Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests Eco region.
Sinharaja is rich with many endemic trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and animals of Sri Lanka.They include red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie, green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, and tree frogs. Animals such as leopards and bears, black monkeys, monkeys and black-haired monkeys also can be seen here.
It also takes pride in having some cleanest springs in Sri Lanka in addition to having a number of waterfalls, such as Kekuna Falls and numerous ponds.
Sinharaja Forest is about 130 Km away from Colombo, the capital city and is reachable by bus, car or taxi via the Southern Expressway.
Accommodation is available in bungalows maintained by the Department of Wildlife, for a reasonable fee. The food could be obtained from those in charge of the bungalows provided they are supplied with provisions for cooking.
Those who are interested in exploring the Forest reserve, can do so with the assistance of a guide made available for a nominal fee by the Department of Wildlife.
It truly is an amazing experience to explore the wilderness, tranquility and nature in this great forest. So please come and enjoy.
