Beyond the Beaten Path: Sri Lanka's Best-Kept Natural Treasure - Kanneliya

 

Kanneliya located  in the southern reaches of Sri Lanka, away from the bustling cities and tourist hotspots, lies the enchanting Kanneliya Forest Reserve. Often referred to as the "lungs of the south" .Kanneliya is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The forest is situated 35Km northwest to the Galle City ( Lakpura LLC , 2023).

This lush rainforest, with its rich biodiversity and fascinating landscapes, offers a unique experience that takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of Sri Lanka's natural wonders. Kanneliya spans over 100sqkm and designated as biosphere reserve in 2004 by the UNESCO (UNESCO, 2019).         

Kanneliya serves as a watershed for numerous rivers and streams, among them the Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga, originating within the forest and flowing west and east of the reserve, respectively (Tours, 2023).

How to reach Kanneliya Rainforest?

The distance between Colombo to Kanneliya is about 151 km via Southern Express Highway. Kanneliya also can visited via by train from Colombo to Galle. The train journey provides scenic views of the coastline. From Galle, hire a taxi or use local buses to reach Kanneliya.

Before entering Kanneliya Forest Reserve, travelers need to obtain the necessary permits from the Forest Department. The  ticket counter opens at 08.00 am (Ticket prices 28/- each and additional 600/- to 800/- to the guide fees depending on the trail). The ideal time period to visit Kanneliya is  between December to February to see incredible waterfalls. Hikers favor March, April, August, and September to embark their journeys considering lower rainfall and water levels in the area.

Kanneliya Rain Forest Weather:

·         Temperature: 27.0C

·         Rainfall: 3750mm

Things to see at Kanneliya

Kanneliya captivates visitors with rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, offering a multitude of enchanting sights. Here are some notable things to see at Kanneliya:

·         Cave Trail - 1.6 km (1 hour)

·         Anagimale Ella Waterfall - 2.5 km (approximately 3 hours)

·         Narangas Ella Waterfall - 5.4 km (6 hours)

·         Elephant Creeper (Yodha Puswela) - 2.5 km (3 hours)

·         Giant navel tree - 3.8 km (approximately 3 hours)

·         Hike to Kabbale Mountain Trail - 5.5 km (approximately 6 hours)

·         Malamura Waterfall

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Hiking and Trekking

Explore scenic trails, mountain paths, and national parks on foot, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks.

Hiking destination within the Kanneliya Rain Forest

Kabbale Mountain, accessed via the 'Naranjas' Ella trail, featuring the impressive 'Nevada' tree.

Kanneliya boasts an extensive array of fauna, with over 220 identified species, encompassing 86 mammals, 36 snakes, and various fish species. Among the bird population, 26 are endemic, with 20 exclusively found within the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya (KDN) forest complex. The bird residents comprise the Sri Lankan spurfowl, jungle fowl, grey hornbill, red-faced Malkoha, orange-billed babbler, and the Sri Lankan blue magpie. The Green-billed-Coucal, ashy-headed laughing thrush, Sri Lankan blue magpie, and white-faced starling are categorized as endangered bird species. The waters of Gin River and Nilwala River host 20% of Sri Lanka’s endemic freshwater fishes, while the Kanneliya Rainforest houses 17 endemic snake species among its herpetofauna. Additionally, the Kanneliya forest reserve is home to 23 lizard species (Tours.com, 2023).

Photo Gallery 

How Kanneliya can develop as a major tourist attraction emphasizing sustainability?

Developing Kanneliya as a major tourist attraction while emphasizing sustainability is a delicate process that requires careful planning and management. Here are some strategies to achieve this.

Ecotourism Initiatives

·     Promote ecotourism practices that prioritize minimal environmental impact and maximum engagement with the natural surroundings.

·      Introduce guided tours led by trained naturalists to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism.

Visitor Education and Awareness

·    Implement informative signage and visitor education programs to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystem and the significance of responsible tourism.

·        Provide brochures or multimedia presentations at the entrance to educate tourists about the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts in Kanneliya.

Responsible Tourism Practices

·    Enforce and promote responsible tourism practices, such as waste reduction, minimal disturbance to wildlife, and adherence to designated trails.

·       Encourage visitors to carry reusable items, reduce plastic usage, and follow the principles of "leave no trace" during their visit.

Wildlife Protection Measures

·     Implement measures to protect wildlife, such as designated wildlife viewing areas and restrictions on intrusive activities during sensitive breeding seasons.

·    Invest in technologies like wildlife monitoring cameras to track and study animal behavior without direct human interference.

Bibliography

Lakpura LLC , 2023. Kanneliya Rain Forest. [Online]
Available at: https://lk.lakpura.com/pages/kanneliya-rain-forest
[Accessed 14 November 2023].

Tours.com, S. L. D., 2023. Kanneliya Rainforest Day Tour. [Online]
Available at: https://www.srilankadaytours.com/excursions/nature-trails-in-sri-lanka/kanneliya-rainforest-day-tour.html
[Accessed 14 November 2023].

Tours, R. D., 2023. Kanneliya Rainforest. [Online]
Available at: https://www.reddottours.com/sri-lanka-activities/kanneliya-rainforest
[Accessed 14 November 2023].

UNESCO, 2019. Kanneliya-Dediyagala Nakiyadeniya Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka. [Online]
Available at: https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/aspac/KDN
[Accessed 14 Novmber 2023].