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| Year and Month | October, 2010 |
| Number of Days | Two Days |
| Crew | 9 (between 26-31 years of age) |
| Accommodation | Galkadawala Forest Lodge |
| Transport | Nissan Caravan (Hired from Derana Cabs, Kandy)
Tata Cab for Kaudulla ( 0662270001) |
| Activities | Relaxing, Elephant safari, Sea Bath at Nilaweli. |
| Weather | Excellent (Slightly overcast and cool. Ideal for the safari and for the beach activities. However the conditions were less than ideal for photography) |
| Route |
On the first day we made our way first to Galkadawala, and after keeping our belongings there, proceeded to Kaudulla.
To reach the Lodge, turn left to the Maradankadawala road from Habarana main junction. Proceed until you pass the railway crossing. 200m on, there is a left turn to a tarred road with a sign post. Proceed until you pass the 4 km sign post. 100m on, turn left to a gravel road indicated by a sign post.
Kandy -> Dambulla -> Habarana -> Galkadawala -> Galkadawala -> Habarana -> Kaudulla
On the second day we proceeded to Nilaweli and came back to Kandy along the same route.
Galkadawala -> Habarana -> Trincomalee -> Nilaweli
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| Tips, Notes and Special remarks |
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| Author | NishanD |
| Comments | Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread |
After much planning and anticipation we left Kandy at 8.00 am on 30th October 2010. We had our breakfast of bread, pol sambol and Srinath’s mom’s milk rice (yum yum) just past Palapathwela under a big roadside tree. We proceeded to Dumbulla while munching boiled bada iringu on the way. We bought all our provisions from the Dambulla Cargill’s Foodcity. Fully equipped, we left Dambulla and headed straight to Galkadawala. We reached the lodge by 11.30 am. We were greeted by Kariyawasam, the friendly caretaker. We were stunned by the serene environment and the simple beauty of the lodge. We unpacked, relaxed and had our lunch before going for a walk on the Galkadawala tank bund, accompanied by the friendly dogs of the lodge.
 The view of the lodge from the bund of Galkadawala tank |
 The upper deck |
 One of the spacious bedrooms of the lodge with a balcony and a balcony seat |
 Many species of birds were seen around the lodge |
 The Galkadawala tank |
 Bird life around Galkadawala tank |
 Butterflies galore!!!! |
 The view of the sunset from the top deck |
 The lodge by night |
 The lodge by night |
The dining area
After relaxing for a while in the lodge, we went to the Habarana town where we were picked up by the safari vehicle we booked (contact number given above). The Kaudulla safari was a memorable experience, where we saw over 200 elephants in several herds including a tusker. We also saw a giant wasp nest several birds including serpent eagles, a Brahmini kite, peacocks, painted stork, adjucent stork etc. The bumpy safari ride added to the thrill of the adventure. We were allowed to get down near the lake. Paddle boat rides were offered to the visitors of the park but we were short of time and could not experience it. The safari ended in a thrilling note as we were leaving the park when an elephant appeared out of the jungle and started chasing the jeep!!
 Entrance to the park |
 The silhouette of an eagle in the distance |
 The giant wasp nest |
 A herd of elephants |
 Elephants……….. |
 The tusker |
 The beautiful Kaudulla Tank |
 Visitors are allowed to get down near the tank |
After a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep at the lodge we were awaked by the many bird songs heard from the surrounding forest.
We packed our breakfast and left the lodge early. After stopping on the Kantale tank bund for breakfast, we proceeded to Nilaweli beach at which we arrived by 10.30 am. We spent a wonderful 3 hours in the sea before heading off for lunch in the Trincomalee town. Immediately after lunch we headed back home full of wonderful memories of a fantastic trip.
 Kantale tank |
 Kantale tank |
 The Nilaweli beach |
 Pigeon Island as seen from the Nilaweli beach |
The beautiful waves of Nilaweli.