02 December 2009

Sinharaja


Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the last remaining virgin rainforests in the world. Due to its significance, UNESCO has designated this forest reserve as a Biosphere Reserve as well as a World Heritage Site.

This majestic rainforest is situated in the South West of Sri Lanka within Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. There are many entry points to this forest and the closest to Colombo is Kudawa village via Weddagala. The distance to Kudawa is about 125km from Colombo. The other main entry points are Pitadeniya via Deniyaya and Morningside via Sooriyakanda.

This primeval forest is home to many flora and fauna and most are indigenous to this area. It is quite popular for endemic species of butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and birds. Also you can see larger animals like sambhurs and leopards. The majority of the trees are tall, gigantic ones between the heights of 35 – 40m. And some trees like the Giant Nawada Tree are closer to 50m in height.

The forest receives 4000 – 5000mm of rainfall every year and it is a primary source for many rivers and tributaries. Koskulana Ganga and Gin Ganga are some of them. There are some dazzling waterfalls also in this forest like Neluwa and Doovili Ella. This hilly reserve area has a few medium level peaks which provide excellent vantage points for explorers. Hinipitigala, Mulawella, Sinhagala and Kosgulana are some of them.

The best period to visit the forest is between December - April and August - September.

The above picture was taken from one of the highest peaks within the range known as Mulawella (about 760m).

I will bring more about this amazing place very soon. Till then, please visit following sites to learn more about Sinharaja.

www.sinharaja.net
www.sinharaja.4t.com
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
UNESCO World Heritage sites

This post was selected for Kottu Section of week end news paper, The Sunday Leader.

16 comments:

George said...

I look forward to seeing more pictures of this site. It's wonderful that it is being preserved but is still accessible to hikers.

Kirigalpoththa said...

George,
Yes I will post some interesting findings in this place in my recent visit. It is accessible to all hikers. Just that you need to pay a nominal sum and get a permission at the entry points. Also you need to have a guide.Thnaks for your comments!

José luis said...

Gran trbajo, enhorabuena, un saludo.

Kirigalpoththa said...

jlge,
Gracias :)

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

I have no words Kirigalpoththa to express how happy I am to read this post, and to know about the place. I just love rainforests [I mean it]. I hope enough efforts will be taken to preserve Sinharaja Rainforest.

Forest Warbler

Kirigalpoththa said...

Thanks a lot Bhavesh! :)

Janith said...

Like Bhavesh said, let's hope that Sinharaja is protected for the next generation. It would be sad if we lose such a global treasure!

Lovely picture K! Waiting to read more on Sinharaja! :)

rainfield61 said...

You have mentioned the dangerous yet interesting animal. Hope to see and read some story on this. I am counting.....

NicoleB Egypt said...

You have such great nature there. Amazing!
I've never been to a rainforest (and probably never will).
Thanks for all the Info!

Tom Bailey said...

You have an incredible blog here and it is great that you are sharing some amazing wildlife photos of areas few people will ever get to see.

Best regards,
Tom Bailey

Anonymous said...

If you have the time please post one of your hiking spots and pictures to LocalsDiggit.com
Many thanks!

Rajesh said...

Nice view of forest.

Pleased to know it is part of World Heritage as well as Biosphere Reserve.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Fabulous post, K... I love hearing about rain forests. I can't wait to see more pictures and hear more about this one. Thanks so much for sharing.
Betsy

Kirigalpoththa said...

Chavie,
Yes, it is definitely a global treasure! I’ll bring more about Sinharaja soon!

Rainfield,
Hope you meant the leopards. I have not seen any in Sinharaja yet but a lot of people have seen leopards including a solitary black panther in this region!

Nicole,
I hope you will be able to see a rainforest soon! If you ever coming this way let me know :)

Tom,
Thanks a million for dropping by and for your compliments!

LocalDiggit.com,
I posted a few to your very interesting website. I will post more when I get some time :)

Rajesh,
I just read the world heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh from your blog. Very interesting :)

Betsy,
You are welcome and I shall post more about this place very soon :)

Thanks all for your wonderful comments!!

Harshi said...

Wow.. that's a lot of valuable info. I wonder if they have canopy walks like in other countries, especially since the trees are that high.

And great pic too, hope to see more in future. Thanks for sharing.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Harumi,
No canopy walks in Sinharaja. Good to have something that sort may be outskirts of Sinharaja.
Thanks for your comments!