Knuckles Mountain Range

It’s Sri Lankans commonly known as “Dumbara Kadu watiya” which main entrance situated Reverston area, its gather of enchanting mountains range highest mountain top is Gombanigala, which is 1904 meters in height. Gombanigala, followed by Knuckles (1862 meters), Kirigalpoththa (1646 meters), Dumbanagala (1642 meters), Kalupahana (1628 meters), Wamarapugala (1558 meters), Dothalugala (1553 meters), Kehelpothdoruwagala (1528 meters), Pathanagala (1514 meters), Thelambugala (1331 meters) and Lakegala (1317 meters).

This area declare as reserve forest early 1980 accommodate 21,000 hectare which consist following Basic vegetation types

• Semi Evergreen Forests
• Sub Montane Forest
• Montane Forest
• Patana and Savanna Grasslands
• Riverine Forests

Semi Evergreen forest seen lover elevation around below 700m this area dominating Mora (Dimorcarpus longan), Badulla (Semecarpus nigroviridis) , Milla (Vitex altissima),Thimbiri (Diospyras malabarica), Kotadimbula (Ficas hispida), Atticca (Ficus racemosa) and Etamba (Mangifera zeylanica) further this trees shade there leave during the July to August period due to lead higher diversity of this area,this is the main catchments area for Mahavali river,

Sub mountain Forest easily identical between higher & lower level vegetation highly thrated vegetation due to Cinnamon & tea industries still playing key role to sustainability of streams. Mal Weralu (Eleocarpus gladulifer), Malaboda (Myristica dactyloides) are in common flora seen this forest, dry & wind during the though out the year but May to August identical,

Mountain forest can be seen 1300m above range of the knuckles, Specially Gombaniya,Kalupahana,Thngappuwa area is identical,mist during the year fascinating, Keena (Calophyllum trapezifolium) and Nelu (Strobilanthes pulcherrima) can be seen “Dumbara Mitiyawatha”,Singhala Meaning Of “Dumbara Mitiyawatha” is Mountain Covering by Mist,

Patana & Savanna Grasslands identified hills below 1000M area, Hena cultivation has been very popular agricultural system among Villagers this area it’s course this Vegetation type,

Pitawala Pathana is eye-catching example of typical vegetation of Pathana,

Rivering forest Dominating Mora (Dimorcarpus longan), Badulla (Semecarpus nigroviridis), Milla (Vitex altissima),Thimbiri (Diospyras malabarica), Kotadimbula (Ficas hispida), Atticca (Ficus racemosa), Etamba (Mangifera zeylanica) this forest visible Kaluganga & Heengaga banking range,

Waterfalls in the forest increase the natural beauty. Dumbara ella, Udaduvili ella, Veddapeni ella, Seru ella, Diyakerella, Meemure ella, Rathninda ella, Kalupahana ella, Huluganga ella and Rathna ella are the waterfalls in the area.

This forest holds a wide variety of Fauna. Most importantly it is a home to many endangered and endemic species. 247 vertebrate species have been recorded in this area which 26% are endemic to Sri Lanka, including 14 birds and 9 fish species. More than a 100 of other resident and migrant bird species,Five of these endemic species, three fresh water fish (phillipis gara-garra phillipsi, martenstyne’s puntius srilankensis) one amphibian (marbled cliff frog-nannophrys mamorata) and one lizard (ceretophora tennenti) are restricted to knuckles forest range further mammals namely elephants, leopards,sambhurs, wild boar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer & giant squirrel can be seen also total of 1033 flowering plants, belonging to 141 families has been recorded. Among them 255 are tree species, while the balance consists of shrubs and herbs. Of the total number of flowering plants species ,160 are endemic to Sri Lanka while, about 32% are nationally threatened. Though the Knuckles Forest Range covers less than 0.5% of the land area in Sri Lanka, it consists almost one-third of the island’s flowering plant species. There are more than 25 Orchids species in the forest range.

Knuckles is bordered by 77 villages, such as Dandeni Kumbura, Poththetawela, Kahagala, Dammanthenna, Divulgaspathana, Etenwala, Walasmulla, Rmbukwewa, Udagala Debokka, Galamuduma, Pallegala Debokka, Meegahamada, Medakele, Meemure, Kaikawala, Gomare, Wadawala Kanda, Nellikele , Narangamuwa. Villages life hard but simple main sources of income farming,

The Kncukles is the main catchment area of Sri Lanka’s longest river Mahaweli. The Hulu ganga ,Kalu ganga ,Heen ganga main catchment waterways of the Mahaweli river. In addition, Hasalaka Oya, Theligam Oya, Heen Oya and Karambaketiya Oya also offer water for the Mahaweli River. These waterways dazzle in the morning sunlight, fascinatingly.

Access

• Colombo to ilukkumbura route via Kandy – Matale- Rattota
• Colombo to ilukkumbura route via – Kurunegala- Galewela – Naula – Pallaegama
• Colombo to Bambaella Rout via Kandy – Wattegama –Teldeniya
• Colombo to to Deenston route via Kandy – Rangala – Corbets Gap,

Read More

Bolgoda Lake – Panadura

It’s one of the largest natural lake located 35km away from Colombo near Panadura.it’s cover 400 square km of water,lager north lake stretches across Colombo and Kaluthara Districs while south lake situated in the Kaluthara,North lake discharge to sea via The panadura,

Panadura & moratuwa area well known old practice find hand of furniture, as per history this lake use as media of transport of Timber from Singheraja forest to Moratuwa.

The lake & its atmosphere are good for range of nature related activities & encouraged for water sport too, this is an excellent hideout for bird watching as migrating & wetland birds,

A primitive fishing technique it’s call “JA_Kotu” use by villagers,it’s threat for endemic species living lake because it’s catching pre matured fish ,further threaten for Rhizopora too but as a cultural fishing technique Bolgoda is place to see Ja-Kotuwa,

As per naturalist lake divers fauna is its over 45 species of fish,40 species of reptiles, over 17 species of amphibian, over 100 birds including endemic, migrating & wet land birds, over 30 mammals recorded around this lake bank,

Beauty of the lake is enhanced by the fauna & flora, its rich wide variety of aquatic vegetation varying with depth & formation of rock layers in certain section of the lake. Much kind of grass, Tress & water plants can be found in addition to mangroves.

Maddy Mangroves area dominated by Water lilies (Nympoides),Bladderworth (Utricularia) & specially Sour fruit call Kirala(sonneratia),

Kirala is a famous beverage among Villagers it’s taste very similar to wood apple,Bolgoda is an Eye catching destination in Panaura area,


Access
Colombo Panadura Old Main Road Drive up to Panadura,

Read More

Horton Plains National Park

Three main important Mahaveli,Kalani & Walawe revers started from this area, forms by two difference verdant land forms, the enchanting Horton Plains constitute a rare subtropical eco-system. The hills don in divers wet low evergreen forest with even lager trees growing flattened to the ground on the higher windswept slopes. Lower down, the rolling forestry valley carries the swampy wet patana grassland traversed by sluggish, crystal clear streams.
Sri Lanka's second and third highest peaks, Kirigalpotta (2,395 m) and Thotupola Kanda (2,357 m) are found here, Traditionally mahaeliya in singhela.it was rechristened as Hortan Plains after Sri Robet Hortan,he is Sr Lankan British Governor in 1831-1937.it was gazette as Nature Reserve on 1988 due to it’s unique watershed & biodiversity valve.

Area
Situated 32km south of Nwara eliya,Horton Plains National Park lies between 6’ 47 & 50 north latitudes & 80’ 46’ & 80 51 east longitudes. Total strength 3,159.8 hectares,

Formed as beautiful mountains & grassland through out the park, it’s cradles Belihul Oya,Bagawanthalawa Oya & Agara oya this are the stream sources above mention main revers, further contribute Small Worlds End drops by 274 meters & Worlds end by 884 meters.

Temperature over the year average is as lower as 13C. December to February recording lowest temperature even in the night due to ground frost. Average annual rain falling is 2500mm as both North-East & South-West Monsoon.

Flora
Binara (exacum trinerra macranttum),Keena (Calophyllum malkeri),Polkatugaha (Actinodaphne Speciosa),Maharatmal (Rhododendron arboretum),Wal Kurundu (Cinnamomum avalifolium),Sita-Pera (Rhodomyrtus tomentoa),Wel-Kapuru (Gaultheria rudius),Maha meemana (Cyathea spp),Bovitiya (Osbeckia walkeri),Gawara (Garnotia mutica)

Dwarf Bamboo (Arundinaria densifolia),Kikuya Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)

Damba (Syzygium cordifolium,Syzygium gardneri)

Birding Highlights

Here Recording 62 species including 11 endemics.

Mammals Highlights
Sambar (Cerrus unicolour unicolour),Leopard. (Panthera pardus kotiya),Dusky Squirrel,Beer Monky-(Samnopithecus vetulus monticola),Barking deer,Giant Squirrel,Fishing Cat,Wild Boar,Hares,Horton Lizard,Grizzled Indian Squirrel,oque Monkey,Purple-faced Leaf Monkey,

Further Triangle Skimmer & Red_Veined Darter are can see this area as

Access
Three main gates available
Via Nuwara Eliya,Ambewela,Pitigala Road approximately 32km
Via Haputhele Or Welimada,Boralanda,Ohiya approximately 38km
Via Nuwara Eliya,Hakgala,Rendapola,Amewela,Pattipola approximately 38km
Only Adventural visitors can enter through Thalawakale-Diyagama-Belihuloya-Nagarak trails

Read More

Udawalawa National Park - Bird Watching

This park most popular destination elephant safari, it recently establish national park declared with the intention of conservations   the catchments area of the reservoir & providing a refuge for wildlife displaced by the opening up of land for agriculture & other purposes in the lower reaches of the kalawa river

Park covers 30,821 hectares it was declared as a national park 1972 under Fauna & flora protection ordinance. before the declare as a forest this land completely taken over by Chena cultivation, after delareing,it’s gradually covered by vegetation & considering habitant for giant elephant.
Park boundaries lies in the Rathnapura District in Sabaragamuwa province & monaragala District In Uva Provinces, the area to the west bank of Walawe river is within Rathnapura District  & on the east bank is in the Monaragala District.This is mager conservation park situated that area. Highest point of the park Ulgala it’s 3,405 M.
Two small villages situated park namely Sinuggala & Nebeds Kalthote escarpment & enchanting Diyawinna Fall adding prominent appearance this land.

This peaceful park is belong to dry zone because of that it face short dry period February to march each year but sometime this period prolong to September,Annual rain fall 1530mm approximately expecting from inter –monsoon & North monsoon  seasons, temperature recording 32c through out the year,

Mammals
Samba,Spotted deer,Barking Deer,Wild boad,Water buffalo,Toque-Macaque,Common Langur,Asian Eliphant,Jakal,Bear,Toddy Cat,Leopard,Black-Naped Hare,Small Indial Civet
Golden Palm Civet,Mongoose,Shrew Rat,Soff-furred field Rat,Indian Bush Rat,Mouse

Flora
Satin (Chloroxylon swietenia),Halmilla (Berrya cordifolia),Ebony(Diospyros ebenum),Ehala (Cassia fiatula),Kolon (Adina cordifolia),Milla (Vitex pinnata),Kon (Schleichera oleosa)
Kunumella (Diospyros ovalifolia),Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna),Mondorang (Hopea Cardifolia)


Dragonflies
Variable Flutterer,Dancing Dropwing,Wandering Glider,Foggy-winged Twister,Scarlet Basker,
Blue Percher,Blue Pursuer,Oriental Scarlet.

Butterflies
Plain Tiger,Glassy Tiger,Pioneer,Crimson Rose,Common Rose,Lime Butterfly,Common Gull,
Common Jezebel, Tawny Coster, Common Cerulean, Grey Pansy,Lemon Pansy,Peacock Pansy,Lemon Emigrant,Psyche.

Scrub covering Damaniya(Grewia tiliarfolia),Mana(Cymbopogon confertiflorus),Illuk (Imperata cylindrical),pohon(pennisstum olystachyon),Gadapana(Lantana camara),Kuratiya(Phylanthus polyphyllus)

Access
Via Colombo-Rathnapura-Palmadulla-Embilipitiya Road ,At Thimbolketiya turn left at Udawalawa Junction  to take Thanamalwila,Main gate open to the park at Udawalawe,Thanamalwila road 12 km from udawalawa Junction.

Read More

Singheraja Forest Reservation

The Sinharaja National Heritage Area can be described either as a Tropical Lowland Rain Forest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. But as per the most recent classification by UNESCO it as a Tropical Humid Ceylon Rain Forest of Indo-Malayan realm.
This forest covers approximately an area of 11,100 hectares of natural forests. It measures 21km in length and is 7km in width at its widest point and 3km at its narrowest.
The boundaries of the forest  consist of several rivers and streams- Napola Dola   and Koskulana Ganga in the North; Kalukandawa Ela and Pitakele Ganga in the West and Maha Dola and Gin Ganga on the South. The eastern boundary now encompasses the area of Morningside.
Sinharaja belongs to the middle elevation range or the uplands.which has a height range of 270 to 1,060m. & a slope range of 100 to 350. It annual rain fall within range of 3,000 to 6,000mm per annum but  recording small seasonal variation since it’s negligible.
This verging forest has been facing numerous threats through last 2 decade due to various reason s since increasing population is causing drastically this forest too but early 1988-89 vise Steps were taken to declaring it a National Heritage Area. This was then followed by its inclusion in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
The vegetation within the reserve can be broadly categorized as follows convenience for study,
•   Lower slopes & valleys 150m-600m
•   Middle slopes – 600m -1000 m
•   Upper slopes and ridges-above 1,000 m

 A staggering 64% of the tree species are endemic to Sri Lanka. The lower
slopes and valleys have remnant Dipterocarpus forest with the middle and higher slopes
characterized by trees of the genus Mesua. Orchids & pitcher.
Half of Sri Lanka's endemic mammals and butterflies are found here. Visitors are more likely to see Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and Grizzled Indian Squirrel.
Endemic lizards include the endangered Whistling Lizard and Rough-nosed Horned  in this forest.

This world heritage Access is possible from Pitadeniya, but not practical for most visitors. Motorable access is to Kudawa via Ratnapura or via Buluthota Pass from Yala or via Katukurunda Junction, Agalawatta,& Kalawana from the coast.Wildlife highlights

Mammals
Grey S lender,Loris,Giant Squirrel,Layard’s Squirrel,Dusky-striped Squirrel,Rat (Srilankamys ohiensis)
Spiny Mouse (Mus mayori),Long-tailed Shrew (Crocidura miya),Horsefield’s Shrew (Crocidura horsefieldi),Purple-faced Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus vetulus),Toque Monkey (Macaca sinica)
Wild Pig (Sus scrofa),The Sambur (Cervus unicolour),Mouse Deer (Moschiola meminna),Barking Deer (Muntiacus munjak),Leopard (Panthera pardus),Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosa),Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrina),Jackals (Canis aureus)


Butterflies
Giant King Crow,Tawny Rajah,Red-spot Duke,Five-bar Swordtail,Great Eggfly,Rustic,
Three-spot Grass Yellow,Tailed Jay,Blue Glassy Tiger,Sri Lanka Tree Nymph.

Dragonflies
Asian Skimmer,Marsh Skimmer,Sapphire Flutterer,Wall’s Grappletail,Dark-glittering Threadtail
Jungle Threadtail

Reptiles & Snakes
Deraniyagala’s Earth Snake (Rhinophis tricolorata),Black-spined Snake (Haploceros ceylonensis),Green-pit Viper (Trimerasurus trigonocephalus),Hump-nosed Viper (Hypnale hypnale)
Sri Lanka Krait (Bungarus ceylonicus),Rough-horned Lizard (Ceratophora aspera),Hump-nosed Lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus),Water Frog (Lankanectes corrugatus),Golden Frog (Rana aurantiaca)

Fresh water Fish highlight
Comb-tail (Belontia singnata), Stone-sucker (Garra ceylonensis),Banded Loach (Schistura notostigma)
Bird distribution
This forest rich in bird life with an impressive 147 species recorded. It is also the only locality where 21 out of 25 bird species endemic to Sri Lanka may be viewed here.

Read More

Annawilundwa Wetland - Bird Waching

Annaiwilundawa ia a freshwater complex it’s was declared a sanctuary in 1997 as second Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, situated in the Puttalam District 15km north of chilaw(70 45' 0 N and 790 47' 0 E to 70 42' 0 N and 790 59' 0 E) northwestern province , is the second largest wetland cluster in this island, Annaiwilundawa is ‘seven  tanks’ in Tamil language , This is a very important wetland for many resident and migratory birds. it’s covered 40 hectare, rain fall 1000mm per annum & area temperature 28c approximately, it’s covered around 1390 hectare, represent Dry Zone forest type annual rain fall 1000mm to 1500mm,annual temperature 26 c,

A total of 290 plant species which represent 24 aquatic plants, 120 woody plants, 61 shrub, 49 herbaceous, 34 climbers and 281 vertebrate species ,47 fish, 11 amphibians, 34 reptiles, 168 birds, 21 mammals,

11 amphibians include 1 endemic species & 1 national theater specie,168 birds species include 2 endemic species & 8 national threaded species, fish include 3 endemic & 2 national threaded, mammals include 1 endemic & reptiles include 6 national threaded species,

Read More

Kithulgala- (Kalani Valley Forest Reservation) - Bird Waching

This was the setting for the  Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed, in the 50’s about which Kithulgala is famous for, Purpose of establishing this forest was protecting watershed of Kalani river, this green shade main entrance situated Colombo Hatton main road near the Famous “Kithulgala Rest House”exactly just after 37 km post on A7 ,Oruwa (boat) available to cross the river  & through the village facilitate enter this wildness.
Behavior is gold when you through the village, The Kelani river is wide at Kitulgala, but it is shallow apart from a deep channel near the opposite bank, so in the drier months it seems like safe but not recommend place to swim and play.

The agriculture around Kitulgala is typical of the hilly wet zone. The Sago Palm, Caryota urens, which is called Kitul in Singhela, gives rise to the town's name. Its sap is concentrated into delicious syrup, not dissimilar to maple syrup, and crystallised as jaggery. It is also fermented to make toddy. The pith is used to make sago, and the fibres to make rope.
As per record Sri Lanka most wanted Serandib Scops-Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) first Tape-record captured as unknown Bird in this area.it’s Wet Zone Rain forest as same as Singharaja witch  including many rich streams inside forest, some highlight about  Biodiversity of this are as follows,


Birding Highlights

Birding: Black-capped Bulbul, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Green-billed Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet,Crimson-backed Flameback, Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Orange-billed Babbler, Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon,Brown-headed Barbet, Brown Hawk Owl, Southern Coucal, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Jerdon’s & Gold-fronted Leafbird, Dark-fronted Babbler, Orange Minivet, Square-tailed Black Bulbul, Lesser Hill Myna, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Indian Pitta, Forest Wagtail, Purple-rumped & Long-billed Sunbirds, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Oriental White-eye, Lesser Yellownape, Rufous Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Asian Palm & House Swifts, Indian Swiftlet, Crested Treeswift, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycacther, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black Eagle & Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle.

Dragonflies and Damselflies: Spine-tufted Skimmer, Pied Parasol, Black-tipped Flashwing, Asian Pintail, Yerbury’s Elf, & Shining Gossamerwing.

Butterflies: Sri Lanka Birdwing, Clipper, Cruiser, Glad-eye Bushbrown, Plum Judy, Blue Bottle, Red Helan & Blue Mormon.Blue,Commander,if you lucky ORK Lieaf

Mammals: Grizzly Giant Squirrel, Palm Squirrel, Layard’s Squirrel and Toque Macaque.

Snakes -Green wine snake,Dumburu Dath katiya,Geeen pit viper,

Read More

Bundala National Park - Bird Waching

It is Wetland complex including 5 lagoons with surface fully mudflat & salterns,this National park declare as a sanctuary for bird in 1992 under flora & fauna protection ordinance, this is the final destination for south ward migrating wetland birds, Wetland associate with salt water due to sea water come through deep cutting opening which resulting age Old practice of salt manufacturing process,this is the first RAMSAR wetland In Sri Lanka,

This area covering 24,800 Hectare among the five lagoons in addition to that 10,000 hectare buffer zone declare to protecting biodiversity, this park belong to lower land dry scrub forest segment few dry zone canopy still visible here. Scrub covering comprising
Andara, Kukurumana, Eraminiya and Karamba. The scrub forest trees include Maila, Mustard Tree, Weera, Palu and Neem.

Over 190 bird species recorded here including over 55 migrant birds further over 30 mammals,50 species of reptiles & 32 species of fish & Sea Turtles nesting this park mix with other species,

This is popular destination as other park but this area dominated by migrant birds but Malala sandbar is only open for public as Yala block one,Karagan Lewaya is a most wanted area of  this park it has been recognizes as a Impotent Bird area by the Birdlife international in 2004-2005.

Mammals likely to be seen include Elephant, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Langur, Jackal, Black-naped Hare and Wild Pig. Olive Ridley and Leatherback Turtles and more rarely, Hawksbill and Green Turtles visit the beaches to lay eggs.
Endemic birds include the Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike and Ceylon junglefowl. During the northern winter large numbers of migrants arrive such as Golden and Kentish Plover, Large and Lesser Sandplovers, Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Curlew and Greenshank. Rarities include the Broad-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope recorded area

Read More