Nature lovers and researchers must visit the Sinharaja World Heritage Site. The reserve is a treasure trove of endemic trees, birds, reptiles, waterfalls, small canals, and rivers, among many more. The sheer abundance of natural wonders is sure to leave you in awe.

Colombo to Sinharaja Forest will take approximately 3 hours (145km), and you can take a taxi or bus there. To enter, you need to take entrance tickets. You can select a few entrance gates based on your preference for the activities you would like to do in the Sinharaja forest.

Kurulugala Entrance

If you enter this gate, it is one of the best places to watch butterflies and birds. Rakwana Mountain and Kurulugala (High Rock) are situated near this place, making more biodiversity possible. Also, some waterfalls and water canals can be found in this area.

Pitadeniya Entrance

If you enter this gate, you can see one of the beautiful waterfalls, Kekuna Ella Waterfall, the Hanging Bridge in Pitadeniya, and Pathan Oya Waterfall. Also, some of the birds and the different kinds of groups of monkeys can be seen depending on the year and the time you visit there.  

Lankagama Entrance

This entrance is popular with local visitors, and most weekends, more people visit. Six waterfalls can be seen in a short distance. A popular destination is Lion’s Rock. Small caves and water canals can be seen throughout the area.

Morningside Entrance and Kudawa Entrance are the other two entrance points far from Deniyaya.

Important

• If you visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you had better follow some points we have explained below.

• Where proper boots or shows are required, Sinharaja forest has watery, mad places and small mountains.

• To climb and pass them, you need good shoes. Also, be careful about shoes, especially if you go to wet places near rivers and waterfalls.

• You have to carry food or drinks by yourself. You will not find restaurants, food, or drink serving places in the forest. Also, polishing or plastic battels used or brought to the forest is prohibited.

• You had better carry a first aid pack with you if needed.

• If you are new to visiting or traveling through rainforests, it is better to hire a guide. They will help you find the right places and explain what you can do in the forest.

• Do not break or cut plants, flowers, or trees; do not engage in harmful activities that harm animals or nature.

• Follow all the guidelines and instructions the information center or ticketing counter will explain.

Popular birds can be seen in the Sinharaja forest.

When you travel to the Sinharaja forest, you can see many birds. Both intrinsic and non-intrinsic birds are always present. The important thing is not to disturb the birds traveling through the forest.

Popular endemic plants can be seen in the Sinharaja forest.

This forest has more endemic trees, but they are rarely seen outside.

Butterflies are always lovely to see individually as well as in a group. You can see different varieties of colorful butterflies in the Sinharaja forest.

Accommodation is available outside the Sinharaja forest, and many hotels and restaurants exist. The nearest town should be Deniyaya or Rathnapura. Contact us to learn more about Sinharaja forest.

References

Best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve > Weather and season. (n.d.). https://www.holidify.com/places/sinharaja-forest-reserve/best-time-to-visit.html

Lara. (2020, June 29). How to visit Sinharaja rain Forest by public transport? Both Feet on the Road. https://bothfeetontheroad.com/how-to-visit-sinharaja-rain-forest-by-public-transport/

Scheidecker, V., & Scheidecker, V. (2023, September 22). Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Expats travel together! Expats Travel Together! – Travel & Make Friends – Created by PolyglotClub.com. https://expatstraveltogether.com/destination/sri-lanka/sinharaja-forest-reserve/

Sinharaja Forest Reserve | Entrance fee, opening hours & more. (n.d.). https://forevervacation.com/galle/sinharaja-forest-reserve

SriLankaInStyle. (n.d.). Sinharaja Rainforest | Experiences in Sinharaja | SLINStyle. https://www.srilankainstyle.com/experience/a-visit-to-unesco-sinharaja-rainforest