Explore Sinharaja from Kudawa Conservation Centre

Sinharaja rainforest is one of the most important natural wonders of the world. It’s one of the few sites in Sri lanka to get international recognition as a world heritage site.Sinharaja is a place steaming with life. Every where you look, its living and breathing! Plants, butterflies, bugs, birds, snakes, lizard, mammals, fish, frogs, mushroom and many other forms of life occupy every inch of this amazing rain forest. Forest covered mountains, flowing streams and fountains, green landscapes and cool and clean breath are simply unforgettable.

The easiest way to explore this wonderful place is to visit Kudawa Conservation Centre (KCC) managed by the department of forest conservation.

Getting There

It’s just 125km from Colombo (Route: Colombo-> Kalutara -> Nagoda -> Mathugama -> Agalawatta -> Baduraliya -> Kalwana(Manana) -> Weddagala(South) -> KCC ). You do not need a four-wheel drive to go there. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to KCC from Colombo.From KCC, there are two jeep track to the protected area of the forest. Distance from KCC to the entrance of the protected area is 2.5 km on one of the tracks and 3.2km on the other. You can chose to walk this trail or you can hire a 4WD from KCC.

View Google Earth Trail Map

Weather and Season

The possibility of rain is quite high through out the year. From December to April and July to August, the chances of rain will be lesser compared to the rest of the year. Particularly December through April is considered the best time to visit this area because of the presence of migrating birds.

Attractions and activities

Hiking – There are several exciting nature trails starting from KCC. If you are looking for a brief walk in the forest, attempt the “Giant Navada Tree Trail”. Mulawella NatureTrail will be little more difficult but will definitely be more rewarding. If you are ready for an adventure hike and want to venture deep in to the forest you can attempt the Sinhagala Nature Trail
Birds watching – KCC is one of the best areas to watch colorful rain forest birds. Sinharaja is home to many species of birds including more than 20 species endemic to Sri Lanka. This area is best known amongst birdwatcher for what they call “mixed species feeding bird flocks”. As the name implies, these are large flocks of birds, belonging to many different species, traveling through the forest looking for food. Sometimes there can be as many as 150 individuals in a single flock. An encounter with a large feeding flock will sure become an unforgettable moment in your life.
River Bath – You can take a dip in the clear waters of “Koskulana” river flowing beside KCC

View Google Earth Trail Map

If you plan to hike, any time during the day would be ok. KCC is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 12 hours is enough for you to complete any of the nature trails. If you are specifically behind birds, the best time to be in the forest is 7 to 9 in the morning and 4 to 6 in the evening. A forest department’s guide / Naturalist will accompany you.

Accommodation Options

Cabins/dormitory managed by the department of forest conservation, located near KCC
Famous “Martin’s Lodge” located at a unique place at the edge of the forest

Look for more accommodation options in the area at Lakdasun forum accommodation options board

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

1. Please do not talk loudly while on a nature trail. Nature is peaceful and quiet. Do not disturb the rhythm of Mother Nature and its silent observers. Unless you maintain silence you will not be able to see the birds and other wonderful creature that inhabit this mighty forest.

Image Gallery

Trekking through the rain forest on Mulawella nature trail. If you start your hike early enough, you can witness the beauty of the evergreen forest in early morning light.Photos: Dinusha (left) \| Sanjaka (right)

A tree fern bud glistening in light (left) and a pitcher plant (right)

Sinharaja is one of the hot spots in Sri Lanka to observe butterflies. Not only butterflies, there are many colorful creatures hiding in the forest, like the colorful grass-hopper pictured here (second from Left)

Colorful Giant wood spiders (right), one of the largest spider species found in Sri Lanka, can grow up to 6-8 inches. Their giant webs add to the beauty of the landscape even after they are abandoned (left). If you visit KCC you are almost guaranteed to see these giant spiders

No need to say, a rain forest is full of plants and trees. Interestingly some of them create eye catching frames in the forest. Above is a selection of few such moments captured on camera when right light falls on the right object (from left: a “Benduru” leaf, moss in light, a hanging dead leaf and a Bovitiya flower)

A rain forest is a place full of small wonders, like these tiny mushrooms found on a dead tree bark

Sinharaja is world famous for its bird life. The four pictured here (from left: spot-winged thrush, yellow fronted barbet, Sri lanka flower pecker, Asian brown fly-catcher) are just a tiny sub-set of the colorful bird-life of Sinharaja

View of forest covered mountains of Sinharaja. This view from the Mulawella peak is arguably the best view from any of the mountain peaks in Sinharaja. Trail to Mulawella peak is not-too-hard which a 2.4 km climb from the Sinharaja entrance(Photo: Sanjaka )

Exciting lizards of Sinharaja. Colorful forest lizard (left) and an endemic Kangaroo Lizard (Right)

Martin’s lodge is my favorite accommodation option at KCC. View from the dining area over looking Sinharaja (right) is so relaxing. Who knows? You may be lucky enough to be there when a flock of endemic blue magpies (left) occasionally decide to invade the lodge looking for some variety in what they eat.Photo: Mithila (left) \| Nalaka (right)

Getting There

Weather and Season

Attractions and activities

Accommodation Options

Notes, Tips and Special Remarks

Image Gallery