Sri Lanka has three separate main mountain ranges named as central Hills, Knuckles massif and Sabaragamuwa Mountain range. Piduruthalagala (2524m) is the highest of Central hills as well as of the Sri Lanka. Gombaniya (1906m) is the highest of Knuckles massif and Gongala (1357m) the highest of Sabaragamuwa (Rakwana) Range.
According to the folk tales Gongala has been named after its appearance of an Ox. This kind of a hike which must do by any hiker. In a sunny day without mist the view is splendid.
How to Reach
Somehow, trekkers need to come to Hayes state to reach the trail head. There are two ways you can come to Hayes state.
- Via Rakwana>Suriyakanda Road >Hayes State
- Deniyaya>Hayes state
There are few ways even you can come to Deniyaya as well
- Galle >Akuressa>Deniyaya.
- Matara>Akuressa>Deniyaya
- Mathugama>Neluwa>Deniyaya
Mode of Transportation
Public Transport – If you are planning to use public transport you need to find a way to reach Deniyaya somehow.
Bus routes to reach Deniyaya
Colombo – Deniyaya (You can take this bus from pettah bus stand and there are two routes for this bus as well. One goes via Neluwa and the other one goes via Galle) Better Contact pettah bus stand to find the bus timetable (TP – 0112328081) Also you can book the tickets through busbooking.lk for your convenience and avoid the hustle bustle.
Colombo – Galle/Matara – Deniyaya (You can reach Galle or Matara by bus or Train. If you are planning to reach matara or galle by train check on slr.malindaprasad.com for Train schedule. Then you can take a bus from galle or Matara to deniyaya.
Rathnapura – Suriyakanda – Heys estate (For the people who are coming via Rathnapura, this is the best option since you don’t have to come back to Deniyaya. You can get off from Heyes estate, where the difficult part starts.
Once you reach Deniyaya, you have to find a way to Reach Heyes Estate.
Option one is catching a bus from Deniyaya to Suriyakanda/Morning Side which goes via Heyes estate.
Or You have to hire a three-wheeler or Van.
Once you reach the Hayes estate, you have to start the difficult part from there. Road Condition from Hayes estate to Trail head is really worse. Public transportation is not available on this road and if you are planning to use three-wheeler, they will charge around 800-1000 (one way). If you are planning to go, there by your own vehicle you must need a vehicle with good ground clearance. So, I recommend the Motorbikes are the best mode of transportation for this.
Starting the Trek
Abandoned Doppler tower is the main landmark to identify the trail head. There is an office/Controlling center 250M right before the doppler tower. You can park the vehicles/bikes there and start the trek.
Small path (Trail Head) starts from the left side of the doppler tower. There are three Viewpoints in Gongala Range. It’s easy to find the 1st peak since there is a clear pathway to the 1st peak. Although its bit unclear the path to 3rd viewpoint, you might not get lost if you pay attention on your way towards 3rd peak.
3rd viewpoint itself provides a 360-degree viewpoint on a day with clear sky. It will take only 2 – 3 Hours up and down if you are in the right path
Pay your Attention
- Road Condition of the Hayes Estate to Doppler Tower (Trail Head) is really bad. So, pay your attention on this when planning the mode of Transportation.
- Carry Enough water. There are no water sources on your way to peak.
- Use leach replicants. Since this is a rain, you can’t predict the density of leeches. Situation will be really bad on a Rainy day.
- Avoid rainy and Misty and rainy days as much as possible to get a clear view on the top.
- On a misty day, it will be covered with mist and you might not be able to find the way back. And even on the normal days with good weather conditions, Situation will be changes within small time period. So be prepared and have an idea about your location and directions. If it is getting darker or unclear, try to get out of the area ASAP.
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.