Wildlife in Sinharaja and Kitulgala

Although Sinharaja translates as ‘Lion Kingdom’, you won’t find any of these proud creatures here, but there is plenty of other wildlife in Sinharaja. Sri Lanka’s last remaining stretch of virgin rainforest, Sinharaja is home to many of the island’s endemic animals despite its relatively small size (21km x 7km),including the rarely seen Sri Lankan leopard sub species. Other large mammals found in the rainforest are Sambur, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Jackal, Fishing Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat and Wild Boar.

Sinharaja is a muggy and mysterious land of dense vegetation which means that sightings of the animals that roam this rainforest are rare. More common than sightings are the sounds of the creatures moving through the vegetation: leaves rustling as a mongoose burrows through the undergrowth; the Purple-Faced Langur calling as it swings through the trees; a chorus of frogs as the sun begins to set, and cawing birds echoing through the canopy above.

The rainforest is comprised of lofty, straight trees which tower about 40m above the ground and is also home to a wide variety of flora, including 66% endemic tree species and a variety of beautiful tropical plants. Trek through this verdant alien landscape and listen to the many creatures which are hidden just out of sight – an utterly rewarding and tranquil escape.