03 June 2009

Paru Palama


This rare paru palama (small ferry) was seen at a place called Molkawa. The river is Kukule Ganga. You can reach this place from Agalawaththa and it is about 10 kilometres off Lathpandura junction on Mathugama - Kalawana Road.

I have seen a similar ferry near Kohilawaththa too. I crossed River Kelani on one of those and reached the Kelani Temple a few years ago.

Once the ferry is loaded, the boatmen take the passengers across the river using the tension of the rope. Oars are used on the odd occasion only. Usually these boats are made to take only light weight loads, but even a vehicle could be transported.

Although it is a short distance, the ferry boat trip was a very enjoyable one.

Currently there is a bridge under construction over the river. Although it is nice to see these developments take place, I feel pity that we might not see similar ferries in the future.

20 comments:

betchai said...

it looks like short distance to cross the river, but then, if there is no other way to get to the other side without getting wet, then, the ferry ride would really be a great help.

Jack Point said...

Nice pic

Harshi said...

I've only seen them on TV.. would love to take a ride even if it's for a short distance.

And it's amazing how a single person can pull the whole load across the river using that huge rope. yep, just as we'd miss them when new bridges come up, they might lose their livelihood as well. I hope not.

Anyway thanks for sharing the info and the pic.. ^__^

Kirigalpoththa said...

Betchai,
right now this is the only mode of transportation across the river. the ferry does a yeaoman services for the villagers. Tks for your comments!

Jack Point,
Glad you liked the photo! Tks for your comments.

Harumi,
There is a very small resistance from the water. So even one man can pull a big load. But if the water is flowing fast the ferry ride would be dangerous and the boatman would not be able to control it.
I too hope they could continue the ferry ride although the chances are very slim.

Tks for your comments as always!

rainfield61 said...

We have the similar ferry at one of the state in Malaysia. It was abandoned and replaced by a bridge after a tragedy had happened.

Anonymous said...

I've never actually been on a ferry... I once came close to going on the one at Kinniya in Trinco, but there were some political troubles at that time and the ferry had been shut down for a few days. I heard that they're going to replace it with a bridge that's already under construction... It would be nice if a few ferries were to be conserved as tourist attractions maybe?

Nice post and lovely pic K :)

Harshi said...

oh so it depends on the current of the river. I never knew that.. =D Thanks a lot for explaining.. and you're welcome. ^__^

Kirigalpoththa said...

Rainfield61,
It is always safer to travel on a bridge..just that you lose a bit of adventure..Anyway during rainy seasons travelling could be dangerous even here.

Chavie,
Yes. it is not a bad idea to preserve them for future. Tks for sharing your experience. Never been to Kinniya although i have gone to Trinco.

Harumi,
Ur welcome. Hope you saw new pictures under 'Rainy Blur' slideshow :)

Rajesh said...

Nice! First time seeing a ferry that is rode with the help of rope.

roentare said...

Almost like a forest adventure in deed!

Fabulous image

Unseen India Tours said...

Great Post !! Thanks For Sharing..

Kirigalpoththa said...

Rajesh,
Even here in Sri Lanka it is quite rare. But a very effective way of crossing short distance.

Roentarre,
When you get a chance to cross a river in one of those during your hike it is a great experience. But generally for all the villagers in Molkawa, it is just an everyday thing..

Unseen Rajasthan,
Thanks for visiitng my blog. Saw some exciting places in your blog.

Thanks all for your comments!!

Harshi said...

oh yeah.. just checked your picasa gallery too.. and must say they look like a bunch of totally surreal pics.. your timings are perfect to capture the best (artistic) trees on your route.. keep up the great work! ^__^

Kirigalpoththa said...

Thanks Harumi!:)

Amila Salgado said...

I have tried that once on the way back from Sinharaja. It was a strange experience.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Gallicissa,

Yep it was a very unique experience! thanks for your comments!!

sbarrkum said...

Ferries are quite common in Sri-Lanka. Its just that they happen not to be on the main roads (as would be expected). There are quite a few around Colombo as well. The Diggala (Pandadura) to the Bandaragama-Kesbewa is one that I have taken often.
You dont need a car to get there. Take the Diggala bus from Moratuwa. Cross the ferry. Walk (or trishaw) about a mile to the Bandaragama-Kesbewa road and hop a bus back to Colombo. The mile walk is pleasant, lots of trees fields etc.

Anyway here is a list of the Ferries around Colombo. I have a list of all and will add more as time permits.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Sbarrkum,
Thanks a lot for the information and also for the link. I will try the Diggala one surely!

Chavie said...

Comment made on 2009-06-04T21:45:31.313+05:30

I've never actually been on a ferry... I once came close to going on the one at Kinniya in Trinco, but there were some political troubles at that time and the ferry had been shut down for a few days. I heard that they're going to replace it with a bridge that's already under construction... It would be nice if a few ferries were to be conserved as tourist attractions maybe?Nice post and lovely pic K :)

Amila Kanchana said...

There was much a bigger one across Bolgoda at Hirana thotupala,but was recently replaced by a bridge. I personally think that the ferry was adequate to handle the the daily traffic, and was environmentally friendly and blended nicely in to the surrounding. It's a pity that the rapid-fire development projects compromise that.