By Sanath Weerasuriya

The Sinharaja Rainforest is the only wetland rainforest patch now available in Sri Lanka and it is also a World Heritage Site. Out of all national parks and forest reserves in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Rainforest is one of the biggest assets of Lanka’s wildlife heritage. The Sinharaja Rainforest was declared a ‘UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve’ in 1978 and soon thereafter, a protected World Heritage Site in 1989. 

Sinharaja Rainforest had the land extent of over 21,000 acres in 1989, but now it has shrunk to a great extent. The Sinharaja is a biological treasure trove which provides diverse habitats for numerous species of endemic fauna and flora, not found anywhere else in the world. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. The reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. Sinharaja Rainforest is particularly renowned as a hotspot for birdlife. According to environmentalists there are about 120 species of birds found in the region and 34 of Sri Lanka’s 36 endemic bird species are found here.

Sinharaja Rainforest is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest attractions for adventure travellers, both foreign and domestic, paving the way for number of accommodation facilities from star class to ‘home stays’ in and around Lankagama off Neluwa and Weddagala off Kalawana, the two most popular entry points to the Rainforest Reserve.
 After a frustrating lockdown, travel restrictions and economic down turn for more than six months, it is believed that Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve is one of the first destinations that attracted travellers from the Sri Lankan domestic market. 

Situated in Lankagama off Neluwa, ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ is the centre point for all travellers to the Sinharaja Rainforest. Located just ten minutes away from the main entrance of the Sinharaja Rainforest, ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ is a creation of simple Sri Lankan living with eco surroundings.

‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ offers uniquely designed sixteen rooms that allows natural cool breeze from the Sinharaja Forest to blow through, while the soothing sound of Gin Ganga and Barahmana Ella give a tranquil sensation for mind, body and soul. 

Fourteen triple rooms in three chalets have been designed to facilitate family and group travellers for a comfortable stay, while two dormitory rooms are available for large numbers of student groups or budget travellers. Located by the waters of Gin Ganga, the ‘Eco Lodge’ with higher elevated chalets offer unique view of the Sinharaja Forest and the mountain range. 

All rooms have modern amenities including TV, free wi-fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mosquito nets, fans and en-suite bathroom with modern facilities.  

The most unique feature of the location is the seven popular waterfalls – Brahmana Ella, Thattu Ella, Duvili Ella, Ura Wetuna Ella, Nuga Deka Ella, Maha Galoru Ella and Duli Ella are located in close proximity to ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ and can be explored with an adventure trek of just two to three hours. 

‘The surrounding of the ‘Eco Lodge’ is unique. The peaceful and calm atmosphere of the place, the sounds of birds humming, water flowing and the cool breeze gives us the feeling of complete relaxation after a hard days travel or hectic trekking in the forest. ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ has become the unanimous choice for lodgings in the area for nature and adventure lovers’ said Chinthaka Kariyakarawana, the General Manager of the property. 

Apart from the accommodation, ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ is also known for its cuisine. The open-air restaurant serves mainly Sri Lankan country style authentic food, while Western and other cuisine too are available on request. 

‘In keeping with that tradition, the culinary wonders of good old country style cooking can be enjoyed at ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ prepared by our very own ‘Kitchen Team’ led by Chef Saman’ said GM Chinthaka Kariyakarawana. 

‘We serve typical country style food items from surrounding Sinharaja Villages and seasonal fresh fruits in buffet style both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. ‘Kos kottu’, ‘Karen koku maluwa’, ‘del atukos maluwa’, ‘kiriala hodda’, ‘yoda ala maluwa’, ‘koseta kalupol maluwa’ and  ‘gange malu aluth hodda’ are some of the popular and authentic dishes served at the Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ said Chef Saman.

Visitors can enjoy bird watching at the Eco Lodge itself and while visiting the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Trekking, cycling, visiting  Bramana Ella, Thattu and Duvili Ella or taking a dip in Gin Ganga, surrounded with ancient trees and natural rocks, are some of the many options.  

Apart from these adventure treks and Sinharaja Safaris, travellers can visit Lankagama Gangarama Purana Viharaya and seven waterfalls at the edge of the forest.

The property is now owned and managed by Prof. Sunil Kariyakarawana, who is based in the  UK.

‘Though it was built some years back, ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ is now under the direction of Prof. Sunil Kariyakarawana, who is keen on improving the Resort. He wants to add more banquet facilities and a new wing with modern accommodation facilities to accommodate day outings, corporate and family events. A water sports Centre is also on the cards’ added Chnthaka.    

The rates at the ‘Sinharaja Eco Lodge’ ranges from Rs 7,500/- (FBD) to 11,000/- for FB Triple. The family rooms starts from Rs 11,000/- HB for 4 adults to Rs 15,000/- FB for 4 adults.

Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe

For more details log onto - www.sinharajaecolodge.lk