Alagalla mountain is located at the boundaries of Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces in Sri Lanka, which is popular among the youngsters for the exciting adventures and its enthralling view. This is also known as the ‘Potato Range’ for its shape and is an easy to Moderate level hiking destination standing aprox. 3,740 feet above sea level. So, let’s see how to get into this wilderness!
How to Reach
The mountain has two main entry points.
01. From Ihala Kotte railway station or Gangoda Railway station
02. Via Poththapitiya in Pilimathalawa.
Both these starting points can be reached within two to three hours from Colombo based on the traffic jam and the mode of transportation used for the journey.
01. From Ihala Kotte railway station or Gangoda Railway station
If you are planning a one-day trip to Alagalla, you can get into the Podi Manike Train from Fort Railway station at 5.55 Am. If you miss the Train You can take the Udarata Menike Train at 8.30 Am. Click the below mentioned link to check the train Schedule. You can start the trek either from Gangoda Station or Ihala Kotte station. From Ihala Kotte station there is the clear footpath until you reach the Well-maintained road to Trail head. Don’t forget to get confirmed with the villegers until you reach the Trail head
However, using ihala kotte path might be little bit difficult for a less experienced person since you have to go through the Village, and you have to get confirm the path from villagers every time until you trail head.
01. Via Poththapitiya in Pilimathalawa.
If you’re travelling from Colombo and using public transportation you can easily get into a Kandy train and get off at Pilimathalawa Station. Or you Can get into a Colombo – Kandy bus from Pettah Bus terminal and get off from Pilimathalawa Town. (Buses are available from 3.00 am in every half an hour) From there(From Pilimathalawa) you need to either get a bus to Poththapitiya tea factory or you can hire a tuk which would cost around Rs.500 and reach the entry point of this amazing trek.
So, If you are a less experienced hiker, my advice is to use the Poththapitiya tea factory to begin the hike.
Once you reach the tea factory just walk along the gravel road, passing the village and at some point, you will come across a place to fill your bottles! Walking further through tea plantations, the path will get less clear as you lead to the Alagalla conservation Forest.
As you go on the climb will get steep but still you will love to walk through the maana trees feeling the cool breez of the mountain air in your face! Remember there will be cool spot just before you reach the peak, and this is ideal for you to stop by if you need to refresh yourselves while enjoying the breathtaking views it offers.
The peak!
This is the best way to test your bouldering skills as you need to climb over few boulders to get to the most amazing part of the trek which is the summit of amazing Alagalla! Do keep in mind that this is a bit risky if you’re hiking alone. So, look into your steps carefully to avoid danger. But once you make it to the peak you will never regret the struggle. I could fill up my soul with the blue sky, trees with the mountain breeze and top of all them the view of surrounding mountains including Bathalegala (Bible rock), Devanagala, Ambuluwawa, Knuckles Mountain Range and Hanthana Mountain Range was magical and beyond imagination. So, don’t hesitate to include this adventure to your bucket list and tick it off at your earliest!!
Enjoy the journey. Please minimize plastic and polythene. And try to bring at least one plastic bottle back those have left there by the irresponsible travelers. Be the responsible traveler who saves the planet earth. Travel with less number of people. It will increase your experience and satisfaction as well as it will reduce the bad effects on environmental system.