Discover the Enchantment of Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Explore Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, renowned for its stunning biodiversity and breathtaking rainforest trails.
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teeming with biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. A haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this lush rainforest offers a myriad of trails that weave through its dense foliage, showcasing vibrant flora and fauna, including rare species found nowhere else on the planet. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, Sinharaja promises an unforgettable experience amidst its stunning landscapes.
A brief summary to Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best chances to see wildlife and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience and help spot rare species.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as trails can be steep and rugged.
- Be mindful of the weather; a raincoat is advisable as showers can occur unexpectedly.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, take the A1 highway from any location in the Dry Zone towards the town of Ratnapura. Once you reach Ratnapura, follow the signs to the A4 road towards Kalawana. After about 15 km, turn onto the B40 road, which leads directly to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve entrance. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs indicating the entrance, as there are multiple points of access to the forest.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
From any major city in the Dry Zone, take a bus to Ratnapura. Buses are frequent and typically cost around LKR 100-200 (USD 0.30-0.60). Once in Ratnapura, transfer to a bus heading to Kalawana, which will cost approximately LKR 50-100 (USD 0.15-0.30). Inform the bus driver that you want to get off at the Sinharaja Forest Reserve entrance, as they are familiar with the location.
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Taxi or Ride-sharing
For a more convenient option, consider hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing app from your location in the Dry Zone directly to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This option is more expensive, typically ranging from LKR 3000-6000 (USD 8-16) depending on your starting point and negotiating skills. It is recommended to agree on a fare before starting your journey.
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Local Guide Services
Once you arrive at Sinharaja Forest Reserve, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide to enhance your experience. Guides can be hired at the entrance and usually charge around LKR 2000-4000 (USD 6-12) for a half-day tour. They provide valuable insights into the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve.
Discover more about Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gemmological musemum
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Katuwana Fort, කටුවන ලන්දේසි බලකොටුව
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Thotas Ella
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Rathnapura Clock Tower (රත්නපුර ඔරලෝසු කණුව)
31.0 km
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Rathnapura National Museum
31.6 km
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රත්මල් ඇල්ල
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පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
31.9 km
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පොත්ගුල් විහාරය - Cave
31.9 km
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Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya
32.7 km
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Ratnapura Portuguese Fort – රත්නපුර පෘතුගීසි බලකොටුව
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Andahelena Ella - Elpitiya Waterfall
33.4 km
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Katugas Ella Waterfall
33.8 km
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Kottimbulwala Raja Maha Viharaya
34.0 km
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Dhanaja Gem Museum
34.0 km
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Minee Ella
34.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Forest - Sinharaja
1.7 km
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Brahmana Ella Water Fall
3.6 km
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Sinharaja Rainforest Lankagama Entrance
3.7 km
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Malmora Ella Falls
3.7 km
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Kekuna Ella Falls - Lankagama
4.6 km
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Sinharaja Entrance Wathugala
4.9 km
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Sinharaja Rain forest, Waddagala, Kalawana
5.5 km
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Duwili Ella Waterfall - Kalawana
6.8 km
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SINHARAJA RAINFOREST WILDLIFE TOUR - rainforest Naturalist
7.0 km
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Neluwa Doowili Ella Falls
7.5 km
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Explore Sinharaja Rainforest tours
7.8 km
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Handapan Ella Falls
14.3 km
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Sinharaja Rainforest - Kurulugala
15.9 km
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Bambaragala Estate Waterfall
15.9 km
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Patna View Point
15.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Belimal Restaurant & Villa
11.9 km
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Cafe Jam House
21.7 km
Discover delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting at Cafe Jam House in Kahawatta - perfect for travelers seeking authentic dining experiences.
Cartwheel Cafe & Restaurant
26.9 km
Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Cartwheel Cafe & Restaurant in Ratnapura - where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Silver Ray Grand (pvt) Ltd
28.0 km
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Prince Thai Resturant
28.6 km
Experience authentic Thai cuisine in Ratnapura at Prince Thai Restaurant – where tradition meets local flavors.
Shanthi Dosai (ශාන්ති තෝසේ කඩේ)
29.5 km
Discover authentic Indian flavors at Shanthi Dosai in Ratnapura – a must-visit for dosai lovers seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
The Paasto 47
29.9 km
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Real Restaurant -thai-chinese-srilanken
29.9 km
Discover the rich flavors of Thailand, China, and Sri Lanka at Real Restaurant in Ratnapura - A must-visit dining destination.
NM Restaurant
30.5 km
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Raalahamy Hotel
30.7 km
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Jik Tour Inn
30.7 km
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Dine Out Indian Restaurant
30.8 km
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Royal palace
30.8 km
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MacNara Family Restaurant
30.9 km
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KFC - Ratnapura
30.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tea Coop Retail Shop
15.1 km
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Abhaya Stores
16.8 km
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JN outfitters
16.8 km
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D i fashion srilankan floor carpet and ladies wear
17.3 km
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Selie Mini Outlet
17.3 km
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Nimz Store
22.4 km
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Lovers
24.1 km
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Salahudeen's Gift Store
25.8 km
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I&I Gem Showroom and Jewellery
30.7 km
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Ceylon Gems & Lapidary
30.8 km
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Sriyani Dress Point - Ratnapura
30.8 km
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NOLIMIT - Ratnapura
30.8 km
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Gem Market
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Arpico Showroom
30.9 km
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Abans Ratnapura A
30.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nivithigala Wine Stores
20.9 km
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BLUE SPIDER BAR
21.0 km
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Nalin stos
26.0 km
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Pubdeen restaurant
26.4 km
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Daily fresh
29.3 km
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Super Flash. Live band ans Sounds
29.3 km
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Max Beer Bar
29.8 km
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Wine Stores Elapata
29.8 km
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Chami Qwatos
30.7 km
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Kopi Kade Ratnapura
30.8 km
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Royal Place Restaurant & Karoke
30.9 km
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Nimal Hot Pack
30.9 km
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Asiri Wine Stores
31.0 km
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Richmond Hotel
31.0 km
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New Concord Snaks
31.1 km
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