Explore the Lush Wonders of Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Discover Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, where lush greenery and rich biodiversity create a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Spanning over 11,000 acres, this tropical rainforest is home to numerous endemic species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and hikers alike. With well-maintained trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and witness the vibrant flora and fauna that call this reserve home.
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 early in the morning for the best chance to see wildlife and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your explorations.
- Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience with knowledge about the flora and fauna.
- Respect the natural environment by sticking to marked trails and avoiding littering.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as rain can make trails slippery and challenging.
Getting There
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Tuk-Tuk
From Unawatuna beach, head towards the main road (Galle - Matara Road). Once you reach the main road, you can hail a tuk-tuk. Tell the driver you want to go to 'Sinharaja Forest Reserve'. The ride will take around 45 minutes. Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
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Public Bus
Walk to the main road (Galle - Matara Road) from Unawatuna. Look for a bus heading towards 'Kalawana' or 'Deniyaya'. Make sure to ask the driver to drop you off at the closest stop to 'Sinharaja Forest Reserve'. The bus ride will take about an hour. Once you get off, you may need to walk a short distance (approximately 2 km) to reach the entrance of the reserve.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bicycle in Unawatuna. Start cycling towards the main road (Galle - Matara Road) and then take the road leading to 'Sinharaja Forest Reserve'. The distance is around 25 km and can take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace. Make sure to stay hydrated and enjoy the beautiful surroundings along the way.
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
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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
32.8 km
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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BLUE SPIDER BAR
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Nalin stos
26.0 km
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Pubdeen restaurant
26.4 km
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Daily fresh
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Super Flash. Live band ans Sounds
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Max Beer Bar
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Wine Stores Elapata
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Chami Qwatos
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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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