Knuckles-Kirigalpoththa / නකල්ස් කිරිගල්පොත්ත (1647m) hike

The well-known Kirigalpoththa (2388m) is the second highest mountain of SL situated in Hortain Plains. But another mountain called Kirigalpoththa is situated in Knuckles Mountain range, closer to the highest peak of Knuckles-Gombaniya
( ගොම්බානිය ).
Though I have heard of this mountain, have not seen it from another mountain till I visited Pathangala two weeks before. As weather in Knuckles range is perfect these days we were able to see Kirigalpoththa, Gombaniya and Yakunge Hela clearly. Usually it is hard to view these mountains due to permanent cloud cap covering the peaks. It is well evidenced by the Google map picture of Kirigalpoththa. But we were lucky to have a clear view of Kirigalpoththa and surroundings.

View of Kirigalpoththa from Pathangala

Kirigalpoththa in metric map. Click image to enlarge.

Kirigalpoththa range in Google map. This approach is from Kabaragala area. Click image to enlarge

When you review Google map it would shows the easiest approach to Kirigalpoththa peak through Kabaragala area. In Kabaragala side, lower part of Kirigalpoththa is occupied by the tea estate called Kallebokka (කැලෑබොක්ක). (Actually Hulangala division of Kellabokka). Kallebokka became famous due to the Travel with Chathura programme about 360 view point situated on top of Kallebokka peak.

We have travelled from Kandy to Waththegama by train and had our breakfast from Waththegama. The first bus to Kabaragala was scheduled on 6.30am from Waththegama. After about one hour journey we got down one stop before Kabaragala buses turn. I have noted turning points to Hathalae MWE and Kallebokka view points on this journey.

The view of Kirigalpoththa range was seen beyond the tea estate. We followed the shortest path through tea estate till the trail head. Kallebokka range is situated right opposite to Kirigalpoththa range. After about one hour hike we were able to reach the estate-forest border.

Kirigalpoththa range is seen beyond Hulangala division of Kallebokka estate.

Estate road

It’s a beautiful sunny day.

මී වදයකී ජීවිතේ…..

This is kind of a junction. Follow the upper path.

Filling water

Last set on line houses of the estate

Kallebokka estate. (I followed this pronunciation)

Hike through the estate

Hike through the estate

Gravel road situated in estate

Kallebokka range is situated in front of Kirigalpoththa range.

Wavy appearance of Hanthana hills (right side of the picture) and Sri Pada range is beyond it.

Eagle

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The forest boundary was marked by white-red painted cement posts and there was a clear foot path along this. This area was an Ensal estate before it recruited to Knuckles forest reserve. Still villagers can pluck Enasal without feeding bushes in this buffer zone. We have followed this clear path for certain distance and entered the forest as the path ended up at half broken hut. Gradually the undergrowth changed from Enasal to Nelu and Bamboo. We kept our direction with aid of Google maps. At one stage we had to pass an area of thickly grown Bamboo bushes. A peak was visible in front of us and later knew it as a false peak. After passing few ups and downs we have reached a place where surrounding was visible through a forest window. Then we got to know we have reached the peak of Kirigalpoththa.

There is a clear foot path at forest-estate border

Kavinda and Danush were culprits this time

Enasal bushes

Enasal is the main under growth of this area. It is not good for environmental sustainability.

Appearing of false peak in front of us.

Perfect weather for a hike

Break

Checking the map

We have reached the peak of Kirigalpoththa.

After hike of about 100m we have reached one of the peaks of Kirigalpoththa, which is totally under coverage of trees. The highest peak with large slab rock was visible from here. There was a foot path to reach this slab rock. Gradually we have reached the highest point of Kirigalpoththa where Erskine mark is situated. Erskine might be a surveyor who lived in Sri Lanka during British Colonial period. He has visited few mountains and marked his name on top of them. I have seen this Erskine mark on top of Kokagala, Galpadihela / Kosgolla and Kukulagala.

Gradually ascend along slab rock.

This slab rock spreads over a large area on top of Kirigalpoththa.

The peak of Kirigalpoththa which is covered by trees.

Passing the slab rock to reach the highest point of Kirigalpoththa.

After few false peaks, actual peak of Kirigalpoththa is visible.

Kavinda has reached the highest point of Kirigalpoththa.

Erskine has been there on 1910.

In a clear day top of Kirigalpoththa provides 360 degree view. The giant of Knuckles-Gombaniya is situated next to Kirigalpoththa and Kuda Oya flows in between them to make Thelgamu Oya. Sudugala, Lahumanagala and Maningala were standing next to Gombaniya. Only top parts of Yakunge Hela and Thunhisgala were seen above this range. Pitawala Pathana and Kaluganaga Reservoir appeared above Maningala. On the other side Pathangala, Riverstone, Matale-Hettipola road, Manikdena, Kadigala, Maussakanda, Gammaduwa, Ambokka, Etipola and Wilshire were seen. We could see Hunnasgiriya and Kellabokka peaks as well.

Wilshire, Etipola and Matale side.

Ambokka

First peak of Kirigalpoththa. Kellabokka range and Hunnasgiriya peaks are visible.

Hunnasgiriya and Kellabokka range zoomed…

Gombaniya range

Pointed Thunhisgala. Kehelpothdoruwegala is next to Thunhisgala.

Sudugala range

Kaluganga reservoir

Kirigalpoththa

Kirigalpoththa

Other side: Riverstone, Pathangala, Gammaduwa and Maussakanda. There is a peak in between Kirigalpoththa and this range. Don’t know it is a part of Kirigalpoththa or separate peak.

Matale-Hettipola road is reaching it’s highest at Riverstone. Riverstone peak with towers. Pathangala is next to Riverstone.

Gammaduwa, Maussakanda, Manikdena and Kadigala

Kumaragala Pathana / Wahigala Range

Riverstone zoomed

Pathangala Zoomed

Highest point of Matale-Hettipola Road

Maningala and Malkirigoda Gap next to it.

Sudugala range

Pitawala Pathana

Yakkunge Hela is seen above Gombaniya

Gombaniya range

Happy faces on top of Kirigalpoththa

Danush is posing…

View towards Gombaniya

View towards Gombaniya

On top of Kirigalpoththa

At the edge…

Dreaming his next target…Sudugala

Rhododendrons spp.

Bird’s eye view towards Riverstone. I don’t know whether this peak is the continuation of Kirigalpoththa or separate Mountain.

When we were on top of Kirigalpoththa

Bird’s eye view of summit of Kirigalpoththa

How fair to have a name like Kirigalpoththa to this mountain

Three man team on top of Kirigalpoththa.

Three man team on top of Kirigalpoththa.

After enjoying the view we have followed the same path up to the peak with forest covering. There was a clear pathway (recent cut marks were there) from this peak downwards. It ended up at a small opening area which might be a marshy land in a wet day. The foot path has vanished from here but there was a dry stream. We have followed the dry stream for certain distance and noted it’s path lies in same direction we came up. It was not difficult to follow the stream and reach the estate in two hours. Though it started as dry stream, later became watery with underground springs and feeding streams. We could find a place for a bath following walk through tea estate. It ended another successful hike to one of a peak in Knuckles forest Reserve.

Following the dry stream

It is filled with water

Place to rest

At the end if I describe the easiest way to reach the peak is follow the same foot path through Enasal estate and reach the hut. Then you can get into the stream which is situated about 10/20m meters behind the hut. Follow the stream without get any turns till it end and even over dry parts. Next you will come across this small opening area. There might be a clear foot path from this opening area, if not can reach the top with forest cover with aid of Google map. (It is about 10-15min hike). But walking upstream might be a problem when stream is full.

Where we got down from bus. And our starting point at estate-forest border.

Our path to reach Kirigalpoththa in forest section. The stream I described also lies closer to our path.

Kirigalpoththa and Gombaniya ranges seen above Kellabokka estate.

Sharpen face of Gombaniya

Good bye Kirigalpoththa.

Thanks for reading.