I got to know about Manakanda (381.3m) from an article written in the book called Wanasena wanapeth (වැනසෙන වනපෙත්).Then one of my friends lives in Maradankadawala (මරදන්කඩවල) joined with me for this journey.
I reached Maradankadawala about 11am by Colombo-Anuradhapura bus. (A9 Road).

We took our way in Maradankadawala-Ipalogama (ඉපලෝගම) road until we came across the archeology board on left side of the road.
It indicated 3km from there to Manakanda archeology site. Manakanda road was not that much good but surrounding view was scenic. Manakanada was seen nearby.

Where it is situated – Click Image to Enlarge

Manakanda

Following rain

Common in this area

Finally we came to the Archaeology office of Manakanda, but nobody was there.

.	Climbing up

Manakanda was found as an ancient Buddhist monastery started on 3-2 B.C. It is similar to Ritigala, Arankale and Rajagalathanna. At the moment they have found ruins of 70 buildings at Manakanda archeology site. There are stone inscriptions mentioning some regional leaders have donated few caves to Buddhist priests during Anuradhapura period. Most of these buildings carry features of 9-10 A.C.

The first building we met. It is a “Janthagaraya” (ජන්ථාඝරය) This was used to treat and bath sick Buddhist monks

Entrance of Janthagaraya

“Beheth ambarum gala” බෙහෙත් ඇඹරුම් ගල

Circular flat form rest station -Similar to Ritigala

The road

Scattered ruins

Then we came back and followed the pathway towards the pond.

The pond

Boundary of the pond

Foot pathway getting narrow

Ruins of a Padanagaraya (පධානඝරය) Note the double platform

Footprints of wild Elephants

Ruins of another Padanagara

The foot pathway brought us more into the forest and now it started to ascend through giant trees. This forest is full of Kaluwara, Hal, Milla, Thammenna, Ata Thimbiriya trees. Then we came across cave with drip ledges. We could notice some stone inscriptions below the drip ledge.

A cave with recently built walls

Drip ledge and stone inscriptions below it

Other cave- treasurer hunters have started their work

Another cave

Then foot pathway disappeared. But we want to go to top of the rock. Somehow we climbed further up. Now undergrowth could be noted in the forest.

Thick undergrowth

Can accommodate a human

Ritigala was captured

Eventually came on the top of the mountain but there was no place to watch around. Then we walked further towards right side to find a view point. Finally got on to a nice view point

Ritigala – Giant of Rajarata

Pullankulama mountain

Further extension of Manakanda. Note there is a construction on it. It may be a nicer view point

Countless lakes of Rajarata

May be Galgiriya mountain

.

Nice rock formation

Zoomed view

On our way back we were caught into the rain and it took about 4 hours for the journey.

Thanks for reading

This was a long awaited trip to Embilipitiya for my personal matters. Then I decided to visit at some places on the way to Embilipitiya and following whole day was used to visit at places at Kollonna. Later I went in another separate day to visit at some places at Godakawela.

We got the Embilipitiya bus from Pettah at 4.15am and got down at Godakawela.

Godakawela was our first place to visit due to Mahindarama Tam piti Wiharaya (මහින්දාරාම ටැම් පිටි විහාරය) and Ammaduwa Katharagama Dewalaya (අම්මඩුව කතරගම දේවාලය).

Mahindarama Tam piti Wiharaya (මහින්දාරාම ටැම් පිටි විහාරය)

Mahindarama temple is situated in Godakawela town. Meegasthanne Adhikarama (මීගස්තැන්නේ අදිකාරම්) has built this temple under instructions of King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha කීර්ති ශ්රි රාජසිoහ (A.C 1747). Today you can see the image house of tampiti temple and Saman Dewalaya. It is hard to see a Tampiti temple in southern Sri Lanka.

Unfortunately we couldn’t go inside the image house as it was closed.

Image house of Tampiti temple. There are paintings of Saman and Vishnu on either side of the entrance

Tampiti temple

Then we visited at Ammaduwa Katharagama Dewalaya which is situated about 5km from Godakawela town. We got Ammaduwa bus from Godakawela town and got down right in front of Dewalaya. If you are going by Galkanda bus, you have to walk about 500m to reach Dewalaya. But that walk is worth as there are scenic views of paddy fields.

Ammaduwa Katharagama Dewalaya (අම්මඩුව කතරගම දේවාලය)

Ammaduwa Katharagama Dewalaya

Historical background

This was built during Kotte period (14th Century). A group of devotees have come to worship Uggal Aluthnuwara Dewalaya උග්ගල් අලුත් නුවර දේවාලය. (Refer the trip report on Visit to Uggal Aluthnuwara, (Balangoda), former Etharawa Koralaya in search of a fromal Traditional temple centered village in Sri Lanka. Its historical sites and other connected temples.) As they didn’t have accommodation at that place and got angry. Then they left their sacred things at Ammaduwa area. One of a regional leader got to know it and built this Dewalaya to worship those sacred things. Later King Parakramabahu of Kotte has allocated villagers for the service of this sacred place.

Main building is 88feet long and it has four parts as Kattaha Maduwa (කට්ටාහ මඩුව), Wattaram Shalawa (වට්ටාරම් ශාලාව), Diggeya (දිග්ගෙය) and Store room. The floor can be seen above Diggeya and store room, named as Maligawa (මාළිගාව). It is the place for ornaments of the god. There is another floor above that and nothing can be found there.

Image house, Kitchen, Kundasalaya (කුණ්ඩසාලය) and Paththini dewalaya (පත්තිනි දේවාලය) can be seen around the main building. There is a passage from main left exit of the Diggeya to Kitchen, named as Diga shalawa (දිග ශාලාව).

Kundasalaya is the place to watch dancing of Perahara.

Sinhasanaya (සින්හාසනය) is another room can be found near to main entrance and used to get a rest following Perahara.

There is a parapet around the Dewalaya for safety.

Main building of Dewalaya

First floor is Maligawa. Ornaments are there

Entrance to Kattaha maduwa

Kattaha Maduwa is closed

Kundasale is used to watch dancing at perahara season

Down view from Kundasalaya

Main entrance, Sinhasanaya, garden and surrounding environment

Sinhasanaya – used to get a rest following perahara

Scenic view met on the way

Current state

Every Wednesday evening they open doors of Dewalaya and have a puja to God Katharagama. Annual Perahara festival is in September month. Unfortunately we couldn’t see inside the Dewalaya as it was closed at morning time. Therefore better visit on Wednesday evening if possible.

After worshiping Ammaduwa temple we came back to Godakawela town and got a bus towards pallebadda. The road towards the Kamburugamuwa (කඹුරුගමුව) brought us to two places – Udagama Duvili Ella (උඩගම දුවිලි ඇල්ල) and Wavulpane (වවුල්පනේ) cave. Anura was our guide as well as driver for these places. (Later he became a good friend of us. T.P.0723577599)

Udagama Duvili Ella (උඩගම දුවිලි ඇල්ල) and Udagama Handapan Ella (උඩගම හදපාන් ඇල්ල)

To reach Udagama Duvili Ella, you have to go to Udagama junction in Kamburugamuwa road (2km) and then towards Udagama. There is a foot pathway towards the waterfall, first through the paddy fields and then within a forest patch. It is bit difficult to reach there without a known person.

It’s height is about 30m and origin is Miyanakoladeniya oya (මියන්කොලදෙනිය ඔය)

Where foot pathway starts

The way through paddy fields

A friend met on the way

Had to cross a water stream

Udagama Duvili Ella

Miyankoladeniya oya flows

Udagama Handapan Ella is situated about 100m away from the Duvili Ella. You have to cross the water stream and climb little bit up to reach this beautiful waterfall. It is 200feet height.

Udagama Handapan Ella

Water is collected for Hydro power project

After enjoying the beauty of two waterfalls, we moved towards Wawulpane lime stone cave.

Wavulpane lime stone cave

To reach wavulpane cave, you have to travel in Kamburugamuwa road towards Waulpane-about 15Km (Without turning to Udagama). If you use public transport, there is a van from Pallebadda to Wavulpane only on Mondays and Fridays. (Fair days). You can reach Wavulpane primary school by that van.

By a private vehicle, you can reach Wavulpane primary school and need to walk about 500m. It is bit difficult to travel there by a car. Four wheel or “three wheel” is ideal.

Anura guided us here as well. (Although his first visit to lime cave!) There are alternative routes to reach there as well.

This is the largest and oldest lime stone cave in Sri Lanka and only lime stone cave with an underground waterfall in the world. It is 457feet long and height of the cave differs from place to place. The forest patch surrounds the cave is called Wavulpane forest conservation. This cave is old as 50000 years and stones are belong to Cambridge era.

First we came to the entrance of the cave and changed our clothes.

The road towards the entrance. Board indicating that. The road in front of the board is to exit

On the way to entrance we came across hard water origin. It produces 26L per second contains CaCO3, Fe (OH)2, Mg salts. – Kiwul Diya Ulpatha (කිවුල් දිය උල්පත)

It’s yellowish in colour

People believe bathing of this water will cure skin diseases

This water stream flows in to the cave through a hole called “Andaraya” අඪාරය to make world’s only underground waterfall

Two parallel entrances

Halwini dola flows out through one entrance

Other entrance

Have to go through this to watch the waterfall

Underground waterfall, about 150feet height

This is the home for more than one million bats. About 7laks out of them are carnivorous

There are about 12 side caves inside the main cave. Most of the times need a ladder to reach them

Ample of cockroaches being food to bats

Coral formation outside the cave

Outer walls of the cave. Note stalactites formation. Stalactites are lime stone columns that hang from the cave roof

Need a superb flash light for this expedition. This is our guide

Another friend we met

After watching the underground waterfall, we came out and then walk towards the exit door.

Nice rock formation at exit – Stalactites

Halwini Dola flows into the cave

Exit

Getting down from the exit is hazardous. Droppings of bats with water make the floor extremely slipper

Note thousands of stars in the dark

They describe a small cave on right side of the exit as a labour room for bats. This is called Malwathu Room. (මල්වතු කාමරය

Rock formation

We didn’t forget bath at Yodaya Kapu Wala (යෝදයා කැපූ වල)

Then they describe about Madu Hen Yaya (මඩු හේන් යාය) which is situated about 2km from the cave. It has about 4000 Madu tress and reminds about Jurassic period. But we couldn’t go there.

Scenery I captured on my way back

Following Wavulpane cave we came back to Pallebadda town and had lunch.

Anura voluntarily dropped us at next destination, Pussadewa tomb. (ඵුස්සදේව සොහොන)

Pussadewa Tomb- ඵුස්සදේව සොහොන

It is in left hand side of the main road, few kilometers away from the Pallebadda junction towards Embilipitiya

The cemetery of great warrior of King Dutugamunu-Pussadewa

Then we stopped at Sankapala (සoඛපාල) ancient temple and we said good bye to Anura.

Sankapala temple (සoඛපාල)

This is one of a famous places found in Embilipitiya road, 7km from Pallebadda town. The great warrior of King Dutugemunu-Pussadewa has deposited his conch shell-“Jaya sankaya” (ජය සoඛය) in one of rocks found at this area. Therefore this area was named as Sankapala.

Following the war, King Dutugamunu has offered a village to Pussadewa. “Labadda” (ලබැද්ද) is that village. Later it becomes Pallebadda (පල්ලේබැද්ද)

Current temple and surrounding cave temples are belong to Kandayan era. There are caves with drip ledges in the mountain area belong to Anuradhapura period. Following Anuradhapura period, this temple was forested and King Rajadhirajasingha (රාජාධිරාජසිoහ) has donated this village to the great poet Korathota Dammarama Thero (කොරතොට ධම්මාරාම හිමි)

Entrance of Sankapala Temple

.

New constructions

Stone pillars scattered within new constructions

Second and third image houses-paintings belong to Kandyan period

Drip ledge with cone shell

Newly built Stupa

A poem written by Korathota Dammarama Thero on the door of image house – Click Image to Enlarge

This temple carries another importance as famous poet called Gajaman Nona (ගජමන් නෝනා) also learnt poetry from Korathota Dammarama Thero at this temple. There are number of caves in the rock which is situated behind the temple, but I didn’t visit there.

Sirinaga temple (සිරි නාග විහාරය)

Our last place of visit of that day is Sirinaga temple (සිරි නාග විහාරය). It is situated at Walawe junction (වලවේ හන්දිය). (Where Udawalawe road meets Embilipitiya road). If you are going by bus, get down one bus halt before the junction.

King Mahanaga (මහානාග රජතුමා) has built this temple and there are evidences of a Tampiti temple.

Today it has only few stone pillars and otherwise completely a new temple.

Remaining stone pillars

That day evening we reached Embilipitiya and stayed at Sarathchandra guest house

Day 2

After finishing my personal activities at Embilipitiya, we started the journey for second day. This day I decided to visit at few places in Embilipitiya-Kolonna (කොලොන්න) road.

Panamure Elephant Kraal (පනාමුරේ ඇත් ගාල)

Panamure is situated at 5km from Embilipitiya in Kolonna road. You can reach there by any bus going to Kolonna. To reach Elephant Kraal, you have to get a three-wheeler from Panamure junction to Ethgala (ඇත් ගාල).

There was a famous elephant kraal at this place during British colonial period. You can notice a perennial spring here. Elephants came to drink water there because of mineral tasty. Then people captured elephants and tamed them.

Famous Panamure Elephant is not a tusker (although called giant tusker), were also captured here. But it was so furious (Literature says because of a mating elephant). In that case, this huge elephant was shot and killed. This made a big issue in the country and parliament has banded the kraal. This ends the last elephant kraal of the country (1896-1950).

Nowadays you can see the Kraal restricted to a small land which consists of a museum, monument of Panamure elephant (to be opened) and water spring.

“Diya bubula’’ දිය බුබුල water spring

It flows behind the kraal

Monument to be opened

Panamure Elephant

This is he

Old Kraal was like this

When this elephant was shot. Thanks for the person who is looking after the place for supplying these photos

Then we came back to Panamure and travelled till 8th mile post to visit at Sri Sandagala Temple-Botiyawawa. You have to get a three wheeler from 8th mile post to reach this temple and road condition was not too bad. It is about 3km to the temple. The importance of this temple is, it has the highest wooden Buddha statue of Sri Lanka. It has no historical value and made on 2005.

Sri Sandagala temple-Botiyawewa (ශ්රි සදගල විහාරය බෝටියවැව)

.	It was made by Rukkaththana (රුක් අත්තන) wood

27 feet high

Our next attraction was famous architecture during colonial period, Maduwanwela walawwa. The bus dropped us in front of Walawwa.

Maduwanwela Walawa (මඩුවන්වෙල වලව්ව්)

This was started to build in 1700 by Wijayasundara Abayakoon

Ekanayaka Mudalithma (විජයසුන්දර අබයකෝන් ඒකනායක මුදලිතුමා).There was a fight between a cobra and a mongoose here and Cobra won. As result this land was selected to build it. Following him, others have expanded this bungalow and J.W.Maduwanwela Disawe ජේ. ඩබ්. මඩුවන්වෙල දිසාවේ (1844-1930) has made current one. Maduwanwela Disawe was very famous at that time.

Stone entrance to the land

Parapet around the Walawwa and garden

Second entrance

Maduwanwela Walawwa and garden

The Bo tree was used to worship

Pioneer of the Walawwa-Wijayasundara Abayakoon Ekanayaka Mudalithuma

View of a courtyard. It had 21 courtyards and now can see only 7

This upper floor is named as Burutha Maligaya (බුරුත මාලිගය) as Burutha wood has been used for it’s constructions

Tile designing

It had a labor room as well. It had 121 rooms

Ancient bath tub

Ruins

Stone inscription found there

Pirith Mandappaya පිරිත් මන්ඩප්පය

Grinding stone

Moon stone

A great part of walawwa is in the process of restoration by the archaeology department.

The ancient well

Following enjoying this great mansion, we came to the main road to visit at our last place of the trip- Maduwanwela Duvili Ella.

Maduwanwela Duvili Ella (මඩුවන්වෙල දුවිලි ඇල්ල)

You have to follow the road in front of Maduwanwela Walawwa to reach this waterfall.

Following the cart road, have to follow the foot pathway which goes through paddy fields and then parallel to the Araporuwa River (ඇරපෝරුව ගග). You will come across three significant waterfalls, but third one is usually named as Duvili Ella-25m high.

Maduwanwela Lake

Foot pathway goes through the paddy fields

Cascade 1 -10m height

Cascade 2- 12m height

Foot pathway to down

Cascade 3 named as Duvili Ella

Araporuwa Rive continues her flow and makes Neralu Ella (නෙරළු ඇල්ල) which is situated about 3km away from Duvili Ella. This foot pathway continues towards the Neralu Ella and then to Ranchamadama. We didn’t have a time to follow it. After having a bath at Araporuwa River we finished our journey.

Thanks for enjoying it.

පිළියන්දලින් රාත්රී 11 ට පමන පිටත්වූ අප උදෑසන 9 පමණ වන විට පොතුවිල් මුහුදු මහා විහාරයට ලඟා වුනෙමු. කුමන පිවිසුමට ලඟාවන විට දහවල් 12 පමණ විය. එතැනින් දිවා ආහාරය ගත් අප අපේ පළමු දින නවාතැන වූ කුඹුක්කන් ඔය හෙරලිගස් ආර බලා පිටත් වුනෙමු. කුමන පිවිසුමෙන් ඇතුල්වූ අප බාගුර පිටිය, කුමන විල්ලුව, මඩමතොට පසු කරමින් 23 පමණ දුර ගෙවා හෙරලිගස් ආරට ලඟා වුනෙමු. රාත්රී ආහාරය පිළියෙල කර දණක් පමන කුඹුක්කන් ඔය ජලයේ බැස ඇතිවන තුරු නා ගතිමු.

Pothuwil Muhudu Maha Viharaya

Kumana Park Entrance

Kumana shallow lake (Villuwa)

Elephant

Kumbukkan Oya

Kumbukkan Oya

1st Day Camp site – Heraligas Ara Camp site

1st Day Camp site – Heraligas Ara Camp site

පසුදින වනොද්යානයේ විවිධ ස්ථාන නැරඹීමට ගියෙමු. දුටුවන්ගේ නෙතට කඳුලක් නන්වන දසුනක් වූයේ බඹරගස්තලාව පුදබිමේ සැත්පෙන බුදුපිළිම වහන්සේට නිදන් හොරුන් විසින් කරතිබූ හානිය දුටු විටය.

එදින අපගේ නවාතැන වූයේ මෝය කට කඳවුරු බිමයි.

Jeep Crossing the River

Landscape

Crossing the lake to go to Bambaragasthalawa

Gal kema

Bambaragasthalawa Buddha statue

2nd Day Camp site(Moya kata)

Kumbukkan oya at Moya kata

තෙවන දින ඔකඳ දේවාලය කුඩුම්බිගල ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය හා අවට සංචාරය කල අපගේ නවාතැන වුයේ කුඩුම්බිගල වැව අසල විශාල ගල් තලාවයි. මෙම ස්ථානයේ ලැගුම් ගැනීමට අවසර ලබාගැනීමට අවශ්ය නොවේ. අවශ්යකනම් කුඩුම්බිගල විශ්රාම ශාලාවේ ලැගුම් ගැනීමට පුලුවන

Yoda Lipa

Our Vehicle

Kudimbigala Natural Buddha statue

One and only Cylindrical pagoda in Sri lanka (Kudimbigala Aakasa chaythya) Same as Baranesa Isipathana Migadaya

3rd Day Night stay in around the Rock at Kudimbigala Lake

departure from Kudimbigala Lake

Jone mama,s House in Panama

Elephant at Lahugala Lake

සිව්වන දින කුඩුම්බිගලින් පිටත්වූ අප කොළඹට පැමිනෙන විට රාත්‍රී 8 පමණ විය

අප සමග එක්වූ මංජු මෙවැනි සඳහා ඉතා අත්දැකීම් බහුල පුද්ගලයෙකි. විෂේශයෙන් කැබිලිත්ත දේවාලයට යන ගමන් සඳහා විශාල අත්දැකීමක් ඔහු සතුය. 0770694475 දුරකථනයට කතාකර ඔහුගේ සහයෝගය ලබාගත හැක

Map 1 – Click Map to Enlarge

Map 2 – Click Map to Enlarge

Kadurugoda ancient site

It was yet again a day with a not so appealing forecast but I just couldn’t stay back in my quarters so this time got together with few of my staff members who were on leave and decided to do a trishaw ride around Iginiyagala. We came to Namal oya junction and waited until Danushka arrived because he was our guide for the first two locations. Our first place of interest Kadurugoda is located at one of the most scenic places one can imagine off. To get to kadurugoda one needs to take the road towards Ambagahawella from Namal oya junction. After passing the newly built Kadurugoda temple the ancient site can be found surrounded by a paddy field. It is a 3km ride from Namal oya. The archaeology site is looked after by department of archeology and there is an ancient pagoda many ruins of buildings and a fallen statue. It seems very similar to ovagiriya in many aspects.

beautiful landscape

namal oya mountains

Kadurugoda peak

searching for breakfast

plenty of these guys

Kadurugoda ruins site surrounded by paddyfields

wonder if this is a yupa stone

wonder what this was

plenty of ruins scattered

a moon stone

another building

a fallen statue

pagoda at kadurugoda

drying up its wet wings

seems like a changeable hawk eagle

Neella archeology site

Next place was Neella which is located close to Uhana on Namal oya Kahatagasyaya road. Nella is an ancient site located at the foot hills of Namal oya. If one wants to reach it there are two routes. One is via Uhana which is about 7km towards Kahatagasyaya. Otherwise one needs to take the Kahatagasyaya road from Namal oya and after passing Kahatagasyaya proceed 2 more kms. The archaeology site is located at a place called Vihara kandiya which is surrounded by plenty of streams. I must say this is another splendid place that one needs to visit. At this site there is a huge pagoda, many buildings in ruins, a broken statue, old lake, a cave with a drip ledge and vedda paintings. The nearby rock inscription is well carved on a rock cube and seems interesting. There is a civil defense post at this location to protect it from treasure hunters.

passing namal oya mountains at kahatagasyaya

Primitive board of department of archaeology

on the way to Neella

splendid path

wow	another beauty

vihara kandura streams

a branch of sri maha bodhiya planted in no mans territory

towards Nella ruins site

remnants of a building

steps with a moon stone

treasure hunters have dug a 10 feet pit

another stream

a korawak stone

pagoda at nella

ruins close to the pagoda

nidan gala

rocks placed on the ancient dam

creepers forming patterns

more ruins

steps towards the cave

more steps

nella cave

bricks

a rock inscription

vedda paintings at neella cave

more paintings

and more

close up

broken statue

Diviyagala Hermitage

After showing us around Namal oya, Danushka had to say good bye to us because of some family commitments. After finishing loitering around Namal oya we returned back to Inginiyagala and took the road which followed the right hand cannel that diverts water from Gal oya. This road goes through Padagoda and ends at Higurana. While we were passing Padagoda we came across the second Cyburn (a canal over another canal) of Iginiyagala area. The road was in very bad condition and the continuous drizzle made things worse somehow we arrived at Moragahapallama and took the road which begins near “Seevali” school. The Diviyagala hermitage is located on top of a rocky hill and one can find a huge rock pond with steps and an inscriptions. And further up there was a huge “Asanagaraya”, few “Chatra” stone suggesting that there was a pagoda in the vicinity once. Though there were few caves we couldn’t visit them due to bad weather but we did climb up to the top to enjoy some gloomy scenery. There was one unique pillar with an interesting carving of a female close to the “bo” tree at this hermitage.

Padagoda lake

Pallag oya flowing over right canal of gal oya google earth image – Click Image to Enlarge

first time i came across this guy

bo tree at diviyagala aranya senasanaya

pillars at diviyagala

Note the carving on the pillar at diviyagala

note the huge asanagaraya and chatra stones at diviyagala

scattered ruins

siri patul gala

view frm diviyagala moragahapallama

higurana as seen from diviyagala

an inscription

ancient pond

an inscription near the pond

steps towards civilization

steps leading out of the pond

drainage from the cannal of jayanthi lake

Kethsirigama Mihindu Hermitage

From Moragahapallama we returned back on Padagoda road and took the Galkanda road via Koknahara. Again this road also was in very bad condition until we reached Koknahara and the road runs parallel to the waterway which diverts water from “Jayanthi lake”. Mihindu hermitage is located at the base of a mountain and is a site with many ruins. There are few drip ledge caves in the forest and only few monks live in these kuti. The ancient pagoda is seen like a mini mountain and close to it they have built a new pagoda with a fleet of ancient steps. There are plenty of pillars in the surrounding area suggesting that there were many buildings at one time and we did come across a statue too. Within the forest patch there are some remnants of the ancient “sakman maluwa”. We were offered afternoon “dane” from the temple which was like medicine to our tired soles.

newly built pagoda at mihindu hermitage

ancient pagoda at Kethsirigama Mihidu hermitage

guard stones

ruins at Kethsirigama Mihidu hermitage

ancient steps

a statue

a cave with treasure

ancient sakman maluwa

a monk in his kutiya

another drip ledge cave

a kutiya close to the canal

forest hermitage

some one has taken treasure

monoliths

tired staff

Pannathgoda Raja Maha Viharaya

From Koknahara we rushed back towards Pallan oya and proceeded towards Inginiyagala. Just after passing the Pallan Oya Bridge there is a road on the left hand side which will lead towards the Pannathgoda temple which is located on hill top. There is an ancient pagoda few ponds remains of a “devalaya”, and few inscriptions in the surrounding area but the most fascinating finding was the granite monument of Sri lanka done during king Saddathissa’s ruling. This temple is believed to be done by king Saddathissa as most of the places we visited on this day; also one can easily enjoy the scenic view of jayanti lake from here. After thanking the head priest we returned back to Inginiyagala at around 4pm to end our one day adventure.

pagoda at Pannathgoda

ancient steps at Pannathgoda

වී

outer wal

rock pond at Pannathgoda

more scenery

view from Pannathgoda

another rock pond

lake of jayanthi

the most interesting finding of day

and washed of inscription

remnants of a devalaya

Once upon a time, I came across this very unusual name “Kanneliya Forest Reserve” and since then, I couldn’t stop myself being told over and over again, “must go see, must go see”…

Well, that mantra has reaped its benefits coz I managed to visit this beautiful lady on 24 & 25 March. By the time I write this report, my legs are screaming coz they are still cramped up by lots of walking. On the other hand, my soul is at a very peaceful and content stage, which I won’t trade for a million dollars.

I got my friends Lasantha, who had a change of heart first but managed to rejoin at the eleventh hour and Dimuthu to join me. So here goes another Sri’s fairytale and hope it, unlike many other fairytales, won’t put you to sleep.

Day 01

So we left Colombo Fort by 6.10 am train which is available only on weekends (other days, it’s at 6.55 am) and reached, after a very fast ride, Galle around 8.05 am (5 minutes late ).

It was very difficult to carry our bags, so I wanted to leave it somewhere in Galle but my friends wouldn’t hear any of it. We then took a Galle-Matara bus and asked the conductor to drop us off at Rumassla Road. He completely forgot about it and dropped us instead about 2 km further up. (You have to get off at Holcim Cement Factory, former Ruhunu Cement)

I immediately got the jitters as I felt it might be a very bad sign. However, after lot of huffing, we got into a tuk-tuk which asked for 200/- (400/- right up to the Peace Pagoda, but I chose to walk from the main road) to take us up to the Road leading to Rumassala. We managed to leave our baggage with a very good show owner who’s selling Bulath Wita at the Rumassala bus stop.

There’s about 2-3 km up to the Peace Pagoda and world famous Buona Vista (pronounced Bona vista) Coral Reef (locally known as Jungle Beach). The whole Rumassal area is about 3 square km and the coral reef has about 60% live corals. It was heavily damaged in the 2004 Tsunami and they now have started a project to plant corals along the beach.

There’s a lot of talk on Rama-Ravana-Sita-Hanuman in Rumassala and it’s said to be a mythical mountain in Galle. I’ve put a pic of the legend in the picture story. However, according to Sir Arthur C. Clarke, this is formed as a result of an asteroid and he claims the nearby Unawatuna beach to be one of the 12 most popular beaches in the world.

The peace pagoda was a very soothing place, looking grand. You can see the Galle harbor and the fort clearly from there. Below the Pagoda, the road leads to the Jungle beach where lots of locals as well as foreigners come for snorkeling, coral-seeing and relaxing. We too had a walk around and saw many remains of buildings which must have been destroyed by the Tsunami.

We then met a few couples hanging around and one of them said that it’s really dangerous to hang around the cliff path as they believe every year few people lose their lives around that area. However, I felt It must’ve been a tailor-made big-fat lie to chase us away and get some privacy.

Along the path we came across a very tasty fruit called “Eraminiya” and hungrily munched. Afterwards we came back towards the peace pagoda and at a hotel called Hanumangira had some tea and bun. (after about 17 years I tasted the then very popular cream buns that come in pairs wrapped in polythene)

This is where you have to turn to Rumassala

Rumassala Bay and Buona Vista Coral Reef

Peace Pagoda

Birth of Lord Buddha depicted

Click Image to Enlarge

Enlightenment

Click Image to Enlarge

Preaching

Click Image to Enlarge

Parinirvanaya

Click Image to Enlarge

Ship anchored off the harbor

Majestically rising to the sky

Jungle beach

To the Jungle beach

Monitoring our movements?

Lovely but deadly dangerous

Glass-bottom boats at the Rumassala bay

Visitors

Main way of making a living

There’s a temple named “Sri Vevekaramaya” and the chief monk is Sasanathilaka Thero and we decided to visit it as well. The temple was such a beautiful place and in a very small piece of land, it has everything, nice Buddha statues, Hanuman Statue and a Bodhisathwa Statue as well. On a board, they had put up the legend of Rumassala which I managed to capture. (Given below)

The Rumassala Temple

Giant statue

Hanumantha

Bodhisathwa Statue

It’s said one picture is worth 1000 words, well this certainly is worth much more – Click Image to Enlarge

Then on the way back to the main road, there was a board saying “Historical Burton Tower” and thought of giving it a go. To our amazement, there was no board or anything saying what it was so couldn’t find about it more. It’s just light house type tower about 80 feet high.

.	Burton tower, but couldn’t find much more

We came back to the main road, and got into a Matara bus and asked the conductor to drop us off at Martin Wickremasinghe folk museum. Having experienced the conductors’ loss of memory, I too was keeping an eye out for it. As expected, the conductor forgot all about it but for our luck, I spotted and managed to get off about 500m away. This is located right in front of the famous hotel “The Fortress”

Right in front the road to the museum

.

It’s open daily from 09.00 – 05.00 and a ticket is 30/- each. It really was another mesmerizing experience as Martin Wickremasinghe is among the greatest of all in our literature especially in the 20th century. Being able to visit his birth place and seeing the things he used in real life is something I would treasure for the rest of my life.

The complex has many highlights:

1. The Folk museum which shows many important aspects of the rural life, especially the south along the coast.
2. Martin Wickremasinghe’s house (Inside you can see the things he used, special occasions of his life, a pic of him receiving the M.B.E. medal from Queen Elizabeth II, and many more) and his Samadhi
3. Remains of his grand uncle’s house
4. Display of old vehicles such as carts, boats, etc.
5. Book shop where they give 20% discount on all his books

Famous puppets of Ambalangoda

Village Kitchen, how many seen any of this in real life?

Things used in rural villages’ houses

26 Famous rainda designs

Sewing machines

Utility items

Replica of a tank

Like to dress in one of these?

.	First in line

Familiar ones

Elephant cart

Bana cart

I’m sure most of you guys have seen one of these, it was there till early nineties

Giant boat

Click Image to Enlarge

The master’s house

Another worth 1000 words – Click Image to Enlarge

Bed room

The living room

.	Things he used…

.	Pencil drawing?

Cartoon character

.

Any idea of the model and the brand?

.

.

.

If you haven’t read this, well not too late, only 160/-

.

.

Sekkuwa

It really is a must-see place and we left around 12.30pm to go see the famous Madol Duwa. I knew from the morning that something bad was going to happen and my gut feeling proved right. Along the main road towards Matara, we went about 800m and saw a notice saying “Madol Duwa” and felt very happy. As soon as we turned to that side, someone asked if we going to the Madol Duwa and for our sins, we said yes.

He then asked whether we want to go the island or take a tour around it too. We said a tour around would be nice and he asked for 1500/- and we felt (as we had no idea the distance and the time it takes) it was reasonable. We then had to walk towards the Koggala railway and beyond the bridge and near it lies the jetty. The boy asked one of the boatman to take us and asked to charge 1500/-.

We were surprised to see it was a very short distance to the island, about 1km, took us about 5mins and around the island we went in about 5 more minutes. Then we landed and the boatman simply asked us to walk around the island. There were numerous paths and we had no idea where we were going (just like in the story how Upali and Jinna were doing) and passed the same place a few times.

We then came to probably the other side of the island and I suddenly remembered the flame-ghost (Gini Avathare) of Madol duwa book. There was a nice cashew tree with cashew and Lasantha managed to pick one with the juicy flesh. It was after a long time I had one of them and we then managed to find the way back to the jetty. Madol Duwa has a well, a stone foundation of a former Sekkuwa, and remains of a structure.

Busy at work in Koggala Lagoon

Newly built Railway Bridg

Overlooking Koggala oya

Happy wonderers

Well in the island

Sekku gala

From other side of the island

Super model

Trying to walk around the island

We then asked if we are going any further but the boatman said it was the end of the journey. Would you believe it? However, we paid as agreed and he showed us a short cut to the main road and then only we realized that we were victims of a very bad scam going around. There was a board saying the “Tours in Madol Duwa and the Main road to the Madol Duwa” (pic given below). So the one we took was a very bad choice and paid heavily for it. I even saw a notice saying further up, passing the bridge it’s only 20/- to Madol Duwa.

So guys, if you ever go to Madol Duwa, go straight to the Jetty and check the prices directly from the boats.

Use this or there’s another further up…. go right to the jetty and ask the prices…. Damn those brokers

After that we came back to Galle around 2.30 pm and had lunch. Then took a Udugama bus from the stand and took us nearly 2 hours to reach Udugama which is only 33km from Galle. It was raining really hard by the time we reached Udugama and took a tuk-tuk to the Kanneliya Forest Resort (250/-) about 4km away.

The place was excellent, very spacious rooms, comfortable beds, very clean washrooms, and exceptional views of the Nannikiththa Ela which later joins the Gin Ganga. The food was delicious too.

We had a hearty meal and bunked down for the night.

Kanneliya Forest Resort – Well worth every penny spent

View from our room

The following morning when we got up, the sky was very gloomy and it was drizzling too. Gosh, I didn’t like it one bit and was mumbling to myself what we are to do. The view below our room was gorgeous as the river was flowing freely.

When we went to B’fast around 7.00 am I asked Wilbet, very helpful staff member, if it will continue to rain but he confidently said it’s gonna be ok in a little while. It really was a blessing and his prediction proved right at the end.

We walked up to the Kanneliya ticket office which is another 1 km away from the hotel and it was around 8.00am by then. There was only one group waiting to do the Kabbale Mountain trail which is the longest and most strenuous. However, we got Ajith, a very helpful guide in Kanneliya, and paid for the tickets which was 884/- for all three of us (28/- each and 800/- guide fees) for Narangas Ella trail.

Highlights of Kanneliya:

• Cave Trail – 1.5km
• Anagimala Ella Trail – 2.5km
• Giant Nawada Tree Trail – 5.2km
• Giant Puss Creeper Trail – 2.3km
• Narangas Ella Trail – 5.2km
• Kabbale Mountain Trail – 5.5km

Do add a few extra kms to the given numbers as they certainly are more than what’s on the board.

We immediately set off and the angry clouds slowly started to dissipate. On our way we came across a Bodhilima very close to the Anagimala Ella. It was a female one, Ajith pointed the brown one is the female and the green one is the male. Both have very distinctive and colorful wattles.

Talking of wattles, when Ajith said the “Karamala” in Sinhala, I was trying to figure out the English word for it and immediately came up with the word “Chicken Flower” and how to match it to the Bodilima. However, I managed to get the correct word thanks to Google and online dictionary.

Back to the Bodilima, when they are angry they open their mouths and given half a chance will bite you. We then came across a “Pinum Katussa” that is a very small fellow and jumps around, thus the name.

Then we reached the Anagimala Ella which is rich with lots of water due to the rains in the last few days. It’s created by Nannikiththa Ela and later joins the Gin Ganga which meets the Indian Ocean at Ginthota.

Ajith told us there’s a tragic story behind the name Anagimala Ella. There was a Tamil family with two children, boy and a girl. The girl’s name was Anagi, and her brother had apparently got her pregnant. To keep it a secret, he had taken Anagi to the fall and pushed her to the fall killing her. So the name came about, Anagi mala Ella (The fall where Anagi died), Anagimala Ella.

Natural pool below our room

Kabbale Kanda seen along the way

Click Image to Enlarge

Don’t trust the distances – Click Image to Enlarge

Forest Department bungalow (can accommodate 43 people

Click Image to Enlarge

Nice hut

True enough

Getting down to the cave complex

Inside the cave

The cave floor, can you spot the shrimp? In the middle

Our trusted guide, Ajith in the middle

Near Anagimala falls where Ajith told us the story behind the name

The natural and eco-friendly ceiling made of Beru leaves

.	The female one

Anagimala Ella is nearby

Pinum Katussa

First glimpse

Wide angle

Nannikiththa Ela

Part of the fall

Another female showing her colourful wattles (My term – Chicken Flower )

.

Kanneliya doesn’t have the “Kaluwara” tree; instead it has a tree called “Kalu Mediriya” which is very similar. There are a few more very important trees in Kanneliya.

1. Yakahalu & Thaniya Dun Tree – They make famous “Dummala” (which is being used at Thovil and all other ceremonies) using the liquid that they get from the trunk of the trees.
2. Mandora – they use the roots of this tree to put into the pots of Thelijja to prevent them turning into Raa.
3. Katamada – Wal Durian, very similar to Durian with a prickly skin and eaten by Monkeys and Giant Squirrels.
4. Kiri Hambiliya – A tree used in Ayurvedic treatments which has reddish leaves
5. Thambotu Creepers – Same as famous Ve Wal, found in Sinharaja. They make lots of things using these.
6. Dorana – Very remarkable tree. Villagers cut a hole in the trunk of the tree using an axe or a sharp knife about 6 inches deep and burn it. After about 2 days, there’s oil filled in the hole. They collect it and dry it in the sun and make valuable Dorana Oil which is used in polishing statues and paintings. One bottle in Galle is around 1500/- but in Colombo around 3000/-.

We even saw a Trot (100m X 100m area) under research. The forest department measures all the plants and trees inside this area and keep records of them for future use.

We even came across a very rarely seen fight between a Binkunda and a leech that was covered in sand and I guess it finally was killed by the Binkunda.

Plywood corporation had destroyed many land mass and thousands of trees in Kanneliya. According to Ajith, they torched the quarters of the officers inside the forest and some army vehicles and in 1989; making plywood and chopping trees were stopped as a result.

We then went along the path towards Maliga Dola. Up to this the road is very good and very few leeches to bother you. However, you have to cross this to go to the Narangas Ella, another 1.5km from there. that’s a very tiny foot path infested with leeches and I practically ran all the way to the fall coz I had very bad experience in Sinharaja when we did Lion’s Rock trails (in the board it said 14km but more than good 20km). You can read more about that trip here

The giant puss creeper

Wal Durian a.ka. “Katamada”

Eaten by monkeys

Kiri Hambiliya tree

Very rare seen, a Leech vs Binkunda

Giant Nawada tree trail

Thambotu creepers

Unknown friend

Nosieest of all, “Rahaiiya

Torched plywood corporation officers’ quarters in 1989

Familiar in Sinharaja too

Mushrooms at large

Maliga dola, end of the decent-size road

More beautiful ones

Having to cross Maliga dola

Me being carried by my friend, VIP treatment

Another unknown fellow

Narangas Ella wasn’t so rich with water, however there was enough and trying to get to the top is not advisable as it’s extremely dangerous and slipper rocks all along. Below there was a nice pond and when Dimuthu and Lasantha got into it to wash their feet, there were lots of fish mainly Thalkossa with a reddish tail (slightly different from Bulath Hapaya) and even some prawns decided to feast on their feet.

We then headed back to the hotel around 12.30 pm and had a cool dip in the natural pool below our rooms. After a hearty lunch, we left for Galle coz I was planning to visit the Galle fort too. As soon as we got into the bus, it started pouring with rain and inside the bus there were a few streams running across. It must be the most depilated bus of Udugama depot as every socket and most of the windows leaked and we almost had to sit at the edges of our seats.

Narangas Ella

Upper part, up-close

Tiny one coming down through the forest

Fish therapy

Tasting the feast

Prawn is on the prowl

Thalkossa

Thaniya dun, the white is the liquid which later made in to “Dummala”

Here’s the male

Saying good-bye

Wilbet, friendly and helpful staff member at the hotel

I was praying for a bit of sun to go see the Dutch fort in Galle and they were immediately answered as it suddenly stopped and the lord Sun appeared around Makuluwa junction. Reach Galle around 3.45pm and went to the Galle fort immediately.

We took the left from the entrance and about 100m up, you can see the national museum of Galle but to our utter disappointment, it was closed. After that, there was the famous Dutch church and it too was closed. Having our hopes shattered, I asked Lasantha to check if the Maritime Archaeological museum was open. For our relief it was and we entered. Ticket price is 50/- each and you have to buy them before 4.15pm and open till 4.45pm.

It was declared open on 04 March 2010. Exhibits of marine artifacts found in underwater explorations are show cased in the Museum. There are maps, naval craft, ropes, earthenware, beer mugs, smoking pipes, barrels, vast amount of articles including artillery guns and sailor shoes. Ship wrecks in the sea off the Southern coast is where these artifacts were recovered from, some of which are nearly 800 years old.

This was built on a former Dutch warehouse which was heavily damaged in the 2004 Tsunami flooding.

Then we went along the outer wall of the fort, we could see the peace pagoda of Rumassala in the distance and reached the Light house. Kenneth De Kretser was the engineer of Government Factory that built this in 1938.

Afterwards, we went further along and came across a funny scene which I captured on my camera. There was a foreigner reading a book on a pillar and a dog was lying around looking at him as if listening to his every word.

We saw the dungeons like prison which is about 30 feet deep. All of a sudden, it started lightening and when we looked at the sea, what we saw brought us the images of “Day after Tomorrow” movie. The whole sky was pitch black and the rain was coming at a ferocious way and we almost ran right up to the clock tower and then to the bus stop, but not before me getting some few shots of the Galle Int. Cricket Stadium and the clock tower.

Entrance of the Dutch fort

.

Unfortunately this was closed (National Museum, Galle)

19th Century Dutch Church

Bell tower, might have belonged to the Dutch Church

Landscapes of old buildings

.	Former Dutch warehouse turned Museum

Pics of various incidents

.

Got loads of Vases like these

Wedhi paintings and symbols used instead of words depicted here

Not real people

Just like an original

Dutch Seal

Another Dutch Seal

Replica of a ship

Jewellery of various kinds

.	More vases

Division of SL according to Dutch rulers

She’s sewing

Important couple??? I guess so

Grand with the black background

More replicas

These are what the Portugese and Dutch came here for; The world famous SL spices

A real canon

Replica of a war ship, you can see the holes where they used to fire from

Howitzer

.

Original seal of the warehouse still exists

.

The light house

Peace Pagoda and Rumassala seen from the fort

The light house plaque – Click Image to Enlarge

The Indian Hut

Along the wall

.

People enjoying, look at the crystal clear water

Dark clouds lurking in the distance

.	Sun is fighting for us to keep the rain away

The dungeons where the prisoners were kept

More dark clouds surrounding us

I guess the clock is working fine

Running from the rain, just enough time to capture the ground

You can see the rain chasing us, towards the right of the picture

Lasantha is running for all he’s worth

Running, but had to take this too…

The moment we entered the bus stand, it started raining Cats and Dogs, and soon intensified to Bulls and Goats too.

It really was another wonderful trip and I managed to see everything I had planned….

So that’s the story of Sri de Galle….. Hope you guys enjoyed my fairy tale.

Day 1
We started the journey on 28th early morning at around 3.00 am. We reached Mahiyanganaya at around 11.00 am. Next, we visited was Maha Oya hot water springs where we had a bath.

Mahiyangana Stupa

Senanayake Samudra

We reached Ampara around 1.00 pm. We had to pick our two friends from Dayata Kirula exhibition stall. Therefore, we spent 1 or 2 hours visiting the exhibition. Next, 8 of us went to the friend’s place where we were spending the night. It was extremely very difficult to book a hotel or a government circuit bungalow as it was the Dayata Kirula exhibition period.

While on the way to the friend’s house, we stopped for a while near Senanayake Samudra. It was around 5.00 pm when we reached the house. Since, everyone was tired due to long journey and the hot weather, we decided to have a rest even though we had ample time to travel more.

Day 2

We started our journey for the day around 6.00 am and we prepared and took the breakfast with us. The first place we were planning to visit was Deegawapee stupa.

We reached there around 7.00 am.

There were interesting paintings in the shrine rooms which describes the history of the Deedawapee Stupa.

Deedawapee Stupa

Shrine room

Click Image to Enlarge

A picture which describes how a monk fallen from the stupa while the stupa is being constructed, was saved due to the power of Dhajagga Soothra – Click Image to Enlarge

On our way to Deegawapeeya, we saw crocodiles having sun bath on a tiny island on a small lake. As we stopped our vehicle to get some photographs of them, they slowly slipped away into the water.

Next, we visited Deegawapee Pariwara Stupa. You have to travel in the same road towards Ampara a small distance and turn to another road to reach this place. This stupa is located on a small rock.

Deegawapee Pariwara Stupa

Deegawapee Pariwara Stupa

Deegawapee Pariwara Stupa

View from the summit of the rock

View from the summit of the rock

3 different stages of Sugar cane cultivation

After having our breakfast, we set off to Buduruwagala. Again, it was a temple on a small rock. Since, these days the climate was very sunny and very hot, it’s difficult to walk with bare feet even it was just around 9.00 am. So, we felt that if we could reached there little earlier, it would have being better.

Buduruwagala rock

Tortise in the pond

Eagle trying to attack fish in the little pond on the rock

Skeleton of a tusker

Click Image to Enlarge

After that, we set off to Monaragala.

It was around 2.00 pm when reached Monaragala. Lunch was ready at the circuit bungalow and we were so tired as the weather is very, very hot. We gobbled the food in no time.

After having a small break, at around 4.00 pm we decided to visit Maligawila and Dematamal Viharaya.

First we visited Maligawila. There are two important places at Maligawila, Lord Budda Statue and Statue of Avalokeswara Boddhi Sathva.

Maligavila bear archaeological sites – Click Image to Enlarge

Click Image to Enlarge

Lord Budda Statue

Statue of Avalokeswara Boddhi Sathva

Dambegoda Pillar Inscrption

Click Image to Enlarge

Next, we visited Dematamal Viharaya. The name Dematamal Viharaya derives from ‘Dutu Mal Viharaya’. The legend says, after a small battle with King Dutugamunu, his youger brother Prince Tissa has seek protection from Sanga by arriving this temple. The chief Sanga, has asked the prince to hide under the bed.

Dematamal Viharaya

King Dutugamunu has suspected that his brother is in temple and has come to meet Sanga. When he inquired the monk about his brother, the monk has replied, Tissa Adehi Natha- Tissa is not on the bed.

The king has understood that this means, even though brother is not on bed, he might be under the bed. While worshipping the monk, he has bend, looked at under the bed and verified that he is there.

The king then ordered his men to guard outside the temple premises. The chief monk understanding that, Tissa won’t be ever able to leave temple premises in this condition, requested four monks to carry Tissa, pretending to carry an expired body of a monk.

King understanding it is Tissa, not a dead body of a monk, said ‘Tissa, Sangun Pita Noyaw”. Anyway, later the dispute between the two brothers was resolved by the guidance from Sanga.

Day 3

The last day of the trip, we left the circuit sharp at 6.00 am. First place we wanted to visit was Yudaganawa.

Yuduganawa Stupa

Chulangani Stupa

Yudaganawa is another place related with King Dutugamunu.

It is said that, Prince Gamunu went to hide in Digamadulla after a dispute with his father, King Kavanthissa. The dispute was the old king’s reluctance to fight with King Elara. After several years, King Kavanthissa expired and Prince Tissa came to throne.

Prince Gamunu received this news and requested his brother to give him the tusker Kandula and Mother Queen which are essential to be the inheritance of the throne. Since, Prince Tissa rejected the request; Prince Gamunu has no other option but to fight with his brother.

In earlier battles Tissa won against Gamunu as he was powerful due to his large royal army. Therefore, Gamunu had to be tricky to win the fight. In a battle at Yudaganawa, Prince Gamunu on his horse-back jumped across Tusker Kandula. The tusker feeling ashamed of the person who is handling him, threw Tissa down. Thus, Prince Gamunu came to throne.

It is also said that King Dutugamunu started the war against Elara from this place.

Buduruwagala

A hole in the rock with a shape of a flame

Ruins in Buduruwagala area

After that, we set off to Buduruwagala. The way to budurugawala was very beautiful. The path set across a beautiful village, along paddy fields and next a small jungle with lakes blossomed with red lilies.

It’s a really beautiful sight and we as travelers need to keep in mind not to harm its beauty.

Way to Buduruwagala Ruins

.

Way to Buduruwagala Ruins

On the way, we saw Udawalawe tank and I could capture few photos.

We reached Ratnapura at around 12.00 pm. We decided to have lunch near Saman Deewalaya.

Udawalawe Tank and we can see a waterfall in a very far mountain range

Saman Dewalaya

Sankapala Vihalaya

On the way someone suggested us to visit another temple, Sankapala Vihalaya where one of King Dutugamunu’s giant men was later meditated as a monk.

A ape family – son, mum and dad @ the temple

We reached Colombo around 3.00 pm. I forget to mention, on 28th night, one of crew who was at Ampara, had seen this moon ring (220 moon halo) which is called ‘Chadra Mandala’ in Sinhala. This a very rare occasion as I know, since full moon and humidity of atmosphere is required for this phenomenon to occur

moon ring – ‘chandra Mandalaya’

In red trail ends, green chariot path, blue loolecandura estate – Click Image to Enlarge

It was dawn of Sinhala & Tamil New Year and I wanted to make it a memorable one. All started one year back after hiking Yahangala which was linked with Ravana epic. Yahangala prompted me to go through few Ravana documentaries and important places related to the legend; though I’m not a blind believer I think he was one of the greatest kings in Sri Lanka. While going through some articles I came across a site called chariot path which urged me to pay a visit someday because of the unusual location of it. There was very little information about chariot path and the only way to find out was to go in search of it! This place is being visited by Indians regularly so then why not us been Sri Lankans should not!

3 of us arrived at Gampola on a sunny day trying to figure out a way to get to Frotoft estate so after talking with few locals we were told to go towards Pussellawa. From Pussellawa we gott in to a crowded “Pettarasi” bus which ascended through the delta estate and kept winding around tea estates producing some of stunning scenery which we couldn’t capture due to many reasons. After a bumpy bus ride through the upper Ramboda estates we reached the old Frotoft hospital. We were told that there is a clear trail to the said site but finding the trail head was the main problem. Fortunately we met Nimal at Frotoft estate line houses and he agreed to show us the way. We were extremely lucky to come across this guy at that moment because it was already 1pm. After walking about 1.5km through the scenic tea estates of Frotoft we reached the trail head at the boarder of the estate.

now abandoned old frotoff hospital

kotmale reservoir as seen to Frotoft

on the way towards the trail head

getting misty

this young stream later forms devathura oya

ladscaped perfectly

a lonely tree

this is what we are going to climb

There was a clear path almost all the way and even if it was bit covered at some places, it was not so difficult to keep in track. The initial stretch was almost flat and ran through the bushes and within no time it was a mild continuous ascend. This foot path is used by locals to cross over to the tea estate on Hewaheta side so it will not get completely covered for any reason. Even If you have a look in google earth the trail can be easily identified. The last bit was the toughest since we had to climb in a zig zag manner continuously uphill until we reached the top of the Piduruthalagala range. At this point we tipped of our helpful guide and walked through the mountain range with ease. The walk was through a classical mountainous forest just like walking in Horton plains and in no time we reached our destination which was a large plain area middle of no ware.

entering the forest

it continues through the nelu

Frotof watta line houses where we started the hike

its gonna rain soon

Sitha flowers(Ashoka)(Maha rath mal)

Bowitiya decorating the sideways

spookiness at its best

guess the direction of the wind

colourful mountainous forest tops

It took us about 1.5hours to reach the plains from the trail head and after we got there our exhaustion simply disappeared. It is a bare area with a huge grass land surrounded by short Nelu trees and mountainous forest. The chariot path is a road like path where the “Dandu monara” has been landed and it is said that King Ravana brought Sita devi to this place to show the beauty of his kingdom while flying from Lankapura to Ashoka Vatika!

Quote

The summit of the mountain next to the mountain range overlooking Frotoft Estate in Pussallawa is the place where Lord Hanuman first set his foot on mainland Lanka. This mountain known as Pawala Malai is visible from this mountain range. These hills stand tall in-between King Ravana’s capital city and Ashoka Vatika.

The barren land top of the mountain range is believed to be the route in which King Ravana took Sitadevi from his capital city Lankapura to Ashoka Vatika, which was a paradise on earth. Till date no vegetation grows on this passage except grass. King Ravana is believed to have taken this passage on top of these hills to show Sitadevi the beauty of his kingdom.

The Sita tear pond is found en route by the chariot route, is believed to have been formed by the tears of Sitadevi and has not dried up since, even during severe droughts when the adjoining rivers dry up.

In this area there are many large trees whose bright red blooms add colour to the scenery. These flowers are called Sita flowers. The peculiarity of these flowers is the configuration of the petal’s, stamen and pistil’s, which resemble a human figure carrying a bow, and is said to represent Lord Rama. These flowers are unique only to this area in the whole of Sri Lanka

the chariot path where Ravana took Sita to show the beauty of his kingdom

towards hewaheta

beautiful layers

one of those birds we met

experiencing a different world

The area was gloomy and there were signs of a rain within no time but that didn’t stop us from exploring around. It is truly a paradise and we experienced it at the fullest only on the next day. There was a clear water stream close to Sithas tear pond. There was evidence of recent illegal mining in the area and the other disheartening sighting was all the biscuit wrapping papers left over by visitors. Just before we pitched our tent we came to the edge of the mountain range which was at an altitude of 2000m to enjoy the panoramic view towards Kotmale and upper Ramboda regions. We found a suitable grass patch to camp on and when we were done with our tent it started to rain at around 4pm which lasted until 7pm. During this period drops of rain water started to seep through the zippers and made our life much more difficult! After the rain seized we did mop up our tent and had some bread and butter as dinner before we fell in to an interrupted sleeping process. Neither of us tried to get out of the tent to go in search of Samber because of the misty freezing climate on that day.

mist cleared off a bit

where we climbed from

the drop

we camped here

the plains

Sita’s tear pond(i didnt taste and see if it was salty)

without flowers

here comes the mist and rain

tree tops

Next day at around 4am we woke up and wanted to have a look outside, once we opened the cover of our tent we saw something we never expected to see. It was Adams peak with Hatton- Nallathanni trail lit up and that was simply an awesome unexpected sighting for us. We were pumped up and waited impatiently until the sun rise. We were also expecting some stunning scenery because the sky was already cleared off, so at around 5.45am we jumped out of the tent and proceeded along the path towards Rikillagaskada side where the sun seemed to be rising from. And it finally appeared behind an isolated cloud which lightened up the plains with its shiny orange rays to form some magical scenery. At this point mountain peaks at Rikillagaskada , Knuckles range and Mool oya estate started to become clearly visible.

dawn of day 2

the view of sri pada from chariot path note the hatton route lit up

Dawn over the chariot path

towards rikillagaskada

towards knuckles

the sun is covered

mool oya estate

grandfathers beard

here she comes

breathtaking…!

colourfull indeed

magical path

sun was shining on my tent

scenery at its best

We rushed back to our camp site and proceeded towards the opposite edge of the mountain to witness the beauty of Kotmale valley. It was totally cleared off and only a small patch of mist covering Nawalapitiya town far away was seen. It is obvious why Sitha devi was brought here by king Ravana! From one end to the other one can easily spot Piduruthalagala summit, Kikiliyamana, One tree hill, Pundalu oya, Great western, Totupola, Adams peak at the center, Galaboda range , Kabaragala of dolosbage, Peacock hills, Kotmale reservoir and New Kotmale town, Frotoft estate, Peacock hills, Alagalla, Gampola and Ambuluwawa. This is one of those places which I will re visit in near future for obvious reasons!

the shadow of the cameraman

golden rays

drops of water

more scenery

the three shadows

perfect framing

walking to the edge from the tent along the chariot path of Ravana

towards pundalu oya and great western

Kikiliyamana range with its towers also one three hill towers can be seen

summit of Sri Lanka

wake up kotmale

sun is shining over frotoft

kotmale reservoir and its dam

Piduruthalagala summit and kikiliyamana

towards peacock hills

gampola kanda and ambuluwawa

not much of water these days

new city of kotmale

peacock hills and dolosbage

top of peacock hills

valley of kotmale

the holy peak

sri pada zoomed

Ramboda area

kabaragala of dolosbage range

the tea estates of upper ramboda

beauty of the wild

living in harmony

Panorama of kotmale valley

team spirit

nawalapitiya covered with mist

Though we were unlucky to spot some samber around there were plenty of signs suggesting that there is a healthy population around. Also we did here a barking deer running screaming through the bushes. Only in the morning did we notice that the stunning view of Adams peak is seen in line with the chariot path symbolizing the importance of this place and the folklore may be true though we don’t have pure evidence. They have also found Ravana Guli(nutritious Aggala prepared by Ravana for Sita to keep her a live) around Frotoft estate, according to some articles I read these were thrown around the area by Sitha who refused to have any.(check this video  to get more info on Seetha guli) at around 8am we started descending towards our next target which was loolecondura estate. According to our guide the path leads towards Loolecondura but later we figured out that he was not correct at all.

clear sky

grass at the plains getting sun burnt

adms peak is directly seen from the chariot path

the three webs

good bye is only for now, i will be back

Descend was very steep and seemed never ending plus the loose quartz were not helpful at all. The scenery towards the estate which we thought as Loolecondera was simply amazing also the mist was kissing the tea estates reminding us how beautiful our mother land is. We rushed down to the estate within one hour but after getting to the estate we faced an awkward situation while trying to get directions towards famous James Taylor bungalow and seat because neither of the estate workers new anything about it. When we showed them few photographs even they didn’t recognize the place so we finally asked the name of the estate and we were told that we were in Mool oya estate and loolecandura was two estates away. So we had to hire a trishaw and head towards Loolecondera. Rather than descending to Hewahata and taking the main road the trishaw guy took us through a tea estate which was totally worth it because the ride produced some panoramic views towards Rikillagaskada. After a rough ride we came towards Loolecondera James taylor museum but unfortunately it had been moved towards Pussellawa. From there onwards we proceeded towards the entrance point which begins near a road side shrine and continued uphill along a poorly maintained estate road. I wonder why they can’t maintain it despite getting good revenue from the visitors.

the steep descent

wow the misty mountains

mool oya our destination

refilling at a water way

finally back to civilization

oh i love these flowers

welcome to mool oya estate

all of them were busy

a yellow eared bul bul

petals every where

After about 1.5km there was a junction and if one took the 1.1km road to the left it will lead to the first ever tea patch planted in 1867 but we decided not to go that way due to lack of time. Further 3.5km along the winding road through one of the most beautiful tea estates in Sri Lanka one will reach another junction where the road to James Taylor’s log cabin and Seat divides. When you wonder around the tea estate you will note how James Taylor has blended with nature and tried to protect the forest as possible while carrying out his tea plantation. Some places are fully shaded with huge trees and other tea patches concealed with mountainous natural forest. A 100m walk will take one towards the remains of James Taylors log cabin and only the chimney and few scattered rocks can be seen at this present day. The location was simply one of the best places on earth to build a cabin. Near by the cabin the well he used can be found and from there onwards there is a foot path which will lead up towards Dotelagala rock.

somewhere close to james taylor museum at loolecandeara

the museum which is closed

the shrine close to the entrance from the main road

name boards

yes you have to pay to go on a broken road

sub mountanious forest blended with tea

lush green

the 3way junction – Click Image to Enlarge

on the way scenery

trees everywhere

well trimmed and tea bushes grown along contor lines

view towards Piduruthalagala range

well maintained tea estate having many summer huts to have a rest

we went to the cabin and pettiyagama estate

peak at galaha very tempting

Dotelegala may be on another day!

the well

the well is not in good shape

remains of the log cabin

few words…. – Click Image to Enlarge

ode to james taylor – Click Image to Enlarge

only the chimney remains

beautiful garden view

We returned back to the junction and proceeded towards James taylors seat and summer hut also there is a pond close to the summer hut. James Taylors seat is really one of those relaxing places you would love to sit on for hours and hours. I just could imagine how this guy would have spent his evenings smoking a pipe and enjoying a cup of tea with leamon overlooking Knuckles mountain range. The panoramic view towards Galaha , Delthota, Rikillagaskada was unforgettable also we noted Hunnasgiri peak, Knuckles / Kalupahana area, parts of Victoria reservoir, a peak at Galaha, Rikillagaskada peak and plenty of paddy fields of Hewaheta region. It was time for us to return back at least before the Nonagathaya so we had to say good bye to James Taylor and the lovely memories of our journey and rush towards Colombo to prepare for the New Year!

james taylors summer hut

meaningful words

James taylor seat

endless view

view from the seat

towards rikillagaskada

Panorama of hewaheta- galaha taken from james taylor seat

kaputagala rikillagaskada

note hunnasgiri peak and knuckles mountains

wow what a view james taylor had

paddy fields of hewaheta

Delthota

the road which leads to the seat

it sums up our day

Mr James Taylor(taken from internet)

Quote

The first commercial planting of tea was on Loolecondera Estate, some 18 miles southeast of Kandy, No.7 field is where the first tea plants were planted.

Mr James Taylor of Loolecondera – now acknowledged as the Father of the Tea Industry – was quite unassuming man who arrived in Ceylon towards the end of 1851 when he was but 17 years old and took up duties as Assistant Superintendent on Lolecondera. He remained on loolecondera for his entire planting career of 40 years and only left Ceylon on one occasion in 1874, when he went to Darjeeling in India to absorb as much tea lore as he could. He was painstaking in the extreme and by reading and experimentation took every opportunity to increase his knowledge of the tea-bush and its fragrant product. In a letter written by James Taylor he starts by recalling that how in his China phase a Cachar (North Indian) planter, Mr Noble, showed him how to pluck, wither and roll tea with a little leaf growing on those old bushes near his bungalow. All the rolling was done by hand and Noble also told him about fermenting and panning and the rest of the process.

Taylor made a further batch under the direction of the old Assam Planter, W.J.Jenkin, whom he met earlier experimenting on Condegalla for the Ceylon Company. A sample of this batch, together with seven samples Taylor had made before, was sent to Weinholt in Calcutta, India, in 1872. Taylor says with justified pride that while the Jenkins-controlled sample was valued a little higher than his own single-handed effort, all but two of these were ‘reported on as being better than the Indian teas then sold in Calcutta’. Up to this time Taylor explains that his entire tea making had been with ‘arrangements in the bungalow verandah’. Many famous Coffee Planters learned the art of tea growing and manufacture from him.

During this journey I needed to visit at places in Warakapola-Karawanaella, Galapitamada-Nelundeniya and Ruwanwella-Galigamuwa roads. Ancient Seethawaka kingdom was situated over this area. Although I had a tight schedule before the journey, the evening shower ruined some of my plans. Somehow I was able to visit at following places.

Day-1

1. Dorawaka pre historical cave (දොරවක ලෙන)
2. Pethangoda garden (පෙතන්ගොඩ උයන) and Wangedi-Molgas Ella (වන්ගෙඩි මෝල්ගස් ඇල්ල)
3. Manikkadawara ancient Tampiti temple (මැණික්කඩවර ටැම්පිටි විහාරය) and remaining of Portuguese castle
4. Holombuwa Sthreepura cave temple (හොලොම්බුව ස්ත්රීකපුර විහාරය)
5. Dadigama Kotawehera (දැදිගම කොට වෙහෙර), archeology museum and Dadigama temple

Day-2

1. Brandi Kovil (බ්රැදන්ඩි කෝවිල)
2. Tomb of King Rajasingha (රාජසිoහ සොහොන)
3. Ancient Britain Castle of Ruwanwella
4. Palngamuwa suspension bridge (පාලම්ගමුව සoගිලි පාලම) and Hakurugala cave temple (හකුරුගල රජමහා විහාරය)
5. Manella waterfall (මානැල්ල)

Places of visit – Black star = Dorawaka cave, Purple star = Pethangoda garden, Red star = Manikkadawara temple, Brown star = Holombuwa temple, Green star = Dadigama. Orange star = Britain castle, Yellow star = Palangamuwa Bridge, Blue star = Manella fall – Click Map to Enlarge

Places of visit – Black star = Brandi kovil, Red star = Rajasingha tomb – Click Image to Enlarge

Dorawaka pre historical cave

Importance of this cave is it has about 30 sketch drawings belonging to pre historical era.

You have to get Madeniya (මාදෙනිය) bus from Warakapola town. (Alternative bus is Warakapola-Ruwanwella bus and has to get a three-wheeler from the junction where Madeniya road starts). If you tell the conductor or driver they will drop you in front of the road towards the cave. Actually this road starts in front of a boutique. Then you have to walk about 2km, initially it is a concrete road and later it becomes a footpath way within a rubber estate. Vehicles can be driven to a certain extent.

It likes an inverted ‘V’ shape. 82 feet long, 55feet high.

Drawings were numbered by the archeology department

Brahmin letters and symbols belong to pre-historical period

Belongs to B.C 8-10

Sketch of a Tusker

If you need a closer view of letters and drawings, have to jump over this fence

Newly built Kuti

Following the cave we walked back to the main road and got the bus towards Pethangoda. (First have to go to the junction where Madeniya road meets Karawanalla road and then Karawanalla/Ruwanwella bus).

Pethangoda garden

You have to get your turn to left side on the Warakapola-Karawanalla road at Pethangoda to watch Pethangoda Bamboo bushes.

The ancient road from Seethawaka kingdom to Central kingdom was situated close to this garden and people were used to rest at this garden on their way.

Following the war with King Wimaladarmasooriya, King I Rajasingha (Seethawaka Rajasingha) came to get a rest here on his way back to the Kingdom. His leg has been pierced by a bamboo thorn and it was enough to kill the King.

Nowadays you can see only two bamboo bushes here. The lake in front of the garden is now covered with plants. Ancient garden was large about 42arches.

There are other stories also behind the death of King Rajasingha. While the king was walking in the garden he was bitten by a cobra and king was unconsciousness due to snake venom. Then he was brought to the Seethawaka kingdom by a boat. Near the Anguruwalla, king’s feet became black. (Gangrenous.) Further down the river, king wanted to step down the boat and he became limp once he stepped on the bank. That area is called Karawanalla. (Korauna walla->Karawanalla)

කොරවුන+ වැල්ල-> කරවනැල්ල

The place where king’s feet became black now called Anguruwalla.

අගුරු වුන+වැල්ල->අගුරු වැල්ල

Warning – Click Image to Enlarge

Historical information – Click Image to Enlarge

Two bamboo bushes

Bamboo thorns

Ancient lake now covered with plants

Then we preceded our journey towards a nearby waterfall called Wangedi-Molgas Ella. (Actually it is a small water stream). This name is due to a piece of rock likes a “Molgaha” and bathing pool likes a “Wangedi”. You have to walk about 2km from Pethangoda garden towards this waterfall.

So called Molgaha

Bathing pool-Wangediya

After having a bath at this water stream we came back to Pethangoda and got a bus towards Galapitamada. The time was around 2pm and we had to satisfy from bread for our lunch at Galapitamada town.

Then we took the Kegalle bus from Galapitamada and got down at Manikkadawara junction (less buses in this road compared to Warakapola-Ruwanwella road).The archeology board shows the direction towards the temple and distance was 2km from Manikkadawara junction.

Manikkadawara Temple

• It has three importance.
• Ancient Tampiti Temple-Belongs to Kandyan era.
• Paintings of this Tampiti temple. One of them shows a Sinhala king is eating by spoon and fork.
• The Bo tree. This is the one mention in famous poetry called Thisara sandeshaya. (තිසර සන්දේශය)

Tampiti Temple.-now under renovation. Therefore unable to watch paintings

Temple is on 14 stone pillars

The Bo tree

When you cross the road from the temple, you can visit at remaining of Old Portuguese castle. Nowadays you can see star shaped basement only.

Star shaped castle

Then we came to Thunthota (තුoතොට) junction and got a three-wheeler to Holombuwa to visit Sthreepura temple.

Holombuwa Sthreepura cave temple.

This is one of an interesting place I have visited.

.	Historical information – Click Image to Enlarge

Nice arch over the temple

The door with paintings

Small pagoda within the image house

Roof paintings

Perennial pond

Then we walked about 3km towards the Dadigama (Road on the other side of the temple connects to Dadigama.) It was scenic in the evening.

Another evening to Dadigama

Dadigama has three importance.

• Kotawehera
• Archeology museum
• Dadigama ancient temple

Kotawehera

This was built by King I Parakramabahu (1153-1186) at his birth town Dadigama. This pagoda doesn’t have a Pinnacle. Only has three basal rings and dome.

Height is 47feet and top is 26000square feet large

There is a small stupa inside this large stupa

Number of antiques were excavated from this archeology site and now kept at Archeology museum of Dadigama.

The brass elephant oil lamps and gold plated Samadhi Buddha statue can’t be seen there. They are kept at National museum Colombo.

.

As it was around 5pm we couldn’t visit at archeology museum at Dadigama. (Archeology museum opens from 8am to 4pm) Then we came back to Colombo.

Day 2

Second day I started my journey from Awissawella and preceded from there towards Ruwanella. Before Thalduwa junction, the archeology board can be seen in right hand side towards the Brandy kovil.

Brandy kovil

The great king Rajasingha (The last king who has brought the Sri Lanka to one canopy in 16th century.) has built this kovil under instructions of “Aretha keewendu Perumal”(අරිඨ්ඨ කී වෙන්ඩු පෙරුමාල්). This was built as seven stories building to worship devil Kala or god Shiva. Rajasingha I has killed his father and later worried about it. The person Aretha Keewndu came from India and instructed the king the only way to come out of the sin is to build a Kovil by diverting the Seethawaka River.

Later Portuguese have destroyed it.

Now we can only observe the basement of this building. This land is boarded by Seethawaka River from three sides.

Brandy Kovil with it’s entrance

.

.

Following Brandy kovil, we walked towards Thalduwa junction. Our next place of visit was tomb of Rajasingha I. you have to go in Gurugalla road about 2km to reach there.

Tomb of King Rajasingha I

Remaining of the tomb

Historical information – Click Image to Enlarge

Then we came back to Thalduwa junction and got the bus to Ruwanwalla.

Ancient Britain Castle of Ruwanwella

This is situated in the right middle of the Ruwanwella town. Nowadays Ruwanwalla police is situated in the castle. I first spoke to the receptionist of the Police and she was kind enough to show remaining of the castle after getting permission.

Entrance of the castle

The year is 1817

The wall

This part of the building is also belonging to old castle

Due to historical values of the castle, police can’t do new constructions here. Therefore they have planned to shift the police to somewhere else.

Palangamuwa suspension bridge

You have to walk towards the Ruwanwella ground to visit at suspension bridge. This was built few years ago it is 555feet long and considered as the longest suspension bridge of Sri Lanka.

Longest suspension bridge of Sri Lanka

The Kelani River meets Gurugoda oya

This is their bread and butter

.

We crossed the bridge and got a three-wheeler to the nearby cave temple called Hakurugala temple.

Hakurugala cave temple

This is considered as a creation of King Rajasingha I. On the way to Hakurugala temple, you can see another rock called “Biso Panna Gala”. බිසෝ පැන්න ගල

Before go to the war, one of the King has told to his seven queens, if he win the war a white flag would be waved otherwise a black flag would be seen. Although he won the war, the person who waved the flag showed the wrong one. Seven queens realized the king has lost the war and suicide by jumping from this rock. Now it is called as Biso Panna Gala.

Biso Panna Gala

The rock where the cave temple is situated is contact with the ground by only limited area. But the nature has kept this rock like that for a longtime without rolling down.

Hakurugala cave temple

Note this rock touches the ground only by limited area. This is the side view

In some areas you can see the other side

Not like other cave temples. Other side of the rock is also a cave. Therefore you can walk around the rock

The water flows down from Hakurugala is having high density

Image house is under construction

Drip ledge

The person who worked at temple was kind enough to tell all these information as the priest was not at temple at that time. You can have a panorama view from the top of the rock but we didn’t try to climb it.

Manella waterfall

To reach Manella waterfall you have to take Kegalle bus from Ruwanwella and get down at Liyangahamula.(ලියන්ගහ මුල) From there you have to cross the bridge and walk towards Patti pelpita(පට්ටි පැල්පිට)about 2-3km. This bridge was built few years ago and villagers used the ferry to cross Gurugoda oya (ගුරුගොඩ ඔය) before that. If you come from Warakapola, there is a direct bus towards Weragala (වේරගල) to reach Manella fall.

Newly built bridge over the Gurugoda Oya

Gurugoda Oya flows. It is a branch of Kelani River

Main road and foot pathway towards Manaella. It is not difficult to find the waterfall

Maha Manella (මහා මානැල්ල) waterfall. 20m height. Villagers believe the God Manella stays here and named this waterfall by his name

This waterfall has two parts as Maha Manella and Kuda Manella. ( කුඩා මානැල්ල)

Kuda Manalla. 6m height

Going through bamboo bushes to climb the waterfall

Puhuwala ela flows to make Manella fall

Friends who came to visit at waterfall

After having a bath at Kuda Manella we finished the day. There are some more places belong to Seethawaka kingdom to be visited. Will see later

Thanks for reading

Map of Olagangala – Click Map to Enlarge

Map of Kanugolla – Click Map to Enlarge

Whenever I take my camera with me it will drive me to somewhere interesting and this was one of those days. Since I had some official work on a Saturday which I managed to finish within 2 hours, decision was taken to pay a quick visit to Olagangala(at Mahiyangana). Working in a remote area where plenty of archaeological sites could be found is one of those benefits I cherish. I have seen a name board previously somewhere around 15th mile post on Bibila – Mahiyangana road and was thinking of it visiting this hermitage called Olagangala someday. The provincial tourist board of Uva has done a splendid job by putting up boards all around the province aiding random travelers to notice these places and visit them. And I have been one of those guys

After getting down at the name board I had to walk for about 2km along a calm gravel road shaded by huge dry zone trees until I met a lake just before the hermitage. The hermitage of Olagangala had few newly built buildings and it seemed to be visited by many worshipers and roamed by notorious monkeys . After meeting a head priest and explaining my intentions he was kind enough to let two little monks to show me around since I was all alone. So we started climbing along an uphill path which began close to the “sthupa”. Though the climb was not tough at all (there were rock steps) the extreme heat made things bit difficult for me. The two monks took me to the main cave which once had 21 partitioned “kuti” and the marks on the cave roof justifies the fact. There was along inscription mentioning that it belongs to 3rd king Shiva and it is supposed to be belonging to 2/3 B.C.

starting point at 15th mile post

the board seems like 1000 years old

the road towards Olagangala

Olagangala

Kiriweleddagoda lake

they were mischief’s

the foot path

the monks who guided me

first and main cave with 21 kuti

the inscription – Click Image to Enlarge

statue in the cave

cave view

evidence of kuti

the huge cave

Next we continued uphill until we reached the top of the rock where a vandalized modified “sthupa” could be found. The view from the top is simply great in the sense one can appreciate the mountain range with the famous 18 bends, part of Knuckles range, Sorabora lake, Mapakada lake, Kokagala of Pad’iyathalawa, mountains of Maduru oya and Ulhitiya. We were also lucky enough to have a glimpse of the koth kerella” of Mahiyangana “sthupa” too. After having a good look around we started descending along another path which led us towards the second cave with an inscription saying that it belonged to “Washa thero” and donated by king Shiva. The other end of the cave had a “kutiya” made out of rocks and currently it was not in use. Not so far away there is another “kutiya” with a Budhdha statue where currently a monk meditates but at that particular moment he was not in the vicinity. Within 10 minutes we reached the temple premises from a totally different path. It’s better to ask directions precisely because there are few foot paths around. Also having a little monk to show you around will be a great aid. After getting to the base I was treated with a hot cup of tea, as always monks are kind hearted and will offer you something if they have and I was pleased to have that cup of tea since I was so hungry. After having a short conversation I decided to head back towards the main road though my soul wanted to stay there for few days.

off we go

view from the top

view towards maduru oya and padiyathalawa

towards ulhitiya

dambarawa lake

diyawana oya and sorabora

kokagala of Padiyathalawa

more scenery, couldnt take my eyes off

end of the central hills (18 wanguwa)

Panorama from olagangala

vandalized

they have scribbled on the sthupa too

sakman maluwa

2nd cave with inscription

part of the cave

its inscription

rocks placed together

steps on the rock

modified kutiya

resembling lord budhdhas dushkara kriya process

down we go

Next place of interest was not in my days plan and it was all because of a notice board put up by the Uva tourist board. I had to head back towards Ridimaliyadda and I got down at 8th mile post close to a 3way junction where there was an uphill road. It was only 1km from the main road towards Kanugolla temple but it was a 60 degree climb along a tarred road which was heated up to the extreme. Once you get to the temple you will not find anything fascinating but there is a huge drip ledge cave in the forest behind the “sthupa”. There is a clear path which will take you towards a well cemented fleet of steps leading towards the main cave complex. This huge cave had been recently renovated. Also there were two small rooms in it and one was been redesigning as an image house. There were some scattered bricks to be seen around the corner belonging to past and let to be decayed.

next attraction

fleet of steps

first view of the cave

repaired recently

view of the main compartment

the two rooms

framed

colours were changed a bit

preserved wall

double drip ledges

vandalized by treasure hunters

another kutiya

a drip ledge

Later I decided to get to the top of the cave to find the interesting rock pond encircled by “bo” trees and to do so I had to go around the cave a bit and find the foot path. On top of the rock one can enjoy the unique view towards the hill tops of Elamanna mini worlds end. It’s like looking up from the bottom of the worlds end. After hanging around bit on the slanted rock I descended back towards the temple and inquired about the history of the place and as usual no one knew anything about it. Since I was extremely hungry and panting in thirst had to rush back to the main road to catch a bus towards Bibila where I had a late lunch before departing towards Monaragala. This was one of those days where I went to work and ended up loitering around. Also here are some interesting places close to Mahiyangana which I have visited previously (view Trip Report – Ancient Paradise – Mahiyanganaya) and out of them Naghadeepa RMV is located between Olagangala and Kanugolla on Bibila road.

the pond with bo trees on the summit

madulsima worlds end

panorama towards bibila

used for meditation

owards dehigala and elamanna

wow	must go there someday

view towards bibila

far away mountains of medagama and kotabowa

plenty of paddy

perfect frame

Thanks for reading

Green = ambalangala, Red = maligatenna, Blue = ponds, Purple = weheragala, Black = cave, Orange = rassa muhuna – Click Map to Enlarge

Download Google Earth Trail Map

According to Folklore During the war between Ravana and Rama, both Rama and Lakshman were hit by powerful arrows to fall unconscious and to bring them back to life Hanuman was instructed to fetch lifesaving herbs from Himalayas. Hanuman went to the Himalayas, rooted part of the hill and brought it as he was not able to identify the lifesaving herbs. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, Rumasala, Dolukanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north. Archeologically the mountain range has received some importance because of the well-known Arankele monastery been located at the base of it. Regarding the geometry it’s about 2km in length and 0.5km in width with a vast intermediate zone forest reserve on top of it. First time I came across this mountain range was when I visited Wellagala at Wariyapola and few months back while we were on top of Yakdessagala I noted this range for the second time. And the temptation was exclaiming to uncontrollable levels since then. Conquering unique mountain peaks has been my passion and day by day my list has been growing and growing with occasional tick offs. This time Anupama was the man who bought me the solution; he had already climbed up 3 times but was generous enough to join me this time too. Other than Anupama and his friend Dinusha my friend Harinda also joined me in this adventure. Harinda and my self-arrived at Kurunegala at around 7am by bike and bought some bread and dhal for lunch and together with Anupama we went towards Hunupola on Hiripitiya road where we met Dinusha and our guide Kumarasekara.

We started climbing from an abandoned rock quarry where huge square rocks cut by machines could be found. According to locals some Indian guys have done treasure hunting in large scale with heavy machinery. Next we came across few abandoned “kuti” which were built few years back when Dolukanda was a very famous place of worship for Sri Lankans. The initial stretch was through a relatively flat area but within no time we were starting to ascend uphill. The undergrowth was not much but since the area had received some showers on the previous few days it was enough to make things bit slippery. Suddenly the climb got steeper and more pit stops were a must and our guide Mr Kumarasekara was staring at us because we were crawling at a snail pace compared to him! On the way we came across few medicinal plants which is the most unique feature of this forestry and Harinda managed to root off few accidentally . After about 1hour and 45 minutes of climbing we came to the base of Ambalan gala and after tackling the last rock we were on top of it with a smile on our tired faces

gloomy morning at dolukanda

treasure hunting done by indians in large scale(according to locals)

entering the forest

abandoned sakman maluwa

off we go

may kollo nam ada ena patak naha

try and un tie it

harinda plucking huge trees

coconut!

then it got steeper

leading the way

finally on top of ambalam gala

Ambalan gala is a bare rock located on the edge of the mountain and at a center location. There was a Buddhist flag post on top of it waving in proudly signifying the importance of this place. At this location one can enjoy a 180 degree view towards Wariyapola and Kurunegala but since the cloudy and misty nature on that morning we couldn’t appreciate much of the landmarks. Some landmarks we noted were Alagalla, Athgala, Mawathagama peak, Anda gala, Kuruminiyagala, Yakdessagala range, plenty of paddy fields, Dolukanda temple at the base, Wariyapola, Hiripitiya side, new Deduru oya reservoir and few lakes. We spent about 30 minutes on top of the rock enjoying the stunning scenery before we decided to enter the huge forest patch to explore around.

it was gloomy towards kurunegala

dolukanda temple and its pond at the base

raising the fallen flag

kurunegala region

paddy and coconut together

Yakdessagala range

wow	towards wariyapola

expecting rain

started clearing off a bit

time for a panorama

wonder what is this

ambalan gala

ideal place for a team pic

Though we thought it was already done and we could return early Kumarasekara mama and Anupama listed out some interesting areas worth visiting and from here on it was a never ending walking session on the top of the 2km long mountain range. We got in to the forest which was very shady and cool and within no time reached Maligathenna which might have been an ancient castle according to the locals. There were plenty of fallen pillars covered with moss and been Camouflaged with the greenery while few pillars were still standing tall like tree barks. Also there were rock walls here and there creating platforms and borders indicating that this was once a prosperous kingdom of a king. We also came across a huge “katarama” on a rock used to divert water from one place to another. This archaeological site had gone through the devastating illegal excavation process just like other locations in the island.

in search of maligatenna

Dummala

fallen pillars of maligatenna

treasure hunters have done their part

no this is not a well

more pillars

drainage system

a rock wall

remains from a different era

After exploring the ruins we set foot towards the other end of the range an on the way we came across a very rare “Wanaraja”plant which has a medicinal importance. There were other plants with medicinal value showed by Kumarasekara but I’m unable to recall any. Been so rich with medicinal plants Dolukanda might have some connection with Hanuma’s story just like Ritigala and Hakgala. Next we reached the famous rock ponds called Kalu diya pokuna, Dunukei pokuna and etc these are said to be found full even during droughts. This was an ideal place for us to have a rest under the shade and have a sip of jeevani to replace the lost minerals. Next we came across Watekei pokuna which was covered with plenty of Wetakei bushes hence the name.

life on life

barks were decorated

more mushrooms

Wanaraja

my favourite

Kalu diya pokuna

reflection

Kasi pethi (Panam pethi)

wetakei pokuna

On the way to Weheragala and not so far away from it we came across the trail used by villagers of Doluwa linking up with the main trail. By the way Wheragala got its name because of the huge ancient sthupa located on it and was vandalized by treasure hunters as expected. Weheragala been on the opposite side of the rock produces a different view compared to Ambalan gala and there is a very nice view point close to it where one can enjoy again a 180 degree panoramic outlook towards Ritigala, Arankele, Kibulwana reservoir, Dolukanda lake Ambokka and Mathale areas. This point seems to be the highest place and the drop towards the base of the rock was too scary to have a look even.

demarcated path

ancient pagoda at weheragala

gloomy scenery from weheragala

kibulwana reservoir

Hiripitiya town

doluwa side

Pano towards arankele

next observation point

dolukanda reservoir

wow	mondanocks of wayamba

phew the drop (this is the highest point)

Ritigala and Galgiriya can be seen

towards Rassa muhuna

We continued along the edge of the mountain through the forest cover and came to our next pit stop which is the Hulang Kapolla and its beautiful cave. This is a very dangerous but yet fascinating place and at some months a monk resides in this “kutiya”. There was a bed used by the monk and few saucepans used by visitors who spent the night in this non drip ledged cave. We decided to have our afternoon meal which was Bread and dhal while enjoying the scenery towards Arankele from the cave. This cave also was not spared by visitors who were muttish enough to scribble their names on the rock.

hulang kapolla

the cave which a monk used

view from the cave

vandalized

the view from our lunch table

the rock looks like pasted

ambokka got cleared off a bit

Rassa muhuna

ambokka peaks through the gap

Next we wanted to get to the last view point which is called “Rassa muhuna” because of its appearance like a devils face. It could be appreciated properly from Hiripitiya area according to the locals but we had to satisfy our selves with a different view. En route we came across another cave where a monk once meditated keeping dead human corpuses. To get on top of the Rassa muhuna we had to crawl along a bark of a tree and it was totally worth it because we enjoyed a good 270 degree view and at that moment the sky also had decided to clear of a bit to produce some stunning scenery towards Kala oya side. Galgiriya kanda and Ritigala were seen far away while Arankele was at the base of the rock. After enjoying some breathtaking scenery we decided to return back and for that we used a different route.

seems like some one has roasted some meat here

climbing along a fallen tree

on top of rassa muhuna

gala pita gala

the sky cleared off

arankele

Yakdessagala again appeared to our visual fields

towards kala wewa side

ambokka

very tempting

Ritigala side

i was on top of that peak few months ago

wow again

pano towards wariyapola

pano towards arankele

After getting to the opposite side of the rock we continued along the rocky area known as Kalu gala and came across an area covered with Bowitiya bushes and it was like Horton plains on top of Dolukanda for us. Finally we reached Ambalan gala where we rested a bit before starting to descend.

tackling kalugala

dolukanda bowitiya plains

on the way scenery

treasure hunting continues

the dry forest in the center of the mountain

alagalla and mawathagama peaks

last pano for the day

now it seems cleared off

pride

While descending I sprained my knee joint which was a nightmare for me and from there onwards I had to crawl down slowly without bending my left knee as possible. While I was tackling with a sprained knee Harinda was rooting up few huge trees and producing some chuckles in our minds ha ha ha… If Hanuman was a live he would have come in search of Harinda and asked him to pay for the damage:-D. Anyway it was unintentional and descending is always a problematic when it’s too steep. We ended up finally at Kandagoda RMV which is located at the base of the mountain. It seemed to be an ancient temple with a huge caved image house with a drip ledged inscription. After getting back to the village house where we halted our bikes, we were served with a glass of sweet orange juice by the owner which was like “Amurthaya” for us and not so far away we got a hot Belli mal drink and a piece of papaw from another villager which was like medicine for our tired souls. After thanking Kumarasekara mama we went to Dinushas place and had a wash before we departed, to experience a continuous shower until we reached Hettipola. Harinda was kind enough to drop me off at Chilaw and return back towards Colombo to end our one day adventure at historical Dolukanda. Thanks for reading!

getting down

last moment captures

kandegoda RMV

the inscription

good bye dolukanda

Red = summit Green = camp site – Click Map to Enlarge

It was another random weekend coming up and I needed to go somewhere as usual and suddenly out of nowhere the name Thoppigala popped out from one of those deep nerve plexus and incidentally the coming Sunday was 19th May which was the date where the president declared the end of the civil war 4 years back (that is 2009/05/19). It was the ideal occasion to hoist a flag on top of the famous Baron’s cap which was the last stronghold of the rebels in the East. More information on Thoppigala war will be brought up later in this report.
On the 18th of May I took a bus from Monaragala to Potuvil planning to visit few places while reaching my night resting place at Batticaloa to start an early morning climb with my Lakdasun friends on the next day! After getting to Potuvil I had to hire a trishaw to get to the eastern most point of Sri Lanka which was Sangaman kanda and the trishaw guy agreed for a reasonable fair. The road towards Sangaman kanda goes through Komari bridge which is a place worth a photograph and the rest of the ride was through the Komari forest patch which was indeed interesting though we didn’t come across any elephants. Just before reaching the junction at Sangaman kanda with a kovil I came across an archaeology site right by the road. One can easily identify the fleet of steps on the rock leading towards the ancient pagoda on the rock. So it was time for a bit of exploring. I somehow came across two drip ledge caves and few remnants of a building and it seem to be an ancient monastery. The sad story was department of archeology has not put up a black board even to this road side heritage point. Passing the ruins site there is tarred road leading towards the coastal line which we decided to proceed on.

komari paddy fields

beautiful sea side fields

stunning view from komari bridge

drying its feathers

kadala boys were all along the road

ancient steps

towards the pagoda at sangaman kanda

remnants of the pagoda

drip ledge cave at sangaman kanda

more ruins

they were in 100′s

We continued few km’s on it until we reached a 3 way junction where a gravel road branched out with an acute angle to the left. This path is 4WD road until the Sangaman kanda light house and can be managed with caution with a car but there will be some scratch marks left behind. After tackling this part we reached a cabana where we parked and walked 50m to reach the Eastern most point of SL. The said light house is now just a pile of concrete which serves no purpose other than been a landmark. After hanging around a bit we returned back to the Sagaman kanda where I had an argument with the money minded trishaw guys who doubled his first said price saying the road conditions were bad and etc. please do note Potuvil trishaw guys are extremely money minded since they deal with foreigners.

unique way post showing us the directions

Eastern most point in SL