One day hike to Kabaragala (1506m)

Kabaragala is the highest peak of the Dolosbage range which has a height around 1500m. It has an almost flat terrain at the top similar to Horton Plains and there’s a huge drop similar to the World’s End as well. When I visited Asupini falls last month I saw the Dolosbage range and had the intention to climb Kabaragala which became successful this time.

Our group consisted of 13 people from the University of Moratuwa. We gathered to Fort bus station at around 6 a.m. Kabaragala trail starts from Maryville Junction in the Dolosbage – Nawalapitiya road. It could be accessed by either going to Gampola or Nawalapitiya. We decided to take a CTB bus to Gampola since it was a poya day and direct buses to Nawalapitiya were not available until 7 a.m.

We were able to reach Gampola by 9.30 a.m. and for our disappointment we got to know that direct buses going through Maryville junction were not available since it was a poya day. Having no other options we got a bus to Kurunduwattha and took three wheelers to go to Maryville Junction. So it’s better to come via Nawalapitiya as it’s more convenient.

After asking directions from locals, we started to climb up through a footpath at around 10.30 a.m. The beginning of the trail is through a tea estate. The footpath led to a small concrete road. Further going up we came across some small houses and huts and came to a point where we could see the Pinus trees on the summit. There wasn’t a clear path at that part of the trail but since the top was visible, it was not hard to climb up.

Through the tea estate

Concrete road

Through the road

Pinus trees on the top

The top of Kabaragala is almost like a flat terrain where the highest point is on the right. There are two areas covered in Pinus tress, one on the left while other one is on the right. Since the summit was on the right we tried to go towards there. Though we could manage at first, then we came to an area with thick undergrowth. We couldn’t find any footpaths.

Heading up

Resting point

Since nobody wanted to go down again, we tried to go through it. There were lot of thorns and many leeches were found. There were five girls with us who started grumbling for the whole time. After a difficult time period we came to a small path created by a water stream. We further headed up on the path and came to another section of thorny bushy area. Although no one had an idea where we were going, since the Pinus tress were visible we headed towards that.

Thick undergrowth

Finding a way

Finally we were able to find the original footpath heading to the summit, after struggling for more than one hour. The rest of the path was not so difficult and we came to the main viewpoint after going through the pinus forest. The view was simply fascinating covering a larger area including Nawalapitiya town, Kothmale reservoir and Mahaveli maha seya. There is a huge drop which is ideal for getting some good photos. But you should be careful with that.

View from the top

Fascinating

Mahaveli maha seya and Kotmale reservoir

Nawalapitiya town

The huge drop

Drop seen from the top

It was around 1.30 p.m. when we reached the summit. We spend around one hour at the summit enjoying the scenery and taking photographs. After having lunch, we decided to get down on the same route. Sticking to the original foot path we found out that it leads to the other pinus forest through the edge of the rock. There’s another view point closer to that pinus forest as well. Therefore when climbing up make sure you climb to the left pinus forest and find the footpath to the right. Otherwise it would be difficult to go through the thick undergrowth.

Through the edge

The other side

Getting down

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We were able to catch a bus to Nawalapitiya after getting down at around 4.30 p.m. We had a relaxing bath in a place near to the Nawalapitiya town. Four of us left by bus, as they had plans for the following day. Others waited and took the night mail train to reach Colombo. It was an exciting and enjoyable hike for all of us.

Relaxing bath

The crew