TREKKING DISTANCE: Several options available
GRADING: From soft to moderate
LOCATION: Sinharaja rainforest has been designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also a Biodiversity Hotspot by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). All these titles are highlighting the importance of the forest reserve in terms of its exceptional biodiversity as well as its fragility. Birding in Sinharaja is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka!
Tour Itinerary
SCHEDULE
- Arrival in Sinharaja Gate Office at noon.
- Short walk to the fully serviced Mahoora campsite in Kudawa.
- Lunch upon arrival.
- Half day trek in the Sinharaja Rainforest in the afternoon.
- BBQ Dinner and overnight stay at the Mahoora campsite (FB).
From the calls of birds and the rumbling noise of the Gin Ganga River to the fresh air filtered by its ancient trees, the colourful species of frogs and the bright flowers, Sinharaja leaves you in awe of nature and how species have evolved to suit the environment. It is said that in Sinharaja one square mile may have higher biodiversity than the entire North American continent. Most importantly, this area has a high concentration of endemic species. 20 out of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic bird species, including the Sri Lanka blue magpie and the green-billed coucal, are found in Sinharaja. In addition, it is home to several species of reptiles, such as green-pit and hump-nosed vipers, and some rare species of horned lizards. Also, a few elephants and leopards and many smaller mammals including the rusty spotted cat, purple-faced leaf monkey, fishing cat, mongooses and civets inhabit the forests of Sinharaja.
