Hiyare Rainforest
Hiyare reservoir covers 22 hectares was established in 1911while being boarded by 243 hectares of secondary lowland rainforest. It is managed by the Galle Municipality. The Forest Department also has jurisdiction as the reservoir adjoins the Kottawa Kombala Forest Reserve.
Despite of this being a small patch of forest, it is home to a great many species – birds, butterflies, mammals, fish and plants and a remarkable number of endemics.
Over 80 species of birds, including the endemic Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Black-capped Bulbul, Grey Hornbill and Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot are the highlights.
This little gem of a forest is an excellent spot for watching birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
Hiyare Rainforest | Tour itinerary
Time and Duration
Option 1: Depart from Your Hotel at 7.30 am and return around 11.30 am.
Option 2: Depart from the Hotel at 2.00 pm and return to the Hotel around 6.00 pm.
Distance You Go
About 17 km, 30 minute drive from Galle by AC Car. Then walk around the reservoir and forest edge for birds and butterflies.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, Entrance tickets, Leech Socks, Experienced Naturalist, Water Bottles, Binoculars, Sri Lankan Bird Guide Book for reference.
What is not included
Sri Lankan breakfast picnic pack or Lunch available on request.
Recommending - What to wear / Bring
Comfortable earth-colored clothes, hats/caps, insect repellent, sun block, camera, smart phone.
What can be seen
Birds
• Sri Lanka Spurfowl
• Brown-capped Babbler
• Spot-winged Thrush
• Black-capped Bulbul
• Grey Hornbill
• Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot
• Ceylon Swallow
• Paradise Flycatcher
• Crested Hawk-eagle
• Serpent Eagle
• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Racket-tailed Drongo
• White bested Kingfisher
• Peacocks
• Red Wattled Lapwin
Mammals
• Giant Squirrel
• Palm Squirrel
• Toque Monkey
• Purple-faced Leaf Monkey
• Palm Civets
• Wild Boar
• Flying Fox / Fruit Bat
Butterflies
• Blue Mormon
• Birdwing
• Common Sailor
• Crimson Rose
• Bluebottle
• Blue Oakleaf
Reptiles
• Water Monitor
• Land Monitor
• Green Garden Lizard
