From Colombo this sanctuary can be reached using the following routs
Colombo – Awissawella – Kitulgala – Norton bridge – Nallathaniya – Peak Wilderness ( 4 hours)
Colombo – Awissawella – Kuruwita – Eratna – Peak Wilderness ( 3 ½ hours)
PEAK WILDERNESS SANCTUARY
Peak Wilderness was declared as a sanctuary in 1940 and is 22,379 hectares in extent. In July 2010 it was declared as a World Heritage Wilderness Area considering the biological and ecological importance of this largely intact forest which ranges from700m 1500m. This is arguably the most important area in Sri Lanka for the conservation of endemic forms of life of all kinds, plants as well as animal, and thus of genetic diversity. The peak wilderness also supports the last remaining remnant wet zone elephant population in the country. This forest was cut off from the lowland forests by land clearing during the turn of the last century and these elephants have been isolated in this mountainous terrain and high elevations ever since. It is estimated that 30-50 animals, sufficient in number to maintain a viable population still roam these forests. All the foot paths to the Adams Peak are through the forest and many species of birds can be seen during the season as well as off season. This mountain walk begins from a wet ever green forest and goes all the way up to a montane cloud forest. Even though this involves a strenuous climb many species of birds that are found at different altitudes can be observed. Even though accommodation is available in and around Nallathaniya for over night staying there are only a very few such places available around Eratna.
Birds to look for
Lower Elevations
Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Rufus Babbler, Ashy Headed Laughing Thrush, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Green Pigeon, Ceylon Trogon, Orange Minivet, Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Jungle Fowl & Ceylon Spurfowl and many more.
Higher Elevations
Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Yellow-eared Bul Bul, Ceylon Hill White Eye, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Ceylon Black Bird, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Scaly Thrush, Mountain Hawk Eagle and many more.
http://www.ceylonbirdclub.org/
