The Forbidden Forest trek and birdwatching trail – Udawattakele

Walk through the historical forest used by dead kings of old Ceylon, and see everything from the endemic Layard's parakeet to the rare Three-toed kingfisher at Udawattakele Forest Reserve.

SLDT/1702/BW06

Why someone should book this

• Udawatte Kele is the only forest reserve in the Kandy city limits and is a great addition to your list of things to do in Kandy
• It was once known as Uda Wasala Watta meaning the garden above the royal palace and is of significant cultural and  historic value
• This breathtaking forest is a hotspot for bird enthusiasts
• It is a moderate track that is great at burning off the excess calories gained while holidaying
• This historic sanctuary is famous not only for its avifauna but also its variety of plant species including lianas, shrubs and  small trees. It contains 460 plant species including 135 species of trees and nine endemic species
• You will be able to see the historically important ruins and places from the Kandyan Kingdom such as the Lady Horton’s Road, Royal Pond, Lovers’ Walk and Marble Seat.
• The opportunity to visit the Senkada Cave, where a hermit lived alone in the forest.
• It is also home to several species of mammals and reptiles, which makes it a holistic nature experience
• It is easily accessible and has a great educational and recreational appeal
• The forest is also a very important religious site as it contains three Buddhist meditation hermitages and three rock shelter dwellings
• It is suitable for all ages

Luxury cloud campout in the mountains – Knuckles Mountain Range

Live in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore cloud forests, secret waterfalls, and lonely trails to isolated villages at Knuckles Mountain Range.

Why should you book this trip?

• The Knuckles region stretches an impressive 155 sq km and contains five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery of Sri Lanka.
• The Knuckles Mountain Range (called that due to its appearance resembling a set of knuckles in a closed fist) is a major eco tourism venue in Sri Lanka and has been declared a conservation area, now known as the Knuckles National Heritage and Wilderness Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Mahoora Tented Safari camp in Knuckles is set up to enjoy this unique ecosystem, a place to breath fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature.
• The Knuckles mountain range provides one the best terrains to enjoy nature by foot, with an amazing number of trails that encapsulates the beauty of the mountains including its flora and fauna.
• The comfortable setting of the tented camp gives you a relaxing atmosphere. A warm campfire and Sri Lankan cuisine coupled with BBQ dinners will add to the flavour of your experience.
• An opportunity to meet and interact with the local communities.
• Your experience is led by a professional naturalist cum environmentalist who is very familiar with the Knuckles mountain range.
• Your naturalist led guided walks will make your experience unique. A facility that Mahoora guarantees
• You will have excellent photo opportunities.

Etili Village Excursion

Go to the countryside and experience the rural Sri Lankan way of life. 

SLDT/1709/Ex08

Why should you book this trip?

• Experience the traditional village agriculture in Sri Lanka

• Go on a “land master” ride around the village

• Engage with traditional chena cultivation activities which are unique to Sri Lanka

• Opportunity to go on a boat ride in the lake where you will be able to witness beautiful scenery

• Enjoy a traditional local lunch and a dessert in a chena hut

• Learn about various Sri Lankan cuisines

• Go on a short hike to a viewpoint where you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the area

• Witness an amazing sunset over the lake in the evening

• Good photo opportunities

• Opportunity to interact with the Sri Lankan village community

• This is an excellent community-based tour led by an experienced guide. So in turn, you contribute to the wellbeing of the local community