This forest reserve is absolutely worth a visit. I recommend to stay at some of the smaller tourist lodges accessible from Deniyaya. Much more reasonable than on the other side. Also, you’ll most likely have the place for yourself.

Sinharaja Forest Recognized as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is home to numerous rare flora and fauna. The area is covered with rare plants and animals that are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is also considered as the country’s last area of tropical rainforest and is thus of great importance. This reserve spans an area of about 21 km from east to west and 7 km from north to south and densely covered by vegetation that forms a kind of canopy.

Very beautiful rainforest. Bring some socks and salt against leeches as well as long clothes to protect yourself. Taking a guided tour with a guide is the best way to explore this forest to learn something new.

Amazing! Highlight of the trip to Sri Lanka. All the guides are trained professionals, knowledgable in the local plants, wildlife and birds. The guides have amazing eyes and tracking skills, couldn’t believe the camouflaged creatures they were able to spot so easily. There are leeches but they don’t carry diseases, just a bit gross if you get bitten. Wear long socks over long pants. Bring swimwear if you do the waterfall route from the southern entrance, swimming in the waterfall was top highlight. We did two tours 1. Wathugala: A 6 hour hike from the southern entrance (Wathugala) around waterfalls with Chama from Rainforest Mount Lodge. We learned about the many birds, snakes, monkeys, lizards, insects, and plants that we saw. Note that the UNESCO village is good for bird watching but the dense forest here is good for mostly lizards and snakes. The first portion of the track is a concrete path which turns into a rougher path through the forest. A somewhat difficult hike, if you’re less able then maybe ask your guide to do a shorter hike only to the first waterfall and the UNESCO village. 2. Kurulugala A bird watching tour through the southwest entrance (Kurulugala) with Ramesh. Incredibly knowledgable in birds, he spent 4 months training in ornithology. We saw 8 endemic species in only 3 hours. Blue magpies, yellow fronted barbets, orange billed babblers, jungle fowl, Ceylon white eye, red faced malkoha, spot winged ground thrush, scimitar babbler. Getting there: We had our own tuktuk but decided to get a taxi there and back which we arranged through our hotel. Important to note that PickMe might not work from close to the park, try to book your taxi ahead of time. The drive to Deniyaya was well maintained roads. If you have your own tuktuk and are ok with winding roads you will be ok driving to Deniyaya. The road from Deniyaya to either of the entrances is really bad. Highly recommend getting a driver. Staying there: We stayed just outside the southern entrance (Wathugala) at Rainforest Mount Lodge. Highly recommend. Lots of other accommodation near there all seemed good quality.

We rented a motorbike and we went for this sinharaja forest reserve.. so easy to find on google maps. And you can not get lost. Incredible views. You can see the real nature of this place. They also have waterfalls you can visit. 8 of them I think. For entrance you have to pay. But it’s super cheap. Of course you’ll see some guides there. Offer their help. But definitely no need to take them. You can do it on your own as we did. Some of the places you can even swim. We got some rain. Big again, what I realized being in Sri Lanka that it’s never for longer then short time. We went April so in vending definitely was needed a warm jacket. Since it was. Abir chilly. But during the day when sun is out is amazing. Some days a bit more human then others… but perfect month to visit this island.

The Sinharaja forest reserve is the best biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It's of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and world Heritage site by UNISCO. It's a primary tropical rainforest located at Sir Lankan Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces and it has spredup around 88.64 SQKM . A natural environment with great experiences such as water falls, animals, birds, hill features and est. Specially you can see Sir Lankan jungle flows, Mammals, Amphibians, many endemics, elephants, leopards, deers, monkeys est.

Sinharaja Rain Forest - a realm of mists and whispers, where Mother Nature has woven an intricate tapestry of life. This exceptional corner of Sri Lanka embraces you with a humidity that seems to defy the laws of physics! But fear not, intrepid explorers, for the rewards are well worth the challenge. 🌳🌧️🦎 Venturing into this dense, lush sanctuary, one encounters a plethora of curious creatures, from mischievous monkeys to languid lizards. The cacophony of the jungle echoes with their lively chatter, a symphony of life thriving in every nook and cranny. The flora, too, is a sight to behold - a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and textures that weave an intricate dance with the wildlife. 🌿🐒🌺 It's here, amidst the primal heartbeat of the earth, that you'll find species endemic to this unique region. The Sinharaja Rain Forest is a treasure trove for the curious and the bold, an ever-evolving masterpiece crafted by the hands of time and nature. 🌍🌱🦋 So, my fellow wanderers, if you dare to delve into the enigmatic embrace of the Sinharaja Rain Forest, prepare for an experience that will forever leave its mark upon your soul. Embrace the wild, untamed spirit of this wondrous place, and in return, it will bestow upon you a profound sense of awe and wonder. A truly unforgettable journey, and one I wholeheartedly endorse! 🌄🎒🧭

Singharaja Rainforest is a mesmerizing sanctuary of nature's wonders. From captivating waterfalls to the diverse flora and fauna, the experience was truly enchanting. The cost-free fish therapy added a unique touch, and the knowledgeable guide enhanced the journey. A place to leave only footprints, let's collectively preserve and appreciate the pristine beauty of this magical rainforest. Keep nature clean and cherish the memories! 🌿🦋🌳

Sinharaja Forest Reserve was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Sinharaja can be accessed from Weddagala, Lankagama, Deniyaya or Rakwana sides. Sinharaja is the home for a majority of Sri Lanka's endemic species of animals. From Lankagama entrance, you can visit about 5-6 waterfalls by taking a small hike which lasts for about 3 hours. There are even safe spots to have a bath during the trail. From Pitadeniya entrance, you can visit a few waterfalls. The pinnacle of Sinharaja Forest reserve trails, the 'Sinhagala' trail can be tried out from here as well. It takes around 4.5 hours to reach the Sinhagala point and about 2.5 hours for the journey back. From Kudawa entrance, there are two popular trails; Mulawella & Sinhagala. Mulawella trails takes around 2-3 hours, while the Sinhagala trail takes around 9-10 hours. If you are to complete the Sinhagala trail, you have to start from Kudawa Conservation Center at least by 6.30 am. All the trails are infested with leaches, hence take appropriate precautions (such as leach socks, salt/siddhalepa) if you are allergic to leeches. You must get the assistance of a guide to try out any of the trails in Sinharaja.

How to reach: Boralsgamuwa> Plogasowita > Bandaragama>Southern Express High Way >Welipanna exit> Welipanna> Horawala>Moragala> Pelawatte Tea factory road> Neluwa> passing Neluwa the entrance. It is 125KM from home and took 3.5 hours for us to reach the entrance by car. Yes, it is a rain forest in fact starts to rain by 2.00 pm roughly on most of the days throughout the year. Witness the beauty of many rare and endemic flora. Due to rich fauna in the forest we witnessed 6-7 of purple-faced langur around 6.00am, 1 of green pit viper,1 of vine snake, 1 of bulbul, 4 of blue magpie during of journey . Few hiking or recreational trails also there to try. Number of waterfalls in Deniyaya entrance offered to us with the height from 100m to 450m roughly namely those are Brahman fall, Thattu fall, Doowili fall, Galoruwa, Urankotuwa. For the leaches our protection was Dettol mixed water spray to our shoes.

So it was reeeeally hard for us to figure out what entrances there are. So here you go following the entrances from Deniyaya side: Entrances South: Pitadeniya entrance = Deniyaya Matara District Entrance =Pallegama Entrance via Medaripitiya bus station (from Deniyaya) ODER Kurulugala Entrance = Viharahena Samangala Entrance. Thanks to our guide we also got some very suitable trails for us: One we did was through the Kurulugala entrance in the highlands where we saw lizards, insects, spiders, monkeys and many plants. The hike was amazing although also exhausting due to the height. The second trail we did was the Pathan-Oya-Trail through the Pizadeniya entrance. This was at first really easy and we got to see loads of animals, mostly lizards, snakes, another kind of monkey and insects. Then the trail was also pretty steep and challenging but so very nice and fun. We even got to clim the waterfall at the top which was so much fun. When goind back we were going for a swim at another waterfall. So just awesome.

Best jungle hike experience you will ever get withi srilanka as this the largest rain forrest reserve in srilanka. As well as this is a forrest with highest bio diversity. Some species of olants and animals are unique only sinharaja forrest. Because of that sinharaja was named as a world heritage. So many landscape views, photography views are there withing the jungle. The photos that i have attached were taken on the route of Deniyaya (Matara district) entrance. (There are entrance from Galle, Rathnapura districs)

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, located in the southwestern region of Sri Lanka, is a magnificent tropical rainforest that offers a unique and captivating experience for nature lovers. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. One of the most remarkable aspects of Sinharaja is its rich flora and fauna. The forest is home to an incredible array of plant species, including rare and endemic ones. Walking through the dense vegetation, visitors can marvel at the towering trees, vibrant ferns, and a variety of colorful orchids. The forest floor is carpeted with a lush carpet of foliage, creating a mesmerizing sight. The diverse wildlife found in Sinharaja is equally awe-inspiring. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of over 160 bird species, including the endangered Sri Lanka blue magpie and the elusive red-faced malkoha. The forest is also a sanctuary for various mammal species, such as the purple-faced langur, giant squirrel, and several species of bats. Exploring Sinharaja is a delight for nature enthusiasts, with several well-maintained trails and experienced guides available. These guided tours offer valuable insights into the forest's ecology, pointing out interesting plant species, bird calls, and even the occasional sighting of reptiles and amphibians. Moreover, Sinharaja Forest Reserve serves as an essential research site, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world. Studies conducted here contribute to our understanding of tropical rainforest ecosystems and aid in the conservation efforts of endangered species. It's important to note that Sinharaja is a protected area, and visitors are encouraged to respect and follow the guidelines to preserve its fragile ecosystem. Taking nothing but photographs and leaving nothing but footprints is a key principle to keep this pristine forest intact for future generations.

Nature lovers paradise in Sri Lanka. Its a restricted forest reserve and the largest rainforest in the country. We travelled via viharhena samangala entrance which is the newest. The track is little treacherous and need caution as its very slippery. Especially avoid footing on rocks & tree roots which will drag you down. You find endemic flora & fauna. Get a good guide. Our guide was a wonderful person and very knowledgeable about this forest. Sinharaja is actually considered a lowland rainforest, but you can find montane areas where the height is above 1000 metres from sea levels. If you pay close attention, you can visibly see the transition of tree height & diameter with the difference in height from sea level. Leeches are common and take precautions. Wear full trousers and put the socks on top of it. Then sprinkle salt on the socks & shoes. Also apply blue soap if available which is the best against leeches. We found two waterfalls connecting in to single river which is very rare. They are pitamangala dola & hollowa dola.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. 50% of Sri Lankan's endemics species of animals (especially butterfly, amphibians, birds, snakes and fish species). It is home to 95% endemic birds. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.[1] According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. 50% of Sri Lankan's endemics species of animals (especially butterfly, amphibians, birds, snakes and fish species). It is home to 95% endemic birds. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants, and 15 or so[vague] leopards. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced langur. Birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Sri Lanka Crested Drongo and the noisy orange-billed babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie. Reptiles include the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Sri Lankan birdwing butterfly and leeches. The rainforest likely formed during the Jurassic era (from 200 million years to 145 million years ago). This forest encompasses a span of 36,000 hectares (88,960 acres/360 km²).[3] The reserve is only 21 km (13 mi) from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km (4.3 mi) from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Sinharaja forest vegetation density has been around 240,000 plants per hectare, the most dense rain forest in Asia.[4] Human activity The reserve is well-integrated with the local population who live in some dozens of villages dotted along the border. The villages are more in number along the southern border whilst the presence of some large estates along the northern border has resulted in only a few villages there. The locals collect herbal medicine, edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, other non-timber forest products including bees honey and a sugary sap collected from a local palm species of the genus Caryota. The sap is converted into jaggery, a local brew and vinegar. Local people walk in the forest to collect the above items when they are not busy with their other agricultural pursuits. In addition, the crystal-clear water coming from dozens of streams is the main water source for all people living around the reserve. For generations, local people trekked through the forest from south to north to make their annual pilgrimage to the Adams Peak. In 2013, UNESCO requested to halt the widening of ancient road linking Lankagama area to Deniyaya along a 1-km jungle patch inside the protected area after a complaint from The Centre for Environmental and Nature Studies of Sri Lanka. The construction recommenced on August 10, 2020 after prolonged appeals by the people living in villages to the Sri Lankan Government. A group of environmentalists carried out a big social media campaign and asked the Sri Lanka Forest Department, the President, the Ministry of Environment and the Central Environment authority to stop this but The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to go ahead with it to improve the livelihood of poor villagers of the area as it will clear only 0.006% of the total landmass of the forest. Mr. Martin Wijesinhe was one of the most significant people in Sri Lanka in connection to the Sinharaja.[5] He was the unofficial guardian of the Sinharaja. He has been the protector and caretaker of it since the 1950s till his death in 2021.[6]

Sinharaja Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sri Lanka. It is one of the country's most important and well-preserved tropical rainforests, and it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. The forest is situated in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, covering an area of approximately 11,187 hectares (27,600 acres).

If it's not a quick visit, then plan your trip ahead, get a guide, some are very experienced and they'll take you through routes that people are willing to go rarely. You should spend atleast a day inside the woods and remember to respect the treees, plants and everything there.

Everyone must visit this one and only real Sri lankan rainforest

You can experience a forest environment and 5 waterfalls

Amazing nature. We took a local guide. Before we started with a trail he served us free snacks and tea. In the middle of the trail a heavy rain came upon us so we had to shorten a trip and miss waterfalls because of high water. However we saw them from 100 meters distance, still amazing! We were shocked with the amount of leech but nobody got bitten. We used a lot of salt on our shoes.

You can experience the tropical rainforest here in Sinharaja. There are beautiful cascades and fulk of natural beauty like a heaven. You can see insects , birds and wildlife. You can have an amazing time. But you have to hire a local guide for guiding you to feel this real beauty .

Known as "The Lion King", Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a world heritage and is home to a Lots of wildlife and plants. have several paths to enter to this forest and please be careful with footpaths and leeches.We used the deniyaya entrance it was beautiful.we saw several wildlifes on the way. There was a specific area to 'pala polaga' On the way to deep forest and you can see many of them. (refer my pictures) Actually I was work on a research .It was very interesting and we got many experience during my research period. We collected 30 soil samples from different places in sinharaja forest and analysed 15 parameters of surface soil. And I drew a map regarding all the parameters .My team was very supportive . thank you very much all.❤️ Leave only footsteps 🍂🐾🌿

Really good experience with them

Rainforest with a rich biodiversity. Has many entrances to it all offering a different experience. Be prepared for leeches though.

This is excellent sinharaja rain forest entres

This is a very good entres for visit sinharaja forest reserve deniyaya viharahena

Forest is unique. Worth to see and spend some time inside.

Sinharaja is a Rain Forest and a biodiversity hotspot which is located in south west lowland wet zone within Sabaragamu and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja rain forest is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rain forest. It covers an area of 11,000 Ha of primary and secondary forests. This narrow strip of rolling site comprises of a series of ridges and valleys. More than 60% of the trees are endemic to Sinharaja Forest and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of butterflies & mammals and also many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. This is one of the main reasons that UNESCO declared Sinharaja Forest as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1988 under the name of Sinharaja Forest Reserve. In 1936 Sinharaja Forest was first recognized as being the only considerable patch of virgin tropical rain forest in the Island.

The best jungle i ever visited, saw many animals, snakes, lizards, butterflies, swimmimg in waterfalls is amazing. Saman (+94 70 174 6007) is the best guide to take you in, he's very experienced, speaks good English and can spot so many animals

Out of this world.. nature at its peak.. where shoes pls. . U can get insect and leech bites otherwise. Also hard to walk in rocks and roots on the path.

One of the best rainforest habitats in Sri Lanka. If you are a nature enjoyer you should visit this place if you are in Sri Lanka. For wildlife enthusiasts, this rainforest is a treasure trove, boasting a remarkable diversity of animals. Among its bird inhabitants are the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Red-faced Malkoha, and the recently described Serendib Scops Owl, offering birdwatchers a feast for the eyes. Moreover, with over 200 species of birds, including 26 endemics found nowhere else on Earth, birdwatching here promises an unparalleled experience. In terms of mammals, highlights include the endemic, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, and the Flame-striped Jungle Squirrel, both unique to Sri Lanka. The forest teems with small creatures like amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and insects, transporting visitors to a world of wonder and fascination. Having personally visited this forest numerous times, I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow nature lovers without hesitation. The Kudawa entrance welcomes visitors with a well-maintained pathway, offering various routes catering to different levels of difficulty. For wildlife enthusiasts and birders, the barrier to the research center pathway comes highly recommended. Adventure seekers can opt for the Mulawella trail, featuring a climb up a mountain, while hikers can embark on the Sinhagala trail and return. Notably, the local trackers and wildlife department staff are incredibly welcoming, further enhancing the overall experience. This rainforest promises an unforgettable journey for all who venture within its embrace.

The best wetland park in Lanka. A must visit for everyone. Sinharaje is the best place to see many things as well as bring healing and comfort to the body

Boasting the largest lowland rainforest in the country, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a joy to explore, with lots of pretty and picturesque nature. Meandering their way through the dense undergrowth are lots of scenic trails and paths for you to wander along. These take you past sparkling waterfalls and alongside gushing rivers. With an expert guide on hand, you’ll be able to spot incredible wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, and purple-faced langurs, while brightly colored flocks of birds fly overhead. The only park which you can explore solely on foot, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is definitely worth visiting if you have the time and lies just a couple of hours’ drive away from Galle.

There are have cool climate. there are more endangered species and plants.This is suitable place hiking and heritage.

The best rainforest in Sri Lanka. Bio diversity in birds, insects, animals and plants too. U just lost urself by the beauty of this forest. Please leave this forest how u reach it. Leave ur foot print only not the garbage

Good experience, we can see many tips of insects, animals, birds. There many blood sucking worms this is the only thread in this forest but you can get better protections from the guides .

Very good location to view beauty of the nature in Sri Lanka. very friendly forest guides. The forest is spread across many areas and we went from the Lankagama entrance. There are five beautiful waterfalls with vivid wild life in Lankagama entrance. Which is not far from the entrance. There's also places designated for bathing but the water will not be much for swimming. Most places will be small tanks made from concrete. A guide is required for entering the forest.

This is very good entrance for visit sinharaja rainforest we went to visit sinharaja tour guide with mr danu his number was +94775254886 he was a very kind person and very knowledge guide we were very happy