The waterfalls flow again-by Raveendra Welagedara
Source:Sundaytimes
After a prolonged drought, heavy rains brought water back to the iconic waterfalls in Bulathkohupitiya in Kegalle.
Locals can see these cascading waterfalls by visiting Bulathkohupitiya town from Kegalle on Bulathkohupitiya road, or from Avissawella on Bulathkohupitiya road and from there on Dedugala road.
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Nalagana Ella has swelled, creating an attractive sight, due to the heavy rains experienced in the area over the last several days. Lapping sounds and the splish of water could be heard from a distance. The waterfalls are one of the most magnificent natural wonders and is a huge tourist attraction.
After going about six kilometres on the Dedugala road, we first came across a waterfall in the Sivagiri area of Udapota, which is called Rikilla Falls. According to the Lanka Waterfall Forum, this is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and its height is about 90 metres. This is located next to the Dedugala road and a large number of tourists have come to visit this waterfall during the weekend.
Nalagana Falls, located at Dedugala around 9 kilometres east of Bulathkohupitiya and approximately 40 kilometres from the adventure-filled town of Kitulgala, comprises several chutes of water. Each of these chutes reach a height of approximately 40 metres. The falls are also known as the Ritigaha Oya Falls, named because it springs from a tributary of the Kelani River called the Ritigaha Oya.
Nalagana means “dancing woman”; this waterfall looks like the hair of a dancing woman.
The freshwater of Ritigaha Oya contains many endemic fish species such as Black ruby barb (Bulath Hapaya), Bandula barb (Bandula Pethiya), and black mahseer (Lella).
Passing the Nalagana Falls and moving forward about five kilometres on the Dedugala Road, you will find another waterfall. That is Rukmal Falls, with a height of around five metres.
There are two safe bathing spots for visitors in this area. One of them is in Ritgaha Oya in Rangalla, Kalupahana, and the other place can be seen in Mandawala. During holidays, a large number of people come to bathe in Mandawala, where there is a natural spring.
