UNESCO Natural Wonders of Sri Lanka: Sinharaja

Blog Series: UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites
Sri Lanka have 2 UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve since 1988 and the Central Highlands since 2010. The Central Highlands consists of Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness Protected Area and Knuckles Conservation Forest.

If you are interested in nature, wildlife, hiking and animals, or just want to see picturesque and beautiful places, you should definitely come visit. All these sites are easily accessed by car and you will not regret your visit here. Many people are interested in visit these sites, and we have therefore put together a blog series for you with information about each place. Making it easy for you to explore the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.
 
Part 1: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
In the south-west of Sri Lanka you can find the Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve, which is a UNESCO world natural site and biodiversity hotspot. Being the last viable area of primary tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, this forest reserve is well worth a visit. See magical waterfalls, endemic animals and plants. There is something truly special about wondering around in the rain forest.

More than 200 of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees a woody climbers can be found in Sinharaja. Many plants known for its health benefits can also be found here, including the Palm, Wewal, Cardamom, Dun and Weniwal. Over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies live in SInharaja. You can see the interesting bird       broad-billed roller, also called cinnamon roller, in Sinharaja. Other rare birds to be found in the forest reserve are Sri Lankan wood pigeon, green-billed coucal, Sri Lankan white-headed starling, Sri Lankan blue magpie, ashy-headed babbler and red-faced malkoha.

For the brave ones, you can also experience snake safari in the night time. See night active animals and snakes in the rain forest. A real adventure for nature lovers.

Legends
The name Sinharaja is literally meaning lion (Sinha) and king (Raja). There are many legends about the Sinharaja forest told by people in Sri Lanka. These legends and lore are adding to the mystery surrounding the Sinharaja Rain Forest. The name might refer to the home of the legendary Sri Lankan Lion, the original “king-sized or royal forest of the Sinhalese”, or to the legendary “lion-race” of Sri Lanka.
 
Visit
There are 3 different entrances to the forest reserve depending on from where you are coming, and it is advised to come by car. Visiting the reserve you will be accompanied by a local guide. You can choose from different paths depending on what you wish to see, how long time you want to spend in the reserve and how physically fit you are. There are paths taking from a couple of hours to full day treks. A tips is to bring leech proof socks to protect yourself from any leeches, and table salt also works fine as a backup.

If you wish to make your trip to Sinharaja into a real adventure, you can stay at an eco bungalow or hotel in the rain forest. Wake up after a good nights sleep, enjoying the greenery and bird song. You cannot get a better start of your day.

Be Inspired in 2016 – Discover Sri Lanka and Sinharaja Rain Forest

More information about Sinharaja:  http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/405

Questions or want to book your getaway to Sinharaja?
We are happy to help you out with your Sri Lanka Holiday Tour.

Ayubowan.

edenlankaholidaytours.com
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