Kanneliya is a rainforest located in the district of Galle, with an ecology much similar to that of the world heritage site Sinharaja rainforest. Although much smaller in scale, there is still a high degree of biodiversity to appreciate.
There are two general purposes of visiting the rainforest: to hike and to visit the waterfalls. If you are going waterfall hunting, the best times to visit are after the monsoons, between December and February, November or July. If you want to hike the trails, the best times to visit would be in March, April, August, and September. During the months designated for hiking, the forest would be quite dry and some waterfalls may have disappeared altogether. However, the dry season is best for hiking the forest as it is densely populated with leeches. A guide from the Department of Forestry will be joining you in your excursion to the forest, who will help you in dealing with these parasites. Depending on the trail you take, you will be able to see the giant creeper, the giant Nevada tree, and plenty of green vipers and the like. If you take the Kabbale mountain trail, you will summit the mountain – it is not a difficult climb – and witness beautiful views of the forest below. Different shades of green would dot the canopy creating a harmonious masterpiece. The art of the leaves is not second to the diversity that lies below the foliage, as you will see if you take the trek to Narangas Falls.
Kanneliya Rainforest is within easy of many places. It is but a few hours’ drive from Galle and Kalutara beach hotels; in fact, the forest can be reached in less than two hours from Turyaa Kalutara. If driving around does not suit you, the best – and the only – option is to seek accommodation at the dormitory of the Forestry Department. While not luxurious, it will give you necessities to survive a night.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
