Mandaramnuwara to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Mandaramnuwara to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is one of the last remaining areas of rainforest in the country, and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The reserve is located in the south-western part of the country, and is easily accessible from Colombo.

Language

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. You should have no problem communicating with people in English.

Currency

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

Distance

The distance from Mandaramnuwara to Sinharaja Forest Reserve is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles). The journey takes about 3 hours by car.

How to Reach

The best way to reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve from Mandaramnuwara is by car. You can either rent a car or hire a driver. If you are on a budget, you can also take a bus from Mandaramnuwara to Colombo, and then take another bus from Colombo to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Sinharaja Forest Reserve is relatively low. The entrance fee is LKR 1,500 (USD 8) for foreigners. You can also hire a guide for LKR 2,000 (USD 11) per day. If you are on a budget, you can bring your own food and drinks into the reserve.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, and the trails are easy to navigate. However, you can also visit the reserve during the rainy season, which runs from May to November. During this time, the weather is more humid and wet, but the forest is at its most lush and green.

What to Eat

There are a few restaurants located near Sinharaja Forest Reserve, but the food is generally simple and basic. If you are looking for a more varied selection of food, you can bring your own food and drinks into the reserve. There are also a few picnic areas located within the reserve.

Where to Go

There are a number of different trails that you can hike within Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The most popular trail is the Sinharaja Nature Trail, which is a 4-kilometer loop trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. Other popular trails include the Kuda Oya Trail, which is a 6-kilometer trail that takes about 3 hours to complete, and the Kalupahana Trail, which is a 12-kilometer trail that takes about 5 hours to complete.

FAQ

What is the best way to get to Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

The best way to get to Sinharaja Forest Reserve is by car. You can either rent a car or hire a driver.

How much does it cost to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

The entrance fee to Sinharaja Forest Reserve is LKR 1,500 (USD 8) for foreigners.

What is the best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

The best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.

What are some things to do in Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

There are a number of different trails that you can hike within Sinharaja Forest Reserve. You can also visit the Sinharaja Forest Reserve Visitor Center, which has exhibits on the forest's flora and fauna.