One day hike to Dolukanda (600m)

Dolukanda is an isolated peak situated in Hunupola (near to Kurunegala) which has a height around 600m. It’s famous for its historical story related to Rama-Ravana story and it’s full of herbal species. As a one day hike we selected Dolukanda as our destination.

I got to know about Dolukanda when I was climbing Yakdessagala with some of my university friends and we decided to plan our next hike to Dolukanda. As soon as the non academic strike came into play, we were able to fix a date for the hike. Our team consisted of 8 members from the University of Moratuwa; Oshada, Janith, Kavindu Nadeeshana, Dinithi, Kavindu Pasan, Kasun, Nipun and Daham. Two of them had visited Dolukanda once.

I, Kavindu Pasan and Kasun travelled to Kurunegala by the Udaya Devi train and others joined us at the station. After having breakfast, we packed our lunch and caught a bus to Ganewattha. Although direct buses are available to Hunupola it’s difficult to catch one as they are not available frequently. We got down at the 10^th mile post and took two three wheelers to travel to Hunupola.

Although our first intention was to start the trail from Dolukanda Rajamaha Viharaya some of my friends and the three wheeler drivers suggested starting from Kandegama Rajamaha Viharaya. After getting down we talked with the thero and got to know that a clear path was not available from that side and it’s very risky to climb without a guide.

Dolukanda seen from the road to Hunupola

Kandegama Rajamaha Viharaya

We had a small discussion and decided to start climbing from the same side as it would take more time to go back to the other temple. From the very beginning we were unable to find a path and we had to break branches of trees as landmarks. After some time, we found some ruins of ‘Sakman Maluwa’ and an arrow headed to ‘Raja Lena’. Since we were running out of time we decided to not to go there.

Ruins

Sakman Maluwa

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Gradually the trail became harder with several giant rocks to pass through. As we didn’t know the path we were trying to ascend as possible and the only help we had was the satellite map which gave us a rough idea about our position. We somehow managed to conquer several rocks with difficulty. Since we had a girl in our team, it was even harder for her.

Not ready to give up, we spent more than one hour to pass through the steep rocks expecting we will be able to find a trail to the top. Unfortunately we came across to a part with steep rocks that blocked our way. Since we couldn’t risk our lives the only option was to get down and head towards a different direction to bypass those rocks.

Trail became harder

Rock cave with steep rocks

While finding new routes our team split up to two three groups. Many routes ended with steep rocks for our disappointment. After some time we got to know that two of us were able to find a yellow arrow in a rock. But they had reached there by a very difficult path which forced us to find alternatives. After spending about one more hour we were able to team up with them.

Finding alternatives

Savior Arrow

View on the way

Quick Selfie

We were glad to know that the yellow arrow was followed by many others which were headed towards the top. But most of us were hungry and tired after the battle with the rocks. Everyone had scratches here and there. We were running out of water and snacks and the only option was to have the lunch before reaching to the top.
Determined to reach the top before lunch I, Kavindu Pasan and Kasun headed along the path marked with yellow arrows. It was not so hard to find the way to the top although some arrows were missing here and there. The last part of the trail was bit difficult and slippery. Finally we managed to get on the top of ‘Ambalangala’ view point. The view was fascinating. Since it was a bright day we could see a broader area

View from the top

Yakdessagala range

Amazing view

First to reach the top

We started from the bottom around 10.30 a.m. and it was 3 p.m. when we finally reached the top. We quickly had our lunch as we were starving for hours. The top was quite large and we spend some time roaming. Although we were aware of kulan kapolla, rock caves and ponds we decided not to search for them since we were running out of time.

Ambalangala

Signs of a camp fire

3 friends reached the top after us, after having lunch on the way. Unfortunately the girl couldn’t reach the top and Janith had to stay with her. Around 4 p.m. we started getting down. We followed the yellow arrows and towards the latter part it was hard to find arrows. We had to stop at few points to decide the way. We ran out of water as well. Somehow after spending around two hours we were able to reach the Dolukanda Rajamaha Viharaya.

On the way we found some abandoned structures belonging to the temple. There was a scenic pond in the temple which we were able to see from the top as well. After resting for some time we called back three wheelers and got a Wellawa bus from the 10^th mile post. Since it was getting late we had to take three wheelers from Wellawa to Kurunegala.

Abandoned structure

Dolukanda Rajamaha Viharaya

pond	Stayed with us for the whole day

Although we went on our own it’s highly recommended finding a guide. We were lucky enough to find the route but couldn’t visit all of the landmarks on the top. With a proper guide you can visit them all. Also it’s suggested to start the hike from Dolukanda Rajamaha Viiharaya. You will be able to find the trail with less difficulty. Although we were not able to visit all the landmarks it was a very adventurous and thrilling experience for all of us.

Dolukanda seen from the temple

The crew