Let’s join us on a thrilling journey to Wangedigala! Follow our first-hand experience camping on breathtaking peaks, enjoying scenic trails, and discovering hidden gems in Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscapes. From forested hikes to mountains to the top meals that we had, this post guides you through a memorable escape to nature’s heights.
Okay let’s start our journey
Four of us Started on an exciting camping trip to Wangedigala, which was chosen as the perfect setting for my engagement celebration with my cousins.
The day after my engagement, our journey began.
At 7 am, two bikes set off from our home which is located in the Malinda area. Our first stop was a friend’s home to gather some camping accessories. For that we chose the route, known as the Mithirigala Nissarana Road. The route was really amazing because we went through the Nissarana forest. The feeling of riding through that beautiful forest was indescribable. just look at the first short video.
After gathering our camping accessories, we continued our journey through Awissawella town. Following the journey, we searched for a place to have breakfast. We found an incredible hotel near Parakaduwa, named “Red Lotus Hotel“. They had a variety of fresh and delicious food options, including string hoppers, bread, rice, paratha, and more. It was just Rs. 300 per person, we could eat anything for the price no matter how much we ate. That was amazing.
If you are travelling across the Eheliyagoda area just visit that place, I will mark the location below,
As we made our way to the Weli Oya bridge, the scenery became even more spectacular, with mountains surrounding the road. When we reached the Weli Oya bridge, we faced the task of finding a secure parking spot for our bikes. Thankfully, the Double Bridge Hotel, which is located close to the bridge, came to our rescue. The accommodating hotel owner granted us permission to park our bikes in their backyard, assuring us of their overnight security measures.
After that, we had a lovely lunch at the delightful Double Bridge Hotel. This charming establishment, even if it was a cosy little spot, offered us an incredible dining experience with its breathtaking views. The prices were reasonable, and the friendly staff made us feel like part of the family with their attentive service. After enjoying our meal, we eagerly resumed our journey from the Double Bridge Hotel to the Wangedigala camping site, our hearts full of joy and anticipation for the journey ahead.
Around 1:30 pm, we backtracked about a kilometre along the main road to find the trail leading to “Dammagiri Ashramaya”. The first stage of the hike involved following a newly constructed, winding path through a pine forest. Even in the middle of the day, the forest wrapped us in a cosy shade. The incline was manageable, and we found a clean natural water source, offering a refreshing break. We refilled our water bottles and washed the meat we had brought for dinner. After a short rest, we continued our ascent.
just watch below videos to get the full experience of the journey.
After an hour and a half of hiking, we reached a junction with a beautiful Buddha statue. Here, we paused to make wishes for a smooth journey ahead. At the junction, we discovered a small hut labelled “take anything you want and leave something useful”. This communal sharing spot was a heartwarming touch, reliant on everyone’s honesty.
Turning left at the junction, we found ourselves on a path that was a bit off the beaten track. With a sense of adventure, we decided to push forward even though there wasn’t a marked trail ahead. The steepness increased to about 70 degrees, making the climb more challenging. Pine nuts gently fell around us, creating a unique environment. The path was somewhat slippery due to the abundance of pine needles.
Taking regular breaks, we made our way up, At one point, two of our companions stopped for a quick boost of energy with a couple of shots of brandy. We let them go ahead and continued our hike at a steady pace. after some time, It looked like their choice was working out just fine!
We met other hikers who came from Wangedigala Peaks and informed us that there was much more to the trail. It was clear that this adventure was going to be a bit more challenging than we thought.
Around 5:30 pm, we arrived at the camping site. The surroundings became darker and cooler. We quickly set out to find a suitable camping spot. The prime location at the edge of the mountain had already been claimed by a couple, so we settled in the middle. Attempts to gather firewood proved challenging, so we gave up the bonfire and proceeded to prepare dinner using a small gas cooker.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner together, filled with delicious chicken curry, Maggi noodles, and tasty grilled sausages, all while sharing laughter and dancing under the beautiful midnight sky. The peace of the night was simply magical. With the clear sky, we could even sleep soundly without the need needing a tent. It was an experience beyond words.
I awoke early the next morning to see the breathtaking sunrise. The sight was simply mesmerizing. We made our way to the first peak of Wangedigala, where we captured some truly stunning photos to remember the moment before returning to our camp. When we realized we were running low on water, we set off on a little adventure to find a fresh source. Eventually, we located a natural spring with crystal-clear water, refreshing our faces and refilling our bottles.
After refreshing ourselves and preparing a nice breakfast of soup, bread, and meatball curry. after that, we set off to conquer the second peak. The path was captivating, and the cool atmosphere at noon was a pleasant surprise.
Reaching the Wangedigala peak, we were rewarded with a beautiful panoramic 360-degree view. Sri Lanka’s beauty was on full display, and we even felt as though we could touch the clouds.
After capturing stunning photos and fully embracing the beautiful surroundings, we happily returned to our campsite. Once there, we tidied up the area, leaving nothing behind but footprints. On our way down, we came across many fellow adventurers, and it was heartwarming to see that most of them were couples enjoying the journey together.
Our return journey included a stop at a pine forest for a well-deserved tea break. Then we made our way to the Double Bridge Hotel for lunch. After that, we decided to find a nice spot to take a refreshing dip under the Wali Oya bridge, but it was too crowded at the time.
We hopped on our bikes and scouted for a suitable spot. After some searching, we found a place called “Hirikatu Oya Outdoor Bath,” a fantastic and secure spot for a wash and swim. We parked our bikes, walked to the water spot, and enjoyed a refreshing break before continuing our journey back. You can find all the mentioned places on the Visit Ceylon Guide Map of Sri Lanka.
The Wangedigala adventure was nothing short of extraordinary. We shared so many laughs, soaked in the stunning scenery, and created memories that we’ll treasure forever. We returned with our hearts overflowing with gratitude, holding those beautiful moments close to us.
Feeling inspired? Don’t let the adventure end here! Explore more of Sri Lanka’s wonders and plan your next getaway. Whether it’s the lush green landscapes, historic sites, or vibrant culture, there’s always more to discover. Ready for your next journey? Click here to read more about Sri Lanka and start planning your visit: Visit Ceylon šāļø #VisitCeylon #TravelDreams”
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where weāve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
