From the Travel Diaries of Aitken Spence Travels team – Wangedigala

Aitken Spence Travels is fortunate to have staff that appreciates traveling and is enthusiastic in what they do. It is a worthwhile experience to embark on a quest to ascend a mountain in order to discover Sri Lanka’s hidden beauties. A few of our youthful employees recently embarked on this hike to learn more about Wangedigala.

Wangedigala is a popular hiking spot situated in a village called Kalupahana. It is given the name Wangedigala (Pestle) because the top of the mountain looks like a Pestle. This is one of the most beautiful greeny Mountains with different peaks. Hiking through the forest of Wangedigala gives hikers amazing views of the surrounding areas including the Bambarakanda Falls and Lanka Ella Falls. 

Hikers need to climb on steep mountain slopes covered with pine needles. Additional precautions should be taken due to the slope which can become slippery when dry. Much stamina is required for average hikers as the hike can take up to 3 to 4 hours. It is also a popular spot for camping with its cool climate and amazing view at the peak. It is recommended to camp overnight as it will be difficult to climb down on the same day. By evening when the darkness falls you can see the beautiful sunset and also after the camping night you can see the beautiful sunrise from the top of the mountain.​

ROUTE

​Colombo – Polgasowita – Bandaragama – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Balangoda – Belihuloya – Wangedigala Trail 
COST

​Entrance Fee: None
Guide: local guide / pre-arranged guide service (optional)
DURATION
Driving – Approx. 4.5hrs drive (from Colombo)
​Hike – Approx -3.5 to 4hrs one way

​DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ADVANCED
Take adequate drinking water and food as much as you can. Because there is no water flows at the top. Even during the rainy season, there is only a small flow of water at the top of the mountain.

Take no polythene or plastic and leave it there because nature needs to be protected by all of us

If you’re making a fire on top, try to be happy with whatever you have. Don’t cut down the few trees on the hillside.

You are on your own because there are no sanitary facilities at the top.

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