Explore Fishing Huts – A Nature Lover’s Paradise | Wildlife and Nature Attractions of Sri Lanka 02

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The Fishing Huts is a pair of beautiful log cabins situated on the edge of the Mooray Estate, Maskeliya, bordering the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Built by tea planters many years ago as a Trout fishing location, this wonderful place is one of the best hideouts in Sri Lanka for the adventurous nature lovers

Getting There

Journey to Fishing Huts from Colombo is also an exciting one. From Colombo reach Awissawella on High-level road (A4) and from Awissawella drive towards Hatton on A7 highway. This section of A7 winds though the beautiful Kelani Valley passing Kithulgala and then climbs up to Gingathehna pass and enters the central hills giving you an opportunity to enjoy some spectacular hill country landscapes.

After few kilometers passing Ginigathhena, take the right turn towards Norton Bridge (Sri-Pada road). You can enjoy the breath-taking views of Seven-Hill mountain range (Saptha Kanya) on your way to Norton Bridge. Passing Norton Bridge town, drive towards Maskeliya. At Mausakelle on Norton Bridge – Maskeliya road, again turn right towards Nallathanni- Delhousie Bazaar. Few kilometers before Delhousie Bazaar, turn left towards Mooray estate.

Once you enter Mooray estate, the last and most exciting section of the journey begins. The estate road will quickly turn in to a dirt track which winds through the estate, with breath-taking views over the Mausakelle reservoir, spectacular Adam’s Peak waterfalls and the peak wilderness sanctuary. It may not be possible to tackle this track with a car. You will need something with a little bit more ground clearance (A van would do fine).

Weather and Season

Best time to visit fishing huts is Late December to April. July and August will also be ok. May-June, September through November there is a very high chance of raining in the area.

Attractions and activities

Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the area. You can climb Adams Peak, a hike of about two and a half hours to the summit. There are two water falls which you can reach by walking along the streams flowing through the forest. Just staying at the huts and enjoying the scenic beauty of the location it self will be extremely relaxing.
Birds watching – If you are a keen bird watcher, peak wilderness sanctuary is one of the best areas in Sri Lanka to observe birds.
The Baththulu-Oya river – The view all around is unbelievably beautiful, with the montane forest surrounding the area and the river below. Swimming is possible in the river if you can handle the temperatures. Rafting in the clear waters of Baththulu Oya is also full of fun.
Waterfalls – On your way to Fishing Huts from Colombo, it is possible to visit three beautiful water falls. They are Aberdeen Falls (Turn right just before Ginigathhena town, a few kilometers drive and walk of about another kilometer), Laxapana falls (Turn right towards SevenHills farm, few kilometers from NortonBridge on Norton Bridge – Maskeliya road and then a 300m walk), Mohini falls (on the road side passing Mausakelle reservoir)

Accommodation Options

Two simple log cabins have been constructed in the banks of Buththulu-Oya, one of the main feeders of Maskeli Oya which in turn forms Kelani River. Be prepared for the basic nature of the accommodation. Each log cabin has two bedrooms, with attached toilets, a dining area and a kitchen. A cook is available but provisions should be taken with you. Each hut can accommodate six to seven people. There is no electricity but hurricane lamps are provided.

Fishing huts is owned and managed by Maskeliya Plantations Limited. Reservation can be made at Maskeliya Plantations Limited office located in Arpico Complex, Navinna, Maharagama.

Tel:011 4310500 and ask for Maskeliya Plantations

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

Remember to wake up early in the morning and explore the surrounding. The best scenery can be witnessed as the first rays of the day hits the tea fields and the forest covered mountain peaks including Adam’s Peak

Image Gallery

Mausakelle reservoir at sun rise	Rafting in Baththulu Oya. Take your own inflatable raft or you can have some fun with the Barrel-Raft available at the location. (Photo: Haritharan)

Breath-taking views of the peak-wilderness sanctuary from Mooray estate	View from the Hut Number 01. You don’t have to do anything else. Just sit back and relax

Adam’s peak falls crashing in to Maussakelle reservoir	Far away from civilization. A night at Fishing huts without electricity!

Crystal Clear water of the river (Baththulu Oya) exposes rocks below and creates a beautiful pattern with light rays dancing over waves	A pleasant surprise after a challenging hike. One of the two remote waterfalls that can be reached from Fishing Huts

Hike to one of the remote water falls of Baththulu Oya. This approximately 1km hike is a challenging but extremely rewarding walk along Baththulu Oya through the dense forest. (Photos: Haritharan)

If you visit fishing huts, remember to wake up early in the morning and explore the surrounding. Otherwise you will miss these spectacular views of sunrise over Adam’s peak and the lush green tea fields. (Photos: Pulathisi)

View of one of the log cabins (Hut No 1) hanging over Baththulu Oya. (Photo: Haritharan)

Visit us on the way: The Three waterfalls that you can visit on your way to Fishing Huts. From Left: Aberdeen Falls (Ginigathhena), Laxapana Falls (Norton Bridge), Mohini falls (Mausakelle)