SINGARAJA RAINFOREST RESERVE

Sinharaja Forest Reserve  is a National Park and a biodiversity HOTSPOT in Sri Lanka. This National Park is of  international significance as it has been dsignated as a Biosphere Reserce and a World Heritage SIte by UNESCO.

The reserve is only 21km from East to West  and about 7km from North to South. Yet this forest is a treasure trove of many endemic species which include trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and animals.

I have the privilege to visit this great place for the third time.   Last week,  Chanaka  graciously took  me there with his scrambler which is about 45 km from Runakanda.  It was a rough ride, my first on a scrambler though undulated road, but was an exciting and memorable  ride.

Some of the key Birds spotted there are endemic to Sri Lanka. The Trail is pretty easy, just like Panti if any of you are familiar with. But No vehicles are allowed from the Visitor's Center. It was an easy few kilometers hike to the end of the trail which is a research center.

The Birds are somewhat unusually friendly. The first bird we spotted was the endemic Sri Lankan spotted Winged Thrush.  Beautiful but closely camoflaghed to the ground and surroundings. This bird amazed us by hoping close to us unafraid, to our surprise.

Other Birds spotted are:

 The Endemic Sri Lankan Blue Magpie. 

At times, it came quite close that I had to quickly removed my 1.4 extender so that I can get a full frame of the bird. This blue magpie is very gorgeous.

The Ceylon Jungle Fowl

This male is unusually friendly and again came quite close to us.

The  Ceylon Frogmouth

Our Guide was resourceful and helpful. He disappeared into the narrow thick muddy trail and then ushered us that he had spotted a beautify pair of Ceylon Frogmouth, cuddling asleep together.

We were fortunate to have an alert Guide for this trip, Had not for him, we would not be able to spot the Malabar Trogon way up high.  Though it is a record shot,  I certainly hope to have a closer view of this beautiful bird.

We wish we had more time t spend in this place. These were but few of the star birds shot that day. We had to rush back to Runakanda before it gets dark... Nevertheless, I will certainly be back.  

Singaraja Rainforest Reserve a United Nation World Heritage Site is a MUST visit