27
Mar

Pidurutalagala Mountain

Hello, adventure seeker! Are you ready to reach Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka? Oh boy, let me tell you, this is a high-security zone, and permission is a must. The thrill doubles, eh? Don’t worry. I’ll present you with the perfect method of getting permission and reaching new heights. Here we go!

Natural Wonders

Every peak has a story to tell. Some are super interesting, while others are not so much. Let me assure you that our destination is packed with awesome things. During the British era, people might have found it a bit hard to pronounce this longer name with their Western accent. As a result, Mount Pedro was their choice. This mountain stands at 2524 meters above sea level in the Central Province. Additionally, Pidurutalagala’s district is Nuwara Eliya district. The land area is about 7625 hectares in size. Yes, it’s pretty big.

The Belihul Oya, a branch of the Mahaweli River, begins its journey from this mountain range. Many endemic animals and plant species make their home in the nearby ecosystem. Additionally, this area serves as the source for several waterfalls, such as Ramboda and Garadi Falls. However, the most beautiful one is Lovers’ Leap. You can observe trees changing their characteristics according to the cold climate. There are many endemic plants, such as Keena, Maha Rath Mal, and Bandura. Also, keep your eyes on purple-faced leaf monkeys, Sri Lankan mouse deer, and rusty-spotted cats that roam around. This is like a paradise for nature lovers.

High-Security Measures

This place is well guarded with hundreds of soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force platoons. We can consider this place the center of communication in Sri Lanka to some extent. Additionally, we can’t forget that Pidurtalagala is a prominent security point in Sri Lanka. You’ll find towers from Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Broadcasting Corporation, and Sri Lanka Telecom at the summit. Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Air Force operates a high-tech complex, including a radar system. It’s quite a serious setup for one place.

Now here’s a question for you. What is an ultra-prominent peak, or Ultra for short? Simply put, it’s a mountain summit that stands more than 1500 meters above the lowest contour line. There are many ultras around the world. However, Pidurutalagala proudly holds the title of being the only ultra-prominent peak in Sri Lanka. Moreover, when you look at a special kind of map of Sri Lanka, you’ll notice that it’s divided into 92 sections. Interestingly, four of those sections include Pidurutalagala.

Directions to pidurutalagala

I highly recommend visiting here when you’re in the Nuwara Eliya area. Pidurutalagala distance is just 8 km from Nuwara Eliya. You have to follow the Udu Pussellawa road from Nuwara Eliya town to reach the mountain. You’ll see signs directing you to the destination. And of course, our trusty friend Google Maps can guide you to the right location, as always.

Unfortunately, you can’t use public transportation to visit here. They only permit cars, jeeps, and vans. They don’t allow bikes, walks, or tuk-tuk due to safety reasons. It’s about a 6-kilometer drive from the ticket counter to the summit. Remember, they don’t allow you to stop anywhere between the ticket counter and the parking lot at the top. Since this area is a forest reserve, we need to be careful not to disturb the animals. Furthermore, animals, particularly rusty-spotted cats, may attack humans. So, the Pidurutalagala hike is a dream that never comes true.

Permission Process

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll need permission from the Ministry of Defense to explore this high-security zone. But don’t worry; it’s not too complicated. I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.

First, plan your journey and gather all the necessary details. You’ll need to write a letter to the MOD, mentioning your travel dates, the names of your group members, your vehicle number, ID numbers, and most importantly, your email address. Next, email the letter to modmlobranch@gmail.com. They’ll issue your permission paper and send it to your email. Make sure to take prints of your letter and the permission paper before heading to the destination. This process usually takes just 1-2 days. But it’s better to do it at least a week in advance for any emergency. If you don’t receive any response within 24 hours, search for the contact number on the MOD website and make a call. They’ll happily guide you.

Pidurutalagala Places to Visit

There are many places to explore at the summit and plenty of things to do. First, you’ll come across a rock carving that points out all the main directions with arrows. Then, you’ll get a breathtaking view of Nuwara Eliya town and Gregory Lake from there. On the other side, you’ll see Mandaram Nuwara. I think you’ll feel the shivering coldness right now. The summit has lots of beautiful flowers, including many chrysanthemums. If you’re lucky enough to see a fog-free day, you’ll have views of Haggala, Adam’s Peak, Horatains Plains, and more.

Another interesting thing is that there is a temple and a post that mark the distance from here to world-famous destinations. Your group will have an army guide, so please follow their rules. The hardest part is that the cold can make it tricky to speak clearly without stumbling over your words, especially for vlogs. Luckily, there’s an army canteen where you can sip warm tea while enjoying some food. They say you might even see some buildings in Colombo from the summit on a clear day. But let’s be honest, finding that perfect day is like finding a needle in a haystack.

This is my favorite part. Do you like to snail mail a letter to your loved one from the highest point in Sri Lanka? This is your chance. This mailbox was set up here in 2018 to celebrate World Post Day. You can buy postcards or writing pads here, or even take an already-written letter when you come. Pretty fascinating, right? Pidurutalagala places to visit are endless.

Visiting Hours.

This high-security area isn’t open to the public every day. You can find out the specific days from the MOD. So, I’m unable to suggest the best days to visit here. Instead, the best time is around 9–10 a.m. The ticket price is very reasonable, too. When you arrive, stop at the Forest Department ticket counter. Then, they’ll check your IDs along with your permission papers. Finally, they’ll advise you not to stop anywhere between here and your parking spot.

Reflections

It’s essential to stick to the guidelines here. Please don’t pick plants or flowers to take home with you. They adapt to the cold climate here, not to the dryness of our homes. So, it’s going to be in vain. Just see the beauty with your eyes. Also, limit your walks to the designated paths and areas. Some places are off-limits for taking photos and videos. So, please respect the rules. Let’s all be mindful of the sensitivity of this environment and high-security zone. Enjoy your visit.

FAQ

Can you climb Pidurutalagala?

The Pidurutalagala hike is a big no. You can’t climb the mountain due to security concerns and dangerous animals. You can access the summit by car, van, or jeep only.

How do I get permission to visit Pidurutalagala?

Email a letter to the MOD at modmlobranch@gmail.com mentioning the date, ID numbers, names, and vehicle numbers. They’ll email you the permission paper.

What is the biggest mountain in Sri Lanka?

Pidurutalagala is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, with a height of 2524 meters (8281 feet).

What is the meaning of Pidurutalagala?

Straw Plateau Rock is the meaning of Pidurutalagala in English.

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