Hidden wonders in Badulla valley

Sri Lanka is rich in natural beauty. There are marvellous creations of ancient Sri Lankans hidden in this blanket of natural beauty. Badulla, which is in a valley surrounded by mountains, is considered as one such district.The Demodara railway line is a marvellous creation found in the Badulla district.

The railway line wends its way through hectares of green tea estates like a snake. The railway line was constructed during the British era. During its construction, the engineers were in a quandary and did not have any idea of how to build a railway line in the mountainous terrain.

They then saw a Kankany (supervisor) in a tea estate undo his Talappawa (Turban) and re-tie it around his head. By observing the Kankany retie his turban, the engineers were inspired and were able to construct the railway line in the form of a loop. The railway line wends its way and goes through tunnel No. 42. The station is perpendicular to the railway line. It is very interesting to see a train going around the mountain and passing through the tunnel. The great Sri Lankan engineer, D.J. Wimalasurendra was also in the team of engineers who were involved in the construction work of the railway line.

The bridge popularly known as Kalu Palama (Black bridge) enhances the beauty of the area. Another interesting creation found in Badulla is the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. It was built between the Ella and Demodara stations.

The bridge is 99.6 feet in height and is called Ahas Namaye Palama in Sinhala. It was built during World War 1 and the steel consignment assigned for the construction work of the bridge was used for war-related projects. Hence, it was built using solid rock, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel.

The bridge was a marvellous creation of P.K. Appuhamy, a well-known mason in that area. If you look up, standing under the bridge you can get a clear view of the sky. The nine arch bridge is even printed on the Rs.50 note because of its unusual appearance.

The Bogoda temple is an ancient Vihara in Badulla. The cave which is believed to be King Walagamba's hideout is in the vicinity. Beside the temple there is a wooden bridge.

It was built in the 16th century during the Dambadeniya era and has been constructed over the Gallanda Oya. The Bogoda wooden bridge is believed to be the oldest wooden bridge in the world. The bridge stands on three jak tree trunks of 35 feet in height. The wooden planks are said to be from a single tree.

In addition, Kumbuk, Ebony and Milla were also used for the massive construction work. The bridge was built on 20 timber pillars, 10 on each side and two Beeralu railings were also constructed.

They are also made up of timber. Wooden nails were used as fixing material. The exclusive bridge is 8 feet tall, 50 feet in length and 6 feet in breadth. The timber roof is covered with flat tiles.

If you visit Badulla, you will see these marvellous constructions of ancient Sri Lankans. Tourists will be fascinated with the engineering marvels found in the Badulla district. We must protect our heritage for posterity.

Compiled by Nithuli Subasinghe,
Grade 7D,
Vidura College, Colombo.