After returning to Beruwala and resting for a night, I set out on one final adventure — into the heart of one of Sri Lanka's last remaining lowland rainforests: Kanneliya.

As always, the day started early. I wanted to be ready the moment the gates opened. Morning mist hung in the air as I arrived, camera gear packed and boots laced tight. Waiting there was the man who would guide me through the dense forest: Mr. Gundasa P. Pathirana.

Meeting My Guide: Mr. Gundasa P. Pathirana

Mr. Pathirana is not just a guide — he's a part of this forest. A calm, older man with a gentle presence and quiet confidence, he has been traversing these trails since he was a little boy. His lifetime of experience means every tree, call, track, and scent is familiar to him.

He knows the forest's secrets — how it changes with the seasons, when certain birds call, and where the snakes rest after rain. Walking alongside him felt like gaining access to a living encyclopedia of this rainforest.

If you'd like to explore Kanneliya with someone who truly understands the forest and can reveal its hidden wonders, I highly recommend Mr. Gundasa P. Pathirana. His deep knowledge and lifelong connection to the rainforest make every walk an unforgettable experience.

You can contact him for guided tours and more information via:

• WhatsApp: +94 77 402 8084

• Facebook: Gundasa P. Pathirana

Into the Canopy

Kanneliya is dense. It swallows light, sound, and scale. The forest here is layered and vibrant in the quietest way — frogs croaking, insects humming, birds calling, water dripping, leaves rustling. Every square meter pulses with life, but it only reveals itself to those patient enough to look.

We moved slowly, as one should in a rainforest — eyes scanning for movement, ears listening for subtle calls, fingers tracing bark and branches for hidden creatures.

Despite the challenges of low light and ever-present humidity (a test for any camera gear), the photographic opportunities were rich. Endemic frogs, giant spiders, orchids, and several reptiles showed themselves along the path. Then, high above, glimpses of Sri Lanka blue magpies, green-billed coucals, and even a hornbill, silhouetted against the canopy.

One unforgettable moment was spotting a green pit viper, coiled and perfectly still on a branch — beautiful, poised, and wild.

A Different Kind of Wild

Kanneliya isn't a place for the fast-paced safari spectacle. There are no leopards or elephants, no crowds or jeeps chasing after wildlife. Instead, this is an ancient forest — humid, layered, and full of secrets.

This is a macro photographer's dream: a place for lovers of intricate detail and atmosphere. Every frame brims with texture, bathed in soft, filtered light. Here, moments don't demand attention; they quietly unfold with subtle, powerful beauty.

Final Thoughts

Walking through Kanneliya felt like ending the trip on exactly the right note. No grand show. No rush. Just deep, immersive nature — and a guide who knows every inch of it from a lifetime spent walking these trails.

If you ever find yourself in southern Sri Lanka and crave something slower, quieter, and more intimate with nature, Kanneliya should be at the top of your list — especially if you're willing to walk, wait, and watch.

This was my last field day on this trip — and honestly, I can't think of a better way to close it out.