Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka which is internationally significant and designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Sinharaja Forest reserve is spanning an area of 18900 acres or 7648 hectares and is bounded by the rivers Maha Dola and Gin Ganga on the south and south -west and Napola Dola on the north and also the river Kudawa Ganga and the Kalukandawa Ela on the west. Due to dense vegetation, it is difficult to witness wildlife as other dry-zone national parks such as Udawalawe & Yala. At Sinharaja forest reserve 60% of the trees are rare and considers as endemic and also 50% of the endemics species of animals such as birds, amphibians, butterfly, fish and snakes species can be seen there and it is also a home to 95% endemic birds in Sri Lanka.
Sinharaja forest reserve is a best place for sight of the endemic Purple-faced langur. There are about 15 or so leopards and about 3 elephants. Some of the bird species that could witness are Sri Lanka Crested Drongo,Sri Lanka gray hornbill, orange-billed babbler, Sri Lanka blue magpie,red-faced malkoha, Sri Lankan Jungle fowl and green-billed coucal.
The best way to explore the nature and wildlife of the Sinharaja is on foot with the guidance of a naturalist. There are few entrances to the reserve such as Rakwana- Morning Side Entrance, Weddagala-Kudawa Entrance, Lankagama Entrance,Kurulugala Entrance and the Pitadeniya Entrance. Pitadeniya Entrance is one of the best entrances via a small town on the edge of the forest reserve called Deniyaya if you are planning to travel from Galle and the Kalawana- Weddagala entrance is the best option for travelers from Colombo. The naturalist will accompany you on a trek through the rainforest explaining the importance of the rainforest for Sri Lanka’s ecosystem. There are many freshwater lakes which bring you an option to swim underneath a waterfall. Be careful as you definitely feel the touch of leeches and the paths can be slippery and muddy with the weather conditions which also can be erratic in the off- season.
Best to select a full day trek from early morning to afternoon and if you have limited time can select a half day trek as well. Bring light comfortable clothing and a raincoat as it often rains. The driest months are from August, September and January to March -weather wise.
Sinharaja forest reserve is a best place for sight of the endemic Purple-faced langur. There are about 15 or so leopards and about 3 elephants. Some of the bird species that could witness are Sri Lanka Crested Drongo,Sri Lanka gray hornbill, orange-billed babbler, Sri Lanka blue magpie,red-faced malkoha, Sri Lankan Jungle fowl and green-billed coucal.
The best way to explore the nature and wildlife of the Sinharaja is on foot with the guidance of a naturalist. There are few entrances to the reserve such as Rakwana- Morning Side Entrance, Weddagala-Kudawa Entrance, Lankagama Entrance,Kurulugala Entrance and the Pitadeniya Entrance. Pitadeniya Entrance is one of the best entrances via a small town on the edge of the forest reserve called Deniyaya if you are planning to travel from Galle and the Kalawana- Weddagala entrance is the best option for travelers from Colombo. The naturalist will accompany you on a trek through the rainforest explaining the importance of the rainforest for Sri Lanka’s ecosystem. There are many freshwater lakes which bring you an option to swim underneath a waterfall. Be careful as you definitely feel the touch of leeches and the paths can be slippery and muddy with the weather conditions which also can be erratic in the off- season.
Best to select a full day trek from early morning to afternoon and if you have limited time can select a half day trek as well. Bring light comfortable clothing and a raincoat as it often rains. The driest months are from August, September and January to March -weather wise.
