Kirala Kele Sanctuary

Matara

Kirala Kele Sanctuary

Matara

Matara4.6

🌿 NatureNational Park/Forest

Located just outside the coastal town of Matara in southern Sri Lanka, the Kirala Kele Sanctuary is a peaceful wetland ecosystem made up of lush mangrove forests, winding canals, and marshlands that serves as a rich natural haven for over a hundred species of birds and colorful butterflies.

Why visit Kirala Kele Sanctuary

Prime Wetland for Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a lush wetland paradise near Matara. It is home to 103 bird species, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.
Key Habitat for Biodiversity: Kirala Kele is a key habitat for wetland biodiversity in the country. It is home to many flora, mammal, and freshwater fish species.
Endemic Green Faced Leaf Monkey: The sanctuary is a key location to see the Green-faced leaf monkey. This monkey species is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Mangrove and Marshland Ecosystem: It is an area covered with mangrove forests and marshlands, located along the Nilwala River basin. This unique ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna.
Community-Supported Wetland: The wetland supports people living nearby. These communities use the area for fishing, cattle raising, and crop cultivation.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Matara

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Medium

Public Transport

Available

Visitor Guidelines

Respect Wildlife: Do not feed, touch, or disturb any animals. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife to avoid accidents and protect their natural behavior.
Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to marked trails to prevent damaging delicate flora and avoid getting lost in the forest.
Carry Minimum Plastic: Avoid bringing plastic bottles or wrappers. Take back all trash to preserve the sanctuary’s natural environment.
Maintain a Silent Environment: Keep noise to a minimum—avoid loud talking or music—so you don’t scare away animals and can maintain the peaceful environment.

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Why visit Kirala Kele Sanctuary

Prime Wetland for Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a lush wetland paradise near Matara. It is home to 103 bird species, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.

Key Habitat for Biodiversity: Kirala Kele is a key habitat for wetland biodiversity in the country. It is home to many flora, mammal, and freshwater fish species.

Endemic Green Faced Leaf Monkey: The sanctuary is a key location to see the Green-faced leaf monkey. This monkey species is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Mangrove and Marshland Ecosystem: It is an area covered with mangrove forests and marshlands, located along the Nilwala River basin. This unique ecosystem supports diverse flora and fauna.

Community-Supported Wetland: The wetland supports people living nearby. These communities use the area for fishing, cattle raising, and crop cultivation.

Visitor Guidelines

Respect Wildlife: Do not feed, touch, or disturb any animals. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife to avoid accidents and protect their natural behavior.

Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to marked trails to prevent damaging delicate flora and avoid getting lost in the forest.

Carry Minimum Plastic: Avoid bringing plastic bottles or wrappers. Take back all trash to preserve the sanctuary’s natural environment.

Maintain a Silent Environment: Keep noise to a minimum—avoid loud talking or music—so you don’t scare away animals and can maintain the peaceful environment.