Waterfall HQ – Tour de Waterfalls 13…

It was nearly a year and a half since we (Ashan, Amila, Hari and me) went on a bike tour covering Yatiyanthota-Seepoth and Parussella-Dedugala roads and saw many waterfalls. There were more than a dozen of them at the time making me think that the waterfalls headquarters were here. What’s more, there’s no need to go for treacherous hikes searching for these beauties as they’re more or less located either by the roadside or with a short hike.

So you’re blessed to go see more than a dozen of gorgeous falls within less than 12 hours that is something you won’t get anywhere else. So, having done it once didn’t stop me from getting back again. The intermittent rains made the thought more appealing and I managed to find Atha to accompany me after a numerous put-offs.

So on the 13^th December, we left Colombo around 6am, rather late for us, and headed towards Avissawella. Well, as the number of falls is so big, I’ll try to keep the story short and give you the directions. Otherwise, I’ll end up writing a mile-long report. I’ve managed to dig up a picture from Amazing Lanka website giving a list of falls along these roads. You’ll be amazed to see them in a cluster located so close to each other.

The list of falls on Yatiyanthota-Seepoth and Parussella-Dolosbage Roads. Pic Credits: Amazinglanka.com

At Mansala

Mediya Dola flowing next to Mansala

Creating a waterfall

Tour Highlights: 

1. Jayawindagama Falls, Jayawindagama.
2. Wee Oya Falls, Wee Oya Estate.
3. Malalpola Falls, Malalpola.
4. Kithul Ella, Malalpola.
5. Punugala aka Anda Dola Ella, Punugala.
6. Gorok Ella, Meenagala.
7. Olu Ella, Amanawala.
8. Katuwel Ella, Dombepola.
9. Parussella Falls, Parussella.
10. Punahela aka Suramba Ella, Warawala.
11. Rikili Ella, Bulathkohupitiya.
12. Nalagana Ella, Dedugala.
13. Rukmal Ella, Dedugala.
14. Diyangiri aka Diyawadana aka Diyawetena Ella, Upper Palampitiya.

Jayawindagama Falls

This is located about 4-5km from Yatiyanthota along Seepoth Road at a village name Jayawindagama. Most would say this is a seasonal cascade. We were lucky to see her due to heavy rains in the area over last couple of weeks. This is right by the road with a height of close to 40+ft. To your left is the Wee Oya Estate and you will be able to see the beautiful Wee Oya Falls in the distance amid the estate.

It’s a very interesting story how the Jayawindagama name came to the village. It was during the presidential election in 1982 when Mr. J. R. Jayawardhana won his second term and MR. R. Premadasa was the Prime Minister. According to a group of elders at the village, this is where they were when the results were released. So they celebrated their victory in this village and the name came about as a result. The village where the victory was celebrated = Jayawindagama.

Sun peering through the trees

Can you see the eagle? He was holding a prey but turned its back to us

Here’s the one

The top of her, not much water.

You can see the Wee Oya falls in the distance

Wee Oya Ella

There are two cascaded falling either side but the one on the right is the most prominent. You can see the one to the left sliding down the estate but when we went to get a closer look she was not a big one but a collection of tiny cascades. Passing Jayawindgama, there’s a left turn that takes you towards the Wee Oya Estate and their factory. We took the road but it’s motorable only up to a km or so. Thereafter the road is damaged at one place with a big drain in the middle and it’d be impossible for a car or even a van to cross it.

Having left our car, we decided to walk along the road which was parallel to the overflowing Wee Oya and after a few hundred meters we came to a bridge that was across the river. From there it’s another 300-400m to the falls and it’s a pleasurable walk. Having reached the base of the falls, we took a lot of pictures of this gorgeous lady. After about half hour, we decided to get back and go on with the rest of the falls.

From the distance

Zoomed in

Wee Oya

Cormorant

Color mixture is great

Little more to go

Lower part

Helpful locals

The bridge across Wee Oya

Gorgeous

Against a royal blue sky

Portrait

Crystals

Going back

Telling us about Jayawindagama

Malalpola Ella

The next in line was the Malalpola Ella that is not a documented one but one named by us in our first journey. She’s falling closer to Malalpola, hence the name, just by the road to your right. Despite the rains, the water levels were not so great. The villagers are using this as one of the bathing places. Well, after a few snaps, it was time to head further up the Seepoth Road looking for Kitul Ella.

Not much water

The top

Bathing point

Portrait

Kitul Ella

Just like the Malalpola Ella, she’s just by the road to your right with a bridge. Similarly, the water levels were not up to my expectations yet I jumped out of the vehicle and took a handful of pictures. From here if you look at the other side, you must be able to see the Gorok Falls in the far. As you go further up the road, you’ll come to Halgolla Tea Factory and passing that, you can get a closer look at her from the road itself.

Looking grand

Gorok Ella in the distance

Kitul Ella

The top

Sliding along

Full package

Punugala Ella aka Anda Dola Ella

Next was Punugala Ella also known as Anda Dola Ella as the water stream it originates is called Anda Dola. There’s a bridge and you can’t miss her. Nevertheless, only the bottom most part is visible to the casual eye. If you get down and looked uphill at the right edge of the bridge, you’ll see the middle part of her sliding through rocky boats. There’s a top most part too for that you will have to walk along the water stream or parallel that. We didn’t bother to do so but when you go past the bridge say another 100-200m along the road; you can see the upper most part from the road itself.

Lower most part

Closer

Mid section, behind these and above there’s another part

Closer

Under the bridge

Water pebbles

The map

Gorok Ella in the distance

Gorok Ella

We carried on towards Halgolla where the tea factory is located to the left of the road. Having stopped for a quick cup of plain tea we went up. About 100m from here you’ll come across to the turn off for Wewelthalawala (read more about it on the link I’ve given of our last visit) to your right. It must be noted that a visit to this place is worth every second and penny. However, I’d advise you keeping a whole day for that as it’s more of a relaxing journey and you shouldn’t rush through it.

Passing the factory, we drove for another 1km or so when we saw the Gorok Ella to our left but so much closer. You can get to the base of the falls and looking down; you’ll see a temple close to the base. This is the Meenagala Road but we didn’t wanna get to the base as the water levels were not overflowing. Not only that, we had many more falls to cover and the time was soon running out for us. Having taken many pictures we carried on towards what we thought the last and the best of the journey, Olu Ella. However, our thoughts proved to be wrong as we found yet another beauty close to Bombepola, before Olu Ella, on our way back.

Here she is

Portrait

Upper part

Lower part

Olu Ella

Going past Dombepola we reached Amanawala where Olu Ella is located with a historic wooden bridge at the 16^th km post. She’s the 6^th highest waterfall in SL according to the documented ones. However, by experience I know not to believe all these things as there are many more undocumented falls and measuring the height of waterfalls is something very tricky. This wooden bridge is believed to be the oldest in Sri Lanka currently in use and had been built during colonial era to transport tea.

Technically, the mighty Olu Ella has two prominent parts. The one you can see from the road is the top one with a couple of sub segments. I guess it’ll have to be a full to see all of them merged together. We spent time picturing these and experiencing the shuddering when vehicles drives along the bridge. One would feel the bridge would collapse at any second but so far it’s held against all odds.

One important thing to remember is that many people either don’t know or try to get to the bottom part of this gorgeous falls. We were lucky last time to have been directed by a local to the base of the bottom and by that experience I directed Atha. The lower part is the most beautiful as you can see an uninterrupted view of about 30ft high and as much wider section.

To reach this, walk about 50ft passing the bridge and then there’s a tiny footpath that goes downhill very steeply. This in fact leads to a house and going down this for about 100m, you’ll reach the house. Don’t forget to ask for the permission and there’s bound to be a dog or two as well. Having got our permission, we entered the footpath to the base which is very short, not even 100m. While going downhill you can see the beautiful flow of water to your left through the trees.

When we reached the base, I was lost for words. This was the star of the day with an amazing flow of water and we settled down to watch her dance along the rocks. You gotta be very careful not to slip trying to maneuver through the rocks. Don’t let your guard down at any moment as it can be fatal.

Having spent about 15mins with this beautiful lady, we decided to go explore the Dedugala Road but as we were coming towards Olu Ella, I vaguely saw another waterfall close to Dombepola and decided to go take a look before anything else.

Info	Right on cue

Still standing, so much history behind it

Lower part of the one above the bridge

Right at the top

Zoomed in

One of the many parts

The power plant is below

The lower part

Beautiful

Finally the whole package

Better than last time

Goes downhill

Through the trees

Side view

Portrait

Base	Atha appreciating the sheer beauty

Mountains

Big rock too

Katuwel Ella

Now don’t be alarmed. I know you must’ve panicked as soon as you heard the name coz you can’t have heard anything like this before. This is purely a named suggested by me as the path to the falls is full of thorny creepers. I guess you might remember Tony and I went on a journey downhill of Na Ella in Meemure and we named many falls depending on the situation and location. (Read more about that Na Ela Journey here.)

We saw the overspill of the Olu Ella coming back towards Dombepola. At Dombepola Junction, about 0.5-1km before Olu Ella, (nothing much save for a single shop and a bus stop) I got down and walked another 100m or so towards the Yatiyanthota keeping my eyes peeled for a falls to my right now. The Wee Oya was running parallel to the road. Well, my eyes didn’t deceive me and I saw a falls through the tree cover and decided it was worth a visit.

From the junction, there was a board saying Dombepola Kanishta Vidyalaya (Grama Sewaka Office and Olu Ella Inn too were located on the same road). We followed the slippery rock-paved path then crossed a bridge and reached the Pink Panther’s house. I know you’re going mad now wondering how on earth can Pink Panther’s house be; especially in a remote area like this. Well, it’s just a figure of speech coz the house was painted pink and I suddenly remembered Pink Panther, one of my favorite cartoons.

Next to the house is a tea patch. All you have to do is follow the tea patch to your left and you’ll soon reach a point (after a 100m or so) where you can hear the falls but can’t see due to a huge rocky boulder. Maneuver your way around this avoiding the thorny creepers I mentioned and you’ll be at the base of a falls with a height of close to 20ft. This really was a bonus and we savored the new found beauty. We got back on the road and headed back towards Parussella where the turn off towards Bulathkohupitiya is. However, about 400m from Dombepola junction, there’s the Dombepola Falls, another of named by us, but the view was obscured by a big tree and there was no way for a clear picture and we left her in peace. There’s an upper part of her too but we just carried on. If you’re going that way, she’s also worth a visit.

Closer to Parussella turn off, there was a road block. A tree that had been cut had fallen right across the road. Those who cut had been rather careless as it’d have been a fatal blow if it fell on either someone walking on the road or a vehicle. After about 15 mins, one fellow with an electric saw came running along the road saying that they didn’t think it’d be like that but things would’ve been different had it fallen on something or someone.

Power house

Here’s the spill

3 Mini Falls

The biggest of all

The path

Very slippery

The bridge across Wee Oya

Ferocious Wee Oya

Many twists and turns

Pink Panther’s House? The path is to the right and behind

Here’s the Katuwel Ella

The top

Base pool

Time to get going

Going back

Wee Oya goes on

Gosh!

Thankfully didn’t have to wait long

Parussella Falls

Getting back to the turn off, we took the Parussella-Panapitiya Road that meets up with the A21 at Warawala. Parussella Falls is somewhere between the two ends of the road to your right with a bridge. This too was named by us as there was nothing better to call her.

The falls with the green background

Not much water though

Base

Plunging

Frontal view

Suramba Ella aka Punahela Ella

Turning right along the A21 we met the 29^th km post and from here there’s a suspension bridge across Ritigaha Oya. This is called Punahela Kambi Palama. Just keep in mind that you can see the Suramba Falls from the main road clearly over a paddy field passing the 29^th km post but if you take the suspension bridge, you will be able to go closer to her.

That was exactly we did and water levels were healthy. There’s a renowned native doctor in this area as well and we met quite a lot of people going to and from his place. Crossing the bridge, turn to your left should you wanna get to the base. There’s a house and the path through a tea patch goes close to it. We reached the paddy field and heard some drums coming from the base of the falls and to our dismay, a group of people were hard at work.

We didn’t get to the base of the falls but took some nice shots closer to her. If you take the steps after the bridge that goes uphill through the rubber estate, you can reach the top of the falls but we had no time and got back to the road and went towards Bulathkohupitiya.

From the A21

Zooming in

Fully zoomed

Portrait

On the line

Punahela Suspension Bridge

Ritigaha Oya

Close up

The top most part

You get to the top of this but we simply didn’t have time

Solidly built

Abandoned

Rikili Ella aka Rikilla Ella

We reached Bulathkohupitiya and turned right to Dedugala. From here about 5km drive will bring you to another very tall waterfall. She’s called Rikili or Rikilla as the top of her falls resembles a forked branch. Something we used to make a weapon called catapult when we were kids in a smaller scale. This time the forked branch was clearly visible unlike other times.

She’s so tall and you’ll feel like a dwarf at the base. There is a footpath that leads to the base but from the road the view is superb so we didn’t bother to get there. So after a quick photo shoot we headed further up, this time in search of a dancing girl.

Tall as any

The Rikilla is very visible

Portrait

Branched top

The bottom

Nalagana Falls

About 8km from Bulathkohupitiya, you’ll see the sign to your right for Nalagana Falls. Walk along this (if it’s a bike or a high clearance vehicle, you may also drive) for a couple of hundred meters when you’ll come to a sharp right bend. From here the road is concreted but you’re not to go there. Instead go straight, the path should be visible. If you came by a vehicle, it’s time to leave it and start walking. The concrete road will lead to the Power Plant which has reduced the water levels of Nalagana considerably.

Walking straight passing the huge tunnel that carries to the power plant, we reached an abandoned and derelict structure that must’ve been used long ago by the plantation. From here it’s gotta be a careful trek to the falls. In fact, you wouldn’t see the full package from there, only the top part of her. If you climb to a rock, you might get a better view and that’s what we did.

Should you wanna get to the base of the falls, you’ll have to cross the stream (very dangerous) and walk in a half circle to get there. Unfortunately, the water stream was too strong for us to attempt it so we had to be content with what we saw. The time was running out and we hadn’t had any lunch which was typical but thanks to our heavy breakfast, we were quite all right.

We returned to the vehicle to find a family going to see the falls but we warned them either not to take or be extremely careful of a grandma with them. Then it was time to go further towards Dedugala and Upper Palampitiya.

Click image to enlarge

Hiding from us

We adhered to this

What you can see

The stream one has to cross

Downhill

Silky

Like a curtain

Or even like a skirt (Ashan has a story for that)

The giant pipelines that kill these innocent girls

Kalupahana Estate Falls

You’ll meet the Kalupahana Estate after about 9.5km and at the bridge or Bokkuwa (No. 10/3), you’ll see another falls. This we named as Kalupahana Estate Falls. What you see from the road is not much but we heard and saw through the branches that she has a bigger upper section. A hike uphill along a nearby rubber estate will do the trick but we didn’t try it.

At first glance, nothing much, but the bigger part is hidden towards the top

Sliding along

The portrait

Bottom

Rukmal Ella

This beautiful and roadside falls is about 11.5km from B’Kohupitiya. However there’s a misleading junction before this. You’ll see a well carpeted road to your left that goes uphill with a sign saying “Uduwa 10^th Mile Post Junction”. Unlike the current road (B67) we were in, this was carpeted beautifully and we took it.

Not even 1km elapsed when we came across kind of a road block. The carpet bit was over and there was a concrete continuation. Unfortunately and very stupidly, those who built the road had either forgotten or not cared to join these two sections. The concrete bit was over half feet higher with no slant in the road to get onto.

You practically have to jump to get to that. The tuk-tuks maneuvered using rocks kept along the edge but for a vehicle, especially a car or a van, this would be a killing ground. We nearly got our car wrecked trying to get over but decided it wasn’t worth it. So decided very forlornly to call it a day and return home.

This is when a tuk-tuk came from Uduwa and we just inquired where the Rukmal Falls is and to our delight he said that we had taken a wrong turn and had to continue along the same road further up. I was elated and we hurriedly drove on and reached the falls with a bridge and full of water. She’s a beauty and to add to it, there was a rainbow too across the base. We spent some time and then to the last of the goal, Diyangiri Ella, we set off merrily.

The wrong turn

You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours

Click image to enlarge

Sensational

Rainbow was across, barely visible

The narrow base pool

Portrait of the rotund section

Rocky boat shaped downhill journey

The top

Closer

Cloudy

Diyangiri Ella

We came to know that she’s also known as Diyawadana Ella and Diyawetena Ella. I remembered the Diya Wetena Falls in Bogahakumbura off Keppetipola. I’ve heard that she’s also known as Devagiri Falls and nobody in the area knew about that name. We reached Ihala Palampitiya Junction (I’ve told you that many get confused over Palampitiya as the Lower one is on Seepoth Road whereas the Upper one is on Dolosbage Road.

Just remember the B67 (Bulathkohuptiya-Dedugala Road ends at the 12^th km post. At the 12^th km post the road turns to right and another 500m is the Dedugala Town. From the 12^th km post, the road that goes straight is called Dedugala-Dolosbage Road (B588). After 7km you’ll come to Upper Palampitiya.

We parked the vehicle and took the Gama Meda Road which is concreted in places. Walking along we saw a rescue operation being carried out by the villagers trying to free a Woodpecker. We spent a few minutes watching the show and met a local named Wimaladharma, but known as Chuti in the area. He volunteered to take us to the falls even though I could remember the path. We followed the road till we came to a transformer and then got to the footpath that ran through a tea patch to our right.

The path was so steep and Chuti claimed that on a clear evening, they could see up to Galle Face including twin towers, BOC and other taller buildings. We actually couldn’t believe it even though he didn’t look like saying things for the hell of it. We could see the falls to our right but we kept going downhill for about 300m before turning to our right near a house.

We walked across the tea estate and reached the base of the falls in no time while the sky was getting ready to pour, rather late for the day. The color changed from blue to opaque and then to steel grey. The water levels compared to last time were better but still not by much. The power plant is killing many falls in Kegalle district.

This one was taller too, I guess well over 100ft. This is when Chuti declared that she’s also called as Diyawadana and Diyawetena but he was clueless when we said Devagiri. After a long photo shoot, we started getting back and I remembered the last time Hariya didn’t come down to see this falls complaining he couldn’t climb down and up again. I guess he had pulled a muscle in his leg. Coming uphill, we looked back to see if Chuti was telling the truth, and gosh, we could see them in the horizon. The sun was going down and against that we could see the tall buildings in and around Galle Face clearly.

Well, this was something really fascinating and we were taken aback from what we saw. Unfortunately, the cameras weren’t smart enough to pick them out and we got back to the road after visiting Chuti’s house for a glass of water. He was a very friendly person and even refused when we offered him some money. Back on the road, we came across the woodpecker they were trying to free. Apparently a nylon thread had cut into its claws and the bird couldn’t fly properly as a result.

One of the boys had caught up with it at last and removed the thread but it was too shocked to fly away. We took the opportunity to take same macro shots of this beautiful bird with shining red feathers mixed with black giving it a royal look.

We were tired and it was going past 4.30pm. The day was a Waterfall Marathon indeed and we were both tired and elated at the same time. Funny business hunting waterfalls. We had some cake and bidding farewell to Chuti and the Woodpecker were on our way.

Rescue mission

Not easy to free the fella

At the horizon is Galle Face but Camera is not smart enough

Where you have to go

Falls through the trees

Trees covering

Full package

Upper half

Similar height lower half

Drips

Chuti with Atha

Top most

Bottom most

Framed

Forked at the top

Beautiful colors

Couldn’t resist

Pinky

Injured

Beautiful one

Look at the hair

Shining red feathers

Hope you’ll get better soon and fly away

The winding road made going slow and finally we reached Bulathkohupitiya and headed home from there via Karawanella.

Well folks, this is the end of yet another Tour de Waterfalls. It turned out to be a grand one after all. Even though I had done most of these before, the water levels were considerably higher compared to then.

Hoping you enjoyed my telling you all about it. I’ll probably see you some time later with another fairy tale. Until then, keep travelling and take care.

Poittu Waren!

Sri…