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You are here: Home » Attractions » Kanneliya Rain Forest – the bio-diversity hotspot

Kanneliya Rain Forest – the bio-diversity hotspot

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    Attractions, Hiking, Landscapes, Natural Bath, Waterfalls

    Author: lakdasun (36 Posts)

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    Kanneliya Forest Reserve located in the Galle district is the largest of the KDN, or Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya, forest complex. Kanneliya is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country (as well as in the world). The bio-diversity of Kanneliya is considered richer, even compared to the world heritage rain forest “sinharaja”.Most of Kanneliya today is a forest that had recovered from selective logging that had happened in1970s.  The water flows in the forest are now recovering with a numerous numbers of streams adding life to the diverse vegetation and some what hilly landscape. These streams create several beautiful cascades in side the forest. They also provide ideal opportunities for nice cool dip in some of the purest streams in the whole world!

    Getting There

    Public access to Kanneliya is allowed through the forest department managed conservation center located close to Galle-Udugama-Neliwa road at Koralegama, Panangala.View Google Earth Trail Map
    Access By Road
    Route1: Colombo -> Kalutara (Katukurunda) [45km on A2] -> Nagoda [3km on B008] -> Mathugama [5km on B308 & 11km on B8] -> Horawala [5km on B3] -> Moragala [7km] -> Palewatta [8km on B3] -> Pitigala [10km on B3] -> Udugama [24km via Mapalagama] -> Panangala [6km on B156] ->Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 125km)
    Route2: Colombo -> Galle [120km on A2] ->Udugama [40km] ->Panangala [6km on B156] ->Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 165km)
    Route3: Colombo -> Kalutara (Katukurunda) [45km on A2] -> Nagoda [3km on B008] -> Mathugama [5km on B308 & 11km on B8] -> Horawala [5km on B3] -> Moragala [7km] -> Palewatta [8km on B3] -> Neluwa [30km] -> Thawalama[5km] -> Panangala [12km on B156] -> Koralegama -> Kanneliya Conservation Centre [2km](approximately 135km)
    Public Transport in only up to Panangala.

    Weather and Season

    December to February Lower chance of rain. Streams generally rich after rain. Good time to visit Kanneliya for waterfalls.
    March to April Less chance of rain. But water levels would also be less. Good time to visit Kanneliya for Hiking
    May to July Higher changce of rain. Time your visit after high monsoon activity to see waterfalls in full flow
    August, September Can be quite dry. Good for hiking but water levels will be low.
    October, November Higher changce of rain. Time your visit after high monsoon activity to see waterfalls in full flow

    Attractions and activities

    1. Hiking: There are two main trails that takes you deep in to the forest. Kabbale mountain trail takes you up to a summit point from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding. Trail to Narangas Ella goes deep in to the forest passing several points of interest such as the Giant Navada tree.
    2. Natural Bath: Streams flowing through Kanneiya offers many opportunities to take a dip in clean, cool waters. Popular natural pools include the pool in front of the Kanneliya conservation center, the pool behind the conservation center and a natural pool behind the Kanneliya Forest resort.

    View Google Earth Trail Map

    Accommodation Options

    The best option would be to stay at the forest department dormitory right at the entrance to the forest. also there are few private eco-lodges close to Kanneliya.

    Because of its proximity to Galle, you can stay in Galle and drive to Kanneliya. It takes less than an hour form Galle to reach there.

    Look for more accommodation options in this area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

    Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

    1. A forest department guide will always accompany you on your hikes.
    2. Take only pictures, leave only foot prints
    3. Water levels in the waterfalls will significantly go down during dry months. Therefore if you want to see them in full flow, time your visit just after rainy season
    4. When it rains, some of the trails get infected with Leeches. Make sure that you are prepared. [Lear more about leech prevention]

    Image Gallery

    Panoramic view of Kanneliya and nearby forest complex (KDN) from the Kabbale Mountain
    Panoramic view from the Kabbale hill. Trail to Kabbale is not too tough, and will let you enjoy the beauty of this forest first hand.
    Light filters through the forest - Kanneliya Evening light lighting up fallen leaves - Kanneliya
    After a rain in the forest in the afternoon, the sun breaks in, crating a magical feeling. Not only when light filters through the wet trees, it is also interesting to see it lighting up the fallen leaves on the ground too.
    Anagimale falls Kanneliya Rain Forest The giant creeper - Kanneliya Rain Forest
    Two, easy to reach attractions in the forest. The Anagimale falls is the easiest to reach. Just 2km from the gate on a broad trail, makes it very accessible.  Just 200m more on the main trail  from the Anagimale falls, lies the giant creeper.
    Colourful canopy of the forest - Kanneliya
    The forest canopy is as beautiful and diverse as what lies below. Different shades of green decorate the canopy which will look stunning when sun shines after a light rain in the rain forest
    Anagimale falls Kanneliya Rain Forest Anagimale falls Kanneliya Rain Forest
    The Beautiful Cascades of Anagimale falls. The streams have lost most of their water retaining capabilities due to de-forestation in 1970’s an therefore the true beauty of these waterfalls are rarely seen today. Situation is improving with the recovery of the forest but it is a living example to show how difficult it is to restore the delicate balance of nature once disturbed.
    Fern on the boulder - Kanneilya Green Vine Snake - Kanneliya
    I have met people who complain that the places like “Kanneliya” are “boring” and “Nothing much to see”. Well the truth is that there are a plenty of wonders to see but we simply ignore them in a hurry.After a good walk in Kanneliya, I would be really surprised if some one haven’t seen a few creatures like the vine snake pictured here and a plenty of beautiful formations of nature such as this “fern on the boulder”
    Narangas Ella water fall - Kanneliya The Giant Navada tree - Kanneliya
    Two other attractions of Kanneliya. You need to venture little deeper in to the forest to see the Narangas Ella. THe giant Navada tree is located at a short detour from the same trail.
    Stream flowing through the forest - kanneliya Stream flowing through the forest - kanneliya
    Water is synonymous with life. To the forest, streams add movement and create a sense of life. Water flowing in these streams are possibly the purest in the world with no contact with humans until they leave the forest.
    Stream behind kanneliya forest resort
    The Gentle Flow: A closer look at the gentle flow of a stream. While the attempt to capture the rhythm of the flow has paid off,  the feeling will never be complete without the  charming sound the water makes when it sneaks through the boulders.
    Forest Department dormitory - Kanneliya Forest Department dormitory - Kanneliya
    The forest department dormitory at Kanneliya – This is the best accommodation option, both economy wise as well as location wise

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