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In 1931 the newly formed Forest Department established a 38 acre arboretum of rainforest trees at Kottowa to provide a study area for Sri Lanka’s rich forest biodiversity. In 1937 it was declared a forest park and the whole Kottowa-Kombala area proposed as a 2,300ha reserve. However due to international events, this area was commandeered as a military command centre by the British, its dense vegetation and proximity to Galle Port making it an ideal location. Now reduced to 1,060ha, it is managed by the Galle Regional Office Forest Department.
Although technically classified as secondary forest it has many attributes of a true rainforest and non-native species are slowly being removed. Covering gently undulating land and containing a few small streams, its location in an area of high rainfall and high humidity can provide much of the mist and mystery to be found in other rainforest areas.
The two main trails follow a small footpath through the forest and by the Gangawwa Ela stream.
Kottowa forest receives 2,160-3,500mm annual rainfall annually.This is highest during the south western monsoon from May to August. Relative humidity is about 70% and the mean temperature is around 28°C.
Tour prices are all-inclusive and cover:
- Hotel pick up and drop from Galle and Unawatuna
- Experienced RRI English speaking guide
- Park entry (700 LKR pp)
- Local sinhala guide - required by law (500-1,000 LKR per group)
- Refreshments and lunch (for full-day tours)
Get 10% discount when you book online!
We operate a tiered pricing structure so we can pass on savings to you where possible - the more people that come on the trip the lower the cost is per person.
Pickups from other places and individual tour prices available on request.
| Normal price |
Online price |
Min. People |
| Rs 3,000 |
Rs 2,700 |
2 |
| Rs 2,500 |
Rs 2,250 |
4 |
| Rs 2,250 |
Rs 2,025 |
6 |
| Under 14s half price when accompanied by 2 adults |
» Book now
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