Randenigala range (1100m+)-End to end exploration

After extensive exploration of Hegasulla and Padupola plains we gave attention to the range on the other side of Randenigala dam. As I mentioned in my Padupola report, villagers at Ududumbara call the mountain touches Randenigala dam as Randenigala (රන්දෙණිගල) and one on the other side (Padupola side) is called as Kanamee Gala (කණමී ගල). So this time I wanted to reach Randenigala Mountain by walking over hills of the range.
Luckily Ashan also had the same idea of exploration of this range and he joined with me. (Hope he might come in a better report). After map reading we decided to enter VRR (Victoria-Randenigala-Rantambe Reserve) from Idamegedara (ඉඩමේගෙදර). Our plan was to walk over hills to reach Randenigala at the end of the day.
It was a scenic journey as this range is situated at center of other mountain ranges. The day we hiked was superb and even distance mountains were clear.

Amila and myself came to Hunnasgiriya by bus in early morning and slept till others arrive. We had to turn at Ududumbara towards Bopana to get our start.

Crew-Sampath (left), Ashan, Amila and Chamara

View from A26 road- Other end of VRR

Downhill paddies

Kukulagala

The range we are going to explore today. We started from left end and continued towards Randenigala reservoir.

Zoomed view of the area we are going to explore

After having breakfast from Ududumbara we turned to Bopana road. We were guided by Google map and followed Idamegedara road till we reached our starting point. We have passed the elephant fence and reached the edge of the range.
This mountain range is situated right in front of Padupola plains and Kanamee Gala, on the other side of Randenigala dam. Rajagala range and Galpadihela range is situated on either side of this range.
Metric map shows four different peaks in this range:
1. Neluwekanda/නෙළුවේකන්ද (1000m+)
2. Amukanatemuduna /අමුකනතේමුදුන (1100m+)
3. Calhiriyakanda / කල්හිරියකන්ද (1000m+)
4. Waddandamana /වැද්දන්දමාන Kanda (857m). This Waddandamana Kanda is called as Randenigala by locals. Seems all other names are restricted to metric map, not in usage.

Geography of the area. Click image to enlarge. Star-Starting point. Three peaks are circled and arrow shows our descend to Dewahandiya area. We didn’t go further down as we were exhausted. Weddandamana is not seen in this map.

Waddandamana Kanda / Randenigala and Randenigala / Kanamee Gala in metric map.

How things are in Goggle map. Star shows the starting point.

It was a simple hike from one peak to the other with ascends and descends in open area.
There was a superb view towards Knuckles area. Piduruthalagala range with towers and Kukulagala were seen in one end. Madamahanuwara Kanda, Nawenagala, Dothalugala, Rajagala range, Koboneelagala, Dumbanagala, Sphinix-2, Aliyawatunawala, Alugal Lena Kanda, Kehelpothdoruwegala and Velangolla Pathana were identified. Hetakatuwegala, Galpadihela, Ambagolla Kanda, Kokagala and Rathkinda Ulhitiya Kanda were seen in our left side.

Preparing…

Entering to VRR

Crossing elephant fence…

Starting point…

Piduruthalagala range and Piduruthalagala with towers

Middle peak is Kodibendihena. It is the end of Rajagala range

Nawenagala and Dothalugala

Zoomed view of Nawenagala

Madamahanuwara Kanda (left) with Nawenagala (right)

Acute ascend…

Peaks of Knuckles massif: Aliyawatunawala, Sphinix-2, Knuckles five peaks and Alugal Lena Kanda

Alu Gal Lena kanda (left) and Dumbanagala (right)

Eastern edge of Knuckles range-Velangolla Pathana

Kokagala

Champions

A rocket

Galpadihela range

Rajagala range-Madamahanuwara Kanda (right end) and Kodibendihena (left end)

Zoomed view of Madamahanuwara Kanda

Paddies at Pitawala area

Most probably this might be Neluwekanda

On top of Neluwekanda. A large part of Knuckles range is seen with Aliyakotagala.

This mountain is situated at other side of Idamegedara. But not marked in metric map.

It was a walking at open area for a certain distance after passing Neluwekanda. Randenigala reservoir and other peaks of VRR-Hegasulla, Padupola plains and Korahana area were clearly visible now. It was bit difficult as sun was directly aiming us at grassy area. Later we came across a Pinus patch over hills where we had a long rest following direct exposure to sun light.

Paddies

Hikers on top of Neluwekanda

Neluwekanda. Now we have passed it.

Randenigala reservoir was seen for first time.

Rest of the range we had to cover. Note there are no large trees to get a rest.

Rathkinda Ulhitiya Kanda (Unakirigala) with Rathkinda Ulhitiya reservoir. Dimbulagala is seen with less clearance.

Ambagolla Kanda/ Belumgala

Rocky part we had to cross

කබල්ලෑ පොතු

When we looked back, Knuckles range and the hills we passed

Over boulders

The gang

There were only few trees on our way

Eagles

A pointed peak

This must be wild life department site

Zoomed view of the lake

Other end of Galpadihela range

It was a surprise to see leeches under wet condition at Pinus patch with surrounding extreme hot. Our next section was full of Guava (පේර) trees. We had enough Guava to fill our thirsty as well as hungry. There was an area with rows of stones most probably a sign of an old village situated at VRR. A dry lake was also noted closer to this village. We could find a fairly clear path starting from this area over hills. (This is shown in Google map as well). Next destination was Amukanatemuduna (1100+) where a flag was raised. It indicates surrounding villagers regularly visit this place.

Reaching the Pinus patch. Great relief …

Having a long rest under the shades of Pinus

Posing…

Pinus patch. Some leeches survived in this Pinus patch

The area with number of Guava trees

There are a lot

It is full of Guava trees

Good for thirsty

Clear foot path

Pinus seeds

Another break. Be aware of tics when you lie on grasses

Amukanatemuduna has a nice flat area with grasses. It is a good place for camping as having a superb view. Only problem is no nearby water source.

Reaching Amukanatemuduna

On top of Amukanatemuduna. Note the flag someone has raised there.

View from Amukanatemuduna. The Neluwekanda and Pinus patch we have passed.

View towards the Knuckles range

Dry paddies

View of Randenigala reservoir

Dewahandiya area

Team

On top of Amukanatemuduna.

On top of Amukanatemuduna.

The flag at Amukanatemuduna

Checking the pic

View of Randenigala reservoir

View of Randenigala reservoir

Galpadihela range

Loggal Oya

This is a nice place for camping

Known area-Kanamee Gala, Padupola plains, Korahana area and Hegasulla

The bridge over Uma Oya

Narangala

At end of Amukanatemuduna, we went down along short Mana patch. With another ascend through heavily grown Mana, we have reached other peak called Calhiriyakanda. It was bit difficult to reach there due to Mana and as we were exhausted following walk about 11kms. Next marked point was Waddandamana (856m), so called Randenigala by locals. We had a superb view towards Randenigala reservoir as well as Rantambe and other side of VRR from Calhiriyakanda. As we were tired to go further, gave up the idea of reaching Randenigala / Waddandamana and started to descend guided by Google map. We were able to reach Dewahandiya (දේවහන්දිය) village at the end of the day to wind up the journey. This also needed some extra energy as steepness was more.

Towards other peak-Calhiriyakanda

Calhiriyakanda (1000m+) is the middle one

Dambarawa Lake

We are closer to Randenigala reservoir

Descend through Mana

Calhiriyakanda is in front of us

Kehelella Valley

Here we didn’t go over the hill, followed the foot path was on side of the hill

Landscape

Passing Mana area, heading to Calhiriyakanda

On top of Calhiriyakanda

Exhausted after walking about 11km

It’s Randenigala reservoir

View from Calhiriyakanda. Hope this labelling would helpful to understand structures of the area. Randenigala dam is built in between Kanamee Gala and Weddandamana.

Uma Oya and Rantambe reservoir

Strip T shirt team on Clahiriyakanda

Namunukula (left) Lunubissa (middle)

Getting down

Last shot of the day

Total distance we walked /hiked here is more than 11km. After reaching Dewahandiya Ashan had extra activities to reach Idamegedara by three wheel to get back to his jeep. This Calhiriyakanda is called as Malketiya by villagers and they have their own names for these hills and Pathana.

Thanks for reading