Wawulagala the wet zone plateau

The map – click to enlarge

Ok all started when someone teased me up with an image of a mountain top and he mentioned that this was shown on a TV program. I was tempted so I went through that video and decided that I need to visit this place. I was running through Google maps plus 1:50000 maps and I suddenly remembered that I saw this plain in 2009 while I was at Ihala Pelampitiya. I was told by a local at that time that this was Amanawala region though I was interested in climbing at that time, the interest faded away from me with years passing by. I was waiting till the monsoons to give a little break and soon as the weather settled during X-mas holidays I decided to give it a try.

Kasun joined me almost after one year and Amila was as always ready for the mission. This was a special trip for me because this was the first trip I went on without my camera (I forgot to bring it) since 2011. So I was dependent on Kasun & Amila. While both of us (Me & my better half) were enjoying the scenery the official photographers were doing their job. We left Maharagama at around 5am and reached Yatiyanthota around 8am. From Yatiyanthota we took the road through See forth which went parallel to Wee oya. Though this was the rainy season it had not rained in 5 days and to our surprise most of the waterfalls were dried out. On our way we did stop to have a glimpse of Malapola fall, Wee Oya falls, Kithul falls, Punugala falls and finally Olu falls. Please refer this report to get more information about those waterfalls. The Dombepola Mountain is clearly seen from Olu Ella and vice versa.

The tempting image sent to me by a friend

our destination

morning rays as seen by kasun

as seen by amila

the leafless

We Oya Falls no 1 (වී ඔය ඇල්ල 1)

malalpola falls

kithul falls

Punugala falls

Olu Ella – top part

Olu ella cascade near the bridge

After a small break at Olu falls we headed further towards Sri Sidda pattini devalaya of Amanawala. At the devalaya we were told that there is an easy way to the top via Pera gas handiya which we had already passed. The Television program crew had taken this route but we decided to go against it. Passing the devalaya there was a 3 way junction where we took the road towards the left and reached Wee oya causeway. Once we crossed the causeway we took the gravel road (4wd road) to right and proceeded towards a small village shop where we halted the vehicle. There is a stairway which leads uphill through the tea estate close to this boutique. Actually it is difficult to explain the directions but it’s advisable to get proper directions from the shop owner and on the way we met many people who guided us properly. Initially we went through a tea patch and then a forest patch before we reached another tea patch. From this tea patch it was a steep climb and finally we reached a concrete road (which one could take from Waharaka area of Bulathkohupitiya – Dedugala road). This concrete road heads towards the summit region of 52 acre rock / Dombepola rock (wawulagala). There are few houses close to the summit and there is a foot path which runs along a tea estate towards Dombepola plains. It’s advisable to get clear directions from locals at this point. As we heard the Dombepola side path is less confusing so try taking that route. It took us almost 1 ½ hours to climb up this hill from where we parked our vehicle and it was a mixture of steep climbs and flat stretches. We were actually lucky to get away from Leech attacks thanks to “Alum” and the dry weather.

through the bushes

jungle patch

a rest

we came across many houses even close to the summit

out of the jungle, into the estate roads

last tea patch

Princess

at the last house

these chaps were so friendly

a path almost covered

Once we got to the summit we were so relieved because this was a hike after along break. Though Amila and Kasun were continuously mocking me during this hike I really enjoyed their company and my wife was also happy because she got a chance to join us. It was a huge plain on top of the mountain but if it rained the plain would have converted in to a mini swamp. We saw many potential camp sites and I think this would be a perfect place to camp because you could get water from nearby houses if needed (before the last bit of climbing). We wondered all over the plains and for change I had two photographers clicking our poses continuously. On one side we could see the Kabaragala peak and the whole of Dolosbage range, one side was covered by Wewelthalawa range, Olu ella and its uppermost cascade was seen plunging down from Wewelthalawa plateau. The upper part seemed taller than Bambarakanda for me. Wee oya valley and the See forth road running parallel to it was seen close to the abyss. If it was an evening the setting sun would have provided a better view towards Colombo too. After having a snack and endless amount of photographs we decided to head back.

few more meters to go

he was so elated

lovely

lonely tree

a mini forest patch on the top

time to explore

the plains

looking for landmarks

the valley

towards Dedugala, Ihala pelampitiya & Dolosbage

his famous pose for the day

Photographer no 1

Photographer no 2

ITN tower of Wewelthalawa

lovely camp site

dolosbage range seen over the plains

towards yatiyanthota

at the edge

Olu ella was also seen

wee oya valley

wee oya

Dombepola temple at the base

clicking

and clicking

ah both of us

again the lonely tree

overgrown

52 acres to walk

more scenery

towards the west

kabaragala seen far to the right & the pointed peak is raxagala

lovely place to be

a pano

a water source

frog life

the plateau

the dried out swamp

heading back

the team

time to get back

wild orchid

another beauty

where we were

After reaching the base we took off towards Halgolla tea factory and took the Wewelthalawa road. Unfortunately now they do not allow anyone to proceed uphill without special permission. So we had to turn back and head towards Colombo. So if you want to visit Wewelthalawa please obtain permission prior to your visit. After reaching Colombo I had to drive to Chilaw because my wife had a night shift. Though I had a relaxing sleep that day she had to work the whole night but yet this was one memorable journey to us.