Good morning to all my Hive friends,
Today, I would like to share a memory from a trip we took a few months ago. It was a visit to the Sinharaja Entrance in Deniyaya, about 100 km away from my village. My family, along with my brother and his wife, made this journey by motorbike. What made this trip special was the opportunity to visit Kurulugala, a place I had never been to before. It was truly an unforgettable experience. so Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its biodiversity and is one of the most important rainforests in Sri Lanka.
So, we left home for the trip around 8:00 AM. The journey took more than three hours. Along the way, we witnessed a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere with beautiful natural surroundings. It reminded me of the magnificence of nature. As we headed toward Deniyaya, we noticed its renowned agricultural landscape, especially famous for tea plantations.
As we rode along the winding roads, the mountainous terrain and cool breeze filled the air with an indescribable beauty. The scenery gradually transitioned from vast tea estates to dense forest, making the journey even more captivating.
Furthermore, at the beginning of the exploration of Kurulugala, we first came across the Samangala Janavijaya Chaithya, a small Buddhist temple located on the Enasalwatta road in Deniyaya. It consists of a small stupa, a Bodhi tree, and a statue of Sumana Saman deity. From this location, the distant mountain range appears exceptionally beautiful.
I stopped briefly at this ancient temple, appreciating its historical significance. The serene environment makes it an ideal place to observe religious practices before connecting with the natural surroundings.
Sinharaja is a paradise for nature lovers. After spending some time at the temple, we resumed our journey. The road ahead was lined with towering trees, with the canopy above creating a natural archway. From the treetops to the forest floor, vibrant plants and flowers filled the surroundings with life. Despite some challenging steep inclines, the captivating scenery made each step worthwhile.
We finally arrived at the place where we needed to obtain the permits required to enter the forest.
So, after getting our entry permits, we set off again with a guide. As we entered the forest, the towering trees formed a canopy overhead, creating a somewhat dim and mysterious atmosphere. Along the way, we spotted several giant leeches. The sound of birds filled the air, adding to the enchanting environment. The dense, tropical vegetation created a cool and humid ambiance, providing a refreshing break from the sun.
Although it wasn't easy to take photos, we managed to see some small animals along the path. Additionally, we encountered various species of trees, and the guide took the time to explain them in detail, much to my child's fascination.
As we continued our journey, we came across a clear stream of water flowing gracefully. We used this water for drinking since finding fresh water in the forest was rare. After crossing the stream, we aimed to reach the first waterfall in the forest reserve. We slowly approached the location, filled with anticipation.
Next, we reached the beautiful waterfall. However, the water flow was not as strong as expected. We took some photos, admiring the scenic beauty around us. While continuing along the path, we encountered another clear stream flowing gently. Unfortunately, as I approached the stream, I slipped on a rock covered in moss and fell, injuring several areas of my body. With the help of our guide, we decided not to continue the journey further and started our way back. Despite the mishap, our trip through Deniyaya and Kurulugala to the Sinharaja entrance was an unforgettable experience. It allowed us to connect with nature, witness the incredible biodiversity, and appreciate the raw beauty of one of Sri Lanka's most valuable ecosystems.
Thank you reading
Have A nice day.
Best Regards,
Samadi Madushanki .
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