When Kuveni was caste out by King Vijaya in favour of a queen from India, Kuveni went to her tribe, the Yakkas. The Yakkas did not want anything to do with here. They believed she betrayed them to Vijaya in exchange for becoming the queen in his kingdom and they caste her out as well. It is said that she cursed the Yakka tribe from atop this rock, hence the name Yakdessgala.
This is a moderately difficult climb. Not suitable for young children or older people. Carry plenty of water, as it can be hot and humid. There is no proper path way up, only pieces of cloth tied to trees intermittently and few arrow. Keep note of these especially when coming down as its easy to get lost. Inform the temple at the entrance of your intentions to climb the rock.
Maligatenna is reputed to be a hideout of King Valagamba, hence the name loosely translates to palace grounds. Reputed to be the highest point in the Gampaha district, gives an panoramic view of the Colombo skyline. The climb up to the top is through a path way on the right hand side of the temple. The climb is comfortable and takes about 10-20 mins. Passing through some interesting caves, one of which distinctly has 2 rooms and a veranda. The precariously placed boulders adds wonder to the site. Its twin site is Pilikutuwa Raja Maha Viharaya.
Ras Vehera or Sessuruwa has one of the largest standing buddha statues in the country. heaved out of a single granite boulder is a twin of a similar statue at Aukana. It is thought that the 2 statues were done by the teacher and the pupil contesting with one another. When the Aukana one was completed the completion of the one at Ras Wehera was stopped. Hence the statue is incomplete of the finer details. While the access to the statue is easy, the climb to the top of the rock is moderately difficult. There is no clear path to the the top, hence it is advisable to do so with a person from the village. The path way is through numerous caves which were inhabited by monks in the past. One particular cave called the “Hulan Gohawawe” or the Windy Cave, which always has a wind blowing through it.
The Yapahuwa Rock Fortress was one of the places where the Sacred Tooth Relic was kept during times of invasion from South India. The steep stair way leading to the fortress is to prevent any storming of the place by enemies. The architecture and intricacies of the the sculpture is awesome. Beyond the fortress, its possible to climb to the top of the rock. If one can make it up the steep stairs, then the rest of the climb is also possible. At the top is a remains of a chaitya and small rock pools.
Makandawa Rainforest has been recognised as a forest reserve since 1903. It is a place of interest for bird watches or even for some one who wants a nice quite walk in the forest with only the sound of birds. It takes about 3 hrs to do the full round and one can enjoy a dip in one of the cool pools on the way. Avoid the rainy season, when these waterways are overflowing. Its best to use a guide from the village to take you around.
The Google map directions are a bit misleading. The best way is to turnoff at the Kitulgala resthouse and drive down the road which goes along its boundary. This place has restaurants all along and the road leads to the river. Park your vehicle at one of the restaurants and seek their help in securing a guide. Head down to the river and cross it on a raft operating there for a minimal charge. Tickets needs to be obtained from the forest department counter at the entrance.
Carry plenty of water and be ready to wade through water ways and pools. A soothing dip in a pool in the forest or in the river on the way back is highly recommended.
Bodhinagala Forest Reserve is also home to a meditation retreat for buddhist monks. Never the less the walk through the jungle has very calming experience
Urban Gypsy Sri Lanka 