SLT RAINBOW PAGES

Peak Wilderness


Peak Wilderness was declared as a sanctuary in 1940 and is 22,379 hectares in extent. In 2010 it was declared as a World Heritage Wilderness Area considering the biological and ecological importance of this largely intact forest which ranges from 700m 1500m. This is a very important area in Sri Lanka for the conservation of the endemics; flora and fauna. The peak wilderness also supports the last remaining remnant wet zone elephant population in the country. This forest was cut off from the lowland forests by land clearing during the turn of the last century and therefore these elephants have been isolated in this mountainous terrain. It is estimated that 30-50 animals, sufficient in number to maintain a viable population still occur in these forests. All the footpaths to the Adam's Peak are through this forest and many species of birds can be seen during the season as well as off season. This mountain walk begins from a wet evergreen forest and goes all the way up to a montane cloud forest. Even though this involves a strenuous climb many species of birds that are found at different altitudes can be observed. Though accommodation is available in and around Nallathaniya for overnight stay, there are only a very few such places available around Eratna.

How to get there:-1)  Colombo - Avissawella - Kitulgala - Norton Bridge - Nallathanniya - Peak Wilderness (4 hours). 2) Colombo - Avissawella - Eratna - Peak Wilderness (31/2hours).

BIRDS: Lower Elevations:- Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Rufus Babbler, Ashy-Headed Laughingthrush, Layard's Parakeet, Ceylon Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Trogon, Orange Minivet, Green-Billed Coucal, Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Ceylon Spur Fowl and many more.

Higher Elevations:-  Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Ceylon Hill White Eye, Grey-Headed Flycatcher, Ceylon Black Bird, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Scaly Thrush, Mountain Hawk Eagle and many more.

Related Articles

Chundikulam Sanctuary

Chundikkulam National Park is a national park in northern Sri Lanka, approximately 12 km north east of Kilinochchi

Labugama-Kalatuwawa Forest

The mountain is mainly covered by Labugama - Kalatuwawa Forest Strict Reserve which is roughly the catchment area of the said reservoirs and is home t...

Sigiriya Sanctuary

King Kashyapa built his rock fortress in the 5th century so as to have a bird's eye view of approaching enemies. Today, from its summit it is birds an...

Galways Land Sanctuary

Galway's Land National Park is a small national park situated within the city limits of Nuwara Eliya, approximately 15 minutes drive from Spring Acre....

Mannar And Vankalai Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary, partly a Wetland, comprises Puliyantivu island, Tiruketiswaram, Pallimunai, Vankalai and the strips of land on either side of the caus...

Chilaw Sandspits

hilaw Rest House and go along the coast road to reach the sand spit. Towards the end the surface of the road becomes very sandy and thus it is advisab...

Wasgamuwa National Park Sanctuary

Wasgamuwa National Park is a natural park in Sri Lanka situated in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts

Knuckles Wilderness

The Knuckles Range was declared as a conservation forest in year 2000 and subsequently, as a National Man and Biosphere Reserve. The Knuckles range a...

View all Articles