The Enchanting Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Rainforest is a rich storehouse of biodiversity home to an array of endemic flora and fauna. If you love communing with nature this is definitely a place you should explore!

Image Credit-Pixabay,vladvictoria,CC0

Planning a Trip

This rainforest can be found in the south-west part of the island; it can be reached via Ratnapura, Deniyaya or Rakwana depending on where you are coming from. Of course, to fully utilise your time here choosing accommodation options like The Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja which lies at the fringes of the reserve is a good idea.

Exploring the Trails

Those staying at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer can look forward to spending lots of time trekking through the rainforest. The two main trails here are the Mulawella and Sinhagala trails, both of which offer a wonderful chance to experience the beauty of this World Biosphere Reserve.

Birdlife

The Sinharaja Rainforest is ideal for birdwatching and in fact, 21 of the country’s 26 endemic bird species have been recorded here. Keep a look out for sightings of the Ceylon grey hornbill, Ceylon wood pigeon, Ceylon blue magpie, Layard’s parakeet and Sri Lankan junglefowl to name but a few.

Other Wildlife

On your adventures, you may spot other endemic creatures as well including the torque macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey and giant squirrel. The rainforest is also home to many butterfly and reptile species too which add to its allure.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+