My dream “The Gommolliya”

The map – click to enlarge

The first time I saw this majestic twin peak range was in 2009 and soon after seen it I attempted twice and ended up with failures. I have never failed twice but as one says failures show you the path to success. Let me start with a statement I did many years back “”***I will attempt to finish what i started, Imagination can take you to extremes sometimes   ”” (check the last sentence). After five years of thriving the day I looked forward came. Gommolli has two peaks one been Gommolli peak (2034m) and the other was Balathoduwa (2012m). Out of these two Balathoduwa peak is the one with a clear summit and a superb view. If you wonder why this range is so important it’s because it’s the opposite range of Worlds end and we wanted to see worlds end from a different perspective.

On the previous day we three arrived at Bambarakanda resort which is managed by Mrs. Sera Mayakaduwa and planned our journey with Ranjith. Though Ranjith wanted to climb from the pines plot close to Bambarakanda, we wanted to take the shortest route. So as both of my previous visits this time also we decided to climb from Brampton estate side. Next day at 6am after packing our breakfast we got in to the hired trishaw and took off towards Brampton division. After reaching the end of the tea estate we started climbing through the burnt out mana patch and within 40 minutes we reached the summit of Wangedi kanda. The burnt out range was a sad sight but the surrounding scenery as always was mesmerizing.

Gommolli range (on left Balathoduwa and on right Gommolli peak)

view from worlds end

dawn at brampton estate

towards wellawaya

here we go

beautiful samanala lake

the view was getting better

our destination

st Catherine point as seen from wangedi range

on wangedi kanda

Yahalatenna and west haputale

valley of walawe

beautiful bambarakanda

the drop at papulugala

pano towards gommolliya

he is a survivor

HDR

Udawalawe reservoir

Entering the forest

We went in to the forest and soon after entering it we were greeted by bamboo bushes. From here onwards it was along the range without descending to any side. First rest point was a small pines plot where we had “Club roti” as breakfast. After having lunch we entered the dense bamboo forest and went along the ridge. This bamboo wasn’t difficult to tackle at all. You only need to move the bushes with your hands and proceed. We came across an on and off foot path but one should never rely on it. After a small descend along the range we came to the base of Gommolliya. After climbing up through a steep neck we reached the Gommolli (proper) range. We came across the foot path which university students take from Adara kanda. Proceeding along the path uphill brought us towards a clear area where the Balathoduwa peak could be easily seen. We were very happy to see the peak and within no time we accelerated towards it.

through the endless bushes

what a view

breakfast time at the pines plot

life

endless bamboo after the pines patch

having a break

evidence of human activity

UFO mushroom

the ascend

just before the open area

ah the beauty

out of the forest

Dynamic scenery

few more minutes

on the edge

finally the summit of Balathoduwa

The joy that came in to my soul cannot be explained in words. Finally we achieved it. We sat on top of a rock and just admired the scenery for few minutes before wondering around the range. This seems to be a triangulation point for surveyors and the pit found on the summit plus the marks used by survey department found on the way were good evidence of it. From this heavenly location one could easily locate Worlds end and its visitors, Horton plains, Udaveriya, Yahalatenna, Bambarakanda side, Haldummulla, Haputhale, Idalgasinna, Wellawaya, Hambegamuwa, Kalthota, Udawalawe reservoir, Samanala wewa reservoir, Halpe, Kalupahana, Wangedi kanda, A4 road, Havagala, Balangoda, Nagrak, Non perial tea estate and many more landmarks.

wow	it should be 2012m

misty haputale

Gommolli peak

nagrak bungalow

on and off mist

a pano

towards bambarakanda

wangedi kanda range (we were there)

more scenery

the drop

hagala seen in the center

havagala close up

nagrak

summit range

udawalawa was seen

kalupahana (marangahawela)

Horton plains

dreamily

couldnt stop clicking

Udaweviya

ever changing

kalthota side

No this is not “Rio”

do you see the people at worlds end ?

building up above the small pines patch we passed

standing tall

macros

our team

what place to have a nap !

some greenery too

After spending a good one hour we decided to get back rather than attempting to reach Gommolli peak, because it was not worth the effort. We reached Wangedikanda along the route we initially took (but got lost for about 5 minutes). Since our final destination was Bambarakanda rest we decided to descend along the pines plot as Ranjith suggested. From Wangedikanda to Wangedi gala it’s usually an easy hike but since the mana was burnt off the walk was a disastrous one. We did have a mini break on Wangedi gala before descending along the burnt pines plot and when we got to the stream close to Kalupahana – Bambarakanda road we were exhausted. Climbing Gommolliya and returning back to Wangedi kanda was not a problem at all but the last descend was simply the worst part. We did have a wash and head towards Bmbarakanda to have a good night sleep following our wonderful achievement. I never regretted abandoning this hike on two previous occasions because those decisions made this hike a success. Determination could do wonders in any field.

getting down

mountain tree tops

wow again

asoka flowers

back to the bamboos

icy cool water we found from a stream

under the shades

Pseudophilautus femoralis

the path

out of the forest

calm down south

Wangedikanda

Gommolli range covered

misty haldummulla

triplets

A4 at halpe

Wangedigala

the hectic descent

lanka ella seen

down we go

swimming in the end stream

Wangediya on the left mole gaha on the right

at last ground zero

Watching the french German match with our new friends

a very good and satisfied night

Thanks for reading!