Lakdasun Trip Reports Archive » One day hike to 2nd (Kirigalpoththa) and 3rd (Thotupola) peaks of Sri Lanka

Year and Month	January, 2014 (4th)
Number of Days	One Day Trip
Crew	5(Ashan, Amila, Wuminda, Rukshan and myself)
Accommodation	Karunadasa guest house Pattipola T.P:0774907025
Transport	Train, Three wheeler and walking
Activities	Hiking and photography
Weather	Excellent
Route	Colombo -> Pattipola -> Hortain Plains National Park -> Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola -> Came back in same route
Tips, Notes and Special remark	Better start your journey in the early morning. As weather in Hortain Plains can be changed dramatically and mist would cover everywhere in latter half of the day. First do Kirigalpoththa climbing as it takes 4-5hours and it needs more energy. The new trail of Kirigalpoththa (what is in Lakdasun trail guide is old trail and it has been disappeared) is somewhat parallel to old trail and land marks are almost similar. Better carry one bottle of water. Hortain plains canteen was closed temporarily due to calling of new tender. So better depend on your own food. We got packets of lunch and breakfast from Karunadasa guest house. Don’t bring anything other than photos and don’t leave anything other than your footprint as this area is still not polluted. Train is the ideal mode of transportation for this one day journey. But reserve your train seats in advanced. From Pattipola to Hortain plains information center you can heir a three wheeler. Three wheel charges vary from Rs.1000-2000.
Author	Niroshan
Related Resources	Attraction: Horton Plains (Maha-Eliya) – Heaven on Earth, 2100m Above Sea Level Trail Guide: Kirigalpoththa Nature Trail – Horton Plains National Park Trail Guide: Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail – Horton Plains National Park
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread One day hike to 2nd (Kirigalpoththa) and 3rd (Thotupola) peaks of Sri Lanka

This was the first trip of New Year. We reached Pattipola railway station around 4.30am and Ashan came to accompany us to Karunadasa guest house which is situated in walking distance from the railway station. Following our bed tea we started the journey to Hortain plains National Park by a three-wheeler. Weather was excellent and Piduruthalagala mountain range, Ambewela area, Namunukula, Hakgala mountain were visible one our way.

Welimada plateau seen from Karunadasa guest house.

On our way towards Hortain Plains National Park. B grade road from Nanuoya to Hortain Plains via Pattipola.

Namunukula mountain range

Piduruthalagala and Ambewela area.

Ambewela wind farm.

Ambewela area.

Hakgala Mountain.

At Pattipola ticket counter.

Unique peak of Sri Lanka-Sri Pada.

Agra Bopath mountain-Unofficial 4th highest peak of Sri Lanka.

Thotupola Mountain. 3rd highest peak.

Hortain Plains information center.

Heading to Kirigalpoththa Mountain.

Few points of Kirigalpoththa
• 2nd highest mountain of Sri Lanka. It’s height is 2388m (7835ft).
• Highest mountain peak of Sri Lanka whose summit is accessible to the general public.
• Situated in the west area of Hortain Plains.
• Location-06047’57”N 80046’00’’E
• Least tourist attraction site of Hortain plains.

Starting the trail. Although it is mentioned 7km, it is about 5.6km. We measured.

Pigmy trees.

Guys loitering in the plain.

Belihuloya flows.

Hidden beauty.

Ashan is having a sun bath.

Permanent residencies of the plain

Entering to an open area.

Agra Bopath mountain again.

Walking through Nelu trees.

Nelu spring is not over.

Yummy

Enjoying the beauty.

Clear foot pathway.

First glimpse of the peak.

Closer view.

Actual climbing towards Kirigalpoththa.

The drop.

View of the summit point.

Heading to the summit.

Supposed to be the 2nd highest point of Sri Lanka.

Misty Mountain.

Group photo.

Dayagama area is seen.

Bowitiya is a common flower of this area.

Forest covering just below the peak.

Getting back.

Finding of drinking water is not a problem.

Invasive.

Baker’s falls.

Note- Still weather was excellent.

We were there.

Thotupola Kanda
Few points of Thotupola Kanda
• Third highest peak of Sri Lanka. It’s height is 2357m (7733ft).
• Thotupola Kanda means a landing site of Rawana. After kidnapping Sita, Rawana first landed his plane here.
• Trail distance up to the peak is 2km.
• Location is 06049’59”N 80049’11’’E.

Information about Thotupola Kanda.

Starting the trail. Note- Still Nelu spring is there.

Nelu.

Towards Hortain Plains.

Ambewela wind farm.

Newly built housing scheme.

Team photo taken below the summit. Ashan is missing. This is the place you can have a good panoramic view from Thotupola Mountain.

Bowitiya.

Panorama from Thotupola Mountain.

At summit point. Summit point is not a good place to have a panoramic view. Forest department was establishing a new tower on that.

On our way back.

Towards Pattipola. Evening view.

End of the day.

Although we started to walk towards Pattipola station, we had a lift by a jeep. Following our dinner we got into the night mail train towards Colombo with chilling cold. Had a day!

Thanks for reading.

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