Distance from Galle – 15.8 km (30 minutes)

An introduction to Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest

Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest is situated on Udugama Road in Galle. It is a conservation forest area located next to the Hiyare reservoir and is a nature lover’s paradise. The rain forest is home to many species of fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals out of which some are endemic to Sri Lanka. The reservoir rain forest conservation area covers 600 acres in total. Endemic birds, butterflies and dragonflies exist in the highest concentration in this area.

Hiyare Biodiversity Research Center

The Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest also includes a Biodiversity Research Center. The Hiyare Reservior was built more than a century ago in order to provide water to the Galle town with only gravitational pressure. One part of Hiyare is managed by the Sri Lankan Forest Department and the reservoir area is administered by the Wildlife Society of Galle. The Biodiversity Center provides immediate medical and surgical care for injured wildlife of the area.

Endemic species in Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest

The Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest is a secondary lowland rain forest with a high diversity and endemic species. There are 55 species of dragonflies, of which 12 are endemic to Hiyare area. Furthermore, a total of 78 species of butterflies have been identified with three endemic to the area.

Getting to Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest

From Galle travel approximately 15.8 km along the Galle – Udugama Road passing Walahanduwa and Isivara to reach the Hiyare Reservoir Rain Forest.

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