As I emphasized in my Wangedigala blog, there are few locations (peaks) in Sri lanka where you can experience the heavenly view above the clouds and covered hill tops. Narangala is one of those few locations which will enchant travelers with its magnificent view.
Narangala is located in Badullla District in Uva province and, it is said to be the 6th highest peak in Badulla district which lies at an elevation of 1527m above sea level. Sometime back, it had been recognized as the 2nd highest peak after Namunukula, however according to the recent estimations it has become the 6th highest peak in Badulla.
It will take around one or two hours for an average person to reach the summit. It will be an easy hike so even if you’re a beginner you could probably try. Let’s see how we can get there.
If you are coming from Colombo by your private vehicle, you can reach the trail head easily via Hali ela. If you are using public transport, You can reach Badulla Either By Bus or Train.
Reaching Badulla By Bus
– There is a frequent bus service which operates from Pettah private and Public bus terminal to Badulla. There is a bus which departs the Private bus terminal every hour. If it’s a long weekend, the situation can be different. There will be a huge crowd and you might have to stay in the queue for 2-3 hours to get into a bus and still you might not be able to catch a seat. Standing for 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
– Second most favorite option is getting into the Badulla Night Mail and it’s the most scenic train ride in south Asia. In a long weekend, situation will be the same as in the 1st option. But the experience is so different because, this is everyone’s favorite hill country train ride in Sri Lanka. The train will depart from fort station at 7.30 pm and it will reach to Badulla at 6.30 in the morning.
From Badulla, you can take the Kandegedara bus or Galauda bus to reach Narangala. There are two famous trail heads to reach the summit of Narangala, one from Tangamale devalaya and the other is from Keenakale side. Keenakale side is commonly used by the villagers, and it is less adventurous compared to the other side.
Things to Consider.
– If you are camping there, carry enough water because there are no water sources on top or on your way to fill your bottles
– Avoid Long weekends since it will be crowded on long weekends ( Narangala is restricted for Camping due to heavy amount of disposal of waste has cost an server environmental impact to the area. And things will be changed after the 2nd wave of covid 19 in sri lanka – may 2021)
– There are no big trees on the top and it’s covered with a Mana forest. On dry seasons Bush fires can be easily happen. This happens on every year. When you are cooking or preparing the campfire consider that as well. Other wise you will be in a huge trouble in the middle of your journey.
– There are leeches on rainy season so be prepared with repellent. Try to avoid rainy days since the peak is fully open, lightning and thunderstorms can strike on this kind of open peaks and it will be one of most frightening hazards a hiker may encounter.
– If you are going out from the tent during night time, consider about your surroundings and watch where you walk. There are lot of steep areas on the top. There are few death records on the peak most of the times campers had come from the tent in the mid night and had fallen from over the steep areas. So keep that in mind
This is a famous camping ground in Sri Lanka. Because of the easiness and the beauty of sunrise, most of the travelers tend to camp here. So I have seen lot of plastics and polythene on the top which is disappointing to see people polluting the nature. Be a responsible traveler. You might not be able to clean or bring all the garbage out there. But make sure to bring down each and everything what you carried up.
Enjoy the journey.