Ritigaha Oya is a tributary of the Kelani river which flows down from the Dolosbage mountains past Bulathkohupitiya on its way to meet the Kelani river.
The drive proper starts from the backwater town of Bulathkohupitiya where time seems to stand still. Drive along the narrow B grade road towards Dedugala. On the way, you would experience numerous waterfalls, pass through rubber and tea estates and enjoy panoramic views; you would ascend almost 3000 feet with about 25 hairpin bends in a matter of 7 miles; you will experience village life which doesn't seem to have changed much over the past few decades.
If you wish, you can extend your journey by traveling from Ihala Pelampitiya to Dolosbage on a road which is a mixture of well carpeted stretches, areas where there are more pot holes in the road than tar and even a stretch through estate line houses where you may need to consider engaging 4WD. The effort taken to navigate this stretch will not be regretted as you will experience panoramic scenery right throughout.
Unlike most parts of the country, this entire stretch consists of small towns and villages - there are no restaurants, hotels or super markets to be found so its best to be prepared before you venture on your journey. Of course this means that this area is relatively untouched by the regular tourist which is a blessing in this day and age.
The drive proper starts from the backwater town of Bulathkohupitiya where time seems to stand still. Drive along the narrow B grade road towards Dedugala. On the way, you would experience numerous waterfalls, pass through rubber and tea estates and enjoy panoramic views; you would ascend almost 3000 feet with about 25 hairpin bends in a matter of 7 miles; you will experience village life which doesn't seem to have changed much over the past few decades.
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| Ritigaha Oya flows serenely by |
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| Yummy! |
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| Want to know what it feels like walking on a bridge that sways all the way? We couldn't resist taking a walk on this suspension bridge. |
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| An ancient Walawwa at an amazing location for a holiday bungalow |
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| One of the roadside beauties, sadly there was hardly any water at the time we visited |
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| The dry season is to blame for the low water flow. However, de-forestation and mini hydro power stations are certainly not helping. |
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| Easily the most beautiful waterfall on this route. Sadly though the water flow has drastically reduced due to mini hydro power stations built upstream. |
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| Heed the warning, this is not a safe place to bathe. We heard that there was a bathing spot at the top of the waterfall accessible from a different route. |
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| Despite the lack of water, she was still so beautiful |
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| One of the numerous hair pin bends. This road puts the more famous 18 hair pin bend route at Mahiyangana to shame. |
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| Another roadside beauty |
If you wish, you can extend your journey by traveling from Ihala Pelampitiya to Dolosbage on a road which is a mixture of well carpeted stretches, areas where there are more pot holes in the road than tar and even a stretch through estate line houses where you may need to consider engaging 4WD. The effort taken to navigate this stretch will not be regretted as you will experience panoramic scenery right throughout.
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| The groundwork has been done for carpeting this stretch with tar |
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| Route to heaven? Such bliss driving along this stretch |
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| The route through the estate, a vehicle with high clearance is needed for this stretch |
Unlike most parts of the country, this entire stretch consists of small towns and villages - there are no restaurants, hotels or super markets to be found so its best to be prepared before you venture on your journey. Of course this means that this area is relatively untouched by the regular tourist which is a blessing in this day and age.
