| Year and Month | June, 2014 |
| Number of Days | Ten |
| Crew | Two of us |
| Accommodation | |
| Transport | Car & other methods |
| Activities | Everything |
| Weather | mixed weather |
| Route |
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| Tips, Notes and Special remark |
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| Related Resources |
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| Author | Ashan |
| Comments | Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread |
The route map – Green first part, Purple second part
This was a once in a life time trip and I wanted it to be a spectacular one. When one is in a romantic mood its always best to stay close to mother nature and far away from the busy world. This is what we did in our little paradise nation within 10 days. So let the pictures say our story. Our first and second day of relaxation was at Back of beyond Kahandamodara. This was absolutely the paradise we searched for. Two days of perfect harmony with many activities to pass ones time like boat rides in lagoons, cycling and etc. Thanks Yohan for building such a lovely place. The staff was simply the best; you don’t get good guys like them at 5 start hotels.
 our paradise at Kahandamodara |
 Beautifuly blended with nature |
 The new Sandy at Kahandamodara |
 we took a cycle tour to the beach on the evening after arrival and it was rewarding |
 day 2 we took a boat ride in Kalamatiya lagoon which was full |
 these guys charge Rs 2500 for a full tour |
 lovely |
 the largest king fisher in SL |
 few Indian darters |
 plenty of LW ducks |
 great hide out for birds |
 next we visited Wehera 9 dhageba |
 BOB Kalametiya was round the corner so paid a visit there too |
 View from BOB Kalametiya |
 the lovely beach |
 ha ha we rode bicycles and also trishaws |
 that evening we took another boat ride in Kahandamodara lagoon |
 Keran koku which we had as lunch |
this is fed by urubokka oya
 lagoon flora |
 endless scenery |
 looking back towards gongala |
 where salt water meets fresh water |
 back to routine |
 here it goes |
 the huge grass land near BOB Kahandamodara adjoining the lagoon, this is a nice place to explore |
 plenty of these guys |
 yummy |
 a BBQ night |
these two were wonderful chaps
After a two night stay we left towards Hambanthota and after going in circles we reached the newly opened dry zone botanical garden at Mirijjawela. Since the walk was a 5Km one we decided to hire a golf cart for 500/=(per hr) and wonder around. This ride was an interesting one and our knowledgeable driver did his best to explain us about all the different kind of plants. For me the best section was the plant house with hundreds of cactus plants. From here we took the road through Mattala to Thanamalwila.
 Newly opened dry zone botanical garden |
 the herbal section |
 inside these there are many orchids |
 they come in white |
 and purple |
 dried out artificial lake |
 imitating Peradeniya walking path |
 these were blooming everywhere |
 a lake with water |
 the driver took the pic |
landscaped
 oh my god |
 so many varieties |
Our next stop was Buduruwagala and from there we went towards Maligawila. After hanging around Maligawila we had a nice orange juice and took an unplanned visit to ancient Galtemmandiya temple. To reach Galtemmandiya one needs to go along Okkampitiya road and just before Maligawila there is a board put up by Uva tourist board on the left hand side. That day we ended our tour at my luxurious resting place at Monaragala.
 main statue at Buduruwagala |
 some paint and plaster still remains |
 appreciating ancient sculpture |
 path towards Maligawila |
 the large Dhambegoda bodhisatva statue |
 a guard stone |
 tallest ancient buddha statue in SL |
 he has learned how to open a tap |
 Flower alter |
 all these sculptures were done by crystallized lime stone |
 a serpent eagle |
 Galtemmandiya ancient temple |
 a korawak stone |
 siripatula |
Paddyfilds of Okkampitiya
On day 4 we left Monaragala early in the morning and reached Dehigaha Ela at around 12pm. This again like Kahandamodara was another paradise and we were going to stay there for two awesome nights. After having a quick tour around we hired a safari jeep to take us to Minneriya park where we were greeted by hundreds of elephants who were grazing around. We were also lucky enough to note Enigma the tusker in action.
 our destination |
 Sepalika cottage at dehigaha ela |
 In the wilderness |
 off we go in search of elephants |
 this one scared us |
 dried out reservoir |
 they were busy |
 majestic Enigma |
 playful |
 running to mama |
 milk time |
 minneri tank |
 few open bills |
 three musketeers |
 flying pelican |
 we got some help |
 view from Pahala thilkote lake while returning back |
 a mugger we noticed at Sigiriya Diya agala |
On day 5 we left towards Pidurangala and climbed on top of the windy rock. Most of the time we were crawling around to prevent been blown away. After returning back from Pidurangala we had a nice bath at Dehigaha ela and did some archeology and bat cave exploration that evening. Day 6 we returned back to Chilaw and day 7 was the rest day.
 Good morning at Dehigaha ela |
 the pink lotus |
 many species were hunting for honey |
 husband on duty |
 a common Lora |
 what beautiful tree house |
 Steps at Pidurangala |
 Pagoda at Pidurangala |
 a kutiya |
 buddha statue just before the summit |
 Summit of pidurangala with two pagodas |
 what a scenery |
 towards Ritigala |
 endless view |
 Minneriya reservoir |
 the minneriya national park |
 the colours were superb |
 framed rock |
 many travelers climbing the rock |
 it was windy |
 towards arangala and menikdena |
 I love this one |
Pano towards Ritigala
Pano towards Sigiriya
 another frame |
 We stayed at the family cottage on the next day |
 spacious place |
 Kiri oya |
 Dehigaha ela meeting kiri oya |
 endemic |
 I call this fellow the dry zone crow because they are so common |
 view from the top of bat cave |
 on the way to the bat cave |
 the bat cave where once monks meditated |
 he was busy |
 found some time to spend at the natural fish spa |
Gal Pandiyas loving my feet
On day 8 both of us wanted to do some trekking so we took a bus to Kalupahana. But it was a day with continuous rain and we were kept indoors at Bambarakanda rest for most of the day. Finally we got a window of 2hours without showers so we walked along the Ohiya road and descended to the top of the full flowing Bambarakanda falls. From there we visited Lanka ella and returned back to the cottage in pouring rain
 a gloomy day at kalupahana |
 wow full flow during the dry season lucky us |
 on the way scenery along ohiya road |
 playful doggy |
 Idalgasinna covered in mist |
 scenery just before V cut |
 view from the pines plot |
 plunging down |
 Top of Bambarakanda fall |
 side view |
 on the way to lanka ella |
 lower lanka ella cascade |
 lanka ella |
 Bambarakanda while raining |
splendid view from bambarakanda rest
Next day morning the sun shined brightly and we asked Mrs Mayakaduwa to arrange a guide to take us to Uduwara and Nagadowa falls. Thanks to the previous days shower the cascades were decent in water levels. After returning to Bambarakanda rest Mrs. Mayakaduwa arranged us some lunch and a trishaw to Horton plains via Haputhale.
 next day scenery from Lampuwatta while trekking to nagadowa falls |
 towards lower ohiya |
 both falls together |
 met it by chance |
 Uduwara falls |
 Nagadow falls blessed with the previous day showers |
 lower part of nagadowa |
 wow |
 view from haputhale while traveling on trishaw |
 cascade found close to boralanda |
We reached Horton plains at around 2pm and we completed the circular trail in 2 ½ hours. We were blessed with the weather and the windy nature kept the worlds end clear. From Horton plains we went towards Nuwara eliya and on the 10th day we returned back home to end our memorable trip. Within few days with plenty of time to relax we did manage to visit different types of geographical locations like beeches, national parks, waterfalls, mountains etc. This was a perfect trip for us and was just the type of outing both of us expected.
 we reached the plains |
 the friendly guy |
 one of those shots |
 ashoka |
 chimmney pool |
 and it flows |
 it was bit lonely |
 leg of mutton pool |
 Slab rock falls |
 Bakers in full flow |
 close up |
 plenty of these |
 Young belihul oya |
 love the colours |
 the famous drop |
 non perial estate |
 the not so fascinating view |
 Samanala wewa and the mountain with mana is Adara kanda |
 Gommolli and balathoduwa peaks |
 a darker version |
 not my beard |
 I always love the view from Mini worlds end rather than the greater one |
 flower of seetha pera |
 in to the forest |
 reaching the end of the circular trail which took only 2 and a half hours |
 finally met a pack of them |
good bye misty plains