Konduruhela / කෝඳුරුහෙල (348m)

This is another dry zone hike at Ampara district. When we hiked Govinda Hela last month, we have noted a hump back shaped mountain towards more eastern. It was identified as Konduru Hela. A lot of mountains in eastern and Moneragala district are named as “Hela” (හෙල). Kasun and I had an intention to visit at Konduru Hela in one day. Konduru Hela is a mountain with dual peaks situated in Bakmitiyawa-Thimbirigolla (තිඹිරිගොල්ල) forest reserve at Ampara district.

Our first experience of Konduru Hela when we were at Govinda Hela. Konduru Hela is a mountain with dual peaks.

How it was seen to Jayanthi Lake

We got information about Bakmitiyawa from Kasun’s friend at 3rd mile post and planned the journey according to that. (Actually there was a detailed report on Konduruhela, written by Ashan. We have noted it after our hike).

Konduru Hela in metric map. Height is mentioned in feets. 1143 feet. 348m.

Bakmitiyawa can be approached either from Kongaspitiya-Siyambalanduwa or Pannelgama from Ampara. We hired a three wheel from 3rd mile post to Bakmitiyawa via Kongaspitiya. It was around 25km from 3rd mile post to Bakmitiyawa. We have noted Govinda Hela and Wadinagala while travelling to Kongaspitiya. The different view of Govinda Hela was attracting. First few kilometers of the road was fairly satisfactory and it became terrible closer to Kongaspitiya. We have crossed dried Leara (ලේආර) following Kongaspitiya and passed bumpy gravel road to reach Bakmitiyawa. Here you will come across number of Chena cultivation and road goes through dry zone forest.

Soon we turned at 6th mile post…. noted this mountain.

Govinda Hela with different view and Wadinagala

Zoomed view of Govinda Hela

Konduru Hela above Chena….

While Kongaspitiya is situated in Moneragala district Bakmitiyawa is located at Ampara district. Bakmitiyawa had terrorist threats during civil war and now it is replaced by wild elephants. We have noted the elephant fence around the village. Bakmitiyawa is another small village situated deep in the forest. There are two roads from Bakmitiyawa to Pannelgama. One goes through the forest with close proximity to Konduruhela. It is about another 1.5km drive from Bakmitiyawa to base of the mountain. Soon after Bakmitiyawa this road became narrow and narrow, might be due to lack of use.

Unplugging the elephant fence to enter Bakmitiyawa

Much closer view of Konduruhela from Bakmitiyawa

Konduruhela / Konduruwagala

Might be an elephant bathing place

Konduruhela hike is not that much difficult as we expected. After correct analyzing of Google map we have started from the road and got into the forest. The typical dry zone forest with few undergrowth and large boulders were familiar for us. With guidance of Google map we have noted a place in between two peaks. It was a gradual ascend from the road to this point. There was a rock with nice view point at this place.

Get into the forest

Hiking partner….Kasun Lakmal

Giants of the forest

Ascend through the forest

Place to get relaxed

Cave like structure

Grown on top of the rock

Gradual ascend through the forest

This middle view point is a nice place to identify hills at Moneragala area. Maragala range, Govinda Hela and Wadinagala were the main attractions from here. In addition we have noted Degal Hela, Neelagirihela, Karanda Hela-Hulannuge and Pannelgama side. Highest point Konduru Hela was seen from here with the flag attached to a tree.

Middle view point….

Through boulders

Get on to it……

Framed view….

The view: Maragala Kanda (left), Govinda Hela (middle) and Wadinagala (right)

Pannelgama-Bakmitiyawa proper road

Highest point with flag

Towards Pannelgama and Ampara side

Closer view of Govindu Hela. Sugala Devi tank must be seen here but not clear due to lack of water.

Westminster Abbey / Govinda Hela

Maragala range. Two mountains at left corner situated near Muthukandiya reservoir: Valihela and Lollhela

Towards Siyambalanduwa and Deegalhela

Chena

Towards Lahugala and Bakmitiyawa. We have followed this gravel road from Bakmitiyawa to reach the base of the mountain.

Neelagirihela

Karanda Hela at Hulannuge

Enjoying the view….

Then we have moved back under forest canopy to reach the highest place of Konduru Hela. The top of Konduru Hela has few flat slab rocks which are good for camping. The same view noted towards Siyambalanduwa and Ampara was repeated with much higher place. In addition we have noted Pannelgama area in detail with Pannelgama reservoir and Navinnakanda Mountain.

Back to forest

On our way to the top

Same view…..

Towards Maragala range and Deegal Hela

Other peak of Konduru Hela and Pannalgama side. Navinnakanda is the prominent hill here

Towards Pannalgama reservoir. Danigala range is seen behind.

Pannalgama area, Nawinnakanda and Pannalgama reservoir

Flag is attached to the tree

Wide angle view from top of Konduru Hela

Wide angle view from top of Konduru Hela

There was another view point towards eastern side of the mountain. It is the ideal place for camping. Excavated pagoda was also situated at this place with evidence of archeological value of Konduru Hela. The view was straightforward to eastern and southeast cost. . Few tanks of eastern area were also noted including Ambalanoya and Kanchikudichiaru. We have spent much time at this place with enjoying the view.

Heading to other side…..

Evidence of camping

Reaching other view point of the mountain

Excavated pagoda

Circular rock situated next to Konduruhela

Towards Pothuwil and Arugambay. Southeast coast.

Ambalanoya tank (left) and Kanchikudichiaru Tank (right)

Small hills situated towards Akkaraipaththu

Towards Damana and Hingurana side…

Ambalan Oya tank and Malayadi tank behind it.

Enjoying….

It’s my style

The view

The view

Wide angle view towards Komari forest reserve, Ambalan Oya tank (left) and Kanchikudichiaru tank (right). Eastern and south eastern coast are far behind…

Towards South eastern coast

Two men team

As all these viewpoints provided almost same view, we have decided to not to go to other peak of Konduru Hela. We have rushed in descend as the Last bus from Kongaspitiya leaves at 3.30pm. On our way back to Kongaspitiya we were caught to a pouring rain which lasted more than hour. It was another memorable hike.

Return journey

How it happened….

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