Sri Lanka’s enthralling Sinharaja Rainforest is the largest area of wilderness in the island nation. In 1989 this pristine rainforest was declared a Natural World Heritage Site. Described both as a Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest and a Tropical Lowland Rainforest, the area has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most popular eco-tourism venues. Without doubt Sinharaja is a natural treasure trove boasting a wide variety of habitats and resident species.
The jungle surroundings span thickly forested mountains, gushing streams and verdant landscapes with the fresh aromas of the forest discernible everywhere. In the forest you will find exotic plants, insects, butterflies, lizards, birds, mammals, frogs and fish species in their natural environment. The rainforest is an entrancing repository of the nation’s endemic wildlife species to be found nowhere else on the globe.
The majestic trees of Sinharaja immediately draw the attention of the visitor. The mighty dominant trees rise to 35 – 40 m with some individuals rising to a lofty 50 m. Visitor will see a dense verdant expanse, with the thick vegetation of a tropical rainforest.
Many interesting creatures make their home in Sinharaja. If you are lucky you may see sambhur deer, barking deer or mouse deer. The most frequently spotted primate is the unmistakable purple faced leaf monkey. Occasionally seen are the golden palm civet and the brown mongoose, with sightings of leopards being a rarity.
The forest is also a delight for birdwatchers with many varieties which are endemic to Sri Lanka, including the well-known Sri Lanka blue magpie and the red-faced malkoha. A distinctive feature of bird life at Sinharaja is the bird flocks of mixed species, which is a feeding strategy used by the insectivorous birds. You will see such varieties as the orange-billed babbler and crested drongo, as well as predators like eagles and hawks.
The forest is always fascinating to explore, with several nature trails on offer. It can even be arranged to camp overnight in the rainforest, which will surely be the experience of a lifetime.
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