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Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka is one of the very few virgin rainforests in the world, recognised by UNESCO World Heritage. It is one of the most famous forests in the world, which is only a stretch of 21 km. There are many unique species of animals and plants preserved at this forest reserve. Most of the forest area is not accessible, but still there are some villages that live in the forest border zone. This rainforest offers a peaceful and beautiful environment, surrounded by natural beauty, rendering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Quick Facts About Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Location: Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces, Sri Lanka
Opening Date: April, 1978
Dimensions: 21 kilometers long and 3.7 kilometers wide
Elevation: 1170 m
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Declared By: The British Colonial Government
Entry Fee: 2,700 LKR / ₹780
Location
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a tropical rainforest located in the southwestern region of Sri Lanka, spanning the Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces. It lies within the districts of Ratnapura, Galle and Matara, approximately 20 km east of Galle and 90 km southeast of Colombo. It is known for its rich biodiversity, endemic species, and dense vegetation, making it a crucial conservation area.
How To Reach
Photo: Cherubino / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to reach here is the Bandaranaike International Airport, 140 km away. There are many taxis and buses available from there to reach the Forest Reserve.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Ratnapura, Matara or Galle. From there, taxis and buses are available.
By Road: There are many buses available from the main parts of the country like Colombo or Gallery, where the buses stop at Deniyaya. You can also book taxes and cabs available around the city to reach the main destination.
Things To Do
Thinking about what to do in Sinharaja Forest Reserve? Here are the best things to do in this reserve to explore:
1. Enjoy Bird Watching
Photo: Punitha Satharasinnghe / Wikimedia Commons
This Forest Reserve is one of the best places for bird watchers. It has more than 30 special birds which are the endemic species of Sri Lanka. There are also many special migratory birds that gather here throughout the year. It is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of these birds, which travel from miles away from their nest. People from all over the world visit this place to watch these birds.
2. Embark On Hiking
Photo: Saqib Qayyum / Wikimedia Commons
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the best place for hiking with rocky, slippery and plain areas. This is an uphill hike of clearly 800 m, which is quite challenging but exceptionally thrilling. It is suggested that only experienced hikers and thrill seekers should go on this hike. This hike will also take the visitors through small springs where they can sit and relax and also swim. There are also some monuments on the way of the trek that were built centuries ago.
3. Visit The Waterfalls
Photo: Saqib Qayyum / Wikimedia Commons
There are five different waterfalls in the Sinha Raja Forest Reserve to explore. These are Brahmana, Uran Watunu, Gal Oruwa, Thattu and Duuvil. Each of these waterfalls is nearly 15 to 30 m high. The waterfalls offer beautiful and picture-perfect scenery of the lush green surroundings. Taking a guide to explore these waterfalls is highly recommended. A tour around all these waterfalls takes nearly 3 to 4 hours to explore with each one of them located within 5 km.
Places To Visit Around the Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Here are the best places to visit around the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to have an amazing trip in Sri Lanka:
1. Dutch Reformed Church
Photo: Dan Lundberg / Wikimedia Commons
The Dutch Reformed Church is known to be the oldest Protestant Church in Sri Lanka that was built in 1755. This church has a fine architecture with fascinating interiors. It has a touch of colonial architecture like the stained glass work with intricate details. There are also some old tombstones with European graves and a church organ found in the ground floor area of the church.
Location: 26H8+7RQ, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance From The Reserve: 83 km
2. Galle Dutch Fort
Photo: Z thomas / Wikimedia Commons
The Galle Fort is a well-preserved historical fort, recognised under the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for offering a picture-perfect view of the Indian Ocean with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings all around. There are also various colonial-era houses and mansions inside the fort. This fort was built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century and holds a rich history. This fort has an architectural style of a unique blend of European and South Asian styles with many monuments and elements also including Sinhalese architecture.
Location: Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Reserve: 82.7 km
3. Dhanajay Gem Museum
Photo: Mimono1997 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Dhanajay Gem Museum, located in Ratnapur, is the best place for gem lovers, which is located in the city of gems. This museum has a huge collection of various gemstones that provide information about their formation, mining and processing. Each gemstone is carefully crafted, showcasing the beauty of the stone. The museum also has a cute selection of jewellery and a few loose gemstones for sale, which allows the visitors to take a piece with them. It is an amazing and unique experience to visit this place.
Location: 590 Colombo Road, Ratnapura 70000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Distance From The Reserve: 52 km
4. Katugas Ella Waterfalls
Photo: WMKKalhara / Wikimedia Commons
Katugas Ella Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful places, which is a 6 m tall waterfall that flows into two parts. This waterfall is at the end of a small trek over the rocks and streams, which is not very difficult but gives a beautiful view. The water from the waterfall takes down the path and leads to a further upstream. Here, visitors can bathe in the natural pools along the way to it. There is also a natural pool near the foot of the waterfalls, but it is also advised to avoid bathing during the rainy season.
Location: PC42+2Q4, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Timings: 24*7
5. Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya
Photo: L Manju / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya, also known as the Great Saman Temple, is dedicated to the deity of Saman. He is believed to be one of the guardians of Sri Lanka. It is believed that the day of the Sripada mountain, which is also called Samanthakuta, had the left foot impression of Lord Buddha, which he kept during his visit to Sri Lanka. This temple is believed to be one of the most important devalayas in the city. It is also known to have one of the largest temple complexes from the Kandy period.
Location: M9RH+5XR through pitigala, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance From The Reserve: 51.8 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen (Tysto) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many hotels and resorts in and around the reserve that provide a wide range of options to stay. There are many tree houses, cottages, village houses, villas and many more with beautiful views amidst the natural surroundings, ideal for camping. These hotels and resorts provide all the necessary facilities for the visitors with security and safety. Some of these hotels are Rainforest Nest, Dolagawa, Cinnamona Village and The Rainforest Hideaway.
Where To Eat
Photo: AntanO / Wikimedia Commons
Most of the hotels and resorts available inside the Sinharaja Forest Reserve provide dining options. There are also a few restaurants available, which are famous for their delicious cuisine and beautiful ambience. Some of these restaurants and dining areas at resorts are Weligama Kitchen, Wunderbar Beach Restaurant, Green Food Hut, Tides that offer a variety of cuisines. Some of these hotels also prepare food dishes with organic village products brought from the nearby areas.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is between the months of January to March and from August to September. During these months the weather is ideal for exploring the Forest Reserve and also to enjoy various activities like hiking. The Forest Reserve is covered with much greenery during the dry season, with money trails being accessible in the forest. It is easier to spot birds and animals during the dry season.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Imasha De Saram / Wikimedia Commons
- Wear comfortable and breathable clothes to freely explore the area.
- Avoid visiting the forest during rainfall.
- Bring enough water and snacks.
- Avoid littering around and touching the wildlife.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a beautiful forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot located in Sri Lanka. It is known for its exceptional beauty with stunning views of the natural wildlife. This reserve allows you to create some unforgettable memories with family and friends. It is unique with its natural surroundings ideal for trekking, relaxing and camping, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plan with TripXL to visit this forest reserve in Sri Lanka.
Cover Photo: Dan Lundberg / Wikimedia Commons
