Yagirala Rainforest

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Yagirala Rainforest is only second to the UNESCO world heritage Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka. Bentota river flowing all the way from Sinharaja Rainforest to the Bentota beach and Yagirala rainforest is its major lower catchment area.

Yagirala Rainforest reserve is located less than 1 hour drive from Bentota tourist town. Number of freshwater streams created with natural swimming holes and dense vegetation makes this area attractive to nature lovers. 5908 hectares of this protected forest is home to 36 species of mammals with 4 endemic species and 62 flora families.

Sri Jayewardanepura universities’ Forestry and Environmental department manage 100acres of this reserve as their research center, which is open for visitors too.

Hiking trails and natural freshwater rock pools are attractive among visitors. Local villagers know these rock pools as “Athawatunu Wala”, ”Deyyagala Dola”, “Thotas Ella”, “Peelle Wala” etc. nicknames.

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Maple Holiday Villas’ ecoRidge Farm and Hideaway cabins only 30mins away from this rainforest.

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