Have you ever seen the world come to life at dawn? That magical moment when the darkness gently yields to a symphony of colors? Yes, this year, our annual Rotaract Club trip began with such a breathtaking spectacle. As we departed from the premises of University of Moratuwa, the highway ahead was illuminated by the gentle glow of the rising sun. The excitement was palpable, and we couldn’t help but feel that this sunrise was nature’s way of blessing our journey.
Our first stop was the picturesque idyllic town of Hikkaduwa, all set and ready for a lagoon safari.Though initially, most of us hadn’t planned on kayaking, the allure of the tranquil lagoon proved irresistible once we arrived. Despite it being the first time for most of us, as we paired up in kayaks, the sense of unity grew stronger with each paddle stroke, guiding and supporting one another through the serene waters. Surrounded by lush mangroves and the distant calls of birds, we spent nearly two to three hours immersed in this harmonious setting. Amidst the serenity of the mangroves, we couldn’t surely escape the allure of adventure and decided to climb the nearby trees. With laughter echoing through the air, we ascended into the canopy and snapped out memories of joy to take home.
With the kayaking adventure behind us, we enjoyed a tasty lunch on the way and then stopped by to see a stunning waterfall clicking away shots on our phones. Refreshed and excited, we entered the Sinharaja Forest, which welcomed us with a light drizzle that added to the charm of the journey. Despite the rain sprinkles, the weather was still very pleasant as we made our way to the heart of the forest. We arrived at the Pitadeniya Conservation Centre as the sun began to set. Our home for the night was a beautiful wooden cottage that seemed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The rustic charm of the wooden structure complemented the lush greenery. From the cottage, we had a mesmerizing view of a beautiful river, its gentle flow adding a soothing soundtrack to the evening.
After settling in, we had a delightful dinner at the cozy cottage. The night was one to cherish, filled with songs under the stars, our voices blending with the sounds of the forest until midnight. Despite a few off-key notes and forgotten lyrics, the laughter and fun we shared made the night. With a guitar in hand, we strummed familiar tunes, and spontaneous dances broke out. It was a perfect blend of nature and camaraderie, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we crossed a graceful long bridge over a flowing river and began our hike into the forest with an experienced guide leading the way. The path was as adventurous as it was beautiful, winding through dense foliage and across bubbling streams. We carefully navigated our way, climbing over rocks and tree trunks, each step bringing us deeper into the heart of the jungle. The hike was a feast for the senses – the sight of towering trees , the sound of chirping birds, and the feel of fresh forest air enlivened us.Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot some small and amazing creatures, expertly camouflaged and hidden in the under bush.
The highlight of our trek was reaching the majestic waterfalls. We couldn’t resist taking a refreshing bath in the cool waters, surrounded by an ethereal flutter of butterflies. It was a moment of pure bliss, a reward for the adventurous journey that had brought us there.
By 5:00 PM, we were back at the cottage, tired but exhilarated, and got ready for the journey back home. As we made our way, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we shared and the beauty we witnessed. These moments, big and small, are what we will cherish long after the journey has ended. They remind us of the simple yet profound joy of being in the company of friends, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the world. This trip was more than just an escape; it was a celebration of life, friendship, and the wonders of nature, leaving us with stories to tell and memories to treasure forever.
Rtr. Abirame Ganeshamoorthy