Sinharaja
Where beauty grows:
Ganga PRADEEPA
SINHARAJA rain forest is known as one of the few virgin forests left
in the world. Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the
country’s last viable area of primary tropical rain forest.
More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are
considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, the
reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of
mammals, butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and
rare amphibians.
To enter the sprawling forest reserve you are required to be
accompanied by an accredited Wildlife Department Guide. We entered from
the Kalawana area and walked 6 km inside.
A creek at Sinharaja |
A trek along prescribed paths would provide it with a
never-to-be-forgotten experience of sights and sounds. The forest has
tall trees growing in close proximity, but winding paths made it easy to
walk along the forest.
The clear cut roads in the jungle provided easy access within the
forest for nature lovers.
Sinharaja (11,250 ha), is the jewel in the crown of the last
remaining virgin rain forest in country. This is a very good place to
see many endemic birds such as Ceylon Lorikeet, Layard’s parakeet,
Jungle and Spur Fowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Grey Hombill, Spotted wing
Thrush, Rufous and Brown-capped Babbler, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush,
Ceylon Blue Magpie, White Headed Starling, Ceylon Hill Mynah, Legge’s
Flower pecker and many more.
Most of the plants in Sinharaja are endemic. Over 60% of the
country’s endemic plant species can be found within the boundaries of
Sinharaja. The forest also shelters a large variety of wild orchids,
epiphytes and lianas.
Apart from its ecological and biodiversity value its scenic beauty is
also invaluable. This magnificent rain forest is also a home for a large
number of butterflies. If you are lucky enough you can experience the
tropical monsoon inside the forest, which will be an unforgettable
experience.
It is desirable that visitors to the forest be conscious about the
need to conserve forests such as Sinharaja. Allow yourself sufficient
time to roam about within this nature. Preserve. I’m sure, you can enjoy
its beauty and majesty whether you be a photographer, artist, scientist
or a mere nature lover.
Visitors are required to obtain permits from the Wildlife Department
in order to visit this sanctuary. “There are 16 guides who work in
Sinharaja rain forest. But unfortunately all the guides are not in the
permanent cadre and several times we requested the Wildlife Department
to make our appointments permanent. There is a roster for us.
If a group comes the guide can earn 500 rupees. But there are days
that we suffer due to the fewer number of groups,” said Sinharaja rain
forest officer K.D.Praghnaratne.
The Future
Today the Sinharaja stands as a symbol of inspiration for
conservationists and scientists in Sri Lanka. Within the course of ten
years, this patch of forest once threatened with total destruction has
been transformed into a productive natural resources research
laboratory.
Scientific and economic reasons have now been brought in to justify
its conservation. No less important are the aesthetic reasons. The
impressive beauty and rich vitality of the forest are also reasons why
the Sinharaja needs to be protected.
Recognition of all these factors has led to the present protected
state of the Sinharaja today. It is hoped that a similar fortunate fate
awaits the other forests of the wet-montage regions and coastal lowlands
of Sri Lanka, such as the Peak Wilderness, the Horton Plains, the
Knuckles rangers and the Hinidum Kanda.
We must love nature because we can’t live without it. We can’t even
breathe, eat or drink without nature. So let’s start to plant a tree and
help protect our motherland.
Rain Forest Edge
Sri Lankan traditional way of life
Rain Forest Edge |
Rain Forest Edge is the perfect nature hideout to enjoy your holiday
in Sri Lankan traditional way of life with true Sri Lankan hospitality,
and as the name says it, Rain Forest Edge is close to the
internationally famed rain forest reserve of Singharaja.
The Rain Forest Edge guests are greeted and treated as part of a
family rather than a guest. If you are a nature lover and value the
village lifestyle, and look to experience some of their lifestyle,
you’ve got there!
Located in Kalawana, at Weddagala junction this hotel was situated on
a peak of the tea estate having seven standard rooms. The main view of
the hotel is a lush green tea estate and the mountain range.
Perhaps you like to take your meals the tropical way. They offer food
on clay pots and guests can taste some aesthetic food. This is an eco
friendly resort which was started in 2006.
“The energy source is a unique combination of solar energy and main
electricity is lanterns. To keep in harmony with nature, the rooms are
not equipped with television. Our spa has inland treatments only” said
Operations Manager, Chalaka Wijesinghe. Sarathchandra Ramanayake is the
Managing Director.
You will learn the art of living in the easy-going way, gentle,
relaxed and carefree at the Rain Forest Edge at Weddagala. –GP
Valentine’s Day special events
Galle Face Hotel
‘Sea Spray’ seafood restaurant at Galle Face Hotel offers the catch
of the day from the Indian Ocean, a few steps away from the ocean for a
candle light dinner under the stars. 1864, the fine dining restaurant at
Galle Face Hotel will host a special dinner. The Veranda Restaurant will
offer a four-course dinner for ‘lovers’.
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Hilton Colombo
Hilton Colombo has come up with six options to choose from to suit
your budget. For a place to just dine the SPICES grand dinner buffet is
one option. Complimentary give aways for the lady. To impress that
special person try a stylish romantic 5 course set menu at SPOONS? Be
entitled in the lucky draw of the night where you could stay a night at
the lavish Presidential Suite inclusive of breakfast. Free entrance to
the Blue Elephant night- club too. IL PONTE, Hilton Colombo’s poolside
restaurant offers a romantic 5 course set dinner.
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