---
title: "Nilagala Forest Reserve"
description: "Discover the magic of Nilagala Forest Reserve, an exceptional dry-zone savanna teeming with endemic birds and unique flora."
region: "Uva"
best_time: "June - September"
url: "https://www.welcomesrilanka.com/destinations/nilagala-forest"
publisher: "Welcome Sri Lanka"
---

# Nilagala Forest Reserve

> Explore Nilagala Forest Reserve in Uva

Discover the magic of Nilagala Forest Reserve, an exceptional dry-zone savanna teeming with endemic birds and unique flora.

- Region: Uva
- Type: wildlife
- Best time to visit: June - September
- Suggested time: Full Day

**Nilagala Forest Reserve** is a unique dry-zone savanna ecosystem in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. It serves as a vital sanctuary for endemic bird species, particularly the Yellow-fronted Barbet and the elusive Junglefowl. The landscape features tall golden grasses scattered with magnificent Aralu, Bulu, and Nelli trees. Birdwatchers revere this pristine wilderness for its unparalleled spotting opportunities in a truly untouched natural setting.

---

### Confirmed eBird Sightings (Nilagala Hotspot)

Recent observations by the global birding community have recorded over 193 species in this reserve. Here are some beautifully documented recent sightings natively from the eBird library:

- ![Indian Peafowl](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/286622431/1200) **Indian Peafowl**
- ![Sri Lanka Spurfowl](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/544650011/1200) **Sri Lanka Spurfowl**
- ![Painted Francolin](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/377611271/1200) **Painted Francolin**
- ![Jungle Bush-Quail](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/378171241/1200) **Jungle Bush-Quail**
- ![Spotted Dove](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/413137831/1200) **Spotted Dove**

*For a complete, up-to-date checklist and more images, visit the [eBird Nilagala Hotspot](https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5832252/bird-list?yr=all&rank=mrec).*

### Sri Lankan Endemics at Nilagala

The Nilagala Forest Reserve is particularly famous for housing some of Sri Lanka's most sought-after endemic species. Here are the beautifully documented endemics you can find exclusively in Sri Lanka:

- ![Sri Lanka Spurfowl](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/544650011/1200) **Sri Lanka Spurfowl**
- ![Sri Lanka Green-Pigeon](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/286616691/1200) **Sri Lanka Green-Pigeon**
- ![Sri Lanka Frogmouth](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/378196581/1200) **Sri Lanka Frogmouth**
- ![Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/379724261/1200) **Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill**
- ![Crimson-backed Flameback](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/612168570/1200) **Crimson-backed Flameback**
- ![Layard's Parakeet](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/80338871/1200) **Layard's Parakeet**
- ![Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/80338911/1200) **Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot**
- ![Sri Lanka Scimitar-Babbler](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/622763527/1200) **Sri Lanka Scimitar-Babbler**
- ![Brown-capped Babbler](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/377195001/1200) **Brown-capped Babbler**
- ![Sri Lanka Swallow](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/590664641/1200) **Sri Lanka Swallow**
- ![Sri Lanka Shama](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/279368571/1200) **Sri Lanka Shama**
- ![Sri Lanka Woodshrike](https://cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/609043591/1200) **Sri Lanka Woodshrike**

*Note: Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Red-faced Malkoha, and Red-backed Flameback have also been confirmed at this hotspot.*

## Highlights

- Bird Watching
- Endemic Flora
- Savanna Ecosystem
- Wilderness Trekking

---

Source: [Welcome Sri Lanka](https://www.welcomesrilanka.com) — https://www.welcomesrilanka.com/destinations/nilagala-forest  
Plan a trip: https://www.welcomesrilanka.com/contact-us · info@welcomesrilanka.com · +94 77 765 2180 (phone & WhatsApp)