Kallebokka was one place that was
in my bucket list for a long time. Although I wanted to go there several times,
I never got the chance to so. As February was a very busy month for me, I could
not do much travel. But then Barefoots with whom I have done Wauwalagala with invited
me to join them, I grabbed the invitation and went with it.
Kallebokka viewpoint is one of
the best viewpoints in Sri Lanka which gives 360-degree magnificent views of
the Kandy, Matale and the beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range. From the viewpoint, you can also see the
Sembuwatta Lake, Huluganga valley, Hunnasgiriya, Makulussa Mountain, and
Dumbara Mountain range. The viewpoint is in the highest peak of the Kallebokka
estate which belongs to Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation.
The estate is located between
Kabaragala and Madolkele on the boundary of the Kandy and Matale District. Therefore,
it can be accessed from both Matale and Kandy directions. However, the route
from Matale to Kabaragala is better in terms of the scenic view. The last part
of the road to the peak is a bit difficult and Bikes and 4WD are recommended.
After having the morning breakfast,
we headed towards the starting point. At the starting point it was mentioned,
6km from there. We thought it was going to take a while. The weather was good,
and we expected a clear view. We had to obtain a ticket for Rs 100, guess they
are trying to make it more traveler friendly.
So off we began our trail through
the tea bushes. It was bit sunny, wished that we started this a bit early.
Although there was a clear road, we took some shortcuts and was able to reach a
turning point travelling through the tea bushes. From there it was around 800m.
Everyone was so relieved and took it easy. So, we stayed behind to have a cup
of tea.
After the tea and breaking the rest,
we started moving further up. The view below was magnificent. We could see Sembuwatta
lake, Hunnasgiriya and Dumbara mountain ranges. The path leads us to the view
point without much difficulty.
The view at the top was amazing.
As it was a sunny day the view below was very clear. It was indeed a great 360
view. Luckily Amila had a drone with him so he was able to take some good
shots. Everyone was taking photos with the fascinating background. It was too
sunny and hot. Spending nearly an hour there we went to climb the other summit which
did not give a better view.
We came down again taking as much
shortcuts as possible. We reached the starting point in less than an hour. Then
off we went to collect our lunch packets and to have a bath.
By the time we reach the bathing
place it was almost 4 in the evening. While the guys settled for some relaxing
the girls had their lunch and went to take the waterfall bath early. The waterfall
was in a secluded area, although this is known by the villagers. The weather
was good, and the evening time was the best to have a dip in the water and
enjoy adding some freshness into our bodies.
Most of the boys were a little
overwhelmed but had the conscious to know what was happening around and to
enjoy the bath from the river. Luckily after a long, strenuous walk along a
very narrow path, which was harder than even the track we were able to reach
the bus very late to the scheduled time.
Sri Lanka is full of such beautiful places. I was happy to see that Kallebokka has not been touched by many and still remains intact without any destruction by public travellers. I hope this would continue keeping this place to be enjoyed by many.
The picture above would definetely tell you the untold beauty of the surrounding and also would make you feel and experience the beauty that we felt and saw during the journey.
As many would agree, the view
from the top is always great. And it if for this that we all take such efforts
to climb, hike and track. A hike can be called a success, if the view was
visible, if good companions were there to tag alone and if we were able to return
without any serious injuries.
This was indeed one such successful hike. Hope
to see you in another travel update.
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