Pettigala hike – epic views of Central Highlands
– By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Located approximately 20 kilometers from Kandy City, Pettigala (also known as “Pethiyagala”) in *Teldeniya in the Kandy district is well-known as a hiking area. Pettigala is a moderately tall mountain situated at an elevation of 760 meters, with an altitude variation of 200 meters. During the hike, many tourists visit *Bambaragala Buddhist Temple (situated at the commencement of the hike), too. History of the Temple dates to 2000 years and its incredible cave paintings and statues are proof of its ancient history.
During the route to Bambaragala Buddhist Temple and Pettigala from Kandy to Digana, prominent landmarks are Mahaweli Ganga (*Mahaweli River) and Victoria Golf Club Road.
Pettigala hike starts from the top of the stone steps of the Bambaragala Buddhist Temple. Although, not immediately obvious, there is a well-worn trail which continues towards the forest past the top level of the steps. If it is difficult to locate the trail, visitors can ask Buddhist monks in the Temple for directions.
The hike is moderate and can be climbed by veteran as well as novices. The trail consists of thick undergrowth and in certain locations, it is steep, although, after 200 meters of the hike, a grassy clearing with several large boulders can be seen. This is a good viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the Central Highlands as well as *Victoria Dam.
The most spectacular view from Pettigala can be seen from a flat rocky outcrop a few hundred meters to the right of the first clearing. It is easy to navigate to this viewpoint by following the worn sections in the grass, probably utilized by hikers during their trail to Pettigala. Many travelers hike Pettigala to view gorgeous sunrise or sunset views…
- Mahaweli River – Sri Lanka’s longest river, 335 kilometers in length with a drainage basin of 10,448km2.
- Teldeniya – Situated approximately 20 kilometers from Kandy, Teldeniya was submerged during construction of the *Victoria Dam.
- Victoria Dam – Located in *Teldeniya, Victoria Dam is an arch dam named in honor of Queen Victoria, former Empress of the British Empire. Its main purposes are irrigation and hydroelectric power production. Victoria dam is a concrete structure with a double curving arch. The United Kingdom provided funds for the construction of the Dam. It was declared open on April 14, 1985. The journey to the dam is approximately an hour from Kandy City.
Location: Approximately 20 kilometers from Kandy City
Duration of the hike: One hour
Elevation: 760 meters
Tips: Wear or bring a long-sleeved shirt/ blouse that covers the shoulder and wear knee length pants as the hike to Pettigala is through Bambaragala Buddhist Temple.
Directions: From Kandy travel along Kandy – Mahiyangane – Padiyatalawa Road towards Digana. After passing Digana, travel towards Bambaragala Raja Maha Viharaya situated in Henagahawela Village in Teldeniya, Kandy.
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https://www.elanka.com.au/bambaragala-raja-maha-viharaya-cave-temple-with-serene-vistas
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https://www.elanka.com.au/teldeniya-location-of-indiana-jones-and-the-temple-of-doom
