Visiting Wasgamuwa National Park via Riverston

Wasgamuwa National Park has become a consecrated place of safety for highly endangered animals, specially for Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas Maximus). The Eastern boundary is defined by the longest river Mahaweli, while the Northern and Western sides are bounded by the Amban Ganga (river) and Dunuwila Oya respectively.

There are many routes to Wasgamuwa, but the very picturesque forestry route is via Pitawala Patana plain, cool misty Riverston pass. The route directions from Colombo is Colombo – Kandy main road → Matale → Rattota → Reverston → Pitawala → Illukkumbura → Laggala → Pallegama → Hettipola → Willgamuwa → Hadungamuwa → Wasgamuwa (247 km).

Before your destination to Wasgamuwa, you may stop a while in Riverston which is one of the mostly visited plains in Sri Lanka. Landscape sceneries there including Knuckles Mountain Range, could be encountered from this route. Riverston is one of the mountains of Knuckels stretch. It has become a travellers’ destination (both local and foreigners) due to its climate and geographical location in the Highlands (Matale District). Riverston is about 25 Km drive from Matale and 43 km drive to Wasgamuwa. The hike to the top is adventurous and interesting because it is headed to the Mini world’s End via Pitawala Pathana. It is challengeable too, since the wind is coming towards and prevents you in stepping up.

This is an ideal experience to get; two different climates and bio-diversified surroundings. Unlike other routes, this route has some additional advantages. The other places you can visit on your way to Wasgamuwa via Riverston are Rattota, Karagahatenna Radio Broadcasting station, waterfalls named – Sera Ella, Bambarakiri Ella, Dambana town, Mahiyangana and Muthiyangana Temple etc.

Here are some breath taking images of Riverston......