JIAT students hike - Kirigalpotha (2017-February)

Dangerous, challenging, and extremely adventurous are the words that undergraduates of the Java Institute for Advanced Technology use when describing their recent adventure and mountaineering expedition to Kirigalpotha. Situated in the world-famous Horton Plains National Park of Sri Lanka, the Kirigalpoththa Nature Trail has been able to acquire global recognition due to a number of features, including the following: ~Enchanting surroundings and scenery ~Hihgly challenging expeditions ~Ability to spot leopards and other wild animals. This event took place on Monday, the 20th of February 2017, and it was one of the most recent events in the series of adventure expeditions conducted by the adventure clubs of the Java Institute. Headed by the Managing Director of the Institute, Mr. Bhatiya Tissera, over 80 participants took part in the event. Beginning at 2:00 a.m. in the morning, the young extreme adventurers arrived at the location by around 10:00 a.m. It was the guidance and leadership of Mr. Bhatiya Tissera and other experienced as well as skilled members of the Java Institute for Advanced Technology who encouraged the undergraduates throughout the challenging endeavour. The Managing Director as well as other officials who took part in this expedition have years of experience in mountaineering, hiking, adventure sports, and other activities. The undergraduates of the Java Institute for Advanced Technology showed a high standard of persistence, stamina, and determination during the entire expedition and these qualities were required as the trail was difficult, especially for amateur explorers. All the participants were well-prepared and a considerable proportion of the participants had experience in previous outings conducted by the Java Institute. The highly thrilling wildlife and natural environment that surrounded the participants enhanced the overall ambience. A number of trees, ranging from small plants to enormous and popular trees, as well as birds, reptiles, and mammals were spotted. It also has been noted that even the renowned Sri Lankan leopard roams the Horton Plains and all these added to the extreme adventure feeling of the expedition.

Once the participants reached the Kirigalpotha peak, the tiredness washed away as the peak offered was an amazing view. Furthermore, a sense of accomplishment as well as courage were felt by each member. One significant experience faced during the outing was that a large and dangerous hole had to be crossed along the pathway. Despite the fact that it was an abnormal challenge, the expedition members were able to successfully cross this barrier. After a day’s extreme mountaineering and travelling, the undergraduates and officials of the expedition returned back from the Kirigalpotha rock. it was one of the most memorable events for the undergraduates and this particular mountaineering expedition was one of the most extreme expeditions conducted by the Java Institute for Advanced Technology to date.