Steeped in deep legend, mystery and nature at its finest, Sinharaja rainforest is the last viable remnant of tropical lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. It has been designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also a Biodiversity Hotspot by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This is evidence for its exceptional biodiversity and fragility.
The Name, The Myth and The Legend:
In English ‘Sinharaja’ translates to Lion (Sinha) King (Raja) alluding to a popular belief according to which the origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in this forest.
Reaching Sinharaja Rainforest:
Sinharaja Rainforest is an area spanning over 18900 acres, which is located within the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. From Northern or western parts of the country, you can reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve via Ratnapura, Kiriella, Kalawana, Weddala. From the South, you can enter Sinharaja Rain Forest from Deniya. If you approach from Hambantota or Udawalawe, you wll have to you enter Sinharaja from Rakwana.
Terrain and Vegetation at Sinharaja:
Sinharaja Rain Forest is a narrow strip of undulating terrain consisting of a series of ridges and valleys drained by an intricate network of streams, which flow into the Gin Ganga on the southern boundary and Kalu Ganga, via the Napola Dola, Koskulana Ganga and Kudawa Ganga, on the northern boundary.
The vegetation of Sinharaja is usually regarded as being either a Tropical Lowland Rain Forest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. The loftiness of the dominant trees, the straightness of their bole, the abundance of regeneration and the diversity of species are outstanding.
The Climate:
Being the only one of its kind left in Sri Lanka, the climate at Sinharaja is unique. Meteorological records gathered from in and around Sinharaja reveal that the annual rainfall at Sinharaja Forest ranges between 3614mm to 5006mm, with temperatures from 19°C to 34°C. The high rainfall is owing to two monsoons: south-west monsoons during May-July and the north-east monsoons during November-January.
Birdlife at Sinharaja Rainforest:
Sinharaja is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka! These birds include but are not limited to the Ceylon Hanging Parrot, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Layard’s parakeet, the Jungle fowl, the Spur fowl, the Ceylon Wood Pigeon, the Brown- capped Babbler, the Red-faced Malkoha, and the Ceylon Blue Magpie.
Animals at Sinharaja:
8 out of the 12 endemic mammals are found in Sinharaja, which include the giant squirrel, dusky-stripped jungle squirrel, badger mongoose and endemic purple-faced leaf monkey, the Sri Lankan Leopard and torque macaque. Reptiles found in the rainforest include the python, endemic green pit viper, endemic hump nosed lizard, and the rough-nose horned lizard. You could also see colourful butterflies as you hike on.
Be Prepared:
Keep in mind that the Sinharaja Rainforest is different from other wildlife parks you might have visited to. It gets quite chilly, so make sure to keep yourself warm. Bring adequate water, as it is a long hike. Most importantly, wear water proof boots and socks and keep your skin as covered as possible as there are leaches. It is all part of the experience and we guarantee you that it would be worth it.
