A World Heritage Site, Sinharaja’s primary and secondary forests are shrouded by rain clouds on most days. Home to half of the island’s endemic mammals and butterflies, and the world’s largest mixed species bird flocks, Sinharaja is a mecca for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Sinharaja is a primeval forest of about 20,000 acres, untouched by man till recent times. The rainforests occupy a broad ridge at the heart of the island’s wet zone. The only way to explore is by foot, led by expert naturalist guides through slippery trails, finding a wealth of stunning plant, bird and animal life.
Sinharaja acts as a gigantic sponge, absorbing rain water and releasing it gradually to feed the numerous streams. Tributaries of two large rivers, the Kalu Ganga and Gin Ganga originate from Sinharaja.
A large proportion of endemic species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibia and fishes is also found in Sinharaja, including as many as 30 of the island’s 33 endemic bird species. A significant proportion of plant species in Sinharaja is endemic, including many medicinal plants.
The park is home to a wide range of birdlife including orioles, babblers, the orange minivets and rare Sri Lankan blue magpie. You may also see bear faced monkeys, mongoose, barking deer and sambar.
In 1971, plans to exploit Sinharaja for timber were announced, and led to protests, with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society carrying out a relentless campaign. Selective logging was well on the way when in 1977 a new government was elected to office, and in one of its first acts called a halt to the operations. The loggers departed, leaving the forest to regenerate itself. Even after these years, some scars are still visible.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tropical rainforests such as Sinharaja are known to host one of avian world’s great spectacles –mixed species bird flocks. Moving around in a large flock helps birds flush out insects for easier feeding, and provides security and protection against predators. These flocks have a fascinating social structure, and behave like a super organism with specific roles assigned to certain species.
According to long running research on Sinharaja’s mixed species bird flocks revealed that these are the largest bird flocks in the world, averaging around 12 species and 42 individual birds in a flock, although flocks have been known to contain up to a mind-boggling 60 different species, including up to 6 or more endemics.
Bird waves traverse the forest devouring plant and animal matter in their path. The numerous individuals compete for food, feasting on the insects flushed out by the disturbance caused by the flock.
Bird waves also provide security in numbers. A bird wave can deter or even mob a predator. Individuals benefit from the dilution effect, by reducing their chances of being the unlucky ones to be taken by predators. These birds have worked out that the benefits of foraging in a bird wave outweigh costs.
There are several trails of various lengths and abilities in the lush rainforest, including some leading to gushing waterfalls where one can enjoy a good soak to soothe tired legs.
Walkers need to be aware that leeches love these damp conditions, so the use of leach socks is advised.
We enjoyed our walk up to the waterfall and enjoyed a dip under sunny skies, but the clouds gathered after lunch leading to a torrential downpour that made the heart sing with sheer joy. This was a rainforest at its most primitive and literal. Tracks that were dry just a short while ago became streams of gushing water soaking my ankles.
We managed to keep leech damage to bare minimum taking precautions. The kids understandably decided that the soaking and the leeches made it the least enjoyable experience of our trip, but we all agreed it was an unforgettable adventure nevertheless.
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