Reserve. Beware of leaches. Reservations of dormitory accommodation through the Dept. of Wild Life/Dept. of Forestry
Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest One of the most beautiful stretches of rainforest in Sri Lanka is the rainforest bordering the Hiyare Reservoir, about 18 km (approximately half an hour drive) This stretch of rainforest is scenically situated around the Hiyare Reservoir. Visitors have superb and easy access to rainforests Over thirty species of freshwater fish have been recorded by the Wildlife Conservation Society in the rainforest streams of which several are endemic.
Namaluyana South Asia’s largest Rose Pink Quartz mountain range. Steeped in history and legend it is situated about 160 km North of Colombo in the picturesque hamlet of Ulpathgama Galk iri yagama in the Anuradhapura district. According to folklore pink quartz from this unique mountain was used to build India’s Taj Mahal. The large number of Na trees (Iron Wood) in the vicinity (from which it has derived the name) confirms that it had been a park from ancient times with a wealth of biodiversity.
IFS-Popham Arboretum, Dambulla Established in 1963 by Sam Popham, a officer in the Royal Navy and later a tea planter, his method of planting was so special that it came to be known as the Popham Method. The land and the plains of the north east and south east were covered with semi evergreen forests. However due to clearing the land for chena cultivation (shifting cultivation), the area turned to scrub jungle. Mr. Popham selected a land cleared it of scrub jungle and released seedlings of the earlier evergreen forest. At present the Arboretum is a haven for 70 species of evergreen and deciduous trees. You will see some of the finest trees of Sri Lanka’s dry zone finest including the world’s only true many species of mammals, birds. Butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians to flourish in the arboretum.
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Eco Tourism
Arankele Sixth century remains of the Arankele forest monastery and caves lie at a distance of 24 km to the north of Kurunegala. It was inhabited by the Tapovana or forest-dwelling sect of austere Buddhist hermits, and the remains of these ruins include a large tantaghara (hot water-bath), long concrete meditating walkway through a wooded area, and a complete hospital. Arankale has become an archaeological site, a biological hotspot and a garden of medicinal plants subject to the changing character of nature. The sight takes you 800 years back, when Arhath Maliyadeva, the last Arhath of Sri Lanka, spent his time meditating at Arankale. Its green sylvan surroundings will relax and refresh you completely.
Adams Peak One of the major Eco Tourism destinations sorted by travellers. Standing 2242 meters above sea level it is the epitome of climbs. With most climbers opting to begin the climb at night in order to view the sun rise, this unique moment is cherished for years to come.
Knuckels mountain range With an area spanning 155 sq km the trail passes lush greenery, splashing waterfalls and small villages along the trek. Some locations at this altitude offers breathtaking views of this wide landscape. A treat for photography enthusiast.
Turtle Watching Five of the eight species of remaining sea turtles today, regularly visit the sandy beaches of Sri Lanka to nest. In Sri Lanka all sea turtles and their products are fully protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Sea Turtles frequent the western coastline and areas famous for turtle watching, are beaches around Induruwa and Kosgoda. Induruwa has a Turtle Research Project and Kosgoda has a Turtle Center, Conservation Project, Hatchery and a Research Centre as well.
Caving This fascinating activity is relatively new to Sri Lanka, but with an impressive range of caves located throughout the country, it’s an unusual experience not to be missed! Caving (known to the experts as ‘speleology’) involves the exploration, surveying, mapping and photographing of caves. Batatotalena Cave at Sudagala is an incredible site where the skeletal remains of prehistoric man have been found and, Wavulpone Cave (aka ‘Cave of Bats’) is renowned for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and the hundreds of thousands of bats that live there! With some of these caves dating back approximately 500 million years, this is an adventure into the prehistoric! (refer Eco-Team advert.)