Written by: Rtr.

Somewhere between the first step and the final descent, a hike becomes more than just a hike. It becomes the stories shared, the bonds formed, and the memories made. Path Venture 3.0 was a journey of adventure and exploration, organised by the Sports and Recreational Activities Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. On 13th September 2026, nearly 140 participants set out towards Kabaragala, situated within the Dolosbage Mountain Range in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, ready to discover the beauty of the mountains and the experiences along the trail.

Kabaragala is not merely a mountain waiting to be climbed. It is a landscape surrounded by stories passed down through generations. According to local folklore, Kabaragala and the nearby Kinihiru and Rakshagala ranges are connected to the era of King Ravana, traditionally believed to date back thousands of years.

At around 3:30 a.m., the Open Canteen area of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura slowly came alive. Participants gathered with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. For many, the people beside them were still unfamiliar faces. By the end of the day, many of those faces would carry shared stories, laughter, and memories.

After breakfast and the necessary preparations, everyone made their way into three buses. An unexpected interruption at the university meant that the planned briefing had to be moved to a later point in the journey. Around 11:00 a.m., the group reached Maryville Junction, also known as Ghanadevi Kovil Handiya, where the official briefing was conducted. Instructions, route details, time allocations, and other guidelines were shared before the hike began.

Safety remained a key priority throughout the journey, with three trained professionals from the St. John Ambulance Association accompanying the group. They provided medical assistance and attended to any health or safety concerns that might arise. The Organising Committee also carried first aid supplies and other essentials to ensure everyone was well prepared.

Kabaragala, rising to approximately 1,506 metres above sea level, offered a landscape far removed from the familiar surroundings of university life. The route led through a village, past a temple, and through scenic tea growing areas, gradually drawing the group closer to the mountain.

After a short stop for refreshments and to freshen up, the official climb began around 11:30 a.m. The group started the hike together with excitement and energy, not knowing how challenging the trail would become. As the team climbed higher, the surroundings slowly changed. The trail passed through open grasslands and then into dense montane rainforest and cloud forests. The cool mountain air, mist covered trees, and changing vegetation made the hike feel like a journey through different natural environments.

The trail then led through a small pine forest, where fallen pine needles softened the path. It opened to the first viewpoint, but thick mist and fog limited visibility, allowing only brief glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Instead of the wide views hoped for, there was only a constantly shifting blanket of mist.

Beyond the first viewpoint, the trail became more challenging. Steeper sections, narrow paths, tall grass, forested stretches, and the occasional leech kept everyone alert. Yet, these difficult sections also brought the group closer. Those who reached challenging stretches first waited for others, hands were extended when someone needed support, and jokes and conversations kept the tiredness at bay.

By around 2:30 p.m., the second peak was reached. The challenging climb made reaching the summit even more rewarding. The fog had grown thicker, sometimes making it difficult to see even the person walking ahead. Although the famous views of Sri Pada, Peacock Hills, the Kotmale area, Ambuluwawa Tower, Dolosbage, Pussellawa, and the Kotmale Reservoir remained hidden behind the clouds, the mist briefly revealed the mountains. Drifting clouds created a changing scene, as the mountain revealed itself in its own way.

Lunch was taken at the summit, giving everyone a moment to rest and capture photographs together. Beyond the misty mountains, the photographs captured tired smiles and the bonds formed along the trail.

Around 4:00 p.m., the descent began. By then, the tiredness was clearly visible, and every step downhill brought its own challenge. Yet, no one made the journey alone. Conversations continued, laughter travelled along the trail, and participants looked out for one another. People who had been strangers only hours earlier were now walking together as friends, sharing the moments that had shaped the day.

Having crossed the first peak once again, the group returned to the village for a much needed rest and some refreshing water. Following the short break, everyone continued towards the buses, reaching them at around 6:30 p.m.

By then, tired legs and worn out shoes told the story of the day. Yet, the journey had left behind countless memories to carry home. After the refreshments provided by the Organising Committee, the buses began the journey back to the university. Around 11:00 p.m., the group finally arrived safely at the university premises, bringing the day’s adventure to an end.

Phase 1 of Path Venture 3.0 was more than a journey; it was an experience that brought people together through adventure, connection, and a shared appreciation for nature. It also reflected its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Good Health and Well Being, Gender Equality, and Life on Land.

Kabaragala was the destination, but the journey became the memory, one filled with moments to remember, friendships to carry forward, and a renewed appreciation for coming together, embracing challenges, and caring for the world around us. And this was only the beginning of Path Venture 3.0.

Graphic Designed by: Rtr.