From Colombo this forest can be reached using the following route

Colombo – Awissawella – Ruwanwella – Kitulgala.  (2 hours)

 

The forest is across the river on the opposite the Kitulgala Rest House. A boat man on a “paruwa” is available for a fee to cross the river. Once across the foot path through the village will take the birder to the forest. The area is protected as a Forest Reserve which comes under the purview of the Forest Department. It is 1,155 hectares in extent. Even though there are plans to have a ticket office at the entrance to the forest, this is yet to be enforced. There are many places to stay overnight along the Awissawella – Hatton main road including the Rest House. Booking of these, however, have to be pre arranged.

 

Birds to look for

Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon lorikeet, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Red-faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Jungle & Ceylon Spurfowl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Broad-billed Roller, Spotted-winged Thrush, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Black naped Monach, Common Hill Mynah, Crested Serpent & Hawk eagles, Black Eagle , Mountain Hawk Eagle etc

www.ceylonbirdclub.org