Located in the south-west of the island, Sinharaja Rainforest is Sri Lanka’s last area of virgin rainforest, saved from the damaging effects of commercial logging by its inaccessibility. Translating as ‘Lion Kingdom’, Sinharaja is a designated Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a wide variety of plants and animals including many rare species native to Sri Lanka. The endemic purple-faced leaf monkey, grey langurs and torque macaques, a handful elephants and approximately 15 leopards are hidden beneath the thick canopy, as well as a variety of snakes and frogs, several types of exotic butterflies and many different species of bird, including 20 of the 26 species found nowhere else in the world.

Things to do in Sinharaja include walking and trekking through this mysterious, tranquil paradise, although be aware that it is extremely humid and we recommend that you are led by a guide – take a look at our guided three-hour nature walk. Birdwatching in Sinharaja is highly rewarding, particularly between November and March and in April and August. Explore this strange and enchanting landscape and look out for the many creatures lurking in the undergrowth.