Unveiling the Majesty: A Journey into the Enchanting Beauty of Kirigalpoththa

About

The second-tallest mountain in Sri Lanka is Kirigalpoththa Mountain. The Kirigalpoththa Mountain in Sri Lanka towers over the major city of Nuwara Eliya district, reaching a height of 2388 meters (7835 feet) above mean sea level. Perhaps as a result of the mountain's abundance of tall trees with their speckled white bark, Kirigalpoththa literally means Milk (Tree) Bark Rock (Kiri = milk, gal = rock, and poththa = tree bark). Accessible along a nature walk within Horton Plains National Park, this mountain is the second highest in Sri Lanka, an island paradise, and the highest peak on the island that is publicly accessible.
some things to know

• Location : Nuwara Eliya District

• Nearest Village : Pattipola

• Nearest Town : Nanuoya

• Trail to climb Kirigalpoththa is located at : Horton Plains National Park

• Trail Head : Horton Plains Visitor Centre

• Trail End : Kirigalpoththa Summit

• Length of Trail : 5.6 km

• Elevation Gain : 252m (Elevation at Trail Head: 2139m – Elevation at Trail End: 2392m)

• Climb Difficulty Level : Moderate

• Climb Time : 3 – 4 hours

How to reach 

Reaching Kirigalpoththa from Colombo via train is a bit tricky since there isn't a direct train route to Horton Plains, the closest railway station to Kirigalpoththa. However, you can take a train from Colombo to Nanu Oya, which is the nearest major railway station. From Nanu Oya, you'll need to rely on other modes of transportation to reach Horton Plains and Kirigalpoththa.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Colombo to Nanu Oya by Train:

From Colombo Fort Railway Station, take a train to Nanu Oya Railway Station. It's best to pick a train with comfy seats as the trip could take six or seven hours.Horton Plains National Park is accessible from Nanu Oya via bus or cab. Depending on the mode of transportation and road conditions, the road trip could take one to two hours.You can trek to Kirigalpoththa after you arrive at Horton Plains National Park. Reaching the summit takes about three to four hours on a well-marked trail. Before beginning your hike, make careful to verify the park's laws and the weather.

weather conditions

The Nuwara Eliya area is usually cold and rainy in general. But it is more so in the monsoon months. The dryest months comparatively speaking are February to April and July to September. Strong winds and cold weather are almost guaranteed higher up on the trail. 

things to do in kirigalpoththa

Kirigalpoththa is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. Here are some things you can do in and around Kirigalpoththa:

1. Trek to Kirigalpoththa Summit:
• The main attraction is the trek to the summit of Kirigalpoththa, which is the second-highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and is a rewarding experience for nature lovers.
2. Explore Horton Plains National Park:
• Kirigalpoththa is located within Horton Plains National Park, known for its unique ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. Explore the park and visit iconic spots like World's End and Baker's Falls.
3. Bird Watching:
• Horton Plains is home to a variety of bird species. Bring your binoculars and enjoy bird watching in the park. You may spot species like the Sri Lankan whistling thrush, yellow-eared bulbul, and others.
4. Photography:
• The landscapes around Kirigalpoththa offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the lush greenery, misty mountains, and panoramic views from the summit. Sunrise or sunset photography is particularly stunning.
5. Camping:
• If you're up for it, consider camping near Kirigalpoththa. It's a unique experience to spend a night surrounded by nature and under the starry sky.
6. Visit Pattipola Railway Station:
• Pattipola is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka and is close to Kirigalpoththa. It's worth a visit to experience the unique atmosphere and take in the scenic views from this high-altitude station.
7. Stargazing:
• The remote location of Kirigalpoththa provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing. On a clear night, you can witness a spectacular display of stars in the sky.

photo gallery

how kirigalpoththa can create as a major tourist attraction highlight on sustainability

Creating Kirigalpoththa as a major tourist attraction with a focus on sustainability involves balancing the influx of visitors with the preservation of its natural beauty and ecosystems. Here are some strategies:

1. Limited Access and Permits:
• Implement a system of limited daily permits for visitors to control the number of people entering Kirigalpoththa. This helps in minimizing the environmental impact and ensures a more sustainable tourism model.
2. Educational Programs:
• Develop educational programs for visitors, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. This can create awareness and a sense of responsibility among tourists.
3. Infrastructure Development:
• Develop eco-friendly and sustainable infrastructure, such as walking trails, viewing platforms, and waste management systems. Ensure that construction adheres to environmental standards and blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
4. Local Community Involvement:
• Involve the local community in tourism activities. Encourage the development of local guides, homestays, and community-based tourism initiatives. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed among the local population.
5. Waste Management:
• Implement strict waste management policies, including waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal practices. Provide designated bins along trekking trails and camping areas to encourage responsible waste disposal by visitors.
6. Renewable Energy Sources:
• Integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to meet the energy needs of facilities in and around Kirigalpoththa. This reduces the environmental impact and sets an example for sustainable energy practices.
7. Wildlife Conservation Efforts:
• Collaborate with conservation organizations to implement wildlife protection measures. Create buffer zones and educate visitors on the importance of respecting the natural habitats of the local flora and fauna.
8. Cultural Preservation:
• Emphasize the preservation of local culture and traditions. Encourage responsible tourism that respects the cultural heritage of the area. This can include supporting local artisans and promoting cultural exchange programs.
9. Carbon Offsetting:
• Establish carbon offset programs to compensate for the carbon footprint generated by tourism activities. This can involve tree planting initiatives or contributions to local conservation projects.
10. Monitoring and Regulation:
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism on Kirigalpoththa's environment. Implement and enforce regulations to address any issues and adapt strategies as needed to maintain sustainability.

By combining these strategies, Kirigalpoththa can become a sustainable tourist attraction, providing an unforgettable experience while preserving its natural beauty for future generations.

bibliography 

Gomez, A. R., & Jayawardena, D. (2023). "Climate Change Impacts on Kirigalpoththa: A Scientific Evaluation of Altered Ecological Patterns." Climate Research, 50(1), 75-92.

Trekking to kirigalpoththa mountains: SLE (no date) Trekking to Kirigalpoththa Mountains | SLE. Available at: https://www.srilankanexpeditions.lk/select_one.php?tours-in-sri-lanka=Trekking-to-Kirigalpoththa-Mountains (Accessed: 10 November 2023).

Kirigalpotta; කිරිගල්පොත්ත (no date) Lakpura LLC. Available at: https://us.lakpura.com/pages/kirigalpotta (Accessed: 10 November 2023).

Ten Principles for Sustainable Destinations: Charting a new path forward for travel and Tourism (no date) World Economic Forum. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/publications/ten-principles-for-sustainable-destinations/ (Accessed: 10 November 2023).