Catch the 05:55 PM (Podi Menike) to Kadugannawa, Hike 20.3 Kms down the mainline to Rambukkana. Return to Colombo catching a slow or fast train from Rambukkana.
 

Also to look for the 'Alagalla' viaduct which was filled up in the early 1900's due to rockfall. The exact location is on the cliff face on the Alagalla mountain. Currently Tunnel #5a is  the exact location

Trip-Log
 
05:15 am           Met at Colombo Fort station, there was a huge queue for all class tickets. Decided to split and join queues Harsha stood on the 3rd class queue while Ifthar stood on the 1st & 2nd class queue. The latter queue was moving faster, Ifthar brought 3 tickets to Kandy and all three raced to the train.

05:40                when we reached the train on platform #2 it was fully loaded. Irrespective of Classes all coaches were crammed. Lahiru spotted the loco, which was going to haul us, was a M2!!!

05:45                finally managed to get into a 2nd class coach (one before the brake van), which was overflowing with passengers!  Lahiru decided we stayed near the doorway (wise move) there was a foreigner too with a backpack standing near the doorway (looked US) he was perspiring gallons and was sipping coke to compensate. He asked us ‘will the crowd reduce’, when we answered ‘its going to increase’ he panicked and started to bang on the brake van door. He pleaded with the head-guard, who finally took him to the brake van side promising him a ride only up to Peradeniya.

05:55                Starter given, whistle blown… more clambering and the distinctive triple horn blast. We are off

                        The train stopped at Ragama, Gampaha, Polgahawela, Rambukkana stations, there were more souls getting in, finally we were so packed up we couldn’t breathe in after exhaling!!!

09:15                Kadugannawa Phew… Got off the train from the non-platform side due to the crowd and dashed to catch the M2. The M2 engine shut down for some reason allowing us to reach it. We were taking pictures of the M2 like there was no tomorrow! Finally the M2 left towards Peradeniya.

09:25                decided to go out of the station to the town to buy bottled water and breakfast. After the purchase we started our hike. When we pulled out our tickets we realized the ticket clerk has given us Colombo Fort to Kokuvil tickets!!! Not Col Fort to Kadugannawa!

09:45                We planned to be at Lion’s mouth to catch the Colombo-Kandy ICE (Generally hauled by a M6) but before were a few hundred meters from Kadugannawa the ICE passed us. We were a bit disappointed that we will have to photograph lion’s mouth without a train.

10:15                Lions Mouth: What a view! We were taking pictures of everything!!!

10:25                All three of us hear a diesel throb from the lower direction. First we are confused, there were no other scheduled UP or DOWN train at this time. The rumble increases, instinctively all three run for good photo positions. Over the deafening sound there is a blast of air horn and the class S5 Hitachi tourist train takes the bend with headlight on climbing towards Kandy! All of us whooped and started shooting! The driver notices the pathetic trio and gives a blast of air horn.

10:35                After the excitement we started our journey, about 50m below lions mouth again we hear a rumble. This time it comes from upper direction. We freeze where we were. A class M9 Oil/Freight trains goes towards Colombo! More shutter clicks.

11:00                We reach Tunnel #9a. The original track ledge can be clearly seen. The telegraph poles are along the original route. Tunnel 9a was bored in 1905/06 due

                       to rockfall. The locals have made a footpath along the former route avoiding the tunnel. We decide to walk through the tunnel.

11:05                Tunnel #9. Fourth longest railway tunnel in SL. The tunnel is bored on a sheer cliff face. On the left side (Kandy end) it is a steep drop, the right is an almost 90 deg climb.

                         There were two footpaths on either sides, we took the left and found it leads to a house. We found out the right footpath goes to a village. Decided to walk through the tunnel. Torches and lanterns out we started our walk. Fearing any moment a loco would come. 11:15 came out of the tunnel relieved.

12:25                At Balana Pass

12:35                We had tea at a trackside shop.

13:20                At Sensation rock. Now all three of us know why the British named it ‘Sensation rock!’ The ledge the train takes looks very narrow and fragile.

13:50                Started to rain. Forgot to pack rain gear, all three of us were drenched. Rain continues right up to Rambukkana.

15:00                Reached ‘Ihala Kotte’ station. Decided to have lunch. (Cream crackers biscuits and cheese). Spotted 3 trains including the ICE down. Took pictures of the tyers tablet equipment and chatted with the ASM.

15:45                Started hiking

16:30                Tunnel #5a 2nd longest railway tunnel in SL. The original track goes on a 15-20 foot ledge cut on the Alagalla cliff face. We took the original track route bypassing the tunnel. The British built a viaduct at that period. When they found that it was weak, they filled it with earth. We tried to look for it but couldn’t due the vegetation and the sheer drop. We noticed at one point there was a vent cut from the tunnel 5a.

                         Trekking forward on the ledge we came across a bull blocking our path. All three of us were a bit scared as this guy looked menacing. He must have been under the impression that we were surveying the old route for a new track!!! Fortunately a villager came to our rescue chasing the bull away.

17:30                Reached Kadigamuwa station.

                         Beyond Kadigamuwa station to Rambukkana there is not much of railway significance worthy of. The railway runs through jungle on a steep grade up to Rambukkana. About 2 kms to Rambukkana station the railway reaches flat land. The track runs through paddy fields rest of the journey. If you observe carfully you will spot the place where the Class M6 with the failed brakes ran off the tracks coming down the hill.

19:40                Reached Rambukkana station. Found that all trains to Col Fort has left due to Independence Holiday! No bus service too. Took a tuk-tuk to Kegalle and boarded Kandy-Colombo express bus

10:15 pm           Reached Colombo Fort.

10:45 pm           Reached home, with an idiotic grin.Wife at doorstep with broom in hand!  

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