25 October 2024 | 12 min
25 October 2024 | 12 min
When visiting Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a top place to visit if you love nature and wildlife. There are also several activities which you can do on your trip to this reserve. Below are some of those activities.
Love birds? Over 280 bird species live in Singaraja forest reserve and you can get to spot some of them from the Moulawella and Singahella hilly peaks or top of a rock. Some of the birds which are found at this reserve are unique and cannot find them anywhere else in the world.
As your hike through the forest, if you are lucky you will get to come across different autochthonal and endangered bird species such as wood pigeon, Green-billed Coucal, white-headed starling, blue magpie, Ashy-headed babbler, and broad-billed roller. These birds have lived in this reserve for millions of years and the forest fertile vegetation and setting makes best home for them.
Hiking is the main activity for visitors and there are hiking trails to follow to access the forest. The walking trails have are centuries old and will get to embark on an adventurous trip. The vegetation in the forest remains ever green and there is old and new tress.
While hiking across the peaks and wet lowlands, you enjoy breathing fresh oxygen breezing meanwhile witnessing the flowers of the shrubs and herbs. If you love nature will get to appreciate the beauty in this forest.
Unlike the African wilderness where you expect to see the big five animals, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is home for different indigenous animals. The animals which live in this forest rainy landscape and swamp areas, are a rare hence why tourists visit this reserve.
Among the animals which you should not miss to see is Sri Lankan genus wild Leopard and Rare Langur monkeys with purple face. If you get to the wetback drop part, you will get to see elephants of different sizes and are only available Asian regions.
Sometimes you may fail to spot these animals in the forest but they leave behind foot and paw marks. There are also different reptiles and vertebrates which live in this forest.
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a small but grand reserve and during your trip you will come across 8 amazing waterfalls. You should not miss to take pictures of these stunning waterfalls for memories.
Submerge yourself into a foot deep in these waterfalls as you visit these, one after the other on your tour of the Marvellous Sri Lanka. Some awesome waterfalls you will see milling inverse on the hills of this fantastic forest site are Gala Orewa, Nuga Deka, Kekuna, Brahmana, Thattu, Doowli and Urana Wetuna.
Ratnapura is century-old town near the reserve which you should also get to visit. You will get to learn about the town booming gem trade and also will not fail to notice the traditional buildings. You should not miss to buy some pearls, corals and items in the market.
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is an example of nature unspoiled. Seldom will you find such untamed, wild terrain and an abundance of wildlife. The woodland reserve provides a variety of guided nature walks.
Some went into the forest, some toward the bodies of water and waterfalls, while a small number did both. These walks are led and offer both adults and children an excellent educational opportunity.
The bird and butterfly observation trail is a great way to enjoy a nature walk as it leads you past pristine areas where you can view some wonderful birds and insects. The trail is split into two sections, the first of which is roughly 2 km long and the second of which is roughly 1.5 km long.
After sunset, you can discover the numerous treasures of this vast area of wild nature on guided night walks. This is an entirely new experience that any lover of the outdoors should have.
Between January to May and August to December is the best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve. During these months, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking.
During the monsoon season, the weather is not ideal for a trip to this reserve because of high number of insects, bugs and mosquitoes. Also the diseases are on the high end. The rainfall is also heavy making the forest impassable.
The entrance Fee to Sinharaja Forest Reserve is Rs.644 adults and Rs.325 child. You will also be charged for the compulsory guide Rs.1000. The fee to be allowed take video cameras inside the forest is Rs.560.
There are 2 main ways to reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve either from Colombo or Galle or Koggala Airport.
You can hire a taxi from Colombo or Galle either from the airport or city. You should discuss the charges before you enter the taxi. You can also arrange for private transfer to the reserve.
You cab board train or bus from Galle or Colombo to the reserve. The other public means of transport you can opt for is tuk-tuks.
The dry season either between January to early April and August to September is the best time to visit the Sinharaja forest. There is less rainfall during these months and hence can take part into different outdoor activities. The trails in the forest are accessible and can easy spot birds and animals.
The Sinharaja forest pristine ecosystems, dense tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity are the natural beauty of the reserve.
Sinharaja rich biodiversity and tropical rainforests the last remaining in Sri Lanka is what makes it famous.
The rivers in Sinharaja forest are Gin Ganga and Kalu Ganga. There are also multiple tributaries and streams which flow through the forest and contribute to these major rivers.