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.