Most of Kanneliya today is a forest that had recovered from selective logging that had happened in1970s.  The water flows in the forest are now recovering with a numerous numbers of streams adding life to the diverse vegetation and some what hilly landscape. These streams create several beautiful cascades in side the forest. They also provide ideal opportunities for nice cool dip in some of the purest streams in the whole world!

Page Contents

Getting There

Weather and Season

Attractions and activities

1. Hiking: There are two main trails that takes you deep in to the forest. Kabbale mountain trail takes you up to a summit point from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding. Trail to Narangas Ella goes deep in to the forest passing several points of interest such as the Giant Navada tree.
2. Natural Bath: Streams flowing through Kanneiya offers many opportunities to take a dip in clean, cool waters. Popular natural pools include the pool in front of the Kanneliya conservation center, the pool behind the conservation center and a natural pool behind the Kanneliya Forest resort.

View Google Earth Trail Map

Accommodation Options

The best option would be to stay at the forest department dormitory right at the entrance to the forest. also there are few private eco-lodges close to Kanneliya.

Because of its proximity to Galle, you can stay in Galle and drive to Kanneliya. It takes less than an hour form Galle to reach there.

Look for more accommodation options in this area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

1. A forest department guide will always accompany you on your hikes.
2. Take only pictures, leave only foot prints
3. Water levels in the waterfalls will significantly go down during dry months. Therefore if you want to see them in full flow, time your visit just after rainy season
4. When it rains, some of the trails get infected with Leeches. Make sure that you are prepared. [Lear more about leech prevention]

Image Gallery
Panoramic view from the Kabbale hill. Trail to Kabbale is not too tough, and will let you enjoy the beauty of this forest first hand.
After a rain in the forest in the afternoon, the sun breaks in, crating a magical feeling. Not only when light filters through the wet trees, it is also interesting to see it lighting up the fallen leaves on the ground too.
Two, easy to reach attractions in the forest. The Anagimale falls is the easiest to reach. Just 2km from the gate on a broad trail, makes it very accessible.  Just 200m more on the main trail  from the Anagimale falls, lies the giant creeper.
The forest canopy is as beautiful and diverse as what lies below. Different shades of green decorate the canopy which will look stunning when sun shines after a light rain in the rain forest
The Beautiful Cascades of Anagimale falls. The streams have lost most of their water retaining capabilities due to de-forestation in 1970’s an therefore the true beauty of these waterfalls are rarely seen today. Situation is improving with the recovery of the forest but it is a living example to show how difficult it is to restore the delicate balance of nature once disturbed.
I have met people who complain that the places like “Kanneliya” are “boring” and “Nothing much to see”. Well the truth is that there are a plenty of wonders to see but we simply ignore them in a hurry. After a good walk in Kanneliya, I would be really surprised if some one haven’t seen a few creatures like the vine snake pictured here and a plenty of beautiful formations of nature such as this “fern on the boulder”
Two other attractions of Kanneliya. You need to venture little deeper in to the forest to see the Narangas Ella. THe giant Navada tree is located at a short detour from the same trail.
Water is synonymous with life. To the forest, streams add movement and create a sense of life. Water flowing in these streams are possibly the purest in the world with no contact with humans until they leave the forest.
The Gentle Flow: A closer look at the gentle flow of a stream. While the attempt to capture the rhythm of the flow has paid off,  the feeling will never be complete without the  charming sound the water makes when it sneaks through the boulders.
The forest department dormitory at Kanneliya – This is the best accommodation option, both economy wise as well as location wise

Trail Head: Kanneliya Conservation Centre, Koralegama, Panangala, Galle

Nearest Town: Udugama                        Nearest City: Galle

Access to Trail head: Kanneliya Trail Map | More about Kanneliya Rain Forest

Route to Kanneliya Conservation Centre

Route1:

Colombo -> Galle[116km on A2] -> Udugama [32km on B129] -> Panangala [6km on B156] -> Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 156km)

Route 2:

Colombo -> Kalutara (Katukurunda) [45km on A2] -> Nagoda [3km on B008] -> Mathugama [5km on B308 & 11km on B8] -> Horawala [5km on B3] -> Moragala [7km] -> Palewatta [8km on B3] -> Pitigala [10km on B3] -> Udugama [24km via Mapalagama] -> Panangala [6km on B156] ->Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 125km)

Roads are paved all the way up to the Kanneliya Conservation Centre

Trail End: Circular Trail, ends at the trail head               Total Length: 6.3km (including 300m detour to visit Anagimale Falls)

Elevation Gain: 450m (Elevation at Trail Head: 22m | Elevation at highest point: 472m)

Approximate time: 4 – 5 hours

Hiking Season: December to March & July, August.

Permit Required: Yes. Permits can be obtained from the Kanneliya Conservation Centre

Kanneliya Forest Reserve located in the Galle district is the largest of the KDN, or Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya, forest complex. Kanneliya supposed to be the most biologically diverse forest in the country which even surpasses the Sinharaja Rain Forest in terms of bio-diversity.

The Kanneiliya Conservation Centre is the only designated entry point of this complex. The trail to Kabbale Mountain and Anagimale Falls is the longest and the most adventurous walk you can do in Kanneliya Reserve.

This trail starts off from the Kanneliya Conservation Centre. It first climbs up to the Kabbale Mountain Peak where a panoramic view of the KDN complex can be seen. The trail completes the circle climbing down to the “Anagimale” water fall and winding through the forest along an abandoned logging trail back to the conservation centre.

0 to 1.15km: As you start off from the Kanneliya Conservation Centre (Waypoint: KB01) you will have to walk towards the forest department nursery. Between the nursery and the forest, locate the broad foot path climbing up (fairly steep climb) along the edge of the forest.  As you climb up for about 300m, the trail will make a 90 degree left hand turn in to the forest (Waypoint: KB02) and you will notice that the intensity of the climb eases off a bit.

As you climb up another 400m along the trail, the trail starts to climb down (Waypoint: KB03). In an approximately a 100m gradual descend, you will reach an abandoned logging trail (Waypoint: KB04). Cross the logging trail and continue to walk along the broad footpath. After crossing the logging trail, the next 300m is a relatively easy walk. There are no intense climbing ups or downs. In 300m from the point of crossing the logging trail, you will see a wooden hut and a small cave on the left hand side. The trail makes another 90 degree left turn here and start climbing up to the summer hut (Waypoint: KB05).

1.15km to 2.15km: Passing the hut in the cave, the trail then approaches a fairly steep climb. After about 150m, the climb will become extremely difficult as the trail start climbing through large boulders. You can see very large boulders surrounding you as the trail makes it way through those. After climbing another 150m through the boulders, you will cross a stream called “Galleli Dola” (Means slab rock stream) (Waypoint: KB07). During dry months the stream can go completely dry with only the exposed boulders. Crossing the stream you will continue to climb up along the side of the slab rock. In less than 100m from the point you crossed the stream, you will reach an upper point of the stream which drop about 10m over a rock creating a mini water fall (Waypoint: KB08). Again this can go completely dry.

Passing the waterfall, you have to tackle the most difficult climb of the trail through the boulders for 100m.  After this you will still have to tackle a steam climb but with much better under foot conditions with no rocks to climb on the trail. 150m from the waterfall, the trail reaches an edge of the mountain where you get the first panoramic view. This is called “Punchi Kabbale” or “Mini Kabbale” (Waypoint: KB10).

Leaving “punchi Kabbale” the trail then move along the edge of the mountain without any significant ascend or descent. After a 100m walk along the edge, the trail them makes a slight left turn, briefly climbing up, and move in to the forest (Waypoint: KB11). After the brief climb, the trail will be again flat for the next 130m until you reach the “punchi kabbale” observation point with a small wooden observation deck (Waypoint: KB12).

Passing the observation deck, the next 130m is again a flat section with just one steep ascend at around 50m from the observation deck. This section of the trail is called “Meda Kabbale” or the “middle section of the mountain”. After the flat walk, you will come to a point where you have to tackle a steep climb down of about 30m (Waypoint: KB14).  After you climb down, you have to tackle the final step, 100m climb to the summit of the mountain called “Maha Kabbale” (Waypoint: KB16), 2.15km from the conservation centre.

2.15km to 6.3km: As you start walking back from the peak, rather than climbing down along the same trail, chose the trail on the right side of the original trail to climb down. As you leave the summit and get on to the new trail, you will have to tackle a steep descend for 500m. The first 250m is steep but the second 250m is steeper. You will end this steep section of continuous descends at a small stream (which dries up when there is no rain) (Waypoint: KB18). After crossing the stream, the descend eases off considerably fro about 100m and then intensifies again for another 250m until you reach a wooden hut constructed along a large rock surface (Waypoint: KB20).

Passing the hut, walk about 25m to reach another small stream (which also dries up when there is no rain). After crossing the stream, the trail will become easy and descend become quite insignificant.  300m from the hut (KB20) you will reach the first reliable water source which is again a small stream but something which does not easily go dry (Waypoint: KB22).

Passing the stream, continue to walk down. This section of the trail is some what irregular with frequent but small ups and downs. 300m from the stream (KB22), you will reach another wooden hut and a stream about 25m apart from each other (Waypoint: KB23). This stream is also a reliable water source. Crossing the stream continue to walk along the narrow nature trail for 300m more until you get on to a broad abandoned logging trail (Waypoint: KB24). 200m descend on the logging trail will take you to an abandoned, paved road (Waypoint: KB25).

This paved road had been used as the main access road during the period where selective logging was done in Kanneliya many decades ago. This main road connects the Kanneliya Conservation Centre and a government circuit bungalow inside the forest. This bungalow is not there anymore.

As you cross the paved road, you will see a wooden hut and a trail climbing down through the forest. A 300m climb down along this nature trail will take you to the “Angimale Falls” (Waypoint: KB26) one of the two largest waterfalls found in Kanneliya.

From the water fall you have to return to the paved road and walk 1.75km to right hand side to complete the trail at the origin, the Kanneliya Conservation Centre (Waypoint: KB01).

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

• The probability of rain is quite high through out the year. Be prepared with a rain coat and water proofing for electronics such as cameras.

• Unless the trail is very dry, be prepared for leaches.

• Always Carry a adequate amount of water (at least 1 ltr per person)

Way Points

Trail Head: Kanneliya Conservation Centre

Nearest Town: Udugama                      Nearest City: Galle

Access to Trail head: Kanneliya Trail Map | More about Kanneliya Rain Forest

Route to Kanneliya Conservation Centre

Route1:

Colombo -> Galle[116km on A2] -> Udugama [32km on B129] -> Panangala [6km on B156] -> Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 156km)

Route 2:

Colombo -> Kalutara (Katukurunda) [45km on A2] -> Nagoda [3km on B008] -> Mathugama [5km on B308 & 11km on B8] -> Horawala [5km on B3] -> Moragala [7km] -> Palewatta [8km on B3] -> Pitigala [10km on B3] -> Udugama [24km via Mapalagama] -> Panangala [6km on B156] ->Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 125km)

Roads are paved all the way up to the Kanneliya Conservation Centre

Trail End: Narangas Ella

Total Length: 5.4 km

Elevation Gain: 200m (Elevation at Trail Head: 30mm | Elevation at highest point: 230m).

Approximate time: 2-3 hours

Hiking Season: Dry months are from December to April and July-August which will be ideal for walking in the forest but you will only be able to see the waterfalls in full flow during the wet months.

Permit Required: YES. Permit can be obtained from Kanneliya Conservation Centre.

Hidden deep in the Kanneliya rain forest, Narangas Ella is a small but an attractive waterfall. The trail leading to this waterfall is not at all difficult to tackle, even though it’s a walk slightly more that 5km. Also the trail covers three other of Kanneliya which are the cave, the Giant Navada tree and the giant creeper.

0 to 4km: From Kanneliya Conservation Center (Waypoint: NG01) you have to start walking along the old tarred road which leads to the now abandoned circuit building located inside the forest. The road is still mostly intact and it winds along the bank of the “Nanikitha Ela” stream. This section of the trail is a continuous, mild climb up. As you walk about 1.4km, you will reach the first point of interest which is a small cave which lies beneath the road. At this way point you can climb down on the right hand side of the road, walk through the cave, and get back on to the road from the left hand side.

Passing the cave, as you proceed 400m more, you will find a foot path climbing down towards the stream on the left hand side (Waypoint: NG03). This trail leads to the “Anagimale Ella” waterfall.

Passing the turn-off to the Anagimale Ella waterfall, continue to walk along the tarred road. About 200m from NG03, you will find another small trail on the right hand side of the road (Waypoint: NG04). You have to climb up to this trail to see the giant creeper (Waypoint: NG05). It is located just few meters inside the forest from the main road.

As you walk about 200m more from NG04, you will notice that the continuous slight ascend you experienced all the way form the trail head eases off to a more flat/mild descend (Waypoint: NG07).

In about 800m from NG07, you will again find a foot path on your left hand side (Waypoint: NG09). This foot path moves in to the forest, crosses the stream, circles thought the giant Navada tree (Waypoint: NG10), and crosses the stream again to rejoin the road in 200m from NG09 (Waypoint: NG11).  The length of the detour to see the Navada tree is approximately 500m.

800m from NG11, you will reach the end of the tarred road (Waypoint: NG12). At this point, if you look inside the forest on the right hand side you will be able to see the remaining of the old circuit bungalows hidden in the forest.

4km to 5.4km: Once the tarred road ends, continuation of the trail will be a broad nature trail. As you proceed about 125m along the nature trail, a large stream has to be crossed (Waypoint: NG13). This stream is called “Millagaha Dola” which is a tributary of the “Nanikitha Ela” stream.

Once you cross the stream, you will again have to continue your walk along the trail which is now very much flat and completely shaded by the canopy. About 100m from the “Millagaha Dola” crossing, you will reach the “Nanikiththa Ela” (Waypoint: NG14).

Once you cross “Nanikiththa ela” the trail will continue in to the forest. For the next 400m the trail will be fairly flat with occasional, minor ascends and descends until you reach another stream (waypoint: NG17). Between NG14 and NG17, you will be crossing another small stream which is very much likely to disappear during the dry season (Waypoint: NG16)

Once you cross the stream at NG17, the trail starts a some what steep ascend which lasts for about 250m. At the end of ascend you will reach a flat area where you will find a trail branching off downhill on
the right hand side (Waypoint: NG18).

At this point, you can either take the trail to your right hand side to directly climb down to the waterfall or you can continue along the trail until you reach upper parts of one of the streams (Waypoint: NG19)
that meets at the waterfall, take an almost 180 degree turn once you reach the stream to climb down to the place where the three streams meet which is also the base of the Narangas Ella (Waypoint: NG22)

.

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

• You don’t have to carry a lot of water, Take a small bottle with you and keep it filled from the streams that you cross during the hike.

• Drinking water from streams is safe.

• Leeches can become a problem when the trail is wet.

• If you want to see this waterfall in full flow, you have to choose a wet month as opposed to a dry month. During the dry season, the waterfall becomes just a trickle.

Way Points

Trail Head: Horton Plains National Park boarder, 6^th division, Dayagama Estate

Nearest Town: Dayagama                               Nearest City: Talawakele

Access to Trail head: Horton Plains Trail Map | More about Horton Plains National Park

Route to Horton Plains National Park boarder, 6^th division, Dayagama Estate

Route1:

Colombo -> Awissawella [58km on A4] -> Hatton [65km on A7] -> Talawakele [16km on A7] -> Lindula [4km on A7] -> Agarapathana [16km on B252] -> Dayagama [5km] -> Estate road to the boarder of 6^th Division, Dayagama Estate [10km on Estate road via division 4 and 3]

Total Distance from Colombo 174km

Route 2:

Colombo -> Awissawella [58km on A4] -> Hatton [65km on A7] -> Glenyon Bazzar [19km] -> Agarapathana [2.5km on B252] -> Dayagama [5km] -> Estate road to the boarder of 6^th Division, Dayagama
Estate  [10km on Estate road via division 4 and 3]

Total Distance from Colombo 160km

Roads are paved all the way up to the boarder of Horton Plains. Expect narrow mountainous stretches from Hatton to Glenyon Bazzar (only route 2) and beyond Dayagama (on both routes)

Trail End: Horton Plains Visitor Centre

Total Length: 5.6 km

Elevation Gain: 200m (Elevation at Trail Head: 1926m | Elevation at Trail End: 2126m).

Approximate time: 2-3 hours

Hiking Season: Best months are February to April. July to September is also fairly dry. Avoid monsoon months.

Permit Required: Technically “yes”. But there is no ticket office at the trail head. Therefore permit should be obtained from Horton Plains visitor Centre at the trail end.

Agarapatha, Dayagama road to Horton Plains was a motorable access road. Several years back, the stretch of this road which goes through the protected area of Horton Plains was closed for motor traffic. Therefore at present you can only drive up to the HP boarder of the Dayagama Estate and walk 5.6km from this point to reach the visitor center of Horton Plains.

Most of the road still remains paved but is no longer motorable as there are several sections that have been badly deteriorated. Forest is slowly invading the road where ever the pavement is damaged. Because of the obvious reasons the trail is quite broad and very clearly visible throughout. There is zero possibility of getting lost on this trail and it one of the trails where you can leisurely walk to enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the high altitude forest of Horton Plains.

0 to 800m: The trail head (waypoint: HD01) is located at the HP boarder of the 6^th Division of the Dayagama estate. You can clearly see the tea plantations coming to an abrupt end and the road moving in to the thick forest of Horton Plains at this place.

Before you venture in to Horton Plains and start your hike, walk about 100m on to your left hand side through tea bushes to take a glimpse of one of the hidden water falls of Agra Oya, a tributary of Mahaweli river, from the distance.

As you walk in to Horton Plains, you will start a mild climb. Thick montane forest can be seen on either side of the road. As you walk about 300m along the road, intensity of ascend will increase significantly (waypoint: HD02). After you tackle the intense ascend for 400m you will reach a set of hair-pin bends (waypoint: HD03). After passing the bends the road will continue to climb up but with just a moderate ascend until you reach a distinctive “U” turn after which point the road become almost flat with very mild ascend(waypoint: HD04).

At HD04 you will hear a stream from the distance and on to your left hand there is a scenic outlook towards the distant tea estates and hills of dayagama.

800m to 2.6km: After you pass HD04, the road becomes more or less flat. Overall elevation gain in this stretch is almost zero, but intermediate short climb ups and downs maintain the sense of walking in the mountains. Still there is hardly any serious ascend or descend.

Throughout this stretch, the road goes through thick forest with immense diversity. On the both sides of the road there are many flowering plants, sometimes creating colorful patches in the forest.

As you walk about 800m from HD04, you will again reach a scenic outlook (waypoint: HD07).

About 1.2km from HD04, the road gets quite close to the stream (waypoint: HD09). The forest it self changes its form all the time with the streams adding life to it.

2.6km from the trail head, at the end of this stretch of the road, there is a concrete bridge over a stream (waypoint: HD12). This is an ideal place to take some rest and enjoy the surrounding. From this point onwards, until you reach the Ohiya-Pattipola road, you will have to tackle a section of road with moderate ascends.

2.6km to 5.6km: After crossing the bridge, you will have to tackle four hair-pin bends with some what steep climb for the next 400m. After the bends, ascend again becomes moderate (waypoint: HD13).

Except for a brief descend at about 3.6km from the trail head (waypoint: HD16), rest of this stretch is a continuous moderate to mild climb. Most intense is the first 400m.

4km form the trail head; you will start to see small patches of savanna on the mountain slopes on either sides of the road (waypoint: HD18). As you walk about 400m more, you will enter a thick forest canopy (waypoint: HD19). Walking 200m inside the forest, the trail comes out to an area where you can see more plains as opposed to the forest (waypoint: HD20). The next 500m is a moderate ascend until you will reach the Ohiya-Pattipola main road (waypoint: HD21).

Take the right turn on to the paved road at HD21 and continue 500m along the road through the grass covered plains to reach the visitor center (waypoint: HD22).

.

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

• You don’t have to carry a lot of water, Take a small bottle with you and keep
  it filled from the streams that you cross during the hike.

• Drinking water from streams is safe.

• You can also do this trail from tail to head, which will make it even easier as you will be climbing
  down as opposed to climbing up. If you plan to do so, it will be a good idea to arrange a pickup from the boarder at Dayagama estate 6^th division as public transport is only available from Dayagama town which is 10km from the boarder at 6^th division.

• Be prepared for cold and windy climate.

Way Points

Getting There

Weather and Season

Attractions and activities

1. Beautiful Landscapes - The main attraction of the park is the beautiful landscapes it posses. Rolling hills, endless grass lands with tiny wildflowers, clean streams flowing through valleys, waterfalls and the scattered forest patches create endless diversity in landscapes. The dynamic whether, mist and sunlight makes is even more interesting and beautiful.
2. Hiking: Horton plain is one of the most interesting hiking destinations in Sri Lanka. The popular hikes include Climbing Kirigalpoththa mountain second highest summit in Sri Lanka, Climbing Thotupola mountain the third highest in the island and World’s end, bakers falls circuit which cover the most popular attractions of the park.
3. Camping: Camping at Horton Plains gives you the best opportunity to witness the true beauty of the park at dawn and dusk.
4. Bird’s and other fauna / flora: A Horton plain is home to some of the rarest animals found in Sri Lanka. If you pay close attention you will be able to spot some of them and if you are really lucky you may even be able to see a “Leopard”.

View Google Earth Trail Map

Accommodation Options

Horton plain is just 30km from Nuwara-Eliya and 40km from Bandarawela. There are plenty of accommodation options available in these two town.

Following are options even closer to Horton Plains;

1. Maha-Eliya Department of Wildlife bungalow (Inside Horton Plains)
2. Ginihiriya Department of Wildlife bungalow (Inside Horton Plains)
3. Camp Sites of Wildlife Department (Inside Horton Plains)
4. Forest Department Dormitory at Ohiya (9km to visitor center)
5. Forest Department Bungalow at Kande-Ela (20km to visitor Center)

Look for more accommodation options in this area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

1. Horton Plains is a strict “no polythene”, “no open flames” zone. You are not allowed to carry any plastic bags, sheets, lighters or match boxes. Pack your snacks in airtight boxes if you want to take them along with you.
2. Camp fires are NOT allowed inside the park. Please carry Gas/Kerosene burners.

Image Gallery
Misty Landscapes – Horton Plains coming out of the veil of mist as first rays of the day falls on the wet and cool grasses and the forest patches.
World’s end and the Baker’s falls. The two most poplar attractions in the park. World’s end is a 2000m drop at the abrupt end of the highest plateau of Sri Lanka.
Big, small and missing: Horton Plains is home to many species of animals and plants, for some, it’s the only home in the world. Sambar dear pictured right is the largest mammal living there today. Majestic elephants once roamed Horton plains had been hunted to extinction by the heartless and irresponsible British rulers of the 18th century.
A herd of sambar deer photographed against the back drop of misty grass lands at Horton Plains around 6.30 in the morning
The beauty of the vast plains is always enhanced by these little beauties. A vast variety of tiny wildflowers like the once pictured here scatter the grass lands at Horton plains making it look like a colourful blanket. The best time to see flowers is around April / May but there are many species that bloom year around
Kirigalpoththa, the second heights mountain in Sri Lanka is situated in Horton plains. Hiking to the summit of Kirigalpoththa will let you enjoy these breath-taking views of Horton Plains.
Trees and plants contribute immensely to the beauty of this special place as this lonely tree adding life to the serene plain and the grass bushes with glistening flowers creating a magical feeling in a cold morning
While it appears to be “Too Cold” for this little bird, the furry giant squirrel looks all warm and comfortable.
Belihul-Oya one of the main tributaries of Walawe River starts from Horton Plains and winds through it valleys creating beautiful scenery such as the “Chimney Pool” pictured above (left). Natural springs scattered in the grass land, as the one pictured on the right, feed three out of four main rivers of Sri Lanka. Some of these springs can be see on the Kirigalpoththa Trail.
Have you seen “Dancing Light”? As the first rays of the day falls on the thick mist, amber light dances over the white mist and create heavenly landscapes such as this which changes almost every second.
Can man be part of this unique eco system? Yes, if you set up a camp and get close to nature without disturbing it you will sure be a part of it but feeding wild animals is a bad habit, it upsets its natural behavior and makes the creature dependent and vulnerable to predators.
Rolling hills and endless grass lands with a touch of sun light

For nature and wildlife photography we are interested in three main areas, Landscapes which need focal lengths in the range of 25mm, Macro lens (for those small flowers and creatures) with reasonable working distance and telephoto over 400mm for the birds and other wildlife

Camera Body

We currently own two Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT), an entry level canon DSLR released in 2005. The present model of this range is Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS).

The first factor in choosing this range was the cost. This body cost less than $800.

Another plus you get with entry level (As well as mid – range) Canon DSLR’s is the 1.6X crop factor which multiplies the focal length of any lens by 1.6! I love it because it makes my 400mm prime lens an amazing 640mm effectively. Well you suffer on the wide angle side since your 17mm will effectively become 27mm but wide-angle lenses are much cheaper than long telephotos.

Having used the 350D for two years now we are thinking of upgrading to a canon 40D, a mid-range DSLR (still with 1.6X crop).

The imaging core of this range is identical to that of the entry level but 40D has got many value added features as well as faster and better focusing system.

What really makes us move from entry level (350D) to mid range (40D) is the focusing speed. I have realized that the 350D (or even the present 1000D) cannot keep up with our L series telephoto lenses in tracking fast moving animals (such as birds in flight). If not for that I have no real reason to upgrade to mid-range from the entry level.

Wide Angle Lens

With the 1.6 crop factor you need at least an 18 mm lens to get an effective focal length of 28mm which is my minimum requirement for landscapes. The kit lens which comes with the entry level bodies (canon 18-55mm) was not good enough in image quality so I settled with a Sigma 17-70mm EF-s lens.

We have used this Sigma for about two years now and I can say that it is superb value for money. Reasonable Image quality, solid built and it can also be used as a Macro lens to a certain extent (the working distance is not enough though). We can recommend this to anyone who needs decent quality with a tight budget.

Our next upgrade in this range will be the canon EF 17-40mm L. Twice as expensive as the 17-70mm Sigma but this is much superior in image quality.

Recently canon has unveiled a 17-55 F/2.8 IS EF-s which people claim to be better than the 17-40mm L (hard to believe that Canon will produce a non “L” lens which is better than a competing “L” lens). The lens specifications looks very interesting with F/2.8 through-out making is a nice portrait lens as well (even though I’m not in to people photography)

Telephoto Lenses

I wanted a minimum of 400mm in my telephoto lens. Anything shorter than 400mm is not long enough for most animals and birds except the very big ones (like elephants). Even the 400mm is short for birds if not for the luxury of 1.6 crop factor of the camera body which makes the 400mm a 640mm lens effectively.

Again working with a tight budget we started with a used Sigma 170mm-500mm, and it is a true “Value for Money” lens. Good image quality (tend to become some what soft at 500mm) and solid build. On the negative side it takes it’s time to achieve focus and the zoom creeps. Still you cannot complain since you get this good glass for just $600 where as the cheapest 400mm in the professional range (like Canon L) costs over $1000! There are some memorable shots we have got with this lens and some of them have been enlarged up to 24”X36” with acceptable results. If you are on a tight budget and still want a decent long lens this is THE lens.

Later we bought the canon 400mm F/5.6 L which gave me the true taste of professional prime lenses. Image quality is unbelievable and focus is lightning fast (now I realize the limitation of the 350D entry level body).

When we were researching on this lens we infact had another option. That is Canon 100-400mm “L” zoom. We bought the 400mm prime instead of the zoom and a year later I can confidently say that we made the right choice.

The reasons are,

1. The zoom is about $300 more expensive than the Prime
2. The zoom is heavier than the price (make is difficult to shoot hand held)
3. The zoom is not as sharp and contrast as the prime (remember no zoom lens can beat the image quality of an equivalent prime lens since a zoom got more glass elements in it)
4. The only feature I miss in my 400mm prime is the lack of IS (Image stabilization) but since I always shoot from a tripod or a bean bag I don’t miss IS it too much

Our next upgrade in the telephoto department is the Canon 500mm F/4.0 L or a Canon 600mm F/4.0 L.

Macro Lenses

There are two important aspects in choosing a macro lens

Magnification – The size of the object that appear in the sensor(or film) compared to its life size

Working distance – The distance between you and the subject at maximum magnification

Generally for nature photography it is advisable to go for a lens which gives 1:1 (life size) or at least1:2 half life size magnifications. Most Macro lenses in the market offer this range.

Second most important aspect of a Macro for nature photography is working distance. Remember the little creatures you want to photograph with a macro will not like too much if you have only few inches between the lens and the subject!

During our search for a Macro we narrowed down choices to two lenses, canon 100mm F/2.8 Macro and canon 180mm F/2.8 L Macro. The second lens costs more than double the price of the first one and therefore we bought the Canon F/2.8 100mm Macro.

After using it for more than a year I can say that it is a superb piece of glass. Excellent image quality (sharpness, contrast), light weight, quick focusing and fair working distance at 1:1: magnification.

I presume that the Canon 180mm F/2.8 L would be better than the 100mm in all the above aspects especially considering the longer working distance it would provide (180mm Vs 100mm). If we ever upgrade to the 180mm this would be the sole reason for that.

Tripod

Nothing improves the quality of work of a nature photographer more than a solid tripod with a ball head. I’m using a Bogen tripod with a Bogen ball head which costs about $200. There is much better and lighter Wight ones (carbon fiber tripods and better ball heads) if you can afford.

Using a professional tripod for nature photography takes a significant amount of practice. When you first start using them you will find it a pain. You will miss more shots than before but you will slowly realize the frames that you do manage to capture are of highest quality. We have made “Huge” prints with our pictures because the tripod made it possible to get a tact sharp image.

A tripod will also allow you to compose a frame, evaluate and re-compose many times without going through the pain of holding the camera. This is specially true with landscapes and some of the macro work.

Bean-Bag

For shooting from a vehicle and for extreme low level macro work needs a bean bag. A bean bag is simply a cloth sack filled with some mid size grains which you can use to rest the camera or lens against on a car window or ground.

Using one of these will improve the quality of the shots that you take from a vehicle dramatically. A bean bag is the only practical support that you can use without compromising flexibility while shooting from a vehicle (especially if you have to drive as well) ]]> http://www.lakdasun.com/tools-tips/equipment-guide-for-nature-photography-in-sri-lanka.htm/feed 0 http://www.lakdasun.com/attractions/attraction-02-fishing-hut-muskeliya.htm http://www.lakdasun.com/attractions/attraction-02-fishing-hut-muskeliya.htm#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:00:11 +0000 lakdasun http://www.lakdasun.com/wp/?p=276

The Fishing Huts is a pair of beautiful log cabins situated on the edge of the Mooray Estate, Maskeliya, bordering the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Built by tea planters many years ago as a Trout fishing location, this wonderful place is one of the best hideouts in Sri Lanka for the adventurous nature lovers

*** important Notice: There are several negative comments about the fishing huts on Lakdasun Forum ***

The Fishing Huts is a pair of beautiful log cabins situated on the edge of the Mooray Estate, Maskeliya, bordering the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Built by tea planters many years ago as a Trout fishing location, this wonderful place is one of the best hideouts in Sri Lanka for the adventurous nature lovers

Page Contents

Getting There

Journey to Fishing Huts from Colombo is also an exciting one. From Colombo reach Awissawella on High-level road (A4) and from Awissawella drive towards Hatton on A7 highway. This section of A7 winds though the beautiful Kelani Valley passing Kithulgala and then climbs up to Gingathehna pass and enters the central hills giving you an opportunity to enjoy some spectacular hill country landscapes. After few kilometers passing Ginigathhena, take the right turn towards Norton Bridge (Sri-Pada road). You can enjoy the breath-taking views of Seven-Hill mountain range (Saptha Kanya) on your way to Norton Bridge. Passing Norton Bridge town, drive towards Maskeliya. At Mausakelle on Norton Bridge – Maskeliya road, again turn right towards Nallathanni- Delhousie Bazaar. Few kilometers before Delhousie Bazaar, turn left towards Mooray estate. Once you enter Mooray estate, the last and most exciting section of the journey begins. The estate road will quickly turn in to a dirt track which winds through the estate, with breath-taking views over the Mausakelle reservoir, spectacular Adam’s Peak waterfalls and the peak wilderness sanctuary. It may not be possible to tackle this track with a car. You will need something with a little bit more ground clearance (A van would do fine).

Weather and Season

Best time to visit fishing huts is Late December to April. July and August will also be ok. May-June, September through November there is a very high chance of raining in the area.

Attractions and activities Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the area. You can climb Adams Peak, a hike of about two and a half hours to the summit. There are two water falls which you can reach by walking along the streams flowing through the forest. Just staying at the huts and enjoying the scenic beauty of the location it self will be extremely relaxing. Birds watching – If you are a keen bird watcher, peak wilderness sanctuary is one of the best areas in Sri Lanka to observe birds. The Baththulu-Oya river – The view all around is unbelievably beautiful, with the montane forest surrounding the area and the river below. Swimming is possible in the river if you can handle the temperatures. Rafting in the clear waters of Baththulu Oya is also full of fun. Waterfalls – On your way to Fishing Huts from Colombo, it is possible to visit three beautiful water falls. They are Aberdeen Falls (Turn right just before Ginigathhena town, a few kilometers drive and walk of about another kilometer), Laxapana falls (Turn right towards SevenHills farm, few kilometers from NortonBridge on Norton Bridge – Maskeliya road and then a 300m walk), Mohini falls (on the road side passing Mausakelle reservoir)

Accommodation Options

Two simple log cabins have been constructed in the banks of Buththulu-Oya, one of the main feeders of Maskeli Oya which in turn forms Kelani River. Be prepared for the basic nature of the accommodation. Each log cabin has two bedrooms, with attached toilets, a dining area and a kitchen. A cook is available but provisions should be taken with you. Each hut can accommodate six to seven people. There is no electricity but hurricane lamps are provided. Fishing huts is owned and managed by Maskeliya Plantations Limited. Reservation can be made at Maskeliya Plantations Limited office located in Arpico Complex, Navinna, Maharagama. Tel:011 4310500 and ask for Maskeliya Plantations

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

Remember to wake up early in the morning and explore the surrounding. The best scenery can be witnessed as the first rays of the day hits the tea fields and the forest covered mountain peaks including Adam’s Peak

Image Gallery
Mausakelle reservoir at sun rise	Rafting in Baththulu Oya. Take your own inflatable raft or you can have some fun with the Barrel-Raft available at the location. (Photo: Haritharan)
Breath-taking views of the peak-wilderness sanctuary from Mooray estate	View from the Hut Number 01. You don’t have to do anything else. Just sit back and relax
Adam’s peak falls crashing in to Maussakelle reservoir	Far away from civilization. A night at Fishing huts without electricity!
Crystal Clear water of the river (Baththulu Oya) exposes rocks below and creates a beautiful pattern with light rays dancing over waves	A pleasant surprise after a challenging hike. One of the two remote waterfalls that can be reached from Fishing Huts
Hike to one of the remote water falls of Baththulu Oya. This approximately 1km hike is a challenging but extremely rewarding walk along Baththulu Oya through the dense forest. (Photos: Haritharan)
If you visit fishing huts, remember to wake up early in the morning and explore the surrounding. Otherwise you will miss these spectacular views of sunrise over Adam’s peak and the lush green tea fields. (Photos: Pulathisi)
View of one of the log cabins (Hut No 1) hanging over Baththulu Oya. (Photo: Haritharan)
Visit us on the way: The Three waterfalls that you can visit on your way to Fishing Huts. From Left: Aberdeen Falls (Ginigathhena), Laxapana Falls (Norton Bridge), Mohini falls (Mausakelle)

]]> http://www.lakdasun.com/attractions/attraction-02-fishing-hut-muskeliya.htm/feed 0 http://www.lakdasun.com/trails/maningala-nature-trail-from-etanwala-to-illukkumbura-knuckles-range.htm http://www.lakdasun.com/trails/maningala-nature-trail-from-etanwala-to-illukkumbura-knuckles-range.htm#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:54:08 +0000 lakdasun http://www.lakdasun.com/?p=527

Climbing Maningala is a rewarding exercise. It lets you enjoy the true beauty of the Knuckles range. The beautiful “Thelgamu-Oya” river, paddy fields with the mountains in the backdrop at the traditional villages, the panoramic view of the Knuckles range from the top of Maningala, the unique flat area on the top of the mountain which resembles the spine of the elephant and the interesting diversity of vegetation are few highlights worth mentioning.

Download Trail Guide in PDF format

]]> Trail Difficulty: Easy | Moderate | Strenuous | Tough

Trail Head: Foot Bridge over ThelgamuOya at the boarder of Rathkinda and Etanwala villages

Nearest Town: Illukkumbura Nearest City: Pallegama

Access to Trail head:

Route1: from Colombo via Kandy, Matale

Colombo -> Peradeniya [110km on A1] -> Katugasthota [7km on B365] -> Matale [23km on A9] -> Rattota [10km on B38] -> B38 turn-off towards Ratninda [24km on B38] -> Ratninda-Etanwela Boarder [4.5km]

Distance from Colombo is 178km

Reoute2: from Pallegama

Pallegama -> Illukkumbura [8km on B38] -> B38 turn-off towards Ratninda [4km on B38] -> Ratninda-Etanwala Boarder [4.5km]

Distance from Pallegama is 16.5km

Paved roads up to Ratninda bazzar. A Jeep track from Ratninda to the foot bridge over Telgamuoya which is slightly less than 1km. Public Transport only available up to the turn-off on B38 towards Ratninda, Pitawala.

Trail End: Forest Department Office near Thelgamu-Oya Total Length: 6.3km

Elevation Gain: 500m (Elevation at trail head: 621m | Elevation at highest point: 1104m)

Approximate time: 4-6 hours

Hiking Season: March through September. Best: April to July

Permit Required: No

“Maningala” in Sinhalese means the mountain of measurement (of time). Traditionally people in the area had use the shadow of this isolated, elephant shaped rock to keep track of the time of the day.

Climbing Maningala is a rewarding exercise. It lets you enjoy the true beauty of the Knuckles range. The beautiful “Thelgamu-Oya” river, paddy fields with the mountains in the backdrop at the traditional villages, the panoramic view of the Knuckles range from the top of Maningala, the unique flat area on the top of the mountain which resembles the spine of the elephant and the interesting diversity of vegetation are few highlights worth mentioning. Not to forget the colorful butterflies, wildflowers and birds that inhabits the mountain that will come as pleasant surprises quite frequently.

0 to 2.15km: Starting from the foot bridge over Thelgamu Oya (Waypoint: MN01) connecting Rathninda and Etanwala villages, start walking up hills towards Etanwala village. In 300m from the river, you will find the first paddy fields of the Etanwala village (Waypoint: MN03). Cross the fields and reach the centre of the village where the houses are located (Waypoint: MN04).

As you reach the village, you have to start walking towards right hand side along the foot path through the home gardens. Soon you will feel that the trail is climbing up through the home gardens. The trail is well paved with stone steps as this is the beginning of the traditional trail which connects Etanwala village with the traditional villages Rambukoluwa and Meemure (via Walpolamulla, Kalupahana) through the Knuckles range. As you climb for about 300m along the trail, you will notice that the trail is leaving the village and moving in to the forest. You are now walking under the forest canopy. Still the trail is reasonably well paved with stone steps.

Around 1km from the trail head you will reach the burial grounds of Etanwala village which marks the village boarder with the forest (Waypoint: MN09). Passing this, continue to climb up along the trail. In about 500m from the burial ground you will find a narrower trail branching off towards right, climbing sharply up hills (Waypoint: MN10). This is the trail that goes all the way to Meemure via Walpolamulla, Dhuwili Ella water fall and Kalupahana. Don’t take this right turn but continue along the main trail towards Rambukoluwa. In 100m from this point, the trail again splits in to two (Waypoint: MN11). This time, you have to turn left from the trail to climb Maningala. The continuation of the trail goes to the Rambukoluwa village.

As you turn left you have to tackle a some what intense short climb (about 100m), walk about 400m through thick canopy and tackle another intense climb (about 150m) to reach the flat mountain top of Maningala which resembles the spine of the elephant (Waypoint: MN15).

2.15km to 4km: As you reach the flat, narrow and long mountain top (Waypoint: MN15), you will be amazed by the view on both sides. On the right hand side you can see the heart of Knuckles mountains with Kalupahana, Dhuwili Ella falls, Lakegala etc. On your left hand side you can see Reverstan peak and the mountain range.

From here the trail moves biased to the left hand side edge of the plateau. As you walk about 200m from MN15, the trail reaches the left hand edge of the plateau where you can look straight down to see the beautiful aerial view of the Etanwala village (Waypoint: MN17). From this point continue to walk along the trail which is now pretty much flat. There is no forest cover and the vegetation mainly consists of grass and scrubs. It can get quite windy as well. You will occasionally encounter mild ascends and descends but they are hardly of any noticeable intensity. About 1.3km from the point where you first reached the plateau (MN15), the trail moves in to a thick forest (Waypoint: MN22).

After walking about 200m under the canopy, vegetation will again change to more scrub like formation and you will also notice that the ascend is intensifying (Waypoint: MN23). Now you are at the neck of the elephant. What is left is the final climb up to the top of the head!

The final 300m climb to the summit from this point goes through brief sections of thick canopy and scrubs until you reach a scenic outlook providing the panoramic view of Knuckles (Waypoint: MN26). From there its just 50m walk up to the summit (Waypoint: MN27).

4km to 6.3km: As you cross over the summit (Waypoint: MN27) start your walk downhill biased towards your left hand side. As you move away from the summit, the trail moves in to the forest and start a steep descend. As you walk about 200m, descend will become steeper through the forest (Waypoint: MN28). Soon the trail will come out of the thick forest and enters a scrub area, still continuing its steep descend. Another 200m walk through the scrubs, you reach another scenic outlook (Waypoint: MN30). This point provides the panoramic view of another side of the Knuckles range. You can see the Pitawala plains, the Miniworld’s end drop, Illukkumbura village and the Karagahathenna radio transmission station. You will not be able to see the Reverstan peak as you have now crossed over to the other side of Maningala.

Passing MN30 continue to climb down along the trail (steep!). In about 150m, you will reach a brief flat section and will notices that descend have become some what moderate (Waypoint: MN31). 100m more through the scrubs, the trail will move in to the forest (Waypoint: MN32) and come out of that back to the scrubs to reach another scenic outlook (Waypoint: MN33), now you are about 300m from the scenic outlook at MN30.

Passing the scenic outlook at MN33, the trail will again enter the forest. A steep descend will follow and will ease off to a moderate descend over about 100m. After about 150m more of continuous moderate descend, the trail will climb down with much less intensity with intermittent flat section for another 300m and will come out of the canopy again to a scrub land (Waypoint: MN36).

Next 300m of the trail predominantly goes through scrubs with mild to moderate descend. Then it will move in to a thick forest again with the trail transforming itself to a rough, moderate descend over irregular track with boulders (Waypoint: MN38).

As you walk through the forest, the descend will intensify and the trail will start to become more challenging with rocks and boulders. 200m from MN38, you will again come out of the canopy (Waypoint: MN40). The intense descend will continue through the scrubs. This section in fact is the steepest descend you encounter during this hike. Make sure that you don’t attempt to rush through this section. It is quite dangerous.

Climbing down about 150m through the scrub, the trail will again move in to the forest (Waypoint: MN41). Descend is still extremely steep. In 100m more through the forest, descend will ease off (Waypoint: MN42).

The last stretch from MN42 is an easy walk through the forest. You will reach the Illlukkumbura forest department office in the banks of Thelgamu Oya in 250m (Waypoint: MN44)

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

.

• At least 1 liter of water per person should be carried along with you. After you pass the Etanwala village at the very beginning of the trail, there are no water sources until you reach the Thelgamu Oya at Illukkumbura. The trail through out is quite dry.

• It is not advisable to attempt this trail starting from Illukkumbura to end at Etanwala. The illukkumbura side of Maningala is extremely steep and climbing up along that will be strenuous. Therefore always start from Etanwala and finish at Illukkumbura

• Hard winds can be experienced as you reach the top of Maningala, specially during July,August and September.

Way Points

	N: dd° mm.mmm’	E: dd° mm.mmm’	Elevation
MN01 (Foot Bridge – Thelgamu Oya)	7° 31.028′	80° 45.354′	621 m
MN02	7° 30.990′	80° 45.383′	597 m
MN03	7° 30.935′	80° 45.414′	661 m
MN04 (Etanwala)	7° 30.909′	80° 45.490′	670 m
MN05	7° 30.867′	80° 45.490′	668 m
MN06	7° 30.812′	80° 45.483′	698 m
MN07	7° 30.788′	80° 45.525′	727 m
MN08	7° 30.782′	80° 45.556′	739 m
MN09	7° 30.756′	80° 45.603′	744 m
MN10 (branch off to Walpolamulla)	7° 30.606′	80° 45.767′	811 m
MN11 (branch off to Rambukoluwa)	7° 30.610′	80° 45.792′	811 m
MN12	7° 30.646′	80° 45.798′	828 m
MN13	7° 30.748′	80° 45.908′	842 m
MN14	7° 30.802′	80° 45.892′	889 m
MN15	7° 30.826′	80° 45.866′	935 m
MN16	7° 30.840′	80° 45.880′	943 m
MN17	7° 30.926′	80° 45.901′	951 m
MN18	7° 31.209′	80° 46.070′	968 m
MN19	7° 31.293′	80° 46.138′	996 m
MN20	7° 31.309′	80° 46.157′	1002 m
MN21	7° 31.336′	80° 46.178′	1003 m
MN22	7° 31.366′	80° 46.228′	1008 m
MN23	7° 31.409′	80° 46.319′	1007 m
MN24	7° 31.419′	80° 46.415′	1079 m
MN25	7° 31.416′	80° 46.429′	1092 m
MN26	7° 31.435′	80° 46.452′	1100 m
MN27 (Maningala summit)	7° 31.452′	80° 46.476′	1104 m
MN28	7° 31.522′	80° 46.530′	1048 m
MN29	7° 31.560′	80° 46.553′	1018 m
MN30	7° 31.564′	80° 46.553′	999 m
MN31	7° 31.619′	80° 46.586′	973 m
MN32	7° 31.660′	80° 46.587′	957 m
MN33	7° 31.678′	80° 46.568′	953 m
MN34	7° 31.715′	80° 46.565′	931 m
MN35	7° 31.753′	80° 46.644′	876 m
MN36	7° 31.862′	80° 46.639′	815 m
MN37	7° 31.873′	80° 46.589′	797 m
MN38	7° 31.906′	80° 46.490′	754 m
MN39	7° 31.927′	80° 46.467′	716 m
MN40	7° 31.951′	80° 46.409′	678 m
MN41	7° 31.980′	80° 46.365′	597 m
MN42	7° 32.031′	80° 46.368′	582 m
MN43	7° 32.155′	80° 46.345′	561 m
MN44 (forest office – Illukkumbura)	7° 32.208′	80° 46.349′	483 m

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Trail Head: Nallathanni, Dalhousie Bridge

Nearest Town: Maskeliya Nearest City: Hatton

Access to Trail head:

Route1: from Colombo

Colombo -> Awissawella [58km on A4] -> Ginigathhena [53km on A7] -> Diyagala [5km on A7] -> Norton Bridge [7km on B71] -> Maussakelle [16km on B328] -> Nallathanni, Dalhousie [11km on B149]

Distance from Colombo is 150km

Reoute2: from Hatton

Hatton -> Dickoya[4km on B149] -> Norwood [6km on B149] -> Maskeliya [8km on B149] -> Maussakelle [3km on B149] -> Nallathanni, Dalhousie [11km on B149]

Distance from Hatton is 32km

Roads are paved all the way up to Nallathanni, Dalhousie Bridge. Public Transport to Nallathanni is available from Maskeliya town.

Trail End: Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak summit) Total Length: 5km

Elevation Gain: 1000m (Elevation at trail head: 1252m | Elevation at trail end: 2230m)

Approximate time: 5 – 7 hours

Hiking Season: Official Sripada season begins in December and ends in April. This is the period of best weather. Avoid long week-ends and full-moon days during this period unless you enjoy a crowded trail.

An off-season climb can also be extremely rewarding since you will completely be away from any civilization or human contact until you reach the peak. Select a dry moth, July or August, since the trail can be extremely hazardous to pass during monsoon months.

Permit Required: No

Hatton – Nallathanni route is the most popular trail to the summit of Sri Pada or Adam’s peak. This trail is the shortest amongst the conventional trails leading to Sripada (other popular trails are Rathnapura, Palabaddala Trail and Kuruwita, Erathna Trail). Not only it is short, it is also the trail that starts off from the highest elevation which makes it the trail with lowest elevation gain.

Being the most popular trail, it is well paved for the most part. Sections where the trail climbs up are always aided with well laid cement steps. The facilities along the trail such as rest spots, drinking water etc. are also better compare to the other trails.

0 to 2.25km: As you start off from the Nallathanni Bridge on B149 (Waypoint: NS01), get on to the broad estate road. This estate road winds along the mountain slope of the tea estate with the river flowing in the valley beneath on to your right hand side. There will be small shop on the sides of this section of the trail in very close intervals during the season. You will experience a minimal ascend in this section of the trail and therefore steps and other forms of aid is almost absent.

By far this is the easiest section of the trail. This section ends at the end of the tea estate where the access steps to the “Japanese Temple” start (Waypoint: NS03)

2.25km to 3.30km: As you leave the estate footpath you will have to climb steps for about 100m to reach the temple (Waypoint: NS04), passing the temple continue to walk along the broad trail. You will now realize that climb has some what intensified. Rather than just walking along an almost flat trail, now you have to climb few steps every few meters, occasionally climbing for several meters at a stretch. After passing the temple, the trail is now going through the peak wilderness sanctuary. However during the season you may not feel like walking through a montane forest sanctuary due to the crowd and the small shops that pops up all the way from the trail head to the end.

About 300m from the temple you will reach a brief flat section of the trail known as “Gangule Thenna” (Waypoint: NS06). This is a permanent rest stop.

Passing “Gangule Thenna” continue to climb up along the trail with moderate ascend as described before until you reach the “Seethe Gangula”, 3.30km from the trail head (Waypoint: NS07). At this place the trail crosses a small stream with ice cold water on a bridge. You can have a nice bath at this point if you can handle the temperature! Also there is a permanent shelter for resting at this palce.

3.30km to 4.45km: As you cross the bridge at “Seetha Gangula”, prepare yourself for a stretch of intense ascend with almost non-stop climbing along steps. For the most part the steps are made out of cement and are well laid but there are sections with stone steps which have been partly washed away (roughly from 3.7km to 4.2km).

As you elevate yourself along the trail you will start to get a glimpse of the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the valleys. The trail will also get closer to vegetation as you proceed along it. Enjoy the views and tackle this section slow and steady.

The only notably flat section encountered in this stretch is at 400m from “Seetha Gangula” (Waypoint: NS08). This is also a permanent resting place. Passing this point you will again have to tackle steep steps. There are infrequent brief flat sections but they don’t last for more than few meters.

4.45km from the trail head and after 1.15km of hard climb you will reach “Idikatu Pana” the place where the most difficult and the final climb starts (Waypoint: NS11).

4.45km to 5.2km: From “Idikatupana” (waypoint: NS11) the steepest ascend of the trail has to be tackled. This section is called “Mahagiridamba” or “The Great Rock Climb”. This entire 750m of length is a steep climb. In this section the steps are continuously aided with steel bars on both sides. As you reach the summit it feels more like walking in the Sky as the steps are so steep. Strong, cold winds can also be experienced. The view in to the distant mountains and the valleys will become quite spectacular. It always help to take short, frequent breaks to enjoy these magnificent views.

12km from the trail head you reach the summit of Sri Pada which is the 5^th highest and the most prominent peak in Sri Lanka (Waypoint: NS12).

Tips, Notes & special remarks:

• Please don’t litter. During the season a large number of people climb along this trail and littering, especially polythene, exerts and immense pressure on the sensitive eco-system of the peak wilderness sanctuary. Please take all your garbage back to the base with you.

• The summit can be extremely windy & cold, be prepared if you plan to stay there for a considerable time.

• Except during the late months of Sripada season, the probability of rain is quite high. (Thunder storms during monsoon months May – July, Sep – Nov). Be prepared with a rain coat and water proofing for electronics such as cameras.

• Small shops pop up on the way to the mountain top offering all sorts of food and refreshments during Sripada season.

• Take a water bottle with you can keep it filled with water sources found at rest spots.

• Make it a point to be at summit before sunrise to witness how the distinctive shape of the mountain casts a triangular shadow on the surrounding plain.

• During Sripada season, the trail is lit-up at night

Way Points

You will realize that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to put your hiking gear together and more importantly you do not have to go to specialized hiking supplies stores which are not very popular in Sri Lanka

What to wear

The most effective we have found is a pair of cargo pants (longs) and a t-shirt. Newer wear shorts for a hike. Trails through forests always pose the challenge of thick undergrowth. Wearing shorts is a sure way of getting a countless number of painful scratches. Even though the possibility of a snake bite during a hike is extremely low, wearing a thick cargo pant will reduce the damage significantly even if the unexpected happens.

Always remember to wear something dark (preferably dark green) so that you will blend with the surrounding and will not scare-off animals and birds. Wearing dark color clothing dramatically increase the chance of observing wild-life by avoiding you beign spotted by them before you spot them.

Shoes

Choose a pair of light-weight, leather or canvas shoes. Make sure that what ever you buy has a thick rubber sole. This is to provide the required grip when walking on wet rocks in streams and waterfalls. A sure way to check whether the sole has a good grip is to compare it with a pair of bath-room slippers.

A pair of hiking boots will be better, again for additional protection against the rear possibility of a snake bit, but this is not essential. Note that, loose work boots are not suitable for long walks.

Leech socks

One of the main things that keep people away from tropical rain forests is the presence of leeches. The common answer to leeches is to use a repellent. Soap, Dettol and Salt are the most popular.

Though most people are not aware, wearing leech socks is the perfect answer to this problem. We have used those for years and they are 100% effective.

How to make a pair of Leech Socks?

Get hold of a pair of old cotton trousers. Cut the two legs pieces, about 2 feet long from the bottom. Stitch the wide end and put an elastic band or a code around the narrower end. Wear your regular socks, then wear a cotton trouser and put on the leach sock over regular sock and the cotton trouser. Tie up the code or elastic band.

Wear you shoes or boots over this setup. The magic is that leaches cannot penetrate cotton (they can easily penetrate regular socks!). They will still get on to your shoe, may go in your boots and may even try to crawl up along your trouser from out side. But they can’t bite you! It’s also important to wear a t-shirt tucked in to the trouser and wear a belt juts to make sure that the brave ones walking up will not get a chance to move in.

Swiss Army knife

A simple muti-tool such as a Swiss-army knife is a helpful thing to carry. I have used mine for everything from cutting bread and cheese to repairing my jeep! Remember to buy a good brand like “Victorinox ®”. They are reliable and extremely durable. They may cost more than a cheap product but will last much longer and will be at service when ever needed. The last thing you want is to find out that the only tool you have is broken or has gone blunt when you need it in the middle of no where

Basic compass

You might ask “Who need a compass in the day and the age of satellite based navigation”. Remember no GPS can replace the good old magnetic compass!

A GPS is unarguably a more convenient navigation tool and it’s extremely accurate and reliable. But it has two major flaws. First it’s batteries have a finite life. Second, in thick jungle they some times tend to lose satellite lock and become completely useless! So never venture in to forest without a basic basic map reading compass (like “Silva 1-2-3 ®” ). When everything fails and you get really lost, the compass will help you to walk in one direction without circling which will gurantee that you will come in contact with civilization fast.

Compass Compatibility (Magnetic Inclination effect)

(Contributed by Priyanjan in the thread Purchasing A Magnetic Compass for use in Sri Lanka on Lakdasun Forum)

When purchasing a compass check if it is one that is meant to be used in Sri Lanka. Hold the compass level and see if the needle is completely horizontal even when it rotates. If one end of the compass needle always dips (slopes downwards) it is not meant to be used in this part of the world. Also, see if the letters ‘ME’ are engraved on the compass (usually on the base plate of the compass). If it is any other letters (ie. MN, NME, SME, MS), that have been engraved, then, it is one that is not meant to be used in Sri Lanka

A torch or a head lamp

While it is true that most hikes are planed for the day-light hours, we have no control over the sun going down once in every 12 hours! value of a head lamp will be realised the day you have to find your way back in thick darkness through the forest!

A torch for hiking should be light-weight, compact and reliable. A head lamp will have the added advantage of leaving both hands free as you wear it on your fore-head. Over the years I have used a Maglite Mini ® which was very reliable and bright. Always use alkaline batteries in these devices as they do not damage your equipment even if stored with batteries for a long time.

The Energizer ® head lamps widely available in most of the super markets in Sri Lanka are aslo perfect for this purpose.

Water bottle

1000ml of water should always be carried with you and remember to top-up the bottle from every water source you come across because the stream you are crossing right now may be the last water source until you reach the same stream on your way back!

First-aid

Take the following packed in to a small air-tight plastic box

1. Panedol – A type of Paracetamol
2. Siddhalepa (a popular ayurvedic pain relief balm)
3. Detol
4. Plasters
5. Cotton wool
6. Crape band aid
7. A pair of scissors and a sharp blade if you do not have a swiss-army knife with you