Situated in NuwaraEliya, Central Province of Sri Lanka, Great Western Mountain is the 7th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka with a height of 2,212 meters. The Great Western Mountain climb is a bit of a difficult climb but can be approached even by an amateur. The Great western mountain is a beautiful paradise located behind one of the most beautiful railway stations in the hill country.
How to reach there
From NuwaraEliya, when you pass through Peradeniya-Badulla highway, you must take the first exit onto Badulla Road. Then turn left at Pundalu Oya junction, and the mountain destination can be reached in another 2.4 km travel distance. However, the easiest way is to take a train and drop at the Great Western station, and the mountain hiking path is just 5 km from the station. The mountain spreads for about 1 km, and it can be climbed up from both ends.
Best time to visit: January – March
Hiking on Great Western Mountain is regarded as a very challenging task; therefore, you should be extra cautious in deciding when to climb up. Usually, the walking paths are slippery and muddy, which you have to climb with the support of branches or with the help of other persons, and on a rainy day, you might find it more challenging to walk, and on a foggy day, you would not see anything around.
During the journey, you will see a variety of birds and enjoy their sweet music. You can start the journey to the first viewing point and arrive about five hours later. It is 2054 m above sea level. The journey so far will be a difficult one. From there you will have about 30 minutes to get to the top of the mountain. You have to walk through a forest canopy that is about 3 or 4 feet high. There you will see flowers that enhance the beauty of the forest. Among them, main flowers are the blue flower and white flowers.
Special Remark
Going Great Western Mountain Hike is a very thoughtful journey. The cause may be trouble from wasps. Two wasp habitats are found. Be very careful when passing these two places.
After passing the temple (Kovil) a short distance away you will come across a forest burning place. From there the road splits in two. From there take the road to the left. Do not go south. There is a group about half a foot above the ground.
About 1 km from the Water canal, there is a large wasps house on a rock to the right before the first view. They are agitated by the smell of sweat.
The Great Western mountain has a steep slope and an unclear footpath. While climbing, you will see a 70 years old small Hindu Kovil which is assumed to be set up by a hiker who lost his way and for whom Paththini Amma Goddess helped to find the way out. The mountain is nature-friendly with its rich bio-diversity. Being prepared with the necessary essentials and fetching a guide is a must for hiking in Great Western Mountain.
