Sinharaja Forest

Sinharaja forest of Sri Lanka is the most undisturbed lowland rain forest in Sri Lanka. It has a unique biological structure spreading from east to west. Sinharaja forest has an international significance in biodiversity. UNESCO has declared it as a world heritage site. This reserve forest of Sri Lanka is a widely spread national park. The length of this forest is near about 21km from east to west. The extent coverage of this forest is about 11187 hectares. The Sinharaja reserve forest is situated in district areas that consists of Ratnapura, Matara and Galle districts, in the southwest lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja’s regular yearly temperature is 23.6 C and the yearly rainfall is above than 2500mm. The average rain fall is distributed in two monsoons, May - July and October - December.
The Sinharaja forest is a good place to observe many prevalent birds like Ceylon Lorikeet, Jungle and Spur Fowl, Layard's parakeet, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Spotted wing Thrush, Grey Hombill, Rufous. Also some other birds like Brown- capped Babbler, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, White Headed Starling, and many more is present here in a large scale.
As the name, Sinharaja forest, signifies, probably named after- lion (sinha) king (raja). It is also possible that the name came after the legends and Srilankan Sinhalese tradition. In another way the name could imply the king size forest or it may refer to the home of legendary Sri Lankan lions.

Sinharaja Forest Map