Discover the Enchanting Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Explore the lush biodiversity of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for nature lovers in Sri Lanka.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a breathtaking tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. It offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in nature and experience the unique flora and fauna of this ecological treasure.
A brief summary to Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the dry season (December to March) for the best trekking conditions.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more informative experience and to spot rare wildlife.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring waterproof gear, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Pack snacks and plenty of water, as amenities are limited within the reserve.
- Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning flora and fauna throughout your journey.
Getting There
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Tuk-Tuk
From the center of Galle, head to the main bus stand located near the Galle Fort. Here, you can find a tuk-tuk driver. Inform them that you want to go to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The ride will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel towards the reserve.
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Public Bus
From the Galle bus stand, take a bus heading towards Ratnapura or Matara. Make sure to ask the bus conductor to drop you off at the nearest stop for Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This stop is typically along the main road leading to the reserve. Once you alight, you may need to walk about 2 kilometers to reach the entrance of the reserve. Look for signage or ask locals for directions.
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Guided Tour
Consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation from Galle to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Many local tour companies offer packages that cover travel, entrance fees, and guided walks within the reserve. You can inquire about these tours at your hotel or local tourist information centers.
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)
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Rathnapura National Museum
31.6 km
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රත්මල් ඇල්ල
31.8 km
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පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
31.9 km
Discover Pothgul Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple in Ratnapura, where tranquility meets spirituality in a lush, serene setting.
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
Experience the serene beauty of Andahelena Ella - Elpitiya Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder in Sri Lanka, perfect for adventure and tranquility.
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
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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
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Cartwheel Cafe & Restaurant
26.9 km
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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
Discover authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at NM Restaurant in Ratnapura – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
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
Explore Wine Stores Elapata for a heavenly selection of wines and a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Chami Qwatos
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Kopi Kade Ratnapura
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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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