Hike one of two nature trails in Sinharaja Forest Reserve

 What: Covering 189-square-kilometres of primary and modified forest, the Sinharaja Rain Forest was declared a World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1989. Ranging in altitude from 300-metres to 1,170-metres, it’s bounded by some of the country’s most famous rivers: the Koskulana Ganga in the north, and the Gin Ganga in the south. As you’d expect, it’s teeming with wildlife: nearly 500 out of the island’s indigenous plants, 17 of its native bird species, and eight of its endemic mammals call this place home (including giant squirrel, dusky-stripped jungle squirrel, badger mongoose, endemic purple-faced leaf monkey, and torque macaque). Due to the sheer density of the forest, access is only on foot - and always accompanied by a ranger or guide. December through April is the best time to due to lesser rainfall and the presence of migrating birds. It’s also the best time for hikers to hit one of the two enlightening nature trails leading to the peaks of Moulawella or Sinhagala (both begin at the Kudawa Conservation Centre).

Don’t miss: The 8.5-kilometre Sinhagala Nature Trail to Sinhagala Peak takes between five and seven hours (the view from the summit is the most rewarding bit and well worth the strenuous climb) while the gentler 2.4-kilometre Mulawella Nature Trail to Mulawella Peak takes around one to two hours. Hikers should note that both trails are heavily infected with leaches so it’s essential to wear anti-leech socks made from tightly-woven fabric (also carry a good leech repellent).

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