Mithirigala Forest Reserve
Protected as a forest reserve and 512 hectares in extent, this forest also comes under the purview of the Forest Department. In this forest too is a Buddhist temple (Aranya). The earlier footpath adjacent to the forest leading to a village has now become a tarred road. During early morning, a walk on this road can be very rewarding and once walked for about 1 1/2 km there is a footpath to the left which leads to an open glade. Bird watching inside the forest hermitage area should be with the permission of the caretakers.
How to get there: -Colombo - Kaduwela - Hanwella - Pugoda - After 3 km look for a road on the right hand side with a board "MithirigalaAranyaya" (1 hour).
BIRDS: White-RumpedShama, Ceylon Swallow, Ashy Swallow Shrike, Ceylon Lorikeet, Black-Capped, Yellow-Browed & Black Bulbuls, Ceylon & Green Imperial Pigeons,Alexandrine Parakeet, Brown-Capped & Black-FrontedBabblers, Black-Headed & Large Cuckoo Shrikes, IndianThree-Toed Kingfisher, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Paradise Flycatcher, Black-Naped Flycatcher and many more.
