Location
LOCATION
- Distance to Colombo – 182 km
- Elevation: 3300 – 3600 ft above sea-level
- Nearest Hospital – Haldhummulla – 15 mts
- Closest Base Hospitals; Balangoda & Badulla ( approx. 1 hr -1 ½ hrs respectively )
The property is located below Haputale town on the climb up from Beragala, between the two trunk roads leading to Badulla, and Wellawaya. Whilst access is possible from both main roads, the Wellawaya Road access is commonly used, and easily located. The access road to ‘Hudhakalawa’ is motorable for both vans as well as normal cars
This is an ideal location for Hiking , Trekking , Filming and Photography.
Wild life:
‘Hudhakalawa’ is within an Organic Tea Estate, with a forest reserve within its boundaries. Many Wild Animals also have made this land their home. Thus at quiet times to find Deer roaming within the property is not uncommon and so it is with Wild Boar. Eagles and many other species of rare birds also could be seen. Monkeys are a common sight. Butterflies, moths and a wide range of other insect species are also found. It is not uncommon to find small frogs too, in close vicinity of human abode. Varieties of reptiles too could be observed.
Cultivation:
The property is originally part of the British Planted Wiharagala Estate, which was divested with different owners and with the Land reform Commission. 13 acres of the property is a tea plantation currently in production . The balance 12 acres is uncultivated land. The land surrounding the bungalow has fruits and vegetables as well as ornamental and flowering plants and trees.
Water Resources:
Water sources are for the benefit of all. A stream from the mountains behind flows in between the forest reserve and through the village below. The climate at Haputale can be harsh and dry during the ‘Idoraya’ or dry-period reducing most of the water sources to a mere trickle due to effects of loss of forest cover and Global Warming.
There are two water ways on either side of the Bungalow ‘Hudakalawa’, originating from the mountains beyond the main road. The stream to the west of the Bungalow never runs dry, and remains a source of water for the villagers right through the year.
You would find that the villagers use this stream for bathing at a bathing point next to the approach motor-road to ‘Hudakalawa’.
Cultivation:
The property is originally part of the British Planted Wiharagala Estate, which was divested with different owners and with the Land reform Commission. 13 acres of the property is a tea plantation currently in production . The balance 12 acres is uncultivated land. The land surrounding the bungalow has fruits and vegetables as well as ornamental and flowering plants and trees.
Weather:
The weather is hot and dry during day through the dry season, and ‘nippy’ at times and cold esp. during December- January, at night and during the wet season. The day temperature is mild during the wet weather.
Rainfall:
Usually Monsoon Rains are experienced from End September – Mid November.
Intermittent Showers – December to May.
During certain times of the year (Dec. /Jan.) the winds are very strong.
The surroundings change very fast when there is mist during the cold season. The mist can clear up as fast as it descends or remain for long periods close upon night fall.
A drive to/from Haputale Town should be embarked on with much care during mist which could be thick close to the Haputale pass.
A variety of fruit and flower plants could be purchased along the main road from Haldhummulla up to Haputale and Bandarawela for you to take away back home.
