Knuckles Wilderness
This very scenic forest reserve with its high cliffs and ridges is approximately 21,000 hectares in extent and is under the purview of the Forest Department. It is threatened by the plantation of cardamoms and encroachments. Knuckles region is a good place to see raptors as well as forest birds. One that can be recommended for observation of birds is the road from "Loolwatta" passing "Corbett's Gap" to an ancient village called "Meemure". A bungalow managed by the Forest Department and few privately owned bungalows are available for overnight stay.
How to get there: - 1) Colombo - Kegalle - Kandy - Hunnasgiriya - Loolwatta - Knuckles. 2) Colombo - Kandy - Matale - Rattota - Knuckles.
BIRDS: Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shahin Falcon, Rufus-Bellied Hawk Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Scimitar Babbler, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Ceylon Hill White Eye, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Spotted-Winged Thrush etc.
