Kirala Kele Sanctuary — Attraction in Southern Province

Kirala kele, situated in Matara district between the Nilwala river is a marshland rich with biodiversity. Kirala kele is a habitat for a vast amount of mangrove plants and therefore is called a "mangrove forest". The residents of the area use to find their livelihood from the wetland. Fishing, cultivating crops and raising cattle have been practiced by them in order to earn a living. Water lily, water snowflake and lotus are among the aquatic flora found in the marshland. It has been surveyed that kirala kele is rich with 83 species of flora, 13 species of mammals (including the Green-faced leaf monkey who is an endemic animal) and abundance of bird species. You can visit Kirala kele during any season for its natural beauty never fades according to the change of seasons. However, the man-made constructions around the area have become a huge threat to the marshland lately.

The area has been protected under the sustainable development strategies but it needs to be well preserved with more attention for the future generations. So, if you would like to witness the richness of a wetland, Kirala kele is the best place which suits...

It is a hidden gem in Matara, just a few kilometers away from the town. The sanctuary covers about 750 acres of mangrove forests, marshlands, irrigation tanks and canals. It is home to many species of plants, animals and birds, some of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. I saw the green-faced leaf monkey, the whistling duck, the water lily and the kirala tree. The sanctuary also supports the livelihoods of thousands of people who fish, farm and collect flowers from the wetland.

I highly recommend Kirala Kele Sanctuary to anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It is a must-see attraction in Sri Lanka, and a great place to learn about the culture and history of Matara. It is also a great example of how people can live in harmony with nature and conserve its resources. Kirala Kele Sanctuary is a treasure that deserves more attention and...

A beautiful place near the city of Matara that is not seen by tourists is a place where you can easily have a meal and relax while watching some birds and enjoying the environment while traveling through the southern region. Don't pollute this beautiful environment by littering. Remember, don't go into the water, there are many crocodiles because this is a sanctuary. After leaving the Palatuwa highway entrance, after going about three kilometers towards Matara, turn left near the bridge and you will see this beautiful...