Today in this ‘kela’ column we will talk about Ruhuna Mountain, which is located in the Kalutara district and has a high level of biodiversity. This Ruhuna Mountain is located next to the Sinharaja forest and is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists and researchers. This forest is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, insect species, toad species, mammals, and very rare butterfly species. The Maguru River flows through Ruhuna Mountain’s forest, adding to its allure. This is referred to as an evergreen rain forest.
A special feature of Mount Ruhuna is that a small village consisting of only three houses is located in this forest. It is a matter of great appreciation that the villagers are literally lovers of the environment.
Ruhuna Kanda Research Center is a place that has attracted local and foreign tourists. Research, study, field trips, and environmental conservation are some of the services provided through the center. Unahapulua, Green Viper, Valikukula, Ash Ke`datta, Indian Pitta, Gonussa, Aetulla, Spiders, Rat Kerala, Jumping Lizard, Toads, Freshwater Fish, Dragonflies, Small Ants, Poisonous Big Ants, Various Flowers, Local Plants, and Orchids can also be seen here. Birds such as the wild owl, Endemism plants and orchids, the red koha, the Dmaliccha, the Cahibella etc. are also commonly seen here.
According to reports, the Ruhuna Kanda forest is home to 52 different bird species. You can now visit this beautiful forest to enjoy the untouched environment, for environmental studies, and for nature conservation. Ruhuna Kanda Tourism and Conservation Center has arranged for guidance and knowledge sharing for this purpose. If you visit this lovely place, please leave only your footprints and return. Do not bring anything with you. The Ruhunu Kanda Tourism Center offers workshops and overnight accommodations, as well as a set of rules for eating without meat and alcohol. This tourism and research center, which opened in 2009 and 2011, spans approximately 5,000 hectares. The measurements were taken in 1920.
It has been identified that the period from December to March is the most suitable period for visiting the Ruhuna Kanda ecosystem. The reason for this is the decrease in rainfall during that period.
In ‘Kela Column’, we remind that protecting this Ruhuna Kanda forest, which is a valuable ecosystem similar to the Sinharaja forest, is the responsibility of everyone who loves the environment.
