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DateLine Friday, 13 February 2009

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Sinharaja

Where beauty grows:

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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