Roaming around Thummodara

We have visited some waterfalls at Avissawella in February 2018 but we didn’t have time to visit two more falls and the Seethawaka garden. Hence I and Nirosh planned this day trip to cover those places and it was successful since we had enough time to see them.

• Dambora Ella
• Ranmudu Ella
• Seethawaka Botanical Garden

We have visited Kumari Ella, Hewainna Ella, and Ella uda Ella previously.

Dambora Ella Falls – දම්බොර ඇල්ල

Dambora Ella Fall (10m in height) is created by a waterway of the Wakoya River and was formerly known as Demala Falls as the Tamil (Dravidian/Demala) laborers used to wash here. Dambora Falls is located near Labugama Reservoir in the village of Dambora (Hanwella Divisional Secretariat), Colombo District (Avissawela Electorate).

Take the road from Hanwella to Labugama, past the old bridge at Thunmodara. After a further 1km, turn right in the direction of Dambora village and continue for 3km (1/2 km?) to the fall. (These directions were supplied by veteran journalist Piyasiri Matarage in a letter to the Sri Lanka Waterfalls Council.)

Although the published height of the waterfall is 10 meters, it is said that the waterfall is 15-20 meters. There is no proper access to the waterfall and its a difficult climb to reach the fall.

GPS Location – 6.855404, 80.170522

Here is she

The Pool

Upper part

Lower part

Another view

Cascades

Dambora Ella

Views

The stream

Ranmudu Ella Falls – රන්මුදු ඇල්ල

The 15m high Ranmudu Ella fall in Thunmodara is situated in a tributary of the Wakganga River, and the waters feed the Kelani River. The fall is a victim of its own success. Due to its popularity, especially at weekends, the surrounding ecosystem is under threat from large numbers of trampling visitors.

It can be found 48km from Colombo, in the Colombo District Hanwella PC. From the Columbo – Avissawela highway head to Tumodara village. The fall is 0.5km from here.

Thunmodara is a quite laid back village surrounded by a mountainous forest cover which acts as a protection for the main water source Colombo District. The village is home to one of the only 4 waterfalls in Colombo District.

GPS Location – 6.864768, 80.170880

Cycle park

Lower part

Side view of the lower part

Ranmudu Ella

See the bridge

Scenic

bathing pool

Full view

Ranmudu Ella

Bathing

Seethawaka Botanical Garden – සීතාවක තෙත් කලාපීය උද්භිද උද්‍යානය

Seethawaka (Sitawaka) Wet Zone Botanical Gardens was opened in 2014 covering 106 acres ( 43 hectares) with the primary purpose of serving as a research area and a conservation area for threatened and vulnerable endemic plant species in the Sinharaja Rain Forest region. Improving export floriculture, ex-situ conservation of wet lowland plants, and bamboo cultivation are also promoted in this garden.

The land used by this garden was established in the 20th century as a plantation for Rubber and Tea, which was known as “Pannagula”. But most of the land area was abandoned with time, which was taken over by Land Renew Commission. The construction of the Botanical garden on this reclaimed land commenced in 2008.

The park is open all seven days of the week and opens from 6AM to 6 PM. Adults are charged a measly LKR 60/- and children below 12 are charged LKR 10/-. A boat ride costs 200 per person. There is a food outlet in the garden but you can take your food inside. Generally, vehicles can be taken inside but generally, vans are not allowed in most botanical gardens. If you wish you can hire an electric golf cart from the entrance.

The lower part of the garden is maintained similar to a botanical garden with beautifully arranged flower patches, perfectly cut grass, and a well-maintained lake, where one can go for a boat ride. Further up, there is a high platform where you could have a grand view of the garden below and the mountainous surrounding. If you like bird watching, it’s recommended going there early on a weekday where there will be fewer crowds.

Seethawaka Botanical Garden is located in Illukowita, between Puwakpitiya and Labugama close to Avissawella. The easiest route to the gardens is through the Avissawella road. Take the Puwakpitiya – Thunmodara road from the Puwakpitiya Railway Station. Travel 6 km to read the garden on the right. Other route is take the Bope road from Padukka and reach Labugama from Bope. From Labugama take the Puwakpitiya – Thunmodara road and travel for 3.5 km to reach the gardens. On this route you will also pass the Dambora Ella waterfall amd Thunmodara Ella waterfall . Traveling from Puwakpitiya you will pass the Kumari Wala Ella waterfall. Ella Uda Ella waterfall lies very close the garden and can be reached from the by-road in front of the gardens.

GPS Location – 6.892208, 80.172726

Entrance

Flowers

Flowers

Flowers

Flowers

Flowers

The Garden

Sky view

Flowers

Flowers

Flowers

Beautiful locations

Calm environment

Pathway

Flowers

Flowers

Flowers

Nicely maintained

Sky view of the Garden – Panorama

Thank you for reading !

Sobasiri Team ©