along the mapped path. Luckily there were couple of long stretches where the traces of the old trail were still there. We also came across remenats of the jeep track at certain palces, most notably the concrete slab over the river described in the forum discuss.

at 1.30 pm we reached Kirigalpoththa trail. Finally we were out of danger. Trail beyond this was well known and frequently traveled so with in an hour we were at the Horton Plain office.

Finally reached Kirigalpoththa Trail - The only and only one image of the second day!

It was one of the most memorable hikes  which really tested our experience in the wild, survival skills and preparation. It was a rare real life expereince which proved how important it is to stay calm when dealing with a difficult situation, the value of having basic but right tools (and the repercussions of not having them!) and more  importantly the value of a like minded team who successfully worked together to come out of the situation we got in to with a completely happy ending.

After reaching Horton Plains office we came back to NorthCove cabanas to meet the angry planters of the estate management who had deployed multiple rescue teams to search for us (we later found out that the rescue teams had very little clue of what they were doing and none of them had even bothered to check the path we took until some professionals got involved later in the day!). The planters had panicked so much because they themselves had attempted to walk this trail and had ended up in an utter disaster and a near death experience couple of months back. They couldn’t believe that we all (including two ladies) followed the trail from beginning to the end and came out unscratched even after spending a night in the forest. (Later we learnt that they were seriously ill prepared in their hike and had not even had a compass with them so failure was inevitable!)

Because it was very late in the day that we returned to NorthCove, we postponed the return trip back home by a day.

Another fag was swing. The vehicle stopped for a while obeying the signal again. None of passengers could remember how many times that were practiced from the beginning of the journey. No one could be set free from the hospitality of Buddhists youth in Sri Lanka, because that was the Vesk full moon day. No other community in the world who feed unknown passengers as them for charity.

Our first travel location, the historic temple at Thalagama was located at a distance less than a kilometer from Ambepussa, the first train destination of Sri Lanka. The temple was consisted with three levels. The Sangawasaya, Dharma Shalawa and other general buildings used by Bhikku are located at the lower level.

In the middle of the stepped path to the second level

Reaching the second level where the house of statues is located

The house of statues & Bodhi (sacred Bo tree) were located at the second level which was located 100ft above the first. A stepped path was there to reach the second. The houses of statues were built using rock caves few centuries ago.

House of statues in rock cave

Towards third level

The most important part was the Pagoda built to imitate the famous pagoda at Sanchi-India. There was a stepped path to the third level which was located not less than 200ft from the second. A Gal kema (rock based pond) and an inscription, stone were also there.

Reaching the summit	Pagoda built to imitate the famous pagoda at “Sanchi” -India
abyss

Our next travel location was the Kota vehera (Short pagoda) at Dedigama. This was also known as the “Suthighara” (the birth place) pagoda. It was believed that the king Parakramabahu the great, was build this when he ruled the western part of the country as a regional ruler (Mapa) to memorize his birth place. And also it was popular as one of the three short pagodas of the country.

Information	Kota Vehera at Dedigama
Kota vehera

The most spectacular item was the ඇත් පහන  (The lantern of tusker) which was displayed at the museum in nearby. That was identified as a wonder of hydraulic in Polonnaruwa era. The lantern was made with bronze and decorated with fine craftsmanship. It was important to notice that one of the same lanterns found was displayed at the general museum at Colombo.

Information

The Museum

The lantern was consisted with to main components, a hollow tusker (the oil storage) and a lighting dish (a dish consisting lighting nozzles). At the beginning you have to fill the tusker with oil & put it on the dish, putting some oil in to the dish and light the lantern. When the flame consumed oil, the oil level of the dish would be reduced. Then an air hole on the tusker’s leg was exposed and let some air to get in to the abdomen of the tusker. As a result some oil would be poured to the dish showing the tusker was passing urine. When the oil level of the dish was increased, the air hole would seal with oil until a new cycle was begin.

ඇත් පහන ( the lantern of tusker)

Details on “ඇත් පහන” (Click Image to Enlarge)

Afterwards we moved towards Narangoda and had a cool dip in the Gurugoda oya at a nice safe bathing place showed by a villager. On our way back, we stopped a while at Bataleeya, but we found that cashew nuts were too expensive to be given for charity.

This happened to be my 2nd tour of this kind in 6 months as I gathered valuable information’s thanks to Lakdasun on some beautiful waterfalls in and around Bulathkohupitiya & Ratnapura.

Day 1

We left Wattala around 6.30 AM to reach Ratnapura via Kegalle. From Kegalle we reach Bulathkohupitiya and then took off road to the village Ganthuna. Just about 500m away from the small town Ganthuna we were able to see the Ganthuna Falls.

Then we moved towards Dedugala road which is one of the most exciting roads that I have ever came across. Narrow and lots of bends and enriched with lots of beautiful falls. First we stopped at Rikilla Falls which is about 5km from Bulathkohupitiya town. The imposing rock and the silver color waterfall is a striking spectacle for all those who travel along this road. Then we were able to see few beautiful falls along our way and many are seasonal falls. The infamous Kalupahana Falls is one of them which were able to see from a distance. There were 2 more road side falls and I’m sure one of them should be the Ritigaha Oya Waharaka Falls. Then we went further on the Dedugala road till we saw Rukmal Falls where we decided to have lunch. We return on the same route to Bulathkohupitiya where we stopped at a bend which is the way to the striking Nalangana Falls. We observed that these water of Ritigaha Oya is used for electricity by several minor power stations.

From Bulathkohupitiya to Eheliyagoda on the way in a village called Punahela we were able to see Suramba Falls right beside the road. This falls is also being called as Punahela Falls a villager told us. By 6.30 PM we reached Eheliyagoda where we spend the night in a hotel near the town.

Ganthuna Falls	Road blocked due to land slides
Upper level of Rikilla Fall	Rikilla Falls
Kalupahana Falls from distance	A tiny but tall cascade (we were told it as a seasonal fall, but a too good one to call as seasonal)
Ritigaha Waharaka Fall 1 ??	Ritigaha Waharaka Fall 2 ???
Rukmal Falls	Rukmal Falls
Nalangana Falls	Truly a Nalangana
Checking the tyres	Its time to change …
Punahela/Suramba Falls	Punahela/Suramba Falls at the base
Had to cross this bridge to the base of Punahela Falls

Day 2

After having breakfast at Eheliyagoda we moved to Ratnapura and just before the town we took a left turn and travel another 1km or so to find the Katugas Falls. We were able to see only some stream of water but to see the actual fall we were told that we have to climb further thru the rocks upwards which we didn’t as it was so slippery at that point. Then we travel to Wewalwatte which is about 28kms from the town of Ratnapura where we found a series of falls on our way. We stopped at many places where we found so many small cascades falling beside the road. One of them was a small but beautiful waterfall in the name of Hul Falls. Then we stopped somewhere between Pahalagama and Diyabubula village to have a look at the impressive Dehena Falls. After few meters away we stopped near a boutique where we inquire about Alupola Falls. Then at that same boutique the “Mudalali” took us to his up stair balcony and show us the Pandi Oya Falls and just right beside it a small cascade called Kaduru Gal dola. Its pity that these two falls cannot see to the main road where there actually located but you have to pass a couple of bends and then you’ll able to view them when you look behind.

Then we reached the Wewalwatte town and stopped to have a cup of tea. And later some villages guide us the way to Alupola Falls as well as the Beruwatte Falls. So we stretched towards an uphill road from Wewalwatte junction towards Alupola estate and after about 5-6 kms we reached near the falls. And then as advised came back to Wewalwatte junction again and took the Balangoda road for about 3-4 kms where we stopped our car and then took a foot path of about 200m to find the Beruwatte Falls. It is so fascinating to notice that while you are going to reach the Alupola Falls you could see the Beruwatte Falls far on to your right and while you are going to see the Beruwatte Falls you could see the Alupola Falls falling from the estate on to your far left.

Stream off Katugas Falls	Cascades on Wewalwatte road
Hul Falls – The left level	Hul Falls – The right level
Dehena Falls	Upper level of Dehena Falls
Pandi Falls on left and Kaduru Gal Dola on right
Alupola Falls	The Main & Upper level of Alupola Falls
Beruwatte Falls as seen from the road towards Alupola Falls	Alupola Falls as seen from the road towards Beruwatte Falls
Beruwatte Falls	Beruwatte Falls

It was a very satisfied journey as we were able to cover many waterfalls of these areas. But yes there were plenty more that we couldn’t see as time and weather didn’t permit us. I went on a similar hunt a week after to Nuwara Eliya. Hope to send that report pretty soon. Hope you guyz enjoyed reading. Thanks for your time.

We used public transport for the trip. But it seems to be a bad idea since buses are very rare and unreliable.

Linear Road Map of area

Once we reached Rattota around 1.30pm. There wasn’t any bus to at least somewhere near to Riverstone. Three wheel and Van fares are very high. In Rattota town they were well organized and they asked same fare. I suggest using hired vehicle from home town or Matale would be a better idea. We finally got a bus from Matale to Puwakpitiya.

You have to walk about 2kms to bus stop to forest bungalow. We were lucky that we met forest officer on the bus. Otherwise it would be very hard to find way to bungalow in that night (time was around 7.15pm).

Bungalow at night

That night bungalow looks very beautiful with night lights. This bungalow was located 300m from forest department dormitory.

2nd day morning we got up and took pictures of surroundings.

Near bungalow	On the way to bungalow
Near bungalow
	Telgamu Oya bungalow

After breakfast we started climbing Manigala. Trail began very near to bungalow

Manigala Trail

Trail ends are near Telgamu Oya bungalow and Atanwala (Etanwala) village. So you can start your hike form either end. But there was less chance to get lost if you start from bungalow.

A view on the way to top of Manigala

	Giant Wood Spider

View on the way

View on the way to top

	View from the top
Flowers everywhere	A web …………

View from the top

	Flowers from the top

It is like a garden full of flowers……………….

Manigala – another view	Atanwala (Etanwala)
Atanwala (Etanwala) temple	Manigala…………….

At end of 2nd day we spend our time in Telgamuoya, which is 50m away from the bungalow.

3rd day

We started our hike to Pitawala Pathana around 8.00 am.

Pitawala Pathana

Mini Worlds End	Manigala……..
Atanwala and Walpolamulla is beyond this gap	More flowers…………
Speechless………	Beautiful…………
Painted Sawtooth
Ceylon Lacewing

Finally we hired a three wheel from Pitawala to Rattota. On the way we went to the peak of Riverstone. Hike was little bit boring; too many people were crawling and shouting there.

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

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

Small Cannel	Huge Tree
Along the stream

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

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

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

Waterfall

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

at Hasalaka oya

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

Sorabora wewa

Sorabora wewa view from boat

We had lot of fun

Heaven of the earth

Our home

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

Early morning at Sorabora wewa

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

Mahiyanganaya Viharaya

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

The small bus was crowded to avoid seen even our own shoes. It moved forward just a little bit faster than a bullock. As a security step we asked the conductor to remind us when we reached our destination. How ever in the middle of the journey, it was confused a bit whether we had passed the correct junction to get off. Because with that high load of passengers, it was possible to get forget the conductor what we requested at the beginning. But impressing that we were not unlucky, the conductor remind us to get off at the correct place.

From Palatota junction onwards, we had to walk at about 1.5km to reach the Richmond Park Estate. Our destination was the Richmond Castle, a fine country house in a 42-acre fruit garden estate built in 1896. It was said to be one of the biggest mansions in Sri Lanka.

Memories of colonial era…	Main entrance
Information (Click Image to Enlarge)

History of the Castle with an outside source of information:

At Palataota, in a little inland, is Richmond Castle, a fine country house in a 42-acre fruit garden estate. Built in 1896, it originally belonged to landowner turned philanthropist NDA Silva Wijayasinghe, the local Padikara Mudaliyar (village leader) & was used during the British period as a circuit bungalow for officials. It is said that ‘Governor George Anderson was requested by the royal family of England to appoint a battalion of 40 soldiers to guard the castle and its occupants.

This magnificent hybrid of Indian & British architecture was originally a spice plantation mansion, built for the Padikara Mudaliyar, a wealthy regional governor, who copied the plans of an Indian Maharaja’s palace designed by a London architect.

Note the audience hall, with intricately carved pillars & beams (two shiploads of teak were brought from Burma for its construction) & a spiral staircase leading to a gallery of some fascinating photographs from the time.

Today, Richmond Castle is a popular tourist attraction, and serves as an educational centre for less privileged children of Kalutara and the vicinity. The house & grounds are open to the public. It makes a good canoeing or bike track with riverside picnic.

First statue you meet

Another statue….

Richmond Castle was a two-storied building with 99 doors and 34 windows, decorated with glass panes embossed grape vines. It was said that two shiploads of teak were imported from Burma for the construction of the same.

Front elevation of the castle…( Pls. Forget about the living statue visible in front of the same)

The entire building was decorated with intricate carvings. There was a dancing hall with a stage as an added feature. There were tiny holes at the floor of dancing room, to provide a continuous flow of cool air from the bank of Kulu River.

Side view of the castle	Another statue
More statues	Inside the main entrance
A colorful glazed window frame

It was said that the architecture applied there was greater similarity to an English mansion than to an ancient “walauwwa”.

Since the Mudaliyar was a lover of nature, he had decorated the garden with blooming plants and marble statues. Some of the statues were still stand.

Rear elevation of the castle ( being repaired )	One of the Verandahs
Rear elevation	An article published in a newspaper. (Click Image to Enlarge)

Folklore said the Mudaliyar was childless and not happy in marriage. At the end of his marriage, he devised his dream castle to the Public Trustee for the welfare of the children of the country. And he breathed his last in 1947 lonely, in a room at the Queen’s Hotel- Kandy

We left from home at around 4 in the morning. Had only 2 stops, one to have our breakfast and the other one to see the beautiful Surathali Ella which was on our way.

Surathali Falls is 60m in height, 2m wide and made up of three segments. It is named after a film that was shot in the area. Originating from the Sri Pada Reserve’s Ellamana mountain range (948m), the fall is created by the Kadawath River, which flows along Sabaragamuwa Uva and later into the Weli River. It is bordered by an untouched wildlife sanctuary.

Name board

Surathali Ella

Few meters after passing the 172nd km post we found the turn off to Bambarakanda fall and the fall was visible half way through the road.

Name board at the turn off

First sight of the fall

Captured on the way to Bambarakanda fall

It was around 9.30 when we reach Bambarakanda Rest. I should mention again that the owning lady of Bambarakanda Rest Mrs. Sera Mayakaduwa was truly a very helpful person. Since we didn’t have a guide she gave us all the information about the trails and even drew us a rough sketch of the area.

Bambarakanda falls	As seen from the dining area of the resort
Bambarakanda falls	Upper part of the fall

Since this was a one day trip, our plan was only to hike Lanka Ella and to the top and to the base of the Bambarakanda falls. After collecting few items we left around 10 from the resort to hike the Lanka Ella.

After crossing the small broken bridge on the path we entered the pine plot.

The broken bridge

Entering the pine forest

It was quiet pleasing and cool walking inside the pine plot. And from there we climbed the mountain in a zigzag way until we reached the top edge of Bambarakanda where the trail divides in to two, where one branch goes up to the top of Bambarakanda while the other one leads you to the beautiful Lanka ella. From that point we got a clear view of the valley beyond.

Steep climb through the pine plots	Steep climb through the pine plots
View of the valley from top edge	Inside the pine forest

After walking few more meters on the trail inside the pine forest we entered an open area of Mana patches. Few more minutes later we could spot the beautiful Lanka Ella from distance.

Entering the mana patch

First sight of the Lanka Ella

Hike to Lanka Ella wasn’t a difficult one at all. We saw another small cascade on our way to Lanka Ella too.

Waterfall seen on the way to the Lanka Ella	Lanka Ella from distance
Captured on the way to Lanka Ella	Captured on the way to Lanka Ella

Lanka Ella is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in my life. The feeling you get wile standing in front of it is truly divine. It has got its name due to its shape of the base pool

Beautiful Lanka Ella

Base pool of Lanka Ella

We decided to have our lunch there and left for our next destination top of Bambarakanda falls. Though the trail to the top of Bambarakanda fall wasn’t that difficult, the journey uphill was a bit tiring. After some time walking through inside the pine plot, the trail again divides into two branches. Branch that go uphill leads you to the tea estates above Bambarakanda and the other one which lies along the edge of the cliff was the one that led us to the top. At the end of the pine forest we were at the waterfall on top of the Bambarakanda.

Waterfall on top of Bambarakanda	Waterfall on top of Bambarakanda
View from inside the pine forest	Cascading point

The view from the top spans all the way up to the southern plains of Sri lanka.

View towards southern plains of Sri Lanka

View towards the hill side

After enjoying the spectacular view from the top we started heading back to reach our final destination, the base pool of Bambarakanda. Half way through the trail there were some cement steps leading to the base.

Pictures taken at the base

Pictures taken at the base

Water was freezing cold and we abundant our hopes to have a dip in it. It was around 5.30 in the evening when we came back to Bambarakanda rest. After having some tea from there we left around 6. It was a beautiful day spent with the splendid creations of Mother Nature in the lush green mountains and we were truly leaving heaven behind…..

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

We started at sharp 3 in the morning as our tour iternery was packed with places to visit. And took the Colombo- Puttalam road which was quite clear at that time and reached Puttalam at 4.45 and had breakfast at a known place ( One of my friend’s old family friends). It was a very tasty meal and afterwards left for Wilpattu and went inside around 7am.

Though we circled inside till 10.30 , we only saw wild buffalos, Deer, crocs, Jackals and some birds. The roads were ok except for a couple of places which were flooded slightly.

Green Imperial PIGEON	Peacock in full flow
Malabar pied Hornbill	Hi-LUX following
Crested Drongo	Crocodile submerging

Wild Buffalo

We then proceeded towards Anuradhapura and the road from Nochchiyagama to Anuradhapura was horrible with lots of pot holes. After Anuradhapura we turned from Maradankadawela and went to Giritale passing Habarana and reached the Hotel at 1.30 pm as the road was very good. After Lunch we went to Kavudulla park saw some Elephants on the left side of the bunt and a lone grown Elephant in the open area near the lake. Some Eagles were also seen. The office has been done up beautifully recently with a small museum etc.

Kavudulla bunt	Baby Elephant
The lone Elephant	The lone Elephant
Tortoise	Changeable Hawk Eagle

We had a good buffet dinner at the hotel retired early to our rooms a little tired as we had done 450 km for the day.

Giritale hotel

Giritale hotel

Giritale hotel

The following day after breakfast we left for Passikudah around 10 am .The entire road from giritale-kaduruwela-welikanda-valachchanai was a treat to drive. It was fully carpeted and most of the time the road was very straight for miles.We touched 160km/h at times with ease. Near Valachchanai police station we turned left and passed Kalkudah and reached the beach.

The straight road from Kaduruwela

Turn off to Passikudah

A kovil in Kalkudah

Police station in Kalkudah

We managed to get a piece of private beach just close to Mallu Mallu resort that was opened on 2 days after we went. The water was great , very clear and was about 4 feet only after 20 meters. We could see a big cro 200-300 meters away from us. We were in the water for almost 2 hours as we did not feel time passing. One of my friends who is a senior police officer organized lunch packets from a restaurant close by and consumed in a hut close by.

Famous beach with calm sea	Passikudah Beach
	The hut where we changed and had lunch

Afterwards we left and reached Minneriya park just minutes before the books were closed. The water levels of the lake inside had risen up very much though it is pretty dry at present and the park had closed the by roads leading to the lake and we went on the main roads. We saw a herd of 15 Elephant with 2 very small ones at close range and came out passed 6.30.

The herd in Minneriya	The herd in Minneriya
very small ones at close range

The following morning after breakfast we all 8 of us went for a herbal massage at the hotel and I must tell you it was really soothing.this take about an hour and after the full body and head massage you are put under a kohomba enclosure and steam is sent all over. Then you go into a mud hut for sauna treatment and a hot water shower is taken finally. Afterwards we had a swim in the pool and checked out after lunch at 3.45pm.We reached Colombo around 10.30pm. It was a very enjoyable trip

Having fun in the pool

1st day – Kurunegala Ridi Viharaya at Ridee gama and Monaragala Buddha statue.

Ridi Viharaya is a nice and ancient place. You will not be allowed take the photographs even without flash. But sadly you will see high voltage flash lights directed to some walls with ancient paintings.(Now those paintings are difficult see and don’t seem to have any protection)

Ridee Viharaya – Rideegama, Kurunegala	Some ancient paintings - Ridi Viharalya (Silver temple)
වරකා වැළදූ විහාරය – Ridi Viharaya	The largest samadi statue(67.5 feet) at Monaragala viharaya – Rambadagalla, Kurunegala
The largest samadi statue (67.5 feet) at Monaragala viharaya – Rambadagalla, Kurunegala. This is not an ancient one and construction still in progress.	Kala Wewa is an ancient reservoir in A’pura. It was built by King Dhatusena around 400 AD. This reservoir has a circumference of 40 miles (64.4 km) and has a total area of seven square miles 7 square miles (18.1 km2) at full capacity.
Aukana Buddha Statue – This statue located close to the Kala Wewa rainwater reservoir, the perfect & elegant 12m-high standing Buddha Statue.	Aukana Buddha Statue
You will see paint or something in the statue. Seems some one had put something accidently or purposely. We should avoid this kind of activities and we all should keep this kind of great statue for our next generations.

I noticed that there were several renovation and repairing workhappening when at A’pura and P’naruwa. people who are assigned to do these tasks seems to have no idea about the value of ancient structures. No one was monitoring what they were doing. This should not be just repair job and should follow the correct process for it.

2nd day – Mihintale and Atamasthanya (අටමස්ථානය)

Difficult to visit the palces in time between 11 am – 2 pm because of strong sunlight and hot conditions. I think it is better for you to start going there early in the morning and rest in between mentioned hours (You can use these hours for cooking/lunch/bathing)

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. The site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Arahat Mahinda and the King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the Buddhism in Sri Lanka	Mihintale
Mihintale	Mihintale
Mihintale – View from top of Aradhana Gala (ආරාධනා ගල)	Mihintale – View from top of Mihintale
Mihintale – Aradhana Gala (ආරාධනා ගල)	Mihintale – Mihintale – The way to Mihidhu Lena
Mihidhu Lena – Belief is that the Mihidhu thero rest at this place	Aradhana Gala (ආරාධනා ගල) - Mihintale
Some ancient buildings – Mihintale; Seems like there is no proper maintenance of this historical site.	Ambasthala Dagoba (අම්බස්තල දාගැබ) - Mihintale
Isurumuniya temple	King’s family – Isurumuniya Museum
Lovers – Isurumuniya; One of the famous Gupta style carving in Sri Lanka	Ruwanweli maha seya
Ruwanweli maha seya	Inscriptions (Click Image to Enlarge)
Sri Maha Bodhiya	Lovamahapaya
Thuparama stupa	Muragala
Abhayagiri Stupa	Samadhi Buddha Statue – Consider Sri Lanka’s most perfect Buddha Statue
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)	Korawakgala (කොරවක්ගල) – You can see sri lanka’s best Korawakgala close to Kuttam Pokuna
Jethawana Stupa
Mirisawetiya stupa

3rd day – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

Use morning hours. Then you can get there without much tired.

At Sigiriya only few sentences you can see clearly in “Katapath Pawra (කැටපත් පවුර)” and don’t foget to see it.

At Polonnaruwa don’t forget to visit “thiwanka Pilima gee” If you are interesting in our old paintings (But you should go there before 6 pm. Because you have to go through forest)

Sigiriya Road map (Click Image to Enlarge)	Sigiriya
Paintings	කැටපත් පවුර (Mirror wall) - Only these text you can see clearly
View from Sigiriya	සිංහ පාදය (lion’s gate)
View from Sigiriya	Thorne – Sigiriya
Sigiriya	Statue of King Maha Parakramabahu
Gal Viharaya (Rock temple)	Gal Viharaya (Rock temple)

4th day – Minneriya National park, Namal Uyana

These days you will not see many Elephants in the park (sometime not even one). That happens due to heavy rain experienced during last few months. According to our trekker, a lot of elephants can be seen in July – August months. Also you will not be able to visit some areas of National park during this time of the year because the graces growing.

Also don’t use early morning session and use after 3 pm session to visit there.

Minneriya National Park – Night Safari (We didn’t do the night safari but according to the trekker this is still not up to the standard)	Inside Minneriya National Park
Inside Minneriya National Park – They are trying to remove these bamboo trees because these spread fast and becomes a threat to some other trees. But that hasn't been sucessful
Nice view – Inside Minneriya Park	Nice view – Inside Minneriya Park
Nice view – Inside Minneriya Park	Museum - Minneriya National Park
Namal Uyana - Galkiriyagama (Click Image to Enlarge)	Namal Uyana – You can see lot of Na trees
Pink quartz – Namal Uyana	Pink quartz – Namal Uyana
Pink quartz – Namal Uyana	Pink quartz – Namal Uyana
Namal Stupa – Namal Uyana	Kalutara Stupa - Kalutara

We planned this trip to visit Yala and Bundala National Parks. On our way back home we also visited Hummanaya Blow Hole.

Day 1

We started our journey at about 9.30 pm by taking a Kataragama bus from Colombo. Chamika, Miniruwan, Aravinda and Supun joined with me. We got off the bus from Tissa at about 4.30 am. Lokayya (safari jeep) came to pick us from there to the rest house. After a short breakfast we headed towards the Yala entrance. We entered the park at about 6.00 am. Four or five other jeeps also entered the park with us

Yala Entrance

Lokayya our jeep driver was a very experienced parson in the park. He was very urge to show us various kinds of animals, he didn’t hesitate to reverse the jeep several times to show us a rare animal or a bird.

	Lokayya didn’t hesitate to reverse the jeep to show us this baby crocodile
Butawa Wewa	Ranawara
Painted Stroke
Patanangala Beach

We came back to the rest house for the lunch and headed to Bundala National Park after a short break. Bundala is a bird paradise, and there were also a large number of crocodiles. We entered the park at about 3.00 pm. We were the only group in the park at that time, may be because it is not very popular compared to Yala. But the sceneries were very spectacular and it was also an unforgettable experience. I recommend every one come to Yala should also visit Bundala.

We headed back home next day morning after an unforgettable journey. We also visited Hummanaya blow hole on our way back to home. Special thanks to Lokayya for his invaluable support throughout the journey.

Hummanaya blow hole

Almost a day and half into our three-day safari, but still no Leopard!

This was my second visit to Wilpattu, the first being equally unsuccessful due to bad weather. The past week too it had rained almost everyday, but luckily this time, the skies opened up from the first day of our safari. This raised our hopes up quite high, but now, almost at the end of the second day, we had only seen fresh pugmarks, but no real Leopards…an air of frustration was starting to build up…

Then, it all changed!

Just as we passed the Borupanwila Junction, our driver suddenly uttered two words that made our hearts skip a few beats…
”කොටියා, කොටියා” (“leopard, leopard”!)

There he was…. at last, a beautiful leopard in the bushes calmly marking his territory.

Rubbing his back on the bush, his face on the leaves..

He then casually emerged from the bush, and to our delight, started walking slowly towards us, and not in the opposite direction! There were no other jeeps around, so we had him all to ourselves!

We froze…and watched…only the cameras clicking away..

To our delight, started walking slowly towards us

Crossing the road, he continued on his marking routine, seemingly unnerved by the excited (but silent) spectators

He then emerged from the bush, and slowly came closer…

…and closer…”oh, did he see us? what will he do??” we silently wondered..

Phew! He didn’t really care!

He marked that bush too, and continued on his leisurely zig-zag stroll	A heart-stopping moment…
and then………..he finds a puddle!!	…and decides he is thirsty!.....you can imagine our thrill

He was relaxed enough to sit as well

After a slow drink, he got up again to continue his marking
	Then he slowly walked closer and continued to pose….. he MUST be knowing he’s handsome!

It was starting to get dark, and just then, the sound of a distant Jeep could be heard…I guess he decided that the show was enough and quickly disappeared into the forest. This other Jeep ultimately did not even get to see a glimpse of this magnificent leopard (sorry…:-))

quickly disappeared into the forest

This whole encounter lasted about 15 minutes and we collected precious memories for a life time! We saw three more the next day, with no jeeps around again, so this turned out to be a very lucky trip indeed. Spotting a leopard at Wilpattu is much more difficult than in Yala, but I guess the heavens were with us. I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as we did.

Thought of sharing some photos which I think is worth sharing.

Went to Thissamaharama for a wedding of a staff member. Started at 6am and went with a cousin in the Suv. After lunch left for Yala as I wanted to kill 2 birds with one stone and entered the jungle at 2.30.

The treckker was Shantha (0712203940) a very good fellow.Went around and was able capture photos of some birds( photographed Eurasian Hoopoe for the first time) Sambur, Crocs and a lone Elephant at a distance.

Eurasian Hoopoe

Eurasian Spoonbills

Copper Smith Barbet

Sambur posing

Closeup

Painted stork

Small green bee eater

The lone elephant

Later near Yala Junction Shantha shouted “anna kotiya” and in the rush I applied braked on the gravel and came to a screeching halt and wen we looked on the right hand side a male leopard fully grown was seated in the shade just next to the road . When I opened the sun-roof and aimed my camera the fellow turned towards the jungle went a bit and turned back and most thrilling movement happend.

This is how we saw him first

Starting the walk

Undecided which way to go

He slowly came towards us eyes on me and went from the side of the jeep and if the window shutter was down and if I extended my arm I could have touched the fellow.He slowly went passing by went to the edge of the road urinated and again walked on the road looking back at me .

Continuing the walk

Eyes on me........

Eyes on me

just next to the vehicle

Going past the vehicle

Marking the territory

looking back at me

Shantha meanwhile phoned a couple of friends and only 2 jeeps came in time to see it. This was an awesome incident WAS LIKE CONQUERING THE WORLD. THE PHOTOS Iam sure will tell you guys also the same story. Enjoy the wonderful wild life.