The village crossing and forest hike to old waterfalls – Makandawa Rainforest

Step into the pristine natural world of the Makandawa Rainforest, where an experienced naturalist will be your guide through some of the most biodiverse terrain in the country. Begin with a scenic walk through a local village before boarding a traditional dugout canoe to cross the Kelani River — a journey that brings you face to face with authentic rural life along the way. Once across, a well-worn forest trail leads you beneath a thick canopy of towering trees, offering natural shade and a sense of serene remoteness even on the warmest days. The reserve is a haven for endemic birdlife; keep watch for the Sri Lankan Wood Pigeon, White-Faced Starling, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Orange-billed Babbler, Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed Owlet, and the Lesser Yellow Nape. Hidden within the reserve are several waterfalls alongside natural swimming holes, inviting you to cool off mid-hike. At the conclusion of the trail, choose to cross back via a swinging bridge or by canoe. This excursion fits seamlessly into a journey between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya via Hatton, and can be combined with whitewater rafting or canyoning for those seeking a fuller adventure.