Exploring ‘Nil Diya Pokuna’ &‘Hulan Kapul Cave’ at Karandagolla

The day I saw this expedition on Lakdasun (by Dhammika), I really wanted to do this. But, after reading trip report, I was scared. After doing some research and watching the documentary from ITN (Wenasa), I decided to take the risk, but I don’t want to go alone. I wanted at-least 5 mates, I was sure that Kasun Janaka will join. I have several trips with him. Another mate was Kasun Priyashantha. We had a very good adventurous time at Great Western hike. Only at this trip I first met Shashika (Kasun Priyashantha’s friend). One other person is Ishan Uditha from my current work place also joined. Great team effort.

Planning begins, after reading the trip report by Dhammika I called Methananda, during April 2015, since it was raining heavily, he advised us to go during the dry season; waited. Early July, I and Kasun Janaka decided to do the expedition during later part of July. I confirmed Methananda that we will be coming on 25th July with 5 mates. Tickets booked for night mail train towards Badulla, and left Colombo on 24th. Before leaving we had a discussion what things to be taken; food items, lighting equipment and first aid. On the way to Badulla, I had a coffee on the train, you know something, it cost me 40/=. When I finish drinking the coffee, I realized if I had extra hot water, I could have had another cup, because that mush of coffee power was remain in the cup. Had a nice nap on the train, reached Ella station at around 6:30 am on 25th.

1. Nil Diya Pokuna Cave

Jungle walk……..towards Nil Diya Pokuna….

At the entrance…… having breakfast

We had bun and milk packets from Ella town got into Marata bus which goes from Bandarawella. We got down at 10th mile post and met Methananda. We went to his house and had a change and had tea and ready goJ. From Methananda’s home, we took tuk tuk about a 15 minutes travel from Ella – Wellawaya road. I have attached the KML file from Methananda’s home to ‘Nil Diya Pokuka’ cave entrance. Once get down from tuk tuk, we had a walk for about 15minutes through the jungle and al-last we were at the cave entrance. There, we had our breakfast got ready to move in.

Entrance to Nil Diya Pokuna

Expedition begins…….

Initial steps were easy move on and after that it was very dangerous, one single wrong step, that’s the end of your life. There were some places which was 50-60 feet 90 degree drop. Extreme concentration and control of body is essential.

Easy pathway…….

In some places, we had to rely on ropes to move on and one person at a time.

After going through the easy way, we encountered the first decent. Methananda advised us to slide slowly one by one. You have to take care about yourself, no one there is help. All the rocks are slippery and the floor is muddy. Think twice before each step. I was carrying by small backpack with some basic needs and my DSLR. There were times where I have to squeeze my body between rocks and slide in. During these time I had real trouble with my backpack. I was forced to keep the bag and take only my cam, and same advice was given by Methananda too.

This area is full of bats and flies. The flies are attracted to light, so it will be useful to cover your nose and mouth. Recommended to take a mask that covers your nose and mouth, unless you want to taste some filesJ. Bats were all over the place, few times they banged on my face also. These are the time that you need to be very careful, if try to chase bat when you are descending with the rope, you are deep danger. They are innocent, just don’t care even they banged on you.

And also you must get ready get some bat poops shower , this is un-avoidable.

Descending more in to mother earth….. towards Nil Diya Pokuna

Form here we had to descend further, this was my first extreme cave expedition, at some place it scared me. In my words, if you want to achieve this goal, you must have a very strong mind set team members and self-confidence. All our team members (Kasun Janaka, Kasun Priyashantha, Shashika & Ishan Uditha) are having a hard time descending.

Deep diving more and more……..

Expedition begins…….

After about 1-1/2 hours, we were able to view the spectacular view of the ‘Nil Diya Pokuna’. According to Methananda, the pond is 700-800m from the entrance.

Nil Diya Pokuna

The water was so clean and clear. No words to explain. Everyone should experience this view. I was thirsty, I drank lot of water from the pond and I am still alive.

Nil Diya Pokuna

Nil Diya Pokuna

One of our hiking mate (Kasun Priyashantha) started swimming in the pond. According to his verdict, the water was extremely cold. Even though we could see the bottom of the pond it’s too deep. And he swimmed around the pond and found a secret passage underwater. But we don’t want to talk a risk by exploring.

The Team…….. and the secret passage (right ride of the pond)

It took us about nearly 2hrs to see the pokuna, and we spend about an hour, for photography, swimming and for achievement celebration. During that time, Methananda told about the new mysterious cave that he discovered a week ago. We all decided to give a try.

We started ascending, this took more time that descending.  If I am correct it took more than 2 hrs.

2.  Hulan Kapul Cave

This is a new cave that Methananda and his friend discovered one week ago. One of his friend (from the same village) has noticed that strong wind is blowing out from earth few years back. But up to now, no one had made any attempted to explore. A week ago, Methananda and his friend has explored this new came. They have named as ‘Hulan Kapul Cave’, it’s because from inside strong wind is blowing out. If you drop a leaf at the cave entrance, it will blow out rather falling in. We are proud to be the first team explored with Methananda.

Hulan Kapul Cave…… entrance

The entrance is very very narrow, only a lean person can go in; its 6-7 feet 90 degrees descend. But once go it, the cave is huge in size.

Ishan is struggling to go in…. :-)

Entrance view from inside the cave……

The team is inside……

Extremely dangerous descend…….

Huge hall way………..

Once we came out, we all were dipped in mud bat poopJ. We went to nearby water stream washed and went to Ella station around 4 PM. The mail train is at 6:45 from Demodara, we decided to walk up to Demodara.

In my words, It was surely a life changing & threatening experience J

WARNING !! – The “Nil Diya Pokuna Cave” expedition, should not be attended or tested individually as it is definitely a life threatening activity where a single wrong move will take your very own life as well as the others involved.