26/02/2015
Yala Block 2 - places of interest
Some of the very isolated and remarkable places of Yala Block 2 are Miniha Gal Kanda, Pahala Poththana, Uda Poththana, Walaskema, and Boer's Tree.
Uda Poththana Modara and Pahala Poththana (also known as the Navaladi wells) are fresh water wells of particular significance for the wild animals during the dry period. Uda Poththana and Pahala Poththana are surrounded by open areas, making them perfect places for wildlife observations. Both wells traditionally also served as resting places for Pada Yatra pilgrims during their annual pilgrimages from the East Coast to Kataragama.
At Walaskema there is a large rock with several water holes, which are called Kemas, most of them have water even during the dry season.
Pilinnawa Eliya consists of dunes and vast open sandy sections, another open stretch of land. A lagoon called Ethiliwela Kalapuwa is situated close to it.
Miniha Gal Kanda in ala Block 2
To reach Miniha Gal Kanda visitors have to start at the sand dunes near the Araga Ara (also spelt Aragara) and walk 2 kilometres along the beach into eastern direction. „Miniha Gal Kanda“ means „Man Rock Mountain“. The rock is said to resembling a man with his hands on the hips. looking towards the ocean. “Miniha Gal Kanda” is an eroded remnant of a former coral reef. The immediate surrounding of Miniha Gal Kanda is a fascinating geological formation, too. Wemi-circular craters with vertical walls are nicknamed “amphitheatres”.
Safari tours to Miniha Gal Kanda and the sand dunes of Pilinnawa Eliya need prior permission from wildlife department.