W15 To Galaha (One way on Sri Lankas Tea Country Trail) 9.9 Km
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 6.17 mi
- Elevation gain
- 879 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 1,112 ft
- Max elevation
- 3,501 ft
- TrailRank
- 24
- Min elevation
- 2,546 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- one hour 59 minutes
- Coordinates
- 180
- Uploaded
- November 9, 2021
- Recorded
- November 2021
near Uduwelewatta Colony, Central (Sri Lanka)
Viewed 179 times, downloaded 5 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 can be self-guided or guided. If you wish for it to be guided please contact us at W15 and we will guide you. If you prefer to do it on your own you can have a vehicle or a tuk-tuk to take you back to the hotel.
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. Don't 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
Waypoint
0 ft
Turn left here
Intersection
Information point
0 ft
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.
Waypoint
0 ft
Rathnasiri Wickramanayake National Training Center
This is the training centre for Tea Small Holdings Development Authority, which looks after all Sri Lanka’s Small Holdings.
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.
Summit
0 ft
Katusu Konda Peak
Katusu Konda (or Kanda) is a peak in the Hanthana Range, named due to its resembling the back of a lizard (Katussa in Sinhala). The peak is very narrow, and it can get very windy, but the views over the Knuckles, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Monaragala, Alagalla and Hunnasgiriya are breath-taking.
Intersection
0 ft
Turn RIGHT Here
Intersection
Religious site
0 ft
Udakanda Sri Sangaraja Aranya Senasanaya Bhuddist Shrine
This is a well-known monastery where the Buddhist monks of Weliwita Sangaraja Thera reside. It is also the site of some caves beneath the rocks.
Waypoint
0 ft
Tea Shed
As the name implies, tea sheds are used by the tea estates to collect tea from the pluckers. You will find them all over the tea country, and when not being used by the pluckers, they are excellent shelters from the sun, or monsoon winds or rains.
Waypoint
0 ft
Village
Pass through a traditional tea country village.
Religious site
0 ft
Hindu temple
There are many Hindu temples in the hills, due the number of Tamil Hindus in the tea country.
Waypoint
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Donaly bungalow, Galaha
This is the Assistant Superintendent's Bungalow
Summit
0 ft
Uragala Peak
At 411m, Uragala is the highest peak in the Hanthana range. Adjoining Katusu Konda, there are also caves under this peak.
Religious site
0 ft
Buddha atop a large rock
As you pass a large flat rock on your left (great for a drinks stop or picnic), on the right, atop a large rock, sits a wonderful Buddha statue, overlooking the trail, and the valley behind you.
Tree
0 ft
Forrest
Forrest
Information point
0 ft
Galaha Town
Galaha Town is one the of the main towns in the area, at an elevation of about 700 metres (2,300 ft), it is one of the first tea planted areas in Sri Lanka and is administrated by Deltota Divisional secretariat and Patahewaheta Pradeshiya Sabah. Galaha is a cool wet mountain area with green hills and natural water sources. At the entrance to the town is the now deserted Gallaha tea factory.
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