Romantic ride from Nilambe to Udupussellawa

Dotelagala – Click to enlarge

Map around Walapane – Click to enlarge

Both of us were looking for a getaway and this time we selected central hills rather than the usual dry zone. Went through the internet and finally found a nice place close to Nilambe. And yes the place was well worth and the perfect location with a window view towards Piduruthalagala western reaches (my kind of place). Though the food was terrible the surrounding environment made us forget it.

view from nilambe

peacock hills

kabaragala

gampola

the place we stayed

window view

dusk	ambuluwawa

pines on fire

setting sun

like a flag

wow

gampola at night

full moon

Day two was full of surprises. First we headed towards Delthota and took the Rikillagaskada road to reach Loolecondera estate which is supposed to be the first tea estate in SL (for directions please refer my previous report). Though I had been to Loolecondera I did miss out on Dotelagala hike which was a 15 minute climb from James Taylor’s log cabin. Once you reach the cabin you would find a foot path along the border of the tea estate on the right hand side. This will take you to another tea patch where you need to climb up along the border until a small forest patch is found. This will lead you towards the final ascend which is not difficult at all. This rocky ledge is one of those perfect outlook spots in central hills and I highly recommend it.

adams peak seen from the window

Katusu kanda

Loolcondera estate

merged with forest

lovely landscape

james taylors log cabin remains

hiking uphill

at work

last bit to climb

on top of Dotelagala

kukulagala

mahakudagala

view towards Rikillagaskada

Pussellawa side

peacock hills

ambuluwawa

wal araliya

towards kandy

hanthana

alagalla

the tea estate

hanguranketha side

victoria reservoir

sloped

dont look down

beautiful range

pano towards kandy

pano of the range

ah waited along time for this pic

towards medamahanuwara

good for abseiling

tree tops

Delthota town

lonely flower

ah found some nelu

women do love their flowers… sigh!

bit of sun light

orchids

Dotelagala

james taylors seat

view from the seat

After getting down we visited James Taylor’s seat before departing towards Walapane. On the way to Walapane we came across Andawala Ella (Between Padiyapelella & Walapane) which was a gorgeous beauty. It is nice to see that the road work has been almost completed at many stretches along this scenic road. After passing Walapane we came to the stairway which led towards the Peace pagoda and took the right side road near it. It was a winding uphill journey where I encountered some tough hair pin bends. At one point we had to abandon the jeep because the road was blocked. From here onwards it was a long scenic walk to Kurundu oya falls. The view towards Randenigala was simply awesome. When we came to the gap where Kurundu oya falls could be seen we were overjoyed. I wonder why it took so long for me to visit this beauty which should have been done along ago. After enjoying this lady we reached back to Walapane and took the Nildandahinna road up to Rupaha.

Andawala ella

another view

Randenigala reservoir see while traveling to kurundu oya fall

wow

scenic road

hidden beauty

2nd highest kurudu oya falls

first part

base of first part

2nd part partly covered

peace pagoda

unknown roadside cascade at nildandahinna

The road From Walapane to Udupussellawa via Nildandahinna was carpeted and scenic so if you guys get a chance try and use it. Actually this is my shortcut to Bandarawela via Welimada and I have used this route on few occasions. Over next target a was “Garunda gala” where Blue marble / quartz could be found (the only place in SL). We are familiar with Pink quartz but we have never come across blue quartz so the visit was worth the trouble. Somewhere close to Rupaha there is a Bo tree on the left hand side of the road and opposite it is a road with a huge board directing towards Garunda gala. You need a 4wd to tackle this road and better to have some local guidance. We were offered guidance by a kind hearted local guy and we were thankful for that because it was already 5pm. One need to stick to the left on this road for about 3Km’s and at one point you would notice a downhill stair way to the left. Take this and you would end at Garunda gala. The Marble stone extends for about 2Km’s along the Gaunda oya according to locals. There was evidence of pieces been broken by visitors who were idiotic enough to take these as souvenirs. The road we took to Garunda gala will take one towards Ragala, so if there is any off-road adventure seeker this is for you guys. After thanking the villager we took off on a long journey towards Monaragala which was our final destination of this wonderful trip.

road to Nildandahinna

the board near the bo tree

garuda oya flowing over the marble

blue marble at garudagala

hidden by the stream

comparing colours

blue marble

destroyed

view from garundagala area

Road to Udupussellawa

unknown cascade seen while traveling to udupussellawa

another one which im sure its taller than Bambarakanda