Almost one year back I did reach Nagrak to visit Galagama falls and while we were at Nagrak I did note a peak protruding out parallel to Gommolli range and Havagala range. This seemed to be an ideal place to leisurely hang around and this December while we were itching without doing any hikes we thought of giving it a try to stretch out our muscles. As usual early as possible we left and reached Belihul oya at around 7am. After having breakfast at River garden hotel we started ascending along Non perial road. The view was as always mesmerizing but unfortunately we didn’t have many pit stops because we were on a race with the mist. Locals mentioned that the mist settles at mid-day so we had to get there quickly to capture the surroundings without been interrupted by the mist.

The map – click to enlarge

as seen from Havagala

Nagrak range seen from Gommolli kanda

as seen from Havagala

early morning this was seen close to belihul oya

After tackling 31 bends we reached the landmark with the elevation post. This is where the Ihala galagama trail (via Nas-danda estate) meets the Nagrak road. We halted our vehicle and started hiking southwards along the foot path. From here onwards we had to hike along the mountain ridge which provided superb scenery on either side. After reaching the summit we hiked further until we got down to a cleft with a forest patch before re-ascending to the plateau like edge. This would be a lovely camp site to experience the sun rise on a clear morning. Wide scope of landmarks from Koslanda to Balangoda could be seen clearly but the mist did intervene to obscure our view.

starting point at nagrak

on the way scenery

the path

lovely beauty

worlds end abyss

the two reservoirs

Udawalawe

mau ara

ha ha they were clicking

samanala wewa

layers of mist

Pambahinna junction

Balathoduwa and gommolli peaks

towards nasdanda estate

for the first time i saw adams peak from this region

looking back

Adara kanda getting covered in mist

the path on the ridge

pambahinna junction

towards dethanagala

more to go

Pettigala covered

a place to spend the evening

lovely

ashoka

nice place to camp

kalthota – weli oya paddyfields

mist seen in belihul oya valley

resident at the edge

dam of samanala wewa

path we took

shaa

finally the great drop towards the south

one of those beauties

are we in heaven

through the mist

Balangoda town

wallpaper

ah one of these guys

micro life

if one wishes this is another path to walk

new life

that greenery

tip of the pines

extension of HP

lovely

paradise

where we were

lonely tree

lovely

Non perial tea factory

misty

nagrak bungalow

non perial

the roads we took

lunugamwehera

Weheragala

Dethanagala

Pettigala peak

After hanging around a bit we headed back and started returning along the winding roads. On the way we didn’t forget to stop at those waterfalls which we skipped while ascending up. After a satisfying mini hike we returned back to our homes to end successful journey.

3 man team

shape of sri lanka

banana falls

Non perial falls

Trip Highlights

1. Balumgala Hike
2. Balana Fort
3. Dekinda Falls

It was my long waited dream to visit Balumgala. It was planned in a short time and we started at 11:30 from Mawanella.

Balumgala

This is the Rock located at the Kadugannawa Gap. The Rock is clearly visible from the Pahala Kadugannawa General viewing point.

We completed difficult & memorable trip with lot of happy memories.

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We can view entire Kadugannwa valley From Balumgala rock and it gives a unforgettable experience.

The Route to the rock is very simple. You have to travel along the Kadugannawa – Gampola road about 1 Km and there is a road to right which ends at Telcom Towers. Access to Balumgala from Telecom presmises is restricted. Therefore we must take the footpath from the tea estate just before the telecom presmises.

The path is given in the below map;

The path is given in Green

There is another small rock in this road as shown in the map above. Most people are misguided and visit this place believing this as Balumgala.

Small Rock just before Balumgala

The view from the rock- The Balumgala is in the Left

Kadugannawa railway Tunnel

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There is a private road at the place where this rock is located. To reach the Balumgala, we have to take this road (100 M) at the end of the road there is a tea estate. You can find a footpath through this estate which will lead you to the Balumgala.

Path	Mount Alagalla

Balumgala- First look

We achieved it

The Plains

Pahala Kadugannawa-General Viewing point

The opposite side- Dawson Tower is visble

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Kabaragala Zoomed

Uthuwankanda

Rainco Kadugannawa Factory

Can you see a straight line? – May be a road in the old times?

Travellers

Dewanagala with Bathalegala

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Full view

The First rock – View from the Balumgala

We spent around nearly 1 hour in the Balumgala rock and decided to go to our next destination which is the Balana Fort.

Balana Fort

Balana fort was used as a observing point of enemy movements during the Kandyan Kingdom. The details of the location given in the Name board as below;

.	The History – Click to enlarge

To reach this place we must travel around 6 km in the Kadugannawa – Poththapitiya road and Balana Road. the sign name boards will guide you in the correct route.

at one point you’ll see above boards at a Tea plantation estate.

Balana Fort – First look

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Dekinda Falls

I was unable to visit Dekinda falls during my trip to Algalla. Therefore I had an eager to visit this waterfall.

Dekinda falls is located in near the Poththapitiya. There is a cement road to the left at poththapitiya town (near the Bo Tree). if you travel 2 Km on this road you can reach the waterfall.

Waterfall from the top

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Full view

Dekinda Falls

There is a forest path to reach the bottom part of the falls.

Lower part

Details of this waterfall is given in in the link.

We completed the trip at around 3:30 pm and reached home at 4:30 pm

On 16th December I went to Athimale to find details about poor family in Athimale. I took Athimale bus from Pettah Bus Stand at 10.10 p.m. It reached Monaragala at 4.30 a.m. Again it leaves Monaragala to Athimale at 5.00 a.m. It reached Athimale at 6.15 a.m. After that I took three wheel to went to see that family. After get all information from that family I left Athimale from 9.30 a.m. I came to Monaragala at 10.45 a.m. After that I took Wellawaya bus to go Buttala. I got down at Kubukkana Junction & took three wheel to go Maligawila Temple , Dematamal Viharaya , Yudagana Viharaya & Chulangani Viharaya. After visiting all above places I came to Buttala town & got Colombo Bus at 2.30 p.m. At 9.00 p.m I came to home after completing another memorable trip.

Colombo – Athimale Bus

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Athimale Temple

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Paddy Fields

Wattarama Wewa

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Dambegoda Statue

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Dambegoda Tam Lipiya

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Dematamal Viharaya

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Yudaganawa Temple

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Yudaganawa Stupa

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Chulangani Viharaya

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We started form my home around 8 am. Reached Wattegama around ½ Hr time. Up to Alkaduwa Junction you have well carpet road from there not carpeted but no problem for drive.

From Wattegama to Alkaduwa town there is around 14Km and just passing the Alkaduwa small town you have to turn right for the Hunnas falls around .5km alongwith the Hunnass Falls Hotel Road. From Alkaduwa to Sembuwatte Lake there is around 6Km.

From Wattegama to Hunnasa Falls and then to Sembuwatte Lake you can drive peacefully but with much care while experiencing comfort of the earth, nice views, small waterfalls, streams. You will never need of put your A/C button On but you would off your car shutters for Natural unpolluted Air. On your way to hunnas falls you can also visit Hunnas falls hotel at your cost but the view from there is quite unbelievable.

You will see the blue mountain ranges and make you fully relaxed. My Little boy also much like to see the Mountains, Waterfalls, Jungle, Flowers and Animals which make me very proud.

We had around 1hr in the hunnas falls & returned to the main road then to Sembuwatte Lake. After a quite interesting drive around 6 – 8km we reached Lake around 11.30am. Such a nice place that was. Calm and quite Lake fencing Tea plantation at a one side and other side is Big & Tall Finesse Trees with range of Mountain View.

Hunnas Falls

Hunnass Falls Closer – one part

Other part

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.	Road to Hunnas Falls

See how beauty….. Sembuwatte Lake is

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You Can have a nice Boat Ride

Here is my guy who is directing us

.	Clouded suddenly for me to have some nice shots

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Clouds are going away

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Nice view of Tea Plantation

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Black start shows Waulagala. Black box shows the bridge at Olu Falls. Our approximate pathway is shown by black arrows.

Waulagala

Waulagala

Zoomed view of top of the rock

Getting blessings from Dewalaya

Directions following Dewalaya

Road goes parallel with this

Starting the journey

Foot pathway

Happy faces of the journey….Indeewara and Anupama……

Directions when we come to the estate road. Red arrow shows where we came from. Black arrow shows the direction from Dedugala road. Green is the way you have to follow.

Next turn

Coffee

Tea

Waulagala is close now

Reaching the destination

The surface of Waulagala is covered with short shrubs, grass and Mana bushes. It was hardly seen tall trees. We have noticed a marshy area at the center of Waulagala. Waulagala seems a good place for camping but a good water source was not seen. According to our guide, usually wind flows fast on top of Waulagala but not seen on that day.
We walked towards other end where Wee Oya valley (වී ඔය නිම්නය), Olu Ella, Wewalthalawa (වේවැල්තලාව) with it’s towers were visible. This end was called as Dombepola Mini World’s end (දොඹේපල කුඩා ලෝකාන්තය). It was amazing to see Olu Falls as a cascade from here and fairly large another fall above Olu Falls-Upper Olu Falls. Further away we were able to view range of Dolosbage.
We spent about an hour there and came down straight way through the tea estate rather than following the foot pathway we came up. At the end we refreshed with a cool dip from Wee Oya.

On top of Waulagala….

?? Pre historical evidences……..

Marshy land at center

On top of Waulagala

Unusual colors

Olu Falls-Circled and famous bridge is shown by arrow

Upper Olu cascade

Wewalthalawa with it’s towers

A dam built crossing Wee oya and diversion of water for power generation

Appearing of sun over gloomy weather

Dolosbage range

The only tree I noticed there

Unlimited snaps

The team except Anupama at view point of Mini World’s end.

Getting down

Cascade captured on our way back…

Thank you

Trip Highlights

1. Balumgala Hike
2. Balana Fort
3. Dekinda Falls

It was my long waited dream to visit Balumgala. It was planned in a short time and we started at 11:30 from Mawanella.

Balumgala

This is the Rock located at the Kadugannawa Gap. The Rock is clearly visible from the Pahala Kadugannawa General viewing point.

We completed difficult & memorable trip with lot of happy memories.

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We can view entire Kadugannwa valley From Balumgala rock and it gives a unforgettable experience.

The Route to the rock is very simple. You have to travel along the Kadugannawa – Gampola road about 1 Km and there is a road to right which ends at Telcom Towers. Access to Balumgala from Telecom presmises is restricted. Therefore we must take the footpath from the tea estate just before the telecom presmises.

The path is given in the below map;

The path is given in Green

There is another small rock in this road as shown in the map above. Most people are misguided and visit this place believing this as Balumgala.

Small Rock just before Balumgala

The view from the rock- The Balumgala is in the Left

Kadugannawa railway Tunnel

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There is a private road at the place where this rock is located. To reach the Balumgala, we have to take this road (100 M) at the end of the road there is a tea estate. You can find a footpath through this estate which will lead you to the Balumgala.

Path	Mount Alagalla

Balumgala- First look

We achieved it

The Plains

Pahala Kadugannawa-General Viewing point

The opposite side- Dawson Tower is visble

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Kabaragala Zoomed

Uthuwankanda

Rainco Kadugannawa Factory

Can you see a straight line? – May be a road in the old times?

Travellers

Dewanagala with Bathalegala

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Full view

The First rock – View from the Balumgala

We spent around nearly 1 hour in the Balumgala rock and decided to go to our next destination which is the Balana Fort.

Balana Fort

Balana fort was used as a observing point of enemy movements during the Kandyan Kingdom. The details of the location given in the Name board as below;

.	The History – Click to enlarge

To reach this place we must travel around 6 km in the Kadugannawa – Poththapitiya road and Balana Road. the sign name boards will guide you in the correct route.

at one point you’ll see above boards at a Tea plantation estate.

Balana Fort – First look

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Dekinda Falls

I was unable to visit Dekinda falls during my trip to Algalla. Therefore I had an eager to visit this waterfall.

Dekinda falls is located in near the Poththapitiya. There is a cement road to the left at poththapitiya town (near the Bo Tree). if you travel 2 Km on this road you can reach the waterfall.

Waterfall from the top

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Full view

Dekinda Falls

There is a forest path to reach the bottom part of the falls.

Lower part

Details of this waterfall is given in in the link.

We completed the trip at around 3:30 pm and reached home at 4:30 pm

On 16th December I went to Athimale to find details about poor family in Athimale. I took Athimale bus from Pettah Bus Stand at 10.10 p.m. It reached Monaragala at 4.30 a.m. Again it leaves Monaragala to Athimale at 5.00 a.m. It reached Athimale at 6.15 a.m. After that I took three wheel to went to see that family. After get all information from that family I left Athimale from 9.30 a.m. I came to Monaragala at 10.45 a.m. After that I took Wellawaya bus to go Buttala. I got down at Kubukkana Junction & took three wheel to go Maligawila Temple , Dematamal Viharaya , Yudagana Viharaya & Chulangani Viharaya. After visiting all above places I came to Buttala town & got Colombo Bus at 2.30 p.m. At 9.00 p.m I came to home after completing another memorable trip.

Colombo – Athimale Bus

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Athimale Temple

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Paddy Fields

Wattarama Wewa

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Dambegoda Statue

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Dambegoda Tam Lipiya

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Dematamal Viharaya

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Yudaganawa Temple

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Yudaganawa Stupa

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Chulangani Viharaya

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Map around Thanamalvila – click to enlarge

Map around lunugamwehera – click to enlarge

map around pannangamuwa – click to enlarge

After my last visit to Wellawaya I thought of proceeding further south and my wife did join me on this venture. As usual we took of early from Monaragala and reached Thanamalvila. There were few places on the way to Thanamalvila which we thought of visiting while returning back.

• Endagala hermitage
• Weheragala ruins
• Usgala hermitage
• Seema pauwa hermitage
• Padikem gala RMV
• Uru sita wewa
• Thammanagala temple
• Mal asna buduruwagala hermitage
• Orukem gala
• Sadagala aranya
• Mahawapi RMV
• Anjaligala archeology site
• Lunugam wehera RMV
• Unatu wewa temple
• Dewram wehera archeology site
• Nalagiri pabbatha aranya – Kivul ara
• Walaskanda aranya
• Kurudana rmv

Endagala Hermitage (  6°25’40.38″N  81° 6’58.44″E)

Few Km’s along Udawalawe road there is an area called Komaligama and to the left there is a road which leads towards Endagala hermitage where few drip ledge caves and a well functioned hermitage could be found.directions.

Caves at Endagala hermitage – Komaligama

the rock bed

another cave where monks meditate

Weheragala ruin site (6°25’2.87″N  81° 5’47.90″E)

At Bodagama of Udawalawe road there is a road directing to the left and two Km’s along this road one could visit an extensive archeology site called Gothapabbatha RMV. There are lots of ruins scattered around but the most fascinating finding is the Buddha statue. (If one wishes to help this place please mail to – Head priest, Thiranagama Buddhist center, Agunakola wewa , Thanamalvila)

AKA Gotapabbatha RMV

view from the temple

villagers at work

an inscription

wow what a creation

original moon stone

this was found in this archeology reserve

Weheragala

the temple tank

Usgala hermitage (6°26’9.66″N  81° 1’38.90″E)

From Thanamalvila – Udawalawe road there is a by road to the north called Balaharuwa road (just before Mahagalwewa road) which connects to B528 and after traveling on this road one will come across a tall rock with a pagoda on it. The newly built pagoda is built over the ancient one.

Climbing steps to reach Usgala sthupa

more to go

wow	debris of the old pagoda could be seen

remains from the past

near by tanks

Seema pauwa hermitage (6°27’24.88″N  81° 1’54.88″E)

Passing Usgala we reached B528 and took a right turn, few hundred meters away from this junction we came across a name board directing towards the left which ended at a hermitage which belongs to 2^nd BC. After a small climb we reached the summit where few ponds and ruins of a pagoda were seen.

steps leading to Simapauwwa hermitage

wow

ruins could be seen scattered around

the kema

a poser

i cant remember what its called but this is used by monks to keep huge books and read

ruined pagoda

the view

Usgala was seen from here too

Padikem gala ancient temple (  6°23’10.58″N  81° 2’52.28″E)

From Udawalawa road we took the Mahagalwewa road and at one point (close to Mahagal wewa) we took a road to the left to reach Padikem gala temple. When we reached the temple we noted that archeology excavations were underway. There were plenty of guard stones and a Buddha statue. There is also a Bodhigaraya which has a carving representing the event of “Sujatha offering kiripindu dhana to Siddartha Gauthama”.

entering පඩිකෙම්ගල පුරාණ විහාරය

ගල් පඩි

pride

view towards Sooriya wewa cricket stadium

cactus

a kema

slow mover

pillars

Urinal stone

Bodhi garaya

A close-up of the Bodhigara which shows Sujatha offering ‘Kiripidu’ dana to Siddhartha Gautama

plenty of guard stones

another

Uru sita wewa (6°19’41.14″N  80°56’12.36″E)

From Migahajandura we took off towards Sevanagala to see the famous 7 headed cobra guard stone which is now used as the symbol of the irrigation department. This is one of the best places to observe an ancient sluice gate from our forgotten past which shows the irrigation’s technology which we once had.

This sluice gate made of polished black granite had become a popular site for visitors owing to the seven hooded cobra carved on it.

the logo of irrigation department

the canal runs below these rocks

uru sita wewa

Thammanagala temple

From Migahajandura we headed towards Mattala and from there we took the Lunugamwehera road. About 1Km from the junction we came across a board towards the left directing towards a temple. With the help of the locals we reached this small temple. There is an ancient rock with ruins of a washed off pagoda on top of it. There was a rock cave below the rock but the overgrown bushed didn’t let us explore and the nearby pond didn’t come across our attention until we met the head priest. (If one wishes to help this temple please contact the head priest on 0711103653)

Thammennagala

on top of thammennagala

ruins of the pagoda been washed away

what we missed

classical hut

Mal asna buduruwagala hermitage (  6°20’26.70″N  81° 6’7.09″E)

After reaching Mattala tank we took off towards Beddegama to visit a hermitage located in the forest. There was one caved image house and many kuti build for the residing monks. You need a 4wd or a van to reach this place and beware of wild elephants while riding. For the first time in my life I saw 10+ monks let to decay in a small compartmentalized room after their demise. (If you want offer dhane to this hermitage contact the head priest on 0717020321). On the way back to Uda mattala I did visit another branch of this hermitage.

trying to blend in

found at mal asna buduruwagala meheni ashramaya

road to mal asna buduruwagala main hermitage

where bodies of the monks of the monastery could be found

a body

tikirimalee

cave image house

inside the image house

a kema

view from the top

Orukem gala (6°19’31.08″N  81° 7’57.93″E)

At Uda mattala I reached the main road. At this point I did cross the main road and headed southwards until I came across an ancient temple with two “Kemas’. These were shaped like canoes and that’s the reason the temple got its name. A ruined pagoda also could be found at this location. (Stay away from the rock ponds because there is a mugger residing in these ponds)

cave at Oru kema gala

Oru kema

another oru kema

pagoda

Sadagala aranya – Amarananda Buddhist center (6°21’22.07″N 81°15’3.48″E)

Next we took to Lunugamwehera bund road and proceeded along the Kataragama new road until we reached Amarananda Buddhist center at Padikepu hela of Beralihela. After speaking to the head priest we started climbing up with a four legged companion. Since it was mid-day the climb was bit exhausting but the end result was worth the trouble. On the way up we did come across few drip ledged caves and on the summit there was a pagoda which provided some shade for us. The scenery from the top was breathtaking and we cherished the moment while seated below the pagoda. (To contact the head priest use these numbers – 0473479732, 0716923273)

Lunugam wehera reservoir

wow

Sandagala hermitage – note the pagoda on the summit

our destination – note the caves

at the entrance

this cave was found close to the summit

and this too

up we go

view from the top

Yatala wehera

a pano

Wedihiti kanda seen

wow

Paddy and banana

Lunugam wehera reservoir

the pagoda

she followed us , so deserved some water

her cubs

Mahawapi RMV (6°17’58.34″N 81°14’3.61″E)

Next stop was Pannangamuwa where we had a quick lunch. Just before the town was a board directing towards Mahawapi temple where few monoliths could be found.

Sthupa at Mahawapi RMV Pannangamuwa

flower alter

pieces of pillars

Anjaligala archaeology site (6°19’23.35″N  81°14’33.68″E)

On our return journey towards Lunugamwehera we noted a black board to the east and decided to follow it. After a 3km ride we reached a temple with plenty of ruins including a ruined pagoda and two rock inscriptions.

note the two inscriptions been caged at Anjali gala RMV

may be an image house

pagoda

an inscription

Lunugam wehera RMV ( 6°20’29.32″N  81°12’5.94″E)

At lunugamwehera and opposite the police station there is an ancient temple where a restored pagoda could be seen on a rocky plateau. There were few scattered ruins to be seen too in the temple premises.

Lunugam wehera PRMV

a pillar base

a kema

a flower alter

Unatuwewa temple (6°21’57.19″N  81°10’2.32″E)

Passing the junction where the Mattala road begins and heading towards Thanamalvila we came across a name board to the west which we decided to explore. After a 500m ride we came across a temple which had a ruined pagoda.

we decided to pay a visit

pagoda at unatuwewa

Dewram wehera archaeology site (6°23’42.58″N  81° 8’56.46″E)

While traveling towards Thanamalvila we came across a road side archaeology site. There were few buildings in ruins plus a restored pagoda.

Pagoda at Dewram wehera

alter

buildings in ruins

the newly built sthupa

Nalagiri pabbatha aranya – Kivul ara (  6°27’32.38″N  81° 6’37.02″E)

Passing Thanamalvila and heading towards Kuda oya we came across a name board towards the west directing towards a hermitage. After a 2 1/2km ride we reached a cave hermitage. There were few monks residing at this hermitage where few drip ledge caves could be seen.

steps towards the pagoda at Nalagiri pabbatha hermitage

the pagoda

drip ledge caves been occupied by monks

another one

view of the lake

main cave

Walaskanda aranya (  6°28’39.97″N  81° 7’7.81″E)

At Kithulkote we took a road towards the west and after traveling 1 1/2km’s we reached a mini hill top hermitage called Walaskanda.

steps at Walas kanda hermitage

the bo tree

image house

the view

Kurudana Gangathilake RMV (6°32’4.12″N  81° 8’8.76″E)

This is a road side temple at 36^th mile post at Kuda oya. The temple is fairly new but to reach the ruins one needs to cross the hanging bridge across Kirindi oya and take the path which lies southwards.

After a tiring day we returned back to Monaragala with some pride in our hearts. These are rarely visited ancient sites of Magama kingdom which shows the glory of the yesteryear’s. Keep in touch for the next two episodes of Magama kingdom.

new pagoda

across kirindi oya

a pagoda

hidden

pillars

base of a statue

more buildings

Last year (2015) our team did a hike to Alagalla with a overnight camping. We were able to hike only a part of the Alagalla mountain range. So we decided to hike this mountain another day with a proper plan. Some days later I saw a video on youtube on ‘Alagalla’ which is a documentary done by ITN TV Channel. This gave me some idea about entire Alagalla range.

The map – click to enlarge

Hiking Alagalla can be done in three routes/paths;

1. [Train] Ihalakotte –>Poththapitiya(2km Walk) –> Alagalla (2-3 km hike)
2. [Train] Gangoda –> Poojagala (1-2 Km hike) –>Alagalla (1km hike)
3. [Bus] Pothtapitiya –> Alagalla (2-3 km hike)

We adopted the the 3^rd option as it is best suiting for us.

With our previous experience we designed a proper plan for the trip. We all gathered at Pilimathalawa at 7 am and had our Breakfast there. Then we got in to a Kandy-poththapitiya bus and reached Poththapitiya around 8:30 am. Several route buses are working in this route.

At Poththapitiya there is a road by the left of the Bus stand which is the road heading to Alagalla mountain. If you followed this road you can reach the Alagalla trail head. You ask direction from Locals they will guide on this.

In 100m on this path there is a tea factory and we should take the right side road. After walking 1km (approximately) from tea Factory, we reached the Tank located in the Estates. This is the last place to get water. Walking up another 1km from this place you’ll reach the trail head. With our previous experience we reached there within 30 minutes.

Hiking Alagalla

Half the way

The Team

The Potato Rock

Sinha Kata

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Climbing the rock is a risky task. When climbing through this ‘Sinha kata’, an extreme care/confidence required. Working as team is much needed.

Please watch the climbing video

Top of Alagalla

Train Arriving Ihala kotte-zoomed

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The Team

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.	Top of Alagalla

From the top

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The Range

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Our next target is to reach Poojagala. To reach Poojagala we have to go through the ‘Katusu Kondha’. It’s little hard as it’s name. A 30 m rope will be helpful for descending this.

Team – top of Katusu Kondha

Descending With rope

Katusu Konda

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After successfully descending the Katusu kondha we entered to the forest path. We observed several camping sites in side this forest. There are leeches in this path.

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.	In the forest path

Reached Poojagala

Work in progress

Siri pathula at Poojagala-

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Good viewing point

Some visitors

Train from Colombo

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.	Hatharaliyadhdha town

The Chaythya is in construction at the top of the Poojagala. Yo can get water from this place. There is a tank at the top. Water is used for drinking also for construction works. There is a pipeline from Gangoda to Poojagala. Also there are concreted steps to go to Gangoda.

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.	A Cave at the bottom of Poojagala

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We reached Gangoda station at around 3 pm. There is a train at 2:45 pm to Kandy. Luckily the train was late and it came to the station at around 3:15 pm. We got in the train and got down at Kadugannawa.

Thank you for reading!

In 2013 I did a grand tour around Thissamaharama and Kataragama and this year I thought of extending it further away towards Hambanthota. In this report I have focused on few places I haven’t visited already. As usual I left early morning and reached Bandagiriya to start off my day.

Map around Bandagiriya – click to enlarge

Map around Hambanthota – click to enlarge

Map around kirinda and thissa – click to enlarge

Map around kataragama – click to enlarge

• Bandagiriya
• Yahangala
• Lanka Salt factory
• Martello tower and light house
• Leonard wolfs old quarters
• Gallows
• Hambanthota cemetery – Englebretch tomb
• Andare’s tomb
• Veheragala aranya
• Wilpita rmv / Nadigamwila rmv
• Dalada viharaya kirinda
• Talaguru hela
• Bembawa
• Yala magul maha viharaya
• Maha naga rmv
• Kanda suridu gama cave temple
• Sella waturuwa RMV

Bandagiriya (  6°14’26.56 “N  81° 8’41.37″E)

Few Km’s after passing Mattala I reached a turn off towards Bandagiriya tank. By the side of the road is a rocky plateau with two pagodas on top of it. The top provides some stunning scenery of Hambanthota area. There were few caged inscriptions in the vicinity too.

wow what a sight

steps towards Bandagiriya

inscription

ancient steps

Bandagiriya tank

new and old

huge tank

Yahangala (  6°13’7.55″N  81° 9’55.81″E)

From Bandagiriya I took the road towards Pallemalala and few Km’s before Pallemalala junction I came across Yahangala archeology site. The site was well maintained and the two pagodas provided some lovely photographs.

Yahangala archeology site

kema

ruins

yahangala

a pagoda

the 2nd one

Lanka Salt factory (6° 8’32.11″N 81° 8’28.37″E)

My next stop was at Lanka salt factory though I had been to the salt plant / factory in 2009 Nirosh insisted me to have a look around and I warmly accepted that offer. For me the most interesting artifact was the salt train which was used many decades back.

salt at the salterns

inside the factory

the product

this was used to bring salt in to the factory

Martello tower and light house (  6° 7’19.23″N  81° 7’37.16″E)

Martello tower is a short and unique defensive tower used by the British and to reach it one needs to take the rest house road. The old light house is also located few feet away.

Martello tower

entrance

inside it

light house

Leonard wolfs old quarters (  6° 7’21.02″N  81° 7’41.73″E)

From the Martello tower we headed towards the coastal line and came across famous Leonard wolfs quarters which is now a museum. We opted not to visit the museum.

Leonard wolfs old quarters

side view

Gallows (  6° 7’18.37″N  81° 7’48.22″E)

From the museum we headed towards the pointed land plot adjoining the walking path where the remains of the Hambanthota gallows could be seen. As I heard only 5 convicts (mainly 1818 rebellions) were hanged at this point.

hambanthta gallows

Hambanthota

Hambanthota cemetery – Englebretch tomb (  6° 7’38.37″N  81° 7’33.89″E)

Next stop was the catholic cemetery close to the bus stand of Hambanthota.

Henry Engelbrecht, the first game warden of Sri Lanka’s most famous Yala national park was a Boer Prisoner of War who tended the sanctuary for 21 long years with great devotion. It was in search of the camps where he and some 5,000 others like him who had been shipped here from South Africa had been interned that Britisher Robin Woodruff first came to Sri Lanka four years ago

Englebretch tomb

zoomed

Andare’s tomb (  6°10’35.12″N  81° 9’49.83″E)

After saying good bye to Nirosh I headed towards Udamalala junction of Thissa road. There is a statue of Andare so it’s easily identifiable. Take the road until you reach Kuda wewa and get directions from locals. The tomb of the famous comedian of ancient sri lanka lies close to the lake where he fell dead.

tomb of andare

kuda wewa

where he fell dead

some ruins

Andare statue

Veheragala aranya (  6°11’23.51″N  81° 9’2.28″E)

After visiting Andare’s tomb I headed further along the road until I reached a lovely hermitage where a pagoda could be found on top of a rock. There are lots of ruins scattered around and there were well refurbished drip ledged caves.

path to Weheragala Aranya senasanaya

top of weheragala

new pagoda on weheragala

a kema

Shrub forest of hambanthota

steps towards the ancient pagoda

cave at Weheragala

Wilpita rmv / Nadigamwila rmv (  6°13’48.63″N  81°17’18.93″E)

From Weerawila I took the Debarawewa road and just before reaching the bridge across Kirindi oya there was a sharp acute elbow turn on the main road. I took the road towards the right and went parallel to the river until I reached Wilpita ancient temple which was about 6Km’s away from the main road. There was a huge restored pagoda and many ruins of ancient buildings in the temple premises. It is believed to be done by King Mahanaga

Nedigamwila RMV

ruins

click to enlarge

Dalada viharaya kirinda (  6°13’14.53″N  81°19’52.24″E)

From Wilpita I headed towards Kirinda and just before reaching Kirinda – Thissa road I noted a name board of temple on the left and decided to pay a visit. At this temple there is a small restored pagoda and few monoliths scattered around.

Pagoda at kirinda dalada viharaya

siri pathul gala

Talaguru hela & Nimalawa Monastery (  6°14’2.17″N  81°20’38.98″E)

From Kirinda I took off towards Yala junction and headed along Palatupana road until I came across Nimalawa road. 1.5Km along Nimalawa road one would come across the entrance to Nimalawa aranya. But unfortunately no one is allowed to head to the monastery other than 11am to 1pm period. Somehow I got permission to visit the nearby rocky Thanaguru hela where a pond, few steps and caves could be seen. More ruins were in the vicinity but was covered by shrub forest.

road towards Nimalawa

wild boars at Nimalawa

Talaguru hela

a stairway and an inscription

read if you can

a kema

view from the top

a cave at thalaguru hela

a moonstone

Bembawa (  6°17’16.94″N  81°23’11.64″E)

Next I went towards Yodakandiya and took the Kirinda – Sithulpauwa forest route until I came across the wild life gate of Yala. The DWC gate and the office lie on an archaeology site with an ancient pond and some ruined buildings.

Bembawa archaeology site

pagoda

more ruins

Yala magul maha viharaya (  6°18’14.39″N  81°24’0.28″E)

Few Kilometers after entering the park the Sithulpauwa road goes through a vast archeology site called Yala magul maha Viharaya. This hermitage is a branch of Sithulpauwa temple and it’s believed to be the site where King Kavanthissa & queen Vihara maha devi tied the knot. The pagoda is a restored one and one cave has been modified as an image house. There are many caves in the vicinity but didn’t have time to explore. An interesting shadow of Queen Vihara maha devi could be seen on the huge rock in the premises. The lovely caretaker was very kind to offer me a tea and some biscuits at the temple. (Kaluarachchi is the caretaker at the site (0779733239))

Yala magul maha viharaya

restored

a cave

main image house

another cave

inside a cave

original doorway

Queen Vihara maha devis imprint

unique inscription seen on the clay wall

serene location

the view

Maha naga rmv/ Yodakandiya temple (  6°15’34.99″N  81°18’34.87″E)

After returning back to Yodakandiya I came across a road side temple at the eastern edge of the Yoda wewa tank. There are some ruins in the temple but the most interesting finding was the two  cobra headed guard stones. Close to the temple gate one could get down and reach below the bridge which the B422 runs. I accidently noted the ancient sluice gate of Yoda wewa. It’s really surprising to find such a structure just below a bridge which millions of devotees pass by.

Yoda wewa

evening shift

ruined image house

a statue

found at yoda kandiya temple

cobra

ancient sluice gate of yoda wewa

Kanda suridu gama cave temple (6°23’27.15″N 81°18’32.95″E)

From Thissa I took the Kataragama road (B259) and on the way at Kanda suridu gama I came across a road side cave temple. There was an inscription pillar at the site too.

long cave

katarama

Kanda suidu gama Gal len viharaya

an inscription

Sella wathuruwa RMV (6°26’25.62″N 81°17’27.12″E) 

Next stop was Sella Kataragama, passing the Sella kataragama maha vidayalaya we came across a road to the left which took us towards Wathuruwa temple. There were ruins of many buildings and an inscription pillar belonging to King Nisshankamalla era.

After enjoying a hectic and extensive traveling day I headed home via buttala to plan my next trip to Ambalanthota.

pagoda at Waturuwa RMV Sella (a privet donation)

lovely

inscription pillar

ruins of a building