A spectacular biosphere reserve located a short distance from Galle, the Kanneliya Forest Reserve presents a paradise for nature lovers offering excellent bird watching and trekking experiences. The expanse of the reserve covers a series of parallel undulating ranges of hills cloaked in dense tropical rainforest, making it a biodiversity hotspot with numerous endemic species to be found in and beneath its multi-layer canopy. Two trails wind through the reserve where numerous streams and small waterfalls are encountered providing an immersive nature walk. One of the trails leads to the peak of Kabbale mountain, from where excellent views can be had of the densely forested slopes of the reserve. For bird enthusiasts, Kannaliya Forest Reserve is home to many rare and endemic species which include the green-billed coucal, blue magpie, orange-billed babbler, red-faced malkoha and the Sri Lanka spur fowl.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass