Located in the centre of the country’s southern wet zone, the Sinharaja Forest is Sri Lanka’s only remainingnatural reserve that is totally undisturbed. Occupying a ridge the forest is generally shrouded in misty rain clouds; these in turn provide plenty of moisture for the fertile soil of the sanctuary which in turn is the main supplement to waterways in the southern district.

UNESCO Heritage Site

In recognition of the marvellous bio reserve that Sinharaja is UNESCO declared the forest a World Heritage Site in 1989. It is indeed a paradise to explore being home to a stunning array of plants, animals and birds.

Landscape of the Forest

Bordered by the Koskulana River on the north and Gin Ganga on the south the reserve is bordered on the east by an aged footpath that runs parallel to the Beverly estate. The highest peak there is Hinipitigala which stands at a height of 1,171 metres. The western border of land slopes down losing altitude.

History of the Bio-Reserve

Sinharaja in local dialect translates to ‘Lion King’ aptly defining the mighty forest. Records prove the forest was once a royal habitat as chronicles from the country’s colonial era calls the forest Rajasingha. Due to these factors many exerts theorise the reserve may have been the last habitat of the non-existent Sri Lankan Lion.

Verdant Plant and Wildlife

There is an abundance of foliage in the forest covered by a canopy layer that measures a height of 45 metres with a sub-canopy placed at 35 metres; these consist of endangered and very rare trees. Over 65% of Sri Lanka’sendemic tree typesare found there. Although rarely seen the largest carnivore in the sanctuary is the leopard. In addition there dwells sambar, fishing cat, western jungle squirrels, 160 bird species, 45 reptilian varieties and many more.

A Marvellous Day Trip

If you are staying at popular southern resort Bentota a day trip to Sinharaja will be quite an experience. Many Bentota beach resorts like AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa offer convenient tours to the forest as it is a mere two and half hour drive.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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