KURULLANGALA

Kurullangala is a rocky mountain that sits on the western side of the gap that leads down from Ella. It can be reached easily from the town of Ella. Compared to most of the other famous hikes in the Ella area, Kurullangala presents hikers with some challenging climbing experiences. Best suited for experienced hikers.

Kurullangala Cave Art

The Kurullangala hike is famous for cave art that can be seen on the rock wall of a cave near the summit. The drawings are significant as they are of perfectly proportioned birds as well as humans, and some other unidentifiable artwork that is supposedly over 5000 years old. These drawings of birds are what give the mountain its name, “Kurullangala,” which means Bird Rock. 

The Hike to Kurullangala

You will be climbing through a thick jungle, holding onto roots, vines, and branches to scale the sheer rock walls and large boulders that make up your path. Upper-body strength is vital, as you need to be able to pull yourself up using your hands at certain places. Also, make sure that your shoes are suitable for serious climbing and that your clothes give you full mobility in all your limbs while providing protection to your arms and legs from the dense vegetation.

Although the area is blessed with a temperate climate, the hike to Kurullangala can be quite precarious during rainy weather and is best attempted on a sunny day. Sudden rains can cause flash floods across some of the streams that need to be crossed, and the upper parts of the climb can be near impossible when it’s wet and slippery.