We received an information about very poor family in Medagampola in Alawwa. The information we received was hard to believe. Therefore we went to see them after 2 days. Information was correct & we saw their family condition. I don’t have words to say about my feelings when I saw their hut/ shelter.

Father & son in this family. Mother died after few months of time from child’s birth. From that day onwards father looks after this child. Important thing was this child very good for his studies under zero facilities. Father’s main aim also educates this child as much he can. Now this child 8 years old & from his birth they lived in Alawwa Main bus stand & cemetery. Past few years they requested help from area’s political leaders & rich persons. But no one help them in last 8 years. Finally new “Grama Sevaka” came to this area & under his assistance they received a small land from Government land in Medagampola area few months ago. In this land they built a hut using pieces of wood & polythene. But that hut not suitable for living. Normally people gave hut for their dogs better than this. You can get clear idea when you refer the photos. We decided to build a new home for them. For complete this project few friends joined with me. As usual large number of friends & relatives ignores to join with this project. Finally we mange to complete the construction work within two months of time facing with large number of difficulties. On February 04th we arrange to handover new house to this poor family. Around 5.30 a.m we left from home & we reached to Alawwa around 8.00 a.m. We took furniture items ( bed , chairs) , mosquito net , kitchen ware items, toys , school bag with stationery items , sweets / food items & other many household items for them. From main road we have to go on small road up to the house. Vehicles can’t go on that road & we have to carry all the items we brought nearly 500 meters. Again we have to cross “Edanda” to reach to the house. There was saying “Wise persons can’t cross the “Edanda” & because of that we cross it very carefully. Finally we reached to their new home & we handover the all items we brought for them The “Grama Niladhari” also joined with us in this occasion. The little one was delighted & he never received such load of gifts in his lifetime. He was so happy because first time in his life he can sleep in the bed under mosquito net. These things not strange for normal children , but for this child it was a great experience. We spent couple of hours with them & we left from there around 9.30 a.m. Our hearts filled with happiness more than the weight of  vehicle load of donate items. We completed our mission & this was our 3rd house of donate to poor families. Our help surely uplift this family living  condition & it will help to this child become a good person in future. On the way we went see another poor family in that area. One child in that family was disabled & but he was very good in his studies. So we donate school items , Sweets / food items & cloths to them also.

After completing our main target we decided to visit nearby few important places.  We visited below mentioned places.

1.Medagampola Ulpatha / Pathaha

2.Galatare Village & Weda Nivasa

3.Medagampola Raja Maha Viharaya

4.Hakbelikanda Aranya

5.Thalagama Raja Maha Viharaya

After visiting all above places we reached to home in the evening. We completed another big project & big trip with lots of happy memories.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

They lived in this hut In December 2016

Father & son in front of their hut

This chair also they brought from near house for us

Starting construction work

Now February 2017

Carrying goods to the house

Have to cross “Edanada” to reach their home

They welcome us

Father & Son with our main gift and grama niladhari

Gifts we gave

Disabled child’s home

Donating items to the differently able child

1.Medagampola Ulpatha / Pathaha

This was the only & main water source for the area now. Because all the wells dried & most of village people came for here. Villagers saying this “Ulpatha” had very old history from the Anuradhapura  Kingdom.

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2.Galatare Village & Galatare Weda Nivasa

Galatare village is very important because this village is the only place produce “Watapath” in Sri Lanka. This village situated 2 – 3 km’s away from Medagampola area. Unfortunately Saturday / Sunday & public holidays they don’t work. We went on Saturday & we were unable to see the “Watapath” production process. Next we went to see “Weda Nivasa” in the village. “Weda Mahathayas” daughter now live in this house. Her name is  “L.A Ranmenike” She is very friendly & innocent. We spent nearly one hour with her & she told us lot of old stories. Also she showed us many herbal pants in her garden. This house now under “Archeology Department” & till now they done nothing to protect this.

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“Weda Nivasa”

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.	“Ranmenike” Grandmother sat on “Pila”

“Magala”

Certificates of her Father

.	“Vee Bissa”

Built in 1838

Explaining details

“Kalu Komarika”

“Siri Wedi Bebila”

“Rathu Pichcha”

“Kolon”

“Kurahan Gala”

3.Medagampola Raja Maha Viharaya

After leaving from Galatara village  we went to Medagampola Raja Maha Viahraya.

According to villagers this Viharaya ancient one & very popular in this area. But today we can’t see any ruins in this temple premises.

Entrance

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Bodhiya

Stupaya

Inside the Budhu Medura

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4.Hakbelikanda Aranya

Next we went to see “Hakbelikanda Aranya”. This situated at Alawwa – Narrammala road. Aranya situated at few km’s away from main road. We have to pass nice forest area to reach aranya.When we traveling to aranya the climate is very cool in this dry season also. Foreign monks also came to this aranya for meditation purpose. We spent nearly one hour there & went to next destination.

Name board in the main road

Shrine room on the top

Road to the aranya

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Surrounding views

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.	Kuti situated in this area

5.Thalagama Raja Maha Viharaya

Our next destination was Thalagama Raja Maha Viharaya. This temple situated at Warakapola – Meerigama road & 5 km’s away from Warakapola town. “King Walagamba” hides in this area & later he built this temple. Unique feature of this temple was the only “Sanchi Stupaya” in Sri Lanka situated in here. There was 3 levels in this temple ,  Stupaya in the highest point, Bodhiya & Vihara Geya in the middle level , Awasa Geya & Dharma Shalawa in the lower level. There was more than 500 steps to reach top. Vihara Geya built in the large cave in the middle level Next to Vihara Geya another cave & little stupa built inside there. Few “Sellipi” situated near the “Sanchi Stupaya”. You can see the whole area from there..

.	Starting point to top

Old “Awasa Geya”

Steps to top

Reaching to second level

Bodhiya

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Vihara Geya in the large cave

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Small stupa inside the cave

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“Nivanmaga” art

Turning point to “Sanchi” stupaya

.	Steps to the mountain

Pond near the stupaya

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“Sellipiya”

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.	“Sanchi” stupaya”

Another “Sellipiya”

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Lena

Lena

view from the top

Wearing life jackets is important. But don’t know how safe these jackets are.

Ticket was issued to enter the jetty

Kalpitiya Fishing Harbor

Kalpitiya Fishing Harbor

Kalpitiya Fishing Harbor

Kalpitiya Fishing Harbor

Baththalangunduwa is the last island of set of islands. This is another small island.

Transporting of water…

Fishing….

Baththalangunduwa Island

Baththalangunduwa Island. It has no jetty

Police post. Usually they get punishment transfers to this post.

Baththalangunduwa Land

A house at Baththalangunduwa

Drying for dry fish

Punishment

Closer view…

One of the ways they get electricity

ඉස්සෝ

Baththalangunduwa church

Crows are everywhere

Baththalangunduwa church

Order

Preparing….

At Baththalangunduwa

CHE is there

Baththalangunduwa School

Generator…Not functioning now

Our dead line was 1.30pm and we returned to the place where we got down from the boat. The return boat was almost empty by passengers but full with exported items from Baththalangunduwa.

Ready to go back

Playing cards in return journey

Exported from Baththalangunduwa

One end of Wilpaththu NP

Back to Kalpitiya

Back to Kalpitiya

Once we reached Kalpitiya we were rushed to collect necessary items for our beach camping. We didn’t plan to prepare dinner at camp site. Therefore we were looking for good food stall to buy some rice. Following getting necessary items we hired a three wheel from Kalpitiya to Kudawa beach. Surprisingly that threewheel guy liked to pack all five in one three wheel and he showed a good place for beach camp.
Though we carried the tent it was not used. There was a fishermen hut which was ideal us to stay. We have unloaded our stuff and laid woven coconut leaves on the ground. Following the dinner we went to sleep but sleeping was not easy due to mosquitoes.
Around 2-3 am Nirosh and I woke up and set a fire. Then we prepared morning tea and waited for sun rise to start our 2nd day of Kalpitiya.

වැල්ලේ ජීවිතේ

Early morning tea…

We did a beach walk from Kudawa beach to Thalawila and ended at Thalawila St. Anne’s church. Accommodation was set at rented house closer to Thalawila church.

Thalawila St. Anne’s Church
This is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka and attracted by catholic as well as non catholic devotees. Annual festival held on August. We visited there during the night following enjoying the sun set at Thalawila beach.
History goes back to 17th century.

St. Anne’s church at Thalawila

St. Anne’s church at Thalawila

St. Anne’s church at Thalawila

Inside the church

Inside the church

Lightening lamps

Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Inside the chapel

Sun set at Thalawila Beach

This shrine works as a light house at Thalawila beach

The shrine at Thalawila beach.

We are at Thalawila beach

Genge Lake / Wellankare Lake (ගෙoගේ විල)
This is kind of a historical lake situated closer to Allarani Palace. This lake is not connected to sea or lagoon but water is salt tasty. It has an area of 349Arc. They have found some ancient coins and clay pots at this site. Unfortunately there is no proper road to visit Genge Lake. We reached the lake along private lands.

Genge Lake. Surrounded by private lands mainly coconut estates.

Genge Lake

Early morning view of Genge Lake

Genge Lake

Nirosh is doing an experiment. What we were told by neighbors, though lake has salty water if you dig a hole in the bank to get water it is not in salt taste.

It is correct. This water is not in salt taste.

Found at bank of the lake.

Team at Genge Lake.

Following the visit at Genge Lake we have crossed some private lands and walked to the archeological site of Allirani palace. There is a proper road to reach this place with archeology office board as well.
Archeological site of Princes Allirani Palace (අල්ලිරාණි මාලිගය)

Princes Allirani/ Alirani was the sister of Kuweni (කුවේණී). This archeological site related to her palace. Nowadays you can’t see any traces of a palace except few bricks might be related to a stupa. Other than that it is kind of a bare land.
We got a threewheel from Palliwasathurai junction at first visited at Genge Lake and then the site of Allirani palace.
Archeology board can be seen at Palliwasathurai junction.

Archeology board showing Allirani palace

The land of Allirani palace

The land of Allirani palace

It is an archeology premise

Chilly

We backed to Palliwasathurai junction and got a bus to Kalpitiya town where we had left two places to visit: Dutch fort and Dutch church

Just clicked when we were awaiting for a bus at Palliwasathurai junction

Kalpitiya Dutch church (කල්පිටිය ඕලන්ද පල්ලිය)
This was built during Dutch period for religious activities of Dutch (1706). It is situated 200m away from Dutch fort and there was an underground tunnel between the fort and church.
Special feature of this church is you can see tombstone on the floor of the church. Initial parts of original Dutch fort were collapsed and renovated church can be seen.

Kalpitiya Dutch Reformed Church

Kalpitiya Dutch Church

One of the tombstones can be seen at main hall of the church. There are six tombs inside the church belongs to 1600-1850 AC period.

Scattered tombs outside of the church

Scattered tombs outside of the church

View of Dutch church from it’s garden

Kalpitiya Dutch Fort
Kalpitiya Dutch Fort is also situated at Kalpitiya town. Currently it is used as a Naval base therefore you need permission to visit there. They will provide a guide to visit at Fort but photographs are not allowed. (If you need to get photographs, need some navy contacts).
Dutch has landed at coastal areas in 1602 AC and this was built as a church (outside appearance). Coral reef has been used to build the wall and fort is still in good condition. There were some underground tunnels from fort extending outside.

Team at Kalpitiya Dutch Fort.

This is the only photograph they allowed. Fort wall and security shell can be seen here.

Following the visit at fort we had lunch from Kalpitiya town. It was the time to say good bye to Kalpitiya and we moved our last place of visit of the day-Norochchole Coal Power plantation.

Lakwijaya Coal Power plantation-Norochcholai

This is the first and largest coal power stations of SL. It provides more than 50% electricity demand in SL.
They import coal from Australia, Indonesia and South Africa. This coal is unloaded from ships to barges and transported to jetty. Coal needs to ground as a powder before use. There are five mills to grind coal. Mechanism of power generation can be seen here. It needs your personal vehicle to roam in the power plant.

At the entrance

Lakwijaya Coal Power plantation

Transporting coal from ships by barges

Getting coal into the power plantation

It works…

A chimney with 150m height

Thanks for reading

On 26th June I had an office work at Kandy. I took “Podi Menike” train from Fort at 6.00 a.m. As usual it packed with people. Around 8.45 a.m it reached to Kandy. Within 1 1/2 hours time I completed the office work. I had enough time & quickly decided to visit some important place. I decided to visit “Udawatta Kele Royal Park”. I took three wheel to go there. It was very nice place & has to walk couple of kilometers. I spend nearly 4 hours there. For more detailed information pls refer amazinglanka.com/wp/udawatta-kele/
After that I went to “Dalada Maligawa” & spent some time there. After that I returned home around 8.00 p.m. I completed another day with lot of happy memories.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

1.Udawatta Kele Royal Park

Park Entrance

Road Map

“Lady Horton Road”

Royal Pond

.	“Bulu” Tree

Details

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Starting point of “Kodimale Mawatha”

Giant “Pus Wela”

Interesting shapes in the tree

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.	“Senanayakaramaya”

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Lot more to go

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.	Starting point to “Chittha Visuddhi Lena”

“Chittha Visuddhi Lena”

View Point

city view

Kandy Lake

Little Island in the Lake

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Another View

Information Center – Udawatta Kele

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Site Map

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“Hadun Diviya”

“Hambawa”

“Hambawa”

2.Sri Dalada Maligawa

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Keppettipola Hero’s Monument

Monument for “Wariyapol Sri Sumangala” Thero

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It is almost six years I have lived and worked at Polonnaruwa and it is the high time to say good bye to this majestic city. I have written about different places at Polonnaruwa and hope it was helpful to the readers a lot and would be useful to future travellers. If I don’t write about the hallmark of this ancient city-Parakrama Samudrya, it would be a gap. This is the ideal moment to share my different visits at Parakrama Samudrya during last six years.
I have seen loads of travellers visit at Parakrama Samudrya but only give attention to Pothgul Wiharaya and statue of King Parakramabahu. But there are more places to visit and enjoy at PS.

History of Parakrama Samudrya
Parakrama Samudrya was built by King Parakramabahu I (1164-1196 AD).
“Not one drop of water must flow into the ocean without serving the purposes of man”-King Parakramabahu the great (1164-1196 AD).
To prove this statement he has built this giant lake Parakrama Samudraya / Sea of Parakrama.
Parakrama Samudraya is a collection of five lakes.

1. Thopa Wawa / Bandi Wewa-තෝපා වැව/බැදි වැව
2. Eramudu Wawa (Katu Wawa)-එරමදු වැව (කටු වැව)
3. Dumbutulu Wawa-දුබුටුලු වැව
4. Kalahagala Wewa-කලහගල වැව
5. Bhu Wewa-භූ වැව

It gets water from Amban Ganga (අඹන් ගග)-main tributary of Mahaweli River via 8km long canal called Akasa Ganga (ආකාස ගග).
The dam of Parakrama Samudraya is 8.5miles (14km) long and 12.2m high. The body of water covers 5350acres with an average depth of 25feet. It gives water to over 18000 acres of paddy fields.

After demise of Polonnaruwa Kingdom, this great creature was also abounded. Polonnaruwa was less populated area till Sir D.S.Senanayaka builds new colonies at Polonnaruwa in 1935 under British government. During this development they have built a temporary road to divide Kalahagala Lake and Bhu Wewa from rest of PS. Later it was permanent and nowadays you can see only three lakes forming Parakrama Samudrya.

What you can see at Parakrama Samudrya

1. Spill of Parakrama Samudrya / Dora Dahaya (දොර දහය)
Parakrama Samudrya has ten slice doors at spill and commonly called Dora Dahaya. It is an amazing thing to watch water spilling through this when it is opened during rainy season at November-December period due to North-East monsoon. If they say “Dora Dahaya” are opened that means Polonnaruwa or feeding lands of Mahaweli River has got heavy rain.
A lot of people gather to watch the overspill of water through ten gates when it is opened.

The road goes over the bunt and ten gates of PS.

Ten gates of Parakrama Samudrya

When ten doors are opened. Photo credit-Dr. Udara Jayasekara

Spill of Parakrama Samudrya

2. Angamadillia Ancient Stonewier (අoගමැඩිල්ල ඉපැරණි ගල් අමුණ)
Parakrama Samudrya gets water from Amban Ganga (main tributary of Mahaweli River) via 8km long canal called Akasa Ganga. Water diversion happens at a place called Angamadilla. You can see ancient stone weir where water diversion happened.
The road to Angamadillia goes parallel to Akasa Ganga. Special feature you can note is one side (left hand) of the road is Wasgamuwa NP and right hand side is Angamadilla NP.

Akasa Ganga-Canal feeds PS

Angamadilla in one side

First you will meet Angamadilla new anicut where large amount of water flows. This anicut is to filter mud and debris in river water and to prevent get into PS. Few hundred meters away the anicut you can see the entrance of Angamadillia NP. And there is a gravel road towards the forest and at the end ancient stonewier can be seen. This place has shallow water and it is an ideal for bath. A lot of nearby people come there at evening and mainly on holidays to enjoy. Current lake is called Angamadilla Yoda Ela and it slightly differs from the path of ancient Akasa Ganga.

Shallow slow water

Ancient stonewier

Angamadilla Anicut

Water flows to Anicut

Fishes are flown to one side with water flow. Then they jump back.

Angamadilla Anicut

Water flows in Akasa Ganga

After flowing through anicut. This anicut is to retain mud and debris flow along river water to prevent get into the lake.

After flowing through anicut

Crossing Angamadilla Yoda Ela -අoගමැඩිල්ල යෝධ ඇල

Parakrama Samudrya

Sun set over PS

3. Angamadilla National Park
This was declared as a national park in SL at 2006. Wasgamuwa NP is situated closer to this and Amban Ganga (and Akasa Ganga) separates them. There is a circuit bungalow and camp site situated at Angamadilla NP. You can arrange a jeep safari at Angamadilla NP. (Mainly Elephant watching).

4. Ancient Sluice (Sorowwa) at Bhu Wewa
Bhu Wewa is separated from PS and ancient sluice can be seen there.

Ancient Sorowwa at Bhu Wewa

Ancient Sorowwa at Bhu Wewa

View of Sorowwa from top

5. Swarnapali Temple (ස්වර්ණපාලී විහාරය)
On your way to Bhu Wewa you will come across this temple called Swarnapali Temple. There is a nice story behind it.(The priest at temple mentioned it, but I can’t remember)

Ruins at Swarnapali Temple

Ruins at Swarnapali Temple

Ruins at Swarnapali Temple

Ruins at Swarnapali Temple

Google map shows Swarnapali Temple, Sluice of Bhu Wewa and Kalahagala Lake

6. Boat ride in Parakrama Samudrya
This was just to hang around the lake by fishermen boats. Indranatha and myself went for a boat ride with two fishermen. The main lake is divided into different parts by the land but connected through narrow water columns. It was a nice experience to move from one part of the lake to another through these narrow water columns. Other side of PS is a good place to view elephants. Sometimes they come to Polonnaruwa new town by crossing the lake. There are few islands where you can watch some aquatic birds and have a rest during the ride. Though Angamadilla Yoda Ela is the main feeder of PS there are other feeding canals as well. Kaneyyiyan Ela (කනෙයියන් ඇල) is one of them mentioned as the old Akasa Ganga built during Polonnaruwa Era.

Get into boats

One part of the lake connecting with other side

One part of the lake connecting to other

Other side of the lake

Other side of the lake

Fishery at PS…Dimbulagala is seen at back drop

Dimbulagala and Akasa stupa is seen as a white dot

Folk of birds

Couple

It is a nice place for bird watching

Folk of birds…

Painted strokes and some other birds

Painted stroke and some other birds

Couple of Painted strokes

They are in action….

Folk of birds…Little Cormorant

Remains of bushes

කෝටු

Grown over water

Fishermen

Fishes

Landing…

Reaching a small island at lake

Boat landing at Island

Jumbo at other side of the Lake

Jumbo at other side of the Lake

Other side of the Lake

Jumbo at other side of the lake

Dumbutulugala and Dimbulagala over PS

Meeting friends…

Having fun

At the end

Sun set over PS

7. Seetha Maligaya (Cool Palace) සීත මාලිගය
The Palace built in middle of Parakrama Samudrya by King Parakramabahu to stay during warm season, called Seetha Maligaya. During dry season it can be approached by foot. Otherwise it is surrounded by water.
I have been there at one evening with a friend and our approach along the dry area of PS closer to common bathing place. The cool palace was well preserved by archeology department / Central Cultural Fund with renovation. This was a good place to enjoy sun set.

Seetha Maligaya at Parakrama Samudrya

Seetha Maligaya at Parakrama Samudrya

Awaiting

Shore of PS

Along PS to cool palace

Bund of Parakrama Samudrya

Evening at Parakrama Samudrya

Shore of PS

Sun set

This is not a part of Cool palace. It came across at bund of PS

Sun set over Parakrama Samudrya

Path to Seetha Maligaya

Seetha Maligaya over bushes

Seetha Maligaya

View of Rankoth Wehera from Seetha Maligaya

Enjoying the sun set at Seetha Maligaya

8. Poth Gul Wiharaya and the statue of King Parakramabahu (පොත්ගුල් විහාරය හා පැරකුම්බා පිළිමය)
This is the most attractive and well known place of PS. It can be reached by 1.5km drive along the bund of Parakrama Samudrya. This might be the statue of King Parakramabahu Great or Indian high priest called Kapila/ Pulasthi (කපිල/පුලස්ති). It is used as the symbol of Polonnaruwa.
The temple next to this statue called Poth Gul Wiharaya. This was used as a library complex during King Parakramabahu period. Some wall paintings still can be seen here.

Information about Pothgul Wiharaya and Parakramabahu Statue

Poth Gul Wiharaya-Considered as a library complex.

Poth Gul Wiharaya

Poth Gul Wiharaya

Poth Gul Wiharaya

Statue of King Parakramabahu / Pulasthi

Google map shows Pothgul Wiharaya and statue of King Parakramabahu

9. Dumbutulugala (දුබුටුලුගල)-7.887455, 80.975932
A small rock situated at Lake Bund of PS, actually at Dumbutulu Wewa. There are some ruins around the rock and traces of an ancient stupa can be seen on top of the rock. It is a nice place to enjoy the sunset at evening.

Where Dumbutulugala is situated

Get on to Dumbutulugala. Photo credit-Dr. Nileeka Kurukulaaratchy

On top of Dumbutulugala. Photo credit-Dr. Nileeka Kurukulaaratchy

Ruined Pagoda. Photo credit-Dr. Nileeka Kurukulaaratchy

Stone steps. Photo credit-Dr. Nileeka Kurukulaaratchy

View from Dumbutulugala.Photo credit-Dr. Nileeka Kurukulaaratchy

Towards Parakrama Samudrya. Photo credit-Dr. Nileeka Kurukulaaratchy

Thanks for reading.

This is the second part of rail walk from Maho junction to Habarana (හබරණ). Actually I have already done the stretch of Habarana to Kekirawa (කැකිරාව) and remain was the filling the gap between Awkana (අවුකන) to Kekirawa.

Awkana to Kekirawa (12.4km)
Nirosh has also joined with the rail walk from Awkana to Kekirawa and he got into Udaya Dewi from Maradana at last moment. Though she was punctual at beginning, was late about 30minutes when she reached Awkana.
We had a plan to cover main tourist attractions around this rail stretch includes: Awkana Buddha Statue, Kala Wewa and Wijithapura Temple. The foot pathway to Awkana Buddha Statue was situated about 500m after Awkana railway station. Udaya Dewi-down was also delay on that day and we met her on our way along the trek. It was just few minutes walk from rail trek to Awkana Buddha statue.

Awkana railway station

Udaya Dewi-down has reached Awkana station

Awkana Buddha Statue
The Awkana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha which has a height of 42feet (13m) was carved out of a large granite rock face during 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya Mudra and closely worn robe is elaborately carved.
A narrow strip of rock has been left at the back of the statue, connecting it to the rock face and supporting it. The pedestal on which the Buddha stands, which is carved in the form of a lotus flower. The statue had been located within a large image house or shrine, of which parts of the walls still remain. It is believed this was made by King Dathusena who has built the reservoir called Kala Wewa nearby.

Awkana RMV

Awkana Buddha Statue

Awkana Buddha Statue

Awkana Buddha Statue

Awkana Buddha Statue

How it is connected to main rock

Apart from Awkana Buddha Statue, there are few stone inscriptions (hard to see letters there), a pond situated on the rock, stupa (new construction) and ancient Kadawara Dewalaya (කඩවර දේවාලය) are other attractions of this premises.

This was Queen’s second visit to SL since independence and happened on 21-25th Octomber 1981. She visited SL to attend the celebration marking 50years of universal adult franchise in SL.

Pond is having the shape of SL.

Stupa and stone inscriptions

Ancient Kadawara Dewalaya.

Closer view of stone inscription. It is hard to see the letters.

View of? Ritigala from Awkana premises.

We spent enough time to visit this great creature of ancient Sri Lanka and came back to rail trek. Kalawewa station is situated in 3km along this path. There was a bridge hanged over Kala oya and Kala Wewa-Awkana road, might be the longest railway bridge we crossed this section. We have noted number of farms and chenna around the rail trek till we reached Kala Wewa. Just before Kalawewa station we followed the road in right hand side to reach Kala Wewa which was a hall mark of ancient Sri Lankan irrigation technology.

This plat form was notice closer to the foot pathway to Awkana Buddha Statue. Don’t know the significance of it.

The bridge over Kala Oya

The bridge over the road

It’s hard to see wattle and dub houses in these days.

Straight railway lines with green surroundings.

Kala Wewa
Kala Wewa was built by the King Dathusena in 307 B.C, is a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa) which has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters. This reservoir complex has facilitated with a stone made spillway and three main sluices. From the central major sluice, a 40 feet wide central conveys water to feed thousands of acres of paddy lands and ends at the historical capital Anuradhapura city tank Thisa Wewa meandering over 87 km (54 mi) at a slope of 6 inches per mile and is an another wonder of primeval hydraulic engineering facility in ancient Ceylon.(Quoted from Wikipedia).
Kadawara is a man who helped the king to find the place to built Kala Wewa and protected the dam from it’s leak. He sacrificed his life to save the dam and born as Kadawara Dewiyo to look after the lake. Kadawara Dewalaya is seen at Kala Wewa bunt.

Steps over Kala Wewa bund.

Kala Wewa

View of Ritigala over Kala Wewa

View of Kahala Pallekale Mountain

Erawula kanda and Galkoth kanda are seen

Kadawara Dewalaya at Lake Bunt

Statue of King Dathusena

We followed the same road to get back to rail trek and crossed Yoda Ela-1 just before Kala Wewa station. Kala Wewa station was also a small one as same as other stations we met on this journey. It was quite humid climate made us to sweat drench and we got a small break near Kala Wewa station.
Wijithapura temple is also situated few hundred meters away from rail trek but we didn’t want to spend our time there. We have crossed Yoda Ela-2 then. Just before we came across abounded Ihalagama (ඉහලගම) station, we crossed the road to Thalawa. Nothing special was there apart from farms (amazing to see mighty Guava there) and chenna till we come to the destination of the day-Kekirawa.

Crossing Yoda Ela-1.

Kala Wewa railway station.

Wijithapura Temple is at vicinity

The rock situated closer to Wijithapura temple

Nirosh and Nuwan-Friends of the journey.

Crossing Yoda Ela again.

Yoda Ela.

Common finding at dry zone rail walk.

Chenna

Abounded Ihalagama station.

Raining over rail track

There were many jumbos in boards but nobody was live!

Signal towers indicating Kekirawa railway station is nearby.

Reaching Kekirawa station

Parked at Kekirawa station

Habarana to Kekirawa (21.8km)

This is the earliest part of rail walk we have done in this stretch. It stimulated me to do rest of the journey. It was the dry season of Rajarata when we were doing this rail walk. But the rest of the rail walk was done following the rain and greenish appearance is well seen then.
Nileeka and I met Chamara at Habarana town and we had our breakfast there. Then we travelled to Habarana railway station by a three-wheeler. I have been at Habarana station earlier to do Habarana-Galoya junction stretch. We had a small chat with workers at Habarana station. There was nothing special at first few kilometers of the walk. There were chenna and paddy fields on sides of the railway. We could notice lands of echo tourism as well. We have crossed Habarana oya / Yan oya (හබරණ ඔය/යාන් ඔය) which flows to join with Hurulu Wewa (හුරුළු වැව). The area becomes more dry and dry when we walked further. The hall mark of this rail walk was Ritigala (රිටිගල) which entered to the scene after 2-3km walk. We were able to observe different appearance of Ritigala in our right hand side of the journey. Palugaswewa (පළුගස්වැව) station was situated km from Habarana station and we crossed Habarana-Maradankadawala (A12) road just before Palugaswewa station. We felt the extreme of afternoon heat, surprisingly our new member (Nileeka) has tolerated it well. Horiwila (හොරිවිල) Lake was situated closer to the rail way line and we spent a time to enjoy the beauty of this as well. It was badly dried due to drought. Next train stop was Horiwila station and we met Udaya Dewi-up at this substation. The area was so dry after we passed Horiwila station. There were some sections of fire on either side of the railway line. This might be manmade or wild fire burning utterly dried Mana bushes. Though different sign boards of wild elephants were seen, we didn’t come across them. Kinihirigala (කිනිහිරිගල) was situated close to the railway line. We were head there are some caves and ancient temple at this rock and added to my TO DO list. By 3pm we have reached A9 road. Kekirawa (කැකිරාව) station was situated few hundred meters away from A9. It was the end of another rail walk with different experience.

Good morning Habarana.

Habarana railway station and Colombo-Trinco road.

Ready for next 22km. Nileeka and Chamara

Railway line extends from Habarana to Kekirawa

Thoppiya is coming. Maho-Batticalo slow train is called Thoppiya.

Plan to lay new slippers.

Chenna

Paddy fields…

Chenna and greenish appearance is still remaining.

Crossing Habarana Oya. Don’t know where it starts.

Friendly chat with railway workers.

Walking along the railway line

Greenish paddy fields on side

A farm with nice name…

It reminds we are in elephant kingdom.

First appearance of Ritigala

Ritigala over paddies….

Black and white

Parked on side

Closer to Palugaswewa station.

Udaya Dewi down is on her way to Colombo.

Palugaswewa station and Habarana-Maradankadawala road. (A11)

We have reached Palugaswewa station.

Double line at Palugaswewa station.

Shapes….

Horiwila Lake

Horiwila Lake

Tree house at Chenna

Older than 50 years

Horiwila Railway station

Railway quarters at Horiwila station

By road…..

It’s hard to see greenish sections due to drought.

Fire at railway line

Going through the fire

Udaya Dewi-up is coming.

Here she is….

She is passing us….. We were lucky to meet all three trains regularly travel along this railway line during day time.

A weak bridge is ahead…

Crossing another water source.

Life along railway line….

Kinihirikanda

Goats….

Kinihirigala…

Hard life…

Kinihirigala…

At ground level…

Crossing Kekirawa-Ganewalpola road…

Beautiful paddy fields…

Hard life….

Old elephant dung

Crossing a gravel road closer to Kekirawa

Closer to destination. A9 road and Kekirawa railway station is few hundred kilometers away.

End of successful rail walk. Photo credit to Nileeka.

This is our work out. Note we have crossed three A grade roads in this rail walk: A6, A11 and A9.

P S:We (Chamara, Ashan and myself) have proceeded along the rail track till Gal Oya junction from Habarana. Galoya junction is the point where passengers get down from Udaya Dewi train to get their way to Trincomale. I have followed further her track up to Minneriya from Habarana. I hope to continue this rail walk till Batticalo. Let’s meet with notes of another rail walk in dry zone.
Thanks for reading

Rathna Ella is a beautiful waterfall located at Haslaka. The Waterfall can be reached easily from Hasalaka. Hasalaka to Rathna Ella Wasama and from there 2-3 Km walk to reach the falls. This is the popular route to the falls. But, we tried a different route which we started from Popitiya (18 Bends Viewing Area).

In our journey we also planned to visit the Seetha Kotuwa which is located at Gurulupotha. So we started early around 7 am from Kandy and reached Gurulupotha at around 9:30 am. There is a 1 km foot path to reach Seetha kotuwa from main road.

History

Rathna Ella – “Superstitious villagers say that there were seven vessels filled with precious stones hidden close to the fall, but five of them have now been found. However, anyone attempting to find the final two will meet an untimely death at the bottom of the fall”

-Amazinglanka

Seetha Kotuwa – “This is the place where the city of Lankapura once stood. The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandothari surrounded by waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna. Seetha Devi was kept in this palace until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika. Seetha Kotuwa means Seetha’s fort and got its name because of Seetha Devi’s stay here.”

-Ramayanatours

Direction

Path

Seetha Kotuwa

Seetha Kotuwa

Seetha Kotuwa

Stairs

Stairs

Stairs

The Water stream is located near the Seetha kotuwa. We followed the stream up and we found the lime stones and waterfalls which we wanted to see.

Lime Stone Formations

Lime stone formations

Lime stone formations

Lime stone formations

There are around 4 waterfalls can be seen at the top. Our timing was not good and water levels were low. But we could imagine the beauty if it is with full flow.

Waterfall 1

Waterfall 2

Another View

Return to Seetha Kotuwa

After Seetha kotuwa we came back to Gurulupotha and got in to a bus and got down at popitiya. Popitiya is the place where we have the 18 bend viewing area. The road to Hasalaka oya starts just opposite to this. We hired a 3 wheeler and travelled 4 km to reach the Suspension bridge over hasalaka Oya. A new bridge is under construction. We started our trekking along the haslaka oya around 11.45 am.

New Bridge

In to the Hasalaka Oya

Beautiful path

Natural Beauty

Searching for GPS signals

Beauty with Low water Level

Easy Walk?

Path

Reflection

Nice place to rest

Top of a cascade

Cascade

Only Fall

Obstacle in the path?

After walking around 1-2 km we reached Na kanda wala (as per google). We couldn’t go along the stream due to this barrier. So we took an alternative route skipping this and reached a paddy field above the stream.

After this we got back to the track along the stream. At this place also able see another beautiful cascade.

Paddy fields – No Cultivation

Na kanda wala cascade

Na kanda wala cascade

Journey continues

Difficult paths

Difficult paths

Path – Only through stream

Another Cascade

Better view

Our Path

Can you see water prints?

Reaching close- another cascade

Rathna Ella? No

Here we go.

Top of upper rathna ella falls

from the bottom

Team

We reached the upper rathna ella falls around 2 pm at average speed and frequent breaks. This waterfall is a beauty. Descending this falls will take you to the top of rathna ella.

From Bottom

Best View – Galpadihela?

Even Better

Upper Rathna Ella Falls

Upper Rathna Ella

Time for a fish therapy

Searching for a path to descend.

Any chance?

Rathna Ella top part

Perfect view

From top

Team

Rathna Ella

Resting time

We found a path to descend the fall. But it’s very steep. After reaching the base there is a nice base pool. We had nice bath there and had some biscuits for lunch. At around 5 pm we packed things and started on our way to Hasalaka. There is a 3-4 km walk to the village and we took a 3 wheeler to Hasalaka. From Hasalaka we caught the bus to Kandy. It was another memorable trip.

View from Far

Rathna Ella

Zoomed

Usual Known Path

Canal

Happy Journey

Thanks For Reading…

The longest long weekend on the 2017 calendar was an eagerly awaited holiday as it coincided with the August school holidays and the chosen destination was Mannar and Thalaimanar.

Trip Highlights:

•  Travel via Wilpattu NP
• Kuweni Palace
• Kudiramai Point
• Doric House
• Mannar – Fort, Bio Bab Tree, Thirukethiswan Kovil
• Thalaimannar – boat trip to Adams Bridge
• Nachchikuda – boat trip to Iranativu
• Oyamaduwa

We left home around 4a.m; took the Expressway up to Katunayake and proceed along Puttalam Road. We stopped at Eluwankulam around 7.30 am for breakfast before entering the Wilpattu NP after crossing Kala Wewa Causeway.

Kala Oya Causeway

Breakfast at Elluwankulama

Entering the Wilpattu N.P we drove along the gravel road enjoying the scenery. We were not fortunate to see much wildlife but the journey itself was satisfying. We passed the old red CTB bus plying along the dusty road making its daily ride from Puttalam to Mannar. The gravel road runs for about 40KM from Eluwankukam to Silavathura across the NP. This was our second time crossing Wilpattu along this road and it was in good shape easily manageable by a SUV.

.	Along the dusty road…….

After about one hours’ drive we turned right from the main road and drove into the jungle in search of Kuweni’s Palace. That was quite a challenging drive and the road was very narrow with trees making a canopy over the road. We passed seven Villus to reach Kuweni’s Palace, and the villus were quite dry except for the largest villu. We witnessed many wildlife including large herds of deer, buffaloes and peacocks. Kuweni’s Palace is marked by large stone pillars and it is said that they would have supported a roof. No proper archeological study has been on this site and I’m sure there should be a lot more to explore.

Kuweni’s Palace

Kuweni’s Palace

We drove back to the main gravel road and after driving a few Kms turned left into the jungle to reach Kudiramai Point – known as “K Point”. That drive was harder than we thought and with disappointment we had to turn back to the main road. We were out of the NP by noon and drove along the tarred road passing Marichchikutti – the village that receives the lowest rainfall in Sri Lanka. We had lunch brought from home at a Navy Camp on the way and from that point we could get a clear view of “K-Point” that we could not visit.

“K- Point” – at a distance

We started our journey after lunch and our first stop was “Doric House” at Arippu. I was saddened to see that parts of the gigantic building crumbling down to the shore. It was my third visit to Doric House and I wondered how long this falling giant would last. No efforts have been taken to restore/preserve this historic building and it is a fading landmark along this coastal route.

Crumbling giant – Doric House

Crumbling giant – Doric House

We drove passing Vanakalai and the famous Mannar Donkeys made their first appearance. The kids were delighted to see them. The shallow lagoons of Vankalai were all dry and there were no migrants to add colour to the landscape. At Thallady we joined the main road coming from Anuradhapura – A14 – and in no time we were in Mannar Town.

Causeway connecting Mannar to the mainland

It was not a good time to explore the town and we headed towards our resting place for the first and second nights – Thalaimannar. It is another 24kms to Thalaimannar from Mannar. We enjoyed the easy drive and we were in Thalaimannar by 4.30. Arrangements have been made for us to stay at a holiday bungalow inside the Thalaimannar Navy Camp and after settling down and a good cup of tea we all headed to the beach for an evening sea bath which washed away the tiredness of our long journey.

Thalaimannar Beach in the fading sun

Thalaimannar Beach in the fading sun

DAY 2
After a hearty breakfast of kiribath we headed towards Mannar and our destination was Nachchikuda – 40kms away on Mannar-Poonaryn Road – A-32. We were planning to take a boat ride to Iranative island from there.
On our way we visited the famous Tirukketiswaram Temple – just 5km away from Mannar Town. It is one of the four main temples dedicated to God Shiva in Sri Lanka. The huge temple complex is adorned with colourful murals and we spent nearly half-an-hour admiring the ancient glory. A large pond situated in front of the temple add serenity to the site.

Thirukkethieswarm Temple

The 40KM drive to Nachchikuda was a treat along the newly carpeted road going to Jaffna via Poonaryn, which is supposed to be the shorted route to Jaffna.

Road towards Poonaryn

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We reached Nachchikuda after an hours’ drive and drove straight to the jetty to board a navy boat for the ride to Iranativu island. Iranative is made up of two islands – Iranativu North and Iranativu South and the entire land area is nearly 6 sqkms and it comes under the Kilinochchi District. They are not inhibited anymore and only a Navy checkpoint is functioning but fisher folk from nearby areas come to the islands for fishing. Iranativu had been a very prosperous island before the war and it had had a number of churches, a school and many other buildings. The villages have fled to India and some to the mainland after
war broke out. The buildings are all in ruins except for one Church – known as “Japamale Church.

Iranative looking green at a distance

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Boat ride to Irantivu Islands

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The boat ride took nearly 45 minutes and we could clearly see the Church at a distance. The island looked green and we could see some cows roaming around –signs of past civilization. We were not allowed to get down for security reasons and we went around the island in our boat.
It was mid-day when we returned to the jetty. After lunch we headed towards Mannar and got caught in the first spell of the North-East Monsoon. It rained heavily with lightening and thundering and driving in that rain was quite a task. By the time we reached Mannar the rain ceased and the shallow lagoon that was completely dry when we left in the morning was filled with rain water. The entire region has come alive after the heavy rains.

After a hot cup of tea in Mannar town we visited the Mannar Fort and the famous Bio-bab tree – the largest in the island – which are the famous land marks in Mannar.

Mannar Fort

Mannar Fort

The Gallows at Mannar Fort

Friends at Bio-bab

Mannar is also famous for its churches. In Mannar 80 percent of the population are Tamil Catholics.

Mannar’s glorious churches

Mannar’s glorious churches

After spending nearly an hour in the town we drove to Thalaimannar to our resting place. On our way we visited “Fourtees Rest” at Thoddavil where we stayed on our last two trips to Mannar – in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Mr.Lawrance, the owner was delighted to see us after years.
We reached Thalaimannar by 5 pm. Though we had a sea bath in mind we were advised not to as the sea was rough. So the kids had to settle with a game of Cricket which the adults joined, after which we called it a day.

Day 3

The main event was to visit the Sand Banks or the Adam’s Bridge. We have visited the sand banks twice – in 2011 and 2013 – when the Navy operated a service with small boats for the public. Due to safety issues that has been stopped. Now only large Navy vessels take visitors there but the large vessels sometimes cannot land because the water is so shallow near the sand banks.

Thalaimannar Pier

Thalaimannar Pier

We enjoyed the boat ride in the scorching sun but we did not see any migrants that we encountered in our earlier visits. After nearly a 40-minute boat ride, to our disappointment we were told that we won’t be able to land on the islands as the water level is very low. We were really heartbroken that we could not visit the magical islands but in a way we were fortunate that we had visited them earlier, but there were some in our crowd who have never been there and for them it was really disappointing.
Anyway I’ll share some fond memories of the magical islands from our previous visit in October, 2013.

Cherished memories of Dancing Islands –  Oct, 2013

Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet

Colourful vegetation

Four years ago on Island No.02

The tiny boat that took us to Dancing Islands

Disappointed this time….

Happily returned last time…….

We returned to mainland in disappointment and really wished that the service with small boats is still in operation.
We left Thalaimanar before mid-day and our destination was Vankalai, a few kilometers from Mannar. On the way we bought crabs and prawns at Pesali Fisheries Harbour at half the price we pay in Colombo. We reached Vankalai for lunch and after lunch we headed towards the beach for a sea bath. The beach was not that great looking with blackish sand like in Pulmudai, nevertheless the kids enjoyed the afternoon sea bath.

At Vankalai

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After refreshing ourselves from the sea bath we started our journey towards Oyamaduwa – our resting place for the next two days. We initially had plans to visit Madu on our way but were too tired to make the journey. We drove along Madu-Mannar road and at Cheddikulam turned towards Oyamaduwa. The evening journey was pleasant but the road was not in great shape. We passed the Thanthirimale temple on our way. It was almost six in the evening when we reached the Navy Holiday Home at Oyamaduwa.

It is a massive building hidden in an isolated place. It has been one of those buildings put up for Deyata Kirula and abandoned later on. But now the Navy has taken over and it is in great shape with a vast garden right around. We could not explore much as it was getting dark and we were really tired after a long day. After dinner we called it a day and went early to bed.

Day 4

Breathtaking view from the Bungalow

Breathtaking view from the Bungalow

We woke with the chirping of the birds and were surprised with the breathtaking view. The dried out lake and the huge leaf-less trees made a picture-postcard view. We decided that we will spend the whole day in this magical place enjoying the scenery and relax.
We had plans to visit Thanthirimale and so on – but we abandoned all plans and decided to let ourselves relax. The kids were playing around the huge garden after breakfast and finally we decided to play a game of Cricket which we all enjoyed.

Enjoying a game of Cricket

Relaxing in the shade

After lunch we all took a nap. After a full day of relaxing we decided to take a walk in the evening. First we visited the Sheep Farm where hundreds of sheep is kept in three elevated sheds. It was my first encounter with a sheep farm but for our disappointment the sheep looked more like goats!!!!

Oyamaduwa Sheep Farm

Oyamaduwa Sheep Farm

We did a short hike along the tank bund and it was fascinating in the fading evening sun. It was almost dark when we reached the bungalow.

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Relaxing walk along tank bund

Relaxing walk along tank bund

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We spent the last night of our five-day trip singing in the moon light and enjoyed a sumptuous meal prepared by the bungalow keeper.

DAY 5

We bid good bye to Oyamaduwa after breakfast and started our journey home. We headed towards Nochchiyagama. At Nochchiyagama we joined Anuradhapura-Jaffna road – A-12. After passing Palugasgama Junction we turned right in search of “Neela Bamma Farm” run by the Navy.  It is an agricultural farm and you find all kinds of vegetables and fruit grown in the arid land. The kids enjoyed the farm and they learnt a lot about growing fruits and vegetables at Neela bamma.

Neela Bamma Govipala

For our return journey we chose the road via Navagathegama. We turned left at Saliyawewa Junction and drove via Nawagathegama, Anamaduwa. We had our lunch on the way at an abandoned tank bund. We joined the main road at Bangadeniya. We reached Colombo by 4.30 p.m. tired, but with our hearts filled with happiness and blissful memories of five days spent in leisure.

Thanks for reading.

Preparation

Finally, after a lot of deliberation myself, Achala, Pushpaka and Shamin decided to take Kuruwita-Erathna-Adavikanda route to the Adam’s Peak. This was my 6th visit to secretsmountain while Achala has visited 3 times. All these occasions were through HattonNallathanniya route during season. Pushpaka & Shamin both visiting for the 1st
time (Kodukarayo). Our 1st biggest challenge was to fix the date and get permission from our loved once. We decided 4th and 5th November is the best weekend to tackle this challenge. So, we started our preparation exactly week before by becoming pure vegetarians till we complete the task.

We distributed responsibilities among ourselves. Achala was responsible to take all necessary permissions from police (due to off season) and getting the route map printed along with updating map digitally as well. Shamin took over organizing food whilst Pushpaka on medicine. I took responsibility on survival equipment such as flash light, fire starter (Drywood, kerosene oil) and rain precautions. Each of us supposed to take responsibility over these tasks and make sure everything is available to make this challenge a reality. All of us kept eye on weather since it was raining throughout.

It was difficult to predict the weather conditions with all the climate changes in recent past. therefore, we decided to go for it whether it rains or not.

Day 01
Meeting up
We all met at Colombo-Fort public bus station at 4:00am. There were few bus options from fort which made us little confused early morning. Finally, we took Route #32 Katharagama bus which eventually was became a good decision since this bus was departed sharp at 5:00am and reached Kuruwita before 7:00am which kept us on schedule. 7:05am there was a bus to Adavikanda and we were the only bunch with hiking gear so at that point we knew it will be on our own to the summit. As predicted it was overcast and we were expecting rain at any moment.

1st steps towards wilderness
We reached Adavikanda by 8:20am took some snaps with the bus to make that moment memorable. There was a Buddha Statue and a Statue of God Saman and we invoked blessings at them. We then started our journey and entered the narrow path that ran through a village area. I should not forget the dog which started following us from the bus stop. After about 500m we reached the end of the village and it was still good concreate paved road for about
another 500m towards the jungle.

Erathna Bus Stop, 7am bus

Adawikanda Bust Stop

The crew, just before the start

A little drizzle started, and the leaves were dripping with water and they made our clothes wet as we brushed past them. However, we decided to walk through it since we were little too lazy to open our heavy backpacks that early of the walk. At the end of the paved road we turned back, and we saw a golden painted dagoba among the neighboring mountain.

After walking about an hour (climbing and descending), we were supposed to reach our first milestone of our journey, the Jambola Gahayata Ambalama. This Ambalama was couple of hundred meters detour from the route therefore we decided to go pass without any rest since we were quite ok to walk somemore without any rest.

These Ambalam along the trail are for the pilgrims to take a break or even stay overnight as the journey was tiring and difficult. This is the list of Ambalam along Erathna Trail:

1. Jambola Gahayata Ambalama
2. Daimangala Ambalama (missed this, may be out of the trail)
3. Warnagala Ambalama
4. Seetha Gangula Ambalma (2 on each side of the river)
5. Medahinna Ambalama
6. Geththampana Ambalama
7. Gal Wangediya (Heramitipana) Ambalama (Point which Ratnapura Trail merges with the Erathna Trail)
8. Andiya Mala Thenna Ambalama

Our guard for the start

Starting motivations

Leach Attacks

After a short break near a small water fall (these waterfalls were created due to heavy rain and there were plenty of them along the road) we got back on the trail and kept going uphill through muddy trail. There were many streams crossing the trail making it even harder to walk. Rain water dripping down, and it was slippery too one slip would end you up in serious trouble. Achala told a pair of rubber slippers would be the ideal to cross this terrain but we
felt it would make us expose to the leech attacks. By this point whole trail was swarming with leeches. Stopping to admire surrounding or to take must needed break invited leeches to get on board our shoes and maneuver their way up the socks to our bare skin. Some even didn’t bother to climb up and decided to go straight through the socks. Some leaches found their way up to places we didn’t even expected. Leeches would chase you relentlessly, but we decided not to get distracted and climb up till we find a stop to remove them.

Slight rain stopped, and our hopes rose higher. We then reached Warnagala Hydro Power Plant where we met a human for the 1st time after entering the dense forest. Guy was working at the water plant and he wished us for the rest of the journey.

Waranagala Shop & Ambalama

The next stage of the trail was the hardest we found so far. It was about 500m-750m of uneven steps some were almost foot high. This part of the climb tested our endurance. For the very 1st time four of us splatted and started to tackle this course on our own phase. The doggy who followed us all the way up has given up the chase. Pushpaka told he last saw it dropping behind.

Achala was the 1st reach a resting place (Abounded shop) on top of this continuous climb followed by myself, Shamin and Pushpaka. We took a small rest about 15mins and started the journey again. Before that we made a rain cover for Achala with a polyethene sheet. Not so far away we reached a waterfall crashing down hill over our footpath. But we knew this is another drama due to heavy rain so thought of waiting till water level goes down. After about 45mins it was safe enough to cross.

Made up rain coat

Another look

Route across the fall

By around 11.30am and we’d been hiking for the past 3 hours we met 5 pilgrimage descending. They told the Seethagangula river (our next challenge) water level is ok to get across. Luckily rain stopped for a while and we managed to cross the river by 12noon. We took another break not because of anything but to get rid of leaches on our bodies. This break was also essential to get an idea on the journey ahead. Achala and Shamin checked the GPS
map and our spirits were high since we were on schedule to reach Gal Wangediya Ambalama to camp for the night.

Stunning surroundings

Seetha Gangula Ambalama

Deep in to Wilderness

As we proceed further ahead it was dense jungle all around. From this point onwards for about another 2km trail was through forest canopy, very little sunlight and the path narrowed to about 2-3 feet. On this narrow path there were fresh elephant dung, but we were so fortunate not see an elephant on the wild were we had nowhere to run or no energy
to do so. This made us more alert. We had more frequent stops. Wherever a big rock to sit we sat down. I thought I was the fittest among the bunch, but this part of the journey tested me. I got couple of cramps but never wanted to give up. Phase was way too slow now compared to the decent start we had. Rain started pouring down heavy and we found a perfect place to take a rest under a rocky shelter. That was our stop for lunch. Shamin bought toasted bread with seenisambol, delicious but little challenging to munch may be due to freezing weather condition.

1st Glimpse

1st Glimpse of Sri Padha Peak

Suddenly, we entered in to another open area and it was Medahinna Ambalama. Place was decent and newly built compared to the Ambalam we passed but we decided to walk through without stopping there since we were slightly dropping behind the schedule. Shamin and I broke through a little leaving behind Achala and Pushpaka letting them to hike at their own pace. Target was to reach Geththampana at least by 4:30pm. However, we ended up at Geththampana (Idikatupana) at 5:00pm and it was not a good place to camp or to take a break. This is where we saw the Sri Padha peak for the 1st time during our hike. Pushpaka and Achala joined us again from this point. And this is the location Shamin and Pushpaka to do the Idikatupana ritual.

We found no phone signal or GPS to locate the next Amabalama and it was time to make a crutual decision to climb ahead or camp at Geththampana since travelling after sunset would be tough. However, after conceding the bad condition of the Ambalama we decided to climb ahead towards Gal Wangediya Amabalama which we estimated about 1km away and depending on our pace and nature of the climb we thought it may take about another hours’time to reach there. After a short while the rain was back but not in heavy drops just to keep nagging at us.

In to the Dark

In to the Dark

The walking seemed endless as we kept going through the thick virgin forest at a moderate pace. We decided to stay close since the path was barely visible, but we decided not to light the flashlights maybe we were lazy to take them out from the bags. So, relying what we see for couple of steps ahead we kept going maneuvering around the jutting out rocks where the soil had been eroded in the rains.

Then came the real battle as our eyes no longer see through the thick blackness. Shamin and Pushpaka took their flash lights out to find our way up. After what felt like an infinity in to a black hole we saw a small yellow light blinking far away. We knew that we have reached Gal Wangediya.

Wangedigala | Nights stay

Night Stay

Time was only 7:00pm even though it felt like midnight. A group of 6 campus students who has come through Deraniyagala trail was already camping at the Gal Wandegiya co-operative shop. They welcomed us, and we shared stories along our journey so far. They also gave some tips about the wild boar they saw early in the day in the area. We camped 100m ahead of them in the Gal Wandediya Haramitipana Ambalama. Place was clean and safe. Then we boiled water and had hot tea it tasted out of heaven and we savored the warmth it brought to our bodies. Once again it was time to remove the leaches. Unfortunately, we failed to prepare the pol rotty Achala bought but we were fine enough to be satisfied with remaining bread with Lunumiris. Then we laid some newspapers to the floor to prepare our bed to sleep. Layer of these newspapers were to get rid of the cold coming out from cement floor. Even though it was almost fully covered the wind kept howling throughout the night and the temperature dropped, but we managed to find little sleep. Wild boar was roaming around the Ambalama all night. Other than that, surrounding was quiet except our own Groaning.

Making Tea

Inside Wangedigala Ambalama

Day 2

Morning

We woke up around 6:30am and there was nothing but the mist and wind. Getting up from the floor was not that easy. It was like something is holding us back to the floor. Washing the face was like burning it raw. So, we decided to call it no toothbrush day. The biscuit only breakfast managed to cheer us up with the instant coffee. 4 of us went up to the Doctor quarters and started a small chat with the security and another group arrived from Ratnapura trail last evening. Among the group there was a wise man who has visited Adam’s peak 76 time. Would you believe it? 76 times. And his stories were remarkable.

More steps

Over the clouds

Final Steps

Steep Slippery Steps

Final Phase to Summit

Finally, at around 8:30am it looked good enough for us to start our journey and we bid farewell to our shelter and were off uphill along the nicely done cement steps.

We all hoped, the weather would ease, and the sun will appear beyond the summit. But sadly no, the top of the mountain was still covered with clouds and mist. The trail was totally isolated except for us and Achala made full use of it to take pictures as we couldn’t take many the previous day due to relentless rain.

We finally climbed up to Andiya Mala Thenna where the last of Ambalama is located. There we found 3 workers working at the “Waste Water Treatment Plant”. We climbed continuously but with lot of precautions since rain water made steps slippery. Our next resting point was Ehala Kanuwa and passing that we entered the Hulan Kapolla along the Mahagiridamba. We noticed a group of people appearing in front of us carrying metal bars. They told they are getting prepared for the season making shops. Little by little we reached our  destination exactly at 12noon. It was once again raining heavily. Arriving at the summit was a huge relief for us. It’d taken us little over 2hrs to get to the summit. Udamaluwa was locked but 4 of us worshiped at the gate and did the offerings collected from our loved once back home.

There was a helper on the top permanently resided. He informed It’s not allowed to stay at the summit in the night any longer. I guess this was implemented because of some reckless behavior by careless groups travelling there. We saw a notice about it too.

Getting Down

We spent only about half an hour at the summit since helper told last bus to Maskeliya is at 4:30pm. We could see the full 360-degree view unobstructed. Due to rain we saw countless waterfalls created on surrounded green mountains.

Getting Down

Scene to the top

Pushpaka was the fasted when heading down. He took the lead and Shamin followed him. Whilst Achala and me lagging little behind. We all stopped at a small shop to have hot Pol Rotti and tea. It is one of the 1st shops built for the upcoming season. We arrived at the Seetha Gangula in about 2:00pm. The surrounding views were simply majestic, and we saw many workers take goods on their back and head to the summit getting ready for the season ahead. Descending was faster than we expected and less tiring than the climb. We stopped again at have some Samahan at link outlet. Which they offered free of charge. We reached Nallatanniya bus stop by 4:00pm.

Mission Completed

It was a battle to find transport to Hatton and then from Hatton to Colombo. We met 3 foreigners from Canada joined with us to come back to Colombo. We hired a van and shared the cost with them. Yes, we became a victim of private van scheme, but it was the best option at that moment to reach Colombo.

We arrived in Colombo around 10:30pm and back to our busy never-ending schedules.

-The End-

We decided to build new house for another poor family. We get details about few poor families & we choose one family for our donation. First I went to see that family to get details of them. On September 16th morning I went there. I took train up to Kurunegala & from there by bus. Around 10.00 a.m I went there & spent nearly one hour with them. Our first step completed after getting all details. Pls refer below photos & you can get the clear idea about them.

After completed the main job & I had another free couple of hours. So I decided to visit any nearby important place. I decided to visit “Panduwasnuwara” & took the Chilaw bus to get there. Around 1.30 p.m I reached to “Panduwasnuwara”. There was large area to cover & I spent nearly 3 hours there. Around 4.00 p.m I left from there & returned back to home via Kununegala. I completed the day with lots of happy memories.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

Family in front of theirs hut

View’s of theirs hut

.	Little one

Showing his injuries

Their toilet

“Yakdessagala” mountain range seen from Their home

Panduwasnuwara Kingdom

King “Parakkramabahu I” built this kingdom. According to “Sellipi” this place earlier named  “Parakkramapuraya” in “Dakkinna Deshaya”. Today mainly 2 sections we can see in the Kingdom.

1. King’s Palace Area
2. Monastry Complex.

Very important “Gal Asana Lipiya” situated in the Palace Area. It was build by King “Nisshankamalla”. Beautifully made pond situated near the Palace main building.

Monastery complex comprise 6 Dageba’s & other Buildings of “Panchayathana”. Famous “Chakkrawala Kottaya” situated here. People believe this was the place “Unmada Chitra” hide.You can see lots of  ruins of  buildings there. “Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Viharaya” situated next to ruins. There was little “Tempita Viharaya” in the temple. “Panduwasnuwara” Museum situated near the main road. There were many items to see there. Pls go through the photos & you can get more details

Museum at Panduwasnuwara

Dagaba near the Museum

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Rampart wall of the Palace

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.	“Diya Agala”

.	Entrance to the Palace

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Details

“Asana Lipiya”

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.	The place where King’s “Sinhasanaya” kept

Palace Buildings

Toilet

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Store Rooms

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.	Pond – fully dried

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Dageba

.	Ruins of “Pilima Geya”

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.	Ruins of Monastery Complex

.	For waste water

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Another Dageba

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Details

“Puwaru Lipiya”

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.	Steps to the Dageba

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Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Viharaya

Old “Awasa Geya”

.	Statue of King “Pandukabaya” In the middle

.	“Tempita Viharaya”

Inside the Viharaya

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Bodhiya

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Entrance to “Chakrawalaya”

advice

.	“Chakrawalaya”

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Veediyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya very famous in Bandaragama area. Every year they have very proud & colorful “Esela Perahera”. It was one of the most important & large “Perahera” in the area of Raigam. First couple of days ‘Perahera” travel in the night. Final day of the “Perahera” travel in the day time. This called “Dawal Perahera” or “Diya Kapana Perhera”. From this “Perahera” “Esala Perahera Mangallya”finished.

From many years of time this “Dawal Perahera” starts from our relative’s house. It was Traditional big & beautiful house situated in very large coconut land. My uncle & his family living in there. From his father’s time this tradition starts. Those days this

“Perahera” done in very simple way.  Early days his father owned  5-7 elephants.Now all the elephants died. But  from those days our uncle had very good connection with elephant owners. He used those connections & he able to increase the number of elephants join to the “Perahera” in year by year. This time 21 elephants planned to join  this perahera. But finally 20 elephants participate to this “Perahera”.

This time “Nedungamuwa Raja” scheduled to carry “Dhatu Karanduwa”. He came up to Peliyandala & they noticed that he was under “Mada Kipila” situation. Soon they carry “Nedungamuwa Raja” to near by temple & tied there. Therefore “Migara” carried the Dhatu Karanduwa”

From early morning elephants transported by Lorries from various parts of the island to this house. Enough space for elephants there. They tied in the coconut land. From there onwards house owner have to provide food / all facilities to all elephants, ethgowwa’s & perahera crew. For this occasion our uncle invites all his relations to participate this event.

From morning elephants taking rest & around 12.30 p.m they started to dressing cloths. After that they lined up in the garden till “perahera” start. First two elephants travel to “Diya Kapana Thotupala”. After complete tradional ceremony there, they came back & waiting near the house.Same time main tuskers brought to the pavilion where “Dhatu Karanduwa” placing. After that “Karanduwa” placing in the “Ransivi Geya”. At that time dancing troops lined up in the road. After that perahera start. The organizing members arranging the “Perahera” & send each elephant from garden after every 2-3 dancing groups. From this home to temple there was nearly 3 km’s distance. Large number of crowd gather to see this colorful “perahera”. You can get some idea when you go through photos. It was very nice & educational experience for little ones.

Around 4.30 p.m “Perahera” completed & we came back from there with lots of happy memories. Also we like to invite to you to see this tradional & colorful event in next year.

Thanks for reading

Sanjeewa

Veediyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya

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.	Natha Dewalaya

Inside the Dewalaya

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.	Pooja ceremony had before “perahera” start

Perahera Starts from here

“Migara” – The Main Tusker

“Miyan Raja”

When arriving first having quick wash

Taking their meal portion

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.	Tusker of Bellanwila Temple

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Trying to take fresh one

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Removing chains

Trying for more

Perahera Costumes for Jumbos

Starting wear cloths

.	“Migara” completed his Dressing

“Miyan Raja” Start his dressing

Brought his cloths

He also arriving to main gate

Another one cleaning

Still dressing

Lot more to cover

Line up after dressing

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Drinking water from tap

“Dhathu Karanduwa” at house

“Dhathu Karanduwa” taking with Our relative carrying the “Dhathu Karanduwa” “Perahera”

Taking “Dhathu Karanduwa” to place in “Ransivi Geya”

Waiting till “Perahera” starts

Taking second “Karanduwa”

“Migara” is watching

“Kasa Karuwan” the sign of “Perahera” Starts

.	“Pahatha Rata Bera Karuwan”

“Maha Baba”

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The 1st elephant in the perahera – But 2 little boys inside the elephant

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“Hansa Netuma”

Here comes “Migara” carrying “Dhathu Karanduwa”

.	“Pathuru Netuma”

“Meyan Raja” carrying 2nd “Karanduwa”

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.	“Wewel Netuma”

.	Another one joins to perahera

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.	“Monara Netuma”

.	“Kawadi Dance”

.	These two elephants came from “Diya Kapana Thotupala”

.	Carrying “Dewabarana”

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.	“Boru Kakul Karuwan”

“Ashwa Netuma”

“Gara Yak Netuma”

Natha devi statue

“Wadiga Patuna Dance”

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“Raban Netuma”

Final part of the “Perahera”

Uthuwankanda /Saradiyel rock (431m) is a famous place among local and foreign tourists. As Saradiyel character is strongly related to Uthuwankanda, a theme park called Saradiyel village was built facing to Uthuwankanda in 2012 as a private property.

The meaning of Uthuwana is coconut forest. Uthu-coconut+Wana-forest. Uthuwana village had a flourished coconut cultivation at those days.
I have been at Uthuwankanda in 2014 but not at Saradiyel village.
After having short visit to Nawgala we decided to be at Saradiyel village. We planned to stay at Saradiyel village resort on that day night. I want to do common things in uncommon way. Therefore I decided to have early morning hike to Saradiyel rock to enjoy the sun rise.

Saradiyel village (සරදියෙල් ගම්මානය)
This is a theme park spreads on 6 acers, built in front of Saradiyel rock based on Saradiyel story. They will provide a guide who narrates Saradiyel story. This village is not only based of Saradiyel story, it shows some items of traditional village of Sri Lanka during in 19th century. Some of these things can’t be seen in modern days, would be good to know to school children. Most of models are made in natural way by cement.

Summary of Saradiyel story
Deekirikevage Saradiel was born on March 25, 1832. His father was a tobacco merchant from Haldanduwana, Dankotuwa-whose business made him to frequent visit to Kegalle district. It made him to meet Pitchohamy near Uthuwankanda and marry her. Saradiyel was the eldest son born to them.
Saradiel got his primary education from Illukgoda temple. Saradiel proved to be intelligent but he used to have constant quarrel with other students. His studies came to an abrupt end when he was arrested by the police and severely dealt with for assaulting a rich boy, a close relative of the village Vidane.
In his young age itself, Saradiel formed a gang and began to defy the law. Soon Saradiel’s name came to be associated with various thefts in the area but he managed to escape the hands of law.
Later Saradiyel left the village and worked as a barrack boy in Colombo. At the Barracks he came into contact with soldiers and learned how to use guns.
Saradiyel came back to Uthuwankanda and began to associate with notorious criminals in the area. He was arrested several times but he managed to escape.
Saradiyel had a gang of robbers among whom Hawadiya, Bawa, Sirimale, Kirihonda, Suwanda and Mammalay Marikkar were the most noted. Contractors taking goods to Kandy and outlying stations passing the Uthuwankanda area sought the protection of armed escorts and even then on some occasions they were attacked and guns and ammunition stolen. Although Saradiel was a terror around the Kegalle he never robbed the poor.
Meanwhile Sirimale, one in the Saradiel band defected and wished Saradiyel to be arrested. Saradiyel got caught to the police with Mammalay Marikkar on 21st March 1864 with an aid of Sirimale. Constable Shaban was shot dead in this fight by Mammalay Marikkar. It was the first police death happened in SL history, Sri Lankan police day is celebrating on 21st March.
Saradiyel and Mammalay Marikkar walked to the gallows on May 07, 1864.
Saradiyel became the Robin Hood of Sri Lanka as he generously distributed the money he robbed among the poor.
(Summarized from a letter written to Island paper by W.T.A. Leslie Fernando.)

Entrance to Saradiyel village

This shows ancient Ambalama

අම්බරුවා

දෝලාවෙන් ගමන් ගියෝ….

Waiting at Ambalama…

Entrance to the model ancient village at British era

Ancient Kopi Kade at village where all people gather

Ancient Kopi Kade at village where all people gather

Snake charmer

Snake charmer

Eagerly listen…

Grind Ragi…

Winnowing fan

Alms gathering…

Star gazer…

Native physician

වී කොටනවා

ආරච්චි

Ancient kitchen

වලව්ව

දඩු කද

Labour room

Saradiyel in jail

Farming…

Lake and temple…

Lake and temple…

Arachchi is ordering…

A family…

Saradiyel is donating some money to poor. Mammale Marikkar in his behind

After capturing Saradiyel and Mammalay Marikkar are bringing to Kandy

After capturing Saradiyel and Mammalay Marikkar are bringing to Kandy

English soldiers

This indicates British in Sri Lankan tea industry

Hanging of Saradiyel and Mammalay Marikkar

Hanging of Saradiyel and Mammalay Marikkar. End of the story

At the end of hearing Saradiyel story we have moved to our accommodation at Saradiyel village resort which is situated next to Saradiyel village.

Saradiyel village resort
It is built in two steps. Lower part is built next to Saradiyel theme park similar to captain Dawson’s bungalow. Upper section is situated bit higher up facing Uthuwankanda and mighty Alagalla is viewing it’s back drop. It is made similar to Bogambara prison. We selected a room at the tower situated at Saradiyel village resort. It had a breath taking view towards Uthuwankanda, Alagalla, Mawanella town, Ura Kanda, Bathalegala and etc. It was a memorable evening to enjoy the sun set over Uthuwankanda and Nawgala.

Model of captain Dowson’s bungalow.

Guard…

Saradiyel Village resort…

Sun set over Uthuwankanda. Lower part of Saradiyel village resort is seen

Sun set over Uthuwankanda

Ura Kanda. Our next day target.

Sun set…

Sun set…

Uthuwankanda

Uthuwankanda

Swimming pool and Alagalla

Sun set over Nawgala

Sun set over Nawgala

Bathalegala (left) and Urakanda (right). Bathalegala has a different appearance here.

Evening sky at back drop of Uthuwankanda

View of Uthuwankanda over the swimming pool

Illuminated swimming pool

Early morning hike to Saradiyel rock/Uthuwankanda to enjoy the sun rise
We want to enjoy the sun rise at Saradiyel rock. It was our early morning target. It is only about 30 minutes walk (plus hike) from Saradiyel village to Uthuwankanda.
The concrete road to Saradiyel rock starts few hundred meters towards Uthuwankanda junction in right hand side. At the end of concrete road the foot pathway started through rubber estate. After about 10minutes walk, an intense rock climbing part began. Summit of Uthuwankanda is like toes of a foot, on top of it national flags are waved. It might be due to the recent journey happened on national day. Final part was a 90 degree climb to reach the summit. Uthuwankanda has a narrow summit where you have to avoid too much activity. We have enjoyed the sun rise as well as view of Alagalla, Ura Kanda, Bathalegala, Colombo-Kandy road as well as Warakapola area. Early morning mist has blocked the vicinity of much distance.
We didn’t pay attention to find the cave closer to the rock. It ended up roaming around Uthuwankanda and we started to move our next hike-Ura kanda.

Lights at Kegalle town

Sun rise started….

Sun rise over Saradiyel rock…

Good morning Uthuwankanda…. It is like a cuboid.

Final stretch to climb…

Bird’s eye view of Saradiyel village and hotel

Sun rise…

Towards Mawanella town. Not clear much.

How Saradiyel village and hotel looks like…

Saradiyel village and lower part of Saradiyel village resort

The swimming pool and tower we spent last night

The road to Saradiyel village through paddy fields

Colombo-Kandy road at Uthuwankanda area

Colombo-Kandy road towards Kegalle

Mighty Alagalla

Alagalla closer view

Towards Rambukkana area

Surrounding view…

Surrounding view…

We are on top of Saradiyel rock. Notice the narrow summit.

Waving national flags…

This is the narrow path to get on to the rock

Rocky part of Uthuwankanda

Bathalegala and Urakanda

Uthuwankanda. Like toes of a foot.

Getting down

Getting down

Time to have a snap…

Reaching the trail head…

Cave like place….

Thanks for reading

Few years back i came to know that there were two mini worlds ends at Walapane area and directions towards Harasbedda WE was given to me by Mr Palitha. My other place of interest was a magical location called Golumale bordering VRR reserve. Actually i got a chance to visit these places during a 3 day trip.

The map – Click to enlarge

We started our journey from Walapane where we halted on the previous day. From Walapane we took the Nildandahinna road and passing Nildandahinna we took off towards Dambogalla. Just before Dambogolla we came across a 3way junction where we took the left side road towards Yatimadura. Though at some places the road was in bad condition one could manage with a car. Passing ancient Yatimadura temple we reached the sign post of Golumale where we halted our vehicle. It was a 250m hike up to the river from this point. The reason i fell in love with this location was the unique scenery where the river with lovely rock formations traverse the forest and the paddy fields. The water levels were bit high so i couldn’t witness the rock formations properly also i couldn’t cross the river to explore the caves where the jewelry of King Walagamba was hidden according to folklore. We spent more than 2 hours at this place dipping in the cold waters of Walapane before departing towards Nildandahinna. On the way back we didn’t forget to visit the ancient Yatimadura temple(7.087680, 80.936747) too.

waterfall found on the way to nildandahinna

another road side beauty

dream destination

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that scenery

water level was high

the rock formations were hidden

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a shower

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rock art

wow

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