Friday, 24 January 2014 09:41
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Text and Pix by P.D. de Silva
If you wake up to the gurgling of the Menik Ganga in a chalet, thatched hut or a tent under the shade of a majestic Kumbuk or Na tree you have to be at Medalanda Eco Resort and Camp site at Katugahagalge, Buttala!
Situated on a secluded 10 acre plot of land it is a perfect spot to experience the rugged life in the dry zone. There are two twin chalets with attached bathrooms built in to a rock outcrop on the banks of the Menik Ganga and another situated 100 metres downstream. There are five more chalets away from the river bank and two tree houses nearing completion. The thatched hut with more than twenty camp beds would be ideal accommodation for a group or else you can pitch a tent where ever you please!
A communal kitchen and dining hall are the only other buildings on the property. Staff is minimal with only ‘Thilak’ the caretaker at hand. The services of an obliging cook who would dish up wonders with the fresh produce grown on the property are available on request. The shallow natural pool in the Menik Ganga opposite the chalets is an ideal spot to spend many hours cooling off.
Buttala is reachable by travelling 238 kilometres from Colombo on the A4 trunk road. You have to turn left on to the B35 which is the Buttala – Badalkumbura Road and travel six kilometres to the turn off to Katugahagalge Rajamaha Viharaya which has a history going back to the days of King Dutugemunu. Medalanda Avenue a gravel road way leading to the camp site is on the left when travelling from Buttala. A trishaw charges Rs. 350 for the seven kilometre journey from Buttala.
Folklore states that Therapuththabhaya one of King Dutugemunu’s ten giant warriors meditated at this temple during the period the two brothers Gemunu and Tissa waged war against each other for the throne of Ruhuna.
The resort’s nature trail although not demarcated or paved covers the perimeter of the property and passes a few caves on a 150 foot hillock.
A few bricks strewn here and there was evidence that the caves had been shelter to humans in years gone by. Possibly, Buddhist monks who resided at the Katugahagalge Raja Maha Viharaya or hermits would have come here to meditate.
There is an abundance of fauna as well as flora with swallow’s nests on the roof of the caves. There were plenty of porcupine, pangolins and a few deer roaming in the vicinity. The beautiful Namunukula range of hills is visible to the North. Trees and giant creepers which have escaped the axe of loggers give shade to the caves and pathway.
Buttala is a convenient stop over on your way to Arugambay or Pothuwil or even Kataragama. There are many historic places of interest such as the Katugahagalge Raja Maha Viharaya, Dematamal Viharya, Buduruwagala, Budugalgeya and Yudaganawa close by.
