Reflexions of a Lone Venturer: Rail Hike from Idalgashinna to Ohiya

Hi folks. I hope you are safe and sound at home. Corona has quarantined us all at homes. It is in a way a good thing, a break for all travelers to set back and relax a bit and recall on some of the wonderful memories that we all had during the awesome travel that we have done together.

For me it gave some time to read and write. So I thought to write another article on the blog. This was done in February along with Idalgashinna camping.

I always wanted to do a rail hike. The first one I did was from Pattipola to Ohiya. Actually we wanted to do it up to Idalgashinna but the station master at Ohiya did not allow us to do the hike so we had to terminate it at Ohiya.

But the trek from Ohiya to Idalgashinna is considered as an iconic one. So I was counting my fingers to do it. That is why when I got the chance I decided to do it. Usually in Sri Lanka rail hikes are legally not allowed. You need to take permission beforehand. We didn’t get any. Only difference is that we did the hike from Idalgashinna to Ohiya instead of the other way as it was easier to do.

So after a memorable misty morning at the top of Idalgashinna, Thiwanka and me came straight down had our breakfast and started the hike. It was around 8 in the morning when we started. The trek is around 8.85 km in length. It has 14 tunnels in between tunnels from NO 22 – NO 35. This is the reason why it is considered as an important part in the rail trek to Badulla. Since we started from Idalgashinna we had to go a bit uphill but you do not feel it.

We knew we were at a risk as if we were caught we would be put in jail and fined too. Nevertheless we decided to go ahead. On our way we met a man who was oiling half of the trek. While we were about quarter of the way we heard a Dakkuwa coming which was travelling to Haputale with the officer in charge of the rail trek of that portion. We didn’t know that. I was taking some photos and he saw us and started shouting at us even using filthy words. I can’t blame his as we were doing an unauthorized act. We were so lucky that he did not stop the Dakkuwa to catch us and we hurried our way and decided to quit the trek and go through an alternative route near Ohiya as we were sure that the officer would have informed the Ohiya station master to catch us.

SO start was not so good. We tried to contact someone to see whether we could inform Ohiya station that we were trekking but unfortunately we could not find any. So the only option was to leave the trek near Ohiya.

It was a different experience to walk along the rail treks. It was like walking on a parallel path that was to never end. We have to pass through 14 tunnels. Each tunnel was different. Some were longer whereas others were relatively short. Inside some were pitch black with the smell of bats, mud. We made it using the torches in our phones.

We also encountered a train on our way which we were looking forward too. It was a continuous walk without any resting points except for the continuous rail trek and the view of mountains, pines and tea estates on either side.

We made two stops. One to have a small break where we ate some biscuits and wade that we had. The other was a poop break which both me and Thiwanka wanted to experience as that was the first time to have a dump on a railway which was going to add to my adventurous and memorable list of activities.

We also passed a small bridge which was almost rusted and looking scary and there were few places where water gushed out. When we have come about three quarters of the way we met another rail worker. From him we got directions to a place where we can divert from the trek and enter into the main road. So we followed his directions got the short cut and entered the Ohiya road about few hundred meters away but after going through all the 14 tunnels.

Yes we made it. But I would say we were lucky. It is reasonable why they do not allow as the tunnels cam be really scary especially if a train comes when you are inside one. I heard there are wasps also inside so you guys if you are planning please get permission and be very cautious. Better to go with another rather than doing a solo hike as you never know what situation that you may face on the way.