Giant Vine

This giant woody vine (Liana or 'Pus' wela in local language) can be seen near Hunuwila, Opanayake between Pelmadulla and Balangoda. As per what I have heard, a major part of this vine was cutoff sometime back for no apparent reason. Still this is one of the biggest of this variety in the country.

You can see the bigger part of the vine on the left bank. A part of it goes over the river to the other side. The river is known as Wey Ganga, which is a tributary of River Kalu

I have seen a smaller cousin of this variety in Sinharaja sometime back.

Origin of Seetha Gangula

Seetha Gangula (cold stream) is a popular stream found on the way to Sri Pada. It is customary for the devotees to have a bath from this cool spring water before the climb. As the name implies, the water is very cold at these heights.

Seetha Gangula is a collection of water streams start from Sri pada and surrounding mountains. One branch joins Kuru Ganga and ends up in River Kalu and the other set of branches join Maskeli Oya via Maskelioya Reservoir and link with River Kelani.

This picture was taken from the top of Siri Pada. It shows one of the starting points of Seetha Gangula and small yet tall waterfall created from the same stream.

Kelani Ganga

'Ganga’ is river in native language. Sri Lanka is rich with rivers and other water resources. One of the most interesting features is the high number of rivers flowing from the middle of the country and ending in the Indian Ocean like a cart wheel.

The four main rivers are Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe. These rivers and their tributaries flow through the most scenic areas in the island before meeting the Indian Ocean.

The above picture of the River Kelani was captured at Karawanella.

You may click the labels below to see more about these rivers and their tributaries.

Makeliya Ella

Makeliya Ella (Makeliya Falls) is a beautiful waterfall situated about 10km from Molkawa. This is formed from a tributary of River Kalu which starts from Kalawana side.

The fall is about 50 feet high and situated in a very beautiful surrounding. The fall is receiving water mainly from the South Western Monsoons and it has good amount of water all over the year except Jan - March. There is a slight reduction in water capacity during this period. To my knowledge there are quite a few more waterfalls in the surrounding area as well.

It is truly a beautiful sight!

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.

Kukule Ganga

Kukule Ganga is an exciting area for an adventurer. There are many different places to see along the river and its close proximity. There are waterfalls like Makeliya Ella, Caves like Pahiyan Lena (Fa Hien) in addition to the picturesque river itself. The picture above and a few more were taken near the suspension bridge at Kosgulana.

A traveler could reach Kukule Ganga via many attractive routes. Kalutara - Mathugama Road, Horana - Bulathsinghala Road and Ratnapuara - Kalawana Road are some of them.

Sangili Palama

'Sangili Palama' is what we call for a suspension bridge. Unlike the ‘Golden Gate’, it is quite fun to walk across these smaller versions! You feel the movement of the bridge at every step.

This suspension bridge is situated at Kosgulana. It is built over Kukule Ganga, which is a tributary of River Kalu. This bridge links Kaluthara District with Rathnapura Distict and in other words, you can walk from Western Province to Sabaragamuwa Province by crossing this bridge.