A Global Bio Diversity Hotspot

The high diversity of plant and animal species within a limited land area, has made Sri Lanka one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Sri Lanka represents the richest biodiversity in the whole of Asia per square kilometre of land area. Many of the plants and animals found on this island are endemic. The island is home to more than 3,360 species of flowering plants, 1,920 fungi, 242 butterflies, 78 fresh water fish species, 322 non-migrant birds and 250 amphibians.

The Island also provides critical habitat for internationally mobile species including five species of endangered marine turtles, around 100 species of waterfowl and many other migrant birds.

There are 29 specific ecosystems all within easy reach of one another in a land area of 65,610 square kilometers, which is equivalent to the land area of West Virginia.

Nestling at the foot of Ereulagala (699 m above sea level) and Dikkandahena (618 m above sea level), the Kandalama Lake and the hotel are situated at the northern end of the Matale hills, where the dry zone of the Island begins. The hotel lies on the border of the intermediate and dry zones, and the surroundings are rich in biodiversity.