Sri Lanka’s Great Western Mountain Zoomed In
Sri Lanka, well-known for its sublime natural beauty, got plenty to gift people whose hearts are frozen by the undying passion for unearthing the gems that demand adventurous temperament. Getting out of your rut to quench the thirst for trekking gives a refreshing experience for travellers from all over. The zone of this great mountain is an ideal place to communicate with the winds, clouds, sky, sun, and greenery at your own pace.
The Great Western Mountain, being the 6th highest mountain in Sri Lanka, is stationed in Nuwara Eliya District. The district itself is a central hub of tourist attraction. It encompasses all that is expected of a heavenly destination.
A mix of dry and sunny season during the months between December and April might be the ideal time to plan the tour. Even then, you can’t always predict the exact condition for a smooth and safe hike across the forest path.
Topographically, this mountain is rooted closer to the Great Western Railway Station which is between Thalawakela and Nanu Oya. You can view the skeleton of the misty mount straight down from the station. Length-wise the mountain is 1km and the climbing can be kick started from either ends. The best mode of travel to this location can be enjoyed by train from Colombo. Vertical and short-degree climbs are the most challenging part of the journey. Do never forget to carry all the necessary travel props with you. Useful gears like hiking sticks, knives and ropes are the main things that must accompany you. Never ever attempt it solo because you are inclined to encounter risky twists and turns along the way A tea state, that goes by the same name — Great Western State, isn’t any farther from this mountain. Adams Peak and Seven Virgins mountain range, two other significant must-see locations in Sri Lanka, can be viewed clearly from the rugged terrain of this state. Hiking in a place with no visible trails becomes daunting as you ascend to reach the summit dreaming for a night camping.
You’ll come about a water source somewhere closer to the summit, so that’s where you got to replenish yourselves before preparing for a sleepover on the apex of the mountain. Double backing for everything you forget can be a nightmare at times. One more important thing to keep in mind is always say NO to polythene and plastic items that you intend to leave behind. Remember it’s our duty to safeguard the natural blessings. Bring back everything you take you with but your footmarks for the nature loves to sing the songs of you.
We highly recommend hiring a local guide who is very well familiar with the ins and outs of the slippery slopes and hidden trails that would otherwise deviate you from reaching the top on time. It’s advisable to prevent the journey if the weather is rainy, for the terrain becomes unsupportive. This haven is a home to many wild animals such as leopards, wild boars, monkeys, deer’s etc. You are the luckiest if any pass by under your camera for you to take away as a souvenir. The trek honestly is an exhausting one, therefore having a second thought before packing up becomes vital. Moreover, this kind of risky travel isn’t the right option for little kids. Keep them at bay!
On reaching the summit, you’ll find the gale hitting you with its strong wings, so having a quality rainfly becomes a must to save yourselves from the harsh weather. Unexpected downpour is the central theme of this exotic region. Dawn and dusk would feed you with spellbinding beauty of the highland surrounding. Laying your eyes on the thick mesmerizing distant scenery would give you one of a kind experience.
Plenty of surprises would come forth to sate your passion for photography. The hiking maybe tad hard but it’s all worth the memories you could record back to share with your beloved ones. The picturesque setting of the upcountry with many such similar viewpoints can be witnessed from the jagged surface of the mountaintop. Make the most out of the daylight and stay vigilant at night. Solitary moments on the ridges would settle the chaos running about your monotonous mind.
Once done with everything you planned doing above, journeying down is definitely harder than climbing the mount. Pay attention to the trails that keep losing its traces due to frequent changes in the climate. One wrong footing would land you in a perilous fate of unwanted consequences.
All in all, the hike to Great Western Mountain is a treat to the soul that you are guaranteed to cherish forever. This spot is not obviously a place that would go out of the bucket list of any adventurous foreign tourists who visit this precious island to kill the curiosity. What you see from above engages with the emotional part of you as it will keep tugging at the strings of your heart forcing you to listen to the echoes of the mountainous murmurings for more decades.