Deep Into The Forest

Sinharaja Rain Forest, Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Rain Forest, Sri Lanka. Sinharaja Forest Reserve natural parkland is a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designed as a Biosphere Reserve and world heritage site by UNESCO.

Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rainforest spanning an area of 18,900 Acres is located within Sabaragamuwa and the Southern Provinces of the South West lowland zone of the country.

Sinharaja is bounded by rivers on three sides on the North the forest is bounded by the Napola Dola and Koskulana Ganga. On the South and South West are the rivers Maha Dola and the river Gin Ganga. On the West are the rivers Kalukanda Ella and river Kudawa Ganga. To the East of the forest is an ancient footpath near Beverley Tea Estate and by the Denuwa Kanda.

Home to a vast range of rare and endangered trees in addition to an abundance of endemic birds, reptiles, and mammals Sinharaja Forest is a treat to naturalists. Birds tend to mix feeding flocks. Crested Drongo, Noisy Orange Billed Babbler, and Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds as Red Faced Malkoha, Green Billed Coucal, Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, and a range of beautiful butterflies.

Reptiles include the endemic Green Pit Vipers, and Hump–Nosed Vipers and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. The common sight of giant squirrels, monkeys, chameleons, lizards, and winkled frogs. Many nocturnal residents in the forest are usually seen at night such as Mongoose and bats. Leeches thrive in Sinharaja each bite is extremely common but quite harmless.

the main entrance to the Sinharaja forest from the Northern or Western part of the country. You can reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve via Rathanapura, Kiriella, Kalawana, and Weddagala. From Deniyaya. Coming from Hambanthota, Udawalawe you can enter to Sinharaja from Rakwana side.

The two main nature trails of Sinharaja forest are those lead to the peak of Moulawella and the peak of Sinhagala (Lion Head). Both of these trails begin at Kudawa Conservation Centre and are equally enjoyable and enlightening.

The forest is densely crowded with tall trees growing nearby, but the winding trail makes the trekking tireless. Small streams of crystal clear cool water that is home to a variety of fish, toads, and crabs, crisscross the trails and the mix of species of birds are seen in the canopy of wood.

Start your tour early morning at 6.30 am walking through the thick canopy of trees along the man-made trails with sounds of birds chirping while crossing sparkling streams and enjoying the fresh cool air around you. Journey through the jungle can vary from soft and moderate track to steeps climbs.

The first section of the journey start starts at the entrance to the Kudawa Research Centre. The birds can be observed in Sinharaja in all their splendor in the early morning and late evening. The Sinharaja birds wave is the largest and longest studied mixed feeding bird flock in the world. The naturalist guide will help you to spot and identify these magnificent birds. (you can hire a guide at the entrance office).

The best months for trekking are December to April the ith least rain. Travelers should expect some torrential rain from time to time even in the season as Sinharaja a is rain forest and Leeches are in abundance during rain. But proper clothing will protect you from Leeches.



Wearing Leech socks and taking an extra raincoat, water bottle, snack, and binoculars will help you in need. A short track of around 3 to 4 hours is most suitable for elderly travelers and families with kids to get a glimpse of a rainforest experience. The distance up to the Research Centre from the Entrance is about 5 km a trail along the track and cross a large stream and continue along the track. 

Adventure seekers will be guided through the thick canopy of trees along more adventurous jungle trails. This gives the opportunity to explore the dense forest and visit Kekuna falls and Pathan Ella falls. The entire tour takes maximum 7of  hours. The trail has occasional irregular sections. 

Visit the Sinhagala (Lion Head) rock highly adventure tour. A full-day tour in the lush green forest under the canopy of trees. The track is about 4 km further crossing a few streams, going past dense forest patches to Sinhagala rock the trail will become more irregular with brief ascents and descents along with broad flat sections. The last section of the trail to the Sinharaja (Lion Head) is a hard climb of about 500m distance. This part is the most challenging of the entire trail. About  200 m before the summit, the goes go through a small cave. The summit point is about 9 km from Research Centre and about 14 km from the start. Once you are on the top of the rock you will be amazed by the picturesque and breathtaking views of the forest which is worth the climb and an experience of a lifetime.   

You can stay and rest in the lodges around the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and experience tropical Sri Lanka relax in a country where nature's bounty springs into life. The unique experience is to be discovered overlooking paddy fields and mountains. One can take a dip in a natural stream surrounded by ancient trees and natural rocks. The natural streams give soothing sensations to the mind, body, and soul. Restaurants serve Sri Lankan country-style delicious food enjoying the silence, birds humming, water flowing, and cool breeze giving you the feeling of complete relaxation.  

ROADS TO HEAVEN

ROAD TO HEAVEN

Ohiya is a rural village located in Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka.

The Picturesque Colombo, Badulla Railway runs through Ohiya. Ohiya railway station is the 67th station on the mainline. It is the third-highest railway station in Sri Lanka situated 1774 m (5820 feet) above level and opened in 1893. The train runs through the colonial-era railway line built by the British to transport the tea harvest to Colombo Port.

Scenic Views

The railway line amidst misty tea estates with fascinating views of the valley below. The train runs across many tunnels providing excitement to the passengers.

Traveling to Ohiya is quite difficult due to its distance and limited ways of transportation. Hiring a private vehicle is make your journey quite comfortable. You may be able to relax and enjoy the views on the way stopping your vehicle whenever you need. Travel by train is another option. The Udarata Manike train (Colombo to Badulla) departs from Colombo Railway station by 5.55 am and another train around 8.15 am. it takes nearly 6 hours to reach Ohiya by train. The train ride is a quite nice experience as it's the most beautiful train ride. The bus route is from Colombo to Welimada to Ohiya (Via Boralanda)

Most difficult paths lead to beautiful destinations

It's worth the long travel since it is just one of the few places in Sri Lanka that offer 360-degree views of undisturbed natural landscapes dense forests and mountain ranges. With the lush green landscape along with its unique flora and fauna, Ohiya can consider a home for the nature lover looking for a unique nature trail, since it provides a great backdrop for trekking and hiking along with the great mountains range, vast rain forests and the Bambarakanda waterfall which tower at 863 feet the tallest waterfall in the country.

The Devil staircase is a challenging trek that starts from Ohiya, a rugged nature trail that would take 6 to 7 hours to complete depending on your spread and fitness. The sheer magnificence of the scenery it provides will make you forget your weariness. The staircase takes through the Uduweriya estate filled with lush green tea plantations. The end of the staircase will lead to the Bambarakanda falls which is 863 feet high and it is the perfect place to take that much-needed rest after hours of hike.

Another direction to the Bambarakanda fall is via Kalupahana Junction in Haldulmulla on Colombo, Badulla road. From Kalupahana junction 15 minutes drive and a 1-hour hike, you will reach the waterfall. The path is maintained for easy access with stairs and rails.

 Ohiya island for trekkers and hikers. Many beautiful trails are running through a range of mountains, tea estates, and remote villages end up near Idalgashinna railway station. The trek is such a marvelous experience which proceeds towards a range of mountains to get the best views of the valley below and through the remote tea estates where you can meet villagers.

The best way to avoid getting lost while you trekking is to take help from a guide. Carrying a backpack with essentials such as water, snack, and medicine is vital as most part of the route is isolated from the human habitat. Pleasant freedom and calmness bring by the heavenly environment with blue mountains range, green trees, cool wind, and silence is such a reward from the nature of the mountain village can offer for its visitors.

The Villagers

The villagers living here were originally brought to Sri Lanka from India to work in the tea estates introduced by the British. Their way of life is still primitive. They are earning living from plucking tea leaves and working in factories. The tea plucking women with baskets on their back wearing colorful sarees working in the tea estates is a common view when you travel hill country of Sri Lanka. They contribute their hard work to the tea industry which is one of the major income of the country but still lead a hard life with poor wages. 

Nature trail in Horton plain

Horton Plain National Park is one of the largest natural parks in Sri Lanka with the habitat of many types of flora and fauna. The natural trail takes to the sight such as the world's end a sheer cliff of about 4000 feet and Barker's falls through breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. The sight of Rain Deers coming to graze on the plain is a rare sight some travelers witness in the evening. the trek will take 3 to 4 hours up and down through the never-ending plain. Visitors to the park come early to see the best sight of the world ends as the mist will disturb the clear view.

The weather can be quite unpredictable. January to March is recorded to have the least rainfall. Most of the evenlandands cover with mist and the climate is cooler than the other parts of the country. Finding good accommodation is quite difficult in Ohiya. There are very few places which serve comfortable stay. Mostly the home-based models with the least facilities but delicious food can be found around the station and sipping a warm cup of tea in the evening is quite a treat as Ceylon tea considers the best tea in the world.

Sri Lanka the pearl of the Indian Ocean.....