Yagirala Forest Eco Tourism Program

Yagirala Forest Reserve

Forest Reserve is situated in the Kalutara district in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.The district is located on the south-west border of the island, between the sea in the west and the Sabaragamuwa mountain range in the east.It's located at a proximity of 90km from the Capital Colombo.

Yagirala Forest contains many places with religious, cultural, historical and environmental values which allow the visitors for climbing, walking, bird watching, swimming.

A block of 40ha was given by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for promoting education and research. Since then Sri Jayewardenepura is the only university to maintain a forest for the education purpose in Sri Lanka.A complete research center was established by the university of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Condition of Yagirala

Area: 2004.9ha

Latitude and Longitude: 6 21 to 6 26N and 80 06 to 80 11E

Elevation: Ranges from 10 -260m above MSL

Highest peaks: Katukithulana and Pemaragala

Climatic Zone: Wet Zone

Precipitation: Over 4000mm annually mostly from May- September

Temperature: 27 to 28.5 Celsius Degrees

Biodiversity:

Flora Families - 62, Genera - 120, Species - 152, Major Species - Anarcardiaceae, Dilleniacea, Euphorbiaceae, Diptercarpaceae

Fauna 36 species of mammals with 4 endemic species were identified. Several Kinds of fresh Species can also be seen in the forest

How to reach: Via Horana, Matugama, Wallalawita or Kalutara, Beruwala, Darga Town

Facilities for Visitors

Forestry and environmental Science Department has been provided excellent chance to nature lovers who can visit the site and being with unlimited experience in a tropical rain forest.

Further information on Yagirala Forest Reserve

Department of Forestry and Environmental Science,

University of Sri Jayewardenepura,

Nugegoda.

Hotline: +94(0)112-2804685,

Fax:+94(0)11-2802914