Although Sinharaja means king (raja) lion (sinha) in Sinhalese, no such feline can be found in the depths of this rainforest. However, this is the last remaining primary forest in Sri Lanka and it is home to many other natural wonders. Explore this unique setting on foot for an incomparable adventure deep in the centre of one of the great “lungs” of the Earth.

Unspoiled and unique nature

In the southwest of the island, in a hilly terrain traversed by numerous streams, lies the country's last primary tropical rainforest. It is a remarkable example of nature conservation, and its preservation dates back to the 3rd century BC. At that time, a tribal law declared it a "thahanakelle", or protected forest. The Dutch settlers were amazed by its biodiversity and decided to make it a reserve in 1875. This status was later reinforced by the Sri Lankan government in 1977 to protect it from illegal logging. Since 1983, Sinharaja has even been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You only have to walk along the paths through this sanctuary to understand its importance.

Hiking under the canopy

You will need some special equipment to venture out into the wilderness where leeches are commonly found. You can either rub your shoes with coarse salt or wear special socks. Once you are ready, just follow the guide through the trees. Without a sharp eye and some guidance, it is almost impossible to notice the animals. Lurking in the lush vegetation, these animals are very good at blending in with their surroundings. No noise disturbs the tranquillity of the place. There is only the rustling of leaves and the calls of the animals.

More than 130 different species inhabit the area, some of which are rare or endangered. A leopard is unlikely to be seen up close, but snakes, spiders and other birds can easily be spotted. Under the canopy, the Purple-faced Langur, a small monkey with shaggy fur, jumps from branch to branch. In these same trees, multicoloured birds observe the visitors from above. Among them is the Ceylon Coucal, whose feathers vary from black to green to burgundy. A remarkable occurrence that can be found here more than anywhere else is a mixed-species flock. This is when several hundred birds fly together, sometimes with more than 40 different species.

Spending a few hours walking the trails is sure to make you feel like an explorer. The sun's rays occasionally burst through the treetops and illuminate the undergrowth. Small bridges made of planks stretch over the streams which turn into a magnificent waterfall further on. To proceed with the visit, you have no choice but to cross it. The water reaches mid-thigh and is a refreshing yet harmless passage. Those who want to cool down even more can even swim in the river. However, although the climate is tropical, the river is still very cold. From time to time, the guide breaks the silence to point out a snake in the same shade of green as the fern where it is hiding. Or perhaps a giant squirrel performing some acrobatics. Somewhere in the middle of this pristine wilderness, you feel as if your mind can truly disconnect from it all.

Sinharaja in action

To discover this heritage site, it is best to choose the driest months. A hike in August-September or from January to early April should go smoothly without a drop of rain. During the rest of the year, it is still possible to enter the reserve, but the paths can become muddy. It is also more difficult to cross the rivers. There are two entrances for visitors. When coming from the northwest, the Waddagala gate is the most accessible. Whereas the gate at Deniyaya is more convenient for travellers coming from the south.

Regardless of the starting point of the expedition, a guide is essential. Thanks to the guide, the walk will be safe and there will be no risk of getting lost. They are also trained in spotting wild animals and will be able to point them out to the whole group. Many of the accommodations surrounding the site include guided day trips. Visitors who come by themselves to the park entrance will find official guides there. All that is left to do is to choose the duration of your walk in the middle of this magnificent natural environment. Whether you want to spend an hour or a whole day, each explorer has their own preferences.