Travel Guide to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, you can start from Ratnapura, which is approximately 40 kilometers away. Take the A4 road south towards Pelmadulla. After around 14 kilometers, turn onto the B40 road towards Sinharaja. Follow the B40 for about 20 kilometers until you reach the entrance to the reserve. There is a parking area near the entrance where you can leave your vehicle. Please note that there may be a nominal parking fee.

• Public Bus

  To reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve by public transportation, you can take a bus from Ratnapura to the nearest town of Kalawana. Buses run frequently throughout the day. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs approximately LKR 100. Once you arrive in Kalawana, you will need to take a tuk-tuk or a private taxi for the final leg of your journey, which is about 8 kilometers to the entrance of the reserve. The tuk-tuk ride will cost around LKR 300.

• Tuk-Tuk

  If you are already in a nearby area such as Deniyaya, you can hire a tuk-tuk directly to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The distance from Deniyaya to the entrance of the reserve is about 15 kilometers. Expect to pay around LKR 600 for this ride, depending on negotiation and time of day.

• Taxi

  For a more comfortable option, you can book a taxi from any location in Sabaragamuwa Province directly to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Taxis are available in major towns like Ratnapura and Deniyaya. The fare will depend on your location, but it typically ranges from LKR 1500 to LKR 3000 for a one-way trip. Ensure you negotiate the fare before starting your journey.