Surrounded by bruised clouds and spectral mists, the enigmatic Sinharaja Rain Forest is the last remaining virgin tropical rain forest on the island. This mysterious and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage forest spreads out over an area of just 34 square miles, but is alive with life, colour, and sound. Home to a vast range of rare and endangered trees in addition to an abundance of endemic birds, reptiles, and mammals, Sinharaja is a treat for naturalists. The larger of Sinharaja’s resident mammals are leopards and elephants, both of which have been confirmed to be living within the forest reserve. Sightings are extremely rare, however you may come across their tracks. More common sights are giant squirrels, monkeys, chameleon lizards, wrinkled frogs and non-venomous snakes. There are also many nocturnal residents in the forest that are usually only seen at night such as mongoose, civets and bats. Perhaps one of the most talked about and notorious resident, however, is the leech. Leeches thrive in Sinharaja and leech bites are extremely common but quite harmless.