Falling in love with Makeliya waterfall

Ganga PRADEEPA

Cascading waters..... foamy bubbles... It is nothing but nature's unique creation!

When you want a break from your busy life where do you go? To the park, beach or a waterfall? Using waterfalls as the destination of various trips and excursions has changed our lives.

While the stress and drama of life in a big city and increasingly competitive world persist, it's good to know we have a means of getting away from it all.

The Makeliya waterfall, a stream rising in Kalawana as a branch of Kukule Ganga, after flowing through villages and mountains, eventually joins the Kukule Ganga once again at Makeliya forming the Makeliya Falls. The waters of Kukule Ganga hydro-electricity project, Kukule Ganga and Makeliya waterfall join at the same point and flow further to join Kalu Ganga which finds its way into the Indian Ocean at Kalutara.

How could you reach Makeliya waterfall? It is through the main road via Molkawa.

There is a cemented stage erected for spectators to flock at the bottom. As it is very risky to get down, you are advised to confine to the stage only.

But I know, your urge now is to take a cool bath! There is the lovely natural pool located a few steps above the waterfall. It is a vantage point to enjoy the virgin beauty with cascading waters.

According to the folklore and archaeological evidence it was in this Palinda Nuwara, where the ace fighter Prince Veediya Bandara was crowed as a regional ruler and that Palinda Nuwara was also the capital of the historical Pasyodum Rata. Infrastructure facilities at the Makeliya waterfall have been provided under by the Western Province, Tourism Ministry.

Kukuleganga Holiday Resort

Attractive weekend retreat site

Ganga PRADEEPA

Passing the lush green tea and large rubber estates with the cool breeze is the way to approach Kukuleganga Holiday Resort which is manned by the Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka.

Early in the morning the whole area was covered by the mist because this area belongs to the wet zone and it is warm and short rain showers are refreshing. So a visitor to this resort can enjoy a superb climate with no high temperature which will be a memorable experience.

The area was large and people who come to this resort have more freedom to walk about. It was perfect for morning jogging, play several games and cycling. There is a large area which is called 'free zone' suitable for fire camping and other animating programs.

There are several approaches to Kukuleganga, However the route via Kalutara is considered as the main approach to this location.

"This pleasant resort recently constructed having 64 compartments with one, two and three bedroomed cabins, along with amenities such as club house, swimming pool, play area, tennis court, squash court gymnasium walking trails etc. KKG is considered a highly desirable weekend retreat site by Sri Lankans as well as foreigners" said Chief Executive Officer, Colonel Kamal Fonseka.

The neatly equipped restaurant can accommodate 200 guests at a time. There were a few summer huts situated in front of the swimming pool and the majority prefer to take their meals with the lovely nature.

There are three ponies at KKG and those who visit this resort can enjoy ponies rides which will be a unique experience. Entering to the resort there was a tree hut near the pond and you will be much delighted to listen to the melodic strains and tunes of a village type flute player from the tree top turret during late hours of the day.

The well furnished auditorium can accommodate 100 pax in a theatre-style with all equipment. The new spa has different kinds of treatments with well trained therapists. In the evening guests are welcome to enjoy with karaoke lounge with lovely music and someone who is desirous of a sauna bath will surely enjoy it in a fully equipped cabin.