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The village crossing and forest hike to old waterfalls – Makandawa Rainforest

Ride a dugout canoe across Kelani River, then hike through a birdwatcher's paradise in search of hidden waterfalls in the belly of Makandawa Rainforest.

SLDT/1702/TR03

Why should you book this trip?

A real experience amidst untouched natural beauty.
It’s the perfect destination for endemic bird watching.
An experienced naturalist with in-depth knowledge on the Makandawa Rainforest, will accompany you.
Traditional dugout canoe ride to cross the Kelani River.
Local community interactions and observing their way of life.
Logistically very feasible to include in your itinerary on your way from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya via Hatton (or on your return journey from the hill city).
Options available to combine this excursion with whitewater rafting and canyoning.
Excellent photography opportunities.

STARTING FROM

14 USD
PER PERSON

1 PERSON - 27 USD
2 PERSONS - 18 USD PER PERSON
3 PERSONS - 16 USD PER PERSON
4 PERSONS - 14 USD PER PERSON

HOTLINE

(+94) 70 222 8 222

Quick Facts

Availability: 365 days of the year
Transfer arrangements to be picked up and dropped off at any preferred destination could be provided on request, at an additional fee
Arrival time: 6.30 a.m. or 3 p.m. at pre-agreed location in Kitulgala

Please Note:
Children 8 to 12 years of age will be charged 50%.
The Makandawa Trekking Tour is not recommended for children under eight years of age.
Possible to extend the activity with accommodation.

You will meet

Samantha

Samantha Liyanage is a trekking guide for Eco Team in Kitulgala with around five years experience in the field. A former member of the Sri Lanka Army, he decided to become a trekking guide, given his knowledge of the locality and its features as Kitulgala is his hometown. His interests are cricket and singing.

Operated by Eco Team Pvt Ltd

Included in the price

Services of a local guide for the trek
Bottled water
Entrance fees to the Makandawa Forest

Exclusions

Any transportation to and from the meeting point
Any additional beverages or food
Any tips for staff
Any personal effects not mentioned in this description
Optional activity costs
Any others expenses not mentioned ‘Included in the Package’ section

Tour in brief

Please get in touch with your sales consultant as soon as the booking is confirmed and you will be advised on the meeting point.

Your excursion leader will meet you and after a briefing on the tour and safety precautions, we will walk through the village and find our dugout canoe. A villager will take us on our ride across the village.

From the landing point we start our trail. The reserve has rich birdlife including many endemic species; making it a great spot for avid birdwatchers. The hike takes you through a thick canopy of lush forest with trees towering above and providing natural shade and coolness even on the hottest days. The reserve has several waterfalls and it is possible to swim in natural swimming holes inside the reserve.

Some of the birds that you may see in this area include: the Sri Lankan Wood Pigeon, White Faced Starling, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Orange-billed Babbler, Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed Owlet and the Lesser Yellow Nape.

Finishing the trail, we take a swinging bridge back, or the same canoe to cross back.

Important

Suitable casual clothing for windy, rainy, warm weather conditions should be considered.
Insect repellents and sun-protection creams are recommended items to carry.
All electronic devices should be securely carried.

Water bottles should be carried by clients at all times.

Makandawa Rainforest

The Makandawa Forest reserve is one of the oldest forest reserves in the country and is a significant protected area that is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 192 hectares of land, it is home to some of the most exotic and endangered wildlife including a dazzling array of endemic, migratory and resident birds.

The Makandawa Forest was declared as a forest reserve way back in 1903 and has been an important location for birders, nature photographers as well as wildlife academics, with the reserve being one of the best places in the country to observe and study a host of different creatures.

Bird watching is very rewarding in Makandawa as you will get a chance to see plenty of rare species including the Black Eagle, the Trogon, Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler, Chestnut backed Owlet, the Blue Magpie and the Red-faced Malkoha.

The forest reserve is also habitat to several species of mammals, insects, and amphibians; making your trek at Makandawa a complete wildlife experience truly worth venturing upon.

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