05 January 2010

Edanda


This is called ‘Edanda’ in Sri Lanka. It may be one of the most elementary methods of bridge building, yet it serves the purpose. You will come across similar bridges, in most of the footpaths in Sri Lankan villages.

The above Edanda was captured on my way to Kabaragoi Ella.

11 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Why not use those materials (trees) IF you have them, K????? Looks like that would make a great bridge--and it's much cheaper to make than other ways!!!! Sounds good to me!
Betsy

Anonymous said...

I do a lot of hiking, and I really would rather see people making these sorts of simple bridges because in our country, we often pour in tons of money into simple projects. Instead of putting in an outhouse for a few dollars, as an example, the parks may acutually spend a million dollars for a bathroom. Bridges in the backcountry are sometimes very elaborate, which is very nice, but why spend thousands or tens of thousands of dollars when the money could be used for better purposes. I would like to see life return to more simpler approaches.

rainfield61 said...

That trail is relly Adventurous.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Betsy,
Yes..it is a perfect solution to link the two paths either side of the stream.
Thanks a lot for your comments!

Natural Moments,
Yes..it is not worth spending more than what is required at any time.
In Sri Lanka we see the opposite of what you described, especially at places like parks and historically important places. Most of these places seem to be neglected due to various reasons. Sometimes it is lack of funds and sometimes pure negigence by authorities as well as general public.
Thanks a lot for your comments!

Rainfield,
yes, it was a superb trail up to the falls..and beyond. Thanks a lot for your comments!

Janith said...

cool bridge K! and much safer than those traditional edandas with only one trunk! :D

George said...

I like simple solutions like this to the problem of crossing streams. Are you going to take us all the way to the waterfall?

Kirigalpoththa said...

Chavie,
Yep this is quite safe, no need to do circus acts on one trunk :)

George,
I have already taken you to the waterfall :)
I will bring similar interesting things I found on the way later.

James said...

Very cool. I could have used one of those today.

Tes said...

Creative! The engr of that bridge really is innovative! However, I will have to test it before I cross. I hope it does not roll away while I'm in the center -just kidding- looks as if it's fixed on the spot and sturdy! Interesting, k!

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

"Edanda". OK I have to remember this when I visit Sri Lanka :) You have great things to show whenever you post something.

Village Life

Kirigalpoththa said...

James,
Oh really! Glad to know there are 'Edandas' in Pennsylvania :)

Tes,
This one is quite sturdy but need to be careful crossing it as there are quite a wide gaps parallel to the trunks. :)

Bhavesh,
Yes you will see many similar ones if you travel in the country side of Sri Lanka :)

Thnaks all for the comments!!