Bird watching and trekking in Kitulgala

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5 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Photography sessions.
Experienced naturalist(s). (For 8 and above we provide 2 naturalists)
Refreshments with energy slabs.
Entrance tickets.
Any transportation up to the trail head at Kitulgala forest reserve trailhead..
Any additional beverages or food, would ordered extra.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front of Makandawa Conservation Center.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    5 hours • Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Personal effects for warm/windy/rainy conditions should be carried by clients. Wearing leech socks will be ideal to prevent the leech bite.
Supplied by Travceylon Leisure

Tags

Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Walking Tours
Eco Tours
Nature Walks
Seasonal
Zombie

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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