Sinharaja

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park 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. 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. 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. The reserve's name translates as Lion Kingdom. 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. 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 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 common birdwing, butterfly and leeches.

Book your tour with us and find out why so many people choose to go on a tour to Sri Lanka. If you can only visit one country in your lifetime, let it be Sri Lanka.

Explore Sri Lanka

Favorite Journeys

The island country in the Indian Ocean with tropical climate and diverse natural environment the country has a long history becoming a land with one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse places on earth, with many different languages and religions, rich cultural heritage enriched with traditional & cultural circles. The island's natural beauty is breathtaking, with lush jungles, towering mountains and spectacular waterfalls, Sandy gold Beaches, wildlife parks, rainforests and is a popular tourist destination which is crowned as the “Asia’s next hotspot” by the New York Times. Sri Lankans are welcoming people who will make you feel like you’re at home in no time.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with exciting news and exclusive offers.