Hi there, it’s me once again with yet another of my Pic Journeys this time travelling around Welimada. My plans of visiting Diyathalawa got washed away in the intermittent rains and was looking for an alternative when my longtime friend Lasantha invited me to visit his place (maybe for the 4th time) and I managed to sift through my not-too-long contact list and find a friend (Amila aka Podi, the one who went to Morning Side with me some time ago) to go with me who wished at the end of the journey he’d never joined me. Going through the Lakdasun Bank of Trip Reports, I came across one of Ashan’s (not too surprised by it) and decided to follow his footsteps.

He claimed that he burned nearly all the fat he had both useful and unhealthy ones. I went to check the availability of Sleeping Berths of the Badulla Nigh Mail and as usual came up empty. This is my 6th or 7th attempt at getting sleeping berths but none of the time I could get them despite being there just when they opened the bookings for the particular day (10 days before). Once I was approached by what looked like a porter asking if I wanted sleeping berths but when I said they were all full he claimed that he could get them for me. Sensing of a scam, I just refused his offer and been wondering ever since if there really is some sort of a scam booking these tickets which I assume in high demands. (Do share if you’ve faced similar incidents at the comments)

I then went to the private bus stand and booked the Super Line bus and for the return journey had to resort to book the second class seats of the night mail which leaves B’Wela at 07.45pm (only on the time schedule but hardly ever on time). Podi and I left Nugegoda around 11.55pm and reached B’Wela around 4.00am. I was immediately taken by how clean the town really was. They had planted various flowers along the sidewalks, notably Sunflower (took a pic in the dark) and there was no rubbish or waste to be seen anywhere. It was impossible the cleaners had done their work before 4am and looked like they’d done a super job the previous evening and the people who used the town hadn’t littered it like many other towns. So excellent job by the Municipal Council, its workers and the people all together. We even noticed on the next day evening during our return journey that people were so disciplined as they kept to the sidewalks which were of course nicely made and kept for the pedestrians, used only the yellow stripes to cross the road and Police just kept a casual watch on the town not interfering much. What an exemplary town B’Wela has become and may the tradition continue for the future and others get influenced by that as well.

Bandarawela is a key location as this is where I started First of My Rail Hikes. So I’m glad to see B’wela getting improved the way she does.

Tour Highlights:

1. Diya Wetena Ella, Alawathugoda.

2. Keppetipola Fort.

3. Galwaysland National Park, Nuwara Eliya.

4. Diurumpola RMV, Nugathalawa.

5. Ravan Ella, Uduhawara.

6. Dowe RMV, Dowe, Bandarawela.

Day 01

We arrived in Welimada just after 6am and headed straight to Lasantha’s house and had a hearty breakfast. Then it was time to, for Podi’s dismay, get back on the road.

Diya Wetena Ella

We took a Welimada-Bogahakumbura bus (alternatively you can take a Welimada-Boralanda bus which will take you to the turn off towards Alawathugoda) and got off at Bogahakumbura town and hired a tuk-tuk to reach the destination which was about 3-4km away. Surprisingly enough most of the people knew about the waterfall even though it’s not a prominent one. The road is under construction and in a somewhat bad condition.

We reached the Alawathugoda village passing the Community Hall where we had to walk as the road had been concreted and left to rest. It was a good 600-800m walk which took its toll on Podi who kept panting all the way. Unfortunately there was very little water and it made us feel very down. Well, you can’t always be lucky and see them in full flow I guess.

Just getting started

In the distance is the Pattipola Kanda, beyond that is the railway line

The Falls is in the distance, barely seen

Zoomed all the way

Getting closer

Where’s the water?

I was disappointed, so was my friend

The middle part

Nothing much

The top

Barely able to cover the rocky surface

Keppetipola Fort

We returned to Bogahakumbura in the same tuk-tuk that cost Rs. 300/-, good bargain at the time and got into a Welimada bus and got off at Keppetipola. The fort is behind and to the right of Keppetipola Post Office. It still has the walls which are solidly built and still standing but there was no typical archaeology department board or any sign giving the importance or the history behind it. Looking inside we were surprised to see another building within the fort walls and it’s been recently built and now has a weaving factory inside.

There were 4 ladies busy at work and they had no idea about the history or the value of the fort itself. My friend joked claiming that their weaving factory will also get ancient value as it’s housed inside the fort. I wonder how on earth they built a structure inside it and why archaeology department hasn’t done anything to protect it.

From the front, still standing solidly

Side wall

Taken from the inside

They’re weaving happily

Getting the measure

Another machine and this girl was a beauty but very shy

Galwaysland National Park

Our next stop was Nuwara Eliya and we decided to walk from the town towards Nuwara Eliya Depot where it used to be the Nuwara Eliya Station (heard rumors that the railway line from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya will be reconstructed but no specific info). It’s about 600m from N’Eliya to the Galwaysland turn off just passing the depot on Kandapola Road. From the turn off there’s another 1km to the entrance of the park which we walked amid heavy protests from my friend.

The park warden was very helpful and friendly. Total cost for 2 people was Rs. 89/- and he went to great trouble to find us the balance Rs. 11/-. I’ve been to N’Eliya for the last 15 years continuously (nearly 20 times) but never got the chance to go see this place (however it’s been established in 2007). This is a heaven for bird watchers (no wonder Dhanushka, Harsha and others keep going back to this place) and boasts plenty of different birds many of which are endemic to SL.

It’s a circular trail which is roughly 2km in length and the path is nicely paved with stones except at few places.

Afterwards, we killed some time wandering along the Gregory Lake which was for a change devoid of people. Piduruthalagala loomed in the distance and brought back sweet memories of our visit there. (Check the Piduruthalagala Journey here). We then took a bus back to Welimada and went home for a sumptuous dinner and a warm bed.

Haggala larger than life

Who wouldn’t wanna live in a place like this?

Never seen this kind before

Nuwara Eliya Temple

Just took off from the Race Course

My friend nearly fainted seeing 1km

Well carpeted

Here we are

The park entrance and the offices

Beginning of the trail

The info (Click image to enlarge)

After about 100m, there’s this junction and ideally you should take the left one

Nicely paved path

Resting places

Thick forest

Rare beauties

Man-made waterholes

On the look-out. See he’s even taken off his slippers so as not to make a sound

Elephants skin like

Twisted tree

Uprooted

Skin diseases

Just finished

Know the fella? Found on the washroom door

Looking in

Can’t resist them

Just look at these colors

Reminds me of many songs

Deserted Gregory Lake Park

Bring back happy memories

It was just us and of course the doggy too

Love the colour combination

Towards Lover’s Leap

Newly addition

Many more

End of the day

Day 02

Having slept till 8.00am (a rare feat for me) and after another filling breakfast we were ready to go, this time Lasantha too joined us as we were all leaving for Colombo in the evening.

Diurumpola RMV

As usual, I’ve passed this temple many times in my previous visits but never visited (gosh how many there could be just like that) and this time didn’t wanna miss out. It’s believed that this is where Sitha took her oaths to prove herself. Located at the Nugathalawa Junction between Keppetipola and Welimada, the temple is about 100m from the main road and can easily be seen from the road. It’s distinguished feature is the 4 tiny Stupa constructed around the main one. It’s such a strange place as there are 4 Bo Trees and 3 of which are clustered together in a triangle and in the middle sits a tiny Stupa. The 4th Bo tree is just a bit off the main cluster.

There had been a tunnel mouth among the 3 Bo trees and the Stupa has built covering the entrance. Just another mystery of King Ravana legend. Special note on the Bo Maluwa coz I felt so relaxed and peaceful under the shade of the Bo trees, it makes you so calm and well I don’t know how to express it but can’t recall many places like these. Do pay a visit and stay under the Bo trees and tell me how you felt.

Have you heard “Nayata Andu Kola Wage”? This is Andu plant and the leaf has very strong aroma

Partners in crime

From the Nugathalawa Junction

Distinguishing

Just so peaceful

The legend

The triangle of Bo trees and the stupa blocking the tunnel entrance

I just love this pic

Beyond the temple and it’s believed in ancient times, this was a lake

Ravan Ella

After Diurumpola Temple, we took a bus to Welimada and reached the Clock Tower bus stand where most of the buses to the rural areas are parked. Checking around we got to know Medahinna-Welimada Bus (No. 140/1) was the ideal one to reach Ravan Ella (We took the 11.10am bus). Alternatively you can take a Bomburu Ella bus and get off at Uduhawara Junction and from there go towards Korandekumbura Village (about 2km) and another 600-800m to the falls.

The road is carpeted and in good condition but from Uduhawara under construction. If you go by own vehicle take the Ambagasdowa road and go towards Uduhawara passing Uma Ela then take the road towards Medahinna (go straight from Uduhawara coz left is towards Bomburu Ella, check out my Bomburu Ella Report here) and take another left at Korandekumbura.

You can arrange meals or even accommodation with the contact person I’ve given above.

There was very little water to speak of despite this being a fairly tall waterfall, easily topping 100ft mark.

Video of Ravan Ella

Ready to sow

Here she is

The upper part

Very little water

Base pool, not too deep but icy cold

The top

Hitting hard

The trio

Time to bid farewell

Enjoying a cracker

Dowe Cave Temple

We got back to Welimada by bus and got into it from Korandekumbura at 2.00pm. After a tasty and reasonably priced lunch at Janahitha Restaurant in Welimada (can easily recommend this place located right in front of the main bus stand) we got into a bus to B’Wela and reached around 4.45pm. From there took a trishaw to Dowe Temple (cost us Rs. 200/-) and explored it as much as we could.

Main highlight was the rock carved Buddha Statue that is around 60-70ft in height. The main image house was closed but the monks coming to do the evening rituals were kind enough to show us around. I’ve actually been to this temple before (Check My Trip Report here) but wanted to come see it again. I saw something I missed in my last visit which was the entrance to the tunnel at the back of the image house. According to a monk, this was closed after the Uprising in 1971, before that a monk accompanied by a dog had gone in but never to return again.

It’s believed that this is linked to the Bogoda Temple with the Wooden Bridge and many other places that linked to Ravana the Great.

Just got here

Significant landmark seen from the road

Not ripe yet

Gigantic rock carving of Lord Buddha

Closer

Zoomed all the way

Locked?

Solid brass lock

Entering into the image house

Paintings on the ceiling

Lotus flower paintings

They’ve somewhat destroyed the painting due to electricity supply

Behind the image house

Solidly walled tunnel entrance

Old statues

Another hallmark statue

Paintings on the rocky ceiling

Many more

Makara Thorana

Ready to go

So after a tiring day (of course 48 hours as we were constantly on the move) we got back to B’Wela and refreshed at the station and waited for the night mail which got late by 35 mins. After a restless night on the train we finally reached Fort around 6.30am and went home bleary-eyed.

Panos from Gregory Lake.

Pano 1

Pano 2

Pano 3

Pano 4

Day 01

Our starting point of this journey was Pallegama (පල්ලෙගම) town where we joined with Ashan who followed a different route to reach there. As this was Wesak Poya day we could get our breakfast from “Kadala Dansala”. Then we hired a three wheeler to Rambukoluwa (රඹුක්ඔලුව) village. On our way we have noted “Kalu Ganga” (කළු ගග) and Kalu Ganga forest dormitory. This is not the familiar Kalu Ganga for us.

Rambukoluwa is a traditional village at Knuckles forest reserve. This might be a vanishing village in near future as they have planned to build a reservoir by crossing Kalu Ganga. Though Rambukoluwa is not covered by this reservoir, villagers are asked to leave the village.

We started our walking from Rambukoluwa to Narangamuwa (නාරoගමුව). There is a foot pathway from Rambukoluwa to Imaduwa (ඉමාඩුව). From Imaduwa to Narangamuwa road is mortable. We joined with our guide at Narangamuwa and started our walking along the foot pathway to Meemure (මීමුරේ).

Foot pathway from Narangamuwa to Meemure is ascending to some extent and then it descends to Meemure. There are two foot pathways from Narangamuwa to Meemure. One goes along the base of Lakegala (ලකේගල) where you can visit at some other places including “Reassa” (රෑස්ස) and Kapuwatugala (කපුවැටූගල) caves. But we followed the other one as we wanted to reach Meemure before it gets dark.

Beautiful Rambukoluwa village

Kalu Ganga

We are crossing Kalu Ganga. These kind two villagers came to show the foot pathway

This foot pathway is branching at initial stage. Therefore better have a known person till it gets clear

“Rahayyia” රැහැයියා

Abundant water streams

Knuckles forest reserve

Beautiful foot pathway

Reaching Imaduwa village

Imaduwa has only 15 families

Starting of mortable road

Road side waterfall

Beautiful but poisonous

First glimpse of Lakegala noted on our way to Narangamuwa from Ranamure (රණමුරේ)

Reached Narangamuwa village

Starting the foot pathway from Narangamuwa to Meemure

This is the border of Narangamuwa village and forest. It is called “Korosgale Muduna”. (කොරොස්ගලේ මුදුන). We also followed rituals before enter the forest

“Thala” leaves (තලා කොළ). An alternative for beetle leaves

Foot pathway is clear in initial part

“Hal Danda” හාල් දණ්ඩා. Non venomous snake

Foot pathway crosses a dry water stream called Koswaththe Ela / Rawana Ela. කොස්වත්තේ ඇල/රාවණා ඇල

This rock may be noticed in your left hand side called Demalagala (දෙමලාගල). It is the boundary of Matale-Kandy districts. We are moving from Matale district (Narangamuwa) to Kandy district (Meemure)

Nice to walk there

Resting at “Narran Aththe Ruppe” නාරo අත්තේ රූප්පේ

Resting at “Kadawaka Ruppe” කඩවක රූප්පේ

First sign of Meemure. Brick parapet

Familiar view of Lakegala (4324 feet). This is the view you will get at Meemure

Gombaniya/Thunhisgala (6246 feet). ගොම්බානිය/තුන්හිස්ගල-Highest peak of Knuckles massif

Andirigala (අන්දිරිගල)

Crossing Meemure Oya (මීමුරේ ඔය)

Another night to Meemure

Day 02

This day our main objective was to visit at Nitro cave. There is a clear road from KCC-Corbett’s gap to Nitro cave via Karambakatiya (කරඹකැටිය). (Refer Nitro Cave rail Guide)

The trail from Meemure joins with this trail at Na-Ela (නා ඇල) village. One junction of this trail is not clear and it may miss lead you. This journey was an expedition for us as even our guide hasn’t been there.

This is the place where potassium Nitrate (gun powder) was taken by Kandyan kingdom during the war against British. Nowadays this cave is occupied by bats.

Pathway from Meemure to Nitro-cave.

Meemure->Kaikawala (කයිකාවල) ->Get the left side road just before Kaikawala cemetery (This is called Atambagolla Road) -> Atambagolla village (ඇටඹගොල්ල)-> Hunukatadegalaha (හුණුකැටදිගලහ) village-> Na-Ela (Just before Na-Ela village you will meet four way junction where proper road from Karambakatiya comes and joins with this.)->cross Na-Ela->Nitro cave.

On the way…..

Kaikawala Temple with Wesak decorations

“Alugal Lena Kanda” අලුගල්ලෙන කන්ද

Dumbanagala (5389feet) (දුම්බානාගල) is seen

The waterfall with about 10m height at Kaikawala Bridge

Over Kaikawala Bridge

Andiri Kanda. Appala Pathana (අප්පලා පතන) is shown by an arrow

Kalupahana 2 (කලුපහන 2). This is called “Hellena Gala” (හෙල්ලෙන ගල) by villagers

Atambagolla (ඇටඹගොල්ල) Bridge is crossing to reach Hunukatadegalaha village

Tiny waterfall came across over there. This is Ma oya (මා ඔය)

Surrounding view at Hunukatadegalaha village

Crossing a water stream

Mortable road to Na-Ela village

Important four way junction. Red arrow shows our way from Kaikawala. Yellow arrow shows Karambakatiya side. If you are coming by a vehicle from Deenstone side or from Meemure, you have to use this road. Blue arrow shows the way towards Na-Ela. Black arrow shows the foot pathway from Kalugala (කලුගල).

After passing Na-Ela village road gets narrow and it became a foot pathway. This might be the first distance mark we came across, placed by forest department to mark the trail

These distance marks are on right hand side of the trail. Soon after 1.4km mark, foot pathway branches. Get down by left hand side one to reach Na-ela

Crossing Na-Ela. There is a beautiful water fall just after this crossing point at Na-Ela

Waterfall from above

You can get down from left hand side from Na-Ela to reach this waterfall. Can have a nice bath there

Foot pathway restarts after crossing Na-Ela. Distance marks are there. There is a continuous ascend till you reach Nitro cave after crossing Na-Ela

On the way

First glimpse of Nitro-cave

The ladder to get into the cave is broken

From darkness…..

Bats

We four after journey

There is a small water stream pouring from top of the cave rock. This is good for refreshment after cave expedition

Lakegala

Cave is shown by the black circle. Mighty Kehelpothdoruwegala (කෙහෙල්පොත්දොරුවේගල) is shown by the arrow

Another evening to Lakegala and Kehelpothdoruwegala

Day 03

Eli Hatha (ඇලි හත)-Seven waterfalls of Meemure

This bunch of cascades is situated in between Karambakatiya (කරඹකැටිය) and Pusse Ela (පුස්සේ ඇල). If you find the entry point to the water stream, it is easy to approach Eli Hatha. Although it is called Eli Hatha, only six waterfalls are there. Now this place is getting popular between tourists.

It is safer to have a bath here. We could observe some signs of camping here.

Ashan shows the entry point to Eli Hatha. It is in left hand side of the road from Meemure, in between Pusse Ela and Karambakatiya

First three cascades. These waterfalls are about 5-10m in height

Fourth waterfall. It is situated on the left hand side of the main stream

Fifth waterfall. This is formed after first three waterfalls

Sixth waterfall, formed following fifth one

Side view of sixth waterfall

Enjoyed the beauty

Nawarathna Ella/Diyakaralla Ella (නවරත්න ඇල්ල/දියකැරැල්ල ඇල්ල) and Dalugolla Ella (දලුගොල්ල ඇල්ල)

It is worth to visit at Nawarathna Ella if you visit at Meemure as it is about 50m height waterfall. On your way to Nawarathna Ella you can enjoy Dalugolla Ella which is about 5-10m tall beautiful waterfall.

The foot pathway to Nawarathna Ella goes parallel to Meemure Oya. This foot pathway starts on the side of Meemure Dewalaya (ම්මුරේ දේවාලය) and first it lies on the side of paddy field then in knuckles forest. You have to cross the Meemure oya at two places to reach Nawarathna Ella. Therefore better have a known person in this journey. It takes 1-1.5 hours to reach the water fall.

Nawarathna Mama has accompanied Mr. Somarathna Dissanayaka-Director of Sooriya Arana film to this waterfall. This waterfall didn’t have a name and after that it was named by his name.

Meemure Dewalaya. Foot pathway is on right side of it

Passing the paddy field. Note Gombaniya/ Thunhisgala-highest peak of Knuckles massif is popping up

Entering to the forest patch

Dalugolla Ella

Dalugolla Ella. Foot pathway in it’s left side

Crossing the river from it’s left side to right side

Calm and beauty. Now foot pathway on its left hand side

“Ice Wala” අයිස් වල. Water in this part is so cool. Again have to cross the river just above this area and follow the foot pathway in left side

Diyakaralla Ella/Nawarathna Ella

Another view of Nawarathna Ella

Sooriya Arana Eli (සූරිය අරණ ඇලි)

A lot of people in Sri Lanka got to know about Meemure by this film. The waterfall is shown at film is later called Sooriya Arana Ella. It is about 2-3 tall waterfall. There are two another waterfalls just below Sooriya Arana waterfall.

Sooriya Arana Falls can be approached by a road and then a foot pathway from the Meemure village.

Bathing at first waterfall seems to be safe but other two not.

We have used a foot pathway along the paddy field to reach it

Note the proper road

Familiar place of Sooriya Arana film, where mortable road ends. “Bathalahena Ruupe” බතලහේන රූප්පේ

Sooriya Arana Waterfall

Second waterfall of Sooriya Arana

Third waterfall of Sooriya Arana

Reaching Dandenikumbura from Meemure

Third day evening we said good bye to Meemure and came to Dandenikumbura. There is a foot pathway from Meemure to Dandenikumbura and this starts close to Sooriya Arana falls-1. It takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to reach Dandenikumbura. This foot pathway is fairly easy and goes along a flat section.

Foot pathway starts just above this water canal close to Sooriya Arana waterfall

Foot pathway to Dandenikumbura

“Ilukhena” ඉලුක්හේන paddy field. Villagers from Meemure come here and cultivate it

Most of the time foot pathway goes parallel to Heen Ganga (හීන් ගග). We could notice an unknown cascade there

Dandenikumbura Burial

Only house available at Dandenikumbura

Different view of Lakegala at Dandenikumbura

Ashan is cleaning the garden

“Rawana Dola” රාවණා දොල

“Heen Ganga” හීන් ගග

Dandenikumbura.

This abounded village is situated at the bank of “Heen Ganga”. The name Dandenikumbura came from Dan+dun (දන්දුන්) +Kumbura (කුඹුර) ->Dandenikumbura. People of this village have left the village gradually and at the moment only one house is available here belonging Nawarathna Mama’s step father. He also doesn’t stay there regularly. This house is used by people who travel to give alms for meditating sermon at Dandenikumbura from surrounding villages and hunters. We cleaned the house and made for our accommodation at 3rd day night. It has all necessary cooking equipments. Rawana dola starts from Lakegala flows close to this house and it joins with Heen Ganga.

Day 04

This day our plan was to reach Sulugune (හුලුගුනේ) via Galamuduna (ගලමුදුන) village. We crossed Heen Ganga and followed the foot pathway towards Galamuduna. After crossing Heen Ganga have to walk about 100m towards left hand side along the bank to find the foot pathway. There is a hut at the beginning of the foot pathway. This is used for giving alms to the priest by villagers from Meemure.

Most of the time it is a continuous ascend from Dandenikumbura to Galamuduna. It takes about 2hours to reach Galamuduna. On your way you can visit at Kahatagahawela Falls. But we have missed it.

This is the hut you will come across on other side of Heen Ganga. Take the foot pathway shown by black arrow. Don’t go along the foot pathway shown by white arrow

It is usually a continuous ascend. Always take the foot pathways in right hand side

Reaching the second hut. This is used for giving alms to the priest by villagers from Galamuduna

Reaching Galamuduna village

“Kamatha”(කමත) at Galamuduna

Galamuduna

This is another traditional isolated village situated at Knuckles range. It is still only accessible by foot pathways from Sulugune (What we followed), Dandenikumbura (What we followed) and Uda Galdebokka (උඩගල්දෙබොක්ක). About 30families live here.

Pe Hami (පේ හාමි) is the oldest villager of this village and we met him. He is in his eighties now. Pe Hami mama is a good singer and he has lot of stories to tell.

After visiting there we left Galamuduna village and started to descend towards Sulugune.

Traditional house at Galamuduna

Modified tree house there

Pe Hami Mama is posing

Enjoying the time with Pe Hami Mama’s stories and poems

Foot pathway from Galamuduna to Sulugune is a continuous descend. It is parallel with the water stream till you come across Heen Ganga again. Therefore this foot pathway is scenic and has number of small waterfalls. After meeting the last house at this foot pathway (This is the last house of Sulugune) we crossed Heen Ganga again to enter paddy fields of Sulugune.

After passing Sulugune we could enter a mortable road to reach “Gini Petti” bridge (ගිනිපෙට්ටි පාලම) at Uduwelwala.

“Gini Petti” bridge is a nice engineering work. We had a bath at Heen Ganga and got the bus towards Hasalaka (හසලක).

Getting down from Galamuduna village

First significant waterfall we came across

Another beauty. It is about 15m tall

Another waterfall

Hurry to go home after four days

Important junction. Foot pathway becomes a road-black arrow. Continuation of foot pathway in white arrow

Entering Sulugune village

Last house at Sulugune. Take the foot pathway down to this to enter Heen Ganga

Crossing Heen Ganga back

She is calm and quite

Tree house at Sulugune

Mortable road starts from here

View of eastern border of Knuckles at Uduwelwala (උඩුවෙල්වෙල). Black arrow shows Yahangala (යහන්ගල) and red arrow shows Kehelpothdoruwegala

Gini Petti Bridge. Crossing Heen Ganga

Summary of four days journey – Red star shows the beginning at Pallegama town. Our route is approximately shown by black arrows. Pink star shows the end. (Click Map to Enlarge)

Few words about Nawarathna Mama and his accommodation.

We were provided a guide from Narangamuwa till Sulugune by Nawarathna Mama, actually his brother-Kapila Banda. But he is clueless about most of the places and we had to guide him. According to Nawarathna Mama, guide charges are Rs 1000 per day.

His accommodation at home was satisfactory but food was not up to the level he charged from us.

What we felt, now Meemure is commercialized well following visiting of tourists. Therefore villagers like Nawarathna is more business minded. He is more concerning about large group of visitors coming to camping site for BBQ.

I think Galamuduna, Rambukoluwa and Udagaldebokka villages are still more traditional than Meemure.

Thanks for reading.

Hiya folks, hope you’ve been doing great and reading plenty of other trip reports and gathering intelligence for the future journeys. Well, here I’m once again with another of Tour de Waterfalls for you to read and enjoy, don’t forget to follow my steps if you’ve not already done so.

It’d been a long time since Harinda and I’d gone on a journey together and when he said that he was gonna get 6 days straight off, I decided to reap the benefits. Hari’s initial plan to visit “Eli Hatha” in Maliboda had to be called off due to intermittent rains and falling on a sudden plan B (in fact it’d been nagging at me for the past year or so), I suggested we visit Pitadeniya searching for some more waterfalls (possibly following Niroshana’s Steps) in and around Neluwa, Lankagama and Pitadeniya.

As per Niro’s report, he’d mentioned about Wedan Ella (unfortunately not been able to visit her) on Neluwa-Thawalama Road. When I mentioned this to Hari, he said that one of his friends, Gabriel is from Thawalama and I prompted him to get the info about this Wedan Ella.

He came up trumps as Gabriel not only knew the falls, but offered to take us and join for the subsequent journey as well. Another friend of Hari, Eranga (Eran for short) who’s originally from Matara also decided to join us for their first-ever hike in this category. Don’t forget to ask Hari how Gabriel and Eranga got their names. It was one of their immigration department friends who found out rather created them.

Hari decided to call Niro asking about the PCC (short for Pitadeniya Conservation Centre) and coincidently he’d been at the Forest Department Office making a booking for Morning Side Bungalow. (Until Niro sends his report, you can check my Morning Side Journey here) He found out that the Gin Ganga Nivahana is free and Hari made the booking on the following day. Everything was planned and we left for Neluwa along Kottawa-Horana-Bandaragama-Pelawatte around 5.00am (even though Hari was planning to come at 4.30am) merrily. The morning breeze chilled us to the marrow and this time unlike our last time when we did Kosmulla Doovili and the Classic Five of Lankagama (Read Hari’s Report) the roads were carpeted and in better condition but Hari’s workhorse refused to go any faster.

Tour Highlights:

1. Wedan Ella, Thawalama.

2. Thambalagama Doovili Ella, Thambalagama.

3. Thambalagama Lower Doovili Ella, Thambalagama.

4. Alibodadola Ella, Warukandeniya.

5. Kohilaketiya Ella, Lankagama.

6. Thattu Ella, Lankagama.

7. Lankagama Doovili Ella, Lankagama.

8. Gal Oruwa Ella, Lankagama.

9. Uran Wetuna Ella, Lankagama.

10. Nuga Deka Ella, Lankagama.

11. Pathan Oya Ella aka Upper Aranuwa Falls, Pitadeniya.

12. Malmora Ella, Pitadeniya.

13. Kekuna Ella aka Wathugala Ella aka Lower Aranuwa Falls, Pitadeniya.

14. Hathmale Ella, Pallegama.

Day 01

We reached Neluwa around 8.30am turned to Udugama Road that runs via Thawalama. Gabriel’s house was about 4-5km from the Neluwa Town and we reached there to find a sumptuous breakfast waiting impatiently for us. Rice and curry along with boiled grams and hot Kochchi made the day and we were given packed Grams for lunch too. Gabriel and his family were great hosts (a vegetarian family) and we got the proper directions from his father to the falls and the correct name “Wedan Ella”.

Wedan Ella

This is located in Suduwellawa, along Neluwa-Thawalama-Udugama road about 3.5km from Neluwa Town. Take the right turn (I’ve given a pic given so that you can identify the turn off) along for about 1km till you reach a house with a footpath running in front to the right. If you go by a vehicle, you can’t go beyond this point; however motor bike will be able to get closer to the waterfall. Take the footpath and about 50 feet later (not meters) it’ll fork into two and take the left hand downhill path all the way. After 100-150m, there’ll be a crossing across the canal that feeds the Wedan Ella. On a rainy day, this would be tricky, especially on a motor bike.

Go from here another 50m or so (the water stream will be to your right) till you reach another fork in the path. One will go to the left (more prominent) and the other will be a bit steep path to the right (you will have to climb a bit to get to the path). From here, you should be able to hear the waterfall and the stream will take a turn to the right. You can easily get to the top of the falls from here by crossing the open area towards the stream carefully.

Just take the right hand path should you wanna get to the base of the falls that runs through tea bushes and after a short distance, you can see the falls to your right. You can get to the base of the falls by following the footpath till the water stream (at the lower end of the path you’ll see an abandoned structure with a well) and walk along uphill the stream.

She was a very beautiful girl, dressed in pristine white and falling down so smoothly (if she was in full flow, getting to the bottom would’ve been a nightmare). We enjoyed our short time with her and Hari being the bulldozer decided to take a short cut and cleared a path through the bushes that brought us to the tea plants and from there to the footpath.

We got back to the Thawalama-Neluwa Road and reached Neluwa and followed the road towards Lankagama turn off when Eran realized Hari’s bike had a puncture. This cost us about 45 mins of precious time but saved lot of trouble as there are no decent repair shops on Lankagama Road. Hari rushed back to Neluwa while we sat on electricity poles and chatted. None of his friends had been to these falls let alone Sinharaja even though staying so close to it. So it was gonna be a first for both of them.  

Turn off at Thawalama Road

You have to go where the bike is

After that house, you’ll get here

The stream going downhill and follow it along the path to the left

We came from downstream

View blocked

The bottom with the base pool

Upper part

Plunging down

Right at the top, I managed to come to the top

Here she is looking like a Mini Dunhinda

View from the top

Thamabalagama Doovili Ella

Passing Kosmulla where famous Doovili Ella is located without stopping by coz both Hari and I had been there before, we pushed on towards Thambalagama. You’ll see the Thambalagama Temple to the left (the name will be there on a board with a Buddhist Flag) and just passing this and a bus stop to the right, you will come to a turn off. There’ll be a concrete paved path to the left (this is called Kabaragala or Indigaswila Road) where the Grama Sevaka’s house is located. The left hand turn off is not that visible, the land mark is a Kottamba Tree and open paddy field beyond it.

Take this road till the end of it (about 1.5km from the Lankagama Road, where the concrete paved area is finished). There’s a house to the left and you’ll come to a T junction. The left will be the entrance to the house and you have to take the right hand path. The concrete paved path is so steep and you’ll have trouble even walking along but should be possible with a vehicle up to the last house. Take the right hand footpath for about 100-150m till you reach the water stream with a rudimentary wooden bridge. Follow the water stream to the left, uphill for another 100m or so till you get to the majestic Thambalagama Doovili Ella. If you turn right and follow the water stream downhill, there’ll be 2 more mini falls close by, the first of which is very beautiful and around 12ft in height.

After this we headed further along Lankagama Road towards Warukandeniya.

Turn off towards Lankagama

Thamabalagama Doovili Ella turn off

View along the way, this looks like Bathalegala

End of the concrete and you have to where Hari’s pointing

The bridge and to the left along the stream to the main Doovili Ella and to the right, ideally before it will get you to the little sister

Just getting close to the Doovili Ella

Lower part

There she is

Bit more to climb

Top

Bottom

Portrait

Thambalagama Lower Doovili Falls

From the wooden bridge turn to the right downstream and you’ll come across this beautiful tiny falls. There’s a footpath that takes you to the base of the falls just before the bridge to the right. You’ll notice another smaller falls a little below as well.

Here’s the little sissy

The top

That tree trunk destroyed the beauty of her

It’s there no matter what angle

The other small one below

Bubbly

Alibodadola Ella

We then reached the Warukandeniya School and Temple Road junction and took the School Road to the left. This turn off is about 4-5km before Lankagama itself. About 100ft from the junction is a notice about the Alibodadola Hydro Power Plant to the right and a foot path that leads to a house. Take that and closer to the house go further downhill and you’ll come to a footpath that runs parallel to the stream which is on the right.

Follow this and after 100m or so, you’ll come to a place where you’ll have to cross the stream and can see the power plant across the waterway. There’s a tree as a bridge (Edanda) across the water stream and once you cross that, you’ll be at the power plant. Behind this is the footpath that runs about 1km till the waterfall. The tunnel that brings water to the power plant runs along this footpath. The waterfall is located where the dam is built to collect and divert water. The path is slippery and leeches are there in full force.

You can see the full falls above the dam and another mini falls below it. There’s another tiny falls about 50-100m before the dam but there was very little water so we didn’t bother getting closer to it through the bushes.

Afterwards it was time to go searching for Beraliya Dola aka Ratawel Dola Falls. We took the school road further up for another 1km or so till we saw the temple to our right and turned towards it. Just before the temple there’s another footpath that goes to a house about 50m away and take that. From the house you have to take another footpath that goes somewhat uphill through tea bushes.

We were informed by the household that the water levels were very low and said if we took the footpath for 100-150m till we climbed up closer to a Veralu Tree, that we can get a distant view of the falls. So we did just that and even though we could hear the water flowing along Beraliya Dola, the place where the waterfall was said to be was nothing but a rocky wall. In fact this was the Beraliya Gal Anda Falls and there was more to go for the Beraliya Dola aka Ratawel Dola Falls. We couldn’t actually see the whole of it but that abysmal view kinda sealed it for us. We decided not to push on and waste time and instead turned around and pushed on towards Lankagama.

Soon as you turn to School Road, here’s the turn off

They’re coming back. You have to follow this and turn to the right downhill near the house

She was having lunch when we went

The Edanda before the power plant

Here it is and the footpath behind it

Water spill of the power plant

After a steady but slippery climb got to the dam

Water collected here

Here’s the falls, very little water

Separate sections

Separate sections

Downwards

Immediately below is this

Blocking our path

Couldn’t resist them

The Alibodadola runs along

Waterfalls of Lankagama

We reached Lankagama around 2.30pm and decided to pay a visit to those cluster of waterfalls within close proximity despite Hari and me having done it last November. I was nonetheless skeptical about the water levels but looking at Brahmana Falls from the Lankagama Bridge made me wanna go see them again. Last time I couldn’t take a video of Lankagama Doovili Ella so this seemed like a good opportunity.

We got the tickets luckily just before they closed the counter as there were not many visitors and entered the virgin forest.

Recently built bridge and Brahmana Ella is beyond those trees

It says everything

Pretty short one

Kohilaketiya Falls

As you might know, the trails divided into 3 parts, the left taking you to Brahmana Falls (usually this is done at last), the middle and the right joins in a circular trail. They usually take the middle one and then circle around and come down along the right hand side footpath. We did the same like the last time.

However, this time, I noticed something unusual. As soon as we reached the water stream (Hariyawa Dola) just below the Mahagaldoruwa, there’s a dam built diverting the water towards the mini hydro power plant near the bridge. However, the spill and other streams make a somewhat larger waterfall. I stopped in my tracks and slowly got closer to it despite Hari’s protest about not having enough time. “5 mins per waterfall buddy” I shouted after him. Gosh, she was a beauty but a frontal view was out of the question and I had to contend with side angle view of her. She reminded me of a compact version of Dodamgallena Falls in Rassagala Road. Does this make the Classic 5 now 6?

Our guide leading the way

Water collection where the Kohilaketiya Falls is to the left

Overflowing

Here she is but darn, another tree trunk

Top of her

The curve in the middle

Not possible to get a frontal view

Thattu Ella

Crossing the Hariyawa Dola (Hari kept saying that it was named after him and show how old he really is if it’s the case) we entered the ever so wide Thattu Ella. Nonetheless, the water levels compared to our last visit were not grand but better than the ones outside Sinharaja. There was a group of people already visiting and they were settling for a cool dip at the base pool and we kept on, after my 5 min picture break, towards Lankagama Doovili ella.

Top of the Kohilaketiya Falls

Crossing Hariyawa Dola

Gushing down

Thattu Ella, but not much water

Top floor

Sliding down

Going towards Lankagama Doovili Ella

Lankagama Doovili Ella

Out of all the Doovili Falls in Sri Lanka, this is my second favorite after Kaltota Doovili Ella. She’s so glamorous in a very different way but even sitting inside Sinharaja hasn’t left her unscathed. They’ve diverted water from the top of her and due to the relatively low level of water we could see the pipeline clearly. Our two new guys were hypnotized by the sheer beauty of her and we turned around and followed the path back to Mahagaldoruwa.

Here she is

Gorgeous

Base pool and the bottom

Crystal clear water

Everyone except Gabriel in front of Thattu Ella

Gal Oruwa Ella

You’ll then have to go uphill in search of Gal Oruwa, well there’ nothing to search as it’s there to see in plain view and above her you’ll see the lower part of Uran Wetuna Ella and it’s near impossible to get to the base of it. She as usual looks very fearsome and scary. I couldn’t fathom falling into that crevice.

This is when our guide mentioned about another waterfall which is to be unveiled pretty soon, as long as Forest Department folks get to it. This is called Nuga Deka Ella (as it falls between two Nuga trees, unfortunately one had fallen off during the heavy rains and hopefully they won’t change the name to Nuga Eka Ella) and located above the top of Uran Wetuna Ella.

Mahagaldoruwa

Top of Gal Oruwa Ella with the Lower part of Uran Wetuna Ella also seen

Hard to capture her

Ferocious

Fierce Rock Boat

Uran Wetuna Ella

Further away from Gal Oruwa Ella is the middle of Uran Wetuna Ella. You can clearly see the upper part of it and a side view of the lower part while coming up to the center. Due to low water levels I could get up closer to the base of the upper falls and from there I saw the distant view of Nuga Deka Falls. You can probably see it in one of videos. So this is breaking news I’m bringing you. According to the guide, they have plans to clear the path very soon to the base of it and that means you’ll get to the top of the Uran Wetuna Ella too.

Lower part of Uran Wetuna Ella taken along the way

That bit from the top, further down is Gal Oruwa Ella

Upper part of Uran Wetuna Ella, note the extreme top of her is Nuga Deka Ella

Close up

Nuga Deka zoomed in all the way

That tree destroyed a great pic

We were in the middle of them

See the destruction in search of Walla Patta?

Brahmana Ella

Last of the collection was Brahmana Ella and we stopped to get a much needed rest. She too had less water than the last time but better than many in the area.

Brahmana Ella

This is deep

Portrait

Lower part of her

Got around for a better view

From a distance

The full package

Pitadeniya Conservation Centre

We then went to the nearby shop to buy the food items required for our stay. After a lot of deliberation, we were finally on our way about 4.30pm. To our horror, the road from Lankagama to Pitadeniya is under construction and there were half a dozen places the whole road is completely muddy and practically impassable even on foot let alone in a bike. Hari and Eran took the brunt of the work and kept going getting their shoes drenched in the mud a few times. Finally we reached the Aranuwa Bridge where the village connects with the Sinharaja across Aranuwa Dola.

They’d started concreting the road but only done about 50 feet and from what we heard the going was very slow. Hopefully they’ll finish it before the end of the year. Well here we were at the border of the one of the most prestigious rain forest in the world and I’ve managed to finally arrive in all 4 entrances to the Sinharaja.

It was a godsend that we decided to come on bikes as it’s possible to reach the PCC on bikes easily. If you however come using other means of travelling, this is where you stop them and start walking. It’s roughly 600-800m to the PCC and a walk worth every step. The whole path is shaded and you can hear birds chirping (this is a bird heaven, let me tell ya) and we rode along, the cool breeze and the shade reviving our battered bodies.

We reached the suspension bridge across Gin Ganga, the length is about 50m and there was a tiny concrete layer joining the steps so that bikes could go through. Hari and Eran carefully maneuvered to the other side and we were finally home as the dusk was falling. Having checked in with the duty officer we were shown to the kitchen to hand over our goods and the cook took down our orders for the rest of the stay. Then we reached our bungalow, “Gin Ganga Nivahana” which looked tranquil amid the falling dusk and we could see the river flowing merrily about 100ft away.

Unexpectedly, the two (a triple and a double) rooms were sparsely furnished and the washroom was in very good condition. We’d arranged for the electricity to be on from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and immediately went for a bath in the river. Hari started giving swimming lessons to Gabriel and Eran while I looked on. The darkness fell heavily on us enveloping the surroundings like a black coat. There was a hint of rain in the air and we hurried back to the bungalow to find it’s already illuminating with electricity.

We reflected on the day’s events and planned for the following day. After a hearty dinner, we all settled in for the night, wrapped in blankets against the chill. Continuous flow of the river kept us company while the night life of the jungle came awake. We had a good sleep and I was up early kick-waking Hari.

Oh dear!

“Leli kedei paya burulen thaba waren”

Gin Ganga Komaliya

The middle is concreted to accommodate bikes

Main office with a lecture hall on top

Shaky looking, ain’t it?

Our bungalow

Gin Ganga Sewana

Day 02

Having got up early and after our morning tea, we went for a stroll along the path where we came on the bike previous evening. It was still slightly dark inside the forest and we enjoyed it to the max. We walked up to Aranuwa Bridge and turned around. Got back at the PCC and went about getting ready for the day. Having packed everything coz the guide said it’d take 4-5hrs to finish the trail, we went for breakfast. Then it was time to head into the jungle searching for three more sexy girls hiding from the prying eyes.

Pitadeniya Nivahana is huge

Going out for stroll

Good Morning!

Cascades

Coming colors no good

See, I told you

Towards the Kitchen

Here it is

I kept wondering if I could be this officer for a month or two

Educational stuff

From the sleeping clothes

Morning stroll

Well sign-posted

This is where later in the day Eran fell

You can’t get lost here

Magical path

Aranuwa Bridge

Skeleton of the bridge

Aranuwa Dola that makes Pathan Oya and Kekuna Ella

Here we all are

Wal Duriyan

Common specie and die in vain getting caught to vehicles

Pinum Katussa, out for a morning exercise run

Valuable info

Getting back to bungalow

“Hiya sweety!”

No hiding from me

Built kinda on top of pillars

Verandah

Room 1

Room 2

Washrooms, that’s not a real deer skull on the wall

Gin Ganga is just there

Been to all 4 entrances now

Pathan Oya Ella

We had to get back to Aranuwa Bridge once again as the trail starts along the Aranuwa Dola under the bridge. As soon as we entered, noticed a green vine snake. On the way there were a few more snakes which we couldn’t see properly but one of them was a specie of the green vine snake but reddish brown in color. There was another green lizard (Bodilima if I’m not mistaken) but forgotten the actual name.

We reached the waterfall soon enough despite a few hallmark breaks of Hari. It was 1.5km from the turn off and the path was fully shaded. It’s an experience every human being should get. The falls looked so beautiful but the peering sun made it difficult as it was in our face. After a countless number of Hari’s pleas, we left for Kekuna Ella.

Ready to go

Green tape?

Oh, it’s this fella

Nearby stranger

Closer

Gorgeous colors

Leading in front

Button mushrooms?

Aranuwa Dola

Turn off to Pathan Oya is just beyond this

Here we are

Another roadblock

Paths are wide and open

Plate

Taking a rest

This one’s called “Thal Ataya”

Curvy

Wal Duriyan out in the open

Rested here for a refill

This is it

Circus Hari

Pinum Katusu Panchek going to school

Now nearby

So cute

We’re here

Sun rays making it hard to capture her

Here she is

The top

Not much water

Sending millions of water droplets

Goes downhill

Thadi Hariya Hira Wela

Washing machine tree?

Heading towards Kekuna Ella

Malmora Ella

On our back we took the path parallel to Aranuwa Dola which creates both Pathan Oya Ella aka Upper Aranuwa Falls and Kekuna aka Lower Aranuwa aka Wathugala Ella towards the lower end before joining Gin Ganga. We reached the Kekuna Ella but without stopping to appreciate her looks, kept on going towards Malmora Ella about 2.5km away on a leech-infested and less-travelled footpath. According to our guide, not many people visit Malmora Falls, their main attraction is Kekuna Ella and a few of them dare visit Pathan Oya Ella.

I was surprised how effective Alum was against leeches. Eran was unaffected since he applied them and we were doubly affected as a result. It seemed to take forever through largely overgrown path at many places, fallen trees blocking it then and there. All of a sudden, our guide pointed at a Pala Polanga (Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper, thanks Google) which was perched on a tree in its typical entangled way, without moving a muscle. It was my first sighting of a kind and took a long time picturing the fella while leeches slowly crept up on me.

Afterwards it was a run to the falls and when we reached there, I was shocked by the sheer height of it but there was very little water. Having spent about 15 mins replenishing our water stocks, we hurried back all the way to Kekuna Ella without stopping for a bit.

The Sambar Deer must be hovering in this area to be called “Gona Thuththiri Mandiya”

Some more of them

Back to Aranuwa Dola

There’s Kekuna Kekuli, but we’ll see you on the way

Going to the side of the waterway

They were like traffic cops but no bribes needed

The first attack clearly visible but there after no more

Shining

Looks like Bronze

Wow

“Are you sleeping?”

We are here

Mostly rocky boulders

Part of her

The top

Tiny tiny cascaded getting together

Sun went away and this is a better view

Almost stepped on him

Pudding, anyone?

Kekuna Ella

After the somewhat difficult hike, Kekuna Ella looked even more appealing, especially up close. We all jumped into the water so wash away the weariness and tension in the muscles. The water was cool to the touch as we all enjoyed a nice half hour of blissful joy. It was sad to bid farewell to this beauty, most beautiful out of the three in Pitadeniya but we had a long journey back. There was a large crowd, about 50-60 people who’d come from Padiyatalawa to enjoy the beauty of Kekuna Ella.

We left and on the way saw the gigantic Hora Tree, significant one similar to Nawanda Tree at Kudawa. We all enjoyed a good lunch and bid our farewell to the staff at PCC and got on our bikes to head towards Deniyaya via Mederipitiya and Pallegama as Hari wanted to avoid the muddy road at all costs. As soon as we left Eran, trying to climb a steep and narrow hill on our way, fell sending an alarm through us. Thankfully he wasn’t seriously hurt, and the bike suffered a broken side mirror. We then rode carefully over the narrow path towards Deniyaya End, about 1.5km.

From the ticket counter, the road was in terrible condition for another 800-1000m. Afterwards it was a scenic drive through lush green paddy fields and hilly forests in the distance.

Just look at her

Closer

Amazing, but you see another tree trunk?

Top of her

That darn tree trunk is clearly visible now

When she’s full, the whole rocky wall must be full of water

Not Wela or Waraka, but a mushroom

Gigantic Hora Tree

The best of the lot, can you see the mosquito feeding on him. This was the same fella at the same time on our return journey

Tasty curry is made out of these

This is the link between Lankagama and Mederipitiya

Hathmale Ella

She was the secret ace up our sleeves. We reached Pallegama and turned right towards Beliaththakumbura. About 4km from the turn off there’s a sign (you might miss if you don’t keep an eye out for it) to your right with a slab-paved road called Hathmale Ella Road. This is just before a iron-railing bridge, a good landmark should you oversee the sign.

Along this road, you have to go for another 2.3km to reach the falls. The road will parallel the Gin Ganga and the falls is created by this massive water stream stopping abruptly and then crashing along the very wide rocky wall. We were tired but just the sight of this waterfall made my heart beat faster and ran the short path with steps downhill while rest of the crew were crawling by. She was a sight to behold and worth every second of it.

The legend says she falls in 7 segments but we could see clearly 4 major parts. There were only 50+ pics remaining in my memory card so I had to be very careful of the pics I took. Gosh it hurt to have only that many left but managed to finish them off just on time. Luckily there were no more photographic opportunities along the journey back.

Mederipitiya Ticket Counter

Key locations

Ayubowan

The path starts from here for 1.5km to PCC

Tend to overlook this

The first batch of steps

Third stage of the falls

Nicely made

Second and Third stages, you see the fisherman?

Top parts

Lower ends

Didn’t catch anything while we were there

She’s a beauty

Lower part

Most of her

Here’s the Gin Ganga before the falls

She falls down at the far end

Bidding our farewell to this sensational girl, we got back on the bikes and settled for the long journey back. It was gone 10pm by the time we reached home and Hari was falling asleep at the handle.

Well, guys hope you enjoyed this marathon of waterfalls and thinking about a suitable name, my phone rang, the ringing tone is “Ikigasa Handana, Atheethayaka” by Amarasiri Pieris of “Butterfly Symphony” so decided to call this report “Waterfall Symphony” as it really is like a symphony that makes your mind and body relax at the same time.

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed getting this across to you. I’ll see you next with my 2nd Year Anniversary Report, yet another waterfall hunt like the 1st Year Anniversary. Coincidently, this time too I happened to be with my beloved, now dying, St. Claire and amazing Devon…

Take care and keep travelling!

Sri…

The route map – Green first part, Purple second part

This was a once in a life time trip and I wanted it to be a spectacular one. When one is in a romantic mood its always best to stay close to mother nature and far away from the busy world. This is what we did in our little paradise nation within 10 days. So let the pictures say our story. Our first and second day of relaxation was at Back of beyond Kahandamodara. This was absolutely the paradise we searched for. Two days of perfect harmony with many activities to pass ones time like boat rides in lagoons, cycling and etc. Thanks Yohan for building such a lovely place. The staff was simply the best; you don’t get good guys like them at 5 start hotels.

our paradise at Kahandamodara

Beautifuly blended with nature

The new Sandy at Kahandamodara

we took a cycle tour to the beach on the evening after arrival and it was rewarding

day 2 we took a boat ride in Kalamatiya lagoon which was full

these guys charge Rs 2500 for a full tour

lovely

the largest king fisher in SL

few Indian darters

plenty of LW ducks

great hide out for birds

next we visited Wehera 9 dhageba

BOB Kalametiya was round the corner so paid a visit there too

View from BOB Kalametiya

the lovely beach

ha ha we rode bicycles and also trishaws

that evening we took another boat ride in Kahandamodara lagoon

Keran koku which we had as lunch

this is fed by urubokka oya

lagoon flora

endless scenery

looking back towards gongala

where salt water meets fresh water

back to routine

here it goes

the huge grass land near BOB Kahandamodara adjoining the lagoon, this is a nice place to explore

plenty of these guys

yummy

a BBQ night

these two were wonderful chaps

After a two night stay we left towards Hambanthota and after going in circles we reached the newly opened dry zone botanical garden at Mirijjawela. Since the walk was a 5Km one we decided to hire a golf cart for 500/=(per hr) and wonder around. This ride was an interesting one and our knowledgeable driver did his best to explain us about all the different kind of plants. For me the best section was the plant house with hundreds of cactus plants. From here we took the road through Mattala to Thanamalwila.

Newly opened dry zone botanical garden

the herbal section

inside these there are many orchids

they come in white

and purple

dried out artificial lake

imitating Peradeniya walking path

these were blooming everywhere

a lake with water

the driver took the pic

landscaped

oh my god

so many varieties

Our next stop was Buduruwagala and from there we went towards Maligawila. After hanging around Maligawila we had a nice orange juice and took an unplanned visit to ancient Galtemmandiya temple. To reach Galtemmandiya one needs to go along Okkampitiya road and just before Maligawila there is a board put up by Uva tourist board on the left hand side. That day we ended our tour at my luxurious resting place at Monaragala.

main statue at Buduruwagala

some paint and plaster still remains

appreciating ancient sculpture

path towards Maligawila

the large Dhambegoda bodhisatva statue

a guard stone

tallest ancient buddha statue in SL

he has learned how to open a tap

Flower alter

all these sculptures were done by crystallized lime stone

a serpent eagle

Galtemmandiya ancient temple

a korawak stone

siripatula

Paddyfilds of Okkampitiya

On day 4 we left Monaragala early in the morning and reached Dehigaha Ela at around 12pm. This again like Kahandamodara was another paradise and we were going to stay there for two awesome nights. After having a quick tour around we hired a safari jeep to take us to Minneriya park where we were greeted by hundreds of elephants who were grazing around. We were also lucky enough to note Enigma the tusker in action.

our destination

Sepalika cottage at dehigaha ela

In the wilderness

off we go in search of elephants

this one scared us

dried out reservoir

they were busy

majestic Enigma

playful

running to mama

milk time

minneri tank

few open bills

three musketeers

flying pelican

we got some help

view from Pahala thilkote lake while returning back

a mugger we noticed at Sigiriya Diya agala

On day 5 we left towards Pidurangala and climbed on top of the windy rock. Most of the time we were crawling around to prevent been blown away. After returning back from Pidurangala we had a nice bath at Dehigaha ela and did some archeology and bat cave exploration that evening. Day 6 we returned back to Chilaw and day 7 was the rest day.

Good morning at Dehigaha ela

the pink lotus

many species were hunting for honey

husband on duty

a common Lora

what beautiful tree house

Steps at Pidurangala

Pagoda at Pidurangala

a kutiya

buddha statue just before the summit

Summit of pidurangala with two pagodas

what a scenery

towards Ritigala

endless view

Minneriya reservoir

the minneriya national park

the colours were superb

framed rock

many travelers climbing the rock

it was windy

towards arangala and menikdena

I love this one

Pano towards Ritigala

Pano towards Sigiriya

another frame

We stayed at the family cottage on the next day

spacious place

Kiri oya

Dehigaha ela meeting kiri oya

endemic

I call this fellow the dry zone crow because they are so common

view from the top of bat cave

on the way to the bat cave

the bat cave where once monks meditated

he was busy

found some time to spend at the natural fish spa

Gal Pandiyas loving my feet

On day 8 both of us wanted to do some trekking so we took a bus to Kalupahana. But it was a day with continuous rain and we were kept indoors at Bambarakanda rest for most of the day. Finally we got a window of 2hours without showers so we walked along the Ohiya road and descended to the top of the full flowing Bambarakanda falls. From there we visited Lanka ella and returned back to the cottage in pouring rain

a gloomy day at kalupahana

wow full flow during the dry season lucky us

on the way scenery along ohiya road

playful doggy

Idalgasinna covered in mist

scenery just before V cut

view from the pines plot

plunging down

Top of Bambarakanda fall

side view

on the way to lanka ella

lower lanka ella cascade

lanka ella

Bambarakanda while raining

splendid view from bambarakanda rest

Next day morning the sun shined brightly and we asked Mrs Mayakaduwa to arrange a guide to take us to Uduwara and Nagadowa falls. Thanks to the previous days shower the cascades were decent in water levels. After returning to Bambarakanda rest Mrs. Mayakaduwa arranged us some lunch and a trishaw to Horton plains via Haputhale.

next day scenery from Lampuwatta while trekking to nagadowa falls

towards lower ohiya

both falls together

met it by chance

Uduwara falls

Nagadow falls blessed with the previous day showers

lower part of nagadowa

wow

view from haputhale while traveling on trishaw

cascade found close to boralanda

We reached Horton plains at around 2pm and we completed the circular trail in 2 ½ hours. We were blessed with the weather and the windy nature kept the worlds end clear. From Horton plains we went towards Nuwara eliya and on the 10^th day we returned back home to end our memorable trip. Within few days with plenty of time to relax we did manage to visit different types of geographical locations like beeches, national parks, waterfalls, mountains etc. This was a perfect trip for us and was just the type of outing both of us expected.

we reached the plains

the friendly guy

one of those shots

ashoka

chimmney pool

and it flows

it was bit lonely

leg of mutton pool

Slab rock falls

Bakers in full flow

close up

plenty of these

Young belihul oya

love the colours

the famous drop

non perial estate

the not so fascinating view

Samanala wewa and the mountain with mana is Adara kanda

Gommolli and balathoduwa peaks

a darker version

not my beard

I always love the view from Mini worlds end rather than the greater one

flower of seetha pera

in to the forest

reaching the end of the circular trail which took only 2 and a half hours

finally met a pack of them

good bye misty plains

This beautiful waterfall is situated within the Sinharaja rain forest. It got my attention in my visit to Sinharaja in Kudawa side. But this was attempted by waterfall lovers from Morning side at Sinharaja. Mr. Thilakasiri (Caretaker of Morning side forest bungalow for a long time) confirmed the foot pathway to waterfall has been forested now. Then I was heard it can be attempted from Ilumbekanda side. From our inquiries at Pothupitiya town, we got to know it can be reached by Denawak Kanda.

After a strenuous three wheel journey (due to bad road condition), we came to Denawak Kanda. Our three wheel driver also agreed to join with us as he has not visited there before. His uncle was kind enough to show us the beginning of the foot pathway from the tea patch, but refused to come with us as he was busy with tea plucking. But he assured foot pathway is clear till the waterfall. Therefore this journey was an expedition for us.

Duwili Falls is indicated by black circle. Black star shows Denawak Kanda

Terrible road condition

Misty forest

Beragala (බෙරගල) Mountain

Scarlet Minivet (Orange Minivet)

Ranwala Waterfall (රoවල ඇල්ල). Situated at Denawak Kanda village. I couldn’t go there

Foot pathway begins. Crossing the tiny dam

Foot pathway to the forest starts here. Note this small house at tea patch

Clear area of the foot pathway

Following rituals

Heen dola (හීන් දොල)

Walking along the river is difficult as it is full of stones

Unclear foot pathway

Ilumbekanda Duwili Falls is 40m in height and it has three parts. We climbed up to top of the third part. Second part flows in two sides. It is difficult to reach lower part of third part. Earlier it was named as “Du Bili Wu Ella” (දූ බිලිවූ ඇල්ල) and later it became Duwili Falls. This is made by Heen Dola and later it joins with Kalu Ganga.

First sight of the waterfall

Note it can be climbed till 2nd part

First step and second step has two parts

Closer view of first part and right branch of second part

Right branch of second part

Fast and furious left branch of second pa

Most beautiful left branch of second part

On top of third part

Surrounding view

After a successful journey

At the end of the day. Captured by Amila

Mihinduthala Buddhist Hermitage (මිහිදුතලා ආරාණ‍ය සේනාසනය)

Mihinduthala Buddhist hermitage is situated 6km from Pothupitiya closer to the great rain forest of Sri Lanka-Sinharaja. It is surrounded by Beragala Mountain, Denawak Kanda and Sooriyakanda (සූරිය කන්ද) mountain range and a natural water stream flows into the hermitage.

This hermitage was started by Rev. Wiharahene Dammasiddhi Thero at 1978. You have to take right turn from the road towards to reach Mihinduthala Buddhist Hermitage.

Mihinduthala Buddhist Hermitage

Natural water stream flows to the hermitage

New constructions

“Dathu Mandiraya” ධාතු මන්දිරය

Surrounding mountain range

Misty forest

Kira Wawa (කිරා වැව)
This small lake is situated closer to the road from Kalawana to Rakwana in between 8-9km posts in right hand side. This was constructed by a person called Kira (1820-1865) without a help from others. He has spent about 25years to build this lake (1840-1864) and used only “Kithul Hula” (කිතුල් හුල) and “Kolapatha” (කොලපත) as equipments.
Later he was given a wheel barrow and a hoe by British government. He was considered as a hero due to this activity.

Kira Wewa is situated on the side of Kalawana-Pothupitiya/Rakwana road

Kira Wewa

Thank you for reading.

I was able to visit at following places at Welimada in two days.

1. Bomburu Ella and climbing to top of Bomburu Falls.
2. Ravan Falls
3. Sthreepura cave expedition.
4. Mana Falls
5. Ganethanna RMV
6. Ulugala RMV
7. Keppetipola fort
8. Diwrumpola Temple

Famous Bogoda wooden Bridge (බෝගොඩ ලී පාලම) and Boralanda government farm (බොරලන්ද ගොවිපල) are also closer to Welimada. I couldn’t go there.

Summary of places and directions around Weli

Bomburu Falls (බෝඹුරු ඇල්ල)

Direction: Welimada (වැලිමඩ) ->Ambagasdowa (අඹගස්දෝව) ->Bomburu Ella village->Bomburu Ella

When we reached Bomburu Ella village, we were able to find the easiest foot pathway shown by the board. We had to walk about 2km to reach the waterfall but it was scenic.
Duulgolla Oya (දූල්ගොල්ල ඔය) (Named as Fort Macdonald River in colonial age) which is the main branch of Uma oya (උමා ඔය) makes Bomburu Falls. There is a main fall and a lot of accessory falls above (upper) and below (lower) the main falls. Bomburu Falls is considered as the widest water fall of Sri Lanka. It is height is 50m.

Direction. This is the easiest pathway. There is another road.

On the way to Bomburu Falls. A lot of Beans plots were seen.

Most of the time foot pathway lies parallel to the water canal

Lower Bomburu cascades

Lower Bomburu cascades

Lower Bomburu cascades

Lower Bomburu cascades

Lower Bomburu cascades

Diversion of water

First glimpse of main Bomburu Falls

Bomburu Falls

One part of the fall

Lateral view

Side view

Nice camp site which is situated in front of the fall

Base of the water fall

After enjoying with Bomburu Falls we decided to reach the top of the waterfall. I have noticed a pool and another cascade above main waterfall when I was searching in Google earth. Our aim was to visit there. But this hike was strenuous and difficult. Because there was no a proper foot pathway. Then acute steepness of this climb. In middle part of this climb we had to tackle thorny bushes. Once we reached the top it was a Pines area. But we couldn’t reach the point where it falls.
We were able to reach the top of upper Bomburu cascade which I noticed in Google earth.

We started the journey in left hand side of the fall. Following the forest patch we came across this evidence of old tea estate there. Climbing after this was extremely difficult.

Welimada plateau is seen below

Note acute steepness

Point where Bomburu Falls starts

Reaching Pines area

Surrounding view once we reach the top

Upper Bomburu cascade

Another small waterfall above upper Bomburu Fall

On top of Upper Bomburu Falls

This was seen as a pool in Google earth

Ravan Falls (රවන් ඇල්ල)

Welimada->Ambagasdowa->Bomburu Ella road 2nd mile post->Ravan Falls

This 40m height waterfall is situated in Uduhawara (උඩුහාවර) village. You have to get right hand side road at 2nd mile post. Then travel along that road about 1.5km to reach the waterfall. It was very easy to find this waterfall.

White arrow shows the directions to waterfall at 2nd mile post

Initial part of concrete road then becomes a gravel road and then a foot pathway. Can drive up to certain extent of this road

Cultivation…..

First glimpse of this tall and slim beauty

Rawan falls.

Ravan Falls

How difficult their life….

Middle part of Ravan Falls. It flows to Uma Oya

Sthreepura (ස්ත්රීiපුර) cave expedition

Sthreepura/Esterepure (Survey map has spelled it like this) has an underground lime cave. It can be approached from Welimada by two ways.

Early morning we caught the Lucky land bus (Destination called Lucky land) at 7.10am from main bus stand at Welimada. We got down at junction where Kirawanagama (කිරවානගම) road starts. It is a continuous ascend from here and road condition was initially good and later it was bad. Kirawanagama can be directly approached from Welimada.
After inquiring from villagers we found cave entrance which was in middle of a Pines patch. It is bit difficult to find the place as direction/board was not there.

Initial part of the road is good. Walk till concrete road is over. After few meters again concrete road will start. Again walk over there

Now it is a gravel road and climb up shown by the arrow. There were few houses on our way. We clarified the pathway

Now road condition is terrible. Go down as shown by the arrow, then you will meet a small water stream over the road. Once you cross it, take the ascending foot pathway in your left hand side

Crossing the water stream and select the foot pathway shown by the arrow. Then climb up. Foot pathway goes through Turpentine and Pines trees

Foot pathway

Tall friend

Walk along this foot pathway about 500m-750m. You will notice few houses in your right hand side. Black arrow shows the direction of foot pathway. Few meters away from this foot pathway you can notice an area of clearance to build something-blue star. Then about 10-15m upwards from it is the cave entrance-yellow arrow. Actually bit difficult to find this spot unless you carefully walk over there.

Cave entrance. There is a concrete boundary few meters above the entrance to divert rain water away from the entrance

Before I come to Welimada, I inquired about this cave from few people in Welimada. They said now we can’t walk inside the cave as pathway is blocked by soil and sand. All of them have visited there few years ago. But I wanted to go there and see at least the cave entrance.

When I got into the cave I realized my pre-information is wrong.

First you have to go down about 3-4m through the entrance to land on cave ground. There were two logs to use that. Once you enter the cave it branches into right and left sides. First we walked along right side pathway. It was bit narrow and only one person can walk at once and you have to bend down a bit. After about 50m we found it is blocked by soil and stones. Then we turned back and followed the right hand side one.

Compared to left branch, right branch is tall and wide; even 3-4 people can walk there together without bending. It became wider and wider but descended. We went down there about 100m and turned back as we two only in this expedition, we were bit scared to move further. (Later I discussed with a nearby villager and found we can walk there about 3km or even further.)
Sthreepura cave has fairly dry walls, roof and floor compared to my previous cave expeditions in Ekiriya (ඇකිරිය) and Wavulpane (වවුල්පනේ). We noticed hundreds of cockroaches there and frogs were eating them. Only few bats we met along the part we walked .I think it has only few bats as floor of the cave is free of bat droppings. It made easy to walk there. Another plus point is no inside water streams.

We didn’t feel any breathing difficulty along the area we walked. I have decided to go there back with more man power and good preparing to walk the full length.

Cave entrance with helping logs

Cave entrance

How it appears when you get down there. This is the only light source for the cave

Walking in total darkness. This is the left branch

Narrow left branch. Note clear walls, roof and floor of the underground cave

Getting a bend

Sometimes roots of trees can be seen in the cave wall. It mean it is not that much underground

Last bit of left branch. Can’t move further.

It is just enough him to sit. Can’t stand up

Right branch of the cave

Solid roof of the cave

Going down along right branch

Some more

We turned back from here as we were scared to move forward.

Coming out

I am at cave entrance

Manawela Falls (මානාවෙල ඇල්ල)

Manawela falls can be reached along Lunuwaththa (ලූණුවත්ත) road from Welimada. After you pass Lunuwaththa town you will come across a Kovil/tea leaf collection center in your left hand side. Go along the road in front this Kovil. After about 500m, small tank would be appeared in right hand side. Upper part of the waterfall can be seen following that and it can be reached by the foot pathway. Seven basins can be seen there.

Manawela falls is a twin fall with 22m height. Base of the waterfall can be reached along a different foot pathway. It didn’t have much water in our visit.

Historical information of this waterfall goes till King Manabarana (මානාබරණ) period. (A.D 636-731). He has spent leisure time with his wives bathing at seven basins.

Kovil/tea leaf collection center and road to Manawela Falls

One of seven basins

Water from one basin to the other goes through a small gutter

Seat of the king

Rock basins and dam

Crown Mark

Another mark

Manawela Falls. Note one fall is completely dry

Side view of Manawela falls

“KIDS”. These two helped us to reach the base of the waterfall and to find the crown mark

Divurumpola Temple (දිව්රුම්පොල පන්සල)

Diwrumpola temple is situated about 3km away from Welimada town towards Nuweraeliya at Nugathalawa (නුගතලාව).
Divurumpola means a “place of oath.” This is the place where Sita underwent the “Agni” test to show her purity.
Nowadays you can see only few ancient pillars at this temple premises other than new constructions. But it is a popular attraction between tourists especially who admire Rama-Rawana story.

Directions….

Where she has shown her purity….

Rest of the temple

Image house

Stone pillars….

Keppetipola Fortress (කැප්පෙටිපොල බලකොටුව)

Keppetipola town is situated 6km away from Welimada town towards Nuweraeliya. Keppetipola fortress is situated close to the post office.

The name Keppetipola is used since 1968 to commemorate Monarawila Keppetipola Disawe (මොණරවිල කැප්පෙටිපොල දිසාවේ) who was the leader of 1818 rebellion against British. This area was called as Palugama (පාලුගම) earlier. Initial name was Wilson plane/ “Wilson Thenna” (විල්සන් තැන්න).

Keppetipola Fortress was built by Dutch and British army used it in 1818 rebellion. Later it was used as a horse house.
Nowadays you can see only the outer wall of the fort. This wall is higher than walls of other fortress built in same period. Inside building is used as a weaving school. (Later constructions.)

Keppetipola Fort-Front view

Side view of the wall

Ganethanna RMV (ගනේතැන්න රජමහා විහාරය)

This ancient temple belongs to Anuradhapura period and made by King Walagamba. At the moment you can see evidences of Kandyan era only.

You have to turn at Ganethanna junction at Welimada-Lunuwaththa road and travel another 1km to reach the temple. As temple premises have been extended over large area stone pillars can be seen even outside of the temple.

Entrance of the temple. Note-stone pillars are outside of the temple

Recent constructions

.	Paintings of Kandyan era

Some more ruins

Ulugala Temple (උල්ගල විහාරය)

Ulgala temple is situated about 8kms away from Welimada at Welimada-Kotaweheragala (කොටවෙහෙරගල) road. This temple also belongs to King Walagamba period.

.	Entrance to the temple

Thick wooden door frame at “Awasa Geya” (ආවාස ගෙය)

“Gala Uda Seya” (ගල උඩ සෑය) and “Gala Yata Wiharaya” (ගල යට වෙහෙර). There is another wooden door frame at shrine house. Unfortunately they have lost the key of this shrine house.

Bo tree

Medicinal stone

Thanks for reading.

It was in July 2013 when I celebrated my first year anniversary with Lakdasun, the biggest and richest bank when it comes to the Nature of Sri Lanka. I wanted to be with the ones I adore on my first year anniversary, the beautiful girls aka waterfalls. Since then, I’ve done a lot more travelling expanding my horizon, ticking the ever so growing to-do-list, adding onto my collection of waterfalls.

So if I was gonna celebrate my 2^nd Year Anniversary with anyone but waterfalls, it’d’ve been a costly mistake as it was the waterfall season and most of the waterfalls along the slopes of western side mountains were in near full flow. I carefully picked the date and the route, Hasi, Dhana and Kassa nicely fell into my trap. So we were ready to go see some more waterfalls (the second of us four, you can check our Waterfall Hunt – 5 before here) in Nawalapitiya, Thalawakele and Pundalu Oya.

It’s been a very pleasurable journey so far with Lakdasun where I’ve now clocked more than 60 trip reports contributing as much as I could to this expanding treasure. It’s also a great feeling to see our community grows bigger everyday as new people keep joining and sharing their knowledge with the rest of us. Over the last two years, the popularity of Lakdasun has multiplied all due to the contributions of its members and the founder of it, Mithila Somasiri. I hope Lakdasun will become even more fruitful and successful in the upcoming years and hopefully I’ll be a part of them too.

Having said that let me get down to business and unravel this wonderful journey. We started off as early as 3.30am and kept going at a steady pace and reached Nawalapitiya around 7.15am with the sky was heavy with black clouds and the rains were falling every now and then. However we all were prepared having learnt our lessons in the hardest ways possible. After a lousy breakfast at Nawalapitiya (usually it’s a hearty one as none of my team members gets to eat again till we reach our goal) we took one of the most scenic routes I’ve ever visited.

Nawalapitiya-Talawakele road is not in the mint condition like many others, yet it treats you with one of the best views one could imagine. The whole road is snaking around mountains while the Kadiyanlena Oya flows down making patterns to our left. The whole surrounding was green and grey due to overcast conditions. Mighty Kabaragala rose majestically among the slate grey mist; we could clearly see its shape on our way.

Tour Highlights:

1. Kadiyanlena Falls, Kadiyanlena.
2. Katabula Falls, Katabula.
3. Unknown Cascadeds, Katabula.
4. Mount Vernon Falls, Pathana.
5. Top of Devon Falls, Pathana.
6. Pundalu Oya Falls, Pundalu Oya.
7. Dunsinane and Sheen Falls, Pundalu Oya.
8. St. Claire Falls, Talawakele.
9. Devon Falls, Pathana.
10.  Panoramas.

Kadiyanlena Falls

Ok, there is gonna be a lot of debate and confusion over my naming of the waterfalls in this report. Here’s the first of them. Along the N’Pitiya-Dimbula Road there’s a waterfall to your right. This is next to a bridge (9/18) at the 9km post. You’ll hear the roar of water when she’s in full flow, just like when we saw her. Looking to your right over the bridge is the lower part of the falls and is you wanna see the main part of it, just take the road to your right passing the bridge through the tea estate about 100ft (not meters) and get down through the tea bushes.

It’s not a long walk but the rocks can be very slippery, so watch your feet. She’s a real beauty and if you’ve seen Kaltota Doovili Ella, this is her little sister I’d say. There was no record or name for this waterfalls and I took the liberty in naming her Kadiyanlena Falls. As you might’ve heard, people call Katabula Falls (that’s about 1km from here) also Kadiyanlena Falls but I felt otherwise. Now you might question my authority over naming waterfalls as and when I feel like it but there was no documented name to this beauty and I felt it was such a tragedy not to give her a name as she’s so beautiful and fits the bill of waterfalls nicely.

Landmark

From the road to the right over the railing

Up close

Flows under the bridge

Water diversion from the next side of the bridge

You can get down through the bushes to the base to the main part

Top of the waterfall

There she is hiding behind a rock

Whoa!

Carbon copy of Kalthota Doovili Falls, only she’s bigger than this

Even leaf-shaped

Katabula Falls

About 1km from the Kadiyanlena Falls, you will come across this majestic waterfalls falling from the right side of the road at the Katabula Bridge where Kandy and Nuwara Eliya regional boundary line is and then falls underneath the bridge, similar fashion to Pundalu Oya Falls that we will visit later of the day. To get a better look, you have to get down to the tea patch about 200m before the bridge so that it’s easy to take a pic with the full fall.

This was a sight to behold as she was in near full flow and we were mesmerized by what we saw. We all kinda slid along the gaps of the tea bushes covered in mud to get a better pic of this sexy lady. From the bridge you can take a great view of the upper and middle parts of her to your right. And to take a closer view of the bottom part that falls under the bridge, take the path to the stream next to the house located close by.

To our surprise there was another tiny cascade before the bridge onto our right before a single story building of sorts. It was clearly a seasonal one and had very little water compared to the mighty Katabula Falls. The triple-arched bridge (not as glamorous as the 9-arch bridge) looks great when the water flows through the extreme right arch. I’m sure when she’s in a fierce mood; all three arches must be like water holes.

Having admired her for a very long time, longer than usual I practically dragged the rest of the team away to a nearby cascade that was tiny but very tall. It was a great viewing point and we could see the Kabaragala clearly from there as the misty veil had lifted as the day grew on. There was this tiny butterfly and she made Dhana crawl like a Kabaragoya on his arms, knees and belly. (Please share the pic you have on the comments, Kassa). We kept going on towards Dimbula searching for Mt. Vernon Falls that turned out to be a mystery for many.

From a long way off

Oh ho!

The whole package

Not sure what it is but was to the side of the falls

Triple-arched bridge

Just like the Saari Ella

Reminds me of Sera Ella

So, this is what she looks like

Extreme corner arch with water rushing through

What a window

It says it all

The bottom

Can see the water coming through the arch well

One of the nearby cascades

Hiya!

Towards N’Pitiya, Kabaragala still covered in mist

Another taller one

“Tell the story of Dhana”

Some more found on the way

Closer

Friends found on next to her

What a bunch of cascades

Mount Vernon Falls

We then headed towards Pathana (Dimbula Pathana) and about 500m before the Pathana Junction took the left concrete paved path that runs through a Kovil and line houses to reach the top of Mt. Vernon Falls that’s named after the tea estate. There’s another falls further downstream called Punakanda Falls again named after the tea estate. It was a good 500-600m walk along the path and passing the top of Mt. Vernon Falls we walked downhill along a well paved path through lush greenery. The rain kept saying hello from time to time but we were ready for it. In terms of leeches, none of us had leechphobia and not much disturbed by them either.

Just be warned as I mentioned in notes, none of the people (we talked to more than a dozen people) in this area knows about this falls or they don’t consider this a falls. So be prepared to hear the answer “no waterfall here except Devon Falls” by almost everyone. Language barrier was another problem and Dhana found the Tamil word for waterfall and kept using it to make conversation and ask for directions. So ask Dhana before you leave for the Tamil word.

She really was beautiful falls and a pity those villagers don’t give her the credit she due. You can easily see this from the road towards the Punakanda Tea Estate but for a closer view, climb downhill through tea bushes. There’s another waterfall further downstream called Punakanda but we didn’t attempt to visit her as the time was running out and we had other priorities lined up.

From N’Pitiya side, if you’ve come up to this, which is just before Pathana Junction, got to turn back

Here’s the turn off

They’re pointing

Just confirming the turn off

We crossed the bridge having come through the Kovil and line houses

The top

Beginning to see

Hiding from prying eyes

Still not full view

Here we are

The bottom cascades

Once again, full package

Busy at work

Lush green

Now we know what and how to do it

Nice resting place

Kissable

Leaving the falls while Dhana practicing his Tamil with a native

Top of Devon Falls

This has been a dream of mine for the last year as I made a vow to reach the top of her exactly a year before while celebrating my 1^st Year Anniversary. So coincidently and quite fittingly I achieved that goal on a significant day. To reach the top, take the left turn just passing Dimbula Pathana Police Station (you can see the water stream from the road) and climbed down to the river. This is very slippery and you’ll have to ask permission from the nearby houses to walk through their gardens. If you’re coming from Hatton or Talawakelle, it’s about 500m from the Dimbula turn off to this place.

The owner of a recently built house which is bordering the stream was kind enough to let me walk through his garden which was being made and the whole area was a maze of mud. Being careful not to fall in the mud, I managed to get to the edge of the water and then get to the top. It was slippery and you have to be very cautious and watch your step. I felt ten feet tall achieving this feat and kept taking so many pics amid heavy protests from the team. It was finally time to go say hi to Pundalu Oya Falls.

Here the top

Water sliding along the rocks

Goes downhill

Can you see the falling point?

Here you go, this is a zoomed in pic.

Finally, another zoomed in, I didn’t get closer

The water flow

View towards the Talawakele, our path to the Kovil can be barely seen

Pundalu Oya Falls

We took the Thalawakele-Pundalu Oya road and no lunch for the hungry members. Hasi had taken his gastritis pill knowing he wouldn’t eat till evening after breakfast but I was kind enough to buy them a biscuit and some water to last till then. Having reached Pundalu Oya we took to the N’Eliya Road and after about 6km reached our destination, the irresistible Pundalu Oya Falls.

She was very much similar to Katabula and falls in two parts and then goes under the bridge to and falls heavily. The special thing is the Statue of a God kept at the base of the top part and a Kovil next to the falls. She was full of water and it was a treat to our eyes. However, it’s not easy to take a pic of the whole falls, unlike Katabula Ella. If you need to take one, walk passing the bridge about 100m towards an STF camp and from there you can take a side view of the falls. If lucky, you can go inside the STF camp for even better shot. Unfortunately we missed both opportunities but Hasi was lucky enough once to get inside the camp and take a pic of the full falls.

This falls is also called Dunsinanesheen Falls (I know how difficult to pronounce it) as there are two estates, Dunsinane and Sheen meets each other here. However, I prefer to call this Pundalu Oya Ella as I’ve found two tandem falling waterfalls about 2km from Pundalu Oya on the same road or 3-4km downhill from Pundalu Oya Falls. Those two were the ones I saw during my First Anniversary Celebrations.

Random cascade

Another beautiful one

Closer

Actually two statues, can you identify the gods?

Wow	It was all about bridges and waterfalls

Goes downhill

Falling at the edge

There goes her

Cock-a-doodle dance

Bright Yellow

Yellow

And Red

View from below

Like steps

Here more prominent

Some more hidden ones

No idea what it is

Dunsinane & Sheen Falls

For many, these two are nothing but seasonal falls but for me they’re superb and can’t be ignored as seasonal. If we’re to ignore them as seasonal, most of the waterfalls will have to be left out coz many of them completely dry out when not enough rains come their way. As a result I’ve decided to call these two (you’ll be amazed at how tall they are, I’m betting they’re as high as Diyaluma) Dunsinane and Sheen Falls.

So no harm done to the name and it fits as the waterfalls too stay close to each other, about 50-100m between them, similar way the estates are located. I’ll however let you be the judge on this.

Going back towards Pundalu Oya

These are the ones I told you about

Dunsinane

Sheen

Close to each other

St. Claire Falls

Well, what can I say about her now? The ignorant authorities killed her broad daylight. Can you remember those officials promised to release enough water for a certain time of the day so as not to kill her completely? They lied between their teeth and cheated us and there’s nothing we can do now. There are these very rare occasions when the rains are very heavy and the Upper Kotmale reservoir can’t hold all that water, she gets a life but not very often. Even last year, around the same time, I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of her in full flow but the water was muddy and brownish, not the typical pristine white. (You can check the Video here)

I hope there’ll be a day that I’ll be able to see the good old St. Claire in herself. Oh god, when will it become true? However, the irony was the powers that be had put up signs warning vehicles that the St. Claire viewing platform is close by and drive carefully. They had even built a 3-story viewing area but no sign of activity yet to be seen inside them other than 2 security officers standing at the entrance menacingly. I felt like changing that sign board to “Rock Viewing Platform” rather than Waterfall. SL must have the fanciest viewing platform for a rock and a couple of tiny water streams.

Just imagine what it would’ve been if she was in full flow

Closer

Nothing but a rock with a few streams

Feel like crying, ain’t it?

Devon Falls

I visited her last time but none of the other members had gone to the view point at the Kovil and seen her. So they wanted to go see her despite my warning of not being able to eat until after that. We reached the Dimbula turn off with an entrance to your right to a Kovil. There’s a nicely done path (about 800m) all the way from this point to the Kovil itself. On the way you can admire the beautiful Devon Falls in many different angles. But to get the best of the best, you gotta walk to the Kovil where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the full length falls.

She looks like a tall girl in a nicely tailored white dress frock. I could see the top of the falls where I’d been only a few hours away. Dhana, Hasi and Kasun went mad at the sight of her and kept firing off many different shots at many different settings while learning much camera language from me. I was reflecting on the day’s events and felt very happy about it.

Here’s the entrance

Nicely made path

He was following us

Just like some cotton wool

Another view

The full spectrum

Oh yeah!

Right at the bottom

Centre mass

And the top, I was there only a few hours ago

Protecting the site

Framed

Panoramas

Time to enjoy some of my panoramas now.

Pano 1

Pano 2

Pano 3

Pano 4

Pano of Devon Ella from the observation deck

Pano of Dunsinane and Sheen Falls

Pano of my beloved St. Claire

Pano from the Kovil

It was an ideal time to visit those falls and celebrate one of the most important days of my calendar. It’s been a dramatic 24 months with Lakdasun and hopefully more adventures will come off in the upcoming months and years. I might be even lucky to celebrate my 3^rd Year with a full flow from St. Claire (why my mind keeps saying that I don’t know). Fingers crossed.

Well folks, thanks for reading my reports and sending your feedback which have encouraged and improved me immensely. Special thanks should go to my travelling buddies, from ultra-old Tony, Atha, Sheham (hopefully he’ll do some more journeys with us soon), Ana and ultra-rotund Hari and many others, Dhana, Kassa, Hasi and many others.

I was very lucky to fulfil my dream, Lakegala this year with Dodam which was an experience to treasure the rest of my life. Hoping to bring you more Fairy Tales, Pic Journeys, Tour de Waterfalls and many others.

Take care and enjoy this wonderful creation of the Mother Nature and help save them for the future.

Cheers,

Sri…

Well, it’s been a long run of waterfalls this year and just realized I’ve written 6 other Tour de Waterfalls before this and was very much surprised by it. All in all, it’s so far been a remarkable year for me but sadly, due to the decrease in the rains (anyway this time the rains were few and far between) this might be the last of waterfalls hunts of South Western Monsoons. I’ll have to hope at least this time; the North Eastern Monsoons will arrive on time to cover the falls on that side of the mountains.

After a long pause, I managed to convince Tony finally to join with us for a trip with the permission of his boss. Atha too joined with us but Sheham, our longtime partner, couldn’t make it due to various reasons. It would’ve been nice had we all four could do this but it wasn’t to be. I don’t now have to tell you this is gonna be all about waterfalls (well the name suggest that much) and will come to the point without dragging any more.

Atha picked me around 3.45am on 26^th July and we then got Tony on board and took the Avissawella-Ginigathhena Road. It was good to be back with the old couple as it’s always full of many stories, most of them are hilarious. They kept at it right throughout and I hardly managed to get a word in edgeways. The Kelani River looked placid in the wee hours and the mist hung over her like a veil. We enjoyed her company most of the way. Reaching Nawalapitiya, the skies looked grey, heavily laden with rain clouds and I was thrilled as it meant more water for the waterfalls. You’d be surprised how low the water levels become even after a few days of rain.

This proved to be the case with Ramboda and surrounding waterfalls despite there had been a lot of rains even during last week. We took the Hapugasthalawa Road and then turned onto Harangala. As soon as we turned, there was a nice shop and we stopped for breakfast where they served hot, hot Coconut Rotti with mouthwatering Lunu Miris, delicious Kola Kenda and authentic Peni Walalu. We all stuffed ourselves to the tip and were on our way passing the Hapugasthalawa Tank.

Tour Highlights:

1.  Harangala Falls, Harangala.
2. Gane Ela Falls, Thispane.
3. Wewahena Falls 1, 2 & 3, Kalapitiya.
4. Devathura Falls, Ramboda.
5. Ramboda Oya Centre Falls, Ramboda.
6. Ramboda Oya Upper Falls, Ramboda.
7. Ramboda Oya Lower Falls, Ramboda.
8. Puna Falls, Ramboda.
9. Kandamulla Ella, Ramboda.
10. Mahaweli Maha Seya, Kotmale.
11. Dehadu Kadulla, Kadadora.
12. Kotmale Dam & Reservoir, Kotmale.
13. Nugawela Suspension Bridge, Kotmale.

Harangala Falls

I’ve seen a pic of this on Google maps under places and tried many times to go there but it looked a bit of a detour. However, this time I got lucky as we took Hapugasthalawa-Harangala road instead of Nawalapitiya-Gampola as we’d initially planned. It’s about 12km to Harangala from Nawalapitiya and the road is narrow but in good condition, not to forget that this is one of the most scenic routes in SL. Hope you’ve ready my Tour de Waterfalls 6 as it too was a very scenic drive from N’Pitiya to Dimbula. This is easy to be missed out to the casual eye as not many are aware of a waterfall here. You’ll see the left turn off towards Kotmale Dam in Harangala Junction and soon as you passed it there will be two bridges located close to each other within about 50-100m.

The waterfall is found underneath the second bridge. Pass that and after another 50m or so, there’s a narrow path that goes downhill. Take this and you’ll reach the base of the falls where the Harangala School is also located. There wasn’t a great deal of water but we enjoyed this newfound girl.

View along the way

Mahaweli Maha Seya kept up with us