Mount Shaheen:

Where the mist will take you unawares

Text and Pictures by Ganga PRADEEPA

Mount Shaheen a.k.a. Vehigala kanda is a rocky escarpment (which is also the habitat of the bird Shaheen Falcon), located 28km from Kandy town (close to Wattegama). People going to this region can spot the peak of the Shaheen mountain which is accessible via a footpath to this peak.

It is not difficult but its a challenging and adventurous journey because the path traverses through the reforested area and the grassland to the Shaheen mountain peak which is very narrow. There are two ways to this mountain, one from Alkaduwa and the other from the Hunas Falls Hotel. The peak is clearly visible to the hotel.

At a glance the ambience is green - giving a fresh sight to the travellers. The start to the journey is somewhat difficult because it doesn't have a good footpath, and is slippery. Travellers have to go through the grassland. This grassland is a result of the abandonment of a former tea estate and frequent fires which have checked the colonisation and establishment of other plant species.

After a few minutes of this journey we arrived at the small but beautiful waterfall which also has a natural pool. People can take an enjoyable bath or catch in some relaxation at this place before setting off on their journey again to the Shaheen Peak.

The summit, which is about 1100m above msl, gives a panoramic view of the undulating terrain of the mountains in the middle pen plain of Sri Lanka. While climbing to the peak one sees the Hantana mountain range, Hunnasgiriya mountain, Matale mountain range and also the valleys of Kandy, Wattegama and Matale very clearly.
 

The reforested area is rich in bird life and is frequented by birds such as the Shaheen Falcon, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Layard's Parakeet etc. In the lower elevation of the grassland, flocks of Scaly breasted Munia, Common Tailorbird, Jungle Prinia and Warblers also can be seen.

Though the sun was beating down we didn't feel any discomfort because beside the footpath were huge trees and specially pine trees giving much welcome shelter. We felt cold but the sun was in fact bright. This small forest patch is also frequented by many species of butterflies including the Blue Mormon, Common Jezebel, Lace Wing etc.

"Some of the plants species present in the reforestation area are Ficus hispida, Ficus religiosa, Macaranga peltata, Albizia falcataria, Delonix regia, Caryota urens, Erthrina variegata, Alstonia scholaris Elaeocarpus serratus etc. A variety of Fern species and Osbekia spp are found in the ground cover at lower elevation of the trail" said Naturalist, N.W.Bandara.

Finally we reached the peak and could see a wide view over the Kandy town and the surroundings. The most special experience was that we felt the clouds floating parallel to us at this place.

Sometimes it would be the mist(!). On the peak there was a sculpture of the Shaheen Falcon. It was this bird that laid eggs here in 2006. Since that day the name stuck on and people called this mountain Shaheen.

The peak is a very small area and you have to be careful when walking. If you miss a step the chances are that you might fall off the cliff. So please watch your step!

You have to wear preferably earth-coloured clothes (for bird watching), hat, insect repellent, binoculars, notebook and sun block cream if you wish. But it's recommended that you wear 'leech socks' on the journey to the peak because there were a lot of leeches at every turn!

The time suggested to take the 1 1/2 walk is between 8am and 4pm. However this could change depending on the weather.

Hunas Falls Hotel

...even perfect for non-honeymooners

There were tea pluckers working in the estate surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges including a magnificent view of the Hunnasgiriya mountain. The mist appeared and disappeared ever so constantly. Birds were twittering. Flowers were blooming. Imagine how wonderful a journey it could be through this cool setting to Hunas Falls Hotel.

Located in Elkaduwa, 26km from Kandy, the hotel is 140 km from Colombo city. Hunas Falls Hotel is situated at the foot of the Hunnasgiriya mountain which is on the right of Knuckles mountain range. Following a welcome taste of the delicious ambarella drink and lovely smiles of the whole staff, I didn't feel fatigued on my way from Panadura after nearly a five hours' drive. The hotel is at an elevation of 900m above sea level. The atmosphere and temperature varies between 20-25 C with a refreshing cool breeze at all times. The hotel's land is a part of the Hunnasgiriya estate.

Delving into it's history, a French couple who were frequent visitors to Sri Lanka was inspired to build a hotel when they visited this scenic location. During their visits they used to stay at the bungalow of the Assistant Superintendent of this estate. The French couple loved the natural pool on the estate made with the water from the stream which feeds the lake. They spent much time here bathing, swimming and enjoying the marvellous backdrop.

The couple approached Dusty Miller who was the owner of the Colombo Commercial Company and mentioned their idea to build a hotel on this place since the owner of this estate was the Colombo Commercial Company. Balasooriya was the architect of Hunas Falls Hotel and this hotel was opened in 1971. The opening ceremony was graced by the then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike as the chief guest.

Today this marvellous hotel has 28 Deluxe rooms, 1 Standard Suite and 2 luxurious theme suites called 'The Katsura' in Japanese style and 'The 'Highlander' in Scottish style. The uniqueness of Hunas Falls Hotel is that its guests can catch different views such as the botanical garden, misty mountain range, man made lake, water falls, tea estates and nearly 125 varieties of birds etc from the same land.

The hotel has 100 pax conference hall and 200 pax banquet hall. "We are the first 'outside' hotel in Sri Lanka which have received Haccp certificate in the hotel industry. According to research in 2007 by LMD Magazine, they declared our hotel as the second most popular hotel in Sri Lanka. And due to the research of Bride and Groom magazine Hunas Falls Hotel was named as the most popular honeymoon destination in 2007 too," said General Manager Gamunu Srilal.

The most significant thing I noticed at this hotel was their reforestation project. Their guests have the opportunity to plant a sapling on this land and in so doing help mother nature too. (I too planted a Pear tree and when I go there again, perhaps I can see how it is growing!). The names of the people who plant saplings on this land are logged for easy identification in the future. Otherwise guests can observe their trees' progress from the Internet also through there special website.

For entertainment and recreation the hotel provides a swimming pool, Tennis, Badminton, Billiard Table, Croquet, six hole par golf course, boat rides, pony rides, pool table, table tennis, library and a kiddies corner too.

GP