The Hiyare rainforest, bordering the Hiyare reservoir, is a secondary lowland rainforest spanning over 600 acres in the Galle district. It boasts a high diversity of endemic species. Established in 1919, the reservoir's catchment area is the forest itself, which is also the origin of the Mahadola, a major stream that enriches the river.
Upon your arrival at the rescue center, a ranger will greet you and provide a brief on the day's activities. This includes instructions on how to interact with the injured animals and a safety briefing for the rainforest trek scheduled for later. You will then visit the animal rescue center to learn about their efforts to save animals that have been injured, displaced, or are in need due to human activities like construction and development.
Following this, your adventure begins with a short trek into the Hiyare rainforest. As you explore on foot, you will learn about Sri Lanka's unique forest ecosystem and its diverse flora and fauna.