Sinharaja Forest Reserve Hike

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. UNESCO has designated it as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site of international significance. This Forest covers an extent of an approximately 11.187 ha. From east to west the length of the forest is 21 K.M’s. Situated in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka and falling into the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, Sinharaja is surrounded by Napola Dola, Koskulana Ganga (north), Maha Dola, Gin Ganga (south-west), the Kalukandawa Ela, Kudawa Ganga (west), Beverley Tea Estate and Denuwa Kanda (east).

Location and Biodiversity of Sinharaja Forest

The Sinharaja reserve’s elevation ranges from 200m to 1400m. It has a rolling terrain consisting of a series of ridges and valleys, which assumes an east-west trend in the northwestern part of the reserve. In other parts of the reserve, the ridges and valleys assume a north-west/south-east alignment. The tallest peak which is Hinipitigala rises up to about 1150m. Other important ridges in the reserve ranges between 550-800m in height Namely Moulawella (760m), Kosgulana (797m), Sinhagala (742m), Kohilearambe (575m), Dotalugala (769m), and Tibbottagala (904m).

Sinharaja forest cover receives between 3000-6000 mm of rain throughout the year and has a minimum rainfall of over 200 mm even during non-monsoon periods. The mean temperature is between 18-27 degrees Celsius with humidity of 75% – 90%. Only a faint sunshine reaches the ground layer of the forest which ranges from 5% – 15% of the total sun light.

Sinharaja has a wild profusion of flora. The canopy trees reach heights of up to 45m, with the next layer down topping 30m. Nearly all the sub canopy trees found here are rare or endangered. More than 65% of the 217 types of trees and woody climbers endemic to Sri Lanka’s rainforest are found in Sinharaja.

Sinharaja rain forest is home to 186 bird species and out of the 34 endemic bird species, all 34 have recorded from Sinharaja. Apart from Birds 3-4 Elephants, around 15 Sri Lankan Leopards also recorded from Sinharaja Rain Forest. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced langur. 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 common birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches.

Available nature trails to select (Only one is possible for a day) – Hiking in Sinharaja

• Main nature trail – 11km both ways
• Moulawella hike – 13km both ways
• Sinhagala hike – 24km both ways

Best time to visit and entrance

• August to March is the best time to visit
• Kudawa entrance is the best for bird watching

IMPORTANT FACTORS

• Clients should carry their personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions.
• Insect repellent, Sunburn lotion etc. are recommended
• Special dietary requirements should be notified in advance.
• Clients must have good pair of Shoes/boots, leech socks, long sleeve t-shirts and pants…
• The experienced and well-trained guide would take every precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests on tour as your safety is our prime concern. However, Paradise Island Safari or its employees do not accept any liability for death, injury or illness of guest while on tour caused by any animal, reptile, insect, and events of nature or any type of accident.

Accommodation recommendations : Wathsala Inn

Useful Links : Department of Wildlife Conservation