Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site because it is the largest remaining primary tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, covering approximately 88 square kilometers. It is internationally recognized for its high proportion of endemic species. Over 60% of the trees found here are native to the island.

The reserve is home to a massive variety of endemic wildlife, including the Sri Lanka blue magpie and the purple-faced langur. It is also famous for its mixed-species bird flocks, which are a major draw for ornithologists. Leopards and Indian elephants also inhabit the dense forest.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is located in the southwestern lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. The reserve is bordered by the Koskulana Ganga river to the north and the Gin Ganga river to the south. Its isolated geographic location has helped preserve its unique biodiversity over the centuries.

Sinharaja experiences a wet tropical climate with heavy rainfall distributed throughout the year, often exceeding 2,500 mm annually. The driest periods generally occur between January and March, and again in August. Navigating the trails during the heavy monsoon rains can be incredibly difficult.