Kanneliya Forest Reserve
This is a large rainforest which is 6,114 hectares in extent. Even though it offers a rich habitat for many species of birds and is rich in biodiversity, much of the area is covered mostly by secondary forest. It is protected as a Forest Reserve and comes under the purview of the Forest Department. Inside the forest are wide paths for a distance of about 2 km to walk and watch birds. Basic accommodation is available for overnight stay in the forest but booking has to be made at the head office of the Forest Department situated at Jayanthipura, Battaramulla
How to get there: Colombo - Galle - Turn left on to the Udugama Road - Go along this road to Kanneliya (4 hours)
BIRDS: Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Yellow-Fronted Barbet, Green-Billed Coucal, Ceylon Jungle & Spur Fowl, Ceylon Bay Owl, Chestnut-Backed Owlet, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Scimitar Babbler, Black-Capped, Yellow-Browed Bulbuls, Black Bulbuls, SpotWingedThrush, Crimson-Backed, Woodpecker, Lesser-Yellow-Naped Woodpecker, Brown-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater, Black Eagle, Crested Eagle, Hawk Eagle and many more
