My weekend is coming to an end and I am on the road by 7 AM in order to reach my destination, the jubilant Peesa waterfall.

Off the beaten path for many who venture into the Uva, reaching Peesa is the first goal. From Badulla I continue along the A5 Peradeniya- Badulla – Chenkaladi highway, stalking a beautiful valley along the way with impressive views of all nine peaks that form the Namunukula range. This scenic drive is also made even more experiential with the pockets of pine forest and clumps of tea bushes we pass en route.

The turn off for Peesa is some 15 kilmotres along the A5 from Passara. A major landmark in the vicinity is the brightly coloured Kanesar Kovil and from here the Peesa Junction is a stones throw.

From the Peesa Junction we make a right turn and head down as the road twists and turns. Some five kilometers along you will be able to see the Peesa waterfalls from the main road in the distance, looking down. This unmarked location is the start of the path that leads to the base of this stunning waterfall. If you feel you have driven for more than five kilometers, stop and ask a local for directions to the Peesa waterfall access path.

Upon embarking on the path to Peesa, you will travel some 100 steps downwards, until you meet a concrete waterway (think of a narrow canal with walls) From here take a right turn and with the waterway on your right hand side proceed some 150 metres until you see a path (with a few cement stapes at the start) to the left. A series of water retaining sacks were placed to make a bund at this point (this may not be present now).

The real jungle experience begins as you follow the path downwards to the left and the cover of the forest envelopes you. The cement steps soon end and a natural path through the forest is revealed.

The forest given its high elevation is not wet, rather dry with almost an autumnal look and feel. The path winds its way for some 500 metres with creepers, vines and moss covered boulders along the way. Just prior to the Peesa viewing platform is a very unique natural wonder as the trekker has to slide down along the path through a tunnel that forms the lobby of a nondescript cavern.

After a 40 minute trek (slow going given the terrain) I can hear the sound of thrashing water gather momentum and before I know it, the path bends to reveal up close the majestic, epic and monumental Peesa waterfall, that may not be the highest on the island but in terms of its sheer natural beauty and overwhelming presence, is one of the best, in my opinion.

Upon arrival, the minor inconvenience of trekking through a forest with dense cover along slippery boulders and hanging onto creepers for balance, was all worth it. I am mesmerized by the pure unadulterated joy of hearing the gushing of water as the Peesa Waterfall unravels its magic before my very eyes.

The viewing platform is a raised ledge that has been cleverly located in order to provide  an uninterrupted view of this supreme natural occurrence. For the intrepid, from the base of the falls, a rocky outcrop that channels the water lies in wait for further exploration and adventure.

One can use many words to describe the Peesa waterfall, but unless you physically go there, the experience leaves me at a loss for words.

TIPS TIPS TIPS

•  Allow for around two hours for the return journey

•  Make sure to carry a bottle of water

•  It may get very sunny and some headgear is advised

• Don’t be intimidated by the dense forest canopy that makes the path look right out of the Amazon. It’s a fairly easy trek and well worth the energy input