Camping at Wewathenna
Description
Wewathenna, a hidden gem 40 km from Kandy in Sri Lanka, presents an unparalleled camping experience. Embraced by stunning natural beauty and rich historical significance, it offers campers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. This unique destination, set amidst breathtaking landscapes, promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Wewathenna Reservoir is a central feature of the camping site, offering a picturesque and serene setting. It's an excellent spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural scenery. The environment around Wewathenna is likened to that of the famous Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka. This similarity suggests the area boasts a rich natural landscape with grasslands, forests, and a cool climate.
The area is described as being windy most of the time. This could add a refreshing element to the camping experience, though it's also something campers should prepare for in terms of securing their tents and other camping gear. Visitors can observe the Victoria Dam from one side of the camping site. This is one of the largest reservoirs in Sri Lanka, and seeing it from Wewathenna would offer a unique perspective on this significant engineering feat. The Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest river, can also be seen from the camping site. This offers an opportunity to appreciate the river's beauty and significance in Sri Lanka's natural landscape.
On clear days, campers at Wewathenna can view Adam's Peak, a well-known and sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. This peak is famous for the Sri Pada, a sacred footprint near its summit, making it a significant spiritual site.
In the middle of the camping site, there is an abandoned colonial bungalow that was burned down during the 1989 riots in Sri Lanka. This adds a historical and somewhat poignant aspect to the site, offering a glimpse into the country's turbulent past. Each of these features contributes to making Wewathenna a unique and multifaceted camping destination, combining natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a variety of visual delights.
Ramesh is the key person managing the Wewathenna camping site. His responsibilities include overseeing the site's operations and issuing tickets to visitors. Ramesh plays a crucial role in enhancing the camping experience by advising visitors on the best spots for camping within the site. His knowledge of the area is invaluable for campers looking for the ideal location to set up their camp.
An important piece of advice Ramesh offers is the safety concerns related to bathing in the lake. He warns against it due to deep mud at the bottom of the reservoir, which can be dangerous. The reservoir's water is primarily used for agricultural purposes in the surrounding area. This indicates the reservoir's significance beyond just being a scenic element of the camping site.
The cost of camping at Wewathenna is Rs 2500, which covers a group of 1 to 8 people. This pricing structure means the price remains the same whether camping alone or with a group of up to eight. For those who wish to visit Wewathenna without staying overnight, there is a nominal fee of Rs 150 per person. This option is excellent for day-trippers who want to explore the site rather than camp. These points contribute to the overall camping experience at Wewathenna, from Ramesh's guidance and safety advice to the cost-effective pricing for camping and day visits. Multiple toilets ensure that travellers have easy and timely access, which is especially important during peak visiting times or when there are many campers.
How to Reach Wewathenna Camping Site
Starting in Kandy: Your adventure to Wewathenna begins in Kandy's historical and picturesque city. Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka and a popular starting point for travel destinations.
Taking Mahiyangana Road from Kandy: From Kandy, your route involves taking the Mahiyangana Road. This road is significant because it connects Kandy to various important locations and is known for its scenic beauty, offering picturesque views as you travel.
Travelling 35 Kilometers on Mahiyangana Road: You need to continue on Mahiyangana Road for about 35 kilometres. Watching the distance is important to ensure you are on the right track. Along this route, you will pass through the towns of Digana and Theldeniya, which are markers that you're heading in the correct direction.
Reaching Mada Mahanuwara Town: After travelling 35 kilometres on Mahiyangana Road, you will arrive at Mada Mahanuwara town. This town is a key landmark on your journey, indicating that you are close to your final destination.
Turn at Mada Mahanuwara Town: Just past Mada Mahanuwara Town, you should look for a road leading uphill on the right-hand side. This turn is critical as it leads you directly to the Wewathenna camping site, approximately 5 kilometres from this point.
Final Stretch to Wewathenna Camping Site: After making the right turn past Mada Mahanuwara, you are on the last leg of your journey. This road will take you straight to the Wewathenna camping site.
Road Accessibility to Wewathenna: The road to Wewathenna is accessible by bike and four-wheel-drive vehicles. This accessibility makes it convenient for various travellers, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Following these directions, you should be able to reach the Wewathenna camping site from Kandy without any major issues. It's recommended to have a map or a GPS device handy, mainly if you need to become more familiar with the area, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
