People in the western province have a tradition of visiting Kataragama, when they get a new vehicle. Though it left more then three years, I was not able to drive my jeep to Kataragama. Therefore, Chamila (my wife) & I decided to visit Kataragama by the jeep. Buddhika & Saman were invited to join with us. Since Saman had a pre planned issue, Buddhika was our one & only guest.
It was 6.30am when we left Veyangoda. Since the vehicle was a tough one, we were free to choose shot-cuts, without depending on the road condition. We took the road driven through Amithirigala, the shortest path to Avissawella. On our way we stop a while at the tomb of the King Seetawaka Rajasinghe ( 1580s ). It was located within a distance of 1km from Talduwa junction, Avissawella.
Our second travel location was the Berendi Kovil, another archeological site, also located very close to Talduwa junction. (Pls. refer my travel story on Berendi kovil for more details)
We stopped for a bath in a natural pool foamed in a stream called “Suduganga” located in a distance of few kilometers from “Pallebedda”, the last town we had passed before 12.00 noon. We had our lunch at Thibolketiya junction, with fried fresh water fish & Herbals.
Our route was along the dam of the Udawalawe reservoir. The dam was build with compressed earth. Two canals called Left & Right were fed by the reservoir. Two turbines were also there, to generate electricity.
After the spill, located at the end of the dam, the road ran in to the jungle. That was the famous Udawalawa sanctuary, highly popular among wild elephant lovers.
Our next turning point was Tanamalwila, a small agricultural town in the southern margin of Uva province. Having another 10km drive towards Thissa, we turned in to a gravel road to Kataragama, via Lunugamvehera reservoir.
It was nearly 5.30pm when reached Kataragama. There was a mild raining but Kataragama was preparing for her annual function (Esala function). Though the town was being filled with pilgrims, we were able to reserve a room at Gangaramaya pilgrims rest.
In the evening we went to Kirivehera & Maha Dewalaya. It was nearly 9.30pm when the Perahera was over. Having some hoppers as our dinner, it was 10.30pm when we reached back to the pilgrims rest.
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