Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
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.
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.
What to expect
Makandawa Forest Reserve
5h · Admission ticket included
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
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.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
In front of Makandawa Conservation Center.
End point
In front of Makandawa Conservation Center.
Additional information
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
