Kanneliya Rainforest tour from Hikkaduwa: Wildlife and waterfall

Walk through a UNESCO biosphere reserve, spot monkeys and birds, swim in a forest river

A private guided tour of Kanneliya Rainforest, a UNESCO biosphere reserve near Hikkaduwa, where a wildlife tracker leads you through 5,306 hectares of forest to spot monkeys, snakes, chameleons and birdlife, then swim in the river. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours with a guide who speaks English, and children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kanneliya Rainforest tour and nature walk

• Hotel pick up
• Meet wildlife tracker at forest gate
• Walk through Kanneliya Rainforest
• Swim and bathe in nature river

The experience

How do you get into a rainforest without a car? Hotel pickup from Hikkaduwa settles that. The driver collects you and brings you to the Kanneliya forest main gate, where a wildlife tracker takes over. The forest itself is the last large remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka, designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004 and one of the world's 21 Biodiversity Hotspots. It spreads across parallel hills and valleys ranging from 60 metres to 425 metres in elevation, covering approximately 5,306 hectares. The reserve acts as a catchment for rivers including Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga, which have their sources deep inside the forest.

The tracker walks you through the forest to spot monkeys, snakes, chameleons and extensive birdlife among tropical trees, plants and flowers. A waterfall marks one part of the route. The day includes time to swim and bathe in the nature river. Bring a change of clothes or wear something you don't mind getting wet. Bottled water and refreshment are provided throughout the tour, which typically runs between 6 and 8 hours depending on what you see and how long you spend at the river.

The guide speaks English and knows the forest well enough to point out animals and plants most visitors would walk past. This is a private tour, so the pace and stops are yours to set. At the end, the same driver takes you back to your hotel in Hikkaduwa.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hikkaduwa.
• private tour with a wildlife tracker guide who speaks English.
• bottled water and refreshment.
• national park entry fees.
• all taxes and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except FridayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BTR SL

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Hikkaduwa means you don't need a car or arrange transport to the forest gate. The driver collects you and brings you back, which is what makes this tour work if you're staying in town without your own vehicle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What animals might I actually see in Kanneliya Rainforest?

Monkeys, snakes, chameleons and extensive birdlife live in the forest. What you spot depends on the time of day, the season and how far into the reserve you walk. The wildlife tracker will watch for movement and listen for calls to find them.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hikkaduwa, the wildlife tracker guide, bottled water, refreshment, national park fees and all taxes. You pay one price before you book.

Can I swim in the river, and what should I bring?

Yes, the tour includes time to swim and bathe in the nature river within the forest. Bring a change of clothes or wear something you don't mind getting wet, and wear shoes you can walk in through the forest.

What's the difference between Kanneliya and other rainforests in Sri Lanka?

Kanneliya is the last large remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka and one of only 21 Biodiversity Hotspots in the world. It was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004 and covers 5,306 hectares of protected forest with its own river sources.