One day trip to Aranayake, exposing to the nature & Heritage. Asupini ella (30m in height ) and Selawa temple were the main travel locations.

Having nearly an hour of driving we stopped at Ambasevana restaurant just before Kegalle for the breakfast. We were at Mawanella in the next 40 minutes. Up to few kilometers passing Mawanella on the Aranayake road, we met the first barrier since the road was under construction. We were beaten by dust because our jeep was an open canopy one.

we stopped at Ambasevana restaurant at Kegalle for the breakfast!

Passing Aranayake town, we reached to a junction called Horewela. That was 3 way junction and we had to drive straight to reach Asupini ella. The other route ( in your left side ) was crossing a bridge over the Ma-oya river, lead to Salawa temple

Ranges of mountains

After Horawala, the road turned to a narrow and hilly. Having traveling few kilometers, the roads become terrible. The villagers were using the road for seasoning there clove harvest by sun. They have to fold & remove their mats of cloves to provide access for the jeep.

Villagers used to use the road for seasoning their harvest of clove

Do you still think that you can manage this with a non 4×4 vehicle

Reaching the last point reached by a vehicle, we started hiking through the foot path. The important thing was that there were no travelers had visit their at least for the last two weeks. The foot path was almost covered by the bushes.

we started hiking through the foot path

It took more than 45 minutes to reach the observation platform. Since I have come with a child and 3 females, I had no chance to go beyond the same. The bushes grown around the observation platform impressed the unavailability of visitors.

Asupini ella – The 30m fall forms part of the Maha River that originates from both sides of the Raksawa mountains

Asupini ella visible to the observation platform

Quote: From LCWF website :

The 30m fall forms part of the Maha River that originates from both sides of the Raksawa mountains, and is itself 570m above sea level. The upper area of the fall winds through an area known as Uda Palatha, upstream of which is the Divisional Secretary’s Uduwella GS area, in the backdrop of Apalawatte Pallegama village.
The fall forms a plunge pool strewn with rocks where people are not encouraged to bathe due to the risk of drowning. Also at the base of the pool are crevasses known as Pinikandawela and Tissakumarawella that are said to house treasure by villagers.

The fall is steeped in history. According to ancient books written about border demarcations, this fall acted as a demarcation between the area of Satara Korale and Paranu Kuru Korale. Also, according to folklore, the fall derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leapt from its upper reaches. Villagers say that the fall sometimes emits a fearsome roar that can last for 15 minutes, and that this signifies that it will claim a human sacrifice within a two-month period. The fall is 49km from Pussalawe and 44km from Kitugala. The upper reach is about 5km from Dolosbage in the Kandy District, and can be accessed by passing Aranayake. The foot of the fall can be reached by traveling through Mawanella in the Kegale District, across Aranayake. A four-wheel drive vehicle is the best option.

Selawa Temple

Our next travel location was Salawa temple. Having hiking a number of steps, we reached there. The temple was consisted with three major houses of statues. Wall paintings were seems to be belonged to Kandy era, though this was originated by the King Walagambahu.

At Selawa village	The stream at Selawa village
Selawa temple	Selawa temple
Selawa temple	A modern inscription (Click image to enlarge)
Inside Selawa Temple	Wall paintings – Selawa temple

Statue – Selawa temple