We organized this hike as a university tradition. There were seven secret members for organizing the hike. We started the hike at about 9 in the morning from the Faculty canteen with a guide dog “White Fang” . Then we entered into Hanthana forest reserve with sudden a rain fall. We had to face a terrible leech attack at the start. We came to a huge area with pine trees. Then we climbed through the tea estates to a plain area of the mountain range. We had our lunch there.

Before the Sun wake up, we were busy in examination on 1:50,000 maps, to ascertain how & why we loss our goal during the last exploration. After such a hard trekking (not less than 13+3 =16km on foot) in the previous day, the crew was still aggressive to re-do the hike & not known the meaning of giving up. Having an idea on the road (Jeep track) network at the tea estates in and around Namunukula range, we decided to follow the path of the previous day as much as possible with our jeep & reach the village where we suspended our exploration last day.

Existence of nine peaks was caused to name the range as Namunu- Kula. It was the 12th highest mountain in SL. The highest peak out of 9 was climbed by many hikers each year; but from Spring Valley side which was considered as the formal path. Our ambition was to explore the whole 9 peaks from Passara side which was not popular trail and even done by nobody in popular travel forums.

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.

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.

An “Ambalama” can be described as one of an important public building in ancient Sri Lanka. There were series of “Ambalama(s)” located along the roads, being land marks & resting places for travelers for free. It was a convenience and comfort to people traveling far; going on pilgrimages or visiting relatives by foot or cart. Usually “Ambalam” were built in a chosen spots such as by the side of a paddy field or stream. Facility of portable water was provided with a “pin-thaliya” (a pot of water) or a well

I visited there several months ago but I thought it is good to publish trip report at least now because I don’t see any trip report related to Sithulpawwa. Beacuse of the time past, I can’t remember much details about visited places at Sithulpawwa

Came to Nuwara Eliya town and went to Galways forest which is on Welimada road few kilometers from Victoria park. Though we went in at around 11 this man made forest in the middle of the town is a bird’s paradise. Due to high canopy as the sunlight does not show much even at that time it was full with some uncommon birds such as Velvet fronted Nuthatch, Grey cannery flycatcher, Bar tailed Flycatcher,Yello Bulbul , Great Tit etc.

After Omanthai you find army detachments and sentry points all along road up to Jaffna but you feel very safe. At couple of places you have to get out from the vehicle and show ID etc for record purpose but does not take much time.In Kilinochchi you get a very good place run by the army for refreshments and a few kilo meters after the turn off the road was gravel and dusty.We reached Elephant pass around 6.15 and it was getting dark.

Sun was shining in the sky as a silver globe. We were on our way to another adventurous journey heading Namunukula. The small open canopy jeep was packed with 5 Lakdasun members. The itinerary of the day was to reach Passara via Beragala & Pilklinton point @ Punagala estate, since it was identified as a much scenic drive. Just as we passed Balangoda; our itinerary was challenged by ourselves. The main role of the same was played by Dinesh, who bucked on the distinctive weather condition prevailing and suggested to change the route.

It was end of 2010 and we went to visit Kataragama for few days (Five Days). This Ranminithanna visit is the main part of the our trip. We started the our journey from kataragama around 8.00am. it will take 30min from k’gama bus stand to main road entrance of the park and other part(main road to park entrance)will take around 30min by walking.

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.