Makandawa Rainforest (Bird sanctuary)
It is one of the richest biodiversity and most unspoiled rainforest in Sri Lanka. It covers an area of 1155ha close to small town Kitulgala that famous for white water rafting.
It habitats to several rare and endemic species of flora and fauna.
This secondary lowland rainforest is a great place for birdwatching, trekking and hiking through challenging trails.
This bird lovers’ paradise is home for endemic birds such as Sri Lankan Orange-billed Babbler, Green billed Coucal, the Chestnut-backed Owlet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Ceylon junglefowl, spurfowl, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Lorikeet, Common Hill Mynah, the Black-rumped Flameback, Sri Lankan Crested Drongo, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, and the Sri Lankan Brown-capped Babbler.
Additional information
Nearby Attractions
The most popular nearby attraction
- Kitulgala
- Belilena Caves
The beautiful Kelani River in the tickly forest hills of Kitulgala is the best place in Sri Lanka for white water rafting. The rafting in Kitulgala covers five major rapids and four minor rapids.
The service providers along the river will guide you on how to manage your boat through the river’s rapids and minors.
Kithulgala is also ideal for both experienced and beginner kayakers. A leisurely kayak trip along the river provides beautiful views of mountain landscape and forest.
Distance: 3 Km
During excavations, the archaeologist unearthed the 16,000-year-old skeletal remains of the prehistoric Balangoda man (Homesepiens Balangodensis). The Balangoda Man is claimed to have possessed big skulls, prominent supraorbital ridges, depressed nose, heavy jaws, short neck, and huge teeth. Other artifacts discovered in these caverns include ancient tools dating back to 28,000 years ago. Several oyster shells consumed by aborigines were discovered while digging a specific region. Because of the large number of oyster shells discovered here, the cave was dubbed Belilena.
Limestones cover the walls of the main cave and the three adjacent caves. Belilena’s land area is around 8 acres in size. Thousands of bats appear to be mindlessly fluttering about the wet, chilly, and murky depths of Belilena Cave.
Distance: 6 Km
Accommodation
Accommodation (within 10km)
- Star Classified hotels- Yes
- International Chain Hotels- No
- Boutique Hotels- Yes
- Resorts- No
- Ayurvedic Hotels- No
- Inns/Guest Houses- Yes
- Hostels- Yes
- Homestays- Yes
- Eco Hotels- Yes
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
Distance from (estimate)
- CMB Airport- 85km (travel time: 3hrs)
- Colombo City- 98km (travel time: 3hrs)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress- 164km (travel time: 4hrs 25min)
- Anuradhapura Ancient City- 201km (travel time: 5hrs)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 211km (travel time: 5hrs 15min)
- Kandy City- 63km (travel time: 2hrs 20min)
- Galle Dutch Fort- 179km (travel time: 4hrs 15min)
* The time and distance are only given to give you an idea. There are stopovers between the two locations. The cities listed above are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time
Season
- August to September, December to February