Narangala Camping | නාරංගල | Badulla Sri Lanka | Vlog :52

Narangala Mountain is one of the fundamental tourist attraction locations situated in the district of Badulla due to its cultural and environmental significance. The magnificent 360 degree view from the peak of the mountain has made Narangala renowned among both locals and tourists for hiking and camping. The cold breeze and the misty weather in the area makes it an ideal location for night campers as well. Rising up to approx. 1,500 meters, it’s the second highest peak in the Uva Province only second to the Namunukula Mountain range. The unique rectangular shaped plateau and the triangular shaped peak makes Narangala stand apart from the other mountains in the area. It is located at the edge of Uva while pointing out towards a gap formed between the valleys of Uma oya, Badulu oya and Loggal oya. This gap opens up a wide view towards the Mahaweli flood plains which extends up to Trincomalee. According to the Folklore, back in the day king Walagamba has hid nine pots of gold that belonged to him inside a cave in the mountain during his reign in the country, due to which the name “NawaRanKala” (Nine Gold Pots) was given to this mountain range. Later, it has been transformed to “Narangala”. It is also addressed as “Thanga Malai” in Tamil which translates to the “Golden Mountain” for the scenic golden grassland that blankets the mountain’s slope.

🟠 The historical importance of Narangala Mountain drives back to the era when Lord Buddha first visited Sri Lanka over 2600 years ago. History reveals that Buddha wanted to bless the mountain with his footsteps on the Duruthu Poya Day. However, since Buddha did not wanted to interrupt the agricultural activities of the farmers in the area, this sacred visit had not happened. The story discloses that the area around Narangala was highly civilized even at the time of his visit.

🟠It is also believed that king Walagamba has used Narangala as a fortress from 105 to 89 BC to hide from the invasions of enemies. The mountain range has helped to train and gather Kandyan chiefs during the Great Rebellion of 1817- 1818 between native Kandyan rebels and the British as well. Even today, several historic ruins and several momentous temples can be seen in the area around.

🟠 There are several routes to reach Narangala. From Ella take the Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway. Then turn to the Bandarawela – Badulla Road. Go passing Kumbalwela, Demodara, Ketawala. Go down Ketawala-Galauda Road to find Narangala. Apart from that, you can either take a right turn from Saranathota Madithale junction or even walk along the footpath from “Narangala Ledger” tea estate to get to the Narangala Mountain. #nature #travel #adventure