Sinharaja, Sri Lanka Sabaragamuwa Province Tropical Rain Forest
Best time to visitJanuary to April, and August to September
Getting thereAbout 150 km from Colombo, 3.5–4 hours to the Kudawa or Deniyaya entrances
Recommended stay1–2 days
Welcome to Sinharaja
Discover Sinharaja
Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's last large area of primary lowland rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than half of its trees and many of its birds, mammals and butterflies are found nowhere else on Earth.
Guided walks lead through towering forest to streams and waterfalls, with a good chance of seeing mixed-species bird flocks, purple-faced langurs, colourful lizards and giant wood spiders. It's a true paradise for naturalists, photographers and birdwatchers.
Kura's tip
Wear leech socks and long trousers, and hire a local guide to spot the wildlife.
Top attractions
Things to see in Sinharaja
23 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Endemic flora
Binara Flower
A delicate blue flower that blooms in the wet zone in August and September.
Flora
Crepe Ginger
A striking wild ginger with crinkled white petals, found along forest edges.
Endemic bird
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
A spectacular blue and chestnut bird, one of the island's most sought-after endemics.
Reptile
Green Pit Viper
A beautiful green viper often seen resting motionless in the shrubs. Admire it from a safe distance.
Bird
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
An elegant bird with long white or rufous tail streamers that flutter through the canopy.
Bird
Marbled Frogmouth
A rare, perfectly camouflaged nocturnal bird that rests like a broken branch by day.
Mammal
Slender Loris
A tiny nocturnal primate with huge eyes, sometimes seen on night walks.
Endemic bird
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Sri Lanka's national bird. The colourful males are often seen along forest paths.
Endemic mammal
Purple-faced Langur
An endemic leaf monkey with a dark face and white whiskers, often heard before it is seen.
Endemic bird
Layard's Parakeet
A green parakeet with a blue-grey head, endemic to Sri Lanka's forests.
Invertebrate
Giant Wood Spider
A large, harmless spider that spins huge golden webs between trees.
Bird
Malabar Trogon
A shy, beautiful bird with a red belly and black head, found in the shady mid-canopy.
Endemic bird
Green-billed Coucal
One of the rarest endemic birds in Sri Lanka, found almost only in Sinharaja.
Endemic bird
Yellow-fronted Barbet
A bright green endemic barbet whose loud calls ring through the forest.
Endemic bird
Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon
A rare endemic pigeon of the forest canopy, with a distinctive chequered neck.
Endemic bird
Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
An endemic hornbill with a curved bill, often seen in pairs feeding on fruit.
Endemic reptile
Crestless Lizard
An endemic lizard of the rainforest floor, well camouflaged among leaves.
Temple
Getabaru Raja Maha Viharaya
A historic temple near Sinharaja, believed to be a resting place of King Dutugemunu.
Waterfall
Kekuna Ella
A forest waterfall reached on a trail through the rainforest.
Stream
Olu Dola
A clear forest stream, a cool resting spot on a rainforest walk.
Nature
Patna Sliding Rock
A smooth rock slope where water flows into a natural pool. It's fun on a hot day.
Waterfall
Sathmala Ella
A seven-tiered waterfall in the rainforest, beautiful after the rains.
Rainforest
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Ancient, untouched lowland rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global biodiversity hotspot.
Signature experience
Bird Watching, Hiking, and Trekking in Rainforest
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, is a pristine rainforest known for its rich biodiversity and lush greenery. With over 150 bird species, including 20 endemic species like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, and Green-billed Coucal, visitors can spot these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. The forest offers hiking and trekking experiences, with the Kudawa and Morningside trails being popular. The Kudawa and Morningside trails take you through dense foliage, streams, and hidden waterfalls, while the Kudawa and Morningside trails offer stunning views of the forest. The forest also houses several rare plant species, making it a botanical treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a bird watcher, hiker, or nature lover, Sinharaja Rainforest promises an unforgettable experience.
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