It’s been a fantastic year 2014, for me. I’ve managed to dedicate most of my time for the ones I adore this year, Waterfalls, my never-ending passion. I simply dote on them. These pristine white virgin beauties can take my breath away every time I’m with them. Seeing them again and again doesn’t make me lose interest in them but the opposite.

The more I see the more I wanna see and be with them. Visiting them again and again, I figured that I gotta do something special about them, the result being the birth of Tour de Waterfalls, my own and unique version of a guide to these wonderful creations of the Mother Nature.

The monsoon season over the last two years has been so vary and erratic causing so many discomforts to the farmers and the agricultural industry sky-rocketing the prices of food products. The draught has caused further damage depriving the people and animals of many districts. As usual the general public came to their rescue sending much needed water and dry food rations for their fellow countrymen regardless of their race or religion. Well, the draught was good for the bottled water companies, multiplying their revenues but at the same time adding an unbearable amount of plastic into the environment. Most of those (especially 500ml, 1litre and 1.5litre bottles) plastic will find their way into our forests, tanks and rivers polluting them heavily. These tiny bottles will have very little use after the draught is over.

If only we, rather the powers-that-be, could provide these draught affected areas with 50-100litre or more capacitive containers, the harm will be minimum as the tendency to reuse them is very high. We could even provide them with large cement tanks for the villagers to be used in emergencies like these instead of sending wave after wave of plastic into these areas, filling the pockets of multinational corporations and destroying our natural resources. Well, it is one of my brain waves, if one could call that.

The late arrival of the south-western monsoon helped me carry on my Tour de Waterfalls from where I stopped. The restart came before this when Atha and I visited the Sri Pada area bringing you the Tour de Waterfalls 8. It really was a treat and a godsend. After that, I wanted to do a few more and my long time travel partner, Thadi Hariya joined me for the continuation of Athwelthota and Matugama area. You can see our first visit there late last year under the name “Old Man & the Seven Virgins“.

However I’ve come to realize that the term waterfall can be highly controversial due to various reasons. There’s no minimum height required for something to be called a waterfall or any other significant aspects. For example, Abarana Ella in Hambantota district and Hakgedi Ella in Matara district are nothing but extremely tiny cascades made along the water stream. There are many more falls like that in any river and if we take them all into account, there could easily be nearly a million waterfalls in Sri Lanka alone. So it’s a tricky thing but I’ll leave it at that for the time being allowing you readers too to join in the fun. Going a bit further on this, most of these are popular bathing places than waterfalls e.g. Algama Ella, Thambadola Ella, etc.

We left early in the morning towards Bandaragama on Hari’s Dandu Monara and then turned into the Galle Road.

Tour Highlights:

1. Thudugala Ella, Dodangoda.
2. Thambadola Ella, Polgampola.
3. Julee Ella, Polgampola.
4. Bala Ella, Morapitiya.
5. Maha Ella, Morapitiya.
6. Sudu Kanda Mini Falls, Morapitiya.

Thudugala Ella

We reached Kalutara Temple as the sun was turning up for the day; the sky was painted mauve and then turned into bright orange. The white Chaithya looked amazing and grand. We stopped for a while and took in the scenery and the fresh air coming along the ripe Kalu Ganga. We then turned to the Matugama road at Katukurunda junction. We reached the Thudugala junction before the Dodangoda town and took the left Thudugala road.

We rode about 4.5km, on the way passing the E01 overhead. You will come to a junction just passing a narrow bridge with a bus stand to the left. There’ll be a signpost of the Thudugala Ella here. Turn left and after about 50m turn to the narrow right hand road. Well it’s the first right hand turn off so you can’t miss it. Straight ahead about 100m is the Thudugala Estate. If you go by a vehicle, you could stop at about halfway down this road. Just remember not to enter through the gate of the estate at the far end; the workers are not very friendly or welcoming. They won’t even allow you to park your vehicle there. There’s a footpath to the right just before the gate through a rubber patch and take it all the way up to the falls.

It’s about 300-400m to the falls and about halfway you can see the derelict remains of the Thudugala Factory.

The falls was in near full flow. We savored every minute of our stay there picturing her in many different angles. After that, we took on to the footpath to the top of the falls. It was a majestic location and in My Previous Visit I noticed an upper section of her and decided to explore a bit further up. The rocks can be very slippery and take every precaution possible. It wasn’t far; just 20-30m from the top we saw the upper section of her that was simply gorgeous. We stayed there a bit enjoying this isolated beauty due to the day being a Wednesday. However it was heart breaking to see the damage done to the environment around her.

There was plenty of garbage and liquor bottles, beer cans strewn about, polluting the water stream. Broken glass can be very dangerous so tread on carefully. We left and about halfway along the road back to Thudugala junction stopped at a shop called “Gemi Bath Kade”. It really was a great place, you can easily find it by the roadside and there might be a big tipper or two stopped as well. The food was hot and tasty, plenty of varieties to choose from such as string hoppers, roti, thosai, wadei, rice and curry, bull’s eye, etc. We ate a sumptuous meal and the bill was however very small compared to other places. Everything felt great and it was time to go towards Polgampola searching for two more falls.

Majestic Kalutara Chaithya in the morning

Kalu Ganga, as large as ever

The newly erected sign, turn left from here

Thudugala Estate Factory; Do Not walk through that. There’s a footpath just before the gate to the right that goes through a rubber plantation

Here’s the path

Abandoned Thudugala Factory

The path and the bridge

The rubber plantation, you can see a diversion of water (green pipeline uphill)

Lower part

There she is

Simply great

Love the sight of her

Closer

Top of her

Base pool

From the top

The top of her

Here’s the top part of her

Covered by trees and rocks

Somewhat clearer view

Tapper met on the way

Busy at work

Razor sharp

Getting collected

Thambadola aka Rideevita Ella & Julee Ella

We turned back onto the Matugama road and passing it reached Agalawatte town. Carry on towards Kalawana and about 1.5-2km from the Agalawatte town is Bellana area, from here turn into the right road near a Bo Tree and a Filling Station. It’ll lead to the Polgampola town via Kitulgoda. Alternatively, you could take the Matugama-Horawala road (turn right at Matugama town) and get to Polgampola via Horawala, Lihiniyawa and Moragala. Arriving at the town, take a left at the 4-way junction to Polgampola-Kurupita road. Take the first right turn after 750m or so to the Meddakanda road.

Travel along this road about 1.5-2km till you reach the second bridge with a shop to your right after the bridge. Under the bridge is the Thambadola. Passing this bridge and the shop for 20-30m, there’s a well paved path to the left. Take this, there’s a sign at the beginning of the path and it’ll then cross the Thambadola. Take this path for about 200m till you reach the Thambadola Ella to your right with a big base pool. The water levels were fairly low despite the heavy rains recently. It confirmed a very scary fact which is the water retaining capability of the soil has diminished significantly over the last couple of years due to destruction of forests in the mid and up country. The water simply flows downhill when it rains but as the rain stop so does the water flow and level. If you want to see the waterfalls with water, travel when it rains, not after. I know it’s pretty difficult, challenging and dangerous but otherwise you’ll be disappointed by what you see.

As I feared, there was very little water in the tiny falls but the base pool looked crystal clear tempting Hari to go for a dip early in the morning. While we were pondering over this, there was a group of boys come for a bath and we perished our thoughts and went further uphill keeping the stream to our right. Another 200m or so we came across a hall which we suspected to be another cancerous mini hydro power plant. Looking closer, we saw a group of adults and realized it was a Dhana Shalawa (Alms Hall) of the Thundola Hermitage which is located about 2-3km along the same footpath. Those people had brought the morning meal for the monks in the hermitage and were cleaning up. They were surprised to see us there as most of the visitors only come for a bath at the Thambadola Ella. We told them that we were on the lookout for Julee Ella which made them look dubious.

According to them there was no waterfall named Julee Ella but we insisted there was and one old uncle (not as old as Tony Mama) suggested we go uphill a bit more and take a look. They left for the Thambadola Ella going to join those boys and we went uphill searching for the Julee Ella. That uncle warned us the path was full of leeches and other poisonous specimens such as snakes and scorpions. However having seen the rotund shape of Hari, he further stated that the walk will do us some good; I knew he meant that only for Hariya though. Hariya was due for the shock of his life later in the day; we’ll go on for the time being till we get to that point.

After another 100m or so, we figured the Julee Ella can’t be this higher up as none of the previous visitors mentioned anything about an alms hall. We turned around and got back to the alms hall to see a notice asking the visitors not to try to get to the hermitage as it will disturb their meditation. If you read my Gala Muduna & Wannimana Journey, you would have seen a similar thing we came across deep in the Knuckles with a very tall waterfall close to Kahatagahawela area.  We decided to turn around and keep an eye out for Julee Ella between the alms hall and Thambadola Ella. We got that right as we saw a faint signs of a footpath leading to the stream about 50m below the alms hall.

We took it and Hariya nearly fell headlong into the stream as the path and rocks were like an eel’s back. There was this sound very familiar to me by now and I realized the falls must be close and we maneuvered around the rocks and arrived at the Julee Ella shortly. She too had a nice and safe base pool and I had no way of talking Hariya out of his monthly bath. The water levels were abysmal but we enjoyed the cool water kissing our sweat-soaked bodies. The fish like everywhere else took a fancy of our feet and started their therapy on us, free of charge of course. Having enjoyed the calm and serene environment for some time we got out of the water and got back to the shop near the bridge where we parked the bike. The lady at the shop was really good and said the Thambadola Ella is also called Rideevita Ella. There was this guy who was distributing things to the shop and talked to us very enthusiastically sharing what he knew. He said that there are some nice waterfalls and read out a list, but we had seen everything except one or two from his list and he looked as if we had nothing else to do. He told us to carry on with the Kurupita road as it’ll join up with the Kalawana road close to Lathpandura and it suited us quite well as our next stop was Morapitiya passing Lathpandura and Baduraliya.

The beginning of the path

Please do this

Nearly dried out

Goes downhill, full of rocks

Footpath

Through the pine trees

Grand colors

Thambadola Ella, base pool

Not much water, popular bathing spot

Close up

Tiny	Morning rays

Searching for the Julee Ella

We had bypassed the falls and now on the way towards Thundola Hermitage

Here’s the alms hall and a request not to attempt to get to the hermitage

Decided to just walk a few meters uphill

The path is well paved due to the existent of hermitage

Another hut found on the way

Not sure if it’s edible

Turned around and looking for the Julee Ella when we reached here. Taek the left turn to the water

Here we are

Nothing much to see

Full of rocks but very little water

The base pool

Lovely

Bala Ella & Maha Ella

We as per that salesman’s instructions, turned right towards Kurupita at the turn off (left will take you back to Polgampola) and joined the main Kalawana road at Bellana East close to Lathpandura. Turning right towards Kalawana, we road past Lathpandura and Baduraliya then arrived at Morapitiya. We turned to the right just after the Morapitiya Bridge to the Morapitiya-Mahawakanda road. This is the very same road that leads to the Mara Kapu Ella but there’s a Y junction you’ll come across about 1km into the road. The left is for Mara Kapu Ella and you have to take the right hand road that goes past Morapitiya tea factory. The road conditions are terrible after the factory and you shouldn’t drive in a car. Ideally, hire a tuk-tuk at Morapitiya junction or I’ll give you an alternative at the end which will help you to get closer to the falls.

Let’s for the time being stick to this. We road in this road for nearly 3-4km, the last two are simply impossible. Go straight without turning to right or left. You will cross two water streams (I guess my memory is good). One will go right across the room, no bridge or bokkuwa but the other will have a temporary bridge with 2-3 concrete cylinders used to take the water across. This area before the bridge is called Mahawakanda and beyond that is Kudumiriya. Go right up to Kudumiriya, which is technically the end of the road with a family cemetery to the left and two houses to the right. We stopped the bike here and asked the directions from the people at those two houses. We took the footpath between the two houses and crossed the Maguru River and arrived at the Aluth Mawatha.

This is the alternative route I told you about. If you are coming from Baduralia side, about 600m before the Morapitiya junction, there’s a road to your right called Aluth Mawatha. There’s also a signage saying “Piyumantha Rest” and you can take this road all the way up to where you crossed the river. They said this Aluth Mawatha is in better condition than the Mahawakanda road but I can’t be sure as we didn’t use it. Having crossed the Maguru River and reaching Aluth Mawatha, we turned left and walked probably close to a km till we reached a mud-walled house to our right and a better one above that. It looks like the end of the road but it’s not. The river is to your left all this time along with tea patches running parallel to the road.

Now is the time to cross it again to the other bank. If you look across the river close to that mud-walled house, you can see there’s a crossing made rudimentary by using rocks. We crossed the river to the other end and turned sharply to the right, which is upstream in layman’s terms. This is a very tiny footpath and there are a couple of them going away from the river as well but they are not for you. You must follow the footpath close to the water for another 600-800m. To your left is the tea patch and if you’re lucky, there will be people working on them making it easy to find the exact spot to get into the river. We were lucky as there were two couples working but if there is no one, nothing to worry coz I’ve given some pictures with landmarks for you to figure out the exact location. However, be warned: you shouldn’t attempt this by on your own, not recommended at all. I guess it goes for all the hikes and journeys. You must have at least one other person with you as you don’t know what to expect on those mysterious and unknown places.

You will see a clear path downhill to the river after 600-800m to your right. This will get you to a spot in between Bala Ella and Maha Ella. Go downhill about 100m, you can see the Bala Ella. Go uphill about 150-200m, it’ll be the Maha Ella. Simple as that. Again be careful as the rocks are very slippery. We got to both Bala Ella and Maha Ella without a problem thanks to the pinpoint directions provided by the people at those two houses. Bala Ella is not taller than 6ft but very wider, say about 10-15ft. On the other hand, Maha Ella was nearly 20ft tall and as much wider. She had a nice but very deep base pool, especially to the left. The right hand side part was not so deep but if you want to go for a bath, be sure to stick to the right hand side. It’s better not to get into water in the first place if you can’t swim. You don’t want to get yourself killed and give way to a media circus, do you?

Well Hari wanted to go for another dip but the looming dark clouds didn’t do anything to appeal me so I let him bathe while I was ready to put on the rain coat and protect our electronic devices should it rain but they went away leaving us in peace.

At the end we crossed the river

They were playing

The crossing to the other side

Hari on the other side, on Aluth Mawatha. Go to the left

Here’s the crossing again through the water. Note the mud house

Re-crossing to the other bank; turn to your right as soon as you do that

The path through the trees, the river is to your right

Further along

Came to this opening and go along the river some more

Another tea plot, continue the walk

The path is not visible due to tea bushes but walk along at the edge

One of the rare looks at the river below

Remember the landmark, here you have to go downhill to the water

Finally at the water

Here’s tiny Bala Ella

Zoomed in

From the front, not so high

Water levels are not too bad

Looking downwards

To the side

The stream uphill

Time to go looking for the big sister

Slippery walk

Just before the Maha Ella

Rocky pools everywhere

Would’ve been great had there been more water

Closer

The bottom

The clear base pool, it’s very deep to the right

Getting dark and gloomy

There she is

Downhill journey

Time to say good bye

Hari trying to maneuver like a monkey

The turn off to Aluth Mawatha, note the landmarks

Sudu Kanda Mini Falls

Well this was sheer luck. However getting back to those two houses where we had left our bike, we were very thirsty and wanted to refill our water bottle. There were a group of ladies in front having a chat the way they do at villages when we came back.

An old lady asked if we managed to find the falls and we said we did. As usual, women being women, they wanted the list of questions they had in mind answered for which we duly obliged. When they were satisfied that old lady asked Hari, pointing at me, “Did you come with your son?”. I couldn’t help laughing like a madman; this was simply crazy for her to take Hariya to be my father’s age. I was so tired but hearing this all the tiredness vanished and I wish I had taken a pic of Hariya’s face when she asked that.

He was beamingly answering all the questions when this came out of nowhere and all the others started giggling having seen me laugh. Other ladies felt sorry and it made Hariya mad as hell. Anyhow they gave us a tip when I asked if the Maha Ella was called Sudu Kanda Ella, they said, it’s not and the Sudu Kanda Ella is in fact in Mahawalakanda. I felt intrigued and decided to go find it on our way back. Afterwards, having refilled our water bottle, we got back on the road while they were still trying to stifle their giggles. Hariya rode like a mad bull despite me trying to calm him down. However, not even Tony, Sheham, Atha or Ana has ever been faced with a question like this so naturally you get angry.

We reached the bridge with cylinders, (now if you’re wondering what bridge is that, I’ll give you a clue. Press ctrl+F on your keyboard and then type “cylinders”, the search will take you to where you need to be) now supposing you know where I am, this is the boundary between Kudumiriya and Mahawalakanda. Passing the bridge, we stopped by to ask a nearby house for directions and having checked we were not on a some secret mission, a person told us to climb up along the water stream about half a km to see the Sudu Kanda Ella. Hari was reluctant but I didn’t wanna miss out this beautiful lady having come so close. We walked uphill parallel to the water stream and got down to it. Then it was sheer climbing uphill maneuvering through water and slippery rocks which was so tough.

We hadn’t had anything after lunch and it wasn’t gonna help our cause. After about 300m of hard work, Hari sat down complaining he was feeling faintish maybe due to lack of food. But, thinking back, it might even have been that lady’s remarks that made him feel dizzy. However I decided to let him rest a bit and go ahead to see if there was this Sudu Kanda Ella. The going was so tough and after 200m or so I decided to return to Hari but found he’d after all followed me slowly. From there we got a bit upstream and saw a somewhat higher rock which was wide as well. Still I saw no sign of anything to fit the bill “Waterfall”. Maybe there was more to climb up but the steep rock that blocked the water stream discouraged us going any further and it was getting dark too. Thankfully there was this tiny falls about 20m below the rock which I called Sudu Kanda Mini Falls. She was as tall as Thambadola Ella and we had to be content with her.

Then came the million dollar question, “How on earth are we going back?”. It took us best part of an hour to reach this point and would certainly have taken even more downtown journey. Time was running out fast and we had to find an alternative. We decided to climb up the forest patch to our right when we were facing downhill. Hari was up for it and it was nearly 150ft climb through the forest and then tea to reach a road that took us back to our bike. We were exhausted and rode to Morapitiya looking for something to eat. After some short eats and plain tea we headed towards Baduraliya searching for Raja Maruna Ella. But not before stopping to check the alternative route to Bala Ella and Maha Ella.

The house where you have to get down to the water

Great flowers

Got down to the river

Tiny cascades all around

Where’s this falls?

More to go

Close to the Mini Falls

Cave like near that

This kinda blocked the whole river and wonder if a fall can be created here when the water levels are high.

No going beyond this

Base pool crystal clear

Sudu Kanda Mini Falls is about 50m below the big rock

Hitting the base in two segments

The base pool

One of the fellas met on the way

Remains of, probably a bull or a cow

The path we found was even more challenging, you can see the slight blue in the form of Hariya downhill

Gosh, we have to climb up

What to do Napuru Kalata?

Sharp pointers

Looks like Gotukola but apparently not

Failed Attempt at Raja Maruna Ella

I was torn apart whether to put this or not as we couldn’t actually see the falls but decided to do it nevertheless as it’ll help future travelers finding the place with ease saving precious time. I have faced situations where we had to waste so much time to find something out because we didn’t know exactly where it is located or haven’t been able to find the proper directions. You must have experienced the same thing like me. How many times have you wondered if you had the proper directions? Well I have wondered many times. That is one reason I try to give as much directions and clues possible in my reports so that it will help others plan their journeys easily managing the precious time. I hope others will do the same because it will give up-to-date directions.

We might feel why bother with the directions or all the details as it was there in one of the reports but it might be an old report. The directions and details must have been changed so much. There may be easier ways to get to those places now than before, which is why it is crucial we update those things for others. Ok, I’ll get back to the story in hand. We carried on towards Baduraliya and stopped by a roadside shop to ask for directions when I noticed nearly 1ft long bunch of bananas in the shop. The lady said they were the famous “Nethrappalam” and I wanted to taste it coz I had never eaten them before. They were not even fully ripe but we shared a banana with Halapa. Well it didn’t taste any different, maybe not being fully ripe, but the price made my head spin. She said it was going for 200/- each but said she’d take 200/- for both the banana and the halapa. Gosh, we were nearly made penniless by that single banana. What would have happened if we had one each? Hari said that we were robbed in broad daylight, which might have been the case.

About 1.5km from Morapitiya junction towards Baduraliya, you have to turn left onto the Hedigalla road. Go on this road for about 2.5km till you reach a bend with a by road to your left. I’ve given a pic of it. This is the Hedigalla estate road which is after 500m or so is not in good shape. Go along this road for about 1.5km till u reach a Kovil (around midway, there will be a junction with a by road to the left with a sign saying “Manager’s Bungalow”, please ignore this and travel straight). You’ll notice close to the kovil the road is concreted. Just passing this kovil there will be a gravel road to the right and take it. It’s called Batahena road. The condition is not so good but surprisingly, after a couple of hundred meters, it’ll be well concreted and go straight till the end of concrete (about 0.8km) and turn left onto another gravel and terrible road that goes uphill.

After 1.2km, there’s a by road to the left bordering a rubber plantation. This is about 100m in length and at the end is a house and a nicely done Budu Medura that can easily be seen from the road. Take it or the path through the rubber plantation next to the road. You will go past tea cultivation and beyond that is the stream where the Raja Maruna Ella is. Unfortunately we had a tough time finding the right place, having wasted nearly 40 precious minutes we finally found it and reached the stream but had no clue whether to go upstream or downstream.

It was getting dark and the rain looked imminent. The light was so bad even if we found the falls; it’d have made the pics not so good. We both went upstream about 200m; we came across several cascades but nothing resembling the Raja Maruna Ella. I knew it was hopeless and dangerous to try to find it at the time, so very reluctantly decided to call it a day. However we figured in the end, having heard a familiar sound of a waterfall, Raja Maruna Ella to be downstream about 200-300m away from where we reached the water. We were so close yet so far. I guess that’s the life, we have to learn to give up when it seems not favorable otherwise the repercussions would be hazardous. It’s something I’ve learned thanks to my old gang, now Hariya too a part of it thanks to the proper identification by that lady.

1ft-long Nethrappalam

The turn off to Hedigalla Estate

Note the sign

Here’s the turn off to the house and the road

The road to the house

Just next to the road is the rubber plot and this path that will also lead to the water stream

A hut along the path through the rubber plot

If you go through the house, here’s the turn to go down the pallam to the stream

The Budu Medura

Gorgeous colors

Planted around the Budu Medura

Some more

At the water stream, we wrongly went upstream

Nothing but shallow pools like these

“Enough is enough, let’s come another day”, said Hari.

Well folks, there ends my 9th episode of Tour de Waterfalls. I hope you enjoyed this as much as others. The episode number 10 is also in the works and should come online soon.

If I’m lucky enough, I’ll be able to do one or two more episodes this year. Just wish me good luck to achieve that. I guess I’ve reached one of my two-year old dreams by now. That was to visit 200 waterfalls in Sri Lanka. I’ve 100+ waterfalls in my FB page by now and I’m sure the total tally has crossed that magic number by now.

It’s always a great pleasure to see waterfalls in full flow and very sad to see them being killed for those lousy mini hydro power projects. Well, I’ll leave you to think about it further.

This is Sri signing off for now. Keep exploring this wonderful country, help protect the Mother Nature and more importantly take care of yourself. It’s important you get back in one piece to share your experience with us.

Cheers,

Sri…

Hiya folks and as promised here I am with the 10th episode of my waterfall tour. I hope you enjoyed the Tour 9 and this will complement the growing collection nicely. With this the total number of tours will hit the double digit mark. Well, let’s get down to business right away.

Having come across one of Niroshana’s report, I wanted to go see the waterfalls in Matara district.  What better person to keep company than Hasi, who was born and bred in Matara and knows the place like the back of his hand. When I put my suggestion to him, he readily agreed and we set off in the dawn of 28th Sep.

Tour Highlights:

1. Hakgedi Ella, Kananke.
2. Kandedola Ella, Pitabeddara.
3. Kannadimulla Ella, Kannadimulla.
4. Ethamala Ella, Kosnilgoda.
5. Hathmale Ella, Pallegama.
6. Kotapola aka Thiruwana Ella, Kosmodara.
7. Ketawala Ella, Ketawala.

Hakgedi Ella

We took the E01 from Kottawa and were doing 100kmph while the sun as usual started his morning painting rituals. Just like waterfalls, sunrise and sunset are two other things that I never seem to get tired of, no matter how many times I witness it. It’s a whole lot different each and every time, trust me on that. The white cotton wool like clouds reflected the morning rays while sun appeared over rubber plantations and tiny hills to our left. Hasi had been busy in the weekend watching waterfalls as he’d been to 11 of them in and around Bulathkohupitiya, the day before. I wish I could have joined him for that too even though I have been to them before.

We took the Imaduwa entrance and planned our journey. The waterfalls were located so far apart, unlike many other places e.g. Bulathkohupitiya, and it took us a long time to visit them. Passing Polwatta River and entering Kananke, you should be able to go see the first of the attractions of the day, Hakgedi Ella. Hasi had his tab with him and it helped us throughout the day finding the locations.

We decided to go to the top of Matara district along Imaduwa-Akuressa-Pitabeddara-Deniyaya road and then come down the Deniyaya-Urubokka-Pasgoda-Mulatiyana-Kamburupitiya almost making a full circle around Matara district. To reach the Hakgedi Ella, go along Imaduwa-Akuressa road and just passing the Kudake bus stop turn left to Polhena-Gallala road. There had been a signpost but been removed during the road construction and nobody had thought it’s important to put it back.

Travel along this road and from the first Y junction take the right that runs through a paddy field. The road is in excellent condition. Along this road you’ll come to a by road to your right that is concrete and goes uphill called Polhena-Idurupathwala road. There is a signage put up by typical politicians’ way. Stop right there coz you have to turn back. You might be cursing me now for taking you passing the falls, right? Unfortunately this is the best landmark I could find and don’t worry you haven’t gone a long way passing the falls. Turn around and walk back about 50m (not much, huh?) keeping your eyes open. There is a tiny footpath to your left goes across the marshland but not too long. Take this and it will run straight to Hakgedi Ella.

This is said to have a treasure hidden, a similar story like Abarana Ella in Ambalantota-Nonagama road. Again she is about 3-4ft in height but the water level was rich due to the rains. We spent about 15 mins with her while the bleary-eyed villagers came awake to find strangers have invaded their lands. We then turned around and headed up the road towards Akuressa and then Pitabeddara in search of Kandedola Ella.

The bridge across Polwatta River at Kananke

Very old one

Morning rays on Polwatta River

Hasi playing the traffic police, here’s where you have to turn

Got the Sudu Pulli disease

Water flow of Hakgedi Ella

There she is, nothing much you might feel

Closer with sunlight

Closest we could get

Trying every setting

Kandedola Ella

We were very hungry but couldn’t find any shop to eat anything till Pitabeddara town. There was a nice shop and was had a hearty meal of rice and curry. Then we took the Deniyaya road till we reached Athu Ela Bridge. Apparently we had gone past Kandedola Bridge and had to turn around close to Kosnilgoda where the turn off to Ethamala Ella is. Unfortunately, like the Hakgedi Ella, the signpost had been removed in the road construction and forgotten ever since. I’m gonna tell you an alternative route to Ethamala Ella now. Passing Athu Ela Bridge, there is a downhill path to your right with a sign saying “Nil-Wella Estate”. Take this and you will have to travel probably 2-3km but the road is in terrible condition as per what we heard. I’ll tell you what we did later.

We turned around to first see the Kandedola Ella and reached a newly built bridge passing Athu Ela Bridge which is long and huge. If you are coming from Pitabeddara, Kandedola Bridge is located before the Athu Ela Bridge. There’s the Kandedola tea factory to your right as soon as you go past the bridge. Stop here and there’s a footpath leading to the stream to the left of the bridge at the beginning of the bridge (when you’re coming from Pitabeddara). Take this and carefully climb up the stream about 100m. It’ll be so tough when the water levels are high and raining but we had none of them.

Still, it was very tough to go up but after what felt like an eternity we reached the base of Kandedola Ella. She had very little water despite the rains recently; remember what I told you about diminishing water retention capabilities. It has affected this too. She is around 20ft in height and has two parts with a twist in the middle reminding me of Meddakanda aka Dodam Gallena Ella. After 10-15 mins we made the return journey through those huge rock boulders and got back on the road.

Hiding beauty

Kandedola Bridge

Took to the stream to go uphill

Not so easy, especially if the rains are there

Finally reached the base pool

Not much water but she looks super

Sliding along the rocky wall

The sun appeared out of nowhere

The top

Getting down was even trickier

Kannadimulla Ella

While we went towards Pitabeddara passing the Kandedola Bridge to turn the vehicle and ask the directions for Kandedola Ella, we were told that there is another falls borne in the Nilwala river below. She was falling to our right when going towards Deniyaya in parallel way but way below the road level, around 150-200ft below. We went back to the shop we got directions about 100m towards Pitabeddara from the Kandedola Bridge. We could barely see her in the distance and had plenty of water so decided it’d be worth taking a look.

According to the shop owner, one can get down to the river through the Kandedola tea factory (always supposing they’ll let you) and cross the river to the other end and walk up to get a better view. However risen water levels prevented us from doing that (we didn’t wanna take an undue risk) and chose the alternative. We drove back to Pitabeddara town and turned to the left which is the Pitabeddara-Pasgoda main road. After about 1km you will reach a Y junction with a school in front and turn to the left once again. You will reach Dankoluwa about another 1-2km and at the junction with a temple to your right the main Pasgoda road will take a sharp right hand turn.

You have to travel straight along Siyambalagoda road till you reach the Kannadimulla School. It’s about 2km from the Dankoluwa junction. You will see the school to your left with a right hand bend of the road at the end of the school premises. Stop here and there’s a gravel path to your left bordering the school and that’s what you gotta take. We checked the directions from the house near here and the uncle and aunty who were working in the tea patch were very polite and talked to us in a very friendly manner. They offered to look after the car while we’re gone and said that we could go see Ethamala Ella from here instead from Kosnilgoda along Deniyaya road. He said the road is not so good for a car and offered to find a tuk-tuk for us as well. Unbelievable hospitality, this is the typical Sri Lankan way which the foreigners find so unique. They go out of their way to help others, especially outsiders but most of the outsiders take them for granted and do so much damage to their villages making all the travelers being looked down by the village folks. So please seek their support whenever you can but we have to be very polite and respect them.

We went down the gravel road till it ended at a house but there was a path just before the last house to our right through a tea patch bordered by coconut trees. Take this and it will take you right down to the Nilwala river and about another 50-60m is the falls. She had no name so upon Hasi’s suggestion we named her after the village as we always do “Kannadimulla Ella”. She was wide but not so high and had two short parts totaling about 10-12ft in height. We spent some time with her and got back to where we left the car. As soon as we got back, that uncle offered to cut some king coconuts for us and our tongues were practically hanging out by then and gladly accepted it. It was like a magic drink (Remember the Magic Arishta in Asterisks?) and we drank it in one long pull.

He then told us that we could from this side get very close to the falls and didn’t need a tuk-tuk. He had one and could easily have made some easy money off us but he wasn’t ready to fall into such a lower level. I was worried if they would ask the same question that lady asked Hariya (read Tour 9 for details) but they didn’t. However the sad news is the same people who were trying to build a mini hydro power plant at Ethamala Ella is going to build one here blocking the river above Kannadimulla Ella. Those buggers are facing a court case for the Ethamala Ella project and I hope the court won’t let them destroy that gorgeous falls. Having thanked them profusely, we got underway to go see Ethamala Ella.

Here’s the turn off, take the right hand side road

The path is shaded and full of grass

Here we are

Borne out of Nilwala River

Close up

Looks good

Don’t know what he was trying to take

The downhill journey of Nilwala

Parting shot

The tea patch

Not ripe yet

Gorgeous colors

Ethamala Ella

We continued along the road further up from Kannadimulla. About 1-2km from here there’s a turn off to the left with a bridge across Nilwala river. Turn to this; you will really have to keep your eyes open to find this as it’s easy to miss. As soon as you cross the bridge the road will fork into two. The left hand side road is the one that would lead to Deniyaya road close to Kosnilgoda. You have to turn right and go along this for about 1-2km more. The river will be to your right but this road is not in good condition, especially for a car. We saw the huge steel pipes that had brought to divert the water to the power plant, the diameter was about 4ft and if used, they will kill the falls. Later in the day we saw the fate of Kotapola Ella due to the use of these huge pipes. Towards the end of the road while the river takes a sharp bend to the left you will come to a concrete paved part of the road with a sharp bend to the left that goes uphill.

You gotta leave the road and go straight along the footpath parallel to the river. In about 100m, you will be able to see the mighty Ethamala Ella. She was in full flow and looked simply amazing. It was a real pity those heartless buggers trying to kill such a beauty. We took our sweet little time with her and then very reluctantly left her hoping she won’t face a tragic end.

The killing machines of the waterfalls

On the way, took a peep at the river

Tiny falls

Plenty of water here

Here we are

And there she is

Up close

The top of her

The base pool looks dangerous

Downstream

The full package

Cheerio…

Hathmale Ella

Leaving Atha Mala Ella behind we reached the Pitabeddara and passing Kandedola, Athu Ela, Kosnilgoda, Morawaka and Kotapola arrived at Deniyaya and turned left in front of the police station towards Pallegama. At Pallegama, if you have time, you could turn right onto Mederipitiya and go on to Pitadeniya but I’ve been there and time was soon running out. We went straight along Beliaththakumbura road till we reached the Hathmale Ella turn off to our right. The road is also called Hathmale Ella road and there is a small signage there. It’s about 2-2.5km drive on this road to the Hathmale Ella. You can check my previous report on Pitadeniya & Hathmale Ella here.

The road is done with those bricks that used to do the pavements in Colombo but not all the way. We reached the falls after struggling along the uneven road and decided to walk the last 500m or so. Gin Ganga was rising steadily and we reached the entrance to the falls that is done with steps. Hearing the familiar M6 noise, we practically ran down the steps and whoa, she was majestic and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Already there was a group of people having a bath in the lower pool but it was no problem for us.

She had more water than the last time but not much. The whole of Gin Ganga falls making this gorgeous girlie with 7 parts thus the name Sathmale aka Hathmale Ella. We spent a long time, especially as this was Hasi’s first time to this grand place and after a while started climbing up. At the top, I saw a path that runs through to the top of her and decided to go for a quick look. It was really mesmerizing to see how the water makes never ending tiny cascades and whirlpools before falling down. After a few snaps, I got back up and followed Hasi to the car.

The road towards Hathmale parallel to Gin Ganga

Muddy due to rains

Here’s the star

The top of her

And one of the 7 parts

One of the base pools

Absolutely lost for words

One long lower part

Going back but wanna see her from the top

Just got down to the top

Here’s the path that make the waterfall

The top is like a cascading pool

Just before creating one of the most beautiful falls in SL

Finally making the big one at the end

Going back

Kotapola aka Thiruwana Ella

We got back to Hathmale Ella turn off and stopped for a snack. Hasi hadn’t forgotten his gastric pill which is a must for journeys with me. We reached Kotapola and in front of the school turn left onto the Urubokka road. About 3km from here you will reach the newly built Kosmodara Bridge. About 100-200m before it to your left is a carpeted but narrow road that goes uphill. Take this and like many by roads you will notice the carpet layer was only for the show and only goes for a short distance.

You will reach a Y junction with a concrete paved road to the right goes downhill. Take that but be warned as the concrete will disappear after 100m and the road will be terrible. When we asked the road from a house here, one boy volunteered to show us the path. We left the car and took to the road and another boy had joined the group. We walked down and reached an abandoned community hall to our left. We walked past it and the road suddenly took a sharp right bend and it was the end. There was the hydro power plant here which I felt like bombing.

Walk straight and after the road ends take a sharp right that goes through tea bushes. It’s more like a drain than a path but can easily walk one at a time. A short walk will take you to the pipeline that runs to the power plant from the top of the falls, the same 4ft-diameter one. From here we could see the nearly dried out Kotapola Ella, not because lack of water but due to this stupid power plant. This is a huge waterfall, with a height over 100ft and nearly 40-50ft in with. She was more like a little sister of Rathna Ella. But there was nothing to see save for a tiny streaks of water along the rocky surface. Another sad ending to what once had been a grand lady.

I was sad and fuming with anger but what to do. We left and reached the car. Giving those two boys some money we headed towards Urubokka searching for Ketawala, Watawala Namal Ella and the time had just gone 4.30pm.

The turn off, take the downhill

At the end of the road, fallow the concrete path and then turn right at the tree

The killing machine of the Kotapola Falls

The gigantic water tunnel

Doesn’t look good

Oh dear!

Just look at the destruction

She would’ve been one of the best had the water wasn’t diverted

Abysmal looking base

Nearly 4ft diameter

Abandoned

Ketawala Ella

Passing Kirilapana and Beralapanathara we arrived at Kekundeniya just before Urubokka. Take the left road at Kekundeniya towards Ketawala. It’s carpeted up to 1-1.5km but beyond that is in terrible condition. We stopped there and inquired about the Namal Ella from the shop but they simply shook their heads. There was a tuk-tuk and some people in it but they didn’t know about her either.

The Watawala Namal Ella is near the Ketawala School which was another good 1-2km from there. We had no time to go explore and the light began fading away pretty fast and heavy clouds brought a drizzle making matters worse. Then someone claimed there is a fall close by and we decided to go see her in the tuk-tuk. This is the left gravel road just before the shop and it was so terrible we kept going up and down inside the tuk-tuk.

After a rollercoaster ride we reached a house belonging to Siripala mama and our tuk-tuk driver Gunasena mama went to ask him where this fall was located. It was raining and thankfully we had our umbrella. Siripala mama came and one look at us should have been enough to realize that we were crazy in our head but he led the way without beating about the bush.

The path was so wet and slippery, the leeches were in numbers and rain was falling heavily but all those were the least of our problems. We were on a mission. Finally we reached a point where we got a view of the top of this fall. She wasn’t huge, about 15ft in height but surprisingly water levels were fairly low. However we had to get down to the stream and climb a little up to get a clear view but getting down was tricky, especially for Hasi.

Siripala mama followed by Gunasena mama got to the stream slipping down the slope. Asking Hasi to wait on top, I followed them and managed to get to the water without trouble. Then literally crawled along the rocks to the base of the falls and took some pictures while Gunasena mama provided cover for the camera with his sarong. After that we returned to Siripala mama’s house. While we were removing dozens of leeches off our legs Siripala mama apologized for not offering any tea. I was moved by their genuine hospitality and having thanked profusely left for the car.

But not before he told us about the Namal Ella and another falls in Pattigala passing Kekundeniya along Boraluketihena road. However it was close to 6pm and we said we’d be back again to see them and others we missed. We reached the car and bid farewell to Gunasena mama.

Not much water despite rains

Falls with a twist in the middle

The top

And the bottom

Side view

All in all it was a great day but we had to spend quite a long time trying to find some of the falls which was very unfortunate. There are about 5-6 more waterfalls in Matara & Hambanthota districts that we’ll have to visit.

This is the 10th of my unique Tour de Waterfalls and hopefully will be able to do a few more in the foreseeable future.

Well, thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed this episode like the rest of them. Keep exploring and help protect the environment.

Take care!

Ciao,

Sri…

Map around ella – click to enlarge

Map around koslanda – Click to enlarge

So the Monsoons seem to be arriving after almost two years and the first few showers were enough to give life to many waterfalls around Badulla district. My main focus was to reach some undocumented waterfalls close to Ella and enjoy all the seasonal beauties along Ella – Wellawaya road, Beragala – Wellawaya road & Haputale – Beragala road. Please do relish this fiesta but keep in mind when you are venturing around these areas to avoid heavy showers because these areas are known for landslides. By the way just after I visited these beauties a heartbreaking land slide occurred close to Meeriabedda of Koslanda killing 50 odd people.

Early morning I did arrive at Ella and had my breakfast before venturing along the road. My first attraction was Ravana falls so to appreciate its beauty I had to walk along the railway track towards Kithal ella for 1 Kilometer. Next it was a waterfall below the bridge where the turn off towards Ravana temple and cave begins. To get to the base of it one needs to get down along the left bank of the river but I did the opposite by getting down from the right bank and suffered for weeks thanks to the Itchy Mana. The troubled I went through was really worth since it was a dazzling beauty. I named it Lower Ravana falls because the stream forms Ravana falls at an upper level.

Ravana proper falls

ravana lower falls

its base

plunging

I then marched 3Km’s along the road towards Wellawaya enjoying all the seasonal beauties. My next main attraction was a cascade below the bridge crossing Bambaragama falls. Though everyone that morning was enjoying Bambaragama falls none of them were aware about this beauty which plunges down below the bridge. To have a good look at her one needs to pass the bridge found after Bambaragama fall (when you are coming from wellawaya) and reach a double line stretch on the road. If you have a peak from the edge of the road you could easily appreciate the full length of lower Bambaragama cascade. After snapping this hidden beauty I reached the famous Bambaragama fall (also called Ravana fall). It was in full flow and pure white which was a pleasure to the eyes. From here I walked towards Ella Wild life office which was few hundred meters towards Wellawaya. From here I appreciated a long cascade interrupted at 3 places and it was really a lovely one.

ella rock

ella gap

searching for firewood

little adams peak

King Ravanas farther at Ella (close to 24km post)

road side cascade ella wellawaya rd 1

road side cascade ella wellawaya rd 2

road side cascade ella wellawaya rd 3

upper part

road side cascade ella wellawaya rd 4

upper part

road side cascade ella wellawaya rd 5

Bambaraghama falls with its lower cascade

what a beauty (can be viewed close to 22/7 bridge)

lower bambaragama fall

lower part

upper part

misty

road side cascade ella wellawaya rd 6

bambaragama fall

base of bambaragama falls

read

clear view

unknown cascade upper part

unknown cascade middle part

unknown cascade lower part

From Ella I took a bus to Bandarawela and from there to Haputale. When I reached Haputale it has started to rain and I was pleased that it started raining as I expected. Though I took a bus to Beragala I did get down at the first sight of a road side cascade and from there took a trishaw towards Beragala because I wanted to visit all of those road side beauties. I came across about 6 beautiful cascades along this stretch. At Beragala junction (close to a boutique) covered with mana and encircled with a barbwire fence one could find the Fundamental benchmark point where the precise measurement of the altitude has been measured by surveyor’s long time back.

Road side cascade on haputale rd 1

Road side cascade on haputale rd 2

Road side cascade on haputale rd 3

Road side cascade on haputale rd 4

top part of it

base

Road side cascade on haputale rd 5

Road side cascade on haputale rd 6

Road side cascade on haputale rd 7

Fundamental benchmark beragala

there were many boards like this

Next was a 21 Km trishaw ride and it was totally worth it. Along the Wellawaya road I came across 5 unknown cascades and close to Nikapotha at a place called Galkanda I came across two gorgeous beauties called Galkanda upper and lower falls. These road side waterfalls were milky cream in colour and in full flow. I just couldn’t resist leaving them behind that day. After saying good bye to Galkanda cascades I reached lady Diyaluma which was pouring down like a “Saree Pota” and I did enjoy her lovely Saree like cascade for more than one hour until a Wellawaya bus arrived and interrupted it. Just before leaving wellawaya bus stand to end this fiesta I did manage to snap Alakolagala falls too. So I invite you guys to come and enjoy this fiesta which would last for couple of months.

Road side cascade on beragala – koslanda rd 1

Road side cascade on beragala – koslanda rd 2

Road side cascade on beragala – koslanda rd 3

Road side cascade on beragala – koslanda rd 4

Road side cascade on beragala – koslanda rd 5

branched

Galkanda ella upper

full flow

upper part of it

near by cascade of galkanda fall

top of lower galkanda falls

lower galkanda falls

over the edge

plunging

Lemasthota oya

3rd highest

bit of blue sky

alakolagala falls

“Sri, that Kirigalpoththa trail you did” Ana opens up the conversation in his own style. “Yeah Ana”, I prompt him. “Is it too difficult?”, he doesn’t waste much time but gets to the bottom-line straight away. “Ayyo, it’s not so tough, even old Tony managed it with no problem. Only problem is it’s frequented by the leopard”. “We aren’t that lucky”, he replies through suppressed laughter.

That was only the beginning of a lengthy chat about the mighty Kirigalpoththa. Ana wanted to do it and I didn’t mind joining once again as Horton Plains is one place that is very dear to my heart. The prospect of walking through that heavenly place made me dream of our previous encounter. It was after the Rail Hike from Talawakele to Rosella that brought Ana into my, as many put it, the Old Gang. It was a 20+km journey that tested our stamina beyond limits.

Recently during our Journey to Kohonawala for the Wheelchair Donation, the Kirigalpoththa talk was revisited and we decided not to prolong it any further. So we set the dates for October and got busy with the preparations. Making the wildlife bungalows available for online reservation was a very good thing and it made the procedures so much easier. Even though I have visited HP well over a dozen times during the last 15 years, I had never been lucky enough to spend a night there. It was a big gap in my travel log and this was a god send. “I was seriously gonna spend not one but two nights in one of the most beautiful places on earth” I kept telling myself.

However Ana had booked the Ginihiriya Bungalow aka Anderson Lodge by mistake as we were originally planning to stay at Maha Eliya Bungalow. Looking back, I feel that mistake too was a god send as Ginihiriya is located in a very secluded place along Ohiya Road, about 5km before the Farr Inn. I’m sure you know that more than 80% of the tourists use the Pattipola Entrance when visiting the HP. Only a very few people use the Ohiya Entrance. As a result, Ginihiriya is not disturbed by the continuous stream of travelers and vehicles. Ginihiriya is built in such a place where it is not even visible from the road giving you all the privacy you want. A perfect place for a bungalow.

Tour Highlights:

1. Kande Ela Reservoir & Ambewela Farm
2. Dayagama Trail
3. Agra Falls

We left for HP in the wee hours on 6th Oct and arrived at the viewing platform of Devon Ella. The light was still not so good but she had covered herself with a thick white blanket, leaving no room for us to take a look at this gorgeous girlie. The roar of the water falling 200+ft straight onto the rocks below was deafening making me want to stay till I the mist lifted. We savored our sandwiches here, breathing the invigorating mountain air that was coming from the 6th highest mountain off Kotagala, the Great Western. She was the one who started this hiking frenzy when Hari and I went to climb her nearly two years ago. That was a very nice looking bungalow to the left of the tea center in front of Devon platform and I was naturally curious. It had the hallmarks of colonial era and while munching on a sandwich I walked up to the gate and talked to the security and the gardener. They said it’s managed by the Richard Pieris Group, (the very same that manages the Fishing Hut). This too is a very good location for some quiet time.

Leaving after the breakfast we were soon getting closer to my beloved St. Claire and my heart soared with hopes as it always does, they were multiplied by the heavy rains that had fallen in the last couple of days. But, I was once again disappointed as she looked the typical abysmal self. The sorrow was so much I couldn’t even bear to stop and look at her. Recently the rafting industry in Kitulgala got a shock as well when the stupid powers-that-be came up with a smart plan to block the Kelani River around Kalugala building a similar failure like Upper Kotmale. When the people involved in rafting and tourism industry in and around Kitulgala protested against this, one senior fellow of the project had said that they would release water at certain times so that they can do the rafting then. What fools we have running things like these projects. Remember, they promised the same for St. Claire, but nobody knows how long they did that. All big fat lies, nothing else. The returns from the rafting and tourism around Kitulgala are so much greater than another failure like Upper Kotmale. If we’re to believe a word of them, they can kiss goodbye to rafting in Kitulgala very soon making thousands of people redundant.

The bungalow I told you about

Closer look

The tea centre in front of Devon Viewing Platform, isolated

Ready for the journey

Kande Ela & Ambewele Farm

The road was built up to Raddella short cut with carpet but beyond that is still under construction till the Ambewela turn off at the Nanu Oya Bridge. In this stretch occurred the recent earth slips blocking the road few times recently. In fact it has happened either side of our traveling dates. So avoid using this in the night and a low clearance vehicle will have some trouble passing this stretch, hopefully it will soon be finished, at least by the season in December. From the Ambewela turn off till some distance passing Pattipola is now well carpeted but the road is narrow so you need to be cautious about the speeding tuk-tuks, motor bikes and worst of all, milk lorries of the farm.

The windmills were very still as there was no wind. After a quick cuppa coffee we reached the Kande Ela Reservoir. It was like a wall mirror; the water was so still, there was not even a slight ripple in the water. We saw perfect reflections on the surface of water and it is a sight many dream about. There were, unfortunately, more structures built along the edge of the reservoir running towards the hills and trees destroying the beauty of the surrounding. You might be aware that there are two bungalows situated here. To the left is the old Irrigation Department Bungalow and beyond the water to your right is the newly built Forest Department Bungalow. The Kande Ela Park where you can walk along a 2-3km trail is also close by and it’s ideal for students. I did this trail some time ago all alone in the wee hours and the experience was a mixture of anxiety, soothing and relaxing. Check it out Here.

Never seen it so clear, better than a mirror

Perfect reflection

Towards the sluice gates

Up close

The full package

These weren’t there before

Leaving this was so hard

Going for the morning session

Towards the Windmills, another hallmark of Ambewela Farm

Closer look

Kande Ela Hill

Perfect morning

Not a hint of rain

Dayagama Trail

We got back on the road after another brief stay and enjoyed the lush greenery on either side. This road is something that you can’t get enough of no matter how many times you’ve traveled in it. Passing the fast urbanizing Pattipola we entered the isolated journey through the virgin forest. We were early so no traffic was there helping us enjoy the ride all the way to the ticket counter. We showed them our online receipts and were asked to get a vehicle permit that cost us Rs. 280/-. The officials were emphatic that we were not to get to the bungalow till 12 noon. They drilled it into us so much and we were wondering if there was something going there. We then reached the Farr Inn and went into a poorly lit office and showed our permit. “You can’t go there till 12″, they said it for the umpteenth time and we solemnly nodded our agreement. “You can visit the World’s End till then” they added as an afterthought. We were relieved to get out of that dim hole and reached our vehicle to get ready for the first adventure of the journey, the scenic Dayagama Trail.

It’d been raining recently and there was a hint of more in the air. So we got ready with raincoats and umbrellas and were on our way. The thought of having to do such a beautiful trail with raincoats sickening and I was constantly asking the Mother Nature for clear weather at least till we were back. As soon as we started we came across a homeless Sambar Deer couple who were begging for anything from the passing vehicles. Already the traffic had increased tremendously and crossing the road was like Galle Road on a Monday morning. The Sambar couple kept nibbling at the grass but every time a vehicle was near wondered towards begging for something better than the grass. I hope people don’t feed them coz little did that Sambar couple knew they were gonna die of food poisoning or polythene consumption.

We soon passed the park warden’s bungalow and reached the head of the Dayagama trail. It’s easy to identify with a closed gate across the jeep track. The gate is in place to fend off the trespassing vehicles. We all posed for a group picture using a nearby tree trunk for a tripod. As soon as we entered the path, to our left was the 8th mile post. This confirmed the distance to Dayagama, 13km. However the downhill path was just over 5km till it ended at the tea estate and the Kovil. First 500-600m were badly damaged and you would need a very good 4WD with plenty of clearance to tackle this. After that, it was just a typical jeep track and the path was in better condition compared to the beginning.

For me, this was a longtime dream come true as I had wanted numerous times to do this trail over the years but found no way to achieve it. The whole journey was like walking through a hidden paradise. The number of people who attempt the Dayagama trail is negligible; I don’t think it will surpass the number of people who do the Kirigalpoththa trail let alone Thotupola. Most they do the circular trail and get enough of Horton Plains for the time being and return home. I’d say that the Dayagama trail is far easier and rewarding as well. About a km into the journey, we came across a Giant Squirrel colony. There were around 4-6 fellows, probably having a morning game of hide and seek. Surprisingly their black was more prominent compared to the ones found elsewhere, especially in dry zone. Even the white border looked cleaner than the others. However none of them was in the mood to pose for a picture and our waiting with pointed cameras only managed to bring the leaves and branches.

We were in very high spirits and made solid progress. The elevation was not so great and you won’t feel it that much. After a while we passed the 7th mile post and did the math mentally, just over 3km to go. You might have heard about the Agra Falls located near the perimeter of HP with the tea estate, however there weren’t many pictures or details about her and I badly wanted to go see this mysterious girl. The charcoal grey clouds kept threatening and looking menacingly at us but Mother Nature wouldn’t have any of it. She kept pushing them away from us but left a nice layer of clouds protecting us from the piercing sun. We kept chatting about until out of nowhere we came across the 6th mile post. Just a touch over a mile to go and we were elated. The stream we crossed around half way was now to our right and flowing down with a meditative sound which Ana wanted to record.

Some more walking gave us a distant view of the Dayagama tea factory through the trees and we were close to our target. Out of nowhere came the tall turpentine trees signaling the end of the trail. There is a Kovil just as we came out of the HP into the civilization. To our surprise, the tea pluckers were coming after their morning run and we heard the gong of the factory as well. As I was taking some pics of the tea pluckers there was a whole bunch of them coming and asking to be photographed. I was in a dilemma but had to satisfy their needs and took a few pics of them posing here and there. Then came the million dollar question, “Where’s the Agra Falls?”, we kept asking everyone but almost all didn’t realize what the devil we were referring to. However we managed to act and get the message across. They then just pointed downhill path and rapid fired a few hundred sentences in Tamil and we pretended we understood every mono syllable.

Ana, waiting patiently for the computer to spit out the vehicle permit

Isolated

The pond at the entrance

Here I am, the loving HP

Already overflowing with vehicles

A common sight

Felt ashamed at his greediness

The wife was also keeping an eye on the passing vehicles

Finally resorted to known grass

They had a huge lead on me

Near the trail head

The closed gate

Perfect combination in the group

Maha Eliya in the distance

Ana and Prasa, leading from the front, you can see the decay in the road

Very few of them

Plenty of these though

Misty Agra Bopath

Millions of these

Very nice

The path is good after the first 500-600m

The dream team

Some clear skies

Artistic tree

They were very tiny

Easy to manage in a jeep

Water stream crossing the path

Very wide

Not edible

Nobody home

Dayagama tea factory in the distance

Lusty

They are all over

Beautiful colors

Lonely path

Some flowers too

We’re here

The boundary

They were the photogenic ones

Some dark clouds loom in the distance

Away they go for the work

Busy at work

Worth reading again and again

Agra Falls

We followed the estate road downhill till we reached a note saying that Sambar and Leopard can be seen 500m up the road which means as soon as you enter the HP. We tried to ask the directions from the workers but none of them understood what we wanted to see. However, they kept pointing down the road and finally we hit the jackpot when we spoke to a couple of tea pluckers who were busily packing their stuff. She asked “Ungalukku Tamil Theriyama?” for that I said “Illai” and thankfully she asked “English Theriyuma” and I happily conceded “Kongngam Theriyum”.

She smiled and then gave the directions in fluent English, even showed us a short cut to go through the estate. By this Ana and Prasa had had enough walking and Atha and I decided to do the final push. We climbed down along the tailor-made footpath through the tea bushes. It was further 500-600m downhill when we got a look at the top of the falls through the tress some way to the right. From then, it was just finding the straightest path possible along the tea patch and we soon reached a good viewing place and spent about half hour enjoying the beauty of this hidden girlie.

The water levels were not fully up but what we saw was enough to embed her picture in our minds forever. The rain was imminent and we hurried back to avoid getting trapped amid the tea bushes. As we came out onto a clear path it started drizzling and I had the umbrella and Atha the raincoat. We reached Ana and Prasa who were waiting in a shed. It was time to walk back the way we had come, more than 6km.

The view towards the mountains, the range probably is just before the New Zealand Farm

They were leading the way

Was getting gloomy

The typical estate road

State Workers’ houses

Feels scary

The shortcut

Plenty of them

First glimpse

Getting closer

Not much water

Upper part

Wider view of the top

Middle

Parting shot

“Gosh, who’s that?”

The Yeti?

Full of colors

Time to head back

Back to HP

We reached the Kovil to find out that they’ve cooked a Pongal Rice and there were many people savoring the dish and plenty of dogs waiting in anticipation. They got worked up as we walked up the path thinking we were there to rob them of their share of this delicious meal. The Poosari and the others offered us Pongal Rice and even blessed us painting the Pottu on our foreheads. An altogether completely difference experience.

We then started walking back and the rain gods smiled at us and pushed the rain towards Dayagama and Thalawakelle. Return journey was also great and we made good time to reach the vehicle but just as others were ahead of me, I saw a group of Sri Lankan Black Monkeys (Purple-Faced Langurs) and stopped to get a few pics of them as well. Then after a rubbery roti meal that nearly broke my jaw from the HP canteen we headed along the Ohiya Road towards our destination. Hurraaaaaaaah!!!, I’m gonna spend a night at HP after many years of pondering over.

The Pongal Rice distribution

Looking at hungrily

First portion to the god

For us

The Kovil

Look at their foreheads

Water drops

Color combination

Bunched together

Clear jeep track

Ana was running uphill

“Paarata Bara Athu”

Patterns

Some clear blue skies too

Life on the dead

Artistic

Close to the end, look at the state of the road

So beautiful

Colors

Ana at the end of the trail, note the 8th mile post

Please follow this

Good bye Dayagama!

Park Warden’s Bungalow

“Hey man!”

Playing hide and seek with me

Looking for something to eat

Ginihiriya Bungalow

We arrived at the Ginihiriya Bungalow which is located at a very secluded place. This is completely isolated and not visible to the main HP-Ohiya Road. There’s hot water and electricity but both solar-powered so don’t expect to charge your phones or other electronic equipment. It’s better to carry your own power banks. It has 4 rooms (2 triple and 2 double) with very good single beds. The caretaker Abeysinghe was a very good person and can cook well. There was another with him called Piyadasa who’s been there at Farr Inn for ages. The garden is full of Maha Bovitiya Plants that has a beautiful purple flower.

We settled at the bungalow while Ana giving the instructions to the caretakers as to how we need the meals for our stay. Gosh, I was really gonna spend a night at HP after all. I was very excited and didn’t even realize how cold it can get. The temperature dropped to 14 degrees by 6.00pm, (must’ve touched 10 towards the dawn) and I felt a chill run down my spine. We decided to take a walk towards the ticket counter while the preparation was being made. However, it felt so cold and the constant drizzling made it so difficult too and we decided to get back to the warmth of the bungalow. Ana had been in this in late 80s and few other times and was sad to see the current state of the bungalow compared to the good old days.

The dinner was being prepared but we had a nice, hot and nutritious vegetable soup. We were good to go for bed after a hearty meal and went into the cozy beds after a cold bath (no sunlight for a few days and no hot water as a result) around 8pm to the dismay of the bungalow keepers as it’s not a common thing for them to have visitors going to bed that early. However they were in for greater shocks as the stay went on and more about it later. This really was a dream come true and I was living it for real.

The turn off

The path to the bungalow

The front view

Entering in

The dining and living area

Another view

One of the bedrooms

Another

The bungalow keeper’s part

The overgrown garden

Beautiful colors

Maha Bovitiya

The color was amazing

Just look at that

Some more

The nests of the crow

The chilly travelers

Well folks, I’ll leave you for the time being and will see you with the rest of the journey later. The idea of continuing with the same report fell into pieces when I realized how long the report is gonna be. So I’ll cut down the reading time and will come with the second phase later.

By the morning, I’ll probably have forgotten that I was in HP. Let’s see what happens by then.

Take care and keep travelling. This Sri signing off for now.

Sayōnara!!!

Even we went the Knuckles on many ways before, but we didn’t go to the “Meemure” any day. I had an eager to go Meemure early but I couldn’t do that some causes. At last as a result of my eager I get the chance to visit Meemure.

If we decided to go Meemure from Bambarella across Kalupahana but we had to change that. Because we hadn’t clear information about that way. So we chose Knuckles way across Alugallena way. Dear brother Niroshan helped so much to reach this target to me. We were ready to this journey without any guide, but we had great information & guidance from Niroshan.

We went Waththegama at about 6.00am which left from Kurunegala about 4.00am and the way across Katugasthota. We could catch the first bus from Waththegama to Bambarella at about 6.15am and also we get our breakfast in this bus. After 1.5hr journey we could reach to Bambarella at about 7.45am.

After got down from bus we were chat with some villager and get an idea about our way. There after journey was started along that way. After some distance of the way we could use short cuts across tea estate according to on formations of villagers. The cool climate and the beauty of nature were reduced our tired and the words which told poor Tamil villagers were enthusiastic our journey.

Just got down & go forward.

Using shortcut

White Beauty…

Misty isn’t outside yet

Newly sprouted tree

Gift of British aggressors

Little fascicule

Bambarella Tea estate

Golden tea buds

When we entered to upper portion it passed 10.30am and our speed of journey was reduced by the beautiful surrounding. The way was finished from here and then we entered to small foot path of the right side of the way. Some of tiny cottages were in this path and we could see some tea plucking women also. After another 20min. forward we could came close to beautiful water fall Knuckles. Then we took a small break there and started journey again.

Go forward

Instability

Art house

Mmmm… Orange…

Grown moss

Little buddies

Beauty of road side

Endless motion

Steps forward

End of the path

It decayed too much

While blossoming

Get some rest

Difference of redolence

Pretty twins

Little mermaid

He is busy with his camera

Nice pattern

Amazing Knuckles Fall

Like a painting

Sometime it may be precious

Pass by steps

We went forward along the open area and the way was some rise. Surrounding was covered by misty and sometime Bambarella seen for moment. Buy the way the open area was finished and then entered to forest. Also that it had an ascent and due to existing wet weather condition leaches waiting for us. But the long socks which we wear help to prevent leaches attacks.

Nodule of bamboo

Endeavour to arise

Just click

Difference of plant cover

Through the copse

Seeking various angles

Misty swallows up

Passing a land mark.

Misty is flowing slowly

A nice place to rest. Leaches are waiting to treat you. :-)

Lady Knuckles covered her face felling shy

We had a big starvation by then because of the cool weather. We went forward without getting any rest because of leaches attacks and without having proper place to rest. After went forward like that, we met a small open area. So we get a rest from there and had the lunch also. Then again started our journey and entered to important junction at about 2.20pm.

This was a 3 way junction and upper way to Knuckles. But we went on that way earlier. So we chase down way to go forward. This way also we went earlier. So we know it spent about 3hr from here to Alugallena. So we managed the time and hurried to walk before dusk.

Landscape spread to Bambarella

Nice art of nature.

She meets often at Knuckles

Important junction. Black arrow- The way which we came from Bambarella. Blue arrow- The peak of Knuckles. Red arrow- To Alugallena,(The way which we go)

Spiders’ Design

Like jelly fish

White lady

Like a green rug

But it was not easy. The way was shelving. So the weight of our back packs disturbed to us. And also way was very slippery because of the earlier day rain. At about 3.30 we could reach to old camp site of forest department & we get some rest there. We had to first scene of Alugallena Mountain also.

Again the way was fallen through the forest. So again we affected by leaches attacks. We reached next important junction at about 3.45pm and we met the way from Thangappuwa to Alugallena. So we went Alugallena along that way. According to our experiences we know there were plenty of leaches attack along this way. So we properly armed against to leaches.

Get some leisure. (This is an old camp site)

Next important junction. Black arrow- The way which we came. Yellow arrow- The way to Thangappuwa. Red arrow- The way which should go trail head Alugallena.

Lump of leopard

Deploying pollen.

The way was fallen across streams sometime and leaches attacks also were high. So we hadn’t got any rest also. We had to get some rest on the stone which placed on the stream. Then we entered to Alugallena at about 5.45pm with noticed a successful ending of 1st day walk with very tired.

Getting special treats from leaches

Red mushrooms

The destination of first day at hand. (This scene is Alugallena mountain & the cave is on foot on that.)

Hurried walk to cave

Crepuscular shadows

Mission completed in 1st day

Water supply of the cave was disturbed, so Wali made a new plumbing line using Banana trees and I cleared the cave and setted tent. Because of too tired we had some short meal any get sleep with dreaming for next day.

Ready to repair water supply line

This is familiar for us

It’s working…

2nd day

We got awake at about 7.00am with the crash sound of monkeys. That beautiful night also added to our memory book. Then after get breakfast and taking lunch packets we ready to leave. The challenge was the way from here. Because we didn’t have any information besides PDF of Niroshan.

So we made a way through cardamom bushes ahead the cave and go forward at about 9.30am. There was no any cleared foot path. So we withdraw very difficultly. Leaches attacks were too much. After that the way was finished a big brae. So we were hopeless for moment. Then we come again backward and met some place to down. So we step down from there.

Then we heard some noise of human. So we responded to that and go forward. Accidently a man was immerged through the forest. We got nervous and look at him some moment. He was a toddy tapper and he helped us to find the correct way. And also he brought us to his hut and treated us well =D and he described about the way which we want to go and introduce the plant of “Maussa”. It was a harmful plant on human beings. We spent little time there and started go forward. The way was a precipice from here and it was difficult to step on that way.

Preparing breakfast

It helps to everything

Nice & safe place to camping

It’s a marvelous experience

A lonely moment of deep Knuckles range

Let’s ready to 2nd mission. (The way is fallen forward the cave.)

No any sign of footpath

Copious cardamom

It’s a tough way

A valley

The man who received the god

Natural arch

Landmark

Toddy tappers’ hut

Just lowered

“මාඋස්සා”. You should careful about it

The way is clear a little

Another gift of nature

Art of leaves

It’s familiar for us

Five petal flowers

Nice landing

By the way to down side the climate change also felt very well. Weather was turned dry here. And also we abstained from leaches attack by then. We came a long distance like that. Then the time about 1.00pm, so we get the lunch and get some rest. There were no many water resources besides one stream. So we saved our limited water for further consume. After some distance from here we met and important junction. One way was to Karabmaketiya and other was to Pusse Ela from this junction. So we selected Pusse Ela way to go forward.

Greenish frame

Feeling wildlife

Another angle

Passing land mark

Alone…

Nice couple

Wild strawberry

Reaching to plain. (There are no any leaches attack. Because there’s dry weather.)

Through the forest

Tall trees

This way to “පුස්සේ ඇල” which we used. Other one for “කරඹකැටිය”

She is dried

She also like above

Kingdom of bumble-bees

Another land mark

Poisonous thorn

Signs of colony

Reaching to border

t tells now we are in dry weather

Straight

Went forward like this we entered large open area. So our journey was become slowly. Because of the sun beam get very fierce. Then we could get the first scene of the way from Hunnasgiriya to Meemure. We got some rest which stretched out on the dry meadow and get the rest of little water.

Then we continued our journey forward, the way was cleared from here and it had plenty of dry bushes. After some distance along this way we could see an elegance panorama. Lakegala was located in one side as a giant and figured paddy fields like steps were in the other side.

Went forward like this we met another junction and we selected left way from there. When some distance from there we herd sound of stream. So we hurried to step there. So we happily get some rest and continued along that way. At the end of this way we could entered main way. Then we looked forward to Meemure.

We went to Nawa mamas’ home from pusse Ela across Kaikawala on foot at about 5.45pm. Nawa mama warmly welcomed us and treated us loyally. After the end of 2nd day successfully we got sleep early with the intention of a long journey next day.

The way from “හුන්නස්ගිරිය” to “මීමුරේ”

While hunting

Just click

“බෝවිටියා”

They dead

Peculiarity of drought

Colony is at hand.

Method of “Hel Malu”

First scene in “ලකේගල”.

Starling

Landscaping

We choose this way. Other way also to “Pusse Ela” but it’s not near like other

The first man we met from “Pusse Ela”.

Prosperity

Along the way to “Meemure”.

Very innocent.

Great shot of Wali

Along the way to “Meemure”.

Crepuscular shadows

Nice view

Coffee-hut

He looking at us with lighting eyes

Nawa mamas’ home.

Nawarathna mama

3rd Day

According to earlier signification Nawa mama had waken us early. Then we get the bed tea and prepared to continue our journey. He advised us how to go & what were the things we should do during continue this journey. He emphasizes a fortiori to go forward very carefully because there were some wild elephant loitering due to the dry condition of there. Then we were thankful us to his hospitality and left from him to go forward.

With the arising of dawn we step forward felling with the folk fragrance. The way was along the earlier way. It was finished about 500m above Nawa mamas’ home. The footpath was started from there and some tiny cottages of villages could be seen and also we could see Lakegala at random. After some time we met a sacred boo tree and verdant paddy field. Behind from that we could see the Lakegala was stand proudly. (But Lakegala was seeing like that only those days, now our hearts were pained at every time when it sees.)

Ready to go

Watching our captures

peep of day

They inform arise of new day

Rubble work

First full view

The peak…

Colorfully…

Beauty of Lakegala

The way fallen through the paddy field

Crossing the bridge

Foot path was fallen near the Lakegala

Fruitful

Loyal chat…

Innocent Villagers…

Team work.

Creepers…

Tough path.

The way we should go

Credence.

Light balance

There is no any leaches

The footpath was fallen on the base of Lakegala. The surrounding had dry weather condition. And also we were very careful because villagers also said as Nawa mama, that wild elephants were loitering these days. If there were hilly areas at the beginning, but after our way was fallen to plain areas. Our journey was slow because dryness of surrounding than the tired of three day walk. However we could reach to Narangamuwa village at about 12.45pm. We were fed up too much by then so we could not go to Rambukoluwa as decided earlier. So we noticed our destination from Narangamuwa village with the intention of come to this paradise again.

We get a nature shower bath as our wish by nearest home at Narangamuwa. Then we had a loyal chat with them and served our remaining foods and medicine to them.  We coat a bus to Pallegama from here and then get a bus from Dambulla to Kurunegala.

Nice place to rest

Big thirst

They went from Meemure to Narangamuwa, (Usually they have to on foot in this root)

Just click…

Along the way…

Great short of Wali.

Type of Predator

Safe landing

His ready to give firewood

Paddy filled of “නාරංගමුව”.

He welcomed us to Narangamuwa with a incent smile.

Village women

Farmers’ hut.

Plants of long bean

Backing for plants

End of the great journey at Narangamuwa village

Thanking you very much to read my long report. Wish you for safe journey to you also…

It has been a few months since we did something adventurous and we were itching for some action. We were clear from the beginning on what we wanted to do; it had to be at least a 3day hike, away from civilization and most importantly we didn’t want a guide or a clear trail. Although we knew what we wanted finding a hiking trail that we like proved to be much more difficult than we initially imagined.

After looking at all the possibilities we finally agreed on the Bridle Trail in Horton Plains. The only problem with this trail was that it was only a 2day hike whereas we wanted the hike to be at least 3days. One possible way would be is to find a path from the Diayagama trail to the base of Agra Bopath Mountain and form there find our way to the start of the Bridle trail this would add around 10km to the Bridle Trail making it a 3day hike.

They say that rivers/streams are the highways in the jungle and I fully agree with this. In my opinion the easiest way (perhaps not the safest) to travel in a jungle is to follow a stream. I have done this quite a few times and it has paid off. To find a path form the Diayagama trail to the base of Agra Bopath I first needed to find a stream and to find a stream I needed to find a valley. Thanks to Google earth and Garmin BaseCamp finding the valley was easy and by analyzing it further we realized that there was a high probability that a small steam was there.

Once the trail was decided it was time to fix the dates, Kasun was upgrading some of his gear and so was I and since we both thought that this hike would be a good chance to try our new gear the trip was postponed till the new gear arrived. This delay was also a blessing in disguise as it gave us plenty of time to study the terrain and plan the trip in great detail.

Day 1 Marked in Blue, Day 2 Marked in Yellow & Day 3 Marked in Red – Click Map To Enlarge

Please note that all photographs published in this report were taken by Kasun and full credit should go to him for photo documenting this trip.

Day 1: Diayagama Trail (2.5Km) > Followed a stream up to the base of Agra Bopath Mountain (5Km)

The night mail from Colombo arrived in Ohiya around 4.30am and after disembarking, myself and Kasun went across the street from the station and went in to Mr. Gamini’s shop to have breakfast he served us hot roti and sambal. To be honest we thought that the roti was a bit stale and he had just warmed up some old roti and served us. Anyway after managing to eat one roti each we asked him about transport to Horton plains. Mr. Gamini offered to drop us at the Diayagama trail head for Rs.1000/= we took him up on his offer and went to up to the Diayagama trail head passing the Visitor centre in one of his three-wheelers.

The walk down the Diayagama trail was easy and according to my calculations we should find a stream coming from Agra Bopath around 2.5Km for the trail head. Weeks of analyzing Google earth and maps paid off as the stream was there on the exact spot we predicted.

In the beginning Kasun didn’t want to get in to the stream, he wanted to travel parallel to the stream without getting his shoes wet!! But after traveling this way for some distance (250M) it was becoming very clear that we had no option but to get in to the stream as the vegetation was getting denser.

Day 1 : Marked in Blue – Click Map to Enlarge

The Road from Ohiya

.

Diayagama Trail Head

Agra Bopath in a Distance (our Target for the Day)

According to My Calculations the Stream Should be Here

And Here it is !!

Me with The North Face Conness 52

Kasun with his Deuter ACT Lite 40+10

Dense Vegetation

It’s time to Get Wet

The water initially felt a bit cold but as our feet grew accustomed it didn’t feel that bad. We didn’t encounter too many obstacles just a few cascades and one waterfall (marked as WF546 on the Google image). JUST A WORD OF CAUTION: TRAVELING UP/DOWN STREAMS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS; YOU ONLY NEED TO MAKE ONE WRONG FOOTING TO SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURY.

Leftovers

.

Peaceful at Times

A Little bit Challenging at Times

Within “Acceptable Level of Risk”

WF546 (Level 1)

WF546 (Level 2)

Avoiding a Waterfall

.

.

.	The Road to Heaven

.

.

2Km up the stream we saw a rather large savanna patch and at the end of it was another waterfall (marked as WF625 on the Google image) in haste I immediately came to the conclusion that this is part of the Great savanna that we were looking for and without climbing the waterfall we could go left and find the Great savanna. Kasun had his doubts form the beginning but I insisted that we go up the savanna and see. So we climbed out of the valley and almost went up to the edge of the savanna just to find out that it was a dead end !!

After nearly wasting 1hour we came back to the Waterfall (WF625) and had to find a way to climb around it. After overcoming this hurdle we were back following the stream a few more cascades later we came upon another waterfall (marked as WF660 on the Google image) after passing this it was becoming difficult to follow the stream as it grew narrower and narrower so we were traveling parallel to the stream

Time was ticking by and yet we haven’t found the Great savanna patch that we were looking for (we were planning to camp at the base of it). It was almost 4.45pm when we decided that we have to give up finding this savanna and we needed to make camp before it got dark. It was a hard decision to make but it was the correct thing to do.

The tent was setup and we put an additional fly sheet just in case it rained. While setting up the tent we did not clear the ground of the weeds that were there as they would act as a buffer between the tent and the cold earth making it a little bit warmer inside the tent.

Once all this was done, supper was prepared on our little stove. By 6pm we had had our supper and the campsite was prepared for the night. But, there was one problem. I did not bring my sleeping bag because I wanted to save space inside the pack and also to reduce weight instead I brought a sleeping bag under layer to keep me warm and to stop stones from pricking. This mat was strapped to the back of the pack and when we stopped for the day we realized that it has fallen some ware along the trail. Kasun came up with a simple plan, we had some extra large heavy duty garbage bags and we also found large heaps of dried grass close to our campsite so we filed out a garbage bag and made a large mat to sleep on.

Mistaken Identity

Heading the Wrong Way

WF625 in a Distance

WF625

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.

.	At the Top of the Waterfall (WF625)

Cascades

More Cascades

Some More Cascades

Many More Cascades

Still a Long Way to Go

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No Option but to Set up Camp

Day 2 : From Agra Bopath Base to Kirigalpotha Trail (1.1Km)> On Kirigalpotha Trail (900M) > Bridle Trail (4Km)

Day 2 : Marked in Yellow – Click Map to Enlarge

After a peaceful night’s sleep we got up at 5.30am and started to pack. By 7am we were packed and ready to start our 2nd day of hiking. Our plan was to travel up to a small savanna patch marked as Waypoint 15 of the Trail Guide. According to my calculations this should be a good place to camp and there should also be a water source.

But before any of those we needed to find the Grate Savanna patch and then find the Kirigalpotha trail !! I and Kasun were divided on this, he thought that we need to travel further down the valley to find the Grate Savanna patch and I was insisting that we only had climb out of the valley and we will find it. So we finally agreed and climbed out of the valley as I suggested and to our relief we did find the Grate Savanna patch !!

We knew that the Kirigalpotha trail was at the other end of this Savanna patch so we continued crossing it and ultimately found the Kirigalpotha trail. Once on this trail we continued towards the Visitor Center after continuing for 900M we came to the Belihuloya crossing, there we had our breakfast and headed back in to the jungle towards the Bridle trail.

Good Morning !!

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Start of Another Day

Climbing Out of the Valley

Yes We Found It !!!

Kirigalpotha Trail Should at the End of the Savanna Patch

Beauty of the Savanna

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Finding the Kirigalpotha Trail

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.	Belihuloya Crossing on the Kirigalpotha Trail

We continued towards Slab Rock Falls (Marked as “WF739” on the Google image) and after having a quick look at it we continued on our quest to find the Jeep track (Bridle trail) this section of the trail was densely over grown. We had a nightmare of a time trying to find the Jeep track.

After a bit of a struggle we did come across a very broad trail which clearly looked like a Jeep track!!

If the path was this clear this is going to be “a walk in the park” or at least that is what we thought!! After traveling less than 100M on this clear trail the trail suddenly became overgrown and full of thorns cutting a path through the thorns became a very painful challenge. Since we had no other option we continued to follow this trail and cut a path just enough for us to squeeze through

Found the Old Jeep Track (Bridle Trail)!!

A Walk in the Park or so we Thought

The Nightmare Begins

Never Ending Nightmare

Finally an Open Area

The Concrete Bridge in the Middle of the Jungle

After battling with thorns for a considerable distance we suddenly came out to a clearing and found a Concrete bridge in the middle of no ware!! Then it was back it to the thick jungle till we came to a savanna patch. From the planning stage our plan was to camp here unlike the previous day we came to our destination with plenty of daylight left (around 2.20pm) and we found a stream at one end of the savanna along with a small waterfall (around 15ft high)

Our camp was setup close to the stream in a place which was well protected from the wind. Since we didn’t have much to do we explored the area a bit and started to prepare our supper around 4.30pm and had an early meal and went to bed around 6pm

Emerging from the Thick Jungle on to the Savanna Patch

The Savanna Patch (Waypoint 15 of the Trail Guide)

Clear Skies a Grate Blessing

The Waterfall Near Our Camp Site

Haven

Cooking

Nothing like Corn Beef & Magi for Supper

View from the top of the Waterfall

On Top of the Waterfall

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Day 3 : Bridle Trail (8Km) > North Cove Division (1.3Km)

Day 3 : Marked in Red – Click Map to Enlarge

By 6am we were up and after munching on a few bars of Mars and packing our gear we were ready to leave by 7.30am. Kasun was insisting that we abandon the Bridle trail and find our own way by following a stream. I was reluctant at first because the thought of getting in to a cold stream early in the morning with shoes didn’t make much sense. But his point was that following the Bridle trail was boring and I had to agree with him on that it was becoming a bit boring. So after looking at maps and studying the contour lines we figured out that the stream that we were camping next to could lead us out of the forest or we could join the Bridle trail further down.

Traveling down this stream didn’t pose too many complications the water was flowing lazily and it only had a few small cascades that we had to tackle. Around 1.5Km from camp we climbed on to a vantage point to get a better look at our surroundings and to our surprise saw a mining site not far from where we were. The site looked like a working mine but when we got there we did not find any miners. Form the mine there was a small but clear footpath heading in the direction of North Cove So we changed our plans and decided to follow this mining trail.

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Mining Trails

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After coming across several abandoned mining sites the trail eventually led us to Mahadeniya and to our surprise the mines at Mahadeniya were also abandoned!! We were interested in talking to some of the miners and at the same time were glad that nobody was there as we were not sure if the miners would consider us as hostile. From there we followed the trail up to Mahaeliya and found that this large mining site was also abandoned!! (Later we learned that the STF was carrying out a raid on the mines on that day and word has been sent to the miners form the estate workers)

Continuing along these trails we finally came out of the forest around 2pm and found ourselves in the North Cove Division of the Loinorn Estate about 1.5Km away from the North Cove Cabanas. From there we continued along estate roads and after walking for around 1.3Km we found a van which travels from the Estate to Bogawantalawa town as soon as we reached Bogawantalawa town there was a bus that was preparing to leave to Hatton. Once we reached Hatton bus stand we immediately found another bus that was going to Colombo and we boarded it and reached Colombo around 9pm.

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Mahadeniya in a Distance

On the Way to Mahadeniya

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He’s Got His Lunch

Towards Mahaeliya

A Frog in a Gem Pit

Surely We Must be Close Now

Entering North Cove Division

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The End

Thanks for reading.

Tour Highlights:

1. Kirigalpoththa Trail
2. Thotupola Trail

I woke up and lowered the blanket covering me and a rain of needles hit my exposed skin. Oh dear, I’m in HP, it suddenly dawned on me. There was a light moving out of the room and it made me feel jittery. Getting out of the bed and landing my feet on the ground sent another dose of needles up my body. It was so cold (probably around 10-degrees) and I followed the light out of the room to find Ana already up and getting ready to make some coffee. The time had just gone 4.30am and I was shivering when I entered the kitchen. There wasn’t any sign of the bungalow keepers (they can’t have ever had their guests waking up at 4.30am) and I waited with my feet up for a steaming cup of coffee.

Atha and Prasa were still sound asleep and I went back to wake them up. It was very cold and we sipped at our scalding coffee hugging ourselves so tight. The caretakers got a shock when they appeared around 5.30am to see us up and about. I guess this was a great shock for them and they got very busy making our breakfast while we washed in the freezing water and got ready to leave while the sun was beginning his painting class towards the east.

After a hot hot Roti and many curries breakfast, we set off towards the Farr Inn with some more packed boiled eggs and sandwiches. About 2km into the drive, we saw a herd of Sambar Deer to our left and stopped to take their pics. The tip of KGP could be seen in the distance while mysterious Agra Bopath kept herself covered with mist. Thotupola was showing her twin peaks to our right with a bright sun glowing the grass towards her.

We reached the Farr Inn and saw the first wave of vehicles coming from Pattipola Entrance and all the tourists were heading towards Gonagala Falls and World’s End. We showed our permit and was given the green light to carry on our trail. Thankfully, there was no one else to do the KGP trail and we started our journey merrily.

Good morning!

We’re ready to go

Hern the Hunter?

Not really

Whole family of them

Ok, no more pics after this…

Gorgeous colors

Agra-Bopath

Comms tower at Farr Inn

The Farr Inn covered by trees

Took forever to take this as there were people milling about all the time

Gigantic Ferns

KGP Trail – Uphill

We started the isolated trail while the sky was royal blue and had patterns of pristine white clouds like cotton wool on a painted canvas. There was a herd of Sambar to our right but ran away at the first sight of us. They were not so forward like the begging few in and around the Farr Inn and Bungalows. The invading Ulex plants were scattered about just like the last time we visited which was a very sad thing to see. There are a lot of dangers to the HP such as Polythene, Invasive Plants and fish species such as Rainbow Trout. To our surprise, we saw quite a number of crows (2 were permanently stationed at Ginihiriya Bungalow) and according to the officials, they are a huge threat to endemic reptiles, such as Rhino Horn Lizard (An Katussa), Smooth Lanka Skink, Common Rough-Sided Snake (Le/Dalawa Madilla), etc. as they feed on them and their eggs. We were told the number of Rhino Horn Lizards is decreasing every day due to the existence of the crows.

We urgently have to do something to eliminate these crows before they completely wipe out these endemic species from HP. Ana kept going at a steady pace and I was suddenly scared he’d outrun us to the summit. We reached the stream that crosses the path and spent a few minutes resting. It was a very welcome break and if you take the left path parallel to the water stream, it should lead you to the Slab Rock Falls but we didn’t attempt it as our priority was KGP. We decided to give it a go supposing we had some time to kill on our return journey and always the weather permitting.

The path there after was in and out of forest patches and bordering the Bamboo plants. We came across gorgeous looking Binara Flowers (We came across them on top of Lakegala too) and stopped at every opportunity to take snaps and breaks. This is when while I was following the rest of the group Atha suddenly stopped me and pointed at the grass to the side of our path. I saw nothing at first but he slowly pointed at it and whispered in my ear “An Katussek”. Despite my numerous visits to the HP, I’d only once seen a Rhino Horn Lizard before but well before I knew about things called cameras. This was a great opportunity as the fella was among the grass blades. The camera had a tough time focusing through the grass blades (wish our point-n-shoots had manual focusing) and after it felt like ages, managed to take a few decent shots.

We left the fella and continued our journey before entering the muddy patches. We saw the paw-prints of the leopard at many places along the path and were hopeful to get a peek at the fellow. Even though Tony was so lucky to get a look at one of them at our last journey, he was way too scared to stop and take a picture. He nearly ran all the way to the summit and fell over the edge. The muddy areas were not so difficult to cross and we entered the forest. The path that was full of Nelu Flowers last time was devoid of any flowers and most of the Nelu Trees were at their last stages. We heard after the flowery season, the trees wither and die.

There were a few still with purple and light green flowers but not a lot. However, we came across some beautiful orchids and white and blue flower that grows on the roots almost along the ground. It was a very beautiful one and bloomed in clusters. We then saw some bones of a Sambar that had probably been hunted by the leopard but couldn’t have been recently. The climb in the middle was a bit challenging and we had to stop frequently to take our breaths. The depleting oxygen levels made the work laborious.

We reached the base of the KGP having crossed the last stream. This is where you have to replenish your water canteens as there’s no stream to have water. We had our brunch too, the half boiled eggs had broken and been oozing the yellow out. We managed to dig in our sandwiches in the yellow gravy and have it. The Jeewani kept us going all the time and we made some more for the final assault. After a long and tedious hike, we arrived at the observation point, short distance below the summit panting like a pack of hunting wolves. As usual the view was unobstructed and panoramic. The tinge of purple was missing from the trees below due to the end of Nelu Season. The slope reminded me of Lakegala but she was far steeper than this.

Arriving at this point was a major milestone and we savoured the moment to the fullest. We then took the path through the trees towards the summit. There’s a very dangerous path along the rock near the edge. Please don’t take this as it can lead to disasters should you lose the footing. Further, there’s a short stretch that you need to climb up along a rocky surface. Be very careful there too and try to avoid windy periods. It took us close to 5 hours marking it probably the slowest of all and Ana may have set another record being the oldest to reach the KGP summit.

We celebrated with stream water and Jeewani with what’s left of our sandwiches. We had the whole KGP for ourselves and felt like we were lost in a world devoid of any humans. The view was great and we could see the Ambewela Windmills, Dayagama Tea Factory and many more. However there were some thick clouds coming towards us and we decided to start the downhill journey as we didn’t want to get wet and be on that rocky slope when the rain came with winds. You can watch the video of us just off the summit and Ana hilariously saying that we’d reached the Kirigalpolla. This was what Tony used when we first reached and did a short video, he was dead scared and forgot the word Kirigalpoththa and instead said Kirigalpolla.

Video of KGP

Ready to go… that 7km is not correct. It’s about 5.5km to the summit… (7km could’ve been using the old path)

We had the path to ourselves while World’s End path was busier than Pettah

Here comes the heavy guns

KGP and Agra Bopath closer to each other

Cotton wool sprinkled royal blue canvas

Ana among the thorny Ulex Plants… (note the GoPro Camera he’s wearing)

Agra Bopath – The unsolved mystery

The dead and the alive together

Endless plain

Not sure if it’s edible

The stream that we had to cross

Despite the rains, there was very little water

Through the bamboo

Kirigotte Balal Adi? – Nope, it’s Kalu Paswala Divi Adi

Two sexy girls

That color is simply uncopiable

Can you see the fella?

Here a close up. Can see the Horn clearly

One with no grass blocking the view

The path through the bamboo

Close up of the paw mark

Taking the paw mark on his lenses

Sitha Pera

To our right was this open terrain and beyond that is Agra Bopath

Few Nelu flowers remaining

Orchid

Close up

The sky through the tree cover

Not Bandura, but something similar

Very beautiful but no idea what they are

Hope you can remember this from my previous trip report. It was very fresh then but now it’s like limestone

The bones I told you about

Some more

Life on the dead

Dead Nelu trees making an arch for us

Beautiful sky all the way

Close up of the bunch of flowers

The summit of KGP is over there

A dead bird?

Just before the final assault

The view on the way up

Commonly seen orchid type

Very common

Finally at the viewing point

The expressions say it all

Clear view

Steep slope

The tricky bit I told you about

He was merrily shooting away

The rocky bit that might be slippery and can be challenging to cross in heavy winds

The trees closer to the summit

Typical summit point

Yeah, we did it finally… with two records probably

KGP Trail – Downhill

The downhill journey was more or less uneventful save for the threat of looming clouds. Fortunately, it didn’t rain until we were back inside the vehicle heading towards the bungalow. Mother Nature had been keeping an eye out for the happy wonderers. However, we were let into a secret by Ana (don’t tell anyone what I’m gonna tell you). He’s planning on competing for the triple jump in Rio in 2016 and was training for it. We noticed he kept jumping over obstacles every now and then and then realized his ulterior motive.

I’ll let the pictures tell the story from here onwards. We came across a snake (my first at HP) called Le Madilla, I guess the same one called Dalawa Madilla as well. I might be wrong but looks like both are the same. The downhill journey took only half the uphill time and we beat the rain and got into our vehicles heading off to the Bungalow for some well-deserved rest. On our way, we met another begging Sambar who was very desperate for something to eat but we flatly refused any. He then asked for at least some money so that he could go grab something such as those jaw breaking Roti from the canteen. We refused that too fearing the bugger might wolf down the note without going to the canteen.

We skipped lunch altogether and waited till evening for a hearty dinner and as usual went to bed just before 8pm coz this was our second but sadly the last night at Ginihiriya. We had Thotupola Trail planned up for the morning.

The steep slope

One of the fellows in disguise

Mind your head

Le Madilla, not poisonous at all – Not Sure? Touch it and see

The triple jump champion ready to cross

Simply beautiful

The muddy path

Prasa explaining the size of a leopard to Ana

Wading through the muddy path

Another orchid?

Wild berries

The SL team leader for Rio 2016

Entering back into the open

Furry

Crossing the stream back

Plenty of them

Very old Leopard Poo

Nearly finished our journey

Prasa complaining about the distance

Good bye Agra Bopath

Reminds me of the first journey too

Farr Inn in full

The modern Thomas Farr…

Click image to enlarge

Sri Lankan White-Eye

Another

Upside down

He was constantly coming out of the hiding to feed on the garbage left by the tourists

Prowling along the drains

The one on our way, coming towards us looking for something to eat

“Anything to eat?” – asked he

Begging look

Backing out knowing we wouldn’t give anything. “At least give me 50 bucks, I’ll go get a roti from the canteen”

View through the windscreen

Maha Bovitiya

Up close

Closer to our bungalow, the darkness made the pic not so good

Another one looking at us

Trying to get up the tree

Whole lot of them

Thotupola Trail

I got up after a deep sleep to find Ana had as usual beaten me to it. He was up and about when I got up and walked into the kitchen. The water was already boiling and he was ready to serve coffee for which I was very grateful. The scalding liquid warmed my body and bungalow keepers were not yet accustomed to our early routine. Prasa, who’s a very late riser, managed to stir up slowly and opened his eyes bit by bit as if they were glued shut. We had to get ready real fast as the time was running out.

Finally Prasa managed to defeat the overwhelming force of sleep and get up. The breakfast was in full swing as Abeysinghe brought a wave after wave of fried eggs to go with coconut sambol and sliced bread. We kept eating and Abeysinghe kept running back and forth with fully laden trays. After our bellies reached their bursting point, we decided to pack the things and be ready to leave. The sun was still fighting the clouds and the mist kept coming in covering the whole surrounding with her thick veil and I was worried if we would get a good view from Thotupola.

Having thanked our caretakers we left for Thotupola in the thick mist. The path was fully covered in mist but Ohiya Road being less crowded compared to Pattipola didn’t make it that hard on driving along. Passing the Farr Inn we saw to our right a herd of Sambar out for a morning stroll. The mist was too thick for our cameras to make out them clearly (I keep saying those cameras are not as even half as good as our eyes). All of a sudden, two males started fighting with each other with their horns and I managed to do a small video.

Video of Sambar Fighting

Passing them around the head of Dayagama Trail, we met a jungle fowl who was on the hunt looking for some breakfast despite the mist. The cold was that much we could feel it going right across the bones to the core. Having reached the trail head in the end, we stopped to get ready for the chilly hike. The mist was still so thick and we saw the dying Nelu Trees after the blooming season. The legend goes on as follows:

“Long ago in India, Prince Rama lived in exile in the jungle with his beautiful wife, Sitha. When the sister of the powerful king of Sri Lanka, Ravana, once visited the jungle of Rama, she was mistreated. Returning home, she complained to her brother, Ravana who swore revenge. Taking his mythical plane, he flew to India and kidnapped Sitha and came to Sri Lanka. The aircraft first landed on the peaks of Thotupola Kanda, meaning the “Landing Site” in Sinhala.”

Well, I’ll let the pictures do the talking from now on. However, Ana was in top gear and we had to restrain him from running to the top. It took us very little time compared to the long and arduous journey of KGP. The mist kept clearing from time to time giving us that panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. However, Sri Pada decided not to show herself for some unknown reason. We were treated for a super-duper view when we visited Thotupola Kanda last time to see the Nelus in full bloom.

The team and Abeysinghe at the left

Here they are

Watching the others getting ready to fight

Here they go

In the open

Closer look but not in good quality

On the prowl

The legend (Click image to enlarge)

The path in the morning

Some clearing

Plenty of flowers

Macro

Some more

With the dew collected off mist

The Dhal Tree

Closer to the summit

Here’s the team

Ravana Rawul

The view was not so great due to the mist

Maha Rathmal in the distance

Zoomed in

With my shadow

Ana kept going ahead of everyone

Some of the remaining Nelu

Some bones off the path

The mist had enough of us

Life on the dead

Will have to do something about these, they were along the Thotupola trail too

Towards Ambewela

The cluster of windmills

Giant Ferns

Beautiful center

We left HP, rather sadly, and got on the way back towards Nanu Oya. We met a large group of Black Monkeys closer to Pattipola that gave a good opportunity to Ana and Atha to capture them. Closer to Ambewela Farm, we stopped for some fresh milk where two doggies were waiting hungrily. They too received a full cup of fresh milk for their good behavior. We made good time but the stretch between Nanu Oya and Radella Short Cut was not yet completed as I mentioned in the last report.

I was eagerly waiting for another encounter with St. Claire hoping against the hope she’d have a full quota of water but I was disappointed for the umpteenth time. She was falling in her sorrow state and we didn’t stop by. Nevertheless, we stopped at Devon Viewing Platform for a cuppa tea. Unlike our going on the 04 Oct morning, when Devon was fully obscured by the mist, she was in full view and we once again enjoyed this falling beauty. The artist at the platform kept working away at his canvas with different strokes.

After a freshly fried potato patties and tea from the tea center, we left for Colombo. I kept wishing there was more time to spend at HP but every good thing has to come to an end sometime. This really was a dream come true as I finally managed to spend a night at HP after so many visits over last 15 years. It was great having Ana, Atha and Prasa, we really had a ball.

Hopefully, there’ll be more journeys like this in future. Until such time, this is Sri signing off for the time being.

Take care and keep travelling!

Sayonara…

Sri.

Look at the beard

Another

Colombo-bound train at Pattipola

And then at Ambewela too

Where we stopped for a cup of milk

Lusty greenery and blue

Waiting patiently for some milk

They were working

No matter how many times you see her, you’d always see her in a different perspective

Full flow

The artistic point

Busy at work

Towards Watagoda

Colors

Bidding farewell

I got to know that there was a waterfall in Dumbara area of Kiriella, Ratnapura. But could not find anyone with proper directions. Than an old trip report in Nadegura gave me the directions to explore this beauty.

It is situated just 3kms off Ratnapura-Panadura road though one has to walk upstream for last 500ms which would really test one depending on weather.

We turned left from the junction just before Paththini Devalaya and Bo tree on Panadura road coming from Ratnapura close to 38km post. We then crossed the wooden bridge over the Kalu River leading to Dumbara estate. Dumbara estate lies along the border between Ratnapura and Kalutara.

The wooden bridge over the Kalu River…..

View from the wooden bridge over the Kalu River…..probably the narrowest point of Kalu River….

After crossing the Kalu River road devides to two. We took the road on the right hand side leading to Dumbara estate office and rural hospital of Dumbara.

Take the road to the right……

Then after travelling 1 km the road divided to two. We took the road to left going uphill. After travelling another 1-2km we met the “Palam deke Bokkuwa”.

We parked the car and started to walk uphill along the stream. If travelling by car one has to be careful as there are one or two tricky places to cross. Van, no problem at all.

“Palam deke Bokkuwa” and my parked car on left corner…..

Going uphill bit tricky on two points… this is one of them…..

Going uphill not straight forward…..

After half an hour challenging climb uphill we reached the base of the beautiful Dumbara Falls….

More than 20 meters in height…. Falls in 3 sections…..

Upper and middle sections……

Full view of the fall sparing the left lower section…..

Left lower section….. it has less water than main fall….

Thanks for reading.

As part of my work as Medical officer of health of Nivithigala I am bound to conduct medical inspection in every school in my area. Most intriguing out schools is Panahatagala primary school in Panahatagala area & Liyanekakanda School in Liyanekakanda.

Unfortunately Liyanekakanda School was shut down due to lack of students. Though Panahatagala area belongs to Nivithigala DS division it is not connect by any means of transport to Nivithigala. To get there we have to travel to Kalawana and from there to Wathurawa and rest by foot. There was a bridge connected to Wathurawa which was destroyed by floods 3 years beck. Since then politicians failed to build the bridge due to the debate for whether it belongs to Kalawana or Nivithigala. Furthermore it has voting population of only 300 to make matters worse for this poor villagers. There is a separate road connected from Kalawana town to Panahatagala but it can be done by only a very very experienced driver with 4wd vehicle with good ground clearance. At present only very few 4wd Lorries with extra ground clearance comes on that way to collect tea leaves.

Otherwise one have to walk 3 kms to reach the main area of the village. Recently villages have constructed a road leading to Panahatagala from Wathurawa but without the bridge only motorbikes can cross the river.

Now villagers have built a small wooden bridge to across main river from Waturawa..

This was the status one month back…….

There are few streams to cross on the way….

Crossing another stream…

Crossing another stream…

Following pics show the beautiful surrounding and an unnamed waterfall (3-4 meters of height)

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Thanks for reading…..