Kitulgala Makandawa Forest Reserve Tour: Explore Iconic Rainforest and Bird Species

Kitulgala

Embark on a thrilling tour of Kitulgala Makandawa Forest Reserve and discover its iconic rainforest and diverse bird species. Explore the only remaining altitudinal graded rainforests in the country and encounter endemic and resident breeding birds.

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Makandawa Forest Reserve - 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.
- Makandawa Forest Reserve - 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.

What's Included

Photography sessions
Experienced naturalist(s) (For 8 and above we provide 2 naturalists)
Refreshments with energy slabs
Entrance tickets

What's Not Included

Any transportation up to the trail head at Kitulgala forest reserve trailhead..
Any additional beverages or food, would ordered extra.

Additional Information

The importance of Makandawa Forest Reserve is underscored by its linkage to the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, constituting the nation’s sole remaining rainforests that feature altitudinal gradation. The reserve shares a rainforest ecosystem akin to that of the Sinharaja forest reserve, serving as a sanctuary for numerous endemic avian species and resident breeding birds. Notably, Makandawa Forest Reserve provides a habitat for a total of 54 bird species.