W15 Buffalo Pass Hike (There And Back From W15) 3.3 Km
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 2.08 mi
- Elevation gain
- 600 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 600 ft
- Max elevation
- 3,589 ft
- TrailRank
- 25
- Min elevation
- 2,959 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 40 minutes
- Coordinates
- 444
- Uploaded
- November 9, 2021
- Recorded
- November 2021
near Uduwelewatta Colony, Central (Sri Lanka)
Viewed 52 times, downloaded 3 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
This walk has been created by one of W15's resident naturalists and hikers. The technical profile of this walk is DIFFICULT and cannot be self-guided - please note that there is a section where the path narrows and there are steps that can be slippery during the rainy period. Please contact us at W15 and we will guide you.
HIKING TIPS
Learn as much as possible about Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Tea Country – the different cultures and values. Learn some Tamil and Sinhala don’t be afraid to use them – a few words in the local language will make your interaction with the locals all the more enjoyable.
Learn what’s appropriate behaviour and body language. If in doubt ask your guide or the hotel or accommodation staff. Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. Dont hike with your shirt off. Dress modestly at religious sites and check with us what swimwear is suitable for pools and rivers.
Always ask first before photographing or videoing people. Respect social distancing, especially in times like these. Avoid giving gifts or money to people you have just met. Never give money to children directly. Ask us if you would like to support a local initiative that helps children.
Supporting the community through a local school, clinic, or development project is more constructive. If you would like to donate to a local community project, we can help you channel the funds.
Wear comfortable and light-weight clothes. The climate can change quickly so it is advisable to be prepared. Take an extra layer or a jumper as it can get quite chilly. The hotel can provide umbrellas if needed.
The terrain can be unsteady sometimes, hence it is advisable to wear walking shoes if possible. The hotel can provide wellington boots and walking sticks.
On longer walks, the hotel can provide refreshments if required. Kindly let us know in advance.
During or after rainy weather, you may encounter leeches, especially when walking ‘off road’. We have a few pairs of leech socks that you are welcome to borrow. If one attaches to you, try to resist the urge to pull it off; leech bites are not dangerous or painful, just annoying. If it hasn't attached to you yet, flick the leech away with your fingers.
Waypoints
Intersection
0 ft
W15 Back Gate Intersection
Here is where the road from our back gate joins the trail above our property. Galaha is to the left and Kandy to the right. In this case take the left fork.
Waypoint
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This Sugar Cane Quarantine Station
This Sugar Cane Quarantine Station is run by the Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI), a statutory body here in Sri Lanka. Their role is to prevent the introduction of alien pests and diseases.
Summit
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Buffalo Rock
Buffalo Rock
Summit
0 ft
Buffalo Pass
Wild buffaloes roam this area, and whilst they are not normally "dangerous" and will generally leave you alone, it is advisable to respect them and their space, and also leave them alone. An angry or agitated buffalo will be less friendly!
Religious site
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Hindu Shrine
With so many Hindus in the tea country, shrines like these are common place. Many Hindus will make an offering, or perform a "puja" (Sanskrit for worship). Often on these shrines, there will be a lingam, an abstract representation of the the Hindu God Shiva, and sometimes a trident, the weapon of Shiva. A candle, or oil flame is often lit, together with incense; and there are normally brightly coloured cloths wrapped around the nearby tree, or other colourful objects.
River
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Small River
There is a small river crossing here. During the rainy period the river flow can be strong but its nevertheless easy to cross.
Intersection
0 ft
Turn RIGHT Here
Intersection
Information point
0 ft
Tea Plant Nursery
Tea bushes don't last forever, and are normally replanted every 30 or so years. Here is where the new tea cuttings reside before they find their new homes in the tea fields.
Information point
0 ft
The Mid Country Regional Centre
The Mid Country Regional Centre of the TRI was established at Hantane in 1960, initially with the view of testing improved tea cultivars, with its scope being subsequently broadened to cater to the technological and extension service demands of the area. The centre focuses its activities mainly in Kandy and Matale districts where about 20% of total tea extent of the country is present. In addition to disseminating the knowledge on relevant agricultural technologies and issuing planting materials to the stakeholders of the area, research activities are also undertaken in the five disciplines of Agronomy, Entomology and Nematology, Plant Breeding, Soils and Plant Nutrition and Agriculture Economics.
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