Kanneliya Rain Forest - hiking in a smaller forest reserve in the lowlands
Kanneliya is a small UNESCO biosphere reserve in Galle District in southern Sri Lanka. This lowland rainforest is part of the hilly region of the so-called KDN forest complex (Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya). The average annual precipitation in this wetland zone, which is the island’s second largest rain forest, is 3,750 mm. It is one of the botanically richest areas in South Asia. Kanneliya is not far from the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, there are plans to connect both sanctuaries by a forest corridor. 50 % of tree species in Kanneliya are endemic to Sri Lanka, 45 % of plant species in Kanneliya are categorized rare. 41 animal species are endemic, too. Kanneliya is a habitat of the very same 20 endemic bird species that occur in Sinharaja. it’s also well-known for its diversity of freshwater fish and water snakes.
Accommodation in Kanneliya
As in the case of Sinharaja, Kanneliya it is administered by the Forest Department. This is why overnight stays here are less expensive than in the Wildlife Department's national parks. For those who are interested in exploring the tropical rain forest in the southwest of the country and already know the Sinharaja camp or want to visit another place, we can arrange a holiday stay in Kanneliya. Only roomes can be provided, but there are no restaurants attached. There will be local helpers supporting the sightseeinglanka group leader preparing meals for the guests. Of course, guests could take part in the cooking. A forest department guide will always accompany you on your hikes.
Hiking in Kanneliya
Kanneliya ist well-known for its abundance in birds, similar to Sinharaja. There are two main hiking trails in Kanneliya. Kabbale mountain trail leads to a summit with a panoramic view. The trail to the waterfalls called Narangas Ella also goes to the famous Giant Navada tree. But the rainforest area is comparatively small. Holiday makers who stay in Galle, Unawatuna of Hikkaduwa could visit the waterfalls on a day excursion.
Precaution measures
As in the case of the nearby Sinharaja rain forest there should be issued two kinds of "warnings":
Firstly, chemical prevention of being infested by leeches is essential. There are vast amounts of leeches in Sri Lanka's rainforests, and compared to European species they suck much more blood. They even can byte through tightly fit cloths.
Secondly, we strongly advise against visits of rainforest regions during the monsoon season between June and September - except you are particularly interested in a monsoon-experience as an end in itself. Animal observations are not possible during those months of monsoon rainfall.
Firstly, chemical prevention of being infested by leeches is essential. There are vast amounts of leeches in Sri Lanka's rainforests, and compared to European species they suck much more blood. They even can byte through tightly fit cloths.
Secondly, we strongly advise against visits of rainforest regions during the monsoon season between June and September - except you are particularly interested in a monsoon-experience as an end in itself. Animal observations are not possible during those months of monsoon rainfall.
