Trip to Rajagala and Gal oya national park

My nephew, a forum member who paved way for me to Lakdasun, came back from abroad with a very expensive set of camera equipment to test in our poor country. So we decided to try Gal Oya National Park. When inquired, Park Officials suggested us a place to stay over night. The owner of the lodge has a jeep and Wildlife Office was able to facilitate a land trip as well as a boat trip.

What more to ask? So we proceeded.

Day One

We started from Maharagama around 1.00 am and reached Aranthalawa Monument by 6.00 in the morning.

As the place was deserted, we were able to do morning rituals and had our breakfast in peace.

.	Aranthalawa Monument – Past best forgotten

After the short break, we headed towards Rajagala.

A name board made us to de-route to see a remains of an old temple Pulukunawa Raja Maha Viharaya.

This temple is in ruins and yet to be dug and restored. Ruins are scattered in a large area. One monk is looking after the place. According to him, after seeing a body of a mother who was brutally killed by LTTE, the other monk de-robed and joined the army sometimes back. He was Hasalaka Gamini.

The resident monk is living in a temporary shelter and living on what he is offered and what he can cook. Our Ashan has visited the place in 2012 and wondered whether authorities are blind on this place!!! There is no change since then. The wilderness is claiming the place and they are still blind.

.	Largest Asana Gharaya

More Ruins

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No End

We were unable to spend more time at this place as our aim was Rajagala. We took our leave from the Resident Monk with a minute offer.

Please visit this place and strengthen the Monk who has lot of dreams to realize.

After that, we headed towards out main target which is Rajagala Hermitage. At the entrance point, we were lucky enough to secure the services of an undergraduate of Ja’pura campus who is working there to complete the project. The excavation of this unbelievable treasure is presently done by University of Jayawardanapura and they are doing a good job.

There is an untouched hill to be excavated and recently the Government has provided a hefty sum for this.

First Glimpse of an Archaeological Treasure

Chathraya – Commonly found symbol of worship before Buddha Statutes were introduced

Early Stage Mura Gala

seven Hooded Protector

It is a tough climb – Now there is a stepped route from other side but it is longer

Mihindu Seya where remains of MahindaUththiya Theros were embedded

Exposed Sel Lipiya

Long shot of the lake under renovation

Kuda Gala (Umbrella Rock Cave) – First Cave that can be accessed at the summit

Mistaken as cart tracks connected to Shakya – Koliya battle!!

Gaping History

Imagine this abandoned !!!

Being Excavated

Water Basin

Famous Spring – Now it supplies drinking water to entire project.

Ruins under excavation

Ruins restored

Confused Identity

The nearest person in blue is our guide

Another Chathraya with stem

Sri Pathula – Another symbol of worship before statutes

Vandalized in search of treasures

Unfinished Stone Statute – Work abandoned due to unknown reason

second Climb Towards Caves

This complex of caves gave shelter to Aranyawaasi Bikkus

Named Cave

It is a huge cave

Another cave with remains of human touch

We used the stepped path to come down. It is longer but easier for tired feet!

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After this unforgettable trek through the history, we proceeded to our guest house, took a quick lunch and went for a jeep ride through Galoya National Park. The guest house owner has a jeep, so it was easier for us.

As the Inginiyagala reservoir is full of water, we did not see any animals except few birds. According to our ranger, lot of elephants can be seen during dry season.

The camp site is superb for a night out.

Most of park fotos were taken from Chamil’s camera as he wanted to test his new toy.

Park Entrance

only life seen in the park except us

.	Camping site is unique

Our Guest House Owner was bit upset as we have not seen any animals, so he took us to tank overflow to show it. It was a long de-route!!!

Inginiyagala Tank Spill. In blue shirt is our Guest owner

This is the end of the first tiring but fulfilled day!!!!

Day Two

Bandula, our guest house keeper prepared some sandwiches for breakfast to carry and we rushed to Park Office by 6.30 in the morning.

We had to force open the office to make the payment for boat ride.

Inginiyagala Rock and Reservoir

Getting Ready for a fantastic ride

110 feet deep end

Vigilant Eye saw the elephant

Lone rogue

Did not approve our arrival

open Challenge

Withdrawing

Getting down on an island for breakfast

Swim in unpolluted water – Rare chance

Hunter awaiting

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Wild as ever

Birds’ Island was full of birds

.	Building a nest without a housing loan

coming Home

Killer among innocents – Waiting for a chance

Clustered population

Beauty

After the boat ride, we came back to our guest house, packed and left. While on our way back, we visited Buddangala Raja Maha Viharaya

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.	He is so tame!!!

Then we visited Deeghawapi Viharaya

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End of fun for boys near an unknown tank