map 1 – Click to enlarge

map 2 – Click to enlarge

I had to go to Matara to meet some of my foreign friends and next day I was supposed to return back to Monaragala. I didn’t want to waste my visit by not visiting few places so I picked up few random locations which I could drop in without much of a difficulty while getting back.

First I went to Mulatiyana and headed towards Mawarala and few Kilometers away from Mulatiyana Kos gaha dola falls could be found on the right hand side of the road. It does originate from a natural spring and later flows to the river in Mulatiyana reserve. There is a nice observation platform for viewing purpose and almost all villagers know about this. From Mulatiyana I headed towards Kirama and from Kirama hired a trishaw which took me towards Warapitiya Lake and on the way we came across a junction where there was a black board which stimulated me. We took the left road from that junction (as I remember this was Warapitiya) and reached Siththam gal lena RMV.

through Mulatiyana reserve

Kosgaha dola falls

On that particular day there was a Sunday school prize giving ceremony going on and I couldn’t meet the head priest to get proper permission. Anyway I started climbing uphill and reached the main rock cave where some beautiful paintings could be found but only to enjoy them through a meshed window because the entrance door was locked. From this cave I further climbed up and came towards the restored Pagoda where one can enjoy a fantastic view towards Kirama. After climbing few more steps I reached the last maluwa where the devalaya’s could be found. I strongly recommend visiting this scenic ancient temple to other visitors also and I myself might go there again someday too. After getting down I headed back towards the junction where we deviated and took the right turn to reach Rammale Kadura/ Sapugahadora Biso falls. This waterfall been the highest of Hambanthota district is a beautiful cascade and it’s very easy to reach too. They were building a bridge across the stream where one could enjoy the beauty of it easily.

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Sapugahadora Biso ella/Rammale kadura

The sources of this 12m-high fall are the brooks flowing down the Rammale mountain range. It flows on to the Warapitiya Reservoir and then the Kirma River. During the dry season the flow is languid but when the rains come, it cascades magnificently. Tea plantations and other crops in Rammale and Wadula have taken a heavy toll on the environment, putting the fall’s existence in jeopardy.

The fall is situated near the Sitamgalla Temple, Hambantota District. From Katuwanna PC, near the Warapitiya Tank, take the Warapitiya – Uruboka road for 3km. It is 20m from the first culvert to the fall. Alternatively, take the road from ktuwana town via Rukmalpitiya Dangalkande towards Hulankande. The fall can be found between Hulankande and Kirama. 

Warapitiya tank

at Siththam gal lena RMV

another cave

note the ancient paintings

Siththam gal lena

steps carved in

restored sthupa

view towards kirama

warapitiya tank as seen from the pagoda

the devalayas

sculptures

the concrete leading towards Rammale falls

side view of the Biso ella

like a shower

close up

Rammale biso falls(Sapugahadora falls)

the top

the base pool

From Warapitiya I got back to Kirama and headed towards Ambalantota. After getting to Ambalatota I wanted to go in search of a waterfall called Abarana falls which is the 2^nd documented waterfall of the district. Fortunately one trishaw guy knew about this and he took me towards Ridiyagama. At Ridiyagama there is a road called Abarana ella and if one follows it the cascade could be reached. This miniature waterfall is formed by Walawe River and when I visited it the waterfall was covered 50% because of the high water levels. The importance of this miniature falls is because of its history rather than been a waterfall.

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Abarana falls

According to folklore, the 2m fall derives its name from the fascinating but sad story of King Wijebahu. The king was married to beautiful twin sisters, both seven months’ pregnant. Before leaving for a sea battle, he announced to his queens that should he be successful, white flags would be hoisted from his ship’s mast upon his return, but should he be defeated, black flags would be flown instead. He also warned them that he would not live to see defeat.

After many days keeping vigil from the nearby Usangoda Mountain (800ft), the queens spied the king’s ship on the horizon. Although the king was victorious, he took up his general’s suggestion to fly the black flags as a practical joke, curious to see the reactions of his wives. The queens saw the black flags and assumed the worst. Overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, they committed suicide by throwing themselves into the river, after first gathering all their jewellery and laying it on the bank. Upon realising the fate of his queens and unborn children, the king was overcome by grief and plunged after them into the water. The fall is now said to be haunted by the Dark Prince – the king’s reincarnation – and it was the jewellery left on the riverbank by the distraught queens (apparitions of which have been reported) that gave the fall its name.

Also found growing near the fall is the plant locally known as dalumura, used by local villagers in devil exorcism rituals. Beware! Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are often seen basking in the sun, half submerged by the pool formed by the fall. The fall’s source is the lower tributary of the Walawe River. It is situated near the town of Ambalantota and the village of Pallerota (in the Ambalantota Ridiyagama area), and the last 2km of the journey must be made on foot. To reach the bullock cart track that serves as the footpath, from the Ambalantota Nonagama junction head to the 77th mile post and cross an irrigation canal, passing a bathing spot/boat yard and a tobacco plantation. A convenient place to stay is the Hambantota rest-house, 26km away.

Since it was getting late I rushed back to Ambalantota to catch a Monaragala bus to end a tiring day where most of the time was spent on dusty roads.

turbulant walawe

Abarana falls(its 2m in height but due to the increased water level it is not clearly visible)

Day two was another random day which I decided to visit few more places which I couldn’t complete on day 1. So as usual early morning I headed towards Embilipitya where I got a bus via Padalangala towards Suriyawewa. I got off at Unuwatura lin junction and hired a trishaw for the 3Km stretch towards the famous Mahapelessa hot springs. As I remember travelers who previously visited this place many years ago had mentioned that this was a jungle but now the surrounding area is just like a botanical garden. They even have caged rabbits and ducks etc.. I even noted an aquarium under construction. This is now a place of income rather than an attraction to the provincial government.

entering the hot springs

well maintained

the wells

bubbling

plenty of caged ones

cute bunny’s

After playing around with hot water, I decide to visit two more hermitages which were located in the Madunagala sanctuary. Just passing the hot springs we took a right turn and proceeded about 6Km’s to reach the rock hermitage of Karabulena/Karadu lena within the sanctuary and a car with careful driving could be used to access this place during the dry months. The hermitage is a huge and functional one with plenty of drip ledged caves. It is said that “rahathan theros” once meditated at this hermitage. There were two interesting caves one been the “cool cave” and the other an “umbrella cave”, on top of the rock there is a beautiful Buddha statue and a renovated pagoda. One could enjoy an endless view towards Hambanthota region including the harbor. I also noted the nearby huge Ridiyagama tank.

Karabu lena (Karadu lena)

main cave at Karadulena hermitage

plaster

lighting

inside the cave

what a shape

another cave

more caves

altar

a moon stone

towards ridiyagama tank

Thissa side

few more tanks

Madunagala hermitage as seen from Karadulena

pano from the so called worlds end

just like athugala

serene

Hambanthota

cattle

umbrella shaped cave

Seetha lena

watch post

Next was Madunagala hermitage which was not so far away from Karadulena. Again we had to go through the forest to reach this place and better not to venture around in evenings because few elephants do roam around. After climbing few steps we reached the main Meda maluwa where few drip ledge caves could be found and there was a paved path through “Araliya trees” to reach the inscription and “palamu lena”. From palamu lena it was a small climb to the top where an unique designed pagoda which one could walk about inside it is found. Karadu lena hermitage was clearly seen from the rock top and also an endless view towards Hambanthota was appreciated. On the way back we did manage to visit few rock ponds which had water.

road through madunagala reserve

steps at madunagala hermitage

chula naga lena

another cave

been used during nights and rested in mornings

beauty on the thorns

contrast

path through the araliya trees

a huge kema at madunagala hermitage

an inscription

palamu lena

read – Click to enlarge

pagoda at madunagala hermitage

Karadu lena as seen from madunagala

life at a hermitage

naga lena

Abaya lena

palace on the tree

From Madunagala we reached Suriyawewa where I got in to a Embilipitiya bus to reach Chandrika lake where I spent some time enjoying the breath taking scenery towards Sooriyakanda. After having lunch from Embilipitiya I proceeded towards Katuwana where a road side Dutch fort could be found. This Dutch fort was reconstructed few years back and is a wonderful place to drop in whenever one could. It is said that the deep wide diameter well like tunnel was used by them to reach the southern shores of Sri Lanka without been noticed. For more information please go through the images. Not even 500m towards Middeniya there was an archeology board directing towards Nakadawela Purana viharaya where one could find an ancient image house which had been restored during different periods. The outer wall paintings are the older ones and the inner wall ones are from Kandyan era. After thanking the head priest I decided to return back to Embilipitiya and then towards Monaragala to end my mini quest around Hambanthota.

at Chandrika lake

sooriyakanda as seen from Chandrika lake

wow	a good place to camp

Katuwana dutch fort pano

Katuwana dutch fort

entrance

the tunnel they used

inside the fort

hal danda

rested

invaded by a giant

read 1 – Click to enlarge

read 2 – Click to enlarge

read 3 – Click to enlarge

read 4- Click to enlarge

read 5- Click to enlarge

read 6 – Click to enlarge

pagoda at image house at Nakadawala PV Katuwana

Nakadawela image house

old is gold

ancient drawings

and more

modified during kandy era

broken

inside the image house

more paintings

the well in a tunnel

It was 23 June, Poson Poya Day when we went on the “Moon Walkers on a Quest of Their Own – Kalthota” and it turned out to be a cracker.

Since then I’d been in the middle of a travelling storm and missed our unique Poya Day quest in July. So I wanted to make amends and do our third consecutive ASAP.

As usual, Facebook came into my rescue and I sent around the request asking if they can spare 04 Aug and the replies were very positive. Anyway, not many people knew that Tony’s allowed only one trip a month and he did it with me to Meemure (There I said it:)). So it was another reason why it got shifted to August.

Unfortunately Danushka missed out this time coz his mother-in-law was going abroad and he and Thilini had to chip in with the preparations. He was very reluctant to back our but our experienced fellow Tony strongly advised (From past experience) not to take a chance when it comes to family things. It was great to have him and that valuable experience after all.

So Dana followed his advice to the letter and we had two openings for somebody else. Anyway I’d been getting many requests from both Lakdasun members and other friends asking if they could join us and decided to get some of them with us. Things got a bit scary when Harsha said he too was very busy and we were gonna miss out both our professional photographers.

Then came Dodam (Prasad) and his wife coz he’d always been asking to join us. As soon as I called him and told about the trip, he was thrilled (but had to check with his wife first – typical husband) and fortunately she agreed. It left only one place should Harsha decided to back out and for good measure I called Indika (Lakdasun member who’s been very keen on hitting the road) but he had his office work.

So we were practically down to eight people but decided to take our chances and Tony came up with the vehicle from his area. At the last moment, Harsha confirmed his attendance and what else could have been better. We decided to tackle the widely-known Ratnapura-Wewelwatte road but Atha came up with a suggestion of his own. He said that we should hit it from Balangoda end so that next time we could easily cover the rest from Ratnapura area.

The senior guy had a point and to make matters very interesting, we decided to visit that beautiful girl who can be seen from Pelmadulla-Balangoda road over the lush paddy fields. She’s the 7th highest in SL (according to some sources 8th) and we didn’t wanna miss her for the world. Everything fell into place wonderfully and Tony picked Atha and the rest of Battaramulla crew and came for me by 5.15am and then picked Harsha and Prasanna respectively.

Tour Highlights:

1. Kirindi Ella, Pelmadulla – 116m
2. Elle Wala (aka Ali Wala), Meddakande (aka Dhodamgallena Falls) – About 10-15m
3. Alupola Ella, Alupola Estate – 68m
4. Dehena Ella (aka Gaslabu Ella, Damana Ella), Wewelwatte – 73m
5. Katu Kithul Ella, Amunutenna – 15m
6. Hal Ella, Amunutenna – 7m
7. Plenty of other unknown or unnamed falls (Could be seasonal ones)

The journey was as always so much fun coz we kept chatting away without care in the world about anything and everything that came into our minds. They went on from stinking politics to Ravana and World affairs through many others.

In the meantime, Tony wanted to show off his talents and sang us a nice poem about Maths and Sir Isaac Newton (don’t forget to ask him when you meet up) and it drowned us all in a laughing pool. Harsha too had some scary tales of how he defied death several times including Tsunami in 2004. He’d been very close to the affected Ahangama town and could’ve been the first in whole country to use 119 services.

Amid all these Kumaraya managed to sleep like a log in the front seat coz he couldn’t find anyone who’d be silly enough to listen to his never-ending tales. Suddenly he came out of his reveries at the mention of breakfast and we were around Kuruwita at that time. This brought some great memories of the last time demolition of French restaurant in Kuruwita and we unanimously decided to hit them hard again too providing they were still open after our initial onslaught on them.

Alas, they were and Kumaraya in his dreams almost missed the place but the huge Filling Station saved the day. We all got down a bit nervously and sent Dodam and his wife in front to camouflage our arrival to no avail. Those boys could remember us really well and this time too the attack was no different. However, Prasanna having done about 5-6 vegetable roties and God knows what else took a back seat while the rest of the team enjoyed a sumptuous meal.

We were joking of not having lunch and filled our tummies as much as they’d allow. It was time to say goodbye to that wonderful restaurant (Highly recommended – Breakfast buffet 300/-) which serves delicious meals.

You can guess how much they enjoy the breakfast before a long day…

Delicious

The Team (From Left: Dodam’s wife and him, Wuminda, Prasanna, Me, Prince, Young guns Atha and Tony)

Kirindi Ella, Pelmadulla

We then set off in the direction of Pelmadulla to visit Kirindi Ella. Just before the Pelmadulla Bus Stop (about 500m) you’ll see the sign pointing on your left hand side towards Kirindi Ella. This is called Kuttapitiya Road (right in front of Cargills Food City). It’s about 5-6km to the falls and the road is in good condition except towards the tea estates where the state gets bit tricky due to constant travelling of tractors and Lorries to and from the Tea Factory. There’s also a bus service from Pelmadulla to Kuttapitiya but it didn’t look like as if there were plenty of them.

We reached the entrance to the falls with a massive board with the waterfall and info on the left of the road. On the right we saw the remains of what used to be a ticket counter, now almost in ruins. We felt that it would’ve been better if they keep it open and charge something so that it gives a job to someone and in the meantime generates an income so that the maintenance of the path and surrounding can be done easily.

The path begins right next to this hut with steps running downhill. About 100m down you come to the viewing platform where you can see the fall (most of it) from there. The view was absolutely stunning and we were speechless. We could see the top of the falls where water drops about 2-3ft before making the big mother. She wasn’t in full flow despite the heavy rains but there was plenty of water and we immediately wanted to get down ASAP.

Should you want to get down to the bottom of the falls, take the path downhill, small plants are grown covering the path at the beginning and you have to go down another 800m or so to the bottom. We were very grateful for whoever built those steps all the way coz the elevation is about 50-75m in that short distance and without steps, we would’ve struggled a lot.

At the bottom, you can see the full falls and she’s very wide about 50ft across covering the massive rock surface with her creamy water. We couldn’t take our eyes away from her and I felt as if I was in a trance. Everybody went into their own corners to take the best angle on their lenses regardless of the size of the camera. Athula and Harsha were busy mounting their tripods adding that professional touch.

As usual, we spent longer than we could afford with her (not unusual when you’re at the bottom of that massive falls towering over you like a mother Panda trying to cuddle her babies. Tony kept reminding that we had to make a move and the skies were threatening to open up, it all looked dark and gloomy but Sun kept peeping then and there to take that wonderful shot.

After about an hour and a half, we were climbing up and everybody felt the heat of climbing that steep bit. There was that young boy (Tony) kept taking breaks and by the time I caught up with him, he was panting so heavily with his tongue all the way out. We saw plenty of beer cans scattered all around with so many polythene bags, biscuit wrappers and numerous garbage. There was a toilet built now covered completely with the overgrown trees due to lack of maintenance. The mentally disabled people had done their bit with breaking the bottles and spreading them all around, so watch your step. Always wear shoes coz they tend to get through rubber slippers.

Kumaraya as usual was the first in and out coz he knows it’s the only way to avoid as many leeches as you can but we didn’t come across many. Back on the road, it was time for the main objective and we hurried towards Balangoda.

Here’s a short video of Kirindi Ella.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlJXt_IcNCs

The sign board at the entrance to the falls

The ticket counter and a shop in ruins…

From the view point about 100m down

Up close

Would’ve loved to see more water

The top where you can see the water flowing nicely

National butterfly of SL – Sri Lanka Birdwing (Troides darsius) Source: Harsha

So close yet so far

The team: From Left – Harsha, Prasanna, Wumi, Prince, Me, Tony, Dodam and his wife, Athula…

Couldn’t leave her

Thanks a million for whoever built these

Athula coming down

Steep descent

Killer ants???

Finally at the bottom

sliding down

More water please

The waterway going down

Not a chance of a dip

Everything in one pic

Miniature

Rock art

Right at the bottom

Forgot the name….

Going up tested all of our stamina

Wagging nineteen to the doze

Elle Wala (aka Ali Wala / Dhodamgallena Ella), Meddakande.

We reached Balangoda and took the Rassagala road which is 10km away from Balangoda. About 2km, Atha suddenly stopped the vehicle coz he’d asked his friend Anuruddha (who helped us find the Diyawini Ella last time) to help us locate the waterfalls but hadn’t remembered to call him in advance to inform our arrival. Fortunately, he was in Balangoda and came rushing to meet us and in his rush had misplaced the spare helmet (must’ve dropped it somewhere).

However, he couldn’t spare a lot of time but offered to take us as far as Meddakande where this gorgeous waterfall is located. She’s clearly visible from the main road over the Meddakande tea estate. Take the left at the junction and after about 500m, just before the Meddakande Co-operative shop; turn yet again to the left which is a concrete paved road. Go right down about another 1km or so and the road will end at a household. From here, it’s another 300m or so walk along the tiny canal and then through a manioc cultivation right to the base of the falls.

When inquired about the name of the falls, the villagers said it’s called “Elle Wala” and one old grand ma said this is also called “Ali Wala” as it used to bathe elephants in the 70s. However, I came across this name “Dhodamgallena Ella” as well. So you can pick your name. She’s about 40-45ft in height and curves in the middle creating this nice folded saree look. She wasn’t in full flow either but still managed to retain her good looks. Harsha kept saying she looked so tempting and gorgeous and I tend to believe that man coz he sees things in a professional’s eye.

This is where Tony decided to improve his firing skills using two tripods of Harsha and Atha to make a mock GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun). However on the melee of everything, he managed to leave Harsha’s tripod behind at the house in the end of the road. It started raining and we just stopped at this house for cover and he’d left it there. We didn’t notice it till we were about 1km away towards Rassagala when Harsha out of nowhere began to wonder where the tripod was.

We took a turn and came back to Meddakande junction where Harsha and Wuminda took a tuk-tuk to go get it back. Fortunately it was still there where they had left and the house holders had been very surprised. The rain was now really coming in torrents and pelting like pebbles on a roofing sheet. We had no proper raincoats or umbrellas and taking those crucial pics were practically impossible. Fortunately, Tony had brought his waterproof jacket and I used it as a shelter to get out and take those important landmarks on the lens.

Managed to get a video of this as well: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtZBi-5GMLs)

The concrete path lies passing this tree

Seen many times but pictured first time

Couldn’t leave all these alone

Goraka… (was looking for fresh ones coz the core flesh is very tasty but found none)

Just had breakfast

There she is…

Getting closer

Not a lot of water but still keeping her elegance

Lush greenery enveloping us

Beautiful but don’t eat the yam…

The small channel where you have to walk to the falls

Along the path

Really it’s fresh

The path lies to the left of the pic along the fence

Here we are at the bottom

The Ali Wala where elephants were bathed

The top of her

She curves in the middle

Looks deep in the middle

We kept stopping for these

Bidding our farewell

Not ripe yet

There it comes…. rain pelting down hard and you have to take the left just before this

The landmark at the Meddakande junction

You can’t miss this

The fall seen from the road

Rain or no rain, they gotta keep working

Miniature with their loads

Meddakande junction…. take the left after the van

Alupola Ella, Alupola Estate

When we reached Rassagala amid pouring rains, Tony and Athula got down to ask about the falls ahead and the directions. There was this shop and Harsha wanted to get something to munch coz we were almost certain to miss the lunch. The shop owner, a lady, was deeply engrossed in watching some super cross (Possibly Minneriya Super Cross) on TV and very reluctantly got up to serve us. It was so amusing to her keenness on motor cross.

We bought Halapa, Wandu and Bananas which evaporated in seconds the moment it was given to the crew. It showed how hungry the folks were, rain must’ve been the main reason. Tony and Atha had got some important pieces of information for our journey. Getting key directions to the waterfalls and the villagers had strongly advised not to go bathing in the rivers or water falls. What they didn’t know was that we were not a bunch of ragheads looking for a place to drink to unconscious but a crazy gang of nature lovers trying to defy the heavy rains.

Tony got the directions and sat in the front coz Kumaraya was falling asleep and we had to shout from the back to keep the bugger awake. The road from there was one of the most scenic ones in SL. We kept climbing uphill through tea estates and came across many seasonal falls. Just passing Rassagala we came across a waterfall like waterway coming down through a stony ditch from the tea plantations uphill and Tony kept asking me what the name we can give her. There was no point coz it’s just coming down that ditch.

Just passing that we came across another somewhat large falls around Uwella. It was about 20ft in height and what’s more, she became “Uwella Falls”, very natural way of naming. We couldn’t get down so all had to zoom through the window. Harsha had a large hanky tied around his lens and took pictures while I had no such thing for my point and shoot. My method was easy, point-and-shoot, wipe the barrel off, clean the lens with tissue again point and shoot. My camera wasn’t waterproof but it turned out it can handle a lot of water though.

The rain kept pelting down and we reached Wellawala and I soon saw a mini St. Claire at the bend just passing the small town. She was falling in two parts with a considerably longer gap between them. The first bit was about 6-8ft in height and after about 100m or so the second part which was the taller one out of the two. It was about 15-20ft in height and very wide resembling my beloved St. Claire. There was no way we could get out but I couldn’t just stay inside and saw a person coming from the shops with an umbrella. Having put the waterproof jacket on my head, I dashed out and ran to him startling him. I got him to stand here and there and stayed under the umbrella while taking lot pics. He too enjoyed this encounter and let me get on with my job protecting me and my camera with his umbrella. She was named “Wellawala Falls” and we pushed on.

Another couple of kilometers and we came to the Alupola Ella road on our right. I’m afraid I simply can’t give you a land mark at this point but keep checking with the people and it’s one of the most prominent falls in the area and you can’t miss it. We turned and on the way towards the Alupola Ella, could see a massive waterfall below in the next mountain range. This was the Beruwatte Falls which is on Wewelwatte-Balangoda road about 1.5km away in Balakotunna Village.

Finally we reached a junction where the road divided into two parts, the first going straight on while the second took left via a very narrow concrete bridge without any supports at either end. We mistakenly took the straight one but had to turn back and take the concrete bridge one when we checked from the Alupola Tea Leaves collection center. It was such a grueling task to pluck and carry all those heavy sacks of tea leaves to this point and we felt very sorry for those poor workers. If they didn’t work, they wouldn’t get paid and so heart breaking to see them doing these back-breaking things without a proper rest and a wage.

Taking the narrow bridge tested our driver’s skills and we passed without incident. Then through the lush green, we arrived finally at the falls. There a bridge and two houses in the far (one of them is a shop) and there’s a sheltering garbage collection place with three barrels to separate them. It was still pouring and we decided to improvise. Tony, Wumi and Prasanna ran to the shop beyond the bridge and bought a few large plastic bags. They cut this on one end and make temporary corn-shaped head covers but they wouldn’t stand a chance in the intense rains.

I jumped out and ran to the garbage collection shelter which was barely covered me. From there I got a good view of the bottom part of the falls and saw nothing but white curtain on the top. I felt very disappointed to have come all the way to see this tiny waterfall then out of nowhere Tony ran forward ignoring the rain completely shouting “Look at that” and when I looked up all I saw was a massive tree-trunk shaped waterfall coming down straight from the sky.

Then only we realized the size of the actual falls. She was so tall and the top part was completely covered from mist and water vapor. It wasn’t visible at all but on and off the mist lifted to give us a glimpse of what laid underneath. Athula, Harsh and Wuminda all gathered around me in that tiny shelter and they were standing inside those barrels without giving a toss but completely concentrating on the falls.

Tony and Atha ran through the tea plants to get a better view and brought back a few dozens of leeches with them for Kumaraya and Wumi’s horror. We stayed put nearly half hour without success and finally decided to go see the rest of them. We had re-invigorating coffee at a nearby shop and the owner said the rain only stopped for 2-3 days during the whole last month. We didn’t feel unlucky hearing this.

We then headed towards Wewelwatte and suddenly stopped at another big waterfall around 30ft+ in height. Through the windows came click, click and click and we were soon on our way. Tony wanted to call her “Alupolla Ella-2” and we had no choice. Passing Wewelwatte junction where the road on the left takes you back to Balangoda and the right one to Ratnapura, we took the right and after 1km or so later saw the sign board saying “Beruwatte Falls” 2km away. We turned around and took the Balangoda road, after 1.5km or so, came to the signature “Mud covered House”; rather a kitchen coz the house is now built using bricks and painted white. There was a tiny footpath and without second thoughts ran along it with our temporary head covers. Atha and Wumi ran in front defying the leeches and found the river is too strong and wide to cross after about 100m.

Tony kept asking for a name for this but it’s just a ditch

Uwella falls… our name

Shooting through the window

We had to take turns and kept our cameras from the pouring water

A releif from the rain

Can you see all those animals? We of course didn’t

Wellawala Falls, again our name…

Mini St. Claire…

Through the tea plants

Imagine the rain… the camera had a tough time focusing on the falls through the rain

Alupolla Ella bridge

Sheltering under the garbage collection shed

We thought it’s only this bit

The bottom up close

All of a sudden, the mist lifted and the sky was pouring water… we were shell-shocked

Simply amazing

The water was falling ferociously

Holy – Moly – Guacamole

I ran to the other side to get a better view but not a chance

The doggy was wet and hungry we fed him 3 large biscuits

The ghost of Alupola – Tony showing his dancing skills

This fellow was fast asleep

Frowning at me for waking him up

Alupola Ella-2

Practically every bridge had a waterfalls

The path through the windscreen

It was falling in two straight lines

Dehena Ella, Wewelwatte (Gaslabu Ella / Damana Ella)

We had to give in coz there was no way we were gonna cross it. However, it was so sad to leave her having come so close. She was another 300m or so away. What to do we turned back and went along Wewelwatte-Ratnapura road and all of a sudden saw this massive waterfall among the forest uphill. We figured it could be the “Mandanagiri Falls” but had no clear footpath to it. Then passing another huge bridge we saw yet another waterfall but only the bottom part was visible and couldn’t get through the river bank or the forest to go further in. Checking this later, this could’ve been the last section of “Pandi Oya Falls” which is nearly 6km inside the jungle but couldn’t be sure.

Then came the moment of truth. There was this massive girl on our right hand side sending many millions of tiny droplets of water. To see, she’s the really famous and the tallest of all, Dehena Ella. Over 240ft in height and she was coming down in with loads of water showing her beauty in full flow. We could hardly get to the other side of the road via the bridge due to the water vapors and taking pics of her took so much effort. Harsha used Tony’s waterproof jacket as a shield while we had to seek shelter in the bus stop right in front of her.

The view was spectacular yet we had to resort to our unique technic of wipe and shoot method. There’s also a viewing platform built on the side of the falls but the whole area was wet and slippery. Treading carefully and avoiding passing vehicles, we managed to shoot a lot pics and take a short video too. What a breath-taking beauty she actually was and I wished thousands of times the rain would stop just for a wee bit but to no avail.

Check out my short video of her on YouTube: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6Qg0QXGlbk)

It’s all about water

Up close…

Heading towards Dehena Ella

Everywhere you can see so much water

Just after Wewelwatte Junction we saw this board and decided to turn around

The foot path to the Beruwatte falls to the left

The Landmark house but we missed seeing the falls

At the Wewelwatte Junction

This certainly was a lot bigger but couldn’t go around due to the rain and slippery path

Wish could get closer

The water flowing under that bridge

243ft…. she’s massive

The spectacular waterfall – Dehena Ella

She comes down in steps

Plenty of water

Right at the top is not so visible

Would’ve been nice to have a cuppa tea but not a chance

The bust stop helped us take pics

The side view

Widening the river path

Artistic

I could pic a beautiful princess in silk

Miniature

Katu Kithul Ella & Hal Ella, Amunutenna

It was getting dusk and we decided to step on the gas and get to Ratnapura soon. We were in a manner of speaking, hopelessly lost due to the rain. We had the directions but there was hardly anyone about in that torrential downpour to check. We on the other hand had no means of tackling the rain as raincoats and umbrellas were left behind.

After another few kilometers, we came to a complex of waterfalls where two waterfalls were coming down on either side. The one on the right is called “Hal Ella” (I actually got to know this name after the journey when comparing my pics) and the one on the left doesn’t have any name. Fortunately the rain had decided to leave us alone for the last leg of our marathon and we got down and took some pics.

Just another 100m or so away was another waterfall and she too was very beautiful. Like the Hal Ella, I got her name as “Katu Kithul Ella” after the journey. They were pretty much very close to each other and easy to spot on. However, these two looked more like seasonal falls and when the rains is away, it would just be a trickle down the rocks.

We then went passing many other villages and everybody was getting hungry. Our van had been used as leeches for travelling for free. Tony, Prasanna and Wuminda kept finding them inside the van and every time they do, I could see Prince twitching in the front seat. He was not very keen on getting down due to this and remained most of the time in the van.

We reached a shop selling hoppers and Wade and everybody wanted to jump out and eat. I had to give in eventually and they all started gobbling down hoppers at hundred miles an hour. There was a shout from the road and Harsha, ever the curious, came in laughing coz he’d heard one of Prasanna’s friends talking to him and using his pet name. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to put that name on the report, so I’ll leave it and if you ever come across him, just ask him.

Finally after a hearty meal, we were on our way and soon got enveloped by the traffic on the high level road. It was such a dramatic journey and so much water came across us in all forms and everyone was soaked to the bone. Wuminda kept saying that he’d always wanted to do a journey like this and finally his dream came through. The Wewelwatte is full of these beautiful known and unknown waterfalls and I decided to call her the Milky Way.

So folks, hope you enjoyed my fairy tale and those beautiful girls…

Take care…

Twin falls drawn by my camera

On the right – Hal Ella but no name for the left one

Hal Ella

Unnamed falls on the right

Top of Hal Ella

Looks like a seasonal falls

Silky smooth

Katu Kithul Ella about 100m away from Hal Ella

This could also be a seasonal falls

Reminds me of Nanu Oya

Tony and me

The professional touch: Harsha and me

Another unnamed falls

In fact two on either side

Hungry… Prince having two wades inside and trying to squeeze a hopper too in

We started late morning (as usual) from Ragama to Kalupahana. This trip was originally planned as a 2 day trip. After having lunch we came around 1.00 pm to BHR. Road condition from Kalupahana double bridge (A4) to Bambarakanda Fall was on good shape.

Bambarakanda fall from BHR

Wangedigala from BHR

Gonmollikanda & Balathuduwa from BHR

Bambarakanda fall

At BHR

At BHR

Since we have enough time, we decided to go to Devil’s Staircase around 2.00 pm. Road beyond BHR was very good (Concreted / paved). Even though we expect bad road, less than 2 kms from BHR road condition was horrible. After climbing about ½ km we decided to revise the vehicle for ½ km and came back to BHR.

Mrs. Sera (Owner of BHR) advised us, we have already climbed close to the V-cut which is the worst part up to Udaweriya estate and after V-cut road condition is bad but not worst.

After the disappointment, we went to base of the Bambarakanda fall and had a bath.

Next day we started again towards Devil’s Staircase around 9.00 am. As mention by Mrs. Sera, worst terrain was up to V-cut. There after road condition was bad. We came to Ohiya road around 11.00 am.

Rough concrete road near BHR

Then nice paving towards up hill

Again concrete road and End with nice view

Kuragala Zoomed

Start of the rough terrain

Different terrain

Famous V-cut

Our team @ V-cut

Feeder stream of Bambarakanda fall

Feeder stream of Bambarakanda fall

Towards Devil’s Staircase

U-Turn to Heaven

Devil’s Staircase

Abandoned Udaveriya tea factory

Then we decided to visit Horton plains national park. We visited Baker’s fall and returned via Haputhale road. We stayed additional night at BHR.

Chimney Pool

Leg of Mutton Pool

Baker’s fall

Baker’s fall

Third day the Bonus date, we decided to climb the border of Horton Plaines national park – Nagrak division which lies in the top most part of the Non Pariel estate. Unfortunately estate management not allowed us to drive beyond Tea factory. We got permission to walk to Upper division which is just below the Great world’s End drop.

Road to Non Pareil state

On the way to Tea factory

On the way to Tea factory – View

Jet passes above World’s End

I managed to see visitors at Great World’s End drop!

Small World’s End from Upper division

Great World’s End from Upper division

Great World’s End – 10x Zoom

See the visitors

Gonmollikanda & Balathuduwa from upper division

View from upper division

Life at upper division

Life at upper division

We hired estate 3 wheel during the walk. Three wheel drivers used to climb down in Neutral gear even ignition off in deadly dangerous horrible bends.

Balaiya, the man helped to find over 25 dead bodies those have jumped from World’s End over the last 50 years.

High risk

After the exiting journey, we came home around 4.00 pm.

After going through the maps we realized that we have loitered around the merging area of Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central provinces.

With most parts of the country experiencing rain continuously for 4 months, an amount of rain that has never been experienced for the past 40 years or so started to ease by end of July, the moment I’ve been waiting for. After experiencing 3 days of sunshine without rain I thought the moment has arrived for me to go on another waterfall hunt and decided to do it the very next day making use of the week-end.
Having called my usual companions who has been part of my previous escapades, two cousins joined me on the hunt.

Day 1
We left Delgoda at around 11am with the intention of visiting 3 waterfalls around kuruwita and if possible to cover a couple more at palabaddala.

Arambe Ella
After about 1 ½ hours of driving we turned towards erathna from kuruwita and after about 3km we turned right and took the batadombalena road for about 5km more where we saw the first waterfall which I presumed it to be “Arambe Falls” according to the information I had.

panoramic view towards kuruwita from Batadombalena road

Arambe ella

Arambe ella

upper part

Pannama Ella

Next on our list was “soodagala ella” but when we inquired from locals they didn’t know a waterfall by that name but directed us to what the locals call “pannama ella”.
To get to this waterfall one should travel about 7-10km along the erathna road and take a left downward sloping road just after a bus halt.
Pannama ella reminded me of “katugas ella” as these two waterfalls looked alike in appearance with plenty of lower cascades and finally the main waterfall plunging into a deep gorge in two parts. (P.S: read tips, notes & special remarks)

lower cascade of pannama ella

Pannama ella

Pannama ella

After spending some time admiring the beauty of pannama ella we turned back towards kuruwita looking for the 3rd waterfall being ‘gerandi ella’ that was supposed to be in the same area. We couldn’t find any credible information with regard to this waterfall and after about 1 ½ hours of trying, finally aborted our attempt of looking for it. We had our lunch from kuruwita and headed along the palabaddala road hoping to cover at least a couple more before we called it a day.

Dumpus Ella

The first waterfall along this road was “dumpus ella”. We travelled past gilimale and up to the induruwa bridge. The footpath to the waterfall is located to the left side right after the bridge. First we came across a lower cascade which can be seen from the bridge as well. To get to dumpus ella we proceeded upstream along the right side of the river and crossed to the left side from the top of the lower cascade. By this time the weather changed and started to drizzle. After travelling for about 500m further upstream we came across the main waterfall. By the time we arrived at dumpus ella the rain started to get heavy.

lower cascade of dumpus ella

Dumpus ella

Side view of dumpus ella

chasers @ induruwa bridge, gilimale

After dumpus ella we headed back to ratnapura intending to find a place for us to spend the night.

Day 2

Kalu ganga as seen from the room @ Elnara

not so gentle flow of kalu ganga

We left ratnapura for palabaddala at around 7.45am. Within another 30 minutes or so it started to rain again and it continued for the rest of our journey.

misty road towards palabaddala

here comes the rain again

top part of Mapalana ella seen through the mist from the road

Mapalana Ella
Situated amongst medicinal herbs, the 114m fall consists of three sections and is served by the Ella Oya (river). During the rainy season the simultaneous flows can be heard from up to 6km away. According to legend, the fall is named after a local noble man who used to bathe here. When drought sets in, local villages hold ceremonies in the middle of the dry fall and hang lighted lanterns and palm leaves from its upper reaches, asking the Saman god to provide rain.

The Mapanana Falls is located in the Siripadda Mountain (1868m), 22km from Ratnapura, at a point known as Kondagala. Take the road from Ratnapura via Gillmale for 8km to Asoka Karniya. It is another 20km along the bank of the Kaluganga River to a road that leads up to the colonies, where the fall can be found. (srilankanwaterfalls.net)

Mapalana ella

upper part of mapalana ella

base of mapalana ella

mapalana ella

Halmehi Ella
This 9m-high fall originates from a stream in Lihinigala, which is joined by another small brook. As with Hal Falls, local villagers claim to hear the sound of clothes being washed coming from the water. (lankawaterfalls.net)

The path to halmehi ella is located to the left a small distance before mapalana ella.

Halmehi ella

base of halmehi ella

top part of halmehi ella

.

Minee/Pankandura/Galpoththawa Ella

Next on our list was pankandura and galpoththawa ella. So we headed towards palabaddala and travelled about 6km towards udapawanella. At udapawanella we got to know that both pankandura and galpoththawa are actually cascades created by the same river which the locals call “minee ella”. Also we met a guide who agreed to take us to the falls warning beforehand that it’s going to be a dangerous one. After coming so close we weren’t in the mood to give up. The final 1 1/2km trek to “minee ella” is on foot where one has to climb up the footpath through a tea estate until you come across some line homes.

Keep to the right side of the line homes and walk further along until you descend to a stream. Galpoththawa ella will be visible upstream to the left when you come across the river. To get to minee/ pankandura ella we had to cross the stream to the other side and get down along the stream further down for 4 levels. Now this was the scary part. It has been raining since morning so the threat of flash floods was looming. Also one misstep and you’ll be in the water swept away giving you hardly any chance of surviving. At the second level one stayed back while two of us along with our guide proceeded further down to the 3rd level. From the 3rd level we couldn’t find a way to get down to the 4th as the risk was too high. To simply put, we didn’t want to add up to the countless number of “minee” that have flown down the river as the locals say.

The description of lankawaterfalls.net for minee/pankandura falls

The fall is created by the Galpothawa River and is divided into three main segments. The lowest is 9m in height and cascades downwards over a series of steps in a spiral motion. It is also known as the ‘Mini Falls’ (Corpses Falls) owing to the fact that the bodies of people who drown in the river above are swept down by the torrent of water.In the surrounding woodland, kaduru (Strychnos nux-vomica), palu (Manilkara hexandra), breadfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), liyan, badulla (Semicarpus obscura), milla (Viterx altissima) and goraka are present.

For galpoththawa falls :
Galpottawa Falls is 06m high and in rainy season the entire rock ledge is shrouded in mist from the spray. During Sri Pada pilgrimage season, devotees come to bathe in the shallow pool at its base. The water eventually flows into the Kaluganga River.

Galpoththawa ella

Galpoththawa ella close-up

getting down to the 2nd level

cascade of minee ella

Lihinihela ella to the right

Lihinihela ella

Having covered all the waterfalls at palabaddala we headed towards wewelwatta to start the final leg of our journey.

Aanda ella

The fall is 15m high and only exists during the rainy season. There are two theories as to how it got its name. Some say it is so named after an eel was purportedly sighted slithering down the fall. The alternative explanation is the corksrew flow of the fall as it tumbles down over rocks and weeds.Anda Falls is situated in Galaboda village, in the Ratnapura District. (lankawaterfalls.net)

Aanda ella

Aanda ella

roadside cascade

roadside cascade

Hal ella
This twin-streamed fall flows over a protruding rock face and resembles an upturned receptacle used for carrying water. It is 7m high and 12m wide. Upstream, the woodland contains several hal (Vateria copellifera) trees, the fruits of which fall into the stream and drift over the fall, hence its name. Superstitious villagers claim they hear the sound of clothes being washed in the water.

Hal ella

Hal ella

Dehena ella
Dehena Falls is an impressive 74m in height and its source is a small spring called Gaslabu Falls. The stream, known as Dehena Dola, flows from Perya Udagama on Dehena Mountain and cascades in twin chutes from the plain of Udaamunatenna. Afterwards the water flows via Pandola to the Bambarakotuwa River.
A small opening in the stone at the base of the pool near the fall is called ‘Gathula’, meaning ‘inside of the stone’. It is said that during heavy rain, the caves surrounding the fall are totally submerged and the road becomes obscured by mist. However, during dry spells the flow is languid. The land towards the top of the fall has been denuded for timber and tea plantations, which has caused the depletion of aquifers.

Dehena ella

Dehena ella

Wewel ella
Wewel ella is situated at diyabibila along the wewelwatta road. From the diyabibila junction take road that branches to the right.

wewel ella

waterfall along alupola road

waterfall along alupola road

Beruwatta ella

Can be seen from the alupola road itself.

Beruwatta ella

Beruwatta ella

Alupola Ella

Alupola ella

Alupola ella

unknown waterfall along balagoda road

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roadside cascade

Dodamgallena Ella
This waterfall is situated close to balangoda at medakanda village

dodamgallena Ella

Mandanagiri ella, Pandioya ella , Katukithul ella and Goksin ella are also along the wewelwatta road which I missed this time. We were back home by 10pm after an unforgettable journey vowing to come back to catch up on the missed beauties.

Thanks for reading.

It was late July when my gang started moaning about our monthly trip and we came up with 04 Aug Wewelwatte Journey which turned out to be wet, cold and chilling.

However, there was a side story to that journey. The monsoon rains had come in full force and the waterfalls all around the country were smiling down on us revealing their hidden beauty.It was as if the Waterfall Festival had come to Sri Lanka.

Being frantic waterfall lovers we all decided to see as many waterfalls on Wewelwatte as possible but Athula had something else up his sleeve. He quietly mentioned about the water levels of Lakshapana and Aberdeen being at an all-time high and wondering if we could go there.I wasn’t to be hesitated at any rate and suggested we take a day off and do it after the Wewelwatte.

I managed to take a leave on Tue 06 Aug and Atha readily agreed to do it on the same day. When I put it forward during our Wewelwatte journey on 04 Aug, everybody looked aghast as if we had decided to throw the government.

“You guys are going on another journey day after tomorrow? What do you guys think you are doing? We’re gonna miss that. You know we can’t go on like that.” Was all that managed to mumble amid my suggestion. What to do? We couldn’t wait any longer as the water levels won’t wait for us. So Athula and I decided to get on no matter what happened. On the 04th night, Tony called and said he’d love to join but needed permission from the higher authority (you know who by now). On the following morning he realized that he needed to take his daughter for ALs and that put a stop to his whining I suppose. Fortunately, our new employee, Harinda, wanted to join as he’d been missing all the fun. Prasanna too was coming and Athula said he might be able to fix us a vehicle and we were all hoping for that coz the rains had got on our nerves during Wewelwatte journey.

We all waited anxiously and finally he came through with a van (just the front and one back seat for max 5 passengers) and it lifted our morals a helluva lot. I tried luring Danushka into joining us as he missed our trip but couldn’t get leave. It was a blessing coz the two Sumo Players (Hari and Prasanna) took up the whole of the back seat leaving no space anyone else, which meant Atha and I had to squeeze tightly into the front with the driver.

We left Colombo around 6.00am and picked Prasanna from Kaluaggala, having had to wait a long time as usual. Along the Hatton road we went and suddenly around Karawanella, Atha stopped at a place for breakfast. Hot, hot egg hoppers came and evaporated while string hoppers and bread were vanished at a ferocious rate mixed with a delicious sprats curry. All in all, it was a grand breakfast and we enjoyed it so much and got back on the road.

 Tour Highlights:

1.  Lakshapana Falls – 129m
2. Dutch Memorial
3. Aberdeen Falls – 98m
4. Gerandi Ella at Morahenagama

We reached Kithulgala and passing Beli Lena (we initially planned to visit this as well but simply ran out of time) we came to the Kalugala Junction where there was a board saying “Lakshapana 12km” and we took the road onto our right. This is also another road that leads to Adam’s Peak but not in good condition.

Lakshapana Falls & Dutch Memorial

The road took us passing the Kehelgamu Oya which was in over flowing condition forming creamy white foams and running mischievously passing rocks. We had to stop for a pic. The sky looked gloomy and threatened to rain at any moment but we were not swayed by that. Another 1km or so we reached the Bodhigira Junction where the road folk into two. The left hand side one goes directly to Norton Bridge (in between there’s the road to Adam’s Peak) which is in a slightly better condition. The one on the right or rather straight goes passing Polpitiya and Hangarapitya to Maskeliya.

When inquired with the villagers, they advised us to take the upper road saying it was in good condition but longer than the below one. However, Athula wanted to tackle the right hand path which goes to Maskeliya via Hangarapitiya. The road is not in very good condition but we didn’t come across any major obstacles. We soon saw the Polpitiya power house and the Kehelgamu Oya was on her way as if there was no tomorrow. The river under the bridge was flowing on a rocky bed which had dug a clean canal and the water was gushing down making a huge roar.

From then onwards we went further and reached Hangarapitiya. Athula suddenly asked me to listen to the villager he was talking to as he was explaining how the name “Hangarapitiya” came by. This road used to be the one the old-time kings use to visit Adam’s Peak and this particular village had been where the Kings and their entourage were treated with food and accommodation. In Sinhala we say “Sangraha Karanawa” which means treat and the village had got the name as a result “Sangrahapitiya” and later had become “Hangarapitiya”. What a fabulous folklore to come across. We saw a waterfall on the other side of the mountains (the upper road) but I couldn’t find her name but Atha later confirmed her to be Gerandi Ella. She may well be a seasonal falls for all I know.

Then following the road and avoiding pot holes full of muddy water we went further up. On our left was the world famous “Seven Virgins Mountain” which was the cause for “Martin Air Flight 138” tragedy. I’ve given the story in brief below but I’m sure many of you know this as it remains the worst in Sri Lankan Aviation history and 3rd deadliest involving a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 aircraft in the whole world after Arrow Air Flight 1285 and Nigeria Airways Flight 2120.

 — Martinair Flight 138 was a chartered flight from Surabaya, Indonesia to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aircraft was operated on behalf of Garuda Indonesia. On December 4, 1974, the aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-55F, crashed into Seven Virgins Mountain shortly before landing, killing all 191 people aboard – 182 Indonesian hajj pilgrims bound for Mecca, and 9 crew members.

The flight is said to have departed Surabaya, Indonesia at approximately 12.03 UTC heading to Jeddah planning a stop at Bandaranayake airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka. At around 16.30 UTC Colombo control cleared the flight. At 16.38 UTC another air traffic controller is said to have intervened and cleared the flight down to 5000 feet and reported clearing to 8000 feet. Colombo approach then cleared the flight down to 2000 feet at 16.44 and told the flight to expect a runway 04 approach.

The crew aboard the flight was then asked to report when the airfield was in sight. The crew then continued their descent until the aircraft crashed into “Saptha Kanya Mountain” at an altitude of approximately 4,355 feet and at around 40 nm east of Colombo. All 191 passengers and crew were killed. The aircraft crashed on the fifth mountain of a range of hills known as “Saptha Kanya” at Therberton estate, Maskeliya. —

Passing this we all of a sudden saw a notice on our right hand side saying “Aulanda Sohona – Dutch Memorial” and I wanted to have a look. They had built a memorial about 200m away from the road in the tea estate and several diplomats from Indonesia and Maldives had unveiled it on 22 July 1979. We were lucky to have come across this coz I hadn’t seen any evidence of a memorial anywhere before.

Athula then went onto say one of the tires of the aircraft is at display at Norton Bridge Police Station. Apparently the original memorial is located at the Police Station along with the tire. We had seen the second one built very close to the crash site by those family members of the passengers and crew. Anyhow, we couldn’t forget the local singer Anton Jones who sang this very famous song as a tribute to this crash “Kande Hapuna Waha Wananthare – DC8 Guwan Yanthare”.

Just passing that I decided to walk a bit as the path was really scenic and for some reason rain had decided to leave us alone. Further up, I came across this grand looking bungalow on my right hand side and over it the Seven Virgins Mountain full of mist. It looked like a palace in heaven. How lucky those people who live there. I was feeling very jealous then and still do.

We reached Kiriwan Eliya where they have a few shops and a small restaurant-cum-guest house. We asked the road from two boys and they asked us to go further up. Apparently they had given us the path to the top of Lakshapana Falls. We had to turn back after about 1km and came back to the shops to find a board saying it’s only 300m to the falls downhill. Yucky yuck those boys. We got off and walked downhill and they’ve done a nice path with steps right down to the waterfall which made going very easy and hardly any attack from those horrible leeches.

There were houses along this path and it could be one other reason why the path is so well maintained. In fact those villagers were repairing a part of the track when we went. About 200m down, we could here this huge roar as if a 100-carriage train coming down Kadugannawa slope without breaks and it really was very frightening. It even reminded me of Tsunami.

The whole area was so noisy to see it’s the Lakshapana falls that was making all that uproar. She was celebrating something which we couldn’t put our fingers on. It was deafening and soon we got glimpses of this milky water falling through trees. Then came the moment, Eureka…. There she was falling down full length without stopping for a breather like twin towers of New York.

It was a sight that I’ll treasure forever. One villager who was repairing the road told Athula that they witnessed the most of in 2 decades on 04 Aug. (In vain we were getting soaked in Wewelwatte, I felt for a moment but soon perished the thought). It was a sight to marvel at and we took plenty of pics and got down to the base of the falls. It was as if raining at the bottom due to vapor coming from the water hitting the rocks. We thankfully had taken two umbrellas with us (learnt our lesson at Wewelwatte) and had to unfold them in order to shield from the water droplets. Taking pics was Mission Impossible-3 coz our lenses kept getting hit by those tiny water droplets. It was the same method as two days ago. Shoot and wipe and shoot again which was a pain in the neck.

I was savoring this unprecedented beauty (maybe once in a lifetime chance) and felt like hugging her. There was so much water and all around the vapor was dancing. You had to see it to believe. We waited as long as we could and having perilously exposed our cameras for the second time in 3 days, decided to head back. I simply couldn’t make up my mind to leave this gorgeous princess. It was as if she was so alive and trying to talk to us.

We came back to the shop and had some plain tea which reinvigorated our bodies and minds. Then it was time to go looking for the other beauty – Aberdeen Falls.

Two videos of Lakshapana Falls is here:

Video 01

Video 02

The Kehelgamu Oya full of water

White water rafting, anyone?

Flowing somewhat calmly under the bridge

The Team: Hari / Prasanna / Atha / Me and our Driver

This is the junction where the road splits into two. We took the right hand one which was scenic but not in good condition. If you take this, you can come around the upper road from Norton Bridge making it a circular path

The sign at the Bodhigira Junction

Polpitiya Power Staion

The bridge at Polpitiya

Two snake-like pipes carrying water to the power plant

The network

Water gushing down the narrow rocky canal

And comes out the other side ferociously

Possibly put it up during the terror attacks

Morahenagama… Gerandi Ella seen from Hangarapitiya

Up close

It was at this place we heard how the name “Hangarapitiya” was originated

She was constantly looking for something to eat.

Defa… If it’s not us, then who will?

Scenic views were endless

The Dutch Cemetery

Atha, Prasanna getting up to the cemetery while Hari bringing the rear

Those trees are only at this place so easy to find the place

Just entering in

The plaque placed on the outer wall – Click Image to Enlarge

The memorial but not visited or cared for recently

Up close

This is not English but I could figure out something about Indonesia – Click Image to Enlarge

The trio next to the memorial

Hari had to drag me into the vehicle coz I kept getting out due to these pics

Water was everywhere creating beautiful cascades in all sizes

The Palace in Heaven

This is the place where the entrance to the falls is

Oh yeah, maybe a bit more than 300m

They are showing the path. Be warned not up the stairs though. That’s the rest house

Camera and the tripod carrying, Athula was getting down

Houses were bordered along the path…

Thankfully it was a relief to have these steps

Edible? Not sure and the house owners were not nearby to check

The path being repaired

What a structure… They must’ve had a lot of work building this in the first place

Pooooh… first glimpse

Oh my goodness… such beauty is unheard of

Close

Closer

Seen in a different angle… See the color on the rock wall

That’s the last house at the bottom but more to go to the base of the falls

Trees obscuring our view on the way to the bottom

Glamorous, isn’t she?

I don’t know what to compare

It was like a dream and the vapor was enveloping the surrounding

Finally at the bottom

Water going down and can see a dam like structure

Protein buster

Cool

Aberdeen Falls & Morahenagama Falls

We went further up the road towards Maskeliya and soon came across the path to the top of Lakshapana but decided not to venture into that. The river looked ferocious and we wanted to save as much time as possible for the afternoon coz we still had in our minds to visit Beli Lena.

Soon we entered a massive bridge and the water was flowing like the Niagara Falls underneath it. We even saw someone trying to catch fish. I was surprised to see the bridge was still standing tall coz that water had the power to take it clean off its base in seconds. We saw the remains of the old suspension bridge now only the supporting pillars on either side of the river.

We stopped for quick snaps which turned out to be long ones for Harinda’s dismay coz he kept saying that he needed to get home soon. We soon came to a junction where the road on the right went towards Maskeliya and the left one took us back towards Lakshapana which we took. It again forked into two after a few kilometers; the left one taking us to back Lakshapana village and to the Bodhigira Junction (making it a more like a circular road) while the right one taking us towards Norton Bridge 2km away and further away Ginigathhena.

We turned right and less than 1km into the road came to a by road on the left but went passing and Harinda however wanted to check where it went. He proved right coz it was the one that leads to Aberdeen falls. Took a U-turn and came back and it’s the road to Kalaweldeniya Village about 6-8km away. There even was a hotel about 1.2km away according to the sign board.

Taking the path which was in dire need of repairing wasn’t an easy task. There’s also a bus service from Norton Bridge to Kalaweldeniya and the road is barely enough in width to pass two tuk-tuks let alone other vehicles. We asked for the directions about 4km away and a person said it’s only about 1km away. We went more than 2km before Harinda got his sixth sense and said we must have passed it. We had reached the Kalaweldeniya School by that time. There was this grandma who said that we had come it passing (Hariya should’ve been at the wheel) and there’s board pointing the direction.

“A board?” We were shocked to have missed it and there was no way a board was erected on that road. But we turned around and after sometime reached a place with a few houses and the path was just there. Unfortunately the big sign board had fallen face down and nobody had apparently bothered to put it up again. To make matters more humorous, there was this tiny notice stuck on a jack tree saying “Aberdeen Ella” both in Sinhala and English.

So much for directions and we got down along the nicely built steps. Again, we felt very grateful for whoever built this path and it’s longer than the Lakshapana and there was no village or house along it. So the path was meant for the waterfall only. There were a few leeches that bothered us then and there and two dogs were on our tail sensing some food is sure to be given. The last bit of the path had been built on 1 Dec 2012. There were tiny waterways going down along with the steps and at certain places there were rocks popping up and the builders had very wisely built the steps on either side.

We suddenly reached a barrier where a tree had fallen right across the path but tackling it was no problem. All of a sudden, we saw the whole area below is covered in white mist which turned out to be the water vapor just like at Lakshapana.

We reached the bottom and there she was.

All I managed to say was “Holy, Moly, and Guacamole…” What a magnificent girl she was dancing like a ballerina showing off her beauty without hiding it at all.

This giant waterfall was in full flow (couldn’t have been any bigger) and she looked as if she alone could feed the whole country with that amount of water. We couldn’t see any rock but water completely covered the whole surface and the vapor was travelling in all directions obscuring our view. There was this viewing platform they had built but we had to stay right at the edge coz we could’ve got wet so much. It was frightening to get any closer but Harinda wanted to get closer and take pic with his signature pose getting drenched in the process.

Taking pics was crazy and it took about 5mins to take one then hide it under the umbrella or keep our driver or Prasanna as a shield then wipe it completely before taking the next one. I managed to shoot a short video and you’ll be able to see the level of water clearly.

I’d never seen a waterfall carrying so much water in real life and what a treat this was. I was mesmerized and lost in a different world. She was simply spectacular and breath-taking and I’m speechless and can’t find any words to describe her any better. If I thought I’d seen water, I felt ashamed of myself when I saw this one.

However, I suddenly felt this heartache coz there are plans to build a hydro power plant near her probably killing her altogether. I’m sure you know what happened to St. Claire and many other waterfalls and it seems the same fate is gonna come upon her. What a tragedy? These darn hydro power plants are spreading like a cancer and soon we gonna have nothing but a dead body. My country will be devoid of any eco-friendly things like this in the near future at this rate.

Having seen her, we came back to Lakshapana Village using the upper road and suddenly Athula asked the driver to stop the van got down. We too came down to see the waterfall we could see from Hangarapitiya is here and the village is Morahenagama. I couldn’t find a name at the time but Atha confirmed it’s also called Gerandi Ella.

After that we went further and followed the road to the Kalugala Junction all the time listening to Harinda’s whining about being hungry. We reached Kithulagala and had rice and curry and during the meal Athula was screaming holding his chest and I thought he was having a heart attack. He put his hand through the shirt buttons and took out a big leech having fed on his blood all the time probably from Aberdeen. If it was Prince, we’d had to take him to the hospital.

Video of Aberdeen is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLDogxsm9c0

We however had gone passed the Beli Lena turning point and decided to skip it as Hariya was wanting to get home soon.

It was a memorable day coz we saw two beautiful waterfalls in full flow and worth every bit. I do hope there’ll be a stop to these stupid ways of building hydro power plant here and there killing our country and her nature.

Here my fairy tale comes to an end and actually I wasn’t meaning to write this but Hariya was very busy and Atha wouldn’t hear of doing it for me.

Hope you like it. Take care…

The Kelani Valley

Couldn’t blow them away due to dew

Seven Virgins Mountain, somewhere up is where the Martin Air Flight 138 crashed into

Harinda wanted to elope and live in a place like this

Up close…

Dancing water

Endless cascades kept me walking along the road

Getting down the steps

Posing for the pic

Mother and son was busily collecting firewood

Camera was roughly treated putting it down on hard surfaces and exposing it to water

White Water rafting would’ve been interesting in this

Hand like rock

Remains of the suspension bridge

The replacement bridge for the suspension one

Icing on the cake

St. Claire?

What a marvelous place

Out of a dream

Making numerous shapes

Tea flower

Scenic views everywhere

The road towards Maskeliya

A huge layer of mist covering the Seven Virgins

Upstream and there’s tiny fall right at the top

This is the one

Our faithful vehicle

It’s not a giant cake

Here’s the junction I mentioned. The road to right goes to Maskeliya and we took the left… The waterfall is the Lakshapana where we came from

Umbrella like flower

Another hidden cascade

The bottom part of it

Plenty of wood was piled along the road

The Lakshapana falls – Darn those cables

Gorgeous one, isn’t she?

Ok, here’s the other junction where the road goes along the upper road towards Lakshapana

We took the right hand side towards Norton Bridge

A tiny cascade where we turned around as we had passed the turning point

Here’s the Kalaweldeniya road on the right hand side

The house where the path to the falls is close by

I don’t miss any of these

Here we are… they’re showing the path entrance

The board but the big one had fallen off

Many of those were everywhere

They are coming down… Hariya trying to get into a decent pose

It’s built through this forest patch

The two companions

Even hand railings were built

One would feel like taking these and planting at their houses but please don’t

Kind of a snail I guess

The supporting wood plank had been a home for these mushrooms

Water was following us

Missing all the obstacles

The last bit built date. Thank you folks….

Artistic fern

Atha trying to negotiate the fallen tree

Oh ho….

Fiercely getting down

It’s not the rain but the water vapor

Not a leaf on it but an artistic touch

Just getting the first glance… yahooooooooooo

The platform is drenched in water and slippery while the vapor is spreading like a smoked bomb

It was crazy trying to point your camera at

Holy Moly Guacamole…

You can see the water on the lens

She alone could’ve watered the whole country

Finally some sunlight getting through the cloud cover

She even made us a rainbow to welcome us

Time to go girlie

Tend to fall down any minute

Those two couldn’t leave Harinda… but were rewarded with plenty of biccies by him

Prasanna…. Exhausted beyond words

Along the upper road towards Lakshapana Village, we saw her smiling from afar

Oh ho, it’s Lakshapana falls…

Closer… time to go

The one we saw from Hangarapitiya – Gerandi Ella

The path lies to the left

The lower part

Compare the shapes of both of them… What a coincidence… Either Banana imitated her or she imitated the Banana

Clear view… not much water so probably a season fall. Pretty high though.

Upper bit

Fed by Atha… This one was nestling on his ribs when he found

This is the second highest water fall of Sri Lanka. It is situated in Nuwareliya district closer to Walapane town. Actually it is a cascade with two parts. (May be three parts). It’s origin is Kurundu Oya. Kurundu Oya fall is the tallest waterfall of Nuwaraeliya district and tallest waterfall related to Mahawali River. As it is situated in a remote area it has lesser tourist attraction. Reaching to bases of Kurundu Oya cascades is somewhat difficult.

We spent previous day night at Ragala as there are no guests at Walapane. We needed to start the journey as early as possible of the day. Because rain starts in the afternoon of these days and we wanted to go back Colombo early.

After having our breakfast from Walapane, we walked back along the Ragala road till we meet the stairs of Japanese peace pagoda. (About 500m)

Then we climbed stairs to reach the peace pagoda of Walapane. It was around 7.30am. The scenery back of us was fantastic.

Starting point

Randenigala reservoir and surrounding peaks

Entrance to peace pagoda

Sun rise over peaks

Japanese peace pagoda of Walapane

Japanese Buddhist monument.

Japanese peace pagodas

Peace pagodas were built as a symbol of peace in Japanese cities including Hiroshima and Nagasaki where the atomic bombs took the lives over 150,000 people. Most of peace pagodas of the world were built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fuji (1885-1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist order. Fuji was greatly inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and decided to devote his life to promote non violence. In 1947, he began constructing Peace Pagodas as shrines to world peace. (From Wikipedia)

Peace pagodas are situated in Walapane, Ampara, Bandarawela, Galle and Sri Pada of Sri Lanka.

Ampara peace pagoda

Then we followed the road behind the temple. It was a climb but we didn’t feel tired as it was early morning.

Starting of the road was good

Gradually it became bad…

With continuous ascend we came above the Peace pagoda

Bend of the road

A small Kovil we met on our way

Landscapes in front of me was breathtaking

What a road……

Please bear the color effect

Remaining of mist

.

Surrounding mountains

Another small Kovil and abounded house we met. Take the road upwards

Randenigala back

Man made landscapes

Another stunting view

.

After passing two sets of lime houses (About 3km) we got the first glimpse of Kurundu Oya fall. We could see the Kurundu Oya fall from here without her lowest part.

First view of Kurundu Oya fall. We proceeded further along the road

First view of Kurundu Oya fall. Upper circle shows the upper part and lower circle shows the lower part. Note upper part also consists of two parts. White arrow shows the base of upper part we reached. Base of the lower cascade can’t be seen here. Red arrow shows where we reached

Then we walked further and found to have the road is closed by a fence. There were some people beyond the fence and showed us the directions we have to go to reach bases of the cascade. When we proceeded further we met another fence and then small foot pathway started and entered to the forest patch.

Real challenge started then

Road is closed

Upper cascade

Most upper part

The road ends and entering to the forest patch

Through Mana bushes

Once you go along the foot pathway about 200-300m you will come across another small foot pathway going down. (First one). It will bring you towards the base of lower cascade.

Initial part of this foot pathway may be clear but later you have to find your way towards the base.

After getting down about ¾-1 kilometer we reached the base of lower cascade. But we didn’t try to get into the water and go closer as it was so slippery.

Black arrow shows the way towards the lower cascade. Whit arrow shows the rest of main foot pathway

Lower part of Kurundu Oya cascade.

It is the most beautiful part

Extremely difficult to reach there. Don’t try to get down to the water

Another view

Flow

Then we came back to the junction where foot pathway branches. We proceeded further and found another branching point. We followed the foot pathway down to reach the base of upper part of the cascade. Here directions were shown from arrows and cut marks done by recent visitors.

Foot pathway was slippery due to rain

Wuminda is heading

Please note directions

At the end you have to climb up. Wuminda shows the correct direction. Going further down will end in the middle part of the lower cascade

Upper part of the Kurundu Oya cascade

It is fast and furious

Where flow begins

Getting down to the water of this part also bit dangerous and we avoided it

We came out of the forest patch around 12.30pm and reached Walapane town around 2pm. On our way back we had a wash at Peace pagoda temple.

Thank you for reading

We started from Colombo around 5.30Am on 31st August. And there were 11 persons with our team. We reach Kadugannawa around 8.45 and had breakfast.

On our first day our plan was to visit Bambara kiri ella, Riverston peak , Pitawala pathana, Thelagamu oya and Sera ella. We met with heavy rain on the way of Riverston peak and we all got wet. We couldn’t reach Riverston summit because of it was not safe to visit summit while thundering. We couldn’t visit Sera ella and Thelagamu oya because we haven’t enough time.

We have enough space to have our lunch in Pitawala pathana ticketing center and it was around 3.00 pm.
It was around 7.30 pm to reach ‘Ashane holiday bungalow’ in Dunuwila wasgamuwa. It was very nice place to stay and reasonable prices. Bungalow can be booked by contacting with its owner (0714725593).

Our second day plan was Wasgamuwa safari and safari jeep has been already arranged before trip started. We took jeep from Aberathna (0724084546) and jeep was in good condition

We started safari around 11.30 in next day and Aberathna came to the bungalow to pick us with his jeep.

Kadugannawa road. Nice morning.

On the way of Riverston

On the way of riverston

On the way of riverston

On the way of riverston

Bambatakiri ella

On the way of Bambarakiri ella. Green whip snake

On the way of Riverson peak

Having deep breath on the way of Riverston peak.

Having deep breath on the way of Riverston peak.

Mini worlds end pitawala pathana.

Mini worlds end pitawala pathana.

Mini worlds end pitawala pathana.

Pitawala pathana road.

Pitawala pathana.

Riverston peak transmission tower seen from pitawala pathana.

Pitawala lpathana

Pitawala lpathana

Rural Hena/Pala seen from mini worlds end pitawala pathana.

Pitawala pathana

Traditional wee-bissa in Dunuwila village wasgamuwa.

Bird nest near Dunuwila lake wasgamuwa

Safari jeep (Aberathna – 072-4084546)

Near dunuwila lake wasgamuwa

The place we stay.(Ashane holiday bangalow).Very nice place and reasonable price. It was 10000 for 13-14 peoples per night

Eagle Ready for breakfast

Wild Elephants in wasgamuwa.

Sri lankan jungle-fowl in wasgamuwa

Having a bath in mahawali river wasgamuwa

Wild crocodile inside wasgamuwa park

Whole team together

The map – Click to enlarge

After the preceding days failed attempt in reaching Mill oya falls I decided to give it another try on the very next day. I never wanted to give up knowing that this hidden beauty will not flow as she had been doing all these years in few more months after the newly built mini hydro project starts functioning. So I reached Millebedda early as I could to try and reach the waterfall from the top because visiting it from Walas ella side was a failure.

Delan was a trishaw guy who I met at Millebedda temple and even he had not visited this waterfall but yet he was keen enough to join me on this venture. So we took the road named Kanchana which was about 1.5Km towards Lunugala(from millebedda). After traveling about 5Km’s we reached a house where we halted the trishaw and walked towards the Power hydro project work site located on top of the waterfall. Few guys who recognized me asked “ah mahattaya adath awada?” and I did give them a smile and said “ada nam meka balalamai yanne”. I was so determined that no one could stop me in doing so, we did walk along the Mill oya stream and reached the location where water was diverted and followed the concrete canal under construction for some distance. We stepped in to the jungle at a point where we thought it would be an easy approach to the base. It was a steep downhill descend and we had to crawl holding on to creepers at many instances too. Finally we reached the base of a stream but yet the waterfall couldn’t be seen. After climbing few huge boulders with uttermost difficulty we reached the base of Mill oya falls which was also known as Gona wetuna ella. This beauty has two parts and the top part could only be seen partly. The cascade is completely hidden and one needs to get to its base to have a proper view of it. Though we wanted to get to the upper part it was not possible at all. Next we started climbing from the opposite side and we were greeted by leeches and thorny wewal. After a good mud bath we reached a mini canal which diverted water from the waterfall to feed the nearby paddy fields. We did follow it all the way until the top of the fall was reached where a clear view towards Monaragala could be appreciated. Since we had done the whole circular trail we did understand that getting down from the left side of the cascade was the best option so my advice for someone would be is “get to the top and go along the canal on the left and reach the bottom”. There is nice bathing place on top of the fall if one wants to have a dip. After getting back to the wadiya we were offered pol sambol + dhal + pork with rice as lunch which we couldn’t resist! That miraculous lunch was the best medicine we had after a tiring hike.

the only glimpse of Mill oya ella, i did attempt on the very next day

shaped for milk

devastation, see what they have done to the forest

dawn on the next day

Suddas remnants

Buttala as seen from A5

rahathankanda and budugallena

foot path to the top of mill ella

the end of the waterfall is few months away

a mini cascade, good for a shower

a cave close to the fall

Mill oya falls (Gona wetuna falls )

lower part

the top part of mill oya falls

hard task

canal we followed

top of gona wetuna falls

scenery towards monaragala

uppermost cascade

plunges down

beauty

upper part

stunning view

getting down

Next place of interest was Adi hate wala which is supposed to have a waterfall too. Many locals suggested me to go and see this beauty rather than Milla oya cascade. To get to this waterfall one needs to go uphill via few line houses. I actually can’t remember the exact turn off point but better to inquire from the locals because they are aware of its where-bouts. There is a 1.5Km foot path which will lead to this beauty and it’s also a cascade of Milla oya. The base pool is said to be 60’ deep hence the name Adi hate wala was given. Downstream there is another beautiful cascade but does not have a clear path to reach it.

grey hornbill

play time

lower part

shining upper part

60 feet in depth

beauty

upper part

drops plunging down

Adi Hate wala falls

Adi Hate wala lower cascade

the path

From Hopton I went towards Yapamma and got off at a bo tree with a yellow coloured Buddha shrine. The concrete road uphill leads towards the famous “Besam wala” of Lunugala. The 2Km walk along this paved road was well worth it. After a while I reached a bridge and 50 meters upstream from it the famous Besam wala could be found. This is one of those wonderful creations of Mother Nature. The stream which is flowing downhill collects in to a rock pond and then overflows resembling a rocky basin. The depth was about 4’. I couldn’t resist not getting in to it and having a dip. Later on I ventured upstream to explore few cascades and similar bathing places but I was tormented by resident leeches . Since it was drizzling I returned back to the main road and headed towards Passara to catch a bus to Monaragala and end my day.

name board

රන් නලල් කොට්ටෝරැවා

feeling the cold

not ambewela but lunugala

Solitary

police has put up some notices on rocks close to besama

slow shutter besama lower fall

besam wala

upstream similar location

Besama upper fall

top of besama

good bye besama, I will be back

castle of electricity

Day two even before the sun decided to rise I got a bus towards Badalkumbura and reached the town where I hired a trishaw to visit a famous historical temple called Dummaletenna which was 10 Km’s away from Badalkumbura town. The road was almost washed away at some places close to the temple but we did manage it with are trishaw. This ancient temple is said to be one of those places where great king Dutugemunu rested while marching towards Anuradhapura. Also this is surrounded by Kubukkan river on three sides and the other side been occupied by a paddy field which produces some stunning landscapes. This temple has a restored pagoda where only the outer protective wall remains from the past. The image house which is under construction has some vandalized statues and it seems like the remaining bit also would be lost in time when the new one gets completed. After having a chat with the monk I took off towards Badalkumbura to have some breakfast and join my friend and his wife who was searching for a wonderful location to go on their anniversary.

Dummalethenna temple

vandalized and repaired

Dummalethenna temple statues

under construction

note the ancient outer wall

beautiful

poya geya

Karavila bubula

pride of uva

bordered by kumbukkan oya

We decided to visit Alupotha fort where and Archaeology board directing towards inland from Badalkumbura Passara road could be seen. Following the board we went towards Alupotha and within no time we were confused by the locals who repeatedly said there is no such thing to see. Somehow after a wild goose chase we came to know that the current Alupotha town was the fort long ago. This is the place where “Weera Keppetipola” joined the rebels according to the history books. My friend and his wife were teasing me all the way because they saw nothing interesting though there was a black archeology board. I felt like removing the board but within no time that feeling vanished away. So now I needed to compensate and satisfy my friends and that is what I did. Bambaragala pathana my favourite view point of Wellassa was where I took them next and they really enjoyed the panoramic view from that point.

is there a purpose of this board anymore

remnants of the fort

old buildings

Bambaragala pathana scenery

wellassa

towards wellawaya

From Namunukula we went towards Ella and on the way at a big elbow bend we were forced to stop and enjoy an awesome view towards Wellawaya town. We also named this as “Balleketuwa gap”. Next stop was Wellawaya Kotaweheragala temple. There is a small pagoda seen on a rocky plateau few Km’s away from Wellawaya. Since it was a scenic place we decided to climb that rock. The access point to this temple is about 2Km’s away from Wellawaya on Monaragala road. the temple is a modified place and if one wants to reach the pagoda you need to start climbing up from the image house. The task was not easy as we thought but the blissful scenery seen from the top made us forget everything. The mountain ranges of Poonagala, Namunukula , Ella rock could be seen clearly from the pagoda. To our surprise the pagoda was an ancient one which was later refurbished and the remains of the old pagoda was evidence for that. After hanging around a bit we set foot towards Badalkumbura.

Balleketuwa gap towards wellawaya

wellawaya town

Kota weheragala at wellawaya

the image house

uphill climb

leafless

note the rocks from the ancient sthupa

the view

wadinahela side

Poonagala range

wellawaya town

Ella gap

on top of kota weheragala

serene

paddyfields of wellawaya

Just before Badalkumbura we reached Punsisigama and took a right turn towards Walagamba hermitage. After tackling a 2Km road we reached the isolated cave temple on the base of a mountain range. We met the head priest and obtained permission to wonder around. There were about 4 or 5 drip ledge caves where some were modified and used. One was the image house where few bats could be found. We also came across an interesting carving of a coconut tree on a rock close to the bo tree too. It was getting all gloomy and we had to get back before dark fall. Exploring further caves was not feasible so we thanked the resident monks and returned back to Monaragala to end another interesting day!

Entering shri Walgamba hermitage punsisigama

අනිත්‍යය!

modified

inside the kutiya

image house made out of a drip ledge cave

inside the image house

kutiya at shri Walgamba hermitage punsisigama

head priest

another kutiya

a coconut tree carving

view towards badalkumbura and passara

Thanks for reading!

Hanguranketha and Walapane (Electorate areas) cover a large area of central hills. There are a number of unfamiliar waterfalls in this area. During my journey I wanted to visit at these waterfalls. Although I visited them haphazardly for your convenience I will note down them in an order.

Let’s start from the Kandy.

You can reach Rikillagaskada from Kandy via Hanguranketha (B39 road). The first waterfall I planned to visit was Katugashinna Ella/Mapala Ella (කටුගස් හින්න ඇල්ල/ මාපල ඇල්ල).

Katugashinna Ella/Mapala Ella-12m (කටුගස් හින්න ඇල්ල/ මාපල ඇල්ල)

It is situated in Madanwala (මාදoවෙල) area which is situated in between Hanguranketha and Rikillagaskada. Unfortunately it has no water during these days as water is diverted for irrigation purpose. Now it has become a seasonal waterfall. You can watch it at Madanwala behind the Ranga reception hall.

I was lucky to watch it in full flow during my second visit.

Katugashinna Ella in full flow

We missed this beautiful waterfall

There are few waterfalls closer to Rikillagaskada.

• Heeran Ella/ Uda Heeran Ella හීරo ඇල්ල/උඩ හීරo ඇල්ල
• Pahala Heeran Ella/? Galpihilla Ella පහල හීරo ඇල්ල /?ගල් පිහිල්ල ඇල්ල
• Penapusnawa Ella/ Beeri Ella/ Dunhinda Ella පෙණපුස්නාව ඇල්ල /බීරි ඇල්ල /දුන්හිද ඇල්ල

The water stream called Mul Oya/ Ma oya (මුල් ඔය/ මා ඔය) starts form Rahathungoda (රහතුන්ගොඩ) and flows through Wagama (වෑගම), Diggapitiya (දිග්ගපිටිය) and Kithulpe (කිතුල්පේ) to join with the Mahaweli River. It forms Heeran Ella cascades at Wagama and Diggapitiya.

You can reach Wagama from Rikillagaskada via Hewahata by bus. But we walked to Wagama by a foot pathway from Ekiriya (ඇකිරිය) (After visiting at Limestone cave) through beautiful paddy fields. You can watch Heeran Ella cascades on your way to Wagama ancient temple.

Heeran Ella cascades… Upper arrow shows Uda Heeran Ella Lower arrow shows Pahala Heeran Ella

These waterfalls will become seasonal in near future. It will happen most probably within next 3-4months after finishing construction of hydropower electric project.

To reach the upper Heeran Ella follow the footsteps and cross under the giant water tube. Go further down till you meet the water canal. Then follow the water canal towards the waterfall till you meet it.

Uda Heeran Ella උඩ හීරo ඇල්ල
Actually this waterfall has two parts. You can only reach upper part and lower part can be only viewed. It has a height of 20m.

Upper part of Uda Heeran Ella waterfall

Closer view

Flow following the cascade. Nice place to bath

Can imagine the beauty of it during rainy season

White arrow shows the lower part. Both parts of the waterfall can be viewed from the place showing by star.

On our way back I got down to a private land captured the full waterfall

Giant tube extending down parallel to the water stream.

To reach Pahala Heeran Ella we followed our way back along the concrete road towards the Heenpitiya (හීන්පිටිය) temple. There is another water canal near the temple and followed it towards the waterfall. Locals say this as Pahala Heeran Ella or both waterfalls as Heeran Ella. But literature mentions about a waterfall called Galpihilla Ella at this area. This may be the Galpihilla Ella.

Pahala Heeran Ella/? Galpihilla Ella පහල හීරo ඇල්ල /?ගල් පිහිල්ල ඇල්ල

Pahala Heeran Ella-Distance view

Pahala Heeran Ella closer view

Flow following the waterfall

It is height is about 10m

The beauty

Landscaping at Diggapitiya

Showing his colors

After visiting at Pahala Heeran Ella we walked back towards the Heenpitiya temple and went to Kithulpe. Mul Oya/Ma Oya flows in the Kithulpe and forms Penapusnawa Ella. Some locals call it Beeri Ella or Dunhinda Ella.

There are two ways to approach this waterfall. One foot pathway is extending before the Kithulpe Bridge. Follow it and cross the anicut and then go down through the small forest patch to reach the base of the waterfall. You may come across construction of another hydropower project.

Next road is after the Kithulpe Bridge. If you follow this road you can come to the top of the waterfall.

Penapusnawa Ella/ Beeri Ella/ Dunhinda Ella-15m පෙණපුස්නාව ඇල්ල /බීරි ඇල්ල /දුන්හිද ඇල්ල

Penapusnawa Ella

Closer view. Now less mist due to low water.

Another beauty

On top of the waterfall. They have diverted water from the waterfall.

View from the top.

Next set of waterfalls I hunted at Padiyapelalla. Padiyapelalla is a small town you will come across on your way to Walapane from Rikillagaskada.

I have visited the misty town called Mandaram Nuwara from Padiyapelalla. You will come across following cascades on your way to Mandaram Nuwara.

1. Kabaragala cascades (කබරගල ඇලි)
2. Seethalakanda Waterfall (සීතලකන්ද ඇල්ල)
3. Ethinawala Ella (ඇතිනාවල ඇල්ල)
4. Okandagala Ella/ Gerandi Ella (ඔකදගල ඇල්ල/ගැරඩි ඇල්ල) is a seasonal waterfall in most of the time
5. Mahakandura Ella (මහකදුර ඇල්ල) -most probably
6. Three unnamed waterfalls

Mandaram Nuwara is a small town situated closer to the north border of the Piduruthalagala mountain range. I traveled from Padiyapelalla to Good wood (ගුඩ් වුඩ්) (another small village is situated beyond Mandaram Nuwara).

Belihuk Oya (බෙලිහුක් ඔය) started from North West region of Piduruthalagala range. This forms Kabaragala cascades.

Another hydropower project planned on Belihuk oya

Piduruthalagala mountain range

Piduruthalagala mountain range covering with mist

Another landscaping

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Mandaram Nuwara and Piduruthalagala range-Taken at Good wood

Misty covering above Mandaram Nuwara

Another snap

Kabaragala cascades කබරගල ඇලි 

Kabaragala cascades are situated at Elamulla (එළමුල්ල) area. Locals are used to call Kabaragala waterfalls for all the waterfalls found in this area. But correct Kabaragala waterfall is situated behind the Elamulla hydropower house.

Take the road from Elamulla towards the hydropower house.

Kabaragala waterfall is situated right behind the power house. Although it is mention, need written permission to visit at powerhouse, actually no need. Just talk to plant officer or plant operator to go through the powerhouse area to visit at waterfall. If you need they may show the Hydropower plant as well.

Kabaragala waterfall

Closer view of the waterfall

This waterfall has water throughout the year due to its origin in high attitude.

Kabaragala in monochrome

Following Kabaragala waterfall we needed to visit at Seethalakanda waterfall which is situated above Kabaragala waterfall. Kabaragala hydropower house is operated by water from this waterfall. Although literature tells it as Seethalakanda waterfall, locals use Kabaragala waterfall for this as well.

Seethalakanda Waterfall සීතලකන්ද ඇල්ල

This is one of a beautiful waterfall I have visited. You have to climb about 1-1.5km from Kabaragala waterfall to reach Seethalakanda waterfall. The trail starts from the left side of the pathway towards the Kabaragala waterfall. It follows the giant tube which carries water towards the hydropower plant. Climbing of this trail is also a wonderful experience.

The foot pathway goes parallel to the giant tube.

Have to climb this and go through the narrow pathway through the rock

My friend is squeezing through the narrow pathway

Another part of foot pathway

They have released water for Kabaragala waterfall

Landscape once you come out

Nice place to have a house

Lime houses in Kabaragala estate

Thick mountain forest

The place where water is controlled. Get the right hand side road to reach the waterfall. Remember the left hand side road for return journey.

Piduruthalagala mountain range

Piduruthalagala mountain range

Road to follow

.

First glance of Seethalakanda waterfall. Note no water down to the waterfall. Because they have diverted water for hydro power generation.

Closer view of the waterfall

This is how water is taken away

Another picture of this beauty.

We had a safe bath at Seethalakanda waterfall. Then we followed the same road till that small house is met. Next we continued the road by passing that house and then went down by a small foot pathway. Better clarify your way if farmers are there.

On our return journey

Unnamed waterfall we met on our way. It was around 10-15m height.

It was difficult to walk without capturing beautiful landscapes.

The way through abounded lands following cultivation of tea.

Another unnamed waterfall I have noticed on our way back

The top of waterfall can be reached from Kabaragala estate.

Another waterfall. This waterfall also named as Kabaragala Ella. You may notice this on your way towards Ellamulla hydro power plantation.

Just before sun set

Ethinawala Ella (ඇතිනාවල ඇල්ල)
This is another beautiful waterfall you may come across on your way to Mandaram Nuwara from Padiyapalla. It is situated just before Deegalahinna Maha Vidyalaya (දීගල්හින්න මහා විද්යාලය). You have to follow the foot pathway on right hand side of the road to reach this waterfall.

It is height is about 15m-20m.

Ethinawala Ella-you have to cross the water stream to reach the waterfall. Avoid in heavy rainy days as water level may be fluctuated.

Pollution started

Closer view of the waterfall.

Garandi Ella/Okandagala Ella ඔකදගල ඇල්ල/ගැරඩි ඇල්ල

The name Garandi Ella is used by locals. But literature says Okandagala Ella which starts from Okandagala Mountain. This is a cascade with 4-5 parts. In my first visit it was a dry fall. But during my second visit I could see a significant waterfall. To get a full view of this waterfall you have to travel from Padiyapelalla to Walapane. Just after passing Padiyapelalla town full view of this cascade can be captured.

It’s last part can be captured on Padiyapelalla-Kandy road just before Mandaram Nuwara road.

Note-Dry waterfall-Garandi Ella/Okandagala Ella. Captured from Matiyambe area

Almost full cascade of Garandi Ella/ Okandagala Ella height is about 63m.

Middle parts of Okandagala falls/ Garandi Ella. Captured on my way to Walapane.

Middle parts of Okandagala falls/ Garand Ella.

Lower parts of this cascade. Captured at Padiyapelalla-Kandy road.

Lower parts of this cascade. People are used to bath here.

? Mahakandura Ella ?මහකදුර ඇල්ල

This is one of my retrospective imaginations. Literature says about a waterfall which has a height of 102m (13th highest waterfall of Sri Lanka) and it is situated close to Elamulla as Mahakandura Ella. This waterfall is also a seasonal waterfall. It actively appears during rainy season. During my first visit to Mandaram Nuwara I couldn’t notice such a high waterfall. But during my second visit to Padiyapelalla I have seen a waterfall somewhat closer to Garandi Ella/ Okandagala fall. According to the description in the book and it’s height, can be identified as the Mahakandura Ella. I might be wrong.

? Mahakandura Ella. According to it’s appearance, height and situation most probably Mahakandura Ella.

On my way back to Padiyapelalla from Elamulla, I have noticed another unnamed waterfall at Nugayaya (නුගයාය) area. It flows under the bridge. If you need a full view, you have to under the bridge. But I didn’t try it.

Bridge at Nugayaya. Waterfall flows under this bridge.

It is difficult to capture the whole waterfall. But it has a height about 10-15m.

Another view

Atupola falls 1 and 2
These two waterfalls are situated closer to Padiyapelalla. But we were unable to reach bases of these waterfalls. Therefore couldn’t take full view of them.

Atupola falls 1 අටුපොල ඇල්ල 1
You have to travel to Ukuthale (උකුතලේ) village from Padiyapelalla. The road is motorable to some extent. Here after you have to climb stairs of the foot pathway through houses of villagers. They will direct you to Atupola fall 1. On our way we could capture both Garandi Ella/ Okandagala falls and ?Mahakandura Ella in one view.

On our way to Atupola Ella 1

Atupola Ella 1. Ukuthale oya flows and make this waterfall. Lower part can’t be seen here.

Closer view. It’s height is about 15m.

I went down through vegetable plots and tried to capture it. This is the maximum length I captured.

To get a full view of this waterfall you have to go along the water stream which is in right angle to the waterfall. But two villagers advised us to not to go along it as it is slippery due to rain.
Therefore we had to give up the idea of get a full view.

Then we crossed the Ukuthale Oya and walked through paddy fields to reach Mathurata (මතුරට) town.

Ukuthale Oya, just before make the waterfall

Ukuthale oya

Landscapes at Ukuthale village

The same Ukuthale Oya flows along the Padiyapelalla town and makes Atupola Falls 2.

Atupola falls 2 අටුපොල ඇල්ල 2

This waterfall can be seen from above over the bridge closer to petrol shed in Padiyapelalla town along Walapane road. To get a side view, you have to go through the road towards Navodya School Padiyapelalla (නවෝදා පාසල පදියපැලැල්ල) . Even in that road also you can’t get a full view. We tried to go to the base of the waterfall. But it was unsuccessful.

Atupola falls 2. Height is about 12m. Black arrow shows the bridge.

The circle shows Atupola falls 2. Ukuthale oya joins with Belihuk Oya.

The last cascade in this journey was Andawala falls.

Andawala falls අදාවල ඇල්ල
This waterfall is situated in between Padiyapelalla and Walapane closer to the main road at Andathota (අදාතොට) area. It’s height is about 40m. It also acts as a seasonal waterfall and sometimes disappears during dry season.

Andawala falls. Less in water.

Upper part of Andawala falls.

People were used to bath here. It is a famous bathing point.

Thank you for reading.

Water is life .Value of it cannot be measured in rupees or dollars. Not only for our basic needs but also for our pleasure, Leisure it’s the most commonly used thing. And for me if there is no water source it’s not a trip. I’d like to swim in swiftly flowing rivers and am desperate to dip in natural pools filled with Crystal clear water. When I jump in to water I forget everything other than dipping and swimming. Cool H2O molecules kisses my head and entire body so as to wash over mental and physical stress. And colour combination of the rocks around and stones under the pool make me forget about past and future. One can call it as present mind consciousness or meditation. Somehow rather it’s Holly thing for me. Last month I was able to visit a place where you could find plenty of water wherever you go. That’s KITULGALA where you see Crystal clear water where ever. So here is the story our memorable trip to Kitulgala

Sri and me, met at Kotawa around 7.00a.m and Tony was coming on a Embilipitiya bus. We got in to the bus around 7.45 and three of us had a nice chat till we got off at Avissawella .We had breakfast there and purchased some food stuff and other goods and got in to a kitulgala bus . We reached Kitulgala by 11.30 a.m. where we met our three wheel driver and guide Sumudu.

After discussing with sumudu we decided to visit Beli Lena and Handun Ella first and then come to Makandawa early as possible to explore somewhat in the jungle and camp before dark. We preserved next day to explore the rest of the forest and see Mannakethi Ella and Kataram oya.

Nearby mountain

On the way to beli lena. There is a small ascend

Cave

First we headed towards Belilena after turning left from Butukiththa Junktion where the name board called BeliLena clearly visible. As Beli Lena is a famous and well known destination I am not going to describe the path one by one. Just confirm the path from locals. Since road conditions were terrible you have to use a vehicle with high ground clearance. We stopped at a junction in In Oya estate where further driving was not possible and walked nearly 750m to reach beli Lena

Surrounding

Searching for shells but yet to find them

BeliLena Falls

Inside the upper cave

Dripping

Our Group with the caretaker of the BeliLena

QUOTE FROM unknownsrilanka
Beli Lena cave at Kithulgala was excavated and researched between the years 1978-1983 by the Sri
Lankan archaeological department. The cultural deposits at the site after 25 radiometric tests were
determined to be from 30,000 – 900 years before the present day.

A diverse range of cultural, faunal and human remains were excavated. Amongst the things
discovered were some geometric microlithic stone tools which at 30,000 years are among the oldest
found to date in the world. There have also been some bone tools along with evidence of fire having
been used from 30,000 years ago onwards. The site also brought to light numerous animal remains
that had quite obviously been used for consumption. Some of the animal remains found were to
name a few sambhur, pig, barking deer, monkeys, porcupines, giant squirrels, and an assortment of
reptiles and fish. There is also evidence that the primitive human species that lived here referred to
as the Balangoda man had a diet that was primarily comprised of mammals, tree and aquatic snails
and food plants such as breadfruit and canarium (kekuna) nuts.

There is evidence that some sort of exchange network had also been established 30,000 years ago
onwards with the coastal lagoons which were some 80kms away.

The earliest evidence to date of substantial structures has been discovered at this site owing to the
rubble foundations dated to 16,000 years before present day. Skeletal remains found here in the
levels dating back 16,000 years have been intensively analysed by an international team of
anthropologists as these remains are invaluable to help us understand the physical anthropology of
the Balangoda man. Beli-Lena awaits further excavation and investigation by future generations of
Sri Lankan archaeologists with progressively sharper analytical skills.
Directions and location
The drive to the Kitulagala Beli Lena is a short but winding picturesque route thorough many rubber
estates and little water falls which are dotted along the pathway. Belilena Cave is close to the Ing
Oya rubber estate which is about 8 kilometers from the Kitulgala town. To reach Beli Lena turn at
Kitulgala Temple on Iyanwatta road to reach the school. You need to trek by foot for about 1
kilometre up a pathway that has been partly paved to reach the cave. From Colombo the journey is
about 1.5 hours.

Care taker explained lots of things about beli Lena. According to him this had been a temple before it was researched by Archaeological department. According to him ancient people were exchanging goods with people came from sea side and they have exchanged Salt with them (don’t know which form )and with that they have got this shells called BELLO .But that idea is little hard to believe as i guess.

Then we moved on to see Handun Ella.We had to go upwards In Oya estate. We parked three-wheeler in a small house and took a road to the right hand side. We had to walk upwards through a tea estate and met another house and took the footpath towards right hand side. After 15minutes trekking we reached the base of the fall. After spending some time there we reached the top of the fall.

Road to Handun Ella

Where we parked the vehicle ……..Tony is Showing the direction

Last house we met and took the path to right hand side

Some cascades we met

obstacles

Handun Ella

Fall with the deep base pool

Side by falls

Young Man PHOTO : SRI

of fall ……..See the damn Dam???????????????

View from the Top

Surrounding mountains

After spending some time we came back to Kitulgala and had our lunch .Then we rushed to Makandawa which was close to Kitulgala Rest house

We said good bye tour SUMUDU and came to the river Bank (Thotupola) and waited for our boat. That is a famous bathing place too…….

A Notice board Photo ……….Sri

Here comes the Paruwa

Hi Hi ……………..fake Rowing………………………………………… Photo …………….Sri……..

We reached the other bank and walked 500 + meters to reach the ticketing office

Distance is nearly 3 times than the board mentioned

.

We reached the office and bought tickets. As I had informed about our arrival to Adavi Wan Niladari(Mr. Bandara) and Mr. hettiarachchi , the ticketing officer (Mr. UPALI) gave us the permission for camping near ATHA WETUNA WALA and gave us the directions to reach there.

office

Map – Click Image to Enlarge

Turned left from here

Katussa Photo Sri

Mushrooms

One of the streams we met

HA Ha…..Although notice board informs like that Mr.Tony had to put something rather than foot prints In The forest. So we named that place as TONBOOK DOLA………………..Ask Tony for more details

There is was a notice board indicating the directions to Lenkiriella .That was the easy access to the top of the fall. But Tony and Sri wanted some adventure so that we took another path to reach the bottom of the falls. We were ascending and descending for a while and finally after a steep descend we reached the base of Lenthiri ella

Lanthiriella

Adding to our toughness the path was not continuing after this .So we contacted Mr.Upali again and got instructions to reach the top of the falls somehow rather and to walk upstream to reach the camping site. So after tiring journey by creeping through bushes we reached the top of the falls. Then we walked upstream.

We took the difficult route (marked by arrows) to reach the top

Stream

Few cascades

Further walking upstream

Finally we reached the camping site

Let me explain about the camping site. It is well built and was enough to pitch two small tents. It’s bordered by the steam and the jungle. In between the camping site and the stream there was a huge rock surface where we could do cooking and putting campfire even for lay down and relax. There was a toilet with tap line. Also there was a summer hut mainly built for bird watching as I guess. And close to the summer hut there was a natural pool for bathing where the middle part is somewhat deep. That was one of the perfect camping places according to my knowledge as you get almost everything for a camper. Adding to that people who camped earlier had left nothing and kept the place very clean. What else you Want????

First we just kept our bags on the rock surface and rested few minutes. Then we pitched the tent. Then collected some firewood and kept in a separate place. Then came my favourite activity. BATHING….. The pool consisted of two mini waterfalls. Sri and Tony picked a safe place for bathing and I was swimming everywhere. It was a rewarding experience.

Stream was very closer

My Tent

Toilet is clean and There was a tap line

Summer hut

Etha WetunuWala……. I was at a small waterfall .This area was somewhat deep…..just above 2m Photo : Sri

Newly married couple picked a safe place to bathe Photo : Sri

Then we prepared some Nescafe and started the camp fire. Then we prepared noodles for our dinner. After the dinner we sat around the fire and started our talent show. We were singing and chatting and dancing under shade of the moon and shining stars till midnight. Poor Tony had to prepare Nescafe for the second time as Ordered and Pleaded by SRI. Then we went our tent for sleep refreshing the beautiful memories of the day

Camp Fire Photo : Sri

Tony and Me were cooking and Sri was Supervising as usual Photo : Sri

Enjoying the moment Photo : Sri

Next day we walked up around 6.00 and got ready after having morning tea and Bread sandwich paste for breakfast. We cleaned the place and left around 7.30.Thistime we picked the clear path through the jungle

At this junction we turned and walked nearly 1 km.

Trek

Some land marks

Vegetation was little different……..

As we didn’t find any interesting places we returned back through the same path and turned the other direction to reach the ticketing office. Meantime we found several other camping places but they were not well maintained as the place we camped.

More water streams

Another natural pool .Safe for bathing

We came to the junction where we took the wrong path lat evening. Sri is showing the easy access to the Lanthiri Ella. Tony is showing the path we took last day. But if you want some adventure never mind of trying it even…….

We traveled again in the path tony was indicating and after few meters we took the right path lead to abounded paddy field

Yellow–Easy path to the top of the Lanthiri Ella Red- Difficult path base of lenthiri ella Green- Paddy field

Paddy field

Hut Made for bird watching

Mountain covered with mist

At This place we met a Mother and her kids walking towards a nearby village as I remember it’s Pallebage .We talked with them for while and Sri Managed to get a nice picture of kid and the mother

So Natural BYE.. SIRI MAME……. Photo :Sri

Then we spent some time in the hut and came back to the previous junction. After traveling further down me met another junction and turned left to see Makulu Ella. Remember if you are coming from ticketing office Makulu ella is to your right hand side left path will take you to other places mentioned in the sign boards

Guide Tony is showing the path to Makuluella to a person who is coming from the ticketing office

After 200 m we had to turn right ( Name board was there) and took the foot path down ward. But to reach the Makul ella easily one should carefully turn right at a junction instead of going straight to meet visible stream. We Went straight????. So we had to come down stream and took another difficult path to reach the fall. After enjoying the view of we came through the original Path. Sri was annoyed and said “Why we took wrong and two difficult paths to meet the Lentiri and Makulu Falls “. I laughed and replied “Hey Man God has just given us a training prior to our next adventure “ELI HATHA – MALIBODA”

Tricky junction Don’t follow Tony…………………………………… Follow me Photo SRI

Makulu Ella

Base pool with crystal clear water … I wanted to jump in again But Cruel SIRI Stopped me

Close by By cascade………………….

Then we reached the office. Thanked Mr. Upali and came back to Kitulgala . We phoned and asked Sumudu to pick us near Kitulgala Rest House.

Good bye Makandawa…………..(Mr. Upali Is in the Middle) Photo- Sri

Coming back…………..Genuine Rowing ……….Egodaha Yanno ….Megodaha enno….Thawa Kawruda inne………Photo :SRI

Then We moved towards Manna Kethi Ella. When you are coming from Colombo There is a road to left ( very close to Kitulgala Bridge) called Malwatta Road. After Passing Malwatta and the temple and going for another 1km driver took us to a junction where road divided in to two parts. We took the downward path and parked the vehicle at a house. Then we took left uphill Road. After few hundred meters we reached another junction with a Tree trunk. We knew from previous articles Right path would take us to Base and left path would take us to the top. As there was no clear footpath towards down, we followed left path and reached the top of the fall. Then we came back to the previous junction and went down wards searching the base pool. That was some tiring journey. Noticeable land mark is after few hundred meters you find huge rock which is in the left hand side. Descend was so steep and after passing lots of obstacles such as fallen trees, bushes etc we reached the base of the fall. View was so splendid. Although her name is Mannakethi she was very beautiful .But the base pool was so deep.

So we did a short documentary about the falls too.After spending considerable time we retuned back

Junction…….We took the right path Photo :SRI

We parked the three wheel here and took the left upward path Photo :SRI

Now the last junction With The tree Trunk …………Tony is resembling the path to top of the fall and me to the bottom of the fall Which is in the shape of MANNAYA/ KETHTHA Photo :SRI

Base pool On the Top Photo : Sri

View from the Top

Here we see the MANNA KETHI Ella

Blade Of the Keththa

Handle (Kethi Mita)

Getting back also not easy. Tony got a cramp Photo Sri

Then We came back to Kitulagla and headed towards Beautiful Kataram Oya .To reach it you have to go towards Hatton .After about 1 km passing Beli Lena Junction we turned right and crossed a bridge and reached village on the other bank. From this village also there is an access to Makandawa. Then we moved up wards in the terrible road and reached a house and parked the three wheeler then descend to the Kataram Oya

It’s a collection of 6-7 natural water basins with mini waterfalls on most of them. It’s one of the places you must visit in Kitulgala . There was a foreign couple and a gang of local boys doing some adventurous sports .Only difference was local people did these without safety equipments

First part of Kataram Oya . You could see three basins. There were 4 more Photo Sri

Crystal clear water Photo Sri

Deep natural pools Photo Sri

We did not come here for bathing and didn’t bring extra suitor towels. But I couldn’t wait for more jumped in to water having only the same dressing as local boys wore. Oh my god that was so rewarding .I was looking for these kinds of natural pools for a long time as it’s thousand times better than chlorine water in artificial swimming pools. So I asked Sri whether he want to see some adventure like Navaratne Mama’s(Meemure) and requested him to take some pics of my adventure + stunt action ( Not to publish in the forum… but to keep as a souvenir in my computer)………………………………….…………………But this cruel evil photographer had some other intentions as he was busy on shooting foreign couple how they engaged in the sport. What to do…No Pics. of Me . But that experience is stored deep in my brain and when I ever close my eye I remember that holly experience .I Love Water…………. .

There were some other deep pools downstream with higher cascades. But we couldn’t reach those without safety equipments as there was no other way to reach them other than jumping in to the water. But those brave local boys approached with no safety kits and enjoyed best of it. So we finished our all shooting, bathing etc and came back.

Adventurous sports …Here they go…………… PHOTO SRI

Beauty is coming down PHOTO : SRI

They are safe with safety equipments PHOTO SRI

Cruel Photographer Photo Sri

On our way we visited the place where a Scene of “Bridge on the river Kwai “was shooted. According to our guide the depth of the river is more than 60ft at this point.

Around 3.30 p.m. we came back to Kitulgala, had a hearty lunch and got on to a Colombo bus. We all went our homes

Before 10.00 p.m. memorizing the wonderful journey we had.

Near the Wakkalama where Bridge on the river Kwai was filmed Photo Sri

Rafting Photo Sri

Good bye Kitulgala ………We are coming Back Soon Probably for Rafting Photo Sri

THANK YOU FOR READING.

Lankagama is a very remote village in southern boundary of Sinharaja forest. The main living of the villagers are paddy and Toddy tapping. They have the best ‘Kithul hakuru (Jaggery). These villagers are very friendly, humble, polite and they give due respect to all visitors.

We came through Southern Highway and turned from Baddegama out. Then we came to Neluwa through Nagoda, Udugama, Hiniduma and Thawalama. From Neluwa you have to drive another16 KM on an extremely narrow road, through Kosmulla.
We were greeted by the owner of the lodge Anil, a typical village folk. This lodge is a very simple place with three eco type cabanas with six rooms. Shower rooms are tiled and very clean. They have solar power electricity during day time and a generator during night.

Meals are all ‘Gamey Kema’- village food. I will never forget the mouth-watering ‘Helapa’ they served with evening tea.

Road to Lankagama – extremely narrow Just sufficient for one vehicle to pass

Bed room with clayed walls