Kithugala (Kitugala)
Sri Lanka.

My favourite area of rainforest in Sri Lanka.

personal experience

I stayed here in November 2016.

the area

After Sinharaja, this is the second place people come to find birds endemic to Sri Lanka. I think it is actually a better spot, the views are great, the rainforest and village walks are beautiful, and it is not as over-regulated as Sinharaja.

accommodation

There are several options for accommodation along the river that all have great views. I checked out Rafter's Retreat, the Plantation, and Kithugala Rest House. The latter is where I stayed while in the region.

the Kithugala Rest House

This hotel is the closest to the river crossing. The hotel has great views from the rooms and the restaurant.

exploring the area

There are many different walks and variations.

You can do a short walk around the perimeter and gardens of the Kithugala Rest House, including down to the river.

The Rafter's Retreat Hotel has a nice bit of rainforest on it's land.

If you walk along the main road (exiting right when you get to the main road) and walk along for about two kilometres, you will come to the riverside turn off to the police station. This small road goes through forest, past hotels and down to the river. Hornbills are often seen on this road.

For more walks that go across the river, check out the page on Kelani Reserve.

wildlife

There are many different birds to be seen around the hotels.

Giant squirrels, while less common than Palm Squirrels, can turn up even close to the towns.

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