Makandawa Rainforest Reserve 

Borderlands offers guided hikes through the local forests surrounding Kithulgala, from short 1 hour hikes to our “secret” canyon, passing by friendly, smiling villagers. Climb for stunning views of the Kelani River valley, the verdant jungle, and the rocky crag faces of the higher Hill Country. Alternatively take a half day hike to Makandawa Rainforest Reserve, located a short distance across the river from Borderlands. The reserve has rich birdlife and has and many endemic species such as the Sri Lanka Orange Billed Babbler, Black Eagle, Scarlet Minivert, Chestnut Owlet and Blue Magpie, which makes it a great spot for avid birdwatchers. The hike takes you through a thick canopy of lush forest, trees towering above and providing natural shade and coolness even on the hottest day. The reserve has several waterfalls and its possible to swim in local swimming holes inside the reserve. Packed lunches are provided for this half day hike from Borderlands.

Belilena Cave

Leave Borderlands Camp and hike through dense rubber estates. Cut through tea estates and local villages for a leisurely journey laced with extraordinary views of the surrounding hill-country landscape whilst strolling through rubber tapping and tea-plucking communities to reach the Belilena Caves. With the largest prehistoric caves in Sri Lanka, Belilena is also famous for the skeletal remains that were found in the caves which date between 18 000 to 32000 years ago. There is also a waterfall that dramatically drops over the mouth of the main cave. It is a rewarding, refreshing and welcome treat for the hiker to stand under its stream and cool down before the hike downhill back to camp.