Located 35km away from Galle, the Kanneliya Rainforest belongs to the KDN (Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya) forest complex. In 2004, this complex was pronounced as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. After the Sinharaja forest, the Kanneliya rainforest remains to be the last large rainforests in existence. It is also considered as one of the most floristically rich territories in the South Asian region. It serves as a catchment are for the Gin Ganga and the Nilwala Ganga and is also home to many plant and animal species native to our country. While 17 percent of lowland endemic floral species are found within this area, 52 percent of woody plants are native to our country. There are approximately 220 species of animals out of which most are endemic.
The Anagimale waterfall, the Narangas Ella, the king-sized Nevada tree and the Kabbale Hill which provides a scenic view of the area, once you reach the top, are some attractions within this forest reserve. One could reach the depths of the forest by hiking through the Kababale mountain rail or the trail to Narangas Ella. On the way one can even take a dip in the refreshing waters of the natural pools.
