Sinharaja Rainforest & Kitulgala
Sinharaja
In the home of the largest and oldest lowland rainforest exploited
commercially until 1977, but now a World Heritage site. A dense
canopy above ensures poor light below, therefore the vegetation
is not too dense for trekking. Waterproof clothing is a must and
boots, socks and 
trousers a sensible precaution against leeches
and ticks. Subcanopy trees are largely rare and/or endangered species,
birds and butterflies are in abundance but you may also see 
deer,
wild boar, porcupines, water monitors, monkeys, and rarely, a leopard.
Visit between January and April when it only rains in the afternoons!
Boulder Gardens is a must for the dedicated eco enthusiast, blending
in smoothly with the environment.
Kitulgala
Film buff’s may enjoy Sri Lanka’s River Kwai - Kelani
Ganga, scene of the 1957 film. It is well signed but you may have
difficulty avoiding “guides”. If you would rather enjoy
the orchards and expanse of farmland in your own secret retreat,
Paradise Farm has a stunning setting at the peak of a hill with
home grown fruit/vegetables and wild boar on the menu!
Kelaniya has good swimming areas and for the more adventurous it
is one centre for the white water rafting. Rafters Retreat offers
excellent rafting excursions and in our opinion, provides the most
adventurous and comfortable tree houses in the World.
In the wet
season you need to cover up to avoid leeches in the forest land
- tuck those trouser legs into your socks! Don’t fill your
suitcases before you leave as you can find all you need here in
the market towns at unbelievably low cost.
Ratnapura
The City of gems- Ratnapura - is not the place for a bargain but
interesting to visit mines and view local sapphires (along with
Thailand, Sri 
Lanka is the only source), amethysts, aquamarines
and moonstones in the gem museum. The Vesak orchid flourishes in
the surrounding forests, flowering in May, the month of Buddhha’s
birth and 23/26 of Sri Lanka’s indigenous birds are found
here.
For a detailed list of contacts, telephone numbers and opening times for:
- Places of Interest
- Activities
- Bars & Restaurants
- Transport
- What To Wear
- Banks