Exploring enchanting Anagimale Falls and Kanneliya Reserve

By Maheshani Meegahapola

Anagimale and Kanneliya offer travellers a lush escape into two of Sri Lanka’s most scenic natural spaces. From cascading waterfalls to biodiverse rainforest trails, the reserves present a serene retreat for nature lovers. Visitors can explore rich legends, striking landscapes and a protected ecosystem that continues to thrive today.

All of us cherish the chance to grasp and enjoy the beauty of a waterfall. The lap and murmur of the stream is a melody that brings solace to our minds and eyes. Here ,there is an  opportunity this time for you to enjoy the pleasures of the splendid endowments of nature in the Anagimale and Kanneliya forest reserves.

The Route Leading to the Forest Reserve

The location is about 35 km from Galle town. You will enter the Galle–Udugama Road at the Pinnaduwa Exchange and proceed to Udugama town, and from there travel a little distance along the Udugama–Thawalama Road to Panangala in Koralegama to gain access to the forest reserve.

On your way, you will enjoy many visitor attractions such as Anagimale Falls, Narangasella Falls, Kambale Hills, and the Giant Puswela Caves.

You are required to obtain a ticket to enter the forest reserve, which is under the purview of the Department of Forest Conservation.

The Legendary Story of the Waterfall

The waterfall, 46 metres in height, is the 53rd tallest in the country and one of the loveliest. It is located about three kilometres away from the main entrance.

The legend behind the waterfall tells that in days long past, a young woman called Anagi, due to an ill feeling toward her lover, jumped into the waterfall and took her life. Since then, the waterfall has been called Anagimale Falls, the literal meaning of which is “the waterfall of Anagi’s death.”

The Story of the Forest Reserve

Kanneliya Forest Reserve was declared by UNESCO in 2004 as an environmental zone rich in biodiversity. It has been identified as a region of thick vegetation in South Asia and a herbarium that contains a variety of endemic plants.

However, for a period of about ten years from 1960 to 1970, felling of trees to meet the requirements of the Plywood Corporation reduced the primary forest. But after the project came to a halt, secondary forest has been spreading fast.

Kanneliya Forest Reserve is a low-country tropical rainforest where the annual rainfall is 4,445 mm. The Southwest Monsoon is experienced from May to September, and it is advisable to avoid this period of heavy rain as it is unfit for visits.

Visitors are obliged to keep the area clean and tidy, not tarnish its image during their visit, and allow others to enjoy the beauty of this pleasure grove. (Special Thanks to Tharindi Abeysinghe, Tourism and Tourist Hospitality Services Teacher)