Pilgrim's progress
Adam's Peak during the off-season:
by Kumudu Gunasekera
At four in the evening
Seetha Gangula |
Sunset behind the Kaludiya Parvathaya |
Heavy showers turn the steps into waterways |
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A solitary climb
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There are many mountains of great height from whose lofty peaks, the
eye can scan wide stretches of eternal landscapes, but none can unfold a
scene as beautiful as Adam's Peak where nature asserts herself with
impressive effects.
We city dwellers are always irritated by the hustle and bustle of
vehicles and living in tenements with inadequate ventilation.
To change this monotonous way of life, our team comprising five
members went on an expedition to Adam's Peak taking the Palabaddala
Ratnapura route.
Our off-season travelling devoid of pilgrims, vendors and wayside
stalls was constantly affected by heavy showers. The path towards the
summit was shorter with shrubs and all pilgrim's rests were affected by
inclement weather conditions prevailing during the off season.
We were enveloped by damp mists on our approach to the Seetha Gangula
a canal flowing from the top of the mountain range which later becomes a
part of the Kelani river.
We met wildlife officials who were engaged in a survey on elephants.
They were on their way to the wildlife office at Palabaddala after a
five day's stay in the forest. One of the officials said the mammals
living in this forest include leopards, wild boar, deer, and porcupines.
No one has seen elephants in the forest reserve, though the
footprints and dung are visible. We count the number of elephants based
on the density of their dung".
Listening to the whistling birds, murmuring bees, gusty winds and
walking through the biting cold, we were able to reach the summit by
8.30 p.m. as planned.
After dinner, prepared by my colleagues with the support of the
caretaker, we talked at great length about their life on the summit, the
difficulties they face and their experiences during the off season in
which the weather is unfavourable.
The caretaker and his assistant help all the pilgrims ascending the
summit. "Twenty five pilgrims have so far come since April after the Sri
Pada season came to an end", said the caretaker. "Most of the foreigners
ascend the summit in the night.
They are fond of nature and never pollute the environment here," he
added. "They do not dispose things such as chocolate or biscuit
wrappers. Instead they put them into their bags and take them away".
We started descending by 9.30 a.m. from the top of the mountains via
the Hatton Nallathanni route which is easier than the Ratnapura and
Kuruwita route. It was an enjoyable and exciting experience to see the
grandeur of the mountain ranges surrounded by dense forests.
We really enjoyed the scenery, peering down the endless green forests
through which waterways like gleaming silver lines, flow seeking the
sea's embrace.
Special thanks go to Deputy Director General Forest Conservation
Department R. B. Dissanayake for his assistance.
The track through the jungle |
The sun pays homage |
The mist covered mountains |
Wayside splendour |
In perfect focus |
Beauty in white |
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