Explore this little-visited natural paradise just a short distance from Galle

Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya (KDN) Biosphere Reserve covers both lowland and montane tropical forests. Nestled between two of the most important rivers in southern Sri Lanka, the Nilwala and Gin, it consists of a series of parallel ridges and valleys. The area is covered by a naturally high forest ecosystem consisting of several subtypes, namely lowland tropical forest, wet semi-evergreen forest, submontane tropical wet semi-evergreen forest and montane tropical wet-evergreen forest. This complex ecosystem has been identified as one of the most floristically rich in Southeast Asia and attracts many nature lovers who come to explore this unique UNESCO-certified Biosphere Reserve.

KDN is the only relatively large extension of tropical rainforest of this type in Sri Lanka with 'Dipterocarpus' as the dominant forest composition. In the KDN complex, a total of 319 woody plant species representing 194 genera have been identified of which 22% are endangered, 27% vulnerable and 45% rare. Some 220 faunal species including 41 endemic species have also been recorded such as the white-throated flowerpecker (Dicaeum vincens), Ceylon myna (Gracula ptilogenys) and the Sri Lanka hanging parrot (Loriculus beryllinus).

The park has two waterfalls - Anagi Mala Ella and Narangas Ella – that are fed from the crystal clear water of the Nannikitha Spring that starts its journey in the Kanneliya Forest Reserve. A refreshing swim in one of these beautiful waterfalls completely enveloped by the sights and sounds of nature is a further highlight of a visit to this fantastic biosphere reserve.