Bible Rock from the west side | Photo Credit: Indi Samarajiva via Flickr, (CC BY 2.0)
When you travel along Kandy road passing Kadugannawa area, look across the valley to witness a peculiar shaped rock at the distance. The shape reminds you of the famous rock fortress Sigiriya but it is in fact “Bathalegala” or “Bible Rock” as the British named it. As a child, It confused me enough to think it was Sigiriya until someone was kind enough to correct me.
By the look of it, seems like it is a tough climb right? But the looks indeed can be deceiving. Read along to find out.
About the rock
The height of the rock is stated as 797.7 m in the survey map. The breadth spans a whopping 710 m across the rock surface. The surface is mostly flat covered in mana and some woods here and there.
If you are starting from the trailhead, the elevation gain would be around 150m. You can also start the hike from Hathgampola town. In that case, the elevation gain would be around 500m.
How to get there?
Bathalegala is located close to Aranayake. Whether you’re coming from Colombo or Kandy, turn onto Aranayake road at Mawanella. Follow the road until Gevilipitiya, turn right at the junction and drive about 2km to Hathgampola town. From there you’ll have to turn right to a narrow road (Bathalegala road) with a signboard “to the Bathalegala road” printed in Sinhala. (see below).
Following this road, you’ll reach a junction where you should turn left to a narrower road which runs past the trailhead. After driving 2.5 km on this road, look towards your right to notice the starting point. There is a signpost so it is hard to miss. Parking space is available but limited.
Route
Mawanella ➡ Ussapitiya ➡ Gevilipitiya ➡ Hathgampola ➡ (Bathalegala road) ➡ (Turn left at the first junction) ➡ Trailhead (14 km)
[ Google Maps Directions ]
⚠ Important – From the junction off the Bathalegala road to the trail-head, the road is pretty narrow and fairly steep. Only bikes, three-wheelers and small cars can reach the starting point.
How to get there by Bus?
Get to Mawanella and take Mawanella – Aranayake Bus (#659) and get off at Gevilipitiya. As there is only less than 05 km from there to the trail-head, I’d recommend hiring a tuk-tuk to the trailhead to avoid any delays.