Many are familiar with Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s primary rainforest. However, the island is blessed with other rainforest ecosystems, as well. Makandawa is a lowland secondary rainforest known only to a few. It is a watershed forest on the Kelani River Valley in Kitulgala, the island’s top white water rafting destination. Biodiversity-rich and fed by the Kelani River, it thrives with endemic species. The forest covers an area of 1,155 hectares, with rock pools and waterfalls punctuating its landscape. Let’s explore everything to do here.
Birdwatching
Makandawa is a significant endemic bird habitat. Rare species like the Black Eagle, the Trogon, the Chestnut-backed Owlet, the Blue Magpie, Black-rumped Flameback, Layard’s Parakeet and the Green-billed Coucal are seen here, as well as endemic birds like Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, the Red-faced Malkoha, Ceylon Lorikeet and Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler. Unlike Sinharaja’s dense forest cover, Makandawa’s lighter forest cover allows better bird sightings.
Additionally, there are several endemic species of butterflies and dragonflies to observe. The Tawny Raja, Red Helen, Blue Mormon, Tree Nymph, Common Blue Bottle and Blue Oak Leaf are some of the rare species of butterflies to spot.
White water rafting
Kelani River offers 5 Grade 2 and 3 rapids, each with unique characteristics for some adrenaline-filled white-water rafting. The rapids are suitable for most enthusiasts. You can also canoe and kayak your way downstream at a more relaxed pace to enjoy the riverbank scenery.
Waterfall abseiling
The numerous waterfalls in Makandawa Forest offer abseiling opportunities. Sandun Ella is a popular spot to scale down the cascade safely. The 105 ft descent puts you face-to-face with the roaring stream of water and the massive rock face. It is a unique way to admire the surrounding scenery, too.
Belilena Cave
Deep inside the rainforest is the Belilena Cave, a prehistoric habitat. Skeletal remains, stone tools, and evidence of fire use that date back 30,000 years have been discovered here. A salt trade route that links to nearby coastal lagoons and a rubble foundation dating 16,000 years are also seen here. It is a significant archaeological site on the island.
Three caverns encompass the cave. Above the right corner of the cave is a waterfall, which cascades across the entrance and becomes a steady stream of gushing water in the rainy season.
Forest Trek
Venturing into the Makandawa Forest is a refreshing experience. The pleasing sounds of the rainforest, with birdcalls taking precedence, will greet your ears. Hiking into the forest’s heart, you will encounter numerous wildlife, clear streams, waterfalls, natural pools and more. Loris and lemurs, squirrels, and lizards are commonly sighted.
We recommend:
Leech repellent and anti-leech hiking socks as leeches are common in the wet zone lowland rainforests of Sri Lanka.
Makandawa Forest Reserve is also academy-award famous;
The Bridge on the River Kwai was a 1957 war film that won seven Academy Awards and is considered one of the greatest films ever made. It was filmed in Makandawa, which depicted the Thai jungle in the plot. A bridge was constructed over the Kelani River and later was blown up for filming.
Exploring Kitulgala beyond white water rafting with Blue Lanka Tours
The lesser-known rainforest of Makandawa is often overlooked due to its size and the more popular rafting experience on the river. Whether you are a white-water rafting enthusiast or just passing Kitulgala, immersing yourself in the forest will transport you to a rejuvenating realm.
Blue Lanka Tours offers unique experiences that transcend the norm. We provide authentic travel that highlights the importance of conservation. Our responsible tourism approach safeguards sustainability and draws attention to the island’s outstanding ecosystems. Discover the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s unspoilt wilderness with Blue Lanka Tours.