Waterfall Hunt in Rakwana

It’s been a while since I made a new blog entry. Though I have been travelling around Sri Lanka, specially during weekends, I did not have a peace of mind to sit down and write on an expedition as I was caught up with studies and work responsibilities. Nevertheless, I thought of writing one piece though I am studying for an exam in the weekend.

Among many beauties that are gifted by Mother Nature, waterfalls catch my attention as a great marvel and a beauty created by Mother Nature. We as Sri Lankans are lucky to have over 100 waterfalls in this small island that itself has become a tourist attraction and an escape for many local travelers.

A group of my friends who are interested in waterfalls decides to go on a trip to explore waterfalls in the Rakwana region which is in the Sabaragamuwa region of Sri Lanka extending from Rathnapura up to Sooriyakanda.

Unlike many other trips, this took the form of a road trip where we traveled with in a van for 2 days with several stops on the way explore the waterfalls along the selected paths.

We started early morning on day 1 and after a several hours of drying we started off with the first waterfall which was known as Rajana Ella. On day 1 we were able to cover the Rajana Falls, Hathbili Falls, Pulun Falls, Marakkala falls and Galdola which were scattered. 

Rajana Ella

Hathbili Ella

Pulun Ella

Marakkala Ella

Galdola Ella

 Then we reached Godakawela area where we saw Dalwin falls, Dahayyagala falls and Masimbula falls. We camped for the day near Masimbula Falls along the Rakwana stream. Luckily there was no rain. As we didn’t have a proper meal, we had a heavy meal for dinner and slept under the stars in tents.

Dalwin Ella

Dahayyagala Ella

Masimbula Ella

As there was a slight drizzle towards the dawn, we quickly packed our stuff and headed towards the bank where we prepared tea, had a small wash and began our journey for the second day.

We had a quick breakfast and headed towards Udagama. We were joined by another friend Seewali who acted as our guide.

We started the trail through paddy fields and entered the wilderness. Then through the stream and on rocks we reached Duwili Falls which was one of the best we have seen so far. From Duwili the track lead us to Hadapangala ella which was situated upstream. Both did not show us their real majesty as it was a dry season and they have not received much rains for some time. But despite that the beauty was still something that made all of us awe. After spending a considerable time, we headed back filling our tummies with Rose Apple locally known as Jambu.

Udugama Duwili Ella

Hadapangala Ella

From there we headed towards Madwanwela where we visited Mala Ella and Duwili Ella. As it was Poson Poya day, we were able to have lunch from a Dansal (Where people offer food/beverages free as alms to others). 

Maduwanwela Maala Ella

Maduwanwela Duwili Ella

From Maduwanwela we headed towards Wijeriya where we were able to have a look two waterfalls namely Lankapathi Falls and Etha wetuna Falls before we ended our journey with a bath.

Lankapathi Ella

Etha Wetunu Ella

Unfortunately, in most falls there was not much water. Another thing to note is that the names that are used are confusing as the Villages use different names or simply Ella (Which means falls) to denote the falls. But what that does not change is that these are indeed treasures for us that are given to us by Mother Nature. Not only that there are legends associated with some of the falls.

For example, Hathbili ella is a place where 7 female workers have drowned and still the villagers believed that their spirits dwell there. ‘Raja na’ has got the name because the king used to bath from there and Etha watuna ella also have a similar meaning where the royal elephant had a bath. Marakkala ella has the legend which says a drunken Muslim had fallen and downed in the fall, ‘Pulun Ella’ got its name because the wool like appearance the fall gives and ‘Duwili ella’ because of the dust like nature of the water that sprays.

Hence this is not just a trip to go and see a waterfall but the be familiar with the underlying stories and to experience the hideouts and enjoy what these beauties can offer. Unfortunately, I was very sick therefore could not real enjoy the freshness of the lush water that fell or flowed from them.

But even for a mere observer, these waterfalls can give soothing for both the body and the mind making us refreshed and revitalize. That was exactly what I felt when I returned back to work on following Monday after spending two days in Nature.