Best places to explore near Sinharaja Forest Reserve
This Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka is just about 20 kilometres in length. There are various additional sites to explore near Sinharaja Forest Reserve, not just within the forest. In 1978, it was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve and a decade later, UNESCO recognised this reserve as a World Heritage Site. It is the only remaining primary tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka. This protects it from the rapidly expanding commercial logging industry.
This forest reserve is home to a variety of flora and wildlife. Elephants, Leopards, and Purple-Faced Langurs are among the park’s animal species. It is home to a number of endemic trees, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammal species. Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, Red-Faced Malkoha, Orange-Billed Babbler, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and Green-Billed Coucal are some bird species that you can watch here.
1. Secret Beach:
The Secret Beach is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka for both visitors and locals. Before we go any further, one should understand the importance of why the word “secret” is included in the name. As per the locals, this beach used to be a secret beach, a place that only the locals knew about. The villagers eventually decided to convert it into a tourist destination.
2. Ceylon Tea Trails:
If you wish to witness the stunning blend of alluring colonial bungalows overlooking some of the best tea gardens, this trail should be on your list. This is one of the best locations to visit in Hatton, Sri Lanka, due to its architecture, amazing service, antique furniture, wonderful cuisine, and beautiful surroundings.
3. Mirissa:
The Mirissa beach is another excellent snorkelling spot in Colombo. This beach has always been one of the first to catch a glimpse of whales. This specific location, however, has proven to be an outstanding diving location. Around Mirissa beach, there are roughly 5 diving locations that are ideal for both experienced snorkelers and beginners.
4. Matara:
Matara is one of Sri Lanka’s most modern cities. Matara’s beauty and majesty are generally enough to make visitors fall in love. Around the seashore, there are several historic forts. The Dutch Fort is one of them. You’ll have a good time knowing about the past of this town and Goa in general.
5. Boptah Ella Falls:
This waterfall is a must-see for everyone visiting the Ratnapura area. The Boptah name comes from the fact that this big Sri Lankan waterfall is formed like a Bo tree. The flowing water is a breathtaking view to see. Locals say that the waterfall is haunted and that there is a treasure trove concealed inside it, some believe it yet some say it is a myth.
The ideal time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve:
One can plan a trip during the months of January, February, March and or in the months of August and September. As it is a rainforest, this reserve receives rain almost all year round and because of the location of Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the Lowland Ecoregion, it receives consistent rainfall.