Kanneliya Forest Reserve
Experience the feeling of walking in a tropical rain forest . . . The KDN Forest Reserve (Kanneliya-Dediyagama-Nakiyadeniya) is the second largest primary forest area in Sri Lanka and is renowned for its watershed value. The forest occupies the area between two rivers - the Gin Ganga and the Nilwala Ganga. The natural vegetation of the KDN complex is the lowland wet evergreen forest, which is a climax forest formation dominated by an association of Shorea, Dipterocarpus and Mesua.Over 17% of the wet zone flora is confined to this area where the KDN forest is the most prominent. This region has been identified as one of the floristically richest areas in South Asia.
The endemic flora and fauna of the southwestern wet zone, including the KDN, forms a relic of the biota of the Indian Plate with Gondwanaic ancestry. Therefore, the biota of southwest Sri Lanka, including the KDN forest complex, is of considerable scientific interest with respect to the biogeography. There is a high proportion of endemism amongst the identified woody plants, with 150 species being endemic to Sri Lanka.There are 78 villages surrounding the KDN forest complex. There are small-scale cottage industries based on Fish-tail palm (Kitul), and many local people are involved in the collection of medicinal plants and plant products, as well as rattan to produce handicrafts and furniture.
Kanneliya Forest | Tour itinerary
Time and Duration
Option 1: Depart from your hotel at 7.00 am, return around 1.00 pm if following the Anagimala Ella/ Waterfall trail.
Option 2: Depart from your hotel at 7.00 am, return around 3.00 pm if following the Narangas Ella/ Waterfall trail.
Option 3: Depart from your hotel at 7.00 am, Return at 6.00 pm if trekking to Kabbale Mount (the highest place in Kanneliya Rainforest).
Distance You Go
About 43 km, 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Galle by AC Car. Then walk in the forest, having breakfast, lunch or picnic.
What is included
Transport to and from the site, Entrance tickets, Experienced Naturalist, Forest Tracker, Leech Socks, Water Bottles, Binoculars, Sri Lankan Bird Guide Book.
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
• Green-billed Coucal
• Malabar Trogon
• Blue Magpie
• Spot-winged Thrush
• Brown-capped Babbler
• 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
• Red Wattled Lapwing
Mammals
• Giant Squirrel
• Palm Squirrel
• Toque Monkey
• Purple-faced Leaf Monkey
• Palm Civets
• Wild Boar
• Flying Fox / Fruit Bat
Butterflies
• Blue Mormon
• Tree Nymph
• Common Sailor
• Crimson Rose
• Bluebottle
• Blue Oakleaf
Reptiles
• Lyre Shead Lizard
• Kangaroo Lizard
• Green Garden Lizard
• Water Monitor
• Land Monitor
