Uda Walawe

Uda Walawe National Park is situated about 160 kilometers from Colombo and it belongs to both Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces. The park is situated in a plain area but you can see mountains from North and West. The western perimeter is in fact made of Rakwana Mountains.

The reservoir is man made, but it has seamlessly merged with the natural eco system. River Walawe is the main water resource.

It is one of the best parks in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. You can see more details here.

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.

Camping on Top of Bambarakanda Falls

Bambarakanda waterfall and surrounding area is a magnificent place for hiking and camping.

Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka which has a vertical fall about 800 feet. On top of the waterfall it has two smaller steps which are not visible from the foot of the fall.

First, you have to pass the foot of the falls and walk further up towards Ohiya along Kalupahana – Ohiya Road. After climbing about 1000 feet you can get to the top of the fall by cutting across rather thick forest towards the falls.

There is limited flat area to pitch a tent but you can pitch a medium or small size tent with difficulty. Constant gushing wind in this point will make it even more difficult to pitch a tent. There is a small pool of water at the top. On one corner of the pool is bordered by a fair precipice. This is the top most step above Bambarakanda Falls which is visible only if you look at it from a higher altitude. You have to climb either Gonamolli Kanda or Wangedigala to view this complete scenery.

A night at the top of the falls will be a memorable one for any hiker who likes a bit of adventure!

World's End to Belihul Oya via Nagrak Estate

This will be a memorable hike for any explorer. The reverse of the same also can be tried but will be quite difficult due to steep ascend. The entire hike is about 20km.

Right at the top of World's End (Which is in Horton Plains) there is a small path that leads further upwards. Soon this footpath will start to descend rapidly down the slope through thick undergrowth. Some places you may have to move on your knees. After about 4km of difficult track you will reach Nagrak (Nanperial) Estate.

From Nagrak there is a road down to Belihuloya but any hiker can select various short cuts through the tea estate. Nagrak to Belihuloya via the road is about 15km.

It took a full day for me for the entire descend and one of the most interesting was to see how the climate and vegetation change from Worlds End to Belihuloya.

Good to check the path with Department of Wild Life since the worlds end area is within the nature reserve and there are restrictions imposed recently for some of the routes.

Cool Streams of Horton Plains

Horton Plains is the highest plain in Srilanka situated above 2000 metres from the sea-level. It is at the lower edge of Central Province and plenty of cool springs of water sprung from this area and flow towards lower lands below. Belihuloya, which is a tributary of River Walawe, is one such stream made of the water from the plain. Horton plain is a principal catchment for the main rivers of Sri Lanka.

Any hiker will find hundreds of such streams all over the plain and there are many beautiful waterfalls created from them. A lot of hiking routes like the one to kirigalpoththa are signposted according to these streams.

Bambarakanda

This is one of the most fascinating area for hiking. In addition to the famous fall, there are number of tracks leading to exciting places in Horton Plains from here. also there are number of mountains, water falls and streams surrounding this area which would make a hikers a day an unforgettable one.

The simplest way to reach this place is via Colombo - Batticaloa (A4) main road. You have to go pass Belihuloya and reach a small junction called Kalupahana. From Kalupahana you have to take the left turn. This narrow but winding road will take you through one of the most beautiful areas in Sri Lanka with breathtaking beauty. The waterfall, Bambarakanda, the tallest in Sri Lanka lies around 5 km from Kalupahana junction. The same road will take you upto Horton Place and Ohiya but it will need many similar posts to describe the entire journey from Kalupahana to Ohiya, which I will do on a later date.

There is a small but nice lodge close to the foot of the waterfall. From the lodge you can see the waterfall quite clearly and it is one of the best sights in Sri Lanka.

There are number of locations that a hiker could travel from this point. I will name a few of those and try to do an elaborate description later.

• Wangedigala - Half a day hike for an experienced hiker. The whole of Lower Ohiya valley is visible from the top


• Balathoduwa and Gonmolli Kanda - Further away from Wangedigala.


• Lanka Ella - The pool below the waterfall has a shape like Sri Lanka. 2 Hours walk from Bambarakanda Falls


• Seven Basins - 1 hour (or less) walk from the Bambarakanda Falls. Excellent place to experience cool spring water!