Funday Times

Gaveshaka continues the fascinating trip across waterfalls in association with Lanka Council of Waterfalls

Waterfall amidst a bat colony
The 45m Wawulpana fall is one of nature's unique creations. It is an internal waterfall within a prehistoric limestone cave, which according to Sri Lankan and French scientists who came here on an expedition in 1960, is 500 billion years old. It is the oldest such cave on the island and the millions of bats that have set up home here is an awe-inspiring sight.

The cave is 135m in length and has two parallel doors. In addition to the main cave, 12 others can be found here. To the right above the door is the bat colony and the cave in which they give birth is known as the 'Malwathu (Garden) Room. It can be dangerous however, as reptiles slither their way inside, attracted by the presence of the bats' young. The limestone formation covers an area of 52 square kilometres. Within the cave is a limestone pit, which is still growing. There are fossilised remains of an animal here. Adjacent to this is a layer of sea coral. So many and varied are the attractions of the cave.

Around 100 plants unique to Sri Lanka thrive in the area surrounding the fall. The calcium carbonate, iron hydroxide and magnesium that cause the yellow-coloured water in the aquifers, is believed by village elders to cure skin ailments.

The fall is located in the Wavulpane limestone caves at Walapane village in the Ratnapura District . Take the road from Pelmadulla towards Embilipitiya for 15km, then turn on the Sanwardene Mawatha road up to Walapane school. It is a trek of 1km across the proposed new Walapane highway to reach the fall.

Pandioya Falls, another waterfall in the Ratnapura district, is 45m in height and enclosed by woodland. Its name derives from the 'pandi' (Garra ceylonensis) species of fish that are a formidable sight swimming upstream along the rocks, against the flow of water. The fall's source is the Pandi river, which springs from the nearby Bathgurula mountain (1045m), south-west of the Sri Pada reserve. It later flows to the Kaluganga. Bambarakanda provides a stunning backdrop.

Take the Wevelwatte highway in the Ratnapura District via Gilimale to Bibile village. From here it is a tortuous trek of 6km through assorted flora and creepers. There is no defined path so it is necessary to hire a local guide. There is a bus service as far as Bibile. The nearest city is Ratnapura which is 24km away

Another fall less than 50m high is Hunnas Falls situated a little away from Kandy. It is located at Hunnasgiriya, 1765m above sea level at one end of the Knuckles mountain range. A group of five streams flow from here and meet to form the Mahaoya reservoir, which leads on to Hunnas Falls (48m high and 12m wide) and the Suduganga.

Above the fall lies 32 hectares of land with an artificial lake and patch of jungle, which belong to Hunnas Hotel. The woodland consists of cyprus, pyness (pines), teak, pihimbiya, huna and ratadel. Numerous types of orchids also grow here. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, porcupine, monkey, mongoose, wild boar, pangolin and the forest eagle owl, while the water is alive with fish. The area is subject to every climatic condition of the island.

During the colonial era, a British national owned tea plantations near the fall. He had a flower garden, artificial pool and golf course put up for his wife. Local villagers believe that during times of prolonged drought, the Gambara deviyo is seen carrying a torch through the mountains at midnight.

Hunnas Falls can be reached by taking the Kandy - Matale road for 18km, turning at Wattegama on to Elkaduwa road and travel 3km along the beautiful country road through the Hunnasgiriya State Plantations to Imbulapitiya. The fall is at the foot of the Hunnas Hotel.

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