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What Are The 16 Best Trails For Sinharaja Forest Tour

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)
Sri Lanka Two Week Itinerary, Adventure Tour in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja, One day tours in Sri Lanka

On a misty morning, take a Srinharaja rainforest tour to enjoy the untamed wilderness. This is a perfect opportunity to encounter many tropical trees, plants, insects, and many other creatures. On the Sinharaja jungle tour, you will see a large number of birds, monkeys, lizards, spiders, butterflies, snakes, and many more. The jungle tour is easy and suitable for anyone with moderate physical fitness. Venturing on a Sinharaja forest tour is the best way to explore an invaluable treasure trove in Sri Lanka. Due to its ecological importance, the Sinharaja Rainforest is a strict nature reserve, and it also bears the UNESCO World Heritage Site emblem of protection. This blog post primarily discusses the 18 trails available for a Sinharaja rainforest tour, along with other crucial details you should be aware of before beginning your Sinharaja forest packages.

Table of Contents

Why should I take a Sinharaja forest tour?

A visit to Sinharaja Forest Reserve is more than just a nature tour; it’s an opportunity to connect with one of the world’s most unique and vital ecosystems. From rare birds to endemic plants, every step in this ancient rainforest reveals new wonders.

Whether you’re an avid birder, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the raw beauty of nature, Sinharaja has something special in store for you. So pack your hiking boots, grab your binoculars, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

Remember, as visitors, we have the responsibility to tread lightly and help preserve this incredible forest for future generations. By choosing sustainable tour options and respecting the environment, we can ensure that Sinharaja remains a thriving ecosystem for years to come.

Sinharaja Rain Forest, Most important ecological Assets in Sri Lanka

SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST is a world heritage and biodiversity hotspot, as well as a prominent ecotourism destination in Sri Lanka. It is one of the few remaining pristine forests in the world. This evergreen rain forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the few virgin rain forests left to date. Damp, mysterious and brimming with life, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, situated 120 km south-east of Colombo, is the last expensive stretch of pristine rainforest on the island. Sinharaja is an ecological treasure trove, covering slightly over 11,000 hectares and running across the wet zone on the southern edge of the hill region.

Its amazing array of flora and wildlife places it among the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the country’s largest single expanse of remaining low-land tropical rain forest. Over 130 bird species are present here, including several of the 33 species indigenous to Sri Lanka. A vast reptile population and myriads of insect species exist, many of which remain unexplored. Here, we witness mammals such as the purple-faced langur monkey and the enormous squirrel. Sinharaja is also home to the elusive leopard. It is best to explore Sinharaja on foot, which makes for the most true jungle experience. The best starting places for trips are Deniyaya, Mederipitiya to the east, or Kudawa to the north.

What Makes Sinharaja Forest Tour Special?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of planning your trip, let’s talk about why Sinharaja should be on your Sri Lanka itinerary:

  1. Biodiversity hotspot: Home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species
  2. UNESCO recognition: Designated as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
  3. Pristine rainforest: One of the least disturbed and largest rainforests in Sri Lanka
  4. Unique ecosystem: A living laboratory for scientific research and conservation
  5. Adventure opportunities: Offers hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sinharaja has seen a 15% increase in eco-tourism visitors over the past year, highlighting its growing popularity among nature enthusiasts.

Sinharaja forest tour

Venturing on a Sinharaja forest tour is the best way to explore this invaluable treasure trove. Due to its ecological importance, the Sinharaja rainforest is a strict nature reserve, and it also bears the UNESCO World Heritage Site emblem of protection. This blog post primarily discusses the 18 trails available for a Sinharaja rainforest tour, along with other crucial details you should be aware of before beginning your Sinharaja forest packages.

Visitors are surrounded by thick green vegetation and gloomy surroundings, as the sun struggles to penetrate the upper canopy of the forest. The travelers could see all shades of green around them, hear the torrential creek sound coming from crickets (Grylloidea; Laicharting), and occasionally hear the soothing music of birds from the jungle. Meanwhile, nearby waterfalls made a constant roaring sound, bringing the waters down the cliff. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a troop of monkeys suddenly appearing in the upper canopy while making a loud noise to tell you that it has been their home for many millennia.

Sinharaja Tour Options

  1. Day trip: Ideal for those short on time, but be prepared for an early start and long day
  2. Overnight stay: Allows for a more relaxed exploration and chance to experience the forest at night
  3. Multi-day trek: For adventure seekers wanting to delve deep into the rainforest

Pro tip: Book your tour with a reputable operator like Eco Team for a safe and enriching experience.

Affordable Sri Lanka one-day tours from Seerendipity Tours. Click www.seerendipitytours one-day trips for more information and many other one-day programs from Sri Lanka.

History of sinharaja rainforest

Sinharaja had been a part of Gondwana land and was spared from destructive human activities until today. Sinharaja is one of the top 10 biodiversity hot spots in the world. Sinharaja has been one of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island since 1988.

According to the legends, it was the abode of a lion (the abode of a sinha), thus coming to be known as Sinharaja.One of the world’s oldest explorers, “Ibn Battuta” (1304 AD–1369 AD), wrote the first historical note on Sinharaja. 

Bushes, plants, veins, and rugged terrain make it nearly impossible to go off track, and it can be dangerous too, according to Sarath, who takes us around the forest and shares his insight about this valuable natural asset of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja spreads over 8864 hectares (21903 acres).

IUCN World Heritage Conservation Outlook Assessment 2020 on Sinharaja

Recently released on December 9, 2020, the “IUCN World Heritage Conservation Outlook Assessment” recommends immediate attention from relevant parties and additional conservation efforts to maintain and restore values over the medium to long term. The report indicates that the forest’s ecological value has significantly declined over the past several centuries. Therefore, the Sinharaja rainforest has been categorized under the group “significant concern,natural vegetations that are facing numerous obstacles, invariably the conservation of the forest values are threatened and/or are showing signs of deterioration.

However, according to the report, the Sinharaja rainforest is still an important ecological asset for the people of Sri Lanka, which has an irreplaceable ecosystem and provides habitats critical to the survival of globally threatened species. More information on the report.

Why choose Sinharaja for the rainforest tour in Sri Lanka?

If you’re looking for a rainforest tour in Sri Lanka, there’s no better option than the Sinharaja Forest Tour. The Sinharaja rainforest is not only the largest rainforest on the island, but it is also well developed to provide visitors with the services they need. E.g., the wildlife department has set up offices at the main entrances of the rainforest and provides well-trained guides to visitors so that the visitors can learn about the forest while guides lead them to interesting places within the forest. If required, tourists can find accommodation very close to the rainforest, and the available accommodations range from cheap dormitories to luxury villas.

Affordable Sri Lanka one-day tours from Seerendipity Tours. Click www.seerendipitytours one-day trips for more information and many other one-day programmes from Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja rainforest tour from Colombo

Travelers can book the Sinharaja rainforest tour from Colombo. Usually, the Sinharaja forest tour starts at around 06.30 AM. However, the pick-up time is flexible. If tourists are very keen on watching birds in the forest, we may arrange the pick-up very early in the morning, allowing you to enter the forest around 5:00 am to see the rare endemic birds. Pick-up is also available from the airport without any surcharge. The tour is conducted in the English language. 

Sinharaja forest tour from the beach resort

You can book Sinharaja rainforest tours from Colombo and more than 400 beach resorts on the west coast. As for the Sinharaja rainforest tour from Colombo, this one-day tour also starts early, at around 06.30 AM. This one-day tour includes all ground transportation, entrance tickets, and a guided rainforest trek with one of our experienced nature guides.

Sinharaja rainforest trek

Travelers do not need to travel far from the western and southern coast beach resorts to find a totally different landscape and some exciting trekking and bird-watching treks, such as Sinharaja. Sinharaja is one of the best places for trekking, with dozens of trekking routes and different trekking conditions. Therefore, the Sinharaja rainforest tour is very popular among travelers.

Warm and frequently subjected to heavy rain, the Sinharaja rainforest offers great walking amid a magical landscape of isolated mountains, waterfalls, rivers, streams, and a fascinating collection of fauna and flora. Hundreds of avian fauna species, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, coexist in the evergreen rainforest of Sinharaja. The terrain of Sinharaja may make for gentler trekking, but it still offers some challenges and plenty of rewards.

Sinharaja rainforest package

The lush stands of trees, plants, and creepers, accompanied by rocks gleaming with moss, evoke a sense of a hidden kingdom from the outside world. Sinharaja is one of the last remaining primaeval rainforests in the world, and a trip there is the best way to pamper yourself in the lap of Mother Nature.

The Sinharaja rainforest, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world’s important biodiversity hotspots, is among the planet’s richest rainforests, supporting a plethora of endemic flora and fauna. Stretching over 1800 hectares and sandwiched between western and Sabargamuwa provinces, Sinharaja is home to elephants, leopards, the elusive black panther and Sri Lanka’s largest population of avian fauna species. But these are just some of the reserve’s more well-known treasures. A more fascinating phenomenon was in store for you as you ventured on the Sinharaja rainforest tour.

How much is the Sinharaja forest entrance fee?

The Sinharaja forest entrance fee for foreign travelers was 2700 LKR (Sri Lankan rupees) at the time this blog post was published. However, the rate may slightly fluctuate from time to time due to government policies. The price of Sinharaja entry is also varied depending on the number of people.

Sinharaja forest guide price

The price of the Sinharaja forest guide varies depending on the guide; usually, the guide charges about 5000 LKR (Sri Lanka rupoper) per trip.

Transport for your Sinharaja forest tour

Thansport is included in the Sinharaja Forest Tour package. Usually the transport is done in an air-conditioned car with a local guide, who speaks English. If you wish to have a guide, who speaks other languages, such as German and French, please get in touch with us at admin@seerendipitytorus.com.

What is included in the Sinharaja Forest Tour package?

1. Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver guide.

2. Sinharaja forest guide.

3. Sinharaja Forest entrance ticket.

4. Arrival and departure transfers.

5. Meeting arrangements are made at the airport on arrival and departure.

6. All government taxes.

7. Historical and ecological importance of Sinharaja

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a valuable patch of forest on the island, and it is the last remaining primaeval rain forest in Sri Lanka. It is believed to have originated about 180 million years ago, during the Gondwana Supercontinent. Taking part in one of the Sinharaja rainforest tours is the best way to explore this invaluable treasure trove. The UNESCO World Heritage Site protects Sinharaja due to its ecological importance. This article contains a lot of information that can be useful to plan your next Sinharaja forest package.

This nature tour includes rainforest trekking, white water rafting, safari, hiking, and trekking. This adventure tour also includes whale watching based in southern Sri Lanka. If you

Sinharaja rainforest package in a nutshell

How do I plan a Sinharaja forest package?

The Sinharaja Rain Forest Tour is one of the most exciting activities a tourist can undertake during their Sri Lanka holiday. According to our experience, most tourists who visit the Sinharaja rainforest plan their Sinharaja forest packages in advance. Some other travelers spontaneously arrange a day trip to Sinharaja Rain Forest from their beach resort or Colombo, with the assistance of local tour operators. The Sinharaja rainforest tour, on the other hand, is a great opportunity to see the rich biodiversity of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

What is the best time of the day to start my Sinharaja forest tour?

The Sinharaja rainforest is one of the best places for bird watching in Sri Lanka. Sinharaa is home to a variety of endemic Sri Lankan birds. If you enjoy bird watching, we highly recommend starting the forest trek early in the morning (5:30 am). 30 am). You can undertake the forest trek from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Even if you fail to enter the rainforest early in the morning, there is a big chance of spotting many bird species, insects, spiders, butterflies, etc.

When is the best time of the year for the Sinharaja package?

The Sinharaja forest receives more than 5000 ml of annual rainfall. Sinharaja’s rainy season starts in April and ends in November, which is the main rainy season in the forest. Despite the leeches, slippery slopes and relentless rain, the rainy season is considered the best time of the year to visit the forest. During this period, the waterfalls bloom like flowers, creating spectacular scenery with a roar. This is the perfect time of year to witness the unparalleled beauty of Sinharaja. The incessant downpour brings the fertile and rocky landscape to life in a vivid shade of green, with fresh grass covering nearly every inch.

Sinharaja rainforest trek

Weather pattern in Sinharaja rainforest

Temprature

The five seasons (January-April, May, June-August, September, and October-December) recorded a maximum temperature of 28.9°C in May, which was the second-highest during the January-April period (28.2°C). The rainforest experiences mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures of 22 and 28°C, respectively. The months with the highest recorded temperatures are April (25.3°C), May (24.9°C), and January (25.1°C), while December (23.8°C) has the lowest.

Variations in annual rainfall

The average yearly rainfall at Sinharaja is about 5,016 + 632 mm. The yearly rainfall reported over the last few years was 5,023 + 457 mm, 5,003 + 319 mm, and 4997 + 234 mm on a two-, three-, and five-year shifting average.

Sinharaja rain forest tour from Colombo

This Sinharaja rain forest tour starts in Colombo; however, travelers can book it from many other locations, such as Colombo international airport, Colombo hotels, and 40+ beach hotels on the west coast. Most Sinharaja forest packages are private tours, which means that you have maximum privacy while exploring the rainforest at your own pace.

The Sinharaja Rain Forest Tour starts in Colombo at 7:00 a.m., and the drive from Colombo to Sinharaja Rain Forest takes approximately 3 hours. The guests are starting the rainforest trek at the Weddagala main entrance, which lasts around 4 hours. 

For guests who would like to start the Sinharaja forest packages from any city other than Colombo, please write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com. The pickup time and the price of the Sinharaja forest packages slightly differ, depending on the starting place.

What time should I start my Sinharaja forest tour?

This is a private activity, so the starting date is very flexible. However, we recommend the participants start the trip around 7 a.m., and therefore, they can visit the national park before midday. However, if you are a bird lover and love to see birds, we recommend you leave the hotel on the beach or in Colombo at around 04.00 AM, thereby witnessing a large number of bird species during the rainforest trek.

Why use the Weddagala entrance?

According to our nature experts, the Sinharaja rainforest trip starting from Weddagala is far more interesting than the Sinharaja tours starting from the Pitadeniya entrance. After analyzing the feedback received from the travelers who took the Sinharaja trip, we also came to know that using the Weddagala Sinharaja entrance is more suitable for the Sinharaja rain forest tours.

If you need to see a lot of birds and other fauna, it is highly recommended to start the Sinharaja tour from the Weddagala entrance. However, you will not be able to see waterfalls when you start the rainforest trek from the Weddagala entrance. Weddagala ticket counter is the most popular place to start the Sinharaja rainforest trek and 90% of travelers start their march at Weddagala. 

Because it is close to them, Pitadeniya Sinharaja entrance is popular among travelers coming from south coast beach resorts. The Pitadeniya Sinharaja entrance, also known as the Sinharaja southern entrance, provides access to five spectacular waterfalls. Unlike the trek that starts from the Weddagala entrance, you are not able to see a large number of bird species on this trek.

Location of Sinharaja rainforest

We best describe the ecosystem of the Sinharaja forest reserve, nestled between Sabaragamuwa and the Western province of southwest Sri Lanka, as a low-altitude and semi-montane evergreen rain forest. The distance to the Kudawa entrance gate of Sinharaja from Colombo is 128 kilometres via the southern expressway, and it takes around 3 hours to reach Sinharaja from Colombo. The distance from Colombo to the Mediripitiya entrance gate of Sinharaja is 142 kilometers, and the journey will take around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The importance of Sinharaja rainforest

Sinharaja rain forest spreads over varied geographical conditions such as mountains, grasslands, valleys, etc. Sinharaja Forest has a unique ecosystem, and the rainforest has the highest density of fauna and flora species compared to all other rainforests in the country. Sinharaja Forest is home to an unparalleled variety of fauna and flora.

Ecologists highly value their uniqueness and importance. More than 60% of the trees and plants in the Sinharaja forest are native to Sri Lanka, and many of them are rare and exist only in the forest. A large number of faunal species are also endemic to the Sinharaja forest. There are many reptiles, amphibians, insects, bird species, butterfly species and mammals in this collection. Many road trips in Sri Lanka include Sinharaja, the island’s most valuable rainforest, due to its high concentration of fauna and flora.

The extent of the Sinharaja rainforest

The Sinharaja forest reserve spans over 8000 hectares and fluctuates between 300 and 1170 meters above sea level. The forest is divided into two sections: the Forest Reserve, which covers 6092 hectares, and the Proposed Forest Patch, which covers 2772 hectares.

A large network of perennial waterways (rivers, waterfalls and streams) crisscrosses the ridges and valleys of Sinharaja Forest. Sinharaja Forest is an important catchment area on the island and records very high rainfall throughout the year. The main tributaries of the Kalu River and Gin River start in Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Bio-diversity of Sinharaja rainforest

The Sinharaja Rain Forest Tour gives you a valuable opportunity to see some of Sri Lanka’s very rare species of flora, such as carnivore plants, because, out of the 217 species of endemic trees and woody climbers found in Sri Lanka’s lowland, 139 species (64%) have been discovered in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. These trees and plants have 16 species that are described as very rare. The number of endemic trees and plants on the island is 830.

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve Tour is another great opportunity to explore the rich wildlife of the island. But you can see many different species of creatures in other places on the island. Unlike in most other national parks in Sri Lanka, such as Yala National Park, Udawalawe, and Minneriya, during the Sinharaja Forest Reserve Tour, the travelers encounter many different species of birds, butterflies, amphibians, insects, and reptiles. The chances of spotting leopards, elephants, and bears are extremely rare.

Sinharaja forest packages and Bird watching

Most bird-watching tours in Sri Lanka include Sinharaja forest reserve tours, which are essential because they allow bird-watchers to spot a wide variety of avian fauna species in the forest. 19 of the 25 endemic bird species have made Sinharaja their home; therefore, taking one of the Sinharaja forest reserve tours is the best way to encounter Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species. Most of these species occur very rarely outside of Sinharaja; therefore, undertaking Sinharaja forest reserve tours is the best way to see those endemic bird species.

Sinharaja forest Packages: the best wayLankanee Butterflies

Sinharaja forest reserve tours also enable visitors to see a large number of butterfly species on the island. The IUCN has listed the majority of butterflies in the country on its red list, and they attribute the country’s slowly declining butterfly population to habitat loss. During the Sinharaja forest reserve tours, travelers can spot a variety of endemic butterfly species as well as mammal species. More than 50% of the butterflies and mammals in the Sinharaja forest reserve are considered endangered.

Adventure Tours in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve Tours

What are the most common animal species to see on the Sinharaja forest tour?

Below is a list of the most common animal species that can be seen in the Sinharaja rainforest but please don’t expect to see them during the Sinharaja forest reserve tours; it are very rare.

Sinharaja forest entrance points

There are a few trails where you can conduct Sinharaja forest reserve tours, but the majority of them begin at the entrances of Kudawa or Weddagala, with the Mediripitiya gate being another popular starting point.

6: What are the most popular starting points of the Sinharaja rainforest tours?

1. Kudawala-Moulawella trail

This is a 3-kilometer trek, that covers the north-western part of the forest. Here you have the opportunity to explore a part of thick forest cover and managed land.

2. Kudawa-Sinhagala trail

This trail is an exhilarating trek that requires good physical and mental fitness. The trek is around 8 kilometres and is one of the most scenic treks in the forest. The destination of the trek is one of the peaks in the forest known as Sinhagala, The pinnacle of the mountain lies around 740 meters above sea level.

3. Pitadeniya-Pathan-Oya

If you use the trek of Pitadeniya-Pathan-Oya, during your Sinharaja forest reserve tour, you will be able to explore hakna Ella (hathan waterfall) and Pathan Oya (Pathan river), You will encounter primary forest cover on this route. The trek is 10 kilometres long.

4. Neluwa-Kosmulla trail

The trail of Neluwa-Kosmulla is also 10 kilometres long, similar to the Pitadeniya-Pathanoya trail. Duvili Ella (dust waterfall), which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island and several caves are the important highlights of the trek. There is a high possibility of spotting a large number of sambhar deer and water buffaloes at Deniya, that you encounter on this trek.

5. Pitadeniya-Kekuna Ella Trail

The destination of the trail is a waterfall. This is a comparatively easy trek and you will be able to experience rich, diverse flora and fauna in the forest.

6. Morningside-Duvili Ella trails

This trek leads to Duvili Ella (dust waterfall), The main forest type that you encounter on this trail is the sub-montane grasslands forest type.



Dooli Ella is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in southern Sinharaja, with a height of 100 meters It can be visited if your Sinharaja forest reserve tours are near Lankagama.

What time should I start my tour in the Sinharaja rain forest?

Start the Sinharaja rainforest tours early (at least by 7.30 am). The ticket counter opens daily at 6 a.m. During the southwest monsoon (from April to November), expect frequent rain, while the rest of the year sees less rainfall.

A large number of Sri Lankan tour operators offer Sinharaja forest reserve tours, but only Seerendipity tours offer the Sinharaja southern trail, which leads to southern Sinharaja waterfalls. This is a private tour that starts at your hotel, with a later part of the drive taking place in a 4-wheel-drive jeep. If you wish to book Sinharaja forest reserve tours, you can contact Seerendipity Tours, and they will assist you in getting it done.

How much is the Sinharaja rain forest entrance fee?

The entrance fee for adults is LKR 575 and the Sinharaja rainforest entrance fee for children is LKR 295.

How do I find guides for the Sinharaja Forest Reserve tours?

Tourists can get a guide for their rainforest trek at the ticket counter, You can get a guide for the Sinharaja tour.

To obtain the most comprehensive details on the fauna and flora of the Sinharaja forest reserve, we recommend hiring a guide for your tour. Sinharaja tour guides are well-versed in the forest and its fauna and flora; as a result, you will be able to get the most accurate information with the most details.

One can easily hire a well-experienced Sinharaja tour guide at an affordable rate. However, the rates are highly dependent on the guide’s experience, and the guide fee for a trek will be around LKR 1500. Usually, most Sinharaja tour guides are youths from the surrounding villages of the Sinharaja forest reserve, which is one of the most important sources of income for the people in the area. In the forest, the guides are well educated, and there is no chance of losing your way.

How do I find accommodation for Sinharaja forest tours?

The Kalawana and Weddagala areas are home to a small number of accommodation providers.

There are not many options for Sinharaja accommodation. Here, you will find only a very few star-class hotels and luxury accommodation providers. Near the Pitadeniya and Kudawa entrance gates, there are numerous small properties, including guest houses and rest houses. comfortable, clean, and safe housing at an affordable rate. Most of these properties can be booked via the internet, through the local tour operators or directly at the hotel.

You can also expect the availability of dormitories and homestay accommodation facilities here. Many families in the surrounding villages provide homestay accommodation facilities at a very affordable rate. If you are a traveler with a very low budget, this will be the best option for your accommodation in Sinharaja.

Southern Sinharaja forest tour

The southern end of Sinharaja is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable forest patches, with forest rangers and forest department campsites. Visitors are pleased to walk around the area, while some guide services could be found in Deniyaya, the nearest town and among the villagers of Mederipitiya, one of the buffer zone villages.

The southern end has an entrance with a ticket counter, guide services, a map showing the natural trail options, some maintained trails, and upgraded accommodation at the Pitadeniya campsite. The site offers some interesting hiking options—well worth the long journey from Colombo.

From the town of Deniyaya, a narrow road winds its way along a sloping rural landscape, leading to the southern end, an upgraded official entrance into the Sinharaja forest reserve. It is the less traveled path, but it gives you an equal or better glimpse of biodiversity, with a cross-cut of the micro-climates from buffer zone villages, degraded secondary forests, riverine eco-systems, and virgin areas.

The best way to see these subtle changes is to start walking from the Mederipitiya bus stop area, over the bridge past the temple, and along with the footprint that takes you between homes, paddy fields, tea land, and home gardens, towards the coolness and embrace of the rainforest.

There are several trails marked out recently to display the colors, shapes, and sounds of this finely balanced forest, famed for its high endemism and changing topographical and eco-system features condensed into a small area. The trails, most ending at a water source, take you to Kekunu Ela along the banks of the Aranuwa Dola and to Pathan Oya Ela. The trek is more challenging due to the steep, twisting paths, which require careful attention to the forest floor to avoid tripping over roots and rocks.

There is also the trail to Mal Mora Ela that is cut through the forest to a waterfall surrounded by palm trees made translucent by the sunlight that filters through. The longest, which will take you the best part of the day, is to Sinhagala, a landmark point in the forest where there is a spectacular panoramic view of treetops as far as the eye can see. According to legend, a ferocious lion used to reign on top of this rock—until a giant shot an arrow from an adjacent peak and killed it.

As the treks begin along the foot-cycle path along the banks of the Gin Ganga, which forms Sinharaja’s boundary, Sinharaja’s best-known creatures are the birds that are truly worth spotting; however, this requires patience, perseverance, and really good spotting power, not to mention standing still in leech territory. 

The foliage is easy to admire and offers you a layered variety of barks, trunks, roots, buttresses, leaves, flowers, vines, ferns, orchids, and lichens well kitted up with nature’s survival tools; indeed, it is custom made to suit rainforest conditions. You can see many splendidly colored or structured insects and reptiles intermingling with the vegetation.

What are the 16 popular trails in the Sinharaja Forest Package?

Bird Watching Paradise

Sinharaja is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 150 species recorded. Some highlights include:

Don’t forget to bring binoculars and a good bird identification guide!

Waterfalls and Natural Pools

Cool off during your hike at one of Sinharaja’s beautiful waterfalls:

Always exercise caution when swimming and follow your guide’s advice on safe areas.

Conservation Efforts and Sustainable Tourism

Sinharaja Forest Reserve faces challenges from human encroachment and climate change. As a visitor, you can contribute to conservation efforts by:

Tips for a Memorable Sinharaja Experience

  1. Hire a local guide: Their expertise is invaluable for spotting wildlife and understanding the ecosystem.
  2. Start early: Many animals are most active in the early morning.
  3. Be patient and quiet: Wildlife spotting requires patience and minimal noise.
  4. Respect the environment: Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to preserve this pristine ecosystem.
  5. Stay hydrated: The humid climate can be challenging, so drink plenty of water.

Discovering Sinharaja Forest Reserve: A Complete Guide

Planning Your Sinharaja Forest Reserve Tour

Getting There

Where to Stay

  1. Sinharaja Forest Edge: Eco-friendly lodge
  2. Boulder Garden Hotel: Unique rock-formation rooms
  3. Rainforest Eco Lodge: Sustainable luxury in the forest

Tour Options

  1. Day trip from nearby cities
  2. Overnight stay in the forest
  3. Multi-day trekking adventures

What to Bring

Top Activities

  1. Bird watching
  2. Guided nature walks
  3. Night hikes
  4. Waterfall visits
  5. Photography tours

Why use Seerendipity Tours for the Sinharaja Rainforest Tour?

Seerendipity Tour is an entirely locally owned travel company with a head office in Colombo. The highly experienced local staff is a key strength of Seerendipity Tours, and they can plan your dream holiday to Sri Lanka.

The best price guaranteed for your Sinharaja forest tour

When you book a tour with Seerendipity Tours, you directly book the tour with the local company, which means there are no middlemen and therefore you can guarantee the best price. Simply get in touch with us and let us know when you travel and what you like to see.

Plan your best Sinharaja forest tour with an expert

Our staff makes a personalised programme for you, which you can change until you find the best Sri Lanka trip package for you. You can also browse our existing tour packages for inspiration (www.sirilaktours.com); all our ready-made tour packages are customizable and can be tailored to meet all your expectations. Write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, tel. 0094-77-440977, or WhatsApp 0094-77-4440977.

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