This sanctuary can be reached from Colombo on the following route.

Colombo – Kegalle – Kandy – Tennakumbura Bridge – Go straight to reach Raja Mawatha which goes through the sanctuary.
(4 ½ hours)

This is the catchment area for the above three reservoirs that were built under the accelerated Mahaveli development scheme. The area enjoys protection as a Sanctuary which comes under the purview of the Department of Wild Life Conservation and is 42,087 hectares in extent. The forested hills and the valleys as well as the large reservoirs and rivers make this area suitable for many species of forest birds and raptors. Accommodation is available at some private hotels as well as Mahaveli Bungalows.

Birds to look for

Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike, Large Cuckoo Shrike, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Orange Minivet,  Indian Pitta, Ceylon Swallow, House Swift, Forest Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent & Crested Hawk Eagles, Black-winged Kite, Crested Honey Buzzard, Ceylon Jungle Fowl,  Rufus Woodpecker, Common Iora, Green Leaf & Large-billed Leaf Warblers and many more.