The Lover's Paradise - Paraviyangala Mountaion AKA Adara kanda

Hawagala

Sun-kissed truly

Adara kanda (Lover’s Peak)

     Elevation             1500m (4900 ft)

     Coordinates         06°45′03″N 80°46′26″E / 6.75083°N 80.77389°E / 6.75083; 80.77389

Adara Kanda (Lover’s Peak) is a mountain situated near Belihuloya in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It stands at an elevation of 1500 m. The peak is very famous for hiking and camping. It is surrounded by picturesque views of the Sabaragamuwa Province including the Sabaragamuwa University and the Samanalawewa Dam. There are around seven peaks around the adara kanda.

Though this mountain is fondly named 'Adara Kanda', it is officially called Paraviyangala. Adara Kanda is famous among most of university students, as they summit this mountain for their batch trips and dates.

Into the wild

The forest of fine pines

I couldn’t capture the real beauty from my camera 

Through the pine forest

One of the water streams we passed along the way

Standing still

What a view it was

Hike to Adara Kanda

The Adara Kanda stands at an average on the scale. Adara Kanda could be climbed up without a guide by following the footpath, and you may ask for directions from the locals. It includes passing plots of pine, and streams display the best of mother nature in its surroundings. Camping and hiking are popular on Adara Kanda. On the way up, you can reach a Buddhist monastery in about 30 minutes. There would be several pine plots along the way. Unlike other hikes, climbing to Adara Kanda involves both uphill climbing and flat terrains to relax your legs. Carrying a stick to climb is always helpful. It's a moderate-hard level climb to the top (will take around 3.5-4 hours generally). But takes 5 to 6 hours to climb to the peak if you're going with a crowd. Good to wear sports shoes as it is slippery due to the leaves of fern trees and wear clothing that covers your skin to protect yourself from sunburns. You can find water as you climb up but it's wise to carry a full bottle of water and some food items.

There is a clear and visible path to the summit & a camping ground in between. But better contact a guide or ask for support from the students of Sabaragamuwa University if you're traveling for the first time or planning to camp there.

You can enjoy the best view after climbing to the highest Peak, including Samanala Wewa reservoir, Non-Perial Estate, World’s End, Sabaragamuwa University, etc. You will be able to get a view of the Nagrak and Walawe River basins on a clear day.

You can climb up to Gammolli Kandha through this Parayiyangala Mountain Range.

Walawe river valley

Camping 

There are a few sites which are suitable for camping and there's a water stream near the main campsite where you can get clear drinkable water.

Camping in this place can turn out to be a pretty interesting experience as you can watch the sunrise and sunset above the mountains early in the morning and the evening.

Waterfall near the main campsite

Another shot of Samanala Lake

Samanala Reservoir & Lake

Rays of sun kissing the mountains

City lights from above

How to reach 

From Belihuloya travel approximately 4.8 km along the Colombo – Batticaloa Highway towards Nonpareil Estate Road to reach the Adara Kanda. When you walk past the Pambahinna junction after approximately 200m, You can find the small lane to the mountain on your left-hand side.

Best time to visit 

Temperatures in Ratnapura district are usually hot, oppressive, and overcast. There may be several rainstorms while climbing up the mountain during some months, however. If you are lucky enough, an excellent view of the surroundings can be seen from the summit on a sunny day.

Even though The landscape is marvelous and the experience is top-notch, Be aware! landslide risk persists. 

Avoid rainy weather. 

Wind conditions are high hence never let your hold go off.

The best period to climb is during the months June-august as there are no leeches. 

Also, need to get down before you surround by mist/fog.

Please….

Bring your own re-useable food containers, cutlery, and even ashtrays if you’re a smoker! 

Always carry your own reusable water bottle and cup.

Before you pack up and go home – have a quick check around the beach to make sure you’ve picked up everything you bought with you to the campsite/hike.

Take your rubbish home and dispose of it safely.