Sinharaja Rainforest
Sabaragamuwa Province
About Sinharaja Rainforest
Sinharaja is the crown jewel of Sri Lankan biodiversity: the island's last substantial stretch of primary lowland rainforest, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Under its dripping, triple-layered canopy lives an astonishing concentration of life found nowhere else on Earth - more than half of Sri Lanka's endemic mammals and butterflies and over 90% of its endemic birds occur here. Birders come from around the world to intercept Sinharaja's famous mixed-species feeding flocks, waves of dozens of birds moving together through the forest, hoping for red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka blue magpie, and the elusive green-billed coucal. Walks with the mandatory local guides follow old footpaths past giant trees, waterfalls, and streams; purple-faced langurs crash overhead and giant squirrels rustle the canopy. Bring leech socks and embrace the rain - it is a rainforest, after all.
Top Activities
- ✓Guided rainforest treks
- ✓Birdwatching for endemic species
- ✓Mixed-species feeding flock spotting
- ✓Waterfall and stream walks
- ✓Night walks for frogs and reptiles (from lodges)
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Guides are mandatory and excellent - book a specialist birding guide if keen.
Leech socks (sold locally) make the walks far more pleasant.
Stay overnight at a forest-edge lodge to walk at dawn, the best hour.
Quick Info
Best Time
January to April and August to September
Weather
Warm and very wet - expect rain year-round; driest Jan–Apr and Aug–Sep.
Estimated Daily Budget
6.4069°N, 80.4574°E
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