One
Saturday, we decided to travel Mandaram Nuwara. Because of it is not a common
destination for local or foreign people like Nuwara Eliya. We started by Kandy
train from Colombo. There were more passengers due to the weekend. Therefore we could not get a chance to sit
once. Whatever our eyes always following the nature’s wonder in that way.
At
10.00 a.m., we could reach to Kandy and took our breakfast from one of
restaurant (near the Kandy Railway Station), herein foods are not expensive and
they gave a better service for all. Next we waited until our one of friend
come. After she arrived, we went to private bus stand and took Padiyapalella
Bus. This bus drives till edge of Mandaram Nuwara. So we seated on the end of
the line. Our five gangsters were friskers including me. We could make a smile
on their faces during the bus journey. We shared our junk foods with small
children and that journey about more than 3 hours.
In
that way, we could pass Walpola, Rikillagaskada and Padiyapalella. Mandaram
Nuwara is the last village of bordering Piduruthalagala forest.
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Carved Rock
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Villagers
described their village with folk tales as a part of ancient period. Mandaram
Nuwara is way to reach Piduruthalagala, and Sri Paada. And it is one of small
village like Meemure. It is believed that the history of Mandaram Nuwara and
Hanguranketa goes back to the time of Kingdom of Upcountry (Kandy). Therein
lush greenery area had been a refuge for kings of that era from British invaders.
When enemies were invading the kingdom of Upcountry time to time, the king of
Rajasinghe journeyed far and wide to different places seeking refuge. It is
said Mandaram Nuwara and Hanguranketa were such hideout and he had remained
there with queen and concubines under the protection from villagers.
We already had
decided to stay in one of friend’s home. But he was not there when we came. But
his parent and sister welcomed us warmly. Hence our guider became his sister.
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Wearing as Hanuman
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Mandaram
Nuwara has many waterfalls such as Kolapathana Ella, Hollangala Ella, Andawela
Ella, Gorakamadiththa Ella and Katugashinna Ella. Unfortunately we
could able to visit Kolapathana Ella and Hollagala Ella cause of our one night
trip schedule.
The
way of Kolapathana is very similar like Meemure. We had to step, climb and pass
a lonely, properly silent area where cattle are waited alone for the
agriculture duties and to find their own foods by grazing the fresh and lush
grass. In that way, we could see some cultivated area for tomatoes, pumpkin and
cabbage. At the same time, flowers had decorated a rock with colorful petals
and leaves. I could not believe my eyes for these wonders in nature and god’s
love in this village. Because of the reason is there were no people like
Buddhist or Hindus. They are people who kept in God’s hand with mixed culture.
Every people go to Devala (Kovil) in the morning to pray and take blesses from
Hanuman. And we could able to visit a newly constructing temple of the inside
of Village. To view this temple, we used another way from our home. In the
evening, people who come and worship there. So we planned to climb there in the
evening. Sometimes, a handrail helped me to reach there. In that way, we could
see Orange and Guava trees. Inside of the temple have a Bo Tree Shrine and a
big statue of the Lord Buddha.
We
next made our way to see a Perahera (Processions).
This is not common; travelers rarely can see this in the way of Mandaram
Nuwara. At that time, clutching onto a
rock and climbing trees, we could able to see that Perahera. It came from
Hanuman Kovil and ended from Temple. All the villagers participated with their
children to Perahera. They danced sand and teased us once time.
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| a waterfall |
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| Growing Oranges |
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A cultivated area
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On next day, we went to Hollangala Ella
and enjoyed in that place, but time was running away so without going through
full circle. We returned to our home and got ready to leave. We thanked to that
family for all grace, being guide and gave meals. That moment was very sad
because many villagers were waiting to say goodbye for us. I wanted to thank
the panoramic vistas of nature’s wonder. We could take the arduous trek,
nevertheless as it narrates a hidden interesting place since ancient time.
Mandaram Nuwara will surely interest for adventurers and nature loving people.
But do not please spoil the pristine environment. Leave only your footprints.
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By Sanduni
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