Kitulgala Trip Overview
Makandawa Forest Reserve is extremely significant because it’s connecting with the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. This makes the only remaining altitudinal graded rainforests in the country. The forest reserve with its rain forest habitat, similar to the Sinharaja forest reserve home to many endemic birds and resident breeders. Makandawa Forest Reserve is home to 54 bird species.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 hours
Starts: Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Hiking & Camping
Explore Kitulgala Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kitulgala, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
Makandawa Forest Reserve is extremely significant because it’s connecting with the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. This makes the only remaining altitudinal graded rainforests in the country. The forest reserve with its rain forest habitat, similar to the Sinharaja forest reserve home to many endemic birds and resident breeders. Makandawa Forest Reserve is home to 54 bird species.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Makandawa Forest Reserve, Yatiyantota D.S, Kithulgala South GS division, Kitulgala Sri Lanka
The Makandawa Forest Reserve in Kitulgala (195 Ha) was established to protect the watershed
of the Kelani River and is home to many of Sri Lanka’s endemic fauna & flora. This area is also
famous for its adventure activities including rafting on Grade 3 and 4 rapids down the Kelani
River and jungle treks or mountain bike rides through jungle-clad hills and plantations growing
low-country tea and rubber. The breathtaking scenery here was used for the filming of the
Oscar-winning classic `The Bridge over the River Kwai’ by David Lean. The unique experience of
visiting this Kitulgala forest reserve is the boat trip across the river.Second to Sinharaja, the Kitulgala forest reserve would be the ideal rainforest habitat to spot
most of the lowland endemic species of birds including the Green-bill Coucal, Chestnut-backed
Owlet, Red-faced Mal koha, Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush, Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Spur fowl,
Ceylon Jungle fowl and Yellow-fronted Barbet.
Duration: 5 hours
Pass By: Makandawa Forest Reserve, Yatiyantota D.S, Kithulgala South GS division, Kitulgala Sri Lanka
The newly discovered Serendip Scoops Owl was
also first heard in this forest. Plenty of insect repellent and anti-leech socks, if you have a pair,
are useful to wear when entering the forest.
Mammal species found here include the Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Layard’s Striped Squirrel and
the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. The streams hold endemic fish and many species of amphibians.
The Earless Lizard, Kangaroo Lizard and the Hump-nosed Lizard are among the reptile species
and are frequently seen in the foliage along the Kelani River.
