Sinharaja
&
Kitulgala
Snapshot
The magnificent Sinharaja rainforest and the village of Kitulgala, which is popular for white water rafting, are situated in the western foothills, sandwiched between the west coast and the central highlands. This is an area of rolling hills, tropical rain forests and winding rivers. The Sinharaja tropical rainforest is renowned as a hotspot for birdlife. Ratnapura, is on route to Sinharaja and is home to a long-established gem industry. The sleepy riverside village of Kitulgala owes its popularity to the Kelani River which offers Grade 3 and 4 rapids for rafting.
Weather
The Sinharaja Reserve has a wet equatorial climate and, in common with the south west highlands which it fringes, is one of the wettest part of Sri Lanka. Dryest months are January to March and July to September. Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons which generally means that there is good weather somewhere. The main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west and south-west coasts and hills largely between May and July. The north-east (“maha”) monsoon hits the east coast predominantly from November to January. There is also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather in October.
Highlights
- Trek in Sinharaja’s tropical rainforest
- Spot unique ‘mixed-species’ bird flocks of the Sinharaja
- Go white water rafting or canoe and mountain bike in Kitulgala
- Camp at the edge of the winding Kelani River
- Take a magical night-time climb up the sacred Adam’s Peak
- Visit gem mines in Ratnapura
Getting There
Sinharaja Rainforest can be variously accessed from Colombo, Kandy, Uda Walawe and the south. Kitulgala is on the A7 and can be reached directly from Colombo, Kandy or the highlands. A two-hour drive east from Kitulgala takes you to Hatton, Adam’s Peak, Dickoya and Nuwara Eliya in the Hill country.
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is a 2,234m mountain that is a sacred pilgrimage site for people of many faiths. The climb to the summit is possible from December to April and is recommended for the active walker. (also see Hill Country). Ratnapura is the starting point for the south-western route to Adam’s Peak via Gilimale and Sri Palabaddala. Fewer tourists make this longer, but equally well-marked and well-lit, seven-hour climb.
Kitulgala
Kitulgala offers rafting on Grade 3 and 4 rapids down the Kelani River. Travel through jungle-clad hills and plantations growing low-country tea and rubber. Just across the Kelani River is a small, lush primeval forest, home to about 54 rare species of birds, including the indigenous white owl. Jungle trekking, outdoor camping, and mountain biking is also possible.
Ratnapura
Ratnapura is home to a long-established gem industry. It is here that villagers from the surrounding gem fields gather to sell their precious stones to local gem merchants, international traders and tourists. In Sri Lanka, traditional jewellery worn by local women is set in 22 carat gold and is considered a valuable investment and a basic accessory. According to tradition, even the poorest of families will want to purchase a pair of gold earrings for a new-born girl.
Saman Devala
The Saman Devala in Ratnapura hosts an annual Perahera on the full-moon Poya day of July or August. This pageant displays traditional folklore, music and the rhythmic dance forms of the Sabaragamuwa region. Dancers, drummers, Chieftains in traditional attire, and elephants dressed in glittering cloaks are all part of this colourful pageant
Sinharaja tropical rainforest
Sinharaja tropical rainforest. Dense, dark, muggy and mysterious, this lowland forest extending over 110 sq kms teems with life. Tall trees with rustling leaves; gigantic ferns and wild orchids; gushing waterfalls and gurgling streams; creaking crickets and butterflies fluttering by – all nature’s wonders, untouched by man. This biological treasure trove has numerous species of unique fauna and flora, not found anywhere else in the world.
Birding in Sinharaja
Birding in Sinharaja is best during November to March, April and August. Spot the Mixed Species Feeding Flocks and other forest birds, Sinharaja is particularly renowned as a hotspot for birdlife; 34 out of 36 bird species endemic to Sri Lanka are found here
History
The significance of the Sinharaja tropical rainforest was recognized in 1989 when UNESCO declared it a protected World Heritage Site. The Sabaragamuwa province, in which Sinharaja sits, is of great archeological importance with the discovery of Stone Age settlements in Balangoda. Considered to be the earliest settlement on the island, the excavated artefacts are displayed in the National Museums of Ratnapura and Colombo. Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak, is a significant place of worship for devotees of many faiths. Buddhists believe that Sri Pada is one of three sacred locations on the island that was visited by Lord Buddha. Each year, thousands of devotees and a steady trickle of travellers climb to the top of this sacred mountain during the season from December to April.
Dine at your hotel
Sinharaja and Kitulgala is a region praised for its beauty and abundance of plants and animals, but its remote location means it is not one of Sri Lanka’s culinary hotspots. We recommend dining at your hotel during your stay here.
Snapshot
Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. There is a sense of renewed ambition now that peace has been restored to Sri Lanka, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own. Ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with modern hotels springing up into the skyline. Street bazaars buzz right next to a few modest shopping malls. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo might be mildly chaotic at times but it has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.
Weather
Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons which generally means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island. Global warming has made weather patterns less reliable, but essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west (including Colombo) and south-west coasts and hill country largely between May and July. The less severe north-east (“maha”) monsoon hits the east coast – including the cultural triangle – predominantly from November to January. There is also an inter-monsoonal period of unsettled weather preceding the Maha monsoon in October during which heavy rainfall can occur anywhere across the island, Colombo very much included.
Art Galleries
Permanent collections & temporary art exhibits of Sri Lankan artists are held regularlyat the National Art Gallery, Sapumal Foundation, the Lionel Wendt, Barefoot Art Gallery and ParadiseRoad Gallery Café.
History
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and lies alongside the present administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Colombo’s port was influential as early as the 5 th century when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels. Many nations fought for the island’s treasures including Arab settlers in the 8C, followed by the Portuguese, the Dutch and, finally, the British who captured Colombo in 1796. This era of western domination ended peacefully with independence in 1948, followed by a separatist war fought by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) that lasted 25 years. Terrorism was eradicated in 2009, bringing hopes of a lasting peace. Throughout it all, the city of Colombo remained relatively stable and, as well as the majority Sinhalese, Moors, Tamils, Burghers, Chinese, and Malay populations contribute towards its colourful fabric.
Food in Colombo
Food is a highlight of Colombo. The city boasts a wide range of fantastic cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, whilst smaller eateries serve local hawker-style favourites like string hoppers, lamprais and biryani, as well as spicy pastries including Chinese rolls, seeni-sambol buns and fish patties which are collectively known as short-eats. Some of the best street food is foundon the seafront at Galle Face Green, including delicious koththu roti and isso wade (prawn dumplings).
For a more in-depth experience of local fare, go on our Colombo Street Food Walk.
For a selection of our favourite cafés, bars and restaurants in Colombo, see our Colombo Restaurants Guide. Further recommendations can be found in our comprehensive Booking Information.
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