Uthuwankanda – hideout of “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka” – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Glimpse of a rock similar to a chimney can be seen in the distance when traveling on Colombo-Kandy Road in close proximity to *Kadugannawa. Uthuwankanda standing at approximately 430 meters (1410 feet) above sea level was the hideout of Saradiel. The rock has memories of Saradiel (Dekirikewage Saradiel also known as “Uthuwankande Soora Saradiel” by locals), a bandit who later became a gang leader. Saradiel is popular among Sri Lankans as the “Robin Hood of Sri Lanka” as he used to rob from the rich and distributed the wealth thus robbed, among the poor. He was also a highway robber, yet, had been popular among the poor. Saradiel was an outlaw who rebelled against British authorities during the British Colonial Era. Although, he was arrested on several occasions, he managed to escape and Uthuwandka was his hideout.
Uthuwankanda is situated in Uthuwana, a breathtaking hamlet in Mawanella in Kegalle District. Surrounded by verdant paddy fields and mountains, this is one of the villages in Sri Lanka, not yet spoilt by modernization. Majority of tourists visit Bo Ella, a gushing cascade in Uthuwana during their hike to Utuhwankanda.
Situated approximately one kilometer from Colombo-Kandy Road, Uthuwankanda is popular among hikers. At present, the access road to the Rock is partially is concreted. The hike to the Rock is not difficult for experienced hikers, yet, it is advisable not to climb up to the summit on rainy days when there are strong winds as the climb to the summit of the rock is almost 90 degrees climb. Majority of hikers, especially youths, climb to the summit to bask in the glory of the spectacular vistas…
The trail to the Rock is through a small rubber estate and from there it is a continuous climb. The Rock is cube-shaped similar to a stone fist carved on the summit (approximately 10 meters in height, 12 meters long and 5 meters wide). Although, villagers inform that it is a 20 minutes hike to the summit of Uthuwankanda, it is almost a 45 minutes climb.
There are caves in Uthuwankanda, considered as the hideout of Saradiel. The passage towards the caves is a narrow path between two rocks. As the caves are dark, it is easier to walk inside the caves using a torch. In certain places, it is necessary to creep through as the roof is low, yet, hikers consider it an adventure. There is a tunnel inside the caves considered to be a secret passage used by Saradiel.
The caves are hidden in a rock boulder covered with trees. According to villagers, this tunnel had been dug by Saradiel to escape. Approximately, 15 meters-20 meters ahead the main tunnel, it branches off to three more tunnels. According to locals, each of these tunnels are few kilometers long and one tunnel is located towards Bo-Ella waterfall situated approximately two kilometers away. Locals believe that there are cobras in these tunnels.
Although, there are several spectacular mountains situated in close proximity to Uthuwankanda, *Bathalegala also known as Bible Rock, a landmark on Colombo-Kandy Road and *Alagalla Mountain Range are the most popular mountains. *Ambuluwawa, *Knuckles Mountain Range and *Hanthana Mountain Range too can be viewed from Uthuwankanda.
Route: Travel along Colombo – Kandy Road up to Mawanella and reach Uthuwankanda Junction after traveling one kilometer. From this location, turn left to Uthuwana Road. The distance from Uthuwankanda Junction to Uthuwankanda is approximately one kilometer.
Tips:
There are a few places where it is slippery. Hence, climbing up to the summit is advisable for experienced hikers on a sunny day. It is necessary to wear proper footwear during the hike. Start the journey in the morning. It is advisable to climb the Rock without making too much noise as there are wasps and they may get disturbed.
Image courtesy: attractionssrilanka.com
- Knuckles Mountain Range – Located in Kandy and Matale Districts at a height of approximately 914 meters above sea level with a land area of around 21 hectares, Knuckles Mountain Range has a total of 35 peaks which rise above 900 meters. British Surveyors called this Mountain Range “Knuckles Mountain Range” as the Range is similar to a clenched fist.
Alagalla Mountain Range – defense location of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex – unique blend of nature and human creation – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Bible Rock – landmark in Colombo – Kandy Road – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
https://www.elanka.com.au/bible-rock-landmark-in-colombo-kandy-road-by-arundathie-abeysinghe/
Hanthana Mountain Range – protected nature reserve in Kandy – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Kadugannawa Pass and Rock Tunnel – gateway to hill country – By Arundathie Abeysinghe
