Dumbara Falls

Dumbara Falls

ROUTE:

Kandy – Hunnasgiriya – Loolwatte Road

IMPORTANT FACTS AND POINTS TO REMEMBER:

·         Conserve the environment for future generations.

·         Refrain from polluting the environment that benefits the nation.

Dedicated to all passionatetourists.

I wonder what makes the Knuckles range so enchanting. Perhaps it is the mist that often hovers the hills or the mighty four-cornered mountains. Tempted by the eye catching, mind blowing view, I decided to explore the facts of the Knuckles Mountain Range. I began my journey across the 4 mountains by first stepping foot on Raththota, then at Riverston, then at Bambaralla and finally at Hunnasgiriya. 

Dumbara is a term that stands for misty in Sinhala. I believe the ancestors of Sri Lanka were so mesmerized by the cloudy mist surrounding the mountains, they could not help but name it Dumbara. The western part of this range was famous for its vast distribution of bamboo trees and hence this area was also given the name of “Bata Dandu Kanda” which translates as Bamboo shoot mountain in Sinhala.  With regard to Geology, the British began to refer to this as the Knuckles range due to its distant resemblance to a fist with knuckles denoting the points of the mountain.

The Knuckles Range is one of the top tourist attraction spots in Sri Lanka thanks to its breath taking views and comforting climate. It also bears a great deal of importance in terms of bio diversity and hydroscience.

Dumbaraforest range consists of a few spots considered as mini towns;home to a small population of civilians. The facility level in these areas is of a lesser degree and the residents live in rather harsh economic conditions. However, amidst all the hardship, this small community has adapted its own style of living, breathing fresh air, while maintaining a close interaction with the forest.Tiny water droplets that fall out of clouds drizzle over sparkling evergreen leaves of the forest. These drops then turn into fresh water streams that run through the neighborhood all year round regardless of the rain. As much as its beauty amazes the seeking eye, the residents of Dumbara have accustomed to its glory and made it an impartible aspect of their lives.

It is also important to note that though globalization plays a vital role in modernization, the introduction of modern road ways into highly culture centric villages may impact their life style. As such authorities need to be sensitive towards these matters when making development plans.

The Dumbara mountain range is situated in both Matale and Kandy district and it is nourished by both monsoon seasons of the country. It also acts as the main source of water for the Mahaweli River.

Hulu River, Kalu River, HasalakaOya and TheligamaOya are some of the streams that begin from the Dumbara peak. It also facilitates waterfalls such as Ratkinda Ella, Meemure Ella, VaddaPani Ella, Seru Ella, Rathna Ella and Hulu Ganga Ella.

During certain seasons, the Dumbara forest range can become quite windy. Plants that are mostly affected by this condition are well branched and have nodes on their trunks. The strong wind has also resulted in geological changes such as wind breaks.

There are 3 main routes you can use to enter the Dumbara forest range:

·         Illukkumbura across Matale and Raththota.

·         Meemure across Hunnasgiriya and Deanston.

·         Bambarella.

The first route will lead you to Riverston, Pitavalapathana, Seru Ella and ThelgamuOya as well as a tourist center at Illukkumbura.

The second route will lead you to the mini world’s end, Dothalugala, Vedilunu cave and Meemure. You will also find a tourist center at Deanston on your way to these destinations.

The third route will lead you to the Hulu River Falls, though no entry is provided. Towards the end of Bambarella, you will be able to view few other mountain peaks beyond the Knuckles range. No access is provided to these mountains though development authorities intend to do so in the near future.

If you wish to explore the knuckles range or even tour it, do keep in mind that it is an obligation by a statute of law to obtain permission from a General at the Forest Conservation Department in Sri Lanka prior to entering the region.

Cardamom cultivation has become one of the greatest threats to this area causing geological destructions such as soil erosion and earth slips. Other threats to nature include farming, wild beast invasion (buffalo) of forest reserves, non-degradable pollutants left behind by tourists, wild fires and burning land for cultivation purposes.

Conservation of the Knuckles range not only benefits the local residents but also the entire country and world at large. Without a second thought, I believe necessary measures need to be taken to ensure such major eco systems are conserved for future generations to come. As the biggest consumer of Mother Nature, protection of the environment needs to be enforced as one of mankind’s prime duties.

If tourists refrain from throwing away plastic food wraps or covers and slide them into their pockets or bags instead, it can create a positive impact on the environment. Little acts can make a big difference. It may seem like a little mistake that is negligible but collectively it can harm the environment with long term effects. We cannot call ourselves ecofriendly people until we adapt such habits into our life style. If tiny droplets can form a stream then so can a few ecofriendly acts help save the environment. So let’s support this notion!