Namunukula is one of the giants risen separately from the well-known main mountain ranges in Sri Lanka. It’s a kind of mountain which should be in your bucket list. Namunukula range is situated in the Badulla District in Sri Lanka. It has named as Namunukula with the meaning of “Nine Peaks” and its highest peaks reach over 6600ft above the sea level.
How to reach
The Mountain range can be reached via two main entry points.
– Via Spring valley
– Via Third Mile Post
Convenient way to reach both the entry points is travel via Badulla. There are two ways two reach Badulla by Public Transport.
Reach Badulla By Bus
– There is a frequent bus service from pettah private and Public bus terminal to Badulla. Every hour there is a bus from Private bus terminal. If it’s a long weekend, the situation can be different. There will be huge crowd and you might have to stay 2-3 hours to get in to bus and still you might not be able to catch a seat. Standing 6 hours in the Badulla bus will be a nightmare for anyone. So, for a hassle-free trip. It’s better to reserve your seat early through busbooking.com
– Other most favorite option is getting in to the Badulla Night Mail. In a long weekend situation will be the same as the 1st option. But the experience is so different because, this is the everyone’s favorite hill country train ride in Sri Lanka. Train Will leave from fort station at 7.30 pm and it will reach to Badulla at 6.30 in the morning
Route 01 – From Badulla Via Third Mile Post
The shortest trail starts from the Third Milepost entry point, which is located on the Badulla – Passara A5 road. The Third Milepost can be reached from Badulla via public/private transport within 30 minutes (approx. 7km). The trailhead is located in an estate called Glep Alpin. A small public bus is available from the Third Milepost to the said estate. From that point onwards it’s a 2-hour hike to the summit.
Route 01 – From Badulla Via Spring Valley
The Spring Valley route is situated in a small village called Memale, passing Spring Valley. This trail is famous among hikers for its rich natural beauty. The village can be reached by public bus from Badulla via the B97 road. The bus nearing the end of its journey turns on to a by-road offspring Valley to reach Memale. That’s where the memale bus route ends. From That point to trail head you have to walk another 1km through the Tamil Houses (Line Houses). It might be little bit difficult to find the starting point because there are so many foot paths those have been used by the villagers for tea plucking. But make sure to get confirmed with the locals (tea Pluckers) those you will meet on your way up. Then you will be on the right path. Once you enter to the Pinus patch, there is a clear foot path. At the end of the Pinus patch you have to enter into the green forest. There is a well-maintained foot path up until the peak (Maintained by Uwa wellassa University students). You will not Miss the path easily.
Note – Some busses and not going to memale. Those are directly going to Spring Valley without turning towards Memale. Make sure to get it confirmed with the conductor or Passenger. If It’ is not going to memale, get off from the Memale Junction. There are around 4Km from there to Memale. It will cost you 400 LKR for a TUK TUK or You can walk towards Memale all the 4Kms.
Route 02 – From Badulla Via Third Mile Post
The shortest trail starts from the Third Milepost entry point, which is located on the Badulla – Passara A5 road. The Third Milepost can be reached from Badulla via public/private transport within 30 minutes (approx. 7km). The trailhead is located in an estate called Glep Alpin. A small public bus is available from the Third Milepost to the said estate. From that point onwards it’s a 2-hour hike to the summit.
Camping Sites
The Namunukula summit is a large flat area containing few open spaces for camping. Within those spaces, plenty of room can be found to raise a tent and light a campfire. The hikes from both Spring Valley and the Third Milepost are of moderate difficulty. It is advisable to take an adequate supply of drinking water. There is a well on the top where you can take water for cleaning purposes. But the water is not clean and Not drinkable due to our fellow travelers’ activities. Although setting up camp is fairly easy at the top, the weather can change considerably during the night. So, it is wise to go prepared for cold/wet conditions.
Only place where you can find drinkable water in Namunukula is Pinus patch that you come across before the thick forest patch on your why towards the peak. It’s approximately 2-3 KM away from the peak (Camping Area). You can Camp in the Pinus patch as well. It’s covered with Pinus trees and Wind wont trouble you or your tent. If you want to Fix a Hammock, This area is the best option for that.
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.