Highlights
- Look for the Sri Lanka junglefowl, the national bird
- Home to most of the island's endemic bird species
- A great forest for photographing rare birds
Overview
Sinharaja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest remaining lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka and the best place in the country for endemic birds. Many of the island's endemic species can be seen here, along with a long list of resident and migrant birds.
What you may see
Highlights include the Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka junglefowl (the national bird), Sri Lanka spurfowl, red-faced malkoha, white-faced starling, Sri Lanka myna, orange-billed babbler, Sri Lanka scimitar babbler and green-billed coucal. Raptors such as the black eagle hunt over the canopy. Some species are shy and need patience and a good guide.
Mixed-species flocks
Sinharaja is famous for its mixed feeding flocks, which move through the forest together, often led by orange-billed babblers and greater racket-tailed drongos. When a flock passes, you may see many species in a few minutes, then nothing for a while.
How a visit works
Entry is through the forest department, mainly at Kudawa on the north side or Deniyaya on the south side. Licensed local guides are required on the trails, and the best bird guides know where to find each species.
How long it takes
A half day of walking; serious birders spend two or three days.
When to go
The forest is wet all year. Drier spells, roughly January to April and August to September, are best. Start at dawn.
Getting there
The Kudawa entrance is about 3.5 to 4 hours from Colombo by road. Deniyaya is easier from the south coast.
What to bring
- Leech socks, rain gear and good shoes.
- Binoculars and a field guide or app.
- Neutral, quiet clothing.
See also trekking in Sinharaja and our day trip to Sinharaja. Plan with things to do in Sinharaja and Sinharaja hotels.
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