The Forest - Sinharaja

🌿 A very beautiful environment, we went camping 🧗‍♂with waterfalls🏊‍♂, trees and cold mist. I spent the most beautiful day in my life in this Sinharaja rain forest. Be careful of the animals and protect the environment.

Sinharaja Rainforest is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in Sri Lanka, renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. This lush tropical rainforest boasts incredible flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. Its dense canopy, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant wildlife make it a haven for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and eco-tourists alike.

Sinharaja is a Rain Forest and a biodiversity hotspot which is located in south west lowland wet zone within Sabaragamu and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja rain forest is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rain forest. It covers an area of 11,000 Ha of primary and secondary forests.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve 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.[1]
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. 50% of Sri Lankan's endemics species of animals (especially butterfly, amphibians, birds, snakes and fish species). It is home to 95% endemic birds.
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.
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[vague] 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.
The rainforest likely formed during the Jurassic era (from 200 million years to 145 million years ago). This forest encompasses a span of 36,000 hectares (88,960 acres/360 km²).[3] 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. Sinharaja forest vegetation density has been around 240,000 plants per hectare, the most dense rain forest in Asia.
The reserve is well-integrated with the local population who live in some dozens of villages dotted along the border. The villages are more in number along the southern border whilst the presence of some large estates along the northern border has resulted in only a few villages there. The locals collect herbal medicine, edible fruits, nuts, mushrooms, other non-timber forest products including bees honey and a sugary sap collected from a local palm species of the genus Caryota. The sap is converted into jaggery, a local brew and vinegar. Local people walk in the forest to collect the above items when they are not busy with their other agricultural pursuits. In addition, the crystal-clear water coming from dozens of streams is the main water source for all people living around the reserve. For generations, local people trekked through the forest from south to north to make their annual pilgrimage to the Adams Peak.
In 2013, UNESCO requested to halt the widening of ancient road linking Lankagama area to Deniyaya along a 1-km jungle patch inside the protected area after a complaint from The Centre for Environmental and Nature Studies of Sri Lanka. The construction recommenced on August 10, 2020 after prolonged appeals by the people living in villages to the Sri Lankan Government. A group of environmentalists carried out a big social media campaign and asked the Sri Lanka Forest Department, the President, the Ministry of Environment and the Central Environment authority to stop this but The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to go ahead with it to improve the livelihood of poor villagers of the area as it will clear only 0.006% of the total landmass of the forest.
Mr. Martin Wijesinhe is one of the most significant people in Sri Lanka. He is the unofficial guardian of the Sinharaja. He has been protector and caretaker since the 1950s

Sinharaja Forest Reserve was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Sinharaja can be accessed from Weddagala, Deniyaya or Rakwana sides. Sinharaja is the home for a majority of Sri Lanka's endemic species of animals. There are two popular trails; Mulawella & Sinhagala. Mulawella trails takes around 2-3 hours, while the Sinhagala trail takes around 7-8 hours. If you are to complete the Sinhagala trail, you have to start from Kudawa Conservation Center at least by 6.30 am.

The sinharaja first one of the most peaceful place I've been to... A must explore if you're a adventure loving local!

such a great tropical location in sri lanka. I ever lover of tropical.. it’s great experience in 2019
We entered in deniyaya entrance. There is a village called lankagama inside of the forest

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.
-wikepedia-

It's a great place to visit with your family and friends. Beautiful nature. Cold weather. Variates of plants and birds can be seen in here

Best place for hiking with friends. largest rainforest in Srilanka

Really beautiful rain forest. Go with a guide and you will enjoy it

Had the shortest walk/tour which lasted about 3 hours. Managed to see different lizards, viper snakes and many more. Be prepared for the leeches, otherwise it’s well worth a visit.

The largest rainforest in Sri Lanka, spreaded over several districts in the country.

The Sinharaja Rainforest is a magnificent and unique tropical rainforest located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. The forest covers an area of approximately 18,900 acres and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species that are found nowhere else on the planet.

The name Sinharaja means "lion king" in Sinhalese, and legend has it that the forest was once the hunting grounds of the Sinhalese kings. Today, the forest is a protected area, and visitors can explore its many wonders while enjoying its serene beauty.

Geography and Climate:

The Sinharaja Rainforest is situated in the southwest corner of Sri Lanka, in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. The forest is surrounded by several rivers, including the Kalu Ganga, the Gin Ganga, and the Nilwala Ganga, which provide vital water resources for the plants and animals that live within it.

The forest is located at an altitude of approximately 300-1,170 meters above sea level and experiences a high level of rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of 3,000-6,000 mm. The rainy season in the area typically lasts from May to July and from October to January, with the driest months being February to April and August to September.

Flora:

The Sinharaja Rainforest is renowned for its high level of biodiversity, with over 60% of the trees and plants being endemic to Sri Lanka. The forest is dominated by tall trees, with many reaching heights of over 40 meters. The canopy layer of the forest is home to a variety of bird species, including the Sri Lankan blue magpie, the red-faced malkoha, and the Sri Lankan junglefowl.

The forest floor is covered in a layer of leaf litter, which provides a rich habitat for a variety of insects and other small animals. There are also several types of vines and lianas that grow in the forest, which provide a home for many species of primates, including the purple-faced langur and the toque macaque.

One of the most remarkable features of the Sinharaja Rainforest is its collection of rare and endangered plant species. These include the Sri Lankan ironwood tree, which is one of the densest and most durable woods in the world, and the Ceylon satinwood tree, which is highly valued for its beautiful and durable timber.

Fauna:

The Sinharaja Rainforest is home to a wide variety of animal species, including 26 species of mammals, 147 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians, and 34 species of reptiles. Of these, 21 species are endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

One of the most iconic animals of the Sinharaja Rainforest is the purple-faced langur, a large, grey monkey with a distinctive purple face. The forest is also home to several species of civets, including the golden palm civet and the Sri Lankan spotted civet. Other notable mammals found in the forest include the leopard, the fishing cat, and the Indian muntjac.

The forest is also home to many bird species, including the Sri Lankan blue magpie, the red-faced malkoha, and the Sri Lankan junglefowl, which is the national bird of Sri Lanka. Many of the bird species found in the forest are endemic to Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lanka white-eye, the Sri Lanka spurfowl, and the Sri Lanka frog

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a protected area located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. It is considered as one of the last remaining rainforests in the country, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve spans an area of approximately 8,864 hectares and is situated in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. The forest is known for its high level of endemism, with many of the species found in the area being unique to Sri Lanka. The forest is home to over 830 species of flora, including numerous species of trees, shrubs, and lianas. Some of the most notable species found in the forest include the Dipterocarpus zeylanicus, a large hardwood tree, and the Mesua ferrea, a tree that produces fragrant flowers.

The forest is also home to a diverse range of fauna, including over 140 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, and numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Some of the most notable species found in the forest include the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Sri Lanka Leopard, and the Sri Lanka Flying Snake. The forest is also home to numerous species of butterflies, with over 80 species having been recorded in the area.

In addition to its rich biodiversity, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve also has cultural and historical significance. The forest has been used by local communities for centuries for a variety of purposes, including as a source of food, medicine, and timber. The forest also has religious significance, with several temples and shrines located within its boundaries.

However, despite its protected status, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve faces numerous threats. Deforestation and illegal logging are major concerns, as are encroachment and development activities. Climate change is also a threat, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns potentially having a significant impact on the forest and its inhabitants.

Efforts are underway to address these threats and to ensure the long-term conservation of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. These efforts include increased law enforcement, the development of sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and the promotion of eco-tourism as a means of generating income while preserving the forest. The Sri Lankan government has also taken steps to increase awareness about the importance of conservation and to encourage responsible tourism practices.

In conclusion, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a unique and important ecosystem that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Its significance both in terms of biodiversity and cultural heritage cannot be overstated, and it is essential that efforts are made to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Cool, helthy and calm area.
That place nice to meditation..

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve 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. Wikipedia

Area: 111.9 km²

Established: April 1978

Coordinates: 6°25′00″N 80°30′00″E / 6.41667°N 80.50000°E Coordinates: 6°25′00″N 80°30′00″E / 6.41667°N 80.50000°E

Sinharaja Rain Forest in Sri Lanka is probably the best kept secret in Asia.

I loved and enjoyed the place. There were plenty of leaches in sinharaja forest. if you are visiting please carry sanitizer spay with you, it really works than the other methods to get rid of leaches.

One of the best nature's creation, in srilanka,