Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve
Situated towards the south west of the island, the magnificent Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve is Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforest and covers an area of about 18,900 acres. The complex eco-systems here provide a vast habitat for endemic fauna and flora that is not found anywhere else in the world. Walking through this treasure trove of nature is truly humbling. Tall shady trees with winding roots where exotic birds and Purple-faced leaf monkeys hover about; cascading waterfalls and streams; gigantic ferns, medicinal plants, and wild flowers; exotic butterflies and dragonflies that flutter about, and the sound of birds and crickets echoing through the forest….Sinharaja is a nature lovers dream! In recognition of the value of these last remaining tropical rainforests, in 1978 the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve was declared an International Man and Biosphere Reserve and subsequently, in 1989 was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
Sinharaja is managed by the Forest Department of Sri Lanka which has an office at the entrance gates. Visitors to this reserve must purchase tickets as well as obtain the services of a naturalist guide from this office. These guides are highly trained, experienced, and well versed with the rainforest. Sinharaja Nature Reserve is for all those who value wildlife and nature. With 34 of Sri Lanka’s 36 endemic species of birds found in this rainforest, Sinharaja is popular with bird watchers.
Location
The Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve can be accessed via Ratnapura and Kudawa; the Central Highlands via Kitulgala; and from the south western end of Sinharaja via Galle and Deniyaya.
- Rise early and trek through this pristine rainforest with your binoculars in hand.
- Take in the sights and sounds of the forest as the day goes by.
- Gaze in awe if you happen to see a mixed feeding flock of birds.
- If you are lucky, you will see the beautiful Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and the Red-faced Malkoha both endemic species, as well as many other birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals.
- Stop at a gently flowing stream and soak your tired feet in the cool water.
Accommodation in Sinharaja
There are a limited number of eco-retreats and guesthouses that offer comfortable accommodation near village of Kudawa; as well as bordering the south western end of Sinharaja in Deniyaya.
Jansen’s Bungalow, Kudawa
Jansen’s is a family owned eco-retreat bordering the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve in Kudawa. Immersed in nature with spectacular views of the rainforest, a gently flowing river, and situated close to the Sinharaja entrance, this is an ideal base from which to explore the rainforest.
Rainforest Eco Lodge, Deniyaya
Situated on a 500 acre tea plantation bordering the south western end of the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, the Eco Lodge is accessed via Deniyaya. The Rainforest Eco Lodge follows strict nature conservation and sustainability policies and offers accommodation in 18 comfortable and stylish chalets on stilts with spectacular views across the tea fields and the rainforest tree canopy.