Sinharaja Forest Reserve

About

This reserve is Sri Lanka’s only remaining primary tropical rainforest, with over 60% endemic trees and an abundance of rare wildlife. This critical habitat is home to more than half of the country’s endemic species, including rare mammals, birds, insects, and amphibians. The area has been recognized as a UNESCO National Heritage Wilderness Area and is a heavily protected nature reserve, spanning thousands of hectares of active Forest reserve and Proposed Forest Reserve. A series of streams crisscrosses between the Gin River and the Kalu River, creating lowland wet zones that are ideal for nesting birds and other creatures. The reserve hosts several rare and endangered species that visitors may get a glimpse at, such as leopards, Indian elephants, and green-billed Coucal. Entry is by permit only and visitor numbers are limited in order to protect the reserve. Learn more through UNESCO: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/405/