Narangala is also popularly known as Thanga-malai, which means ‘Golden Mountain’ in Tamil. This mountain has received this name due to the golden grasses that blanket its slopes. Narangala is situated in the Badulla district, Uva Province of Sri Lanka. Rising up to approx. 1,500 meters, this is the eighth highest peak in the Uva Province. Narangala has a rectangular shaped plateau and triangular shaped peak.
From Ella to Narangala
You should take the Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway. Then turn to the Bandarawela – Badulla Road. Go passing Kumbalwela, Demodara, Ketawala. Go down Ketawala-Galauda Road to reach Narangala. The hiking trail to the mountain starts by the Thanga-malai Estate area.
From Colombo to Narangala
You have to take Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Then take the Southern Expressway.
Follow Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Highway, Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, and Bandarawela – Badulla Road to Alugolla road and drive to your destination.
From Badulla to Narangala
Take Keppetipola Road to Bandarawela Road. Turn right at Higher Studies onto Keppetipola Road.
Turn right at K.H.S motors onto Alugolla Road. Turn left at Sohona Handiya Bus Stop to stay on Alugolla Road and drive to your destination.
In Badulla, usually, it rains cats and dogs in July, October and November. The first quarter of the year, i.e. January to March, is the best period to visit Badulla, where the temperature could vary between 18°-22°.
Hiking to Narangala is a good challenge and worth the attempt. It is better to wear warm clothing and hiking boots and make sure to carry some water bottles, some energy drinks if you like, and if necessary, have some bug repellant just in case you come across any unavoidable circumstances. You could take your vehicle up to the Hindu temple in the estate. You need to pass through several clear landmarks such as a large pipeline, a wide road leading to the estate, and from here, you start to climb the mountain. There are large numbers of turpentine trees you will be walking through, and the path is slippery due to the fallen leaves of these trees. This mountain has a flat summit and the best space for camping. Few wild animals are living behind the thick trees that you need to be alert. The Narangala mountain is located at the edge of Uva Province, while the peak is pointing out towards the gap formed between the valleys of Loggal Oya, Uma Oya & Badulu Oya and. This gap offers a wide view towards the Mahaweli flood plains, which extends up to Trincomalee.
Photo Credit – Onal Travel Note
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