Sinharaja Rainforest

A UNESCO World Heritage Natural Treasure

Step into the heart of nature at Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka’s most important and biodiverse rainforest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja is home to rare animals, colourful birds, and hundreds of unique plants. Whether you love hiking, birdwatching, or eco-tourism, this forest will amaze you.

What is Sinharaja Rainforest?

Sinharaja Rainforest is one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka. It covers around 88.6 square kilometres and is located in the southwest part of the island. The forest is thick, green, and full of life. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 because of its unique biodiversity.

Many species found here cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. It’s also an important water source and climate protector for the region.

Rich Biodiversity and Wildlife

Sinharaja is famous for its endemic species, which means they only live in this rainforest.

Animals You Might See:

Purple-faced langur (a rare monkey)
Sri Lankan leopard (very shy and rare)
Giant squirrels
Slender loris

Birds in the Forest:

Sri Lanka blue magpie
Red-faced malkoha
Sri Lanka junglefowl (Sri Lanka’s national bird)

You can also see snakes, frogs, butterflies, and more than 130 bird species. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and a camera!

Plant Life

There are more than 500 types of trees and plants in Sinharaja. Over 60% of them are endemic. The tall trees make a green roof over the forest, and the lower area is full of ferns, orchids, and mosses.

Some trees are used in Ayurvedic medicine, and some are very old and rare. This is why Sinharaja is very important for science and conservation.

How to Get There

You can reach Sinharaja from cities like:

Deniyaya
Weddagala
Rakwana

Public transport is limited, so it’s better to travel by private vehicle or hired van. The roads are narrow and winding near the forest.

Hiking Trails and Eco Tours

Most visitors come to Sinharaja for guided nature walks.

Popular Trails:

Kudawa Entrance (from Deniyaya or Weddagala): Easy to moderate trails, popular with tourists
Morningside Entrance: A quieter area with more birdwatching

Tips for Hikers:

Always go with a registered forest guide
Wear non-slip shoes (the paths can be muddy)
Bring water, mosquito repellent, and a raincoat
No plastic allowed – help protect the forest

Most hikes take 2 to 4 hours depending on the route.

Why Sinharaja Matters

Sinharaja is more than just a rainforest. It is a living museum of nature, a scientific wonder, and a green shield for Sri Lanka’s environment. Protecting it helps save animals, purify the air, and support eco-tourism.

If you love nature, Sinharaja is a must-see destination in Sri Lanka.