It has been a long journey since I joined Lakdasun in 2009, actually it added some spice in to my life and enforced my passion for traveling. Now it’s almost four years since I have transformed in to an ideal traveler. The knowledge the experience I gained from Lakdasun is immense and that per se was enough for me to do 100 write-ups voluntarily for the betterment of future travelers of our pearl island. I still remember the day Mithila asked me to write a trip report on Adams peak which was the second trip report on this forum and since then I have been writing continuously(except 2011 latter half) on Lakdasun. I know some of you guys may be thinking I’m crazy to write so many reports and it might be boring to read all of those which are published within few days apart. Please forgive me for spamming the trip report archives of this wonderful forum . I have met plenty of friends from Lakdasun and that is a great achievement which I cherish in. By the way Mithila I would like to salute you for everything you have done for Lakdasun and Travelers of Sri Lanka by forming such a wonderful online data base.

Map 1 – Click to enlarge

Map 2 – Click to enlarge

Ok my greatest passion is waterfalls and there was no other way I was going to celebrate this special mile stone without seen any gorgeous cascades. Also World waterfall day was around the corner (November 26^th) giving this adventure extra significance. Deraniyagala area is one location where it rains most of the time and there are plenty of known and unknown waterfalls close to the peak wilderness. I have been to Deraniyagala and explored Uda maliboda area waterfalls long ago (check out this trip report) but there were few more cascades close to Nooriya which I intended to further explore.

Straight from Monaragala I arrived at Avissawella where I had some breakfast before catching the first bus to Deraniyagala. After reaching Deraniyagala I Took a trishaw to Panakura to reach Kekuna falls

Deraniyagala Kekuna falls (6°54’48.07″N, 80°22’59.02″E)

Passing Deraniyagala and the 3 way junction where the Maliboda road branches out one would meet another road branching out of Noori road towards the right. Continue for 2 more Km’s (Panakura) and few houses could be seen clamped together on the right. I took the road to the right from that point which ran through an open land bordering the river. Just after meeting a fence there was a overgrown foot path to the river and it would take one to the top of Kekuna falls.

The 3m fall, situated in Kegalle District Deraniyagala PS in the Panakura village. A trek through the footpath down the Panakura School leads to the fall. Borne out of a ramose of Sitawakaganga River. Another pluvial fall, which cascades glamorously in rains can be found. Dwellers of the village had used Kekuna for coconuts thus giving rise to its name.

Adams peak was the first pic of the day

misty peak wilderness — in Deraniyagala.

Magal ganga

top of Kekuna ella

Kekuna falls

beautiful rock formations

Watawala Falls (6°56’10.75″N, 80°23’7.51″E)

After that I came back to Nooriya road and continued until I reached a road branching of to the left. And after few hundred meters I approached a bridge plus few houses of Keeriyana. There is a foot path upstream along the left bank which would take one towards this beautiful cascade of Watawala. For me this was the best location I came across for the day and this must be beautiful when it is raining. If you stop by at 22Km post on Nooriya road you could view it through the rubber plantations too.

Bowitiya

lovely violet

The widest I have seen , Deraniyagala watawala falls

part of Watawala falls

the other part

must visit this while raining

Hathdinnath Falls (6°55’22.39″N, 80°23’55.45″E)

From Watawala I took a bus towards Mudagalla and on the way Hathdinnath falls was seen cascading down a slope on the right hand side. It should be lovely when it’s raining cats and dogs.

glimpse of Hathdinnath falls

wider view

Hathdinnath falls

morning rays

Minuwan Falls (6°55’37.97″N, 80°24’20.90″E)

Just after seen Hathdinnath falls I came to a junction with a downhill concrete road to the right. Continuing on this road brought me to a three way junction from where I took a right turn. After walking for about 1Km I reached a plateau like area where the road ran through a tea patch. There was a foot path to the left close to a young Mahogany tree which ran through a hut in a tea estate and ended at the river. Going down stream along the river would lead towards the top of Minuwan falls and getting down to the base where the mini hydro project would be an extra challenge. One could easily get to the place by a 4Wd jeep by taking the road towards the Minuwan ella power house. This must have been a beautiful cascade once but unfortunately it has sacrificed its beauty to a mini hydro project. If one walks about 25meters along the road from the hydro project another small cascade could be seen plunging through the bushes on the right hand side. Getting back to the main road was very exhausting to me and felt almost dehydrated.

towards minuwan ella

have to walk down stream to reach minuwan falls

upper part of minuwan ella

note the colours of the rocks

the drop

Minuwan falls

plunging down

cascading downhill

lovely isnt it

cascade close to minuwan ella hydro project

blissful

they were enjoying swimming along this

Budamaloka Falls (6°57’33.10″N, 80°23’46.80″E)

Exhausted but yet determined I continued towards Basnagala and took the carpet road to the left and reached Budamaloka Bridge where a small kade could be found. I was advised that if I take the path on the left bank I could reach the top of the fall and the right bank path will lead me to the base. I took the right bank to reach a privet land and continued along a foot path which took me to a rock on the right bank where I had a clear view of this spooky beauty cascading in to an abyss. This place is not safe at all to get down and have a swim.

Route from Deraniyagala 15km along the Nuriya Road is the at Punchimadavala estate. From here a short distance walk to the fall. However, this route is difficult. Another way is to come Deraniyagala Town and then take a bus from Palledage. 

Cascading between two rocky ledges is treacherous and fraught with risks. The rushing waters cascades between two rocky ledges, resembling a white cloud.

Legend says the fall got its name from a deaf mute called Buddy, who lived in as nearly village. He was in the habit of diving in the pool. In the course of his dives he happened to see a golden bed and Jewels in the bottom. But when he came up but the treasure then is said to have disappeared. 

the right path will take you to the bottom and the left to the top

Budamaloka fall

close up

the narrowed river

Minimaru Falls / Killer Falls (6°57’40.15″N, 80°24’7.73″E )

After returning back to the road we continued further for about 2Km’s and took a road to the right which was in terrible condition. After haltering the trishaw we proceeded through a tea patch and found a path which ran through few rubber trees that ended at the river. About 50 meters upstream Minimaru falls could be found cascading in two steps. This stream is the same one which forms Budamaloka falls at a lower level.

hidden beauty

Minimaru ella

upper part of killer fall

Dodawatta Falls (6°56’44.40″N, 80°24’39.81″E)

It was starting to drizzle, the sky was getting gloomy and that was not going to help my cause in any way. I had been attacked by plenty of leeches by now and if it rained it would be a disaster. Getting back to Basnagala we proceeded towards Dodawatta and noted a cascade crawling down a slope on the left hand side of the road. This could be actually seen far away and to have a close view one needs to crawl along the slippery rocky slopes upstream. The drizzle made it very tough especially the descent along the slippery rocky slope was a nightmare.

Dodawatta fall

side view

Rakka Falls (6°55’26.93″N, 80°25’57.68″E), Kaluwala Falls (6°55’24.27″N, 80°25’55.39″E) & Wee kotana Falls (6°55’22.53″N, 80°25’56.88″E)

It was raining and I was forced to abandon my quest but despite staying in a bus halt for one hour there were no buses to reach Deraniyagala and by that time the rain also had settled. Suddenly changed my mind and hired a trishaw towards Polgaswatta mini hydro plant project site. This site is currently under construction and they are damming Kadiran oya just above three beautiful cascades. It’s a very unfortunate situation because we are going to sacrifice three more cascades to another mini hydro project. The guys at the site discouraged me a lot because they didn’t like the presence of a guy with a camera wondering around. Probably they must be doing this without proper permits and the aid of the long hand of politicians. There is a path along the right bank downstream following a concrete canal and on the way one could easily see Rakka falls falling in a step wise manner just like Nanu oya falls justifying its name. The path became narrowed and was extremely slippery but it ended at a place where Wee kotana falls could be seen through the bushes. To get a clear view I had to crawl through few muddy bushes which was totally worth it. Kaluwala falls is about 50meters upstream and if one deviate from this path which I took at a upper level there is a concrete canal built across the river which could be used as an observation deck to enjoy a clear shot of Kaluwala falls (ofcource that is with caution). Please do mind viewing these two falls is extremely dangerous and one should always be mindful about the safety factor. After leaving the site my trishaw guy got plenty of phone calls asking him about myself. The guys who were building the mini hydro project seemed very worried about my visit.

Rakka falls of Kadiran oya

wider view of wee kotana falls

Wee kotana ella of Kadiran oya

and it flows

Kaluwala falls of Kadiran oya

i was right on top of the river and having a balcony view

Ella uda Falls (6°55’49.60″N, 80°25’36.73″E)

From Polgaswatta there is a road connecting Minuwan ella road which I took previously and we proceeded along this to cut off few extra kilometers. On the way I saw a beauty plunging down on the right side and decided to explore it too. After getting down to the stream and going upstream I reached Ella uda falls which was a gorgeous beauty.

Kahanawita Falls (6°57’46.28″N, 80°17’15.74″E)

Since it was getting dark and I had one more waterfall in my list so I asked the trishaw guy to drop me at Deraniyagala where I took a bus to Avissawella and got down passing Kahanawita bridge at the hospital junction. It was pouring down heavily for almost one hour and I was by now soaked wet and covered with mud and blood. From the bus halt I proceeded towards Avissawella side where a bend with an iron bar fence could be found. There is a foot path at this point which will lead one towards Kahanawita falls. The waterfall was in full flow and chocolate coloured, the sound of it was bit scary too. Saying good bye to the last waterfall of the day I returned to Avissawlla to catch a double decker bus to Maharagama. I hope you guys enjoyed all 100 write-ups until now and there would be more to come.

less water yet beautiful Ella uda fall

step wise drop

Ella uda ella Polgaswatta

flooded

Vicious Kahanawita Falls

plunging down

Thanks for Reading!

This is a trip that I was planning to do for some time and finally I was successful to achieve my dreams. We started from Gampaha at around 6.30 in the morning and had our breakfast at the restaurant of Ambepussa rest house which provides a very good buffet meal for a reasonable cost.

We managed to reach Padiyapelalla via Kandy and Hanguranketha by about noon but the road condition was bad due to the road constructions that were taking place at that time.It was gloomy and raining in the morning which made us scared of a trip spoiled by rain.

From Padiyapelalla we went to MA Eco bungalow at Elamulla and this stretch of road was carpeted and in very good condition. We were warmly welcomed by the manager of bungalow Mr. Janaka ( 0773592304 ), who is a very nice and knowledgeable person.
We enjoyed a very tasty village style lunch prepared with fresh vegetables and fruits plucked from their own farm. Unfortunately we could not engage in any outdoor activity in the afternoon and evening due to continuous rain and only thing we could do was to see the beautiful sceneries around the bungalow.

Rear view of MA Eco bungalow Elamulla

Misty and rainy on arrival.

Comfortable room where we stayed

Excellent sanitary facilities of the bungalow

.	Gramophone of colonial era.

HIS MASTER’S VOICE

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Memories of colonial era.

Old tea boiler!

Memories of colonial era.

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Following day was a bright and sunny day and after our breakfast we went to see a nearby waterfall.

Dawn of a beautiful day at Elamulla.

Beautiful morning!

.	A refreshing hot cup of tea in the morning.

Strawberries of the backyard

Beautiful flowers for vases.

The beauty we visited near Elamulla.

As Mr. Janaka told us there are many waterfalls around this area, but as we have to travel to Nuwara Eliya on same day, lack of time prevented us from visiting them.

After having a tasty breakfast we thanked Mr. Janaka and started our journey to N’Eliya via Mandaramnuwara.

On the way to Mandaramnuwara.

Piduruthalagala range from Mandaramnuwara.

Pidurutalagala transmission tower seen from Mandaramnuwara.

After reaching Mandaramnuwara we started travelling towards Ragala via Goodwood, Gonapitiya and Highforest. This stretch of road is narrow but filled with beautiful sceneries

Mandaramnuwara seen from Goodwood.

Near Goodwood.

From Ragala we travelled to N’ Eliya via Kandapola and this stretch of road is carpeted and is in superb condition. At N’Eliya we had our lunch and went to Victoria park as our little one wanted to have some fun.

Near Kandapola

Bomburella reservoir near Kandapola.

Beautiful scenery near Kandapola.

Little train at Victoria Park N’Eliya.

Ready to go round the park.

In the afternoon one of our friends and her family joined us at N’Eliya and all of us stayed the night at SANASA Holiday Resort at Top Past N’Eliya.

Following day morning we decided to visit New Zealand Farm Ambewela and Horton Plains.

At the strawberry farm near Ambewela.

Strawberry farm at Ambewela.

Soil being prepared for cultivation of strawberry.

Beauty of the Mother Nature.

Sri Pada seen from Ambewela.

WOW ! Ambewela wind mills.

On the way to New Zealand farm.

Soothing to eye.

New Zealand farm Ambewela.

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.	Peaceful breakfast.

Stud bull.

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Then we started our journey towards Horton plains via Pattipola and were able to see so beautiful landscapes through out it.

On the way to Horton Plains.

Awesome!

Sun bathing.

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Visitor centre Horton Plains.

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Maha rath mal

After visiting Horton Plains we returned to N’Eliya via Ohiya, Boralanda, Guruthalawa and Welimada. Then we returned our homes on same day night via Gampola and Peradeniya.

Like Sherwood Forrest in Nottingham.

Thank you for reading.

It was a longtime dream of mine to tackle the devil staircase. But because most of the travels went by 4×4’s on this road I was a bit skeptical how my vehicle, which is a 2wd(RWD) would perform. So on our way back from Horton planes we decided to travel via this road. Luckily there weren’t many landslides which could have made our journey more difficult. But the mist did block our view of the beautiful sceneries.

Started from “Y” junction on udaweriya estate road. It was 12.30pm

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Near Udaveriya tea factory

Near Udaveriya tea factory

Tea factory

Devil’s staircase

.	A Dog followed us from start to end

Rocky roadway. Your tires must be in good condition

Dog and the car

An old Pond which was made by Englishmen

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Our friend

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Mist stared to appear

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Our Team

Dog still with us

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Guess where he has been

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There was a small town where we brought some biscuits

Our friend enjoying biscuits

.	Road to heaven

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There was a map which is difficult to understand

Road ahead

Road ahead

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Our friend trying to keep up with us

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on the way to DS

Rain started

Babarakanda falls in the distance

.	Water stream

Crossing the water stream

V Cut

Finally.. gravel road to concrete road…. (Note that our dog friend is still with us)

Babarakanda falls

We met our 2nd team who were waiting near babarakanda rest

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It took us 3 hours and 45 minutes to finish the trail and then we head back to Colombo.

Thanks for reading

I have to do a confession before writing this trip report. This trip was arranged by Sri with Some other lakdasun members on 23rd Saturday using Sri’s old Strategy, Face book conversations. I had notified my absence In advance as I had to report duty on Saturday. But I was free on 22nd Friday. Due to various reasons most of the other members also confirmed their absence expect the little boy Tony. So that trip was postponed. I just rang Sri On Thursday asking whether he is free on Friday. He replied yes and we were initially planning to do Mathugama Waterfalls. And Sri Had promised other members including Tony to Do Neluwa waterfalls together some other day.

When the trip date came I picked Sri from Embuldeniya at 5.00a.m . We had lot of time so suggested Sri “Machan Mathugamatama Yana Eke Neluwa Diya eli tika Balamuda. Wenadawasaka Mathugama Diya Eli Balamu”. I didn’t want to miss a chance as I am most probably working on weekends and get leave on week days. Learning from resent experiences going trips as a group was becoming a nightmare to me. Sri De Maname Queen Couldn’t resist my savages request and forgot all the promises given to Maname Prince Tony and others. So keeping Poor Tony crying in his office we went on memorable waterfall hunting at Sinharaja.

After this Trip Sri got some life threatening calls from other party. He requested me to write this report. That’s how HARI came on to action

WE Passed the Kaluthara bridge just before 6.00 a.m

Kaluthara Bodiya

We had breakfast after passing pelawatta and came to Kosmulla 9.30 a.m.

Road Straight Leads to Dooli Ella (Kosmulla) And Road Right leads To Sinharaja Entrance Lankagama Photo : SRI

CLOSE BY Photo :SRI

DISTANCES Photo : SRI

Man Made Pool at the entrance

Rates Photo SRI

ENTRANCE GATE..

This Entrance gate was closed when went there at 8.45 a.m. As ethical travelers we waited till 9.15 a.m. Since nobody came we just entered the forest by a week point of fence.

Kosmulla Dooli Ella consists of three parts.

Heading towards The first fall

Small cascade below the first fall

Dooli Ella First Stage

Heading Towards the Top of First fall

View on the way

From Top of the first fall

Second Fall

Doooooooowili ………..Duwili ..Duwili…..

Oh What a pleasure

Giant creepers

Third Fall

Flowing rapidly

There was a foot path upwards from the third fall. We just travel some distance .but path was vanished after some time .so were turned back. The funny officials were had not still come to the office . So we said goodbye dooli ella for giving us a free tour and headed towards Lankagama

Remember

The road from Kosmulla to Lankagama (10.75 km) is in moderate conditions. Some sections are difficult to travel with ordinary car .But Not Impossible

Bridge at Lanka Gama (Just before the Entrance to Sinharaja)

Glimpse of Brahmana ella

Notice board

Forrest officer who himself helped us as the guide( Tickets Rs.28.00 per head)

Directions

Guide Picked this order : First Thattu Ella, Then Dooli Ella, Galoruwa Ella,Uran Wetuna Ella and Last BrahmanaElla

White water

There were plenty of base pools like this

Friends

It’s Their home

Thattu Ella

Another angle

Mushrooms

The Beautiful DOOWILI ELLA

YEH

So relaxing

Water holes

Path to Doowili Ella is bit tricky

WE had to struggle to take this man’s picture

Gal Oruwa Ella

Fast and furious / dangerous too

Safe observation point at Galoruwa falls. You can even watch the bottom part of Uran Wetunu ella from here

Bottom part of Uran wetuna ella

Heading upwards

Cascades

Uran Wetunu Ella

Colour patterns

Brahmana Ella

Sri With our guide Photo : Sri

We had a safe bath at a safe place at the bottom then came back to the entrance .As we had already ordered lunch from nearby house we went there had a hearty diet.

Hunter Photo : Sri

It was just 2.00 p.m. We had enough time to even visit Pitadeniya which was 4km from here .But there were some dark clouds gathering. So we hurried up and returned back soon. We stopped at few places to have some snacks and relax. Our final resting place was Egoda uyana Railway station. We came back home by 6.00 p.m.

Egoda uyana Railway station Photo : Sri

Sunset and end of the proceedings Photo : Sri

Thanks for reading

It was on the 22 Nov when Hari and I went searching for Waterfalls in Lankagama covering nearly 400km in 14hrs in his good old motor bike. It turned out to be one helluva journey with 6 gorgeous girlies within about 12km, 5 of which within less than 1 square km. I was overjoyed to no end. It was such a peaceful sight to look at water falling along glistening rocky surfaces, snaking through rough patches and hiding behind bushes as if they’re too shy.

I managed to shoot 5 short videos (I’m kicking myself for not taking the most beautiful of them, the Lankagama Doovili Falls). The guide who went with us said that foreigners spend hours watching the beauty of her mesmerized by the sheer mischievous ways of her. I’ve posted them on Lakdasun and you can check my Video Journey of Lankagama Waterfalls here. Check out Hari’s Report too on our journey.

Our route was through Matugama, Baduraliya and Agalawatta where many other waterfalls located in a cluster. There are many reports by Lakdasun members who’d visited these waterfalls over the last few years and you can check them out too. I kept pondering over visiting them as well right throughout the journey. On our way back, I told Hari that we gotta do another one-day to cover the falls in this area and he readily agreed so long as his and my off days coincided nicely.

Well, it didn’t take for everything to fall into place when I happened to call him on 05 Dec. We decided to visit as many waterfalls as possible but I insisted that we visit Pahiyangala as well. Hari is not into archaeology but had to give in under pressure from me but eventually he too was very satisfied with the outcome coz we too did very few have done so far. We climbed the Pahiyangala Rock.

We decided to do it on the 07th and Hari and I got our own version of routes and priorities listed separately and met in the wee hours of 07th morning to do as much possible.

Tour Highlights:

1. Pahiyangala Caves and the Rock
2. Pani Ella, Niggaha
3. Meenu Ella, Gavaragiriya
4. Makeli Ella, Kukuleganga
5. Ahas Bokku Ella, Athweltota
6. Elapothu Ella, Diganna
7. Pilituda Ella, Athweltota
8. Mara Kapu Ella, Morapitiya

An impressive list, huh? I didn’t believe it possible to cover the whole lot till I was pondering over our adventure on the 7th night while I was dreaming about the best of the best, sweet Makeli Falls. She was an absolute stunner and I could’ve watched her the whole day without getting tired. Now let me take you through the route we took in details so that you too might be able to follow our steps and enjoy the beauty of these wonderful girls.

The Route in detail:

“We started from Battaramulla around 4.45am and went through Udahamulla, Maharagama, Kottawa and Homagama passing the Panagoda Temple towards Moragahahena. From there the road led to Horana. Passing Ballapitiya, Govinna and Egal Oya we reached Bulathsinhala Junction around 6.00am and took a left towards Kukuleganga. About 5km we reached Galketiya Junction where took a left turn towards Pahiyangala which was another 2km away.

From Pahiyangala, we went further along the same road towards Niggaha. About 2.5km away was the Pani Ella. Passing this we went another 2km to Gamwasama. From there took a left towards Gavaragiriya Meenu Ella which is 1.8km from Gamwasama. Having visited Meenu Ella, we retraced our steps back to Galketiya Junction from where took a right towards Molkawa. From Molkawa Junction took the left toward Kelin Kanda and reached Makeli Falls.

Continuing along the same road right up to Koddippilikanda where it meets the Matugama-Kalawana Road about 6-8km from Athweltota. Taking a right turn took us to Ahas Bokkuwa. From there we took a trail near the Ahas Bokkuwa (it’s actually a bridge) through a tea and rubber patch till we came out onto a tarred road which I suspect is the Kumburuhena Road. Turning left and going for about 100m brought us to a bridge and down that was the Ahas Bokku Falls.

Having got back along the same path to the Ahas Bokkuwa, we went further towards Athweltota. At the Athweltota Junction turned left towards Diganna. Travelling for 3-4km brought us to the Elapothu Ella. However, you have to walk about 500-600m through a tea and forest patch to reach this. Coming back on the same road to Athweltota we went further towards Morapitiya. About 1km away onto our right was the Pilituda Ella just by the road.

Going further we reached Morapitiya Junction. Took a left along Mahawalakanda Road about 1km and took another left (the 2nd concrete-paved path) for another 1km or so. From there it was a walk through a tea patch and a forest patch to the Mara Kapu Falls (about 500-600m). Retracing our path back to Morapitiya we continued towards Baduraliya and then passing Matugama, Nagoda reached Katukurunda Junction. It was all along Galle Road till Moratuwa then took a detour through Piliyandala, Boralesgamuwa to Delkanda and back to Battaramulla.”

Well I’ve never written the path like this but thought it might help you to get a feel for it. I have experience over and over again the difficulties we face when we don’t have a clear travel plan or the directions are not so clear. So hopefully this will give you an idea as to how to get around without jeopardizing your journey.

Pahiyangala Caves and the Rock

Having left our homes enveloped in the dark and most of the times of the halogen lights of the roads, we kept huddled on the bike getting chilled in the December air. I wish I was in N’Eliya cuddled on a bed with hot chocolate to keep my company. The road conditions are not so great due to reconstruction work along many of them so watch out if you plan to visit these anytime soon. However, the work seems to drag forever coz they’d been going on forever.

We reached the Pahiyangala Temple around 6.30am and it was a fine morning with lots of cloud cover and sun fighting to pierce through them to lighten the world. We climbed the steps to the cave complex. Though there were only about 100 or so steps to climb, it was still a bit hard to swallow in the morning and we were panting by the time we arrived at the mouth of the place.

It had the typical ancient look about it but when I looked around, I was aghast. There were so many writings along the rocky wall. Now don’t get excited coz they’re nothing to do with the ancient value of the place but the stupid works by the idiotic tourists (no doubt locals). What a waste! It was so frustrating to see how much they have wretched this place. Having boiled our blood in the morning wasn’t going to help our cause so I tried to keep my cool and see around for some interesting captures. Covered in a hall like complex lies a giant Buddha Statue. It was so huge and looking very serene and all my worries and uneasiness vanished into thin air. To make it better, there was this small monk clearing the dead flowers on the stand in front and I took a nice pic of him standing in front of Lord Buddha.

Afterwards, we explored the excavation done by the archaeology department and the bones dug out from there. Initially we had no idea if it was possible to climb the rock and hadn’t planned it in our itinerary but when enquired about the road we should take from there from a boy at the complex, he misunderstood our question and said it was possible to go up to the rock. We were amazed and he directed to the left corner of the cave and asked us to follow the footpath but to be careful as well. None of us had any second thoughts coz we wanted to conquer this as well. So following the path which started to go downhill at first worried us slightly, but kept going up after a while. The elevation was so steep at places we switched to 4X4 to make a smooth run up.

You gotta climb about 1km through dense forest but a clear path to the top. They’ve built an image house up with two Buddha Statues. We got a panoramic view of the Niggaha and towards Galketiya. However, the sun was still fighting with clouds for some space with no success so the atmosphere looked misty and it didn’t help for pics. Having rested our aching feet and twitchy legs for a bit we climbed down fast coz we had a lot of beauties waiting for us and it wasn’t good to keep good looking girls waiting.

When we got back to the temple, we met the chief monk of Pahiyangala Temple and he got into talks with us. It was a very good thing to happen as he gave us directions to a fall called Pani Ella which give water to the whole Bulathsinhala area and not documented. He also very kindly, having recognized our enthusiasm about the nature, gave directions to Meenu Ella in Gavaragiriya. Usually she’s a bit out of the way and not many people, according to him, know the road through Niggaha and Gamwasama to the fall.

When we told him about Lakdasun, he asked if we could do a report on Pahiyangala with pics waterfalls closer to it, I just smiled. He even offered to come with saying he could show us around when he’s free. Well, I’m gonna hold him onto that.

Sign at Bulathsinhala near the clock tower

Washed out notice by the archaeology dept.

Going about their business early in the morning

My favourite places to pic, morning paddy with distant mist

Time to turn from the Niggaha road

The legend (click image to enlarge)

The rock over the office

Good moring sweet heart!

Emerald dove on the hunt for BF

Time to get climbing

From the mid point, the steps been done with concrete

Rising majestically into the cloudy sky

Remind me of Sigiriya

To the main complex

See how those stones are kept on top the other

They’ve found a skull from here

Signs of exploration all around

Here are the attackers

The Buddha’s Statue

Doing the morning rituals, one of my all-time favorite pic

The main cave, can you see the dug out bit in the middle?

The sun fighting a losing battle

Here’s the excavation point

The complex where the Buddha Statue located

The facts with some of the bones dug-out (click image to enlarge)

Painting of the people of those days

The bones excavated on display

Dug deep

The wall built with stone slabs and earth

Here’s the path that leads to the top

Just along the path found this, someone seems to have tried to replicate the ancient humans

Too steep to climb from here

Here’s the path, very narrow but looks well used

Hari the point man

Steep at most places

Those roots were a big help

It’s hard but what to do?

More to go and I was grateful for not coming during rainy season

Gotcha buddy…

“Can’t go any more”

Just getting tougher

Had it rained, it’d've been a nightmare to tackle these

The clouds were pretty much angry with the sun so couldn’t take a clear shot at any time

The path beginning to clear and trees are now only bushes

Hiya!

Very sweet color

Loved this spot, like a bamboo archway

Finding some juice to go with his toast, I guess

The flat rock deosn’t allow for big trees to grow

Looks big, huh?

Getting to the core

From the side

The tiny image house with two Buddha Statues

Serene looking Buddha

Creativity of the nature

Still too cloudy and hard to get a good shot

2-Man recon team

The jungle patch on the top and it looks as if people roam around here looking for firewood

Replica of the Buddha’s foot print at the image house

Both statues

Those colorful leaves were very good to look at

Some ferns like plants too

The full length

Through the door to the complex

Wanna get a bit close

Whoaaaa…

Bones of an Elephant

One of the two Skulls

Pani Ella, Niggaha

Bidding our farewell to the chief monk, we headed along Pahiyangala-Niggaha road for about 2km till the road forked into two tiny ones. Take the concrete paved one on the right and follow it for about another 500m or so till you get to a kind of a 4-way junction with a steep hill straight ahead. That last bit of the road is worse than you can imagine with pits almost all over the road that are large enough to bury a good sized dog. So don’t attempt this bit by a car and even a van will have a helluva time maneuvering around.

Turning left will be the path that runs parallel to the river. You gotta cross the river about 50m from the turn and follow your nose and senses through the rocks for about 100m to see the Pani Ella. Crossing the river can be tricky when the water levels are high.

The water levels were very low and the fall was coming down in a few parts. On a healthy day, she should look gorgeous but what we saw of her was good enough. We got back to the turning and got directions for the Meenu Ella. Surprisingly enough everyone we asked for directions, including ladies, were very knowledgeable of their surroundings and gave us clear directions.

Take the path on the left from here

This board is easy to miss but look out on your right hand side, just before the turn to the Pani Ella

Here we are

Water level is considerably low, you have to go up through the opening in the middle to the falls

Following the waterway

Not missing anything

Common creature and I’ve photographed him many times

Gotta a bit more to go

Tiny one

Here she is, wish there was more water. Falling in parts but go right up to the top about 45-50ft in height

Lower part of the Pani Ella

The top most part is too difficult to get through the tree cover

Just enough water to feed Bulathsinhala

To the right side of the main falls

Two tiny ones

Getting back and trying to re-cross the river

Wow	Thirsty to no end

Meenu Ella, Gavaragiriya

We went straight climbing the hill along the concrete path towards Gamwasama. After 2km (we measured the distance) you get to a bit with cement brick-paved (all those bricks now laid along Colombo pavements) and as soon as you enter this there’s a gravel road to the left with a concrete electricity pole. Take this road for 1.8km till you get to a Praja Shalawa (white painted building) on the left and that’s where you stop. There’s a path right next to it and you can hear the falls from the road. Taking that path will take you to the top of the falls where there’s a mini falls and going further through the forest with rubber plants (the path is clear thanks to those rubber tappers) will take you to the bottom of the falls.

We first got to the top and she was larger than I thought. I wanted to get down to the bottom of her to see her clearly. Without wasting much time we went through the forest patch and got down to the falls. Just emerging through the trees I saw this sensational beauty and she took my breath away. Such a tall and beautiful waterfall was she. I was beaming and taking pics like a madman when Hari reminded that we have plenty more to see.

Saying good-bye to her was so difficult. In fact, she resembled “Dodam Gallena Falls aka Elle Wala” in Meddakande along Balangoda-Rassagala Road. Coz just like her, Meenu Ella too curves in the middle making a nice twist and then falls down. Only difference is Meenu Ella is about twice as high. So you can imagine what she really like if you’ve seen Elle Wala. Every meeting has a parting, so we left with a heavy heart and headed back towards Gamwasama.

The turning to the left at Gamwasama. See those cement bricks-paved road, this turn is just at the beginning of that path

The Praja Shalawa and our bike at the distance, take the left path next to it

Working for the living

Here’s the path to the Meenu Ella

Got to the top

Again, not much water

The tiny falls on the top

Up close

Here’s the big one

So high

The top part taken from the top

Gushing down

Right at the top

Got down and here’s the full fall. Reminded me of Elle Wala

The base pool, not inviting for a bath

The upper half

The lower bit

The downstream

See the twist in the middle

Doesn’t look deep but don’t take a chance

Bursting at the seams

Makeli Ella, Kukuleganga

We arrived back at Galketiya feeling ravenous as we’d had no food in us right throughout. Hari had difficulty in focusing so we stopped at a shop in Galketiya Junction. There were some string hoppers left but no curry to go and had to make do only with Coconut Sambol. My parched throat wouldn’t accept them without a curry to wash it down but the hunger was overpowering so simply put some sambol in the middle and rolled it and swallowed was my method.

The owner is Mr. Wanniarachchi (blue painted shop facing the Pahiyangala Road) who was very kind, hospitable and humble. He’s also very knowledgeable about the area and informed us about a place called Walau Watte which is a wetland but Hari wasn’t too keen on visiting that so I had to leave it for the time being. Mr. Wanniarachchi was so sad as we had to eat strings with no curry and offered to go to another shop and get some which we politely declined.

We had Wandu Appa, Halapa, Asmi with Bananas and Plain Tea to follow so the tummy didn’t complain much. Having pacified our grumbling tummies we headed towards Molkawa. From there took a left towards Kelin Kanda (oh yeah, in English, straight mountain). Along the way you’ll find the training school of UN Forces in Kukuleganga. Passing that for another half a click should take you to the Makeli Ella that’s on the left side with an opening for vehicle parking and notice boards too.

Apparently the urban council had made the place with steps (about 50 but very steep) leading towards the observation platform at the bottom. The platform is located in a nice place about 50m away from the falls giving a wider view and without getting soaked in the water vapor. Let me tell this, I’ve seen around 100 out of 400+ waterfalls of Sri Lanka and Makeli Falls is among the best of my collection. She’s still not good enough to beat my beloved St. Clair on a healthy day but is almost on par with the top beauties of my list.

You get a pretty straight forward view of her and she looks a bit boxy in shape with a height of 30 feet (according to Amazing Lanka the height is 10m but the notice at the falls say it’s around 21m. Very confusing but I guess it’s about 30+ feet) with a width of over 15ft. We could see the waterway that feeds the falls coming down along the channel. This is also the feeding stream for Kukuleganga Power Project. Trying to take some landscape shots were destroyed by a couple who was hovering near the base of the falls.

Having treated my eyes and body into a feast, we got back to climbing the steps. “Hey Sri, you’ve forgotten to record a short video of this beauty!” screamed my inner self. I was so shocked coz had missed both Pani Ella and Meenu Ell to add onto my video collection. What a pity! I ran down the steps and shot a small video and panting heavily climbed the steps back onto the road. There were two old grannies selling Jaggery with a kid hovering about. I felt very sorry for them and we bought some of the Jaggery too (150/- for two halves wrapped in Kenda leaves).

 Video of Makeli Ella

Helapa, Wandu Appa and Aluwa all waiting patiently

On the Molkawa Road

On the hunt

Muddy water under the bridge

Passing this bridge will bring you to a junction and take the left which is Kelin Kanda Road

1 of 3 Notice at Makeli Ella

Do help keep her clean

21m in height but other sources say 10m???

The path down hill

The observation platform

Wow, what a gorgeous and sexy lass she is

Closer

Feel like hugging

The stream on top that makes this wonderful lady

Hitting the base

Water flows down river

The top zoomed in

They ruined a perfect shot but what to do

From afar

Up close

150/- each

One of the old grannies with her grand kid

Found this passing the Power plant along the way to the Kodippili Kanda, not sure what it is, could be a resort

Looks rusted and abandoned

Not a sign of usage

Ahas Bokku Ella, Athweltota

We continued passing Kukuleganga Power Plant towards Kodippili Kanda that meets the Baduraliya-Athweltota-Kalawana Road. The road is yet again very narrow and very difficult for two vehicles to pass but in somewhat better condition. We came to the main road and took a right turn towards Athweltota. This is when the hiccups were beginning to appear coz the first old uncle we asked for directions had no idea about the Ahas Bokku Falls but he said there’s a place called Ahas Bokkuwa a bit far away.

Also none of the people around in that area knew about the Ambathenna Bridge or the Kumburuhena Road. It was a bit difficult to locate the falls. Even the second person didn’t know about it clearly but were aware of the Ahas Bokkuwa which in fact is a bridge with 2 arches. So we decided to get to it first and look for the falls later. The road in this area is under construction and very difficult to navigate. Finally we arrived at the Ahas Bokkuwa but no sign of a fall, either side were long and flat rock surfaces with water marks on them. We both thought the falls is all dried up and almost, nearly almost, went without looking further.

What a costly miss it’d been had we foolishly left like that? However, somewhere inside me a voice was screaming to check and be sure. There was a house near the bridge and we had to go and knock on the door to check if someone’s at home. There was, a girl, and Hariya came running from nowhere to ask for the directions. Fortunately, she knew the falls and showed us a short cut. We took to the left at the end of the bridge (coming from Athweltota side) and moved passing two houses and entered into a tea patch with a cluster of houses located together. Passing more we got into a rubber patch and along took a left path till we emerged to a tarred road and turned left and walked about 100m. There was bridge and the waterfall was right below that. There’s another wooden bridge just next to this one too.

We got through the forest bit to the bottom of the falls, there’s a pipeline that runs downhill and you can easily follow it. She wasn’t in full flow but had more than enough to retain her unique beauty. It was a mesmerizing sight and she was falling in straight lines. Wish she had more water. We stayed there about 15mins and climbed back and came through the same path to Ahas Bokkuwa.

The girl who’d given us directions was now sitting outside and reading a paper waiting probably for Hari. He too didn’t forget to wave her goodbye. After that Hari was like flying and we reached Athweltota Junction in no time.

Video of Ahas Bokku Ella

The Ahas Bokkuwa, we turned left from the other end near the rocky wall. The house is on the left of this side of the bridge

When you turn from the other end of the bridge, you get here. Take the right hand one on foot

First house, go to the right

Second house and the beginning of the tea plantation, follow on the right hand path

This is where you get as soon as passing the cluster of houses and take the turn to the left

You emerge to this road which I suspect Kumburuhena Road.

Along that road, no more than 100m away is this junction. Turn left

Soon as you turn left is this and under this brdge flows the waterway to the fall

The second bridge seen from the first

Here’s the top

Hari pointing the path downhill to the base

Can’t believe this plant had this color leaves

No proper path but manageable to get down

The lower bit of the waterway

Here she is

The upper half

The right hand bit with more water

The top

Like half a dozen showers set in a line

Not to be taken away

Curious kid on our way back

Elapotha Falls, Diganna

At the junction when we enquired about the Pilituda Falls, couple of boys told us that there’s another waterfall about 3km away along Diganna Road (turn left from the junction). They unfortunately couldn’t remember the name and Hari didn’t wanna go with it coz it’s not a known one. However, I didn’t wanna back out so I pressed him and eventually he gave in.

We took the left from the junction just passing the bridge coming from Kalawana side. It leads to the village Diganna and after about 1-2km we came to another bridge onto our left crossing the river. We crossed the river and turn to the right went another 1km or so. We came to a forked junction where the road split in two. There was a man and when we asked him about the waterfall, he wasn’t quite sure about it. However he asked us to take the right path and go upstream along the river.

Hari was flabbergasted. Still he wasn’t convinced this was a good idea (This person was the only one who almost flunked a super journey by giving us the most difficult directions when an easy path was available). But I wanted to go see and we climbed down through a garden to the edge of the river. There was a boy bathing in the river and he very helpfully offered to show us the path.

We crossed to the other side of the river (mercifully the water levels were low) with a difficulty and walked through hip-high bushes without knowing what laid underneath to another opening to the river. From there we had to tackle the river and jump from one stone to the other. This brought back horror memories of our journey through Hasalaka Oya.

However, we didn’t have a lot to go on, after about 200m we got a glimpse of the falls and I was mighty relieved not to have missed her coz she was simply awesome. The water levels were low but still she’s one of the most beautiful falls I’ve seen so far. We spent about 10 mins there and Hari very wisely decided to wade choose a path through the jungle and we soon emerged into an opening with a rocky outcrop. Climbing along it brought us into a yet another garden but nobody was there.

However, we walked along the road and just about 100m away was the forked junction where we left our bike. I was so angry with the fellow for giving us wrong directions and wanted to tell him what was in my mind but he wasn’t around. I was nonetheless so happy to have come and see this majestic beauty. On our way back, I checked with one of the old uncles and he said the falls was called Elapothu Ella. I couldn’t find anything to connect this so figured this could be yet another undocumented one. If anyone knows the right name, do add it with the comments please.

Video of Elapothu Ella

Athweltota Junction taken from Baduraliya Side, take the right to the Elapothu Ella in Diganna

Turn left to find the bridge

Here it is. Turn right at the other end

Under the bridge the waterway

Here’s the path we took through the garden of this house and to the river and crossed to the other end. (The pic of the junction is given below)

Gosh, I’m starving

Like a Russian Ballerina

We were told to go upstream along the river, that fella was crazy

Very slippery like a banana skin

With the help of the boy bathing in the river we came around to this end

Trying to get into a decent foothold

Gosh, brought back Hasalaka Oya hike memories

Hopefully not much to go

Close by

Trying to stay not getting wet

Whoa, there she is

Zoomed in from the same spot

Just getting near

Can’t wait to get closer

Pooh, such a beauty, we nearly missed her

Top of the right hand side

Down stream

Here’s the fella who was very reluctant to come in the first place getting a first-class view

The top

Towards the bottom

The left side

Very nice

Ok, we climbed up through this path which is a rocky slope

Got into this garden but no one’s there

Can’t explain it in words

Leaving it behind to the road

If you’re going along the road, the house is on the left side

Here’s where we found that wretched man. We took the right path but if you do take the left

Pilituda Falls, Athweltota

We came back to the Athweltota Junction and went towards Morapitiya. About 1km away onto our right was the Pilituda Ella just by the road. There’s a warning sign put up by the Urban Council for the travelers. Apparently 9 people had died trying to be heroic in there so be careful.

She was the smallest of all we’ve seen for the day and looked somewhat similar to the mysterious Gal Oruwa Ella in Lankagama. The height must be about 12ft and was falling between two rocks that stay barely 3ft of each other making it a very narrow falls. The downstream is too very narrow and looks pretty deep despite the fact that the whole river generally is very shallow all around.

I almost begged Hari to do a small documentary and he managed to mumble a few words amid my never-ending asking. She was creating so much foam all around due to the sheer pressure falling down such a narrow ravine like path. By looking at it make you feel so relaxed and the sound of water falling over power the deafening roars of buses and heavy vehicle travelling along the road just 50ft away.

I simply wanted to stay more but we both wanted to see at least one more fall before we called it a day. So we pushed on towards Morapitiya while the Sun was still fighting his losing battle with the clouds.

 Documentary of Pilituda Ella

Notice.

Warning of the Urban Council

Not even 100ft to go from the edge of the main road

The upstream looks very placid

The downstream is quite the opposite

There she is, resembling Gal Oruwa Falls

Fiercely gushing down through the narrow gap

Don’t know the depth of here

Foamy

Down river

Top of the falls

Safe place to bathe

Mara Kapu Ella, Morapitiya

We were so hungry and thankfully stopped at Morapitiya Junction for a quick snack. There was some Ulundu Wade with Lunu Miris which disappeared as if an aspirin tablet put into water. Plain tea was the theme drink of the day. Fortunately we asked the shop owner and one of the villagers about the waterfalls and they duly directed us to the Mara Kapu Ella about 1.5-2km away from the Junction. One boy even called the house nearest to the trail head and got the confirmation if we can go right up to their house by our bike.

We took the right (coming from Baduraliya) just passing the Morapitiya Bridge, called Mahawala Kanda Road (There’s a sing board saying “Morapitiya Tea Factory 1km) and went along the road for about 600m and took a left along the concrete paved path. Remember to take the second left concrete-paved path and go right to the top of the trail head. Ask for Sunil’s House who’s working for the Timber Co-operation should you wanna get clearer directions.

Having reached near his house, we walked along the path till it split into two; the right one going uphill is the one to go. Go about 300m till you get to a house with a tea patch. Just in front of the house lies a path through the tea estate that goes down and you’ll emerge into a water tank. Go past it till you meet the last house on the path. Go around it (beware there’s a dog but he was tied) through the tea plants and take a turn to the right when you come a slope. From there after about 100ft you will enter the forest and simply follow the water tube line right up to the top of the falls.

The lady at the last house was very kind enough to show us the path and was waiting giving us directions till we reached the forest patch. Most of the villagers were worried looking when we said that we were going to the waterfall coz it was almost getting dark and nearing 6pm. We didn’t wanna miss out on this having come so close so we hurried on and reached the top of the falls in no time. There’s not a lot to walk through the forest along the water tube line to get to the top. (About 500m or so)

Crossing the water way that feeds the fall we got around and climbed down to the bottom. It was pretty much getting dark, especially inside the jungle but we managed to get a few pics and a video too. She was also lacking water than her usual self. Falling down in two straight lines along a flat rocky wall is something to cherish and add to the memories of a long day journey. Hari was hurrying all the time and we practically ran the last bit out of the jungle and reached our bikes when the Sun was hiding for the day having fought right throughout with clouds to no avail.

Video of Mara Kapu Ella

Up to here (about 2km away from the Morapitya) we came by the bike. Take the right hand road

Sun’s not gonna win today

Not motorable by anything other than a tractor or a 4X4

To the right

Can’t afford to miss these either

Through the rubber estate

The House I mentioned on the right and you gotta take the left hand path near the tree

White beauty

Getting down through the tea bushes

Get to this water tank and go passing it along the path

Just passed the water tank

Passing it is this climb along the rock

Through bamboo bushes too

This is the last house you’ll meet, go around the house to the other side. Watch out for that doggy

Beyond the house is this path again through tea bushes

Turn sharply to your right along the tea bush

The slope as you go along

Entering into the jungle and the pipeline runs all the way to the top

Here it is

At the top

Waterway on the top coming down

Mini falls on the top

Top of the falls

Crossing to the other side we climbed down through the forest to the base

She’s not bad looking either

The top of the right side

And the left

The base pool

Not much water but it helped us to get down easily

A huge rock sitting right at the base

Getting darker and time to go

The bottom seen from the top

The sun finally managed to get a peep through

Looks really nice

End of the day and taking these to make jaggery

Well folks, that’s about it. We were knackered and my throat felt like a sand paper having exposed to dust most of the time due to never-ending construction work, but it was worth all that effort.

So I brought you the story of the Old Man and the Seven Virgins. Do hope as usual you enjoyed it. I in fact wanted to do this as a Pic Journey (You know what my pic journeys are now) without so much fairy tales in it but couldn’t help doing it.

Thanks for reading and take care…

Waterfalls of southern border of Sinharaja rain forest and Neluwa can be classified as follows

1. Waterfalls in Neluwa (4) – Thapolena Ella 1, Thapolena Ella 2, Neluwa/Kosmulla Duwili Ella, Thambalagama Duwili Falls
2. Waterfalls in Warukandeniya (3) – Aliboda Falls, Ratawal dola Ella (? Beraliyadola Ella), Beraliya Galanda Ella
3. Waterfalls in Lankagama (6) – Classic five waterfalls and Hathbinna Ella
4. Waterfalls in Pitadeniya (3)-Malmora Ella, Pathan Oya Ella/Wathugala Ella and Kakuna Ella.

• Waterfalls I couldn’t visit- Wadan Ella (වදo ඇල්ල) (Situated in Mawanana (මාවනන) area which is 2km away from Neluwa town towards Thawalama). Ellewela Falls (ඇල්ලේවෙලඇල්ල) (Situated in Mandalapura (මණ්ඩලපුර) which is in Mathugama-Neluwa road)
• Classic five waterfalls of Lankagama and waterfalls of Pitadeniya are situated within Sinharaja Rain Forest. Therefore need permission and guide to visit there.

Order of these waterfalls from Neluwa.

Order of these waterfalls from Neluwa

Waterfalls in Neluwa

Thapolena Falls 1 and 2 (තපෝලෙන ඇල්ල)

These waterfalls are situated within the premises of Sinhalena (සිoහ ලෙන) Buddhist Hermitage of Neluwa-Kosmulla road. You can notice the name board of this hermitage in left hand side when you travel from Neluwa along Kosmulla road. (Before popular Duwili Ella). Climb up about 1.5km till you reach the Buddhist hermitage. As the road condition is good, you can drive up to some extent.
The foot pathway towards Sinhalena hermitage branches at a junction where it goes upwards to Kande (කන්දේ) Wiharaya (left hand side) and Hermitage (Right hand side). Get the small foot pathway just before this junction towards the water stream. When you get down to the water stream you will notice Thapolena Falls 1.

Thapolena falls 1

It is a small waterfall with 4-5m height.

Directions from Neluwa-Kosmulla road. Red arrow shows towards Kosmulla. Black arrow shows the direction to Sinhalena Buddhist Hermitage.

Surrounding view.

Foot pathway in the hermitage.

Towards “Sinhalena Thapowanaya.” සිoහ ලෙන තපෝවනය

Towards Kande Wiharaya.

“Kande Wiharaya.”

Thapolena Falls 1.

View from above of Thapolena falls 1.

After visiting at Thapolena falls 1, you have to climb down about 20m to view Thapolena falls 2. This is bit risky thing to do. You can have only a pilot view of Thapolena falls 2. (Don’t know there is a foot pathway to the base of this waterfall.)

Thapolena falls 2.
This is 15m tall waterfall which is situated close to Thapolena falls 1.

White arrow shows the direction you have to go down.

Thapolena falls 2.

Thapolena falls 2. Unfortunately only lateral view could be captured.

Thapolena Falls 2. Prominent part.

If you ask from villagers about this waterfall they may not know it. Because they don’t use this name.

2. Neluwa/Kosmulla Duwili falls. (නෙළුව/කොස්මුල්ල දුවිලි ඇල්ල)

This massive and beautiful waterfall will come across at Kosmulla (about 7km away from Neluwa). It has three parts. Due to it’s popularity among tourists, they have made cement foot steps to reach the waterfall. There is a man made pool at ticket counter to have a bath.

First part of Neluwa/Kosmulla Duwili falls.

Neluwa Duwili falls-first part in full view.

On top of first part.

Steps to climb up.

Most beautiful part-2nd part.

2nd part in full view.

3rd part of Neluwa Duwili falls.

On top of 3rd part.

3. Thambalagama Duwili Falls (තඹලගම දුවිලි ඇල්ල)

This waterfall flows from Kabaragala Mountain and situated in Thambalagama area.
You have to walk/drive along the road where “Gramasewaka” house is situated about 1.5km. Then take the right hand side road which is situated in front of the last house of this road. This road will bring you to the water stream where the bridge can be noticed. Then you have to go upwards along the water stream about 100m till you reach this beautiful waterfall.
Before Kosmulla Duwili Ella becomes popular, this was the famous Duwili Ella of this area.
It’s height is 16m.

Well paved road to the water stream.

“The bridge” and direction towards the water fall.

Going upwards through Dola.

First glimpse of waterfall.

Thambalagama Duwili Ella.

Thambalagama Duwili Falls.

Only upper part.

What a beauty she is.

Waterfalls of Warukandeniya (වාරුකන්දෙනිය)

1. Alibodadola falls (ඇලිබොඩදොල ඇල්ල)

There are two Alibodadola falls-Alibodadola Ihala Ella and Alibodadola Pahala Ella. Once you enter the school road of Warukandeniya you will come across a board mentioning Warukandeniya-Alibodadola falls hydro power project. Follow the foot pathway closer to this board towards a tea patch first and then towards the water stream. Cross the water stream and you will come across hydro power plant. Take the foot pathway which is in behind the hydropower plant. It goes parallel to the Alibodadola.
After climb about 1km in this road you will come across Alibodadola Ihala Ella where they have diverted water.

Alibodadola Ihala Ella (ඇලිබොඩදොල ඉහල ඇල්ල)
This waterfall has few steps and main part is 8m tall.

Black arrow shows the foot pathway closer to the board.

Crossing the water stream.

Alibodadoal Ihala Ella- upper two parts.

Second upper part.

Alibodadola Ihala Ella-lower part.

Two parts of Alibodadola falls shown here.

When you come back in the same foot pathway about 50-100m, Alibodadola Pahala Ella can be viewed through trees. Follow the foot pathway down to the Alibodadola from main pathway and then climb up towards the waterfall.

Alibodadola Pahala Ella (ඇලිබොඩදොල පහල ඇල්ල)
It is about 5m in height.

Black arrow shows Alibodadola Pahala falls. Have to go along the Alibodadola to reach the waterfall.

Alibodadola Pahala falls.

Beauty.

Alibodadola Pahala falls.

Alibodadola Pahala Falls.

2. Ratawal Dola Falls/? Beraliya Dola Ella (රටවැල් දොල ඇල්ල/?බෙරලියදොල ඇල්ල)

This waterfall is also situated in Warukandeniya. You have to walk along the school road of Warukandeniya about 1km till you reach the temple. The Hydropower house can be seen close to the temple. Take the foot pathway from there towards the waterfall. (We were guided by a kind villager and Buddhist priest of the temple. Thanks for them). Better clarify the pathway from nearby villagers.

This is 6m high waterfall.

This is Beraliya Galanda waterfall. Not Ratawal dola fall. This is seen when you start the walk.

Ratawal dola falls.

Ratawal Dola Waterfall. Another view.

Ratawal Dola Ella-Through bushes.

Villagers are not using this name-Ratawal Dola. They basically say “waterfalls in Beraliya Dola” for all these waterfalls (Ratawal Dola Ella and Beraliya Galanda Ella). Therefore you might be confused if you search these waterfalls by it’s name.

When you go down along the Beraliya Dola, Beraliya Galanda falls will be come across. (Be careful in getting down along the water stream).

3. Beraliya Galanda Falls. (බෙරලිය ගල් ඇන්ද ඇල්ල)

This is 5m tall waterfall.

Beraliya Galanda Ella-side view.

Beraliya Galanda Falls-front view.

“Pus Ata” පුස් ඇට

Looking away.

Now it is a historical monument. This hydropower plant has been shifted away.

Waterfalls in Lankagama

Classic five waterfalls- Can be entered from Lankagama ticket counter.

1. Lankagama Brahamana Ella ලoකාගම බ්‍රාහ්මණ ඇල්ල (17m)

This is the first waterfall you can visit and can be seen even over the bridge of the road. This is made by Hariyawa Dola. Following this, Hariyawa Dola (හැරියාව දොල) flows further to join with Gin Ganga (ගිo ගග) . It is named as Brahamana Ella due to fallen of “Brahamanaya” from top of this waterfall.

Lankagama Brahamana Ella-Side view.

Lankagama Brahamana Ella-Front view

Lankagama Brahamana Ella-Distance view

Directions-Red arrow shows direction to Lankagama Brahamana Fall. White arrow shows direction to other four waterfalls.

Joining of right and left branches of Hariyawa Dola. Water is diverted from here to hydro power production.

Crossing of right branch of Hariyawa Dola. Our guide said this as the Sinharaja Dola and other part as Hariyawa Dola. Don’t know whether he is correct.

2. Lankagama Thattu Ella (ලoකාගම තට්ටු ඇල්ල)

As this waterfall flows in 2-3 steps it is called Thattu Ella. It is about 10m high.

Thattu Ella-Full view.

Thattu Ella-Upper part.

Hariyawa Dola-left branch following flow of Thattu Ella.

Thattu Ella-Lateral view.

3. Lankagama Duwili Ella. (ලoකාගම දුවිලි ඇල්ල)
This 23m height beautiful waterfall is made by the right branch of Hariyawa Dola.

First glimpse of Duwili Ella.

Closer view.

These trees were at top of the waterfall and dropped down due to fast flow during rainy season.

There is a small cave at the base of the waterfall. Arrow shows it. The “Brahamanaya” who has fallen from Brahamana Ella, has lived here. It can be reached from the base of the waterfall.

It is in monochrome.

4. Gal Oruwa Ella (ගල් ඔරුව ඇල්ල)

This unusual shape water fall has 40m height. It is made by the left branch of Hariyawa Dola. There is an observation flat form to watch the waterfall.

Gal Oruwa Ella. Difficult to capture it’s full length.

Gal Oruwa fall.

View of Lankagama Uranwatuna Ella from Gal Oruwa fall.

5. Lankagama Uran Watuna Ella (ලoකාගම ඌරන් වැටුන ඇල්ල)

This 20m tall waterfall is situated just above Gal Oruwa waterfall, formed by right branch of Hariyawa Dola. It’s base is full of slippery rocks. Therefore the best view can be taken from the observation flat form at Gal Oruwa fall. When you reach the top of the waterfall you can watch another two beautiful waterfalls above Lankagama Uran Watuna Ella. (Our guide called them as “Nuga Deka Ella” (නුග දෙක ඇල්ල). But no waterfall exists like that).

Lateral view of Uran Watuna Ella. To get this view you have to go closer to the waterfall through bushes on your way up to the waterfall.

Another side snap of the waterfall.

On top of Uran Watuna Ella.

The base of the waterfall and Gal Oruwa fall.

The left branch of Hariyawa Dola forms another two beautiful waterfalls above Uran Watuna Ella.

6. Hathbinna Ella (හත්බින්න ඇල්ල)

This 6m tall waterfall is made by Gin Ganga when it takes a bend at Nilwalla (නිල් වැල්ල). It is such a wide waterfall. You have to cross Gin Ganga close to Lankagama ticket counter and follow the foot pathway to view this waterfall.

Used to cross Gin Ganga.

Gin Ganga-It’s muddy colour due to yesterday heavy rain.

Foot pathway goes through the tea estate.

Direction to get a clear view of the waterfall, towards the bank of Gin Ganga.

Full range of Hathbinna fall.

A part of Hathbinna fall.

Waterfalls of Pitadeniya

To reach waterfalls of Pitadeniya, you have to walk towards the bridge between Pitadeniya and Lankagama and have to cross Aranuwa Dola (ආරනුව දොල).

1. Pathan Oya Ella/Wathugala Falls (පතන් ඔය ඇල්ල /වතුගල ඇල්ල)

You have to walk about 1.5-2km to reach Pathan Oya fall from Pitadeniya Conservation center. This waterfall has 16m height and it flows in few steps. It is bit difficult to reach to the base of the waterfall.

The bridge over Gin Ganga at Pitadeniya conservation center.

Gin Ganga is getting number of branches from rain forest.

The foot pathway through the rain forest.

Our guide Jayantha and Wuminda.

The place called “Wadi Dola”( වාඩි දොල). Nice place to rest. But leeches didn’t allow it.

“Wadi Dola”

Good morning!

The junction. Black arrow shows the way we came. Green arrow shows the pathway towards Pathan Oya fall (300m). Yellow arrow shows towards Kakuna fall (1200m).

Work of Jumbo.

Pathan Oya falls.

Closer view.

Another view of it.

2. Kakuna falls (කැකුණ ඇල්ල)

As Kakuna trees are abundant around this water fall, it is called Kakuna Ella. It is 11m high and has 5m width.

“Gona Thuththiri” Area (ගෝණ තුත්තිරි මණ්ඩිය)

“Gona Thuththiri”

.	Rising up…..

First glimpse of Kakuna falls. To reach Kakuna falls then have to cross the water stream. If water level is high it is not possible.

Kakuna falls with it’s base.

Kakuna falls-Closer view.

At it’s base.

On top of Kakuna falls.

Following the waterfall.

3. Malmora Ella (මල්මොර ඇල්ල)

This 30m tall waterfall is situated within Sinharaja rain forest and need about 2.5-3km walk into the forest to view this. This foot pathway is highly infested with leeches.

Distance view of Malmora falls.

Closer view.

Another closer view.

Malmora falls in full length.

End result of the journey.

Cascades of Gall District.

Above mentioned waterfalls are belong to Galle district and situated closer to Sinharaja rain forest. It covers large number of waterfalls in Galle district. Other waterfalls of Galle District are

1. Andahalena Ella (අඩාහැලෙන ඇල්ල)
2. Waterfalls in Kanneliya Forest-Anagimala Falls (අනගිමල ඇල්ල), Narangas Ella (නාරoගස් ඇල්ල) and Manamala Dola falls (මනමාළ දොල ඇල්ල)

Anagimala Ella.

Narangas Ella.

Pitadeniya Conservation Center

There are 3 accommodation options at Pitadeniya Conservation Center.
1. “Wana Niwahana” (වන නිවහන)
2. Gin Ganga Sewana (ගිo ගග සෙවන)
3. Wanigasekara Memorial Home

“Wana Niwahana”

“Gin Ganga Sewana”

Wanigasekara Memorial Home.

Historical Information.

Pitadeniya Office.

Lecture Hall.

Educational matters.

Samples of plants.

Kitchen and dining hall. Their foods are tasty.

Thank you for reading.

It is a waterfall hunt around Maskeliya area, even though it was not the best time for it. We started at 5.00 am and the road towards Ruwanwella was through several rubber estates and it was a pleasant drive.

Early morning sun creeping

Road through rubber estates

After passing Yatiyanthota we stopped at Ingiriyawatte to see the hanging bridge. According to villagers this is the longest hanging bridge of the country with a length of 360 feet. There was another hanging bridge between Kalugala junction and Bodiragala junction.

Longest suspension bridge at Ingiriyawatte

Second one is smaller

From Bodiragala junction we turned left towards Lakshapana. After passing Laxapana power station we came to ‘Double cut junction’ where you can see the ‘Zero’ mile post.

Double cut junction

Zero Mile Post

Then we took the right turn along Sri Pada road about 4 KM to the turn off to Lakshapana fall. This road is very scenic along the seven virgins mountain range and you can also see Lakshapana fall along this road.

Lakshapana seen through CEB cables

On the way to Lakshapana

Scenic seven virgin mountain range

It’s tea on both sides of the road

Huge pipes across the road carrying water from Wimalasurendra Power station

We came across several ‘Peella’ along this road

From main road, you have to walk about 300 meters downhill to reach this fall. There are cement steps up to the base pool.

Steps down towards the base pool

Laxapana fall, was not in full flow

Then we came back to the main road and proceeded towards Nallathanniya through Maussakele.

Maussakele Junction

Maussakele Reservoir

After passing Maussakele reservoir we saw ‘Mohinie Ella’ just by the side of Nallathanniya road. Another two KM towards Nallathanniya we came to Moray estate.

Mohini Ella

Entrance to Moray estate

This road through Moray estate leads to few waterfalls and also to the famous ‘Fishing Hut’. You have to walk through a private land to reach these waterfalls and therefore you need to stick to certain days of the week.

Right turn will take you to Fishing Hut

Only on these days

There are three waterfalls on this route and even the locals were confused about the names of them. We took the left turn and witnessed the breathtaking view of the Gatmore fall falling into Maussakele reservoir.

Gatmore fall, falling into Maussakele reservoir, view from Moray estate

Moray estate tea factory

Gatmore fall

Gatmore fall zoomed

From Gatmore fall we walked further on a walking track for another 500 meters to reach Moray fall.

Walking track towards Moray fall

Moray fall seen from the walking track

Adam’s Peak fall was seen just next to the Moray fall.

Moray fall near the base pool

Adam’s peak fall

After enjoying these three beauties we came back to Nallathanniya road.

Tea collecting centre of Moray estate

Sri Pada seen from Moray estate

Our next destination was Aberdeen fall. We came back to Double cut junction and drove about 2 KM towards Norton Bridge. Just before the town we turned left along Kaluweldeniya road to reach this fall.

Observation deck of the aberdeen fall

Base pool seems very deep

Then we came to our hotel ‘Best life Adventure camp’ in Kithulgala. This place conducts training sessions for members of private firms and there was a group of about 50 people. Their last item for the day was a campfire and we also joined with them. There were few performances and finally we enjoyed a delicious BBQ to end the day.

Camp fire

Individual performances

Sing song

A magic show

Finally the BBQ

Next day morning when we got up there were some activities of the group going on.

Entrance to the hotel

Inside the hotel

Training sessions

Some adventures – Toddy tapping

After breakfast we went on white water rafting. We couldn’t take any pictures as we didn’t have a water proof camera. We were given life saving jackets and helmets and after a brief introduction we started the tour which is about 5 KM along Kelani River. My wife who didn’t join in this adventure captured few actions of our group, while we were passing the hotel.

Our group near the hotel

Just settled after passing the rapid

Stopped for a while near the hotel

Flat water rafting

It was a thrilling experience with full of fun and excitements. After several tumbles and collisions we reached the destination in about one hour. The last stretch of the river was flat and we were asked to jump out from the boat. We were freely floating with the flow of the river until we reached the end. Then we were taken back to the hotel in a lorry.

He was rowing alone

Coming back to the hotel, boat on top

Then I went on another adventure with my two sons. It is the confident jump and sliding. We had to walk about 2 KM from the hotel to reach this place. We were accompanied by Mr. Wanasingha and Mr.Pushpakumara as Guide/instructor

Crossing a stream

Getting ready, all fixed well

This place is called Kataran Oya which is a branch of Kelani river and there are several rock pools and several small cascades around this place.

The first rock pool

Another pool

There were many small cascades

Three of us jumped into the first pool

We had to slide on a rock with the water stream. You have to slide down and finally you will fall into the rock pool. Stream is only about 5 meters.

Instructions

and there you go

My younger son

Youngest out of all

It’s a real fun sliding down on a rock with the water flow. Then our guide said we must slide with the head down, which I refused vehemently, but my two sons wanted to do it.

With the head down

You must keep your head raised up

Then came the confident jump. There are several rock pools with varying diameters and depths. They have selected two basins for this adventure and first one is about 15 feet above water level. Second pool is more challenging and the height is more than 25 feet.

Confident jump

I was bit panic

My younger son straightway jumped without a second thought

After all these excitements and fun we came back to the hotel, fully drenched and straight away jumped into the natural pool and joined with the crowd there.

Had a cool dip with the crowd there

Other side of the river is a thick jungle, captured from the hotel

There were some acrobatics going on

very risky in between so many rocks

After all these fun and joy, we had a late lunch and came back home with some wonderful memories.

It was on the 7th Dec that Hari and I went on that unforgettable waterfall hunt coupled with the Pahiyangala climb. It turned out to be a great journey being able to see all those gorgeous girls falling down playfully. If you’ve not read what it was like, check it out here.
Ever since we visited the Thotupola Mountain searching for long awaited Nelu flowers, Kirigalpoththa hike had been added to my to-do-list bold and underlined which means only one thing. Do it ASAP, Top priority.

To top it off I decided to link another stage to my collection of rail hikes too. If you guys remember, we came up to Nanu Oya from Ambewela after the Nelu hunt. So if there was a time to continue from where we stopped, I couldn’t think of anything better. So I submitted my carefully written proposal (as appealingly as possible) to my bunch of troops hoping for a positive outcome.

As usual the replies were mixed with definite yes, no and maybe. Well I shouldn’t have expected anything different, should I? Sheham, who’s been a major part of my recent adventures, was very willing coz he’s made a vow to climb the top 10 mountains of Sri Lanka and this one was a blessing in disguise as we did Piduruthalagala and Thotupola about a month ago (Nelu Hunt & Rail Hike Stage 03 reports here).

Not everyone gets to do the top 3 within 6-8 weeks even though they are not the most challenging ones. I came across this place in Pattipola from our forum that came highly recommended. I called Karunadasa who is the owner and fortunately his entire 3-room guest was free.

I too wanna confirm that this place is such a good one, unbelievably cheap (don’t get me wrong. It’s not cheap coz the place is a slum) and Karunadasa’s wife is a master cook. The food really is homemade and tasty. He’s a very humble, hospitable, friendly and reasonable person.

Tony and Athula were having trouble joining us and most of the others were tied up one way or the other but Sheham and I decided to do it no matter what happens. After a long battle, Athula managed to convince his new boss that climbing Kirigalpoththa and hiking along the railway are more important than being stuck at work during the weekend. Tony too managed to make it after a lot of convictions.

So after a long hustle and bustle, we were finally on our way just after midnight on Sat morning along Peradeniya-Gampola-N’Eliya road enveloped in pitch dark. Having made good time, we reached N’Eliya just after 5am. As N’Eliya-Nanu Oya Road is still under construction we decided to take the road passing Magasthota that connects to the Black Pool area. This is the same road which is used for N’Eliya races. Soon as we hit the Meepilimana village the whole world turned upside down. The entire area was covered in mist so thick we could not see more than a few feet ahead of us.

I’ve seen mist before but lemme tell you that I’ve never seen something like this. The world around us was nothing but grey white and the odd black shadows of all kinds of trees were barely visible. We were practically crawling at a snail’s speed and it was no better than feeling your way in the dark. However we were intrigued by what we saw.

Eventually Tony had to get a torch and lower the shutter and aim at the edge of the road so that we wouldn’t fall into a drain. However lowering the glass made our hair stand on its ends and froze our exposed skin.

We were shivering like furless polar bears while Tony kept rubbing his torch holding hand to prevent it from going numb and losing the torch. Finding Karunadasa’s place was a nightmare in this thick fog but he came out to meet us nearly preventing our getting lost.
It’s actually called “Nisansala Guest” and been there for the last decade or so. He hurriedly made us milk coffee that invigorated our bodies and minds. We had the pick of the rooms as the place was not booked for that day. Leaving our baggage in the room, we left for Nanu Oya where the head of our rail hike was.

The mist was relentless but the morning light made the whole area breath taking. It’d been raining in the last few days which worried me to no end. Tony and Sheham were boasting about their raincoats making Atha and me nervy. However my beloved N’Eliya has never let me down and this time was no different. We decided to take a drive along the New Zealand farm road for two reasons. Waiting for the mist to lift and see the beauty of the farm under the misty blanket.

Tour Highlights:

1. Scenic Drive through the Ambewela Farm
2. 19.4 km of Railway Hike
3. Glassaugh Falls, Nanu Oya
4. Nanu Oya Falla, Nanu Oya
5. Radella Falls, Radella
6. Great Rail Track Loop, Watagoda

The distances between railway stations:

• Nanu Oya – Radella – 4.34km
• Radella – GW – 3.4km
• GW – Watagoda – 5.01km
• Watagoda – Talawakele – 6.4km

It was a very good thing we decided to do that coz the experience was exhilarating and unforgettable. The greenery mixed with grey white mist was so picturesque one could’ve spent hours looking at it. The spill of the Ambewela reservoir was partially open sending creamy white jet stream of water down making patterns. We were mesmerized by what lay before us. Going further up, we came across a bunch of cows munching on dewy grass.

Tony was trying to get their perspective of the mist without any success. All he managed to get from them were hard stares for disturbing their breakfast. I can’t explain how marvelous the mist makes photography. I know a few friends of mine who love taking pics of the misty environments and they wouldn’t have left this for anything.
Check out the Video of Ambewela Farm here.

Good Morning Pattipola!

Karunadasa’s Garden

Full of water drops

The Piercing agent

Kissable

Very vivid

Adorable

More like X’mas

Slicing through the mist

Ready to sow

The best of the day

As if on cue, appeared around the corner

Simply love this

Ambewela Reservoir

Hanging for their lives

Workers heading to the farm

Misty road towards the farm

Half open

Having fun or going to work?

Icy cold

Reminds me of horrible Z-D canal

Waterfall???

The old is suffering from cold while the young has no problems

Never seen something like this

This is it

The board is peeling off

Waiting for something to happen

Busy at work

Whole lot of them

More to go

Don’t know where it came from

Another vehicle coming towards the farm

Everything is artistic

Talking to his friends in their language

Giving Tony one of her nasty looks

“Anything to grab?”

New hairstyle

Absolutely breathtaking

More trees

The time was practically stopped but Atha kept reminding that we got nearly 20km of railway to tackle. So finally I gave in and we very slowly drove through the fogy road towards Nanu Oya. Our driving was severely hampered due to not having fog lamps in our vehicle. So if you’re going, do check the weather conditions and take necessary precautions such as fog lights. The fog eased after Meepilimana and it was around 9am by the time we arrived at the station. Taking everything we wanted such as water and food, we hit the railway line leaving the car at the station car park.

We got to the first of the many bridges after about 200m and we asked the villagers for directions to the Nanu Oya falls and Glassaugh falls. You have to take the road just passing the bridge and go downhill about 500m till you reach the two falls. The two falls were on either side about 100ft apart which reminded me of Dunsine and Sheen falls at Pundaluoya (That report is here). Sadly the water levels were not so great, especially of the Glassaugh falls. She was falling in a few parts as a result instead of the long and full shape. On the other hand, Nanu Oya falls that is the shorter of the two but more beautiful due to her with and steps like shape, had more water that pleased me to no end.

The time was 9.20am and according to the time table a train was due at 9.31am. Hoping against the hope for a view of the train on the bridge over the Nanu Oya falls which is very rare, we waited anxiously as we all know the reputation of our railway systems’ punctuality is very poor especially in the upcountry line. However it has been vastly improved after the introduction of S-12 Chinese power sets.

Just passing 9.35am, we barely heard the roar of the train (these Chinese trains are so much quieter than the good old German ones and most of the times you never know when it’s almost on top of you. So do be careful if you’re doing a rail hike and take precautions) amid the noise of the waterfall and managed to aim the camera just in time to capture it on my lens. Thanks to my Sony I could both video and take pics simultaneously which was a great advantage in tricky situations like these. It was so fortunate for us to be able to witness this rare incident and it even made us forget our breakfast.

We went further along and got back on the track. There were vegetable patches either side and in one of them farmers were harvesting their potato crops. The tummy was finally growling so we stopped about 500m away near some stone slabs which were perfect for sitting and laying our feast of Boiled eggs, Soya meat curry, Tampered Sprats along with carrots, onions, potatoes and bell peppers with sliced bread. To wash it down we had mixed fruit juice. It really was 5-star hotel meal with superstar views. The views were amazing with the rising sun over the mountain tops and it felt like heaven.

We met one of the linesmen who was very glad to see people walking along the railway line for pleasure. After a while we reached the first station which was Radella. It’s about 4km from Nanu Oya. Just before the station is a bridge and behind it is a beautiful waterfall around 30ft in height. We called her the Radella falls and just then came the Colombo bound Udarata Menike which I managed to capture on the bridge. I called Morgan (I’m sure you all remember who he is. He’s the one that helps people climb the 6th highest mountain in Sri Lanka, the mighty Great Western.) to inform him where we were as I’d made arrangements with him before to make lunch ready for us.

We headed further along passing endless panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and tea estates. Just before bridge where you start climbing the GW Mountain we stopped for a tea break. Sheham had his portable cooker with him and instant coffee sachets. Setting up the cooker Tony played the housewife making milky coffee which revived us. The lady GW was smiling with me wearing her typical white scarf that is always clean. I was so happy to be near her for the 3rd time in 8 months. We repacked everything and headed along passing the bridge and the steps to the Kovil where you walk through to get up to the summit. You can check my Great Western Adventure over here.

We reached the GW station around noon and called Morgan who had gone home to pack our lunch. He invited us to his house for lunch but we were not hungry and time was crucial so politely declined his offer. He’s adding a new room to his house and it’s sort of good news as if and when you’re visiting GW, there will be a place to stay as well. Hopefully he’ll finish it soon coz the ideal time for climbing is from Feb to Apr.

Just before getting to the station, Colombo bound another S12 reached GW and it looks like there are 3 of them running now and it’s good news for the travelers. I showed them the rest room where Hari and I waited being chilled to the marrow. Morgan came with lunch packets and we resumed our hike wanting to get to Talawakele as early as possible. We met yet another linesman who had a nearly 2km-long chat with us, especially Sheham pointing key places to us. He’s been working on Talawakele-GW stretch for the last 10 years without being able to change the route as nobody would take it. About 1km away from GW, he showed us the Devon falls in the distance and close to it was the closely located newly built bunch of cottages on the slope. No idea if it was done following the proper procedures but according to our friend many big shots have their paws in this.

Going further on, he showed us where the 13.5km long underground tunnel that brings water from Pundaluoya to Upper Kotmale reservoir goes underneath the railway. The soil has shrunk inwardly showing a hollow path along the tunnel. So this was the killer of many falls on other side of GW Mountain such as Pundaluoya, Dansine, Sheen, Puna, etc…

Now we were completely surrounded by tea estates especially the GW and the view was superb. The railway kept snaking through the plantations making curvy patterns shaded by mammoth trees. Just then there was an ancient looking bridge overhead and our friend pointed it is called the “Kudira Bridge” which means “Horse Bridge” as Kudira in Tamil means Horse in Sinhala. This is where the English crossed from one side to the other on horseback and the bridge is about a century old. Even today it looks very strong and a tuk-tuk can easily get on to it. We decided to explore the bridge and take comfy breaks while our friend went on his way bidding us farewell. Back to the track and just a bit along we heard a roar of an engine which made Tony nearly outta his skin for the first time. Little did he know there would be another jumpy incident 24hrs later?

He jumped out of the railway shouting us to do the same but the noise was coming from the above rather than front or back. All of a sudden there was this deafening roar coming through the tree tops and going less than 300ft high was a Bell 412 VIP chopper. We all had a laugh but there came another thunderous noise. The Bell was followed by a massive MI-17 also heading towards N’Eliya. What a frightful experience we had. It was pretty much uneventful till we got to Watagoda station. Filling up our water bottles we continued our merry way. Fortunately our linesman friend told us about the Watagoda great loop, the second of its kind after Demodara. This one is however not so famous owing to not having such genius creation like Demodara and very few people walk this bit.

The railway line makes a gigantic “Payanna” here to maneuver around and the tunnel 16 too is part of this. The shape looking from Google maps reminded me of a pot too (Kalaya in Sinhala). As if on cue there was a train coming and we waited to capture it on camera. M6 makes such a great impression with its green and red color combinations blended with natural shades of green of the plants along. This is where the below railway line comes as much as 60-80ft close to the one on top. A sheer drop about 50ft with a near 90 degrees angle making it impossible for the two lines to join each other, instead making them take a longer detour. We were standing at the neck of the Pot or Payanna while the Watagoda station situated at the belly. Check the google maps for a clear idea.

Train went past us but we waited for it to appear above us and took pictures. Then we got to the tunnel 16 and there came another M6 Colombo bound through it. What a day full of surprises. We decided to have lunch coz it was going past 3pm. Bunch of sleepers made an ideal table and we unwrapped our bulging lunch packs. Morgan had served very generously, Chicken, Cabbage, Beans, etc. with rice were very delicious. It was near impossible to finish the whole of it but we did our best. Having finished a hearty meal, we followed the track towards our destination. Talawakele town was now coming and going through the hills and tea bushes along with N’Eliya-Hatton road which is still under construction. So far up to Talawakele stretch is done and another 20+km to go. It might take another year or so at this rate.

Devon falls too kept waving at us from far away which made my spirits lift. Soon the water way that feeds the St. Claire falls came in to view and what an abysmal state it was in Upper Kotmale reservoir having absorbed nearly every drop of her water. She was nothing but a tiny trickle coming miserably. My heart nearly jumped out of me and felt like crying. This is the so-called development.

When we were about 600m away from Talawakele station, the Badulla bound Udarata Menike arrived there. We tried to run but my previous run along from Ella made me grimace coz it is so difficult to walk on the railway line let alone run. We missed it by about 10mins. Having reached our destination we checked the time table. It was just gone 5pm and a goods train was due at 5.30pm but none of them was sure if it would make it on time. These goods trains are notoriously famous for being late so we decided to bid our farewell and take our chances with the bus. Sheham had exerted his feet a bit too much and in pain hardly able to walk while Atha too had got his jitters in the right knee. We got to the bus stop and luckily there was one with seats. We got on and slumped to them with feet-long sighs. What a cracker of a day it was. The bus took a long detour and it was very dark and past 6pm when we reached Nanu Oya. Having replenished our medical pouch, we got to the car and drove away. The mist was waiting and Tony did his best with the torch again to show the roadside to Sheham.

We reached the guest exhausted and Karunadasa was ready with coffee. Having had a rather cold bath (mind they have hot water but I wanted the cold water to run down my body that was aching) we were ready for supper. Sheham opted to go without and get his head down straight away. After a hearty dinner we tucked in for the night recalling the day’s events which is my favorite at the end of a rollercoaster day. We let the sleep creep up on us and take our battered body and excited minds to the dreamland as we had yet another long day ahead of us.

Check out the Videos below:

1. Train going along Nanu Oya Bridge

2. Nanu Oya Falls

3. Train coming towards Watagoda Station

4. Train going overhead towards GW

5. Train coming through Tunnel 16

Well folks that was my fairy tale of the rail hike stage 3. Hope you enjoyed it and I didn’t miss anything. I’ll see you with the next tale soon, till then take care.

From the road towards Nanu Oya… Sri Pad is visible barely

Turn to right

Get going

The bridge just off the station

Under the bridge, we took the path to the left to visit the two waterfalls

Going along the path. This too looks like a waterfall

Big enough and I first got very confused

“Where’s this waterfall?”

Many mountains shrouded by the clouds

The triple cuties

Nanu Oya tea factory

I wish they really do that

uctions to pluck properly

There she is…. Nanu Oya falls on the right and abysmal looking Glassaugh falls on the left

The falls and the bridge

A vehicle going through the road

From the Nanu Oya falls the factory is seen

The steps clearly seen

Glassaugh falls

Very little water

There comes the train

What a sight?

“Cock-a-doodle-doooooooooooooo”

Freshly dug

Towards the infinity

What a super place to have a house

More to go

Linesman busy at work

Good view point

Now hungry

Mmmmmmmm, mouth watering

The best place to have breakfast

More like a U cut

These are in abundance

My favorite

The paths that run through tea estates

Bunch of boys on a tiny hill

There she comes

More carriages of goods

The first tunnel you come across since Pattipola…

Going across looks like a tiny canal for water

Not so long

There ghosts in civilian clothes?

Ready-to-harvest potatoes

End of the morning session

Radella Falls

She looks pretty high and very beautiful

The top of her

Towards the bottom

Managed to capture this in time

Not stopping at Radella

See you lady!

Radella Falls can be seen from this

Gosh, how come I forgot the name…

Everywhere is full of something

Not the station master

Salad, Leeks and beet

Radella Int Stadium

Gorgeous

GW obscured by the mist and the rock along the railway is cut 90-degrees

Towards GW

Rickety looking bridge

This person hasn’t seen a railway line before

So many V cuts

The path towards the GW is barely seen in the middle

Stopped for a cup of coffee here

Super

Assistant Chef Sheham

Master Chef, Tony

Love the color

This bridge is very familiar coz during my first trip to GW, we came as far as this

This path leads to the Kovil and beyond that is the path to the summit

Railway towards GW

Another Chinese coming towards GW

Out in the open

Train heading towards Watagoda

The summit still shrouded in mist

Oh what a beauty

GW has many more like these

Our rendezvous point in many journeys

The team with Morgan who brought our lunch

“Anybody home?”

The path that goes from Morgan’s house towards Talawakele

The linesman who went almost as far as to Watagoda with us

This is another Badulla-bound one

GW in the distance waving at us

Lush green tea bushes

Walking through a dream

Bending nicely

Bell 412, this gave Tony a heart attack

MI-17 too joined the party

Towards Talawakele

These cottages are visible from the railway line

Devon falls

The light green ravine like bit is where the 13.5km long tunnel is laid that brings water from Pundaluoya to Talawakele

Goes underneath the railway to the other side

Goes underneath the railway to the other side

Dark

Kudira Bridge

Seen it many times going in the train, now is the time to go see it up close

Very stron and easily a tuk-tuk can drive through

From the bridge, Sheham and Tony like ants

Up close

Towards Watagoda

Still strong despite nearly 100 years old

What a place to relax

A tank?

Another footpath

Main road links with the rail road

It’s the life in these parts

End of a hard day’s work

Irresistible green

What a place to spend the night

Soothing pic

One more to go

See you!

Here’s the Great Rail track Loop

GW is still with us

Up country Tsunami Houses – rather Upper Kotmale houses

Going along a Payanna

Still at work having a chat

Train comes towards Watagoda from Talawakele passing the Tunnel 16 at the loop

Here she comes

Plenty of smoke

More V cuts

Passing Watagoda station going towards GW… the sheer drop making it impossible to cut down the distance

We got a short cut through this to the tunnel entrance

Full of them

Going towards the tunnel

Through the bushes

Here we are

Solid rocks

Surprise visit

Observation platform and my team on the side

Going for a peep

Not so long either

Coming back

Food for the bulls

Morgan’s lunch, very tasty and there was so much

GW still in the distance

Towards Devon

These concrete sleepers make it easy to walk coz the gap is even

Hidden falls

“Is it near?”

Look at the drop

Long bridge with a deep ravine

The Nade Gura leading from the front

Tiny stream

Another hidden beauty

Here’s the bridge from the side

GW still with us

The team on the track

Dried up, St Clair is as good as dead

Never ending V cuts

The road above runs towards Pundaluoya

The damn dam

Killing the waterfalls

The tsunami, no the Upper Kotmale houses

Some more

Just missed this train by about 5 mins and had to use the bus and it took forever to get back to Nanu Oya

Such beauty

The reservoir

It’s narrow and long

Fishing

Long bridge across the reservoir

Finally

We did it boys

Good bye Talawakele, will see from the next leg of rail hikes

Now you can enjoy the Panos I took during the day.

Pano 1

Pano 2

Pano 3

Pano 4

Pano 5

Pano 6

Pano 7

Pano 8