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The last primary tropical rainforest of Sri Lanka- the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the most attractive and appealing destination of the country and grabs the attention of all those people who take flights to Colombo. It is situated in the southwest lowlands of the island and more specifically it is located in close vicinity of Sabaragamuwa (almost 100 kilometres away from the Colombo city). The place is considered very significant and notable as in 1988 it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Known to be the home of more than 60 percent species of trees in Sri Lanka, this place appeals a large crowd of visitors and also provides shelter to almost 50 percent wild life of the whole country.

Sinharaja means “Kingdom of the Lion’’ and act as the major part of Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion. The reserve stretches 7 km from north to south and the maximum of 21 km from east to west but still act as the treasure trove of endemic species that include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and trees. The vegetation is very dense and thick so the possibility to spot the wild life is very rare- leopards are hard to find and there are not more than 3 elephants. The birds move like mixed flocks and are normally led by the noisy Orange-billed Babbler and the fearless Greater Racket-tailed.

Sri Lanka features 26 endemic birds and more than 20 breeds are found in this area such as Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Green-billed Coucal  and the elusive Red-faced Malkoha. Its vegetation has been categorized as tropical wet evergreen forest and a tropical lowland rain forest. Some unique and striking features of the forest are the diversity of species, the abundance of regeneration, the straightness of their bole and the loftiness of the dominant trees.

There is a high degree of endemism among mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and butterflies in this forest. You can spot a number of barking deer and it also provides shelter to the Sambhur .The Monk deer. Leopards come here frequently but they are seldom sighted. The creatures that can occasionally be seen are the Golden Palm Civet and Badger Mongoose. You would love to spot the Purple – faced Leaf Monkey. The place also acted as the home for a large variety of elephants which are decreased in number with the passage of time.

The rare and endangered bird species that can easily be seen here are Green – billed Coucal, the White – headed Starling, the Ashy-headed Barbbler, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and the Red-faced Malkoha.

Snakes are also very common here and include Hump-nosed Viper and The Green Pit Viper as well. The forest is full of marshes and streams that serve to be the home of plenty of Sri Lankan Reed frog and the Wrinkled frog. There are many other striking features and characteristics of this area that can only be unveiled once you plan a trip so get ready and explore Sinharaja Forest Reserve.