Kanneliya rainforest is located 35kms north-east of coastal city Galle. One of the last remaining rain forests in the low-lands of Sri Lanka Kanneliya was named an important bio-sphere reserve by UNESCO and is a treat to all nature lovers. Of the many Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka Kanneliya is tipped to awe and inspire with lush foliage, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife. If you wish to enjoy the best of Sri Lanka’s southern coast consider a stay at the well-located Saman Villas resort in Bentota.
Enjoy sun sand and surf at this resort, which sits lazily besides the beautiful Indian Ocean. Open air treatment facilities, soothing water features and the laid back vibes of Sahana Spa is a treat to mind body and soul. The spacious restaurants serve the best in traditional and local cuisine while accommodation stretches across 26 suites and luxury villas offering tranquillity and privacy. Enjoy the long golden beaches and swimming in the warm sea while the hotel tour desk has a number of interesting excursions for you to choose from. The Kanneliya reserve is just 90kms from here.
This lush forest boasts over 10,140 hectares of rainforest. Deemed as a bio-sphere reserve in 2004 by UNESCO the forests are home to the richest variety of flora in the whole of South Asia.
Beautiful Gin River is the biggest waterway here, giving way to babbling brooks and amazing waterfalls. Trek your way across lush vegetation, indigenous species of plants and observe the colourful wild-life. Birds in all hues and colours call out while the more the shy forest creatures offer a fleeting glimpse.
There are 301 species of plants most of which a rife in Sri Lanka, look out for local inhabitants as the forest is home to 133 types of fauna.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
