Kandasamigala

Apparently, this mountain got its name because a young man named Kansami fell off the cliffs from the top of the rock. There was at one time an annual feast on the top of the rock by the old kovil, or shrine, that is there. Parts of the path still have steps and sculptures leading to the kovil.

There are at least two places to start this hike, one from Katool Oya Resort and the other from behind the Cargills Kist Knuckles Water Plant and through Venture Camps. Leech protection is highly recommended, since leeches are everywhere. Soaking shoes and socks with bug spray containing DEET works well.

Starting from the garden of the Katool Oya Resort, there is gate behind the driveway near the bungalow leading to a small, not very well maintained path. The trail is at first difficult to follow since it is not always clear and there are other trails branching through the tea plantation, but continue following the branches that lead to higher ground. After about 3/4 km, you meet the much more clear trail that comes up from the Cargills Kist Knuckles Water Plant through Venture Camps. Turn left and uphill here and follow the trail up to the top of the mountain, where there is an old Kovil. To get the best view from the top of the steep cliffs, you need to climb up through the trees behind the Kovil where there are a few openings in the vegetation allowing for fantastic views on a clear day. Be careful not to suffer the fate of poor Kansami, though.

On the way down, we took the more used trail through Venture Camps, stopping to enjoy the waterfall there, and then walked down to the Kist Knuckles Water Plant. Because the ends of the trail pass through, or by, privately-run lodges, it is best to contact them first.