Kitulgala Forest Reserve
The forest lies along the Kelani River opposite the Kitulgala Rest House. The river has to be crossed to enter the forest. A dugout canoe stabilised with an outrigger is available at a fee for crossing the river. Besides, the same can be reached by birders on the footpath that extends through the village. Anyway, this forest which is about 1,155 hectares in extent is protected as a Forest Reserve which comes under the purview of the Forest Department. There are many places to stay overnight along the Avissawella-Hatton main road including the Rest House. These have to be booked beforehand.
How to get there:- Colombo - Avissawella - Ruwanwella - Kitulgala (2 hours).
BIRDS: Green-Billed Coucal, Ceylon Lorikeet, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Chestnut-Backed Owlet, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Jungle & Ceylon Spur Fowl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Broad-Billed Roller, Spotted-Winged Thrush, Yellow-Fronted Barbet, Black-Naped Monarch, Common Hill Mynah, Crested Serpent Eagle, Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle etc.
