Yahangala is a hiking area which is situated in the central highlands of the island. It is the rock where the great King Ravana was laid to rest after he lost the battle to Lord Rama and was finally killed by the latter. ‘Yahangala’ means ‘bed rock’ in Sinhala and all the king’s countrymen came to pay their last respects to their great king. The king’s body is said to be hidden on the left side of Yahangala. Hike to Yahangala is by no means an easy task. Yahangala is also believed to be protected by the local god “Galē Bandāra”.
This is a place travelers have to come with good intention, because there were enough incidents that the environment or some spiritual powers has been punished travelers who came with bad intention. (elephant attack, wasp, all kinds of venomous snake bites and getting lost). As long you love the flora and fauna and leave only foot prints behind, you are good to go.
Summit of Yahangala
The top of Yahangala spans a large flat area. No large trees are visible in the area, which villagers believe to be one of the miracles of Yahangala. The spot is ideal for camping and also provides stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding vistas. Velangolla Pathana, Kehelpathdoruwa and Mahaweli River are clearly visible from the summit.
Hike to Yahangala
The climb to Yahangala starts from the right side of the mountain along the Velangolla Pathana which leads to the mountain from its rear side. Although the other route is much shorter the hike is more difficult because of the large number of boulders found along the path. Hikers should be aware of elephants which are commonly sighted along the route to Yahangala. Hikers should also carry bottles of water as they tend to get very thirsty along the way. Many people tend to cut short the hike due to lack of water which makes it impossible to continue the journey.
Getting to Yahangala
The site is accessed through Ranaviru Shokarathne Mawatha near the 29th kilometer post on the Galewela – Andiyagala road. 4.5 km along this remote road you will reach a small temple at the base of the rock. It is also possible to reach this site by taking the by road from Bulanawewa from the Bulanawewa Temple on the Galewela – Andiyagala road.
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