A guided day of exploration in Sinharaja Rain Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global ecological importance, home to a remarkable concentration of endemic birds, reptiles and flora found nowhere else on earth. Conducted on foot with a specialist resident naturalist.
Departure from : Sinharaja buffer zone or the south coast
Day Tour 15: Sinharaja Rainforest Nature Exploration Tour
Key Highlights
Endemic Bird Species
Sinharaja holds 22 of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic bird species within a single day’s walking range – including the Sri Lanka blue magpie, the red-faced malkoha, the green-billed coucal and the Sri Lanka grey hornbill.
Primary Rainforest Canopy
Ancient trees with interlocking canopies 30 to 40 metres overhead, supporting a layered ecosystem of extraordinary biodiversity – buttressed roots, epiphytes, lianas and constant wildlife movement through every vertical stratum.
Mixed-Species Bird Flocks
Groups of 20 or more bird species moving together through the canopy in coordinated feeding flocks – one of the most impressive wildlife phenomena in Asian forests.
Endemic Flora
Over a third of Sinharaja’s tree species are found nowhere else on earth, with endemic ferns, orchids and medicinal plants of extraordinary variety beneath the giant canopy trees.
Forest Streams and Pools
Clear streams support endemic freshwater fish, crabs and shrimp found only in the wet-zone river systems of Sri Lanka – a reminder that Sinharaja’s biodiversity extends well below the canopy.
Inclusions
– Specialist resident naturalist-guide
– Forest entry fees
– Bottled water
Exclusions
– Meals (packed lunch strongly recommended)
– Transport to and from the forest entry point (arrangeable at additional cost)
– Gratuities
– Travel insurance
– Note: Waterproof hiking boots required. Not suitable for limited mobility. Best October to March.