Reviewed by Yasas Senanayake and Nilesh Siriwardana
Wildlife is something that man cannot construct, once it is gone, its is gone forever – Joy Adamson
On the 1st of June 2024, the Wildlife Club of Trinity College Kandy embarked on an exhilarating hike to the Dunumadalawa forest reserve, an experience which brought them face-to-face with the biodiversity and natural challenges nestled in the outskirts of Kandy. This forest is known for its diverse wildlife, making it a perfect site of exploration for the young naturalists of the club.
The adventure started at dawn, where members, brimming with anticipation gathered at the school. They reached the gate of the forest reserve by 7 am.
After a brief, yet an informative introduction to the composition of the forest by Mr Chinthaka Devagiriya who also ventured to accompany the students on the hike, the group began trekking the trail by about 8.00 am, with sunlight filtering through the canopies of various trees which created an atmosphere of awe in the explorers.
Our group stopped by the Dunumadalawa and Roseneath lakes that are diligently protected by the forest officials, as these two tanks generate water to about 500 homes within the municipal city limits. The eager students were able to observe the purification and chlorination of water within the facility before its distribution to the public.
As the group ascended, the forest came alive with the sound of various species of birds. We were fortunate enough to spot several vibrant and rare birds, a delight for the ornithologists among us. Their melodies provided a beautiful soundtrack to the hike, and the image of them flitting through the foliage, added a touch of magic to our journey.
The hike also brought to attention some of the forest’s more elusive but potentially dangerous inhabitants. The few snakes spotted on the way served as a reminder to tread carefully and respect Mother Nature in its primal form. These encounters, while a bit unnerving for some, were thrilling and underscored the diversity of fauna in the region, known to boast a variety of endemic species, getting a chance to see them was a bliss.
However, the hike was not without its challenges. As the group ventured deeper into the forest, they encountered one of the most notorious residents of Dunumadalawa: Leeches. These small yet irritating creatures became an unwelcome but memorable part of the journey. Despite our best efforts to fend them off, many found themselves having to stop and remove these ‘avid blood hounds’ from their clothing, shoes and skin. But breaking through all the difficulties we went on, learning new skills, and methods which would benefit a person in a scenario such as ours.
After about two hours of trekking, the wildlife enthusiasts reached a clearing where they took a well deserved break. The treehouse found within close proximity provided a breathtaking view from the top, a panoramic vista of the surrounding forests and valleys. It was a moment of triumph and reflection, as they marveled at the beauty of the landscape and the experiences shared.
The hike to Dunumadalawa proved to be an unforgettable experience to the members of the Wildlife Club, where they encountered wildlife, the challenges of leeches, and the camaraderie of fellow nature enthusiasts. As they made their way back down, tired but exhilarated, they carried with them the memories of a journey that observed the splendor and complexity of the wilderness within our city. A rare treat for most urban cities in other countries or in our own nation.
A big thank you is to be extended on behalf of the Wildlife Club to Ms. Chathurika Senanayake for accompanying the crew on their trek and to Mr. Nalin and Mr. Palitha for ensuring the safety of the students, guiding them through an unforgettable journey through the mountain range, and providing valuable information on the flora and fauna encountered on the expedition. Finally a huge thank you to the teacher-in-charge of the Wildlife Club, Mrs. Sulekshmie Bambaradeniya, for providing the students this valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge on wildlife and providing an avenue for them to make cherished memories with their colleagues.
