Sinharaja Rain Forest
TREK BACK IN TIME IN SINHARAJA RAINFOREST
Sinharaja rainforest is located in the southwest corner of the island. It is a biodiversity hotspot and has been named a World Heritage site by UNESCO & a Biosphere Reserve.
This ancient rainforest is teeming with many endemic species of trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Sinharaja Rainforest is the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest in Sri Lanka.
Trekking through this forest could be compared to taking journey back in time and reconnecting with nature. The cacophony of sound created by gushing waterfalls, gurgling streams, ants marching, and leaves rustling creates a distinct atmosphere.
Sinharaja is renowned for endemic birds. There are 140 bird species seen here during a calendar year including 34 out of 37 species endemic to Sri Lanka.
Cost per person – US$45 per person onwards…
Sinharaja rainforest is located in the southwest corner of the island. It is a biodiversity hotspot and has been named a World Heritage site by UNESCO & a Biosphere Reserve.
This ancient rainforest is teeming with many endemic species of trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Sinharaja Rainforest is the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest in Sri Lanka.
Trekking through this forest could be compared to taking journey back in time and reconnecting with nature. The cacophony of sound created by gushing waterfalls, gurgling streams, ants marching, and leaves rustling creates a distinct atmosphere.
Sinharaja is renowned for endemic birds. There are 140 bird species seen here during a calendar year including 34 out of 37 species endemic to Sri Lanka.
Cost per person – US$45 per person onwards…
Mannar Bird Sanctuary
Mannar Bird Sanctuary
Mannar peninsula is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see migrant birds, especially shorebirds and the wonderful Greater Flamingos.
Located in the North-West coast of the island, Mannar is best visited from November to April each year when the Northern Hemisphere migrants visit the island. The Vankale sanctuary within Mannar has been designated as a RAMSAR wetland where over a million waders have been recorded and thus designated as a wetland of international importance. Mannar is also an excellent place to see wintering Waterfowl like the Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Gargany, Indian Spot-billed Duck and Common Teal are some of the commoner waterfowl that are seen in Mannar island.
The sand islands of Mannar also known as Adam’s Bridge islands or Rama’s Bridge are a unique habitat that one can experience when visiting this area. Of the 18 or so sand islands which extend from Thalimannar in Sri Lanka up to Rameswaram Island in the coast of Southern India, half of these islands are within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. Some of these islands are nesting sites for thousands of species of Terns and Noodies and this is part of the newly declared Adam’s Bridge National Park. The seas around these islands are also excellent habitat for the rarely seen Dugon which feed on the grass-beds in the sea.
Mannar has many ancient historical sites including the newly restored Mannar Fort which dates back to the 15th century when it was originally built by the Portuguese. It was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1696. Later the British occupied it when the Dutch surrendered. There are some Dutch churches that were built in the 16 hundreds. Another unique site is also the Baobab trees seen scattered in some places in Mannar which are known to have been brought by the Arabian Traders from Africa and planted here. Mannar is also an important fishing harbour where a large community depend on fishing.
We at Ceylon Escapes are passionate about birdwatching and with our in-house expertise we are happy to plan you a visit to Mannar based on your interest. Be it a casual visit to see some of the migrants and to see some of the historical sites or a full-on birding trip to tick off your checklist we can plan the best trip to Mannar island for you.
We recommend a minimum of a two night stay in Mannar in order to experience its unique habitat and historical sites. Good accommodation options are limited in Mannar therefore it’s best to book in advance and we can offer you a local expert along with one of our experienced Chauffeurs to guide you on your visit.
Mannar peninsula is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see migrant birds, especially shorebirds and the wonderful Greater Flamingos.
Located in the North-West coast of the island, Mannar is best visited from November to April each year when the Northern Hemisphere migrants visit the island. The Vankale sanctuary within Mannar has been designated as a RAMSAR wetland where over a million waders have been recorded and thus designated as a wetland of international importance. Mannar is also an excellent place to see wintering Waterfowl like the Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Gargany, Indian Spot-billed Duck and Common Teal are some of the commoner waterfowl that are seen in Mannar island.
The sand islands of Mannar also known as Adam’s Bridge islands or Rama’s Bridge are a unique habitat that one can experience when visiting this area. Of the 18 or so sand islands which extend from Thalimannar in Sri Lanka up to Rameswaram Island in the coast of Southern India, half of these islands are within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. Some of these islands are nesting sites for thousands of species of Terns and Noodies and this is part of the newly declared Adam’s Bridge National Park. The seas around these islands are also excellent habitat for the rarely seen Dugon which feed on the grass-beds in the sea.
Mannar has many ancient historical sites including the newly restored Mannar Fort which dates back to the 15th century when it was originally built by the Portuguese. It was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1696. Later the British occupied it when the Dutch surrendered. There are some Dutch churches that were built in the 16 hundreds. Another unique site is also the Baobab trees seen scattered in some places in Mannar which are known to have been brought by the Arabian Traders from Africa and planted here. Mannar is also an important fishing harbour where a large community depend on fishing.
We at Ceylon Escapes are passionate about birdwatching and with our in-house expertise we are happy to plan you a visit to Mannar based on your interest. Be it a casual visit to see some of the migrants and to see some of the historical sites or a full-on birding trip to tick off your checklist we can plan the best trip to Mannar island for you.
We recommend a minimum of a two night stay in Mannar in order to experience its unique habitat and historical sites. Good accommodation options are limited in Mannar therefore it’s best to book in advance and we can offer you a local expert along with one of our experienced Chauffeurs to guide you on your visit.