The Sinharaja tropical rainforest, located a couple of hours inland from the west coast, is a biological treasure trove which provides diverse habitats for numerous species of endemic fauna and flora not found anywhere else in the world.  The reserve covers an area of about 11,000 hectares of lowland rainforest and is a valuable storehouse of scientific knowledge.  Its international significance was recognised in 1978 when UNESCO declared it an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. In 1989 it became a protected World Heritage Site.

Dense, dark, muggy and mysterious, Sinharaja is teeming 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.  Apart from the very distinct atmosphere, which is created by this great cacophony of noise and movement, Sinharaja is particularly renowned as a hotspot for birdlife. 34 out of 36 bird species endemic to Sri Lanka are found here and should your tracker manage to find you one of the ‘mixed hunting flocks’ all you will need to do is stand and savour.  Trekking through this bewildering land of exotic colours and wonderful sounds is an experience of a lifetime.

Accommodation, which is in harmony with nature, is available in close proximity to the Sinharaja.   The Rainforest Edge offers rustic style high above the beautiful rolling hills of Waddagala. Boulder Gardens – where winding steps takes you around trees with long roots, rock pools, and hills strewn with boulders – offers nature at your fingertips amidst unexpected luxury.

• Whitewater Rafting - Kitugala, a sleepy village in the foothills of the highlands, is the main location for rafting in the island. The damn-controlled river offers Grade Three/Four rapids suitable for beginners and intermediates. A two-hour trip includes several sections of fast-flowing rapids and slower sections where you float past jungle-clad mountains. The beautiful setting is recognisable from the Oscar-winning classic ‘The Bridge Over the River Kwai’.
  
• Sinharaja Rainforest - Moist and muggy, murky and mysterious, an experience of Sinharaja is like nothing else in Sri Lanka. Trek through this magnificent jungle, the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest on the island, with an experienced guide. From top to bottom the forest is teeming with life, whether it be gushing waterfalls, gurgling streams, ants marching, leaves rustling, leeches waiting (you’ve been warned!), crickets creaking or butterflies fluttering. Exploring Sinharaja is one of Sri Lanka’s true rewards.
  
• Uda Walawe National Park - Uda Walawe, in Sri Lanka's south-central sector, is the area which most resembles an African game park. Wildlife reports say there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Leopards, buffalo, deer and sloth bears keep them company along with mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, water monitor lizards and crocodiles.