The Makandawa Forest Reserve in Kitulgala (195 Ha) was established to protect the watershed of the Kelani River and is home to many of Sri Lanka’s endemic fauna & flora. This area is also famous for its adventure activities including rafting on Grade 3 and 4 rapids down the Kelani River and jungle treks or mountain bike rides through jungle-clad hills and plantations growing low-country tea and rubber. The breathtaking scenery here was used for the filming of the Oscar-winning classic `The Bridge over the River Kwai’ by David Lean. The unique experience of visiting this Kitulgala forest reserve is the boat trip across the river.

Second to Sinharaja, the Kitulgala forest reserve would be the ideal rainforest habitat to spot most of the lowland endemic species of birds including the Green-bill Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Red-faced Mal koha, Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush, Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Spur fowl, Ceylon Jungle fowl and Yellow-fronted Barbet. The newly discovered Serendip Scoops Owl was also first heard in this forest. Plenty of insect repellent and anti-leech socks, if you have a pair, are useful to wear when entering the forest.

Mammal species found here include the Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Layard’s Striped Squirrel and the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. The streams hold endemic fish and many species of amphibians. The Earless Lizard, Kangaroo Lizard and the Hump-nosed Lizard are among the reptile species and are frequently seen in the foliage along the Kelani River.