AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN ILLUKKUMBURA AREA IN THE KNUCKLES RANGE

Knuckles National Heritage Wilderness Area is approximately 155 km2 and is located inthe Central Province of Sri Lanka. Knuckles forested area has high endemic biodiversityand possesses a rich cultural history. It falls under the administration of the ForestDepartment. The area has been separated into three different zones, for systematicimplementation of ecotourism activities. Illukkumbura is one such ecotourism zone of theKnuckles forested area.Objectives of the study are to explore the ecotourism development potential ofIllukkumbura area, promotion of local community participation in ecotourism andrecommendation of strategies to promote Illukkumbura area in the global tourism market.Comprehensive litrature survey was conducted to gather secondary data, with regard to. ecotourism and its subject matter. Primary data was collected initially through areconnaissance survey, to demarcate the study site, familiarize with key decision makers ofthe villages and provided the basis to select the study area and participant for theParticipatory Rural Appraisal as well as decide on the time duration of the ParticipatoryRural Appraisal. To gather in depth primary data Participatory Rural Appraisal wasconducted in the selected villages, with a questionnaire assisted interview process. Therespondents were selected using random sample techniques, which comprised of 50participants. Field observations were carried out in all ecotourism attractions atlllukkumbura area. Specific attention was given to the site selection for suitable ecotourismactivities, especially suited for various ecotourists.Study revealed that Illukkumbura zone is patronized by tourist both domestic and foreignat present mainly for trekking, swimming and camping. Study resulted in evaluating theimportance of the each nature trail for ecotourism, exploring other ecotourism sites in thearea, exploring the potential of community participation in ecotourism, developing acommunication strategy for the area and drawing up proposed guidelines for a ecotourismdevelopment plan in the Illukkumbura area. Recommendations were made in line topromote continuous research with relation to ecotourism and adapt better managementecotourism practices for sustainable development.