Idalgashinna

I like railway stations. Typically, lonely little ones in the hill country like Rozella and Great Western.

Idalgashinna is by far the most beautiful railway station in Sri Lanka. It is situated between two stations Ohiya and Haputhale. It is at an elevation of 1600m from the mean sea level.

Idalgashinna is a vantage point and you can see panaromic views from both sides of the station. The stretch between Idalgashinna and Haputhale gap is very scenic. On a clear day, you can see up to Hambanthota towards South and beyond Nuwaraeliya - Welimada from the North. But that is a rarity as most of the days, mist is covering the surrounding areas.

The 8km stretch between Ohiya and Idalgashinna also unique, as the train passes through 14 tunnels! That is the maximum for a stretch between 2 stations in Sri Lanka.

To learn more on railway tracks in Sri Lanka, refer my earlier post.

Towards Diyathalawa

I went thru' this forest, while travelling from Haputhale to Diyathalawa. Haputhale, Diyathalawa and Bandarawela known for cool and less humid climates, quite close to temperate zones in the world.

This stretch of forest is about 3-4 km. More pictures of this beautiful area is shown here.

Faraway

This picture was taken from Beragala.

The Road

I once mentioned that A23 (Ella-Wellawaya) is one of the most scenic roads in Sri Lanka. Then my friend Sbarrkum mentioned that he likes Beragala – Wellawaya stretch even more. I also had to agree with him.

I took the above picture on the same road closer to Beragala.

I hope it will give a glimpse of this very scenic road to all of you.

Beragala

This impressive scenery was captured in Beragala, 7 kilometres from Haputhale.

View from the Lipton’s Seat

The above picture was taken from Lipton’s Seat. I shared some of the information about this place a few months ago.

This area belongs to Dambethenna of Poonagala Hills. These hills are unique as they are overlooking the entire Uva Basin. Hence there are many viewing points in the Poonagala Mountain Range like Lipton Seat. Millennium Point, St. Catherine’s Seat (Nayabedda) and Pilkington’s Point are some of the other viewing points in the same region.

The view from Lipton’s Seat is simply amazing and you can see endless territory till the horizon.

Mountain Trails

This picture was taken at a place close to Haldummulla on the way to Haputhale. The mountain and the surrounding are quite scenic especially with the mist coming from one side.

This area is a great place for hikers as there are endless hiking routes connecting many places. You may find lots of streams, waterfalls and hills along these paths. Climate is also very soothing, not so cold not so warm.

The Road to Lipton's Seat

This is a magnificent location close to Haputhale and Bandarawela. This is situated about ten kilometres from Haputhale in Dambethenna. The same location can be reached from Bandarawela as well via Nayabedda Estate. It is undoubtedly one of the best viewing points of Sri Lanka.

It is told that on a clear day, a visitor can see 5 provinces of Sri Lanka. The panaromic view is out of this world and truly pleasing. Even on an average day you can see endless territory towards South, East and South West of Sri Lanka from this point.

Catching Clouds at Haputhale

Haputhale is a unique place in the central highlands. It is a town with many access roads, including railway services. It is a central place to many fascinating hiking destinations. Above all it is a place where you can view atleast a quarter of the entire country. The view from the town is simply amazing!

Haputhale cool climate is one of the best in the country, hence it is a popular holiday place for both local and foreign travellers. The main access road from Colombo is very beautiful throughout and the trains arrive this town, after passing some of the most beautiful sceneries in the country. Haputhale is also quite misty, and it adds a mystic beauty to the surroundings.

A few of the good destinations from Haputhale are given below.

1. Adisham Bungalow - An old bungalow in beautiful surroundings
2. Lipton's Seat - A place where you can see 5 provinces
3. Idalgashinna - Railway station situated at a unique place: From both sides you can see panaromic views.

The Road to Diyaluma

The road from Beragala to Wellawaya via Koslanda is a fascinating road for any nature lover. To reach Diyaluma Falls you need to travel 22 km from Beragala junction.

There are some exciting hiking routes from Diayaluma Falls. A hiker can start the journey from the foot of the fall or end his journey there.