(1598) Miriyagolla Mountain
(Mountains of Sri Lanka) *
Miriyagolla is the mountain between Meemure Lakegala and Narangamuwe Lakegala. This mountain is more beautiful as it can only be seen over a 360 degree range. Wamarapugala, Yahangala, Usunugala, Thehelmugala, Dumbanagala Alugalkanda Knuckles Thunsegala, Sudu Gala Manigala, Uda Gal Do Bokka Narangamuwa, Karambaketiya Dandhehi Kumbura and many other villages on the way A vast expanse of up to was known.

Also the most beautiful view is the view from the back of Meemure Lakegala. Meemure Lakegala was about 100 meters away from where we were. We got to see its triangular position and its rear position. There was a huge hill down from Miriyagolla which later goes to the hill behind Meemure Lakegala. But it was impossible to climb because of the 90 degree hill and stone wall behind Meemure Lakegala. The top of Miriyagolla is also a very narrow place to where we were. On either side of it was a ridge of more than 200 meters. The whole top of the hill was covered with withered bushes.

Bio Diversity

  • Meemure spans an area of 700 acres with Heen River passing through it.
  • Ravana Ella Falls also lie within these lands, fed by a stream from the eastern slope of the Knuckles.
  • The network of streams that run through Meemure,  originate from the Knuckles; and are home to over 25 species of freshwater fish, of which 8 are endemic and 7 nationally threatened.
  • The vegetation is typical to the Knuckles region and ranges from lowland semi-evergreen forests to Montana forests.
  • There have been over 130 species of birds recorded in the area, with approximately 10 migrant species and 20 endangered ones.
  • Out of the 20 species of Amphibians that have been seen in the wilderness, 12 are endemic and are considered nationally endangered.

Nearby Attractions

  • Lake gala

Lakegala is a mysterious looking pyramid mountain that is 1314m tall. The mountain bears many unmarked ruins, including caves with evidence of ancient human inhabitation. Some of the other attraction in the Lakegala region are Nawathna Waterfall, Ravana Falls and hiking trails in the deeps of Lakegala.

  • The village of Gala Muduna

This remote village lies south of Meemure and has just 20 families. Mostly untainted by the outside world; Gala Maduna has only a single junior school. As such, the villagers only learn up till they are 14 years old. The place is so remote that when people get sick they are taken to the hospital in a sling made of a sack tied to two sticks; and there is no telephone service at all. The trail to the village is rich with flora and fauna of the Knuckles ecosystem. The village itself gains its name,Gala Muduna, due to its being situated on a top of a large rock.

  • Heen Ganga

There are three major rivers that originate from the Knuckles and pass through the region; Heen Ganga, Hulu Ganga and Kalu Ganga. Heen ganga, in specific, begins from eastern slopes of the Knuckles range; flows approximately 36km through Corbett gap and Kalupahana; an finally joins the Mahaweli, the longest river of Sri Lanka. Ancient forests and diverse rocky plates line its banks. However, the Match Box Bridge. Here lies a veritable paradise of tinkling water falls, caves, and vibrant nature. This part of the river is also home to Bulath Happaya, an endemic species of fish. The only home within this stretch of land belongs to an elderly man called Heen Banda. He is often happy to have vistors, and will share his experiences and life story.