I was really excited when my colleagues said we will be going to the Sinharaja Rain Forest. Excited in general, that I was going on a trip. Excited that I was going on a trip with this fun bunch, and excited that I was going to the Sinharaja Rain Forest! Yes, there was an overflow of excitement there! :)
It was only during the planning stage and the ensuing conversation that I realised I haven't been to this world of natural wonder in just over 3 years. So naturally, there was more excitement and those of us who had previously visited Sri Lanka's only rain forest swapped stories with those who hadn't. I even showed them photos from my previous escapade.
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| This is the view from atop the Sinhagala which is roughly 10.5kms from the Kudawa COnservation Centre. It's the 3rd highest peak in the Rain Forest at 743m. |
After all the planning - yes there was a lot of planning in to this short trip - and discussion - why, of course we must spend a day talking about the leeches - we finally embarked on our day's tour to the wilderness. Some hoping against all hope they wouldn't encounter one of those nasty blood suckers and others hoping the weather gods would be kind towards us.
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| This is a leech |
The journey started a little later than our expected time of departure because one, a colleague of mine was sent on a wild goose chase early in the morning and two, our mode of transport didn't turn up on time. Not really my kind of start to a journey, for I appreciate punctuality. Anyhow, an hour later, we were on the road, heading towards the Sinharaja Rain Forest. We took the Galle Road to Kalutura and turned off at the Nagoda junction towards Mathugama. And from there, we head straight to Kalawana for that was where we were headed. One of the borders of Sinharaja.
One of my colleagues had a friend he has known for long years from this village and his visit from the land of the red, white and blues was the reason behind our visit. The said friend and his family were such lovely hosts. They were overjoyed to see us all there and were very very hospitable. And they had planned quite a relaxing day for us.
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| The makeshift bridge |
After the preliminary introductions and a warm cup of plain tea - the tea was really good as it was from their own estate and was the low country variety. We then got back in to our van and head towards the bridge. Now this said bridge had collapsed due to the monsoons and hadn't been repaired since it has collapsed. It's a sad story because people have to cross a makeshift bridge made of bamboo and incur double the cost, be it for transporting goods or people travelling from one end of the route to the other. We too had to get down and cross the makeshift bridge and get into another vehicle to continue our journey. Our hosts had arranged for another vehicle from there. The sun was rather warm but the cool breeze more than made up for it. Whilst waiting for the second vehicle we caught up on the scenery and of course took some selfies - I mean why not right? It's the thing of the age - and some hilarious photographs of the others - these will be good for those birthday cards. :D
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| The tea estates on either side |
Armed with bags of manioc, kithul toddy, bathing gear and soap we head towards the river situated quite a bit away in Pothupitiya. Up and down hills we went, crossing a few paddy fields and tea estates with the dense forest of the Sinharaja Rain Forest encapsulating us. It grew thicker as we head towards the river. Everyone's eyes were on the ground when we got off the jeep, for some remembered the friendly neighbourhood leech! The others, like me, stood open mouthed, looking at the beautiful view and the mountains far and beyond.
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| The view |
As the saying goes in these areas 'issellama yana ekkenage koodello ellenne naha' [leeches won't latch on to those who tread first]. So keeping this in mind, we followed our self appointed guide, a 12 year old boy, towards one stream to get to the other. As we stood perched on some rocks, we briefly scrutinised our feet to see if any unwelcome guests had arrived. And indeed, - I really shouldn't be surprised here - there was one nasty fellow making its way up on mine. As I stood looking at it, a colleague jumped to my rescue and took it off before it could make any permanent damage - read on and you shall know. After that drama we took to crossing the stream sans a bridge. And those who have encountered this experience would know how exciting it is. :)
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| Towards the dry patch of land |
After a short trek in ascending terrain we came across a dry open patch of land and those of us first timers were wondering where the river was or even better where the road leading to the river was. Of course, we all began scanning our feet, for dry land means no leeches and we were safe to wander about. Then came the leech soap. It was the first time I heard of this magical thing, and it apparently wards off the leeches! "Hah! You nasty thing, you have no way of getting to me," or so I thought. Two in the group were vigourously applying this wonder soap, and I too thought knowing my luck, I should have a go at it. So apply I did. [The anti-leech soap is white in colour and sort of reminded me of salt. It needs to be soaked in water before applying. It should ideally not leave a colour for if a white substance remains on your foot, I was told it means the soap hasn't been applied properly and you will slip when getting in to water.]
The next portion of the trek involved going through some thick forest cover where at times the path was not visible at all. And this meant there was sure to be some leech or the other lurking in a dark patch of soggy leaves. Yup, really not the kind of thought you want when heading to a water hole. Oh! But we made it, quite leech free all thanks to quick strides and of course, the leech soap. ;)
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| Our final destination: the river |
The aforementioned water hole - the river - albeit small as it was upstream was like a secret hideaway, a magical land of sorts, where one could escape and get alone. I didn't plan on swimming because I just wanted to chill sitting on a rock. But my colleagues wouldn't hear any of that and provided me with shorts to swim [I had an extra top on me] and I am right glad I did. The fish kept attacking my feet and the strong flow of water gave quite a lovely massage. I must say I was thoroughly happy. In and out of the water I went munching on manioc and a rather spicy onion and nai miris sambol. Oh! But it did wonders to beat the chill. I am yet to experience of the effects of the kithul toddy. :P
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| The approaching rain clouds |
After a solid 3 hours by the river, we decided it was time to head back as the skies depicted the rains were going to be on us. Once again a bumpy ride with many stops along way to collect bananas, jack fruit and narang [a variety of orange] we hopped in to an open roof jeep and sped away! I must say I really enjoyed standing and going in an open air vehicle. I was only a tad bit worried I'd fly out head first if the driver braked too strong! :D Some times being tall does have its glitches. But the wind in my face, the speed and being able to enjoy a panoramic view really does make up for it!
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| View from the open air vehicle |
Once we reached our host's home, we had a quick simple homemade meal, some wakara [ripe jack fruit] and a warm cup of plain tea, we head set journey to head back to our respective homes, singing some local songs and interesting stories.
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| Waraka a.k.a. ripe jack fruit |
