Makandawa Rainforest – Kitulgala Sri Lanka
From Kaduwela to Kitulgala
It was the dawn of the day we have been eagerly waiting to onset the journey and explore the Makandawa Rainforest in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka.
Three of us hopped inside our vehicle and left from Kaduwela, Colombo early in the morning despite the rain which did not make us hesitant to travel, rather kept telling us that will be worthwhile in every possible way!
We reached Avissawella, approximately 33 kilometres away from Kaduwela within an hour, had our brunch, and shortly resumed the journey to Kithulgala, another 45 kilometres. As planned, once we reached Kitulgala after a one-half hour drive, we turned left from Kithulgala Rest House Junction, again took a left towards a convenient parking space, and paid a fee of 400 LKR as the parking charge.
The Trial Starts
BoatThe trial to the unexplored planet laid ahead, but we had to cross the Kelani River first, which is known to be the widest of all rivers in Sri Lanka. It was drizzling as we stepped into waters, but it kept alleviating the exhaustion caused by the long drive and soothing us.
It was the rainy season of the year where the water level was high. The locals use traditionally dugout canoes with an outrigger to reach the other shore. Luckily for us, one option available for our little expedition was to use the daily ferry service run by Makandawa villagers. The ferry service operates within the Kitulgala – Oruthota Pool usually charges 50 LKR from outsiders and 20 LKR from villagers.
There is a newly built bridge from Kitulgala towards Hatton, another option to cross the river if you enter the forest reserve from the Parawalathanne entrance which was 2 kilometres away from where we stood in the trail. We were told that the road gets a little harder to navigate towards its latter sections, thus we took the most practical option to cross the river by taking the ferry.
After crossing the river which was an astounding scenery, the trail becomes convenient with the newly built concrete stairs leading to a concrete road. You will find a small tarmac road some distance along the way and once you take a left you will find a pebbled road. We enjoyed every bit of our exploration in the wilderness, our bodies were taking in the purest form of fresh air and our hearts were leaping with absolute joy!
nto the Wilderness
Ticketing officeThe ticketing office was in the vicinity within the distance of another 100 meters. This ticketing office is serviced by the Forest Department Sri Lanka, as an initiative to conserve and expand Sri Lankan forests and woodlands. We were issued three entry tickets at the cost of 115 LKR, costing each of us around 40 LKR. The friendly officers at the ticketing office will explain the forest reserve as well as the landmarks which we found to be interesting and informative. This is the place where you ask questions to clear out any ambiguities you have and get the suggestions from pros! Also please note, you can request a guide to accompany you safely throughout the expedition.
Makandawa is considered to be one of the most unspoiled rainforests this little island preserves. A humble request from us at Unexplored Planet to all the travellers out there visiting this sanctuary, NO POLYTHENE OR PLASTICS PLEASE!!
Another advice to our fellow travellers visiting the place – please ensure that you take precautions to protect from leeches even before entering the forest reserve.
leeches on my handWe applied some repellent lotion to keep from the creepy leeches and we were glad that we did. Leeches were many that we came across and so were the monkeys.
The site map is displayed at the entrance into the forest, and plan your trial and keep tracking your way through. We found it easy to navigate through with the site map we captured using our mobiles.
This evergreen forest receives its share of droplets from heavens and gets lavishly nourished by the Kelani River which runs wild often. Numerous streams that continually pump water in and enrich the soil keeps the forest dense and thick with rare and endemic plant species.
It was the rainy season and the trail was challenging with high waters, falling trees and debris blocking the pathways into the woods. We brought two saplings with us that would thrive in such tropical rainforest in harmony with its ecosystem. With delighted hearts, we planted the saplings by a fallen tree.
Makandawa spreads over 1115 hectares and hosts a plethora of plants and animal species amongst which are several endangered species including endemic, migratory and resident birds; thus, considered to be a bird watcher’s’ paradise. The reserve homes numerous species of mammals, amphibians and insects too.
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