ඇත්බැද්දෙන් නුවරගලට /From Ethbadda to Nuwaragala

This was the second day of a trip to Nuwaragala forest reserve. We have hiked Ethbadda on first day and camped there. Hike to Nuwaragala was our plan on second day.
Though Ethbadda (=470m) is the highest of Nuwaragala forest reserve, Nuwaragala is the most attractive and popular place. Nuwaragala is known as the fortress of King Saddathissa while he is ruling southern region of the country. There are enough evidences on top of Nuwaragala as a fortress.

We have started the hike from our camping site at Ethbadda. Guna Bandiya Mama has led us till the base of Ethbadda where Galen Watichcha Oya (ගලෙන් වැටිච්ච ඔය) was situated. Here team divided into two, as some of us have been at Nuwaragala before: Ashan and Harinda. They have decided to visit some nearby place while we were rushing to Nuwaragala.
Nuwaragala is steep on all four quarters, which is a good feature for a fortress. After crossing Galen Watichcha Oya we followed the same foot path we used to reach Ethbadda. At one point we deviated from there and crossed another dry stream to reach the base of Nuwaragala. Here we came across herd of wild Elephants but Guna Bandiya Mama has expel them. There was a clear foot path from base of Nuwaragala to top of the rock in it’s western side.

Ethbadda (marked in blue) and Nuwaragala (marked in red) in Nuwaragala forest reserve. Click image to enlarge.

Heading to Nuwaragala from Ethbadda

Nuwaragala is seen to Ethbadda.

.	Hills of Gal Oya.

Getting down….

Foot path to base of Nuwaragala

We followed the same foot path we used in coming to Ethbadda

Acute angle of Nuwaragala. This is an important feature as a fortress.

Foot path under Teak cover

Guna Bandiya gets permission from local gods.

Nuwaragala has a rocky plated foot pathway from it’s base. We have noted collection of round stones as a rampart on side of the path. This path is said as the Chariot path of the King towards the top. Remaining of railings and stone slabs used as flights steps are seen at intervals, providing that the earlier path was more than 18’ in width. There was an evidence of good drainage system as gutters were engraved on rock to save the path by rainy water.
There are two main attractions on top of Nuwaragala: Pond and cave
First we visited at stone cut pond at on top of Nuwaragala. It was square in shape (80’ in length 70’ in breadth) and situated at edge of the rock with spectacular view. We were able to stand on the base of the pool which has a muddy layer. It was a nice experience to bath in the pond.

Collection of stones on side of the path like rampart

Under the forest cover

Chariot path to fortress

Might be remaining of the fortress

.	A construction might be attached to the rock

Gutters

Gutters

Break

Closer to the top

View from the top

Ramabakan Oya reservoir

Nilgala

On top of Nuwaragala

Stone cut pond at Nuwaragala with 80 into 70

View of Ethbadda from Nuwaragala

Fair’s hood (only top is seen), Ethbadda (middle) and Nilgala (left)

Ethbadda and Nilgala

You can stand there. It is not that much deep.

At water level

Edges of the pond

On top of Nuwaragala

Heading to the cave. It is situated at bit lower level.

The stone cave can shelter more than 150 people. A clear drip ledge is cut and an inscription under it reads. What mention at inscription is;
“Devanapiya Maharajaha gamanitishaha puta maha tisha ayaha lene shagasha.”
(The cave of prince Mahatissa, the son of Great Devanampiya Gamini Tissa given to Sangha.)

The great king can be identified as Saddathissa, and his son ‘Mahatisa aya’ as Lanjitissa, who ousted Thullatthana.

Entering to the cave

Nuwaragala cave with drip ledge

Opening of the cave and brick wall

Inscription under the drip ledge

Cave opening provides spectacular view

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.	Guna Bandiya Mama at Nuwaragala cave. Note modern day scribbles on cave wall

The drop

Rest of mountains of Nuwaragala

Roof of the cave

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Gutters

Nearby lake

When we were on top of Nuwaragala

Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero mentioned about ruins of vivid shape and size buildings and found in an area of more than hundred acres. A few pieces of a Buddha Image are also scattered inside one building, which can be considered as an image house.
The Pail Lalatadthuwansa and Sinhala Dhatuwansa mention of a prince named Giri Abhaya who was the son in law of King Siva of Kelaniya and husband of Soma Devi, the sister of Kakavannatissa. Also it tell us that Prince Dutthagamini went to Giri Abhaya, with one of his ministers named Dava. Some scholars are of opinion that this ‘Giri Nuwara’ is “Nuwaragala”, but there is no other valid information to prove it.

Most probably Nuwaragala became a Buddhist hermitage with time.

After enjoying the beautiful view from Nuwaragala cave, we said good bye to this ancient rock fortress and started the return journey.
We were able to come down in 30minutes time to the base of Nuwaragala and join with Ashan. Here we decided to follow the foot path towards Aranthalawa directly as our vehicle and belongings were at Aranthalawa STF camp. This foot path went through a bushy open area with Teak trees. We came across few cattle farms during the trek to Aranthalawa. It was a tiresome journey to Aranthalawa and we spent about 3hours. There were no water source we found and at the end crossed the Elephant fence to reach road. We should thank Guna Bandiya Mama to come with us to Aranthalawa. Though he was with us, most of the time we followed the route with aid of Google map.
It was the end of two days journey to Ethbadda and Nuwaragala. A big thank goes to Sri Lal and Guna Bandiya Mama for their hospitality.

Team at base of Nuwaragala: Ashan (left), Nirosh, Thiwanka malli, Guna Bandiya Mama, Amila, Eshan, Harinda, Sri Lal, Susil and Chamara (right).

A herd

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