Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Sri Lanka, Hill Country

The last major undisturbed area of rainforest in Sri Lanka, the Sinharaja Forest reserve is a must see for nature lovers. Listed as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site by UNESCO, the reserve is bordered by two rivers, the Koskulana Ganga in the north and the Gin Ganga in south. The area has escaped the worst of commercial logging due to its inaccessible location, occupying a broad ridge which is often shrouded by copious rain clouds.

The high level of moisture in the area has unsurprisingly led to very dense vegetation, thus making mammal sightings more difficult. However, the vast number of endemic plant, reptile, bird, and invertebrate species in the area will make it a huge draw to nature lovers.

One interesting phenomenon in the Sinharaja rainforest is that of the communal feeding birds. These flocks of mixed species tend to be led by the fearless Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the loud Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lankas 26 endemic bird species, all 20 of the rainforest species occur here, making it a must-see for twitchers.

A visit to Sinharaja is possible as a day or half day excursion from your base in the hill country.