Guided Nature Experiences
From rainforests, to cloud forests to botanical gardens, many fascinating nature reserves are within reach of Tea Trails
A collection of forest reserves and national parks in the hill country make for interesting excursions for the nature-lover. Horton Plains National Park comprises of montane grassland and cloud forest, and is home to many endemic species of both flora and fauna. While a healthy population of leopards consider Horton Plains home, they are rarely seen in the daytime. However, a fascinating landscape, birds, primates, and smaller critters make Horton Plains a must-visit destination. The views from the “World’s End” cliff are stunning on a clear day as well.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens – first established in 1861 – is home to over 10,000 species of trees and plants. It also plays a key role in the classic folk tale the Ramayana. Galway’s-land National Park is a small forest reserve in the town of Nuwara Eliya and is considered by birders (along with the adjacent Victoria Park) and a key birding site in Sri Lanka as over 30 native species are recorded to be resident here. Kitulgala (also known as Makandawa Forest Reserve) is a tropical rainforest and is considered a birder’s paradise too.
Excursions to each of these forest reserves are in the company of one of our experienced resident naturalists.