Hike to Pattaramale (=1940m) / පට්ටරමලේ

This unique shape mountain came to my vicinity when I visited Windloft Retreat-Delthota in 2018. One of my hiking friend-Raj has introduced it’s name as Pattaramale and there is a small plain on top of the mountain. This small plain is clearly seen in Google map as well. Pattaramale is situated in Piduruthalagala forest reserve closer to Chariot path and towards famous Kondagala / Loolkandura. When we hiked Perattasi Mountain beyond Chariot path I have noted Pattaramale Mountain.
The closest access to Pattaramale is Hope estate. Hope estate is famous for it’s natural pool and estate gets income by issuing tickets for the pool. It’s happy to say they have developed the environment around the natural pool very well.

Pattaramale in Metric map. Click image to enlarge.

Pattaramale Mountain is seen to Windloft Retreat. It has a unique shape.

Aerial view of Pattaramale

Aerial view of Pattaramale

The plain on top of Pattaramale. Our plan was to explore this plain.

We followed the way to hope estate from Rikillagaskada via Hewaheta. Actually the distance via Galaha and Delthota is less but road is under construction. We were looking for early breakfast from Hewaheta town but all the shops were closed. It made us to visit nearby Wegama Pinus forest.

Wegama Pinus Forest (7.123215, 80.762041)
Small Pinus patch situated at Wegama area is called Wegama Pinus Forest. Hewaheta-Diggalpotha road goes through this Pinus forest to get human attraction. It is a beautiful picturesque location.
As we had extra time before the hike we have visited the place early morning. You can visit Wegama Ancient Temple which is situated closer.

Wegama Pinus Forest

Wegama Pinus Forest

Sun rise through Pinus

Sun rise through Pinus

Sun rise through Pinus

Sun rise through Pinus

Now it completely shines

A beautiful location

At Wegama Pinus Forest

we took the road to Hope estate and followed the way to Hope natural pool. This road is not enough to pass two vehicles at once in most of the time. And there were some sections of the road not good for low ground vehicle. After about one hour drive from Handawalpitiya we have reached Pattaramale line houses. (7.112218, 80.735532)

People at Pattaramale line house were friendly enough to tell the path to the mountain. There were Hindu shrine on top of the mountain but now it’s not worshiped by villagers. One villager mentioned about treasures at this mountain.

According to our map study we found a tea patch at the base of the Mountain. We have walked till there and found the foot path (7⁰06’19.0’N, 80⁰ 43’31.0’E) to the forest patch. It was a continuous ascends till we come to the first view point of Pattaramale. Actually this is a nice slab rock situated at middle of the path.

How Pattaramale is seen to Hope estate road.

Walking through the line house

.	First group picture of the day

We were targeting the most upper tea patch

Pattaramale…..

Close up…..

Steps at the estate

Following the foot path at estate

Kukulagala is rising as a giant

Posing…..

Gradual ascend to the mountain

View of line houses

The first view point we found

The first slab rock is a nice view point towards rest of Piduruthalagala forest reserve. As I mentioned above, Chariot path is situated closer to Pattaramale and we could see the mountain behind Chariot path.

Towards Piduruthalagala forest reserve and the mountain behind Chariot path.

Tea patches closer to forest reserve

Posing with Amal. This is his first trip with us.

The drop. Please note Kukulagala.

.

It was about another 20 minute hike from this place to the plain on Pattaramale. The clear foot path continued till this plain. It was like a mini chariot path and we have first walked towards the drop facing Kondagala side. There was another rock situated closer to this edge but a non-walkable separation between these two.

Reaching top of Pattaramale

Thick leaves

Kondagala side

Kondagala side

Delthota far away

The drop

The drop. You can’t jump this gap.

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The gap…..

View of Kukulagala from Pattaramale

This aerial picture shows the small rock situated closer to the main

This aerial picture shows the small rock situated closer to the main

When we were on top of Pattaramale

When we were on top of Pattaramale

When we were there

Then we have moved to the highest point of the rock (7.103721, 80.720266) which is situated towards Chariot path side. There was a nice rock seat to get photographs. If need you can climb to Chariot path from this side. And we were able to view Piduruthalagala top with towers from here.

Towards the highest point of the rock

Towards the highest point of the rock

Nice place to sit

Towards the Chariot Path. Here you can’t see the Chariot path as the mountain behind the path covers it.

Enjoying the view from highest point

It’s my way….

It’s his way…..

When we were on top

Close-up view of this plain

Close-up view of this plain

Piduruthalagala towers

Flaura on top

Flowers. Similar we met at Chariot path.

On our way down we have noted a flag attached to top of a tree at the side facing to line houses. It took another 45 minutes to return to the place we have parked the car. As we could finish the hike early we decided to visit at Hope natural pool as well.

Coming back….

Coming back….

A pit made like a pond. But no water.

Good bye Pattaramale

The flag…..

Pattaramale upper division

A junction at tea estate

Hope Natural Pool (7.104347, 80.732914)
This chilling cold bathing place is situated at Upper division of Pattaramale estate amidst of tea estate. The estate authority has developed the environment around the pool to make it more attractive.
We have walked from line houses to the natural pool but you can reach the place by vehicles as well

Entrance of Hope Natural Pool

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The bridge….

Summer hut

The stream

Having a dip at the end of the hike. But you can’t stay here more than 5 minutes. It is extremely cold.

.	Last shot of the day.

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