Table of Contents
- SRI-LANKA JUNGLE TOURS
- How long does the forest tour in Sri Lanka last?
- What time of year is ideal for Sri Lanka Jungle Tours?
- Taking Jungle Tours in Sri Lanka to explore rainforests
- What are the twelve locations that make up the greatest forest tours in Sri Lanka?
- What are the primary differences of Sinharaja jungle tours?
- Sri Lankan rainforests for hikes and trips
- Taking a Sri Lanka Jungle Tour to Nuwara Eliya
- 1. Tours of the Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka
- What is encompassed in the Sinharaja Forest Tour itinerary?
- 2. Yala National Park jungle tours in Sri Lanka
- 3. Jungle tours in Sri Lanka: Horton Plains National Park
- 4. Tour of the Kitulgala Rainforest in Sri Lanka
- 5. Kandy jungle excursions and hikes
- 6. The mountain range of Knuckles
- What five forest hikes and trips are the most well-liked in Kandy?
- What time of year is best for jungle tours in Sri Lanka?
- Tour of the Sinharaja jungle
SRI-LANKA JUNGLE TOURS
Visitors can take Sri Lanka jungle tours to see a wide variety of tropical trees, plants, and animal species. While visiting locations like Dambana, where aborigines are still based, tourists on Sri Lankan jungle tours and hikes can discover historic native customs in addition to amazing wildlife encounters.
On their Sri Lanka Jungle Tours, visitors have a very excellent possibility of seeing animals including crocodiles, bears, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards, among many other species. whereas travelers experience a diverse array of flora and fauna, including birds, insects, spiders, geckos, orchids, and numerous more trees and plants, while on the Sri Lanka Jungle Tours. The fascinating and unforgettably memorable Sri Lankan jungle trips take place in national parks, natural reserves, and rainforests, as well as through fascinating mountain forests in high-altitude regions.
How long does the forest tour in Sri Lanka last?
The amount of time allotted for the journey and the passengers’ financial constraints determine how long Sri Lankan jungle trips last. One-day to seven-day Sri Lankan jungle tours are offered by tour companies like Seerendipity Tours, thus, allowing visitors to experience a variety of national parks and jungles. A few of the jungle tours that we arrange will visit historical sites, beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the length of the tour also grows with the number of activities included in the itinerary.
What time of year is ideal for Sri Lanka Jungle Tours?
The ideal time of year to visit the Sinharaja rainforest is generally during the summer monsoon, also known as the northeast monsoon, which runs from October to April. Sri Lanka’s weather is mostly controlled by the monsoon, which comes in two forms. 1) October through November are the north-east monsoons; 2) April through October are the south-west monsoons. The majority of Sri Lanka’s rain forests, including the Sinharaja rainforest, are found in the country’s west and south. Sri Lanka’s wet zone includes the western and southern Sri Lanka due to year-round heavy rainfall. Heavy rains frequently pummel southwest Sri Lanka, particularly during the southwest monsoon. Thus, October through November is the ideal time to visit if you’re thinking about taking a Sri Lankan jungle trip and want to explore the island’s jungles. Thus, in order to guarantee everyday sunshine, it’s also imperative that you plan your trip along the western or southern coast.
Taking Jungle Tours in Sri Lanka to explore rainforests
Tropical rainforests like the Knuckles and Sinharaja, covered by 2% of the planet’s surface and home to nearly 50% of all species. A ratio is species to space
A forest patch must fulfill several requirements in order to be classified as a rainforest, such as being dense and lush, growing on land in the tropics, and having a thick top canopy. The canopy layer and the emergent layer are the two main components of the upper canopy. The upper canopy is often dense, keeping the moist air “trapped” between the floor and the upper canopy and obstructing sunlight. The frequent and unexpectedly throng rains are another distinctive aspect of the jungle. The Sri Lankan rainforests receive about 5000 mm of rain annually.
The primary reason these enigmatic locations are called “rainforests” is because of their constant year-round dampness and humidity. Rainforests have an amazing, special microclimate that supports all living things at every step of their journey, from the jungle floor to the canopy. As a result, the diversity of wildlife in the rainforest is always at an extremely high level.
What are the twelve locations that make up the greatest forest tours in Sri Lanka?
- Sinharaja rain forest
- Yala National Park
- Horton Plains national park
- Kitulgala rain forest
- Kandy
- Knuckles Mountain range
- Udawattekele sanctuary
- Minneriya national park
- Ecopark
- Wilpattu national park
- Habarana
- Sigiriya
- Bentota
- Madu Estuary
What are the primary differences of Sinharaja jungle tours?
- Jeep Safari in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan jungle excursions
- boat excursions
Sri Lankan rainforests for hikes and trips
Sri Lanka has a large number of national parks and forested areas. Thus, there are more than two dozen national parks, wildlife reserves, and rainforests, and they are all home to a diverse range of plants and animals.
Certain jungles appear as though they are drawn straight out of the collective imagination of travelers. These are the enigmatic and thrilling worlds of Burroughs, Stevenson, and Kipling. Naturally, this has a convoluted history of colonialism, complete with anthropomorphized animals and a blatantly simplistic colonialist perspective on the indigenous people occupants of these stunning and eerie environments.
Putting all of that aside, though, a Sri Lankan jungle tour into any of these iconic forests will undoubtedly spark your inner adventurer as you set out to discover the reality beyond the legends and design your own journey.
Taking a Sri Lanka Jungle Tour to Nuwara Eliya
The roadway that runs from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya boasts breathtaking views of green-capped mountains, tea gardens, streams, waterfalls, and areas of forest. Travelers may not experience breathtaking beauty at the beginning of the voyage, but as they ascend the mountainous route and reach a higher, elevated region, they are met with breathtaking scenery. Travelers can see Mount Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain on the island and the highest point in Sri Lanka, at the highest point of this route, which is 1800 meters above sea level. There are various-sized tea plantations all around the peak.
Waterfalls, splotchy woods, vegetable plots, tea plantations, and mountains dominate the interior of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Thus, the area is home to a large number of hiking and trekking trails. There are fantastic hiking and trekking paths available throughout the highlands of the tea estate. The two primary locations for walking and hiking in Nuwara Eliya are the Horton Plains National Park and Galway Forest.
Since Nuwara Eliya is a small, relaxed town, there isn’t much going on in terms of good eating, shopping, discos, casinos, etc. Most of Nuwara Eliya exhibits signs of colonial influence, especially in the area surrounding Gregory Lake. Many of the colonial mansions surrounding Gregory Lake are on exhibit; most have been converted into hotels. Rich planters built these homes, which have a traditional English design, in the early eighteenth century. Following Sri Lanka’s 1948 separation from the British Empire, the affluent plantation owners gave all of their possessions to the natives and departed the nation.
1. Tours of the Sinharaja rainforest in Sri Lanka
All year round, visitors are drawn to the Sinharaja rainforest for activities such as bird watching, kayaking, and jungle hiking. For example, you can sign up for our year-round, private one-day Sinharaja rainforest excursion from Colombo, which includes a naturalist guide. Learn more about the one-day tour of the Sinharaja rainforest.
The Sinharaja rainforest tour is available for one or two days, departing from Colombo, and provides comprehensive information on the forest’s flora and animals. In addition to Colombo, most beach resorts on the southern and western coasts, as well as hotels in the hilly region, allow you to plan these excursions.
Because of its wide variety of indigenous plants and animals, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a haven for anyone planning a jungle walk in Sri Lanka. Both native and migratory birds congregate in the canopy, particularly from December to April. For this reason, anyone who likes birds should take a Sinharaja jungle tour. Sri Lanka nature excursions and Sri Lanka bird-watching tours include Sri Lanka jungle tours. Trekking through the Sri Lankan bush is occasionally a part of adventure travel.
When one hears the phrase “Sri Lanka jungle tours,” the Sinharaja rain forest immediately springs to mind because it is the most well-known rain forest in Sri Lanka. At the same time, the Sinharaja rain forest’s size and richness are unmatched by any other forest area on the island. Other locations that are ideal for a jungle trip in Sri Lanka are Knuckles Rain Forest, Horton Plains National Park, and Udawattakele Sanctuary. The Sinharaja rain forest is nevertheless the preferred destination for most tourists over the others due to its abundance of flora and fauna as well as its ease of accessibility.
Even now, scientists and researchers are working on never-ending efforts to identify new species that are sprouting from the Sinharaja jungle. Sinharaja serves as a reminder that much of the nation is still uncharted territory.
The Sinharaja rainforest, which spans 118425 acres throughout Sabaragamuwa, the southern and western province of Sri Lanka, is home to thousands of species and is the island’s largest and most ecologically diversified forest.
Although Sinharaja-based Sri Lankan forest trips have been around for a while, their popularity has increased significantly in the past ten years. It’s a double-edged sword: more visitors may help the rainforest become more well-known and raise awareness of its predicament, but they may also bring about a host of other issues.
The Sinharaja rainforest excursions offer a chance to draw attention to the hazards facing the forest and give guests information on how they may contribute. By visiting this delicate habitat as sustainably as possible, tourists can thus begin to contribute to this aim.
The best way to see the Sinharaja rainforest is by trekking through it. There are numerous possibilities for hikes, ranging in length from a few kilometers to several dozen kilometers.
What is encompassed in the Sinharaja Forest Tour itinerary?
- Sinharaja rain forest
- Dooli Ella Waterfall
- Aranuwa upper Waterfall
- Aranuwa lower Waterfall
The aforementioned locations are all found inside the boundaries of the rainforest and are classified as “important places to visit in Sinharaja ” But the Sinharaja jungle has a plethora of other fascinating locations.
2. Yala National Park jungle tours in Sri Lanka
When comparing the two-day Sri Lankan jungle trip at Yala National Park to the Sinharaja Rain Forest, a completely different impression is painted. From traversing through the forest to the animals and plants you see while on the tour, there are numerous differences between the two jungle tours. Maybe you also imagine Yala to be a Sinharaja-like dense forest. Though not as dense as the Sinharaja forest, Yala boasts a sizable population of trees, plants, and creepers. Yala is classified as a dry-zone forest by us. When compared to Sinharaja, the rainfall is significantly less.
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most well-known forest for wildlife jeep safaris. Every day, thousands of tourists go on jeep safaris in Yala, which is in the southern province of Sri Lanka. Thus, Yala Safari is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations and a significant source of revenue for the residents.
Yala provides tourists with a one-of-a-kind travel experience with its leopard tour. Every visitor to Yala National Park comes primarily to witness the large carnivore. Nowhere else in the world has made seeing leopards as simple as Yala when compared to the national parks worldwide; thus, Yala boasts the highest density of leopards.
For the Sri Lanka forest trip at Yala, visitors must obtain an entry permit and rent a jeep. There are two types of Yala Safari: the standard tour through the Yala jungle and the full-day tour. A full-day jungle trip lasts eight hours, while a standard excursion lasts roughly three hours.
To guarantee that you don’t pass up the opportunity to spot a leopard, we advise booking a full-day jungle excursion. Although it’s not a guarantee, visitors have the opportunity to encounter leopards even on the standard forest excursion. Other common creatures in Yala National Park include jackals, mungos, deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, and elephants.
3. Jungle tours in Sri Lanka: Horton Plains National Park
Wilbert Horton, the British governor of Ceylon from 1831 to 1837 (later known as the Horton Plains), entered Mahaeliya as per search, where he discovered himself in an unfamiliar world of shifting fog, sporadic sunlight filtering through, and small indigenous settlements hidden and exposed along the way. Situated on a flat between Sri Lanka’s second and third tallest mountains is Horton Plains National Park. The elevation of the forest varies from 1,200 to 2,300 meters.
There aren’t many mountain or cloud forest areas in Sri Lanka. The majority of other mountain forests are far smaller than Horton Plains National Park, which is the largest of its kind. Because fog covers these jungles for much of the day, they are called cloud forests. Only around midday is it possible to visit them; even then, a bank of fog lingers at canopy level. The finest spot to see cloud forests in Sri Lanka is Horton Plains, where visitors may go directly among the canopy and gain a firsthand understanding of how unique these rainforests are. The majority of Sri Lankan holiday packages designed for adventure seekers and environmental enthusiasts include Horton Plains.
4. Tour of the Kitulgala Rainforest in Sri Lanka
Take part in outdoor pursuits like whitewater rafting, caving, hiking through the rainforest, waterfall rappelling, canoeing, camping, and bird viewing. Many Sri Lankans regard the Kitulgala rainforest as their outdoor playground. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find a plethora of engaging activities in the relaxed countryside; thus, throughout the year, visitors are drawn to Kitulgala’s jungle. You can sign up for our nature guide-led, private one-day Kitulgala trip from Colombo, which includes a tour of the rainforest. Numerous exciting activities are included in the vacation, including a trip through the rainforest, whitewater rafting on the Kelaniya River, and bird watching.
The hanging bridge, which was built during the English colonial era (1796–1948), is a nice place to start while crossing the Kelaniya River and entering the Rainforest. It is situated near a rubber plantation a few kilometers north of Kitulgala town. Immediately after the hanging bridge comes the settlement, home to a few households. To access the rainforest, visitors must pass through the settlement. A two-hour guided jungle excursion takes place there.
5. Kandy jungle excursions and hikes
The capital of Sri Lanka’s hilly highlands, Kandy, is home to expansive tea plantations and jungles. There are hundreds of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls in Kandy. Kandy is conveniently close to several of the most well-liked hiking destinations in Sri Lanka, including Hantana and the Udawattakele Sanctuary. Hantana is a well-liked trekking destination, whereas Udawattakele is well-known for bird watching and forest tours in Sri-Lanka
For those looking for an unforgettable walk, we strongly advise scheduling a one-day hiking excursion to Hantana. It offers highly different walking conditions and a unique landscape. Thus, the Hantana mountain range flows down towards the beaches on the west coast and is situated on the western side of Kandy City.
With its abundance of trees and vegetation, the trekking path offers fantastic walking in a mystical setting that combines steep gorges, mountain ridges, large tea plantations, a rich valley full of vegetables, eucalyptus plantations, and remote hamlets. Even though the terrain is friendlier, there are still plenty of rewards and challenges to be faced.
The Hantana Plateau is a fascinating area of highland meadows that is particularly enjoyable from April to November, when it rains and the meadows are blanketed with wildflowers. Thus, the Hantana Trekking Route is less demanding than many other trekking routes in Sri Lanka’s hilly area, yet it still passes through beautiful little hamlets, secret gorges, and thick woods.
6. The mountain range of Knuckles
The Knuckles Mountain Range is now recognized as a natural world heritage site by UNESCO. One of the last surviving woodland areas in the central mountain range is this one. The largest forest in the central province of Sri Lanka, Knuckles, is a frequent stop on hill country excursions, adventure adventures, and nature tours in Sri Lanka.
Numerous native plant species can be found in the rough terrain of Knuckles. Knuckles Forest has one of Sri Lanka’s highest levels of biodiversity and is home to numerous indigenous species of both plant and animal life. One of the greatest locations in Kandy for hiking and natural exploration is Knuckles Forest.
The “Knuckles Mountain Range” is a range of mountains that, as its name implies, resembles a knuckle from a distance. Nine peaks and mountains, ranging in elevation from 1220 to 1900 meters above sea level, make up this mountain range.
The “Gombaniya” mountain range’s highest point is 1906 meters above sea level. Another significant catchment region on the island is the Knuckles Mountain Range, where the annual rainfall ranges from 2500 to 5000 mm. For example, the yearly precipitation in the eastern portion of Knuckles is approximately 5000 mm, whilst the northern half receives about 2500 mm.
These tributaries’ waters, which come from rainfall in the Knuckles Mountain Range, feed Mimura Oya, “Kalu Ganga,” or Black River, and Kote Ganga.
Knuckles Mountain offers amazing views, making it the perfect place to explore the natural world. This area is home to several well-known trekking destinations in Sri Lanka, which attract plenty of local and international hikers every day. The majority of the trails have campsites and are kept up nicely.
Among the well-traveled routes in the Knuckles Mountain Range are the Pitawala Pathana Nature Trail, Mini World End Track, Ash Cave Trail, Knuckles Summit Nature Trails, and Nitre Cave Trail. In addition to the routes already described, other small trails make for an exhilarating and delightful little walk through the neighboring communities.
What five forest hikes and trips are the most well-liked in Kandy?
- Knuckles Mountains Range Day hiking costs 80 USD per person and includes tea, mineral water bottles, lunch, forest admission fees, and a guide and assistant. This is a one-day tour that starts at the trailhead at 06.30 am and lasts roughly 10 hours.
- Day hiking in the Hanthana Mountains Range. The day hike costs seventy dollars per person, with an additional twenty dollars per person. Lunch, tea, mineral water bottles, and a guide and assistant are all included in the package. The commencement of this one-day excursion is at 06.30 a.m. starts from the trailhead and takes roughly ten hours.
- Trekking on Three Temples Culture Day. Hiking incurs a day fee of 70 USD per person plus an extra 20 USD for each extra person. This one-day tour begins at 07.30 a.m. and includes admission tickets to all temples, tea, mineral water bottles, lunch in the village, and a guide and assistant. It lasts roughly six hours.
- Farms Village in Kandy offers two days of hiking and one night of camping. Each participant pays USD 90 per day, which includes complimentary camping. Included in the package are tea, mineral water bottles, village dinners, camping accommodations, a guide, and an assistant. Starting at 07.30 a.m., the tour continues for two days.
- Riverston Knuckles: two days of hiking and one night of camping; admission is $110 USD per person per day, The camping is free of charge. This one-day excursion begins at 06.30 a.m. and includes all meals, mineral water bottles, tea, camping lodgings, entrance tickets to the forest, and a guide and assistant. starts from the trailhead and takes roughly ten hours.
What time of year is best for jungle tours in Sri Lanka?
The season doesn’t affect Sri Lankan jungle tours. However, if you plan to explore the jungle, we advise against going on wet days. It can be challenging to hike through the rain forest since, in addition to the muddy and treacherous jungle route, you will probably meet more leeches than usual. The southwest monsoon, which is Sri Lanka’s main rainy season, lasts from April to November and brings with it torrential rains that frequently fall on the majority of the country’s rain forests.
Tour of the Sinharaja jungle
Many beach lovers and leisure travelers from Colombo, the beaches of the west and south coast, and other locations reserve the Sri Lanka forest journey to Sinharaja. Local tour companies like Seerendipity trips arrange Sri Lankan forest trips because of the great demand. Since it is an essential component of the adventure trip, the majority of Sri Lankan adventure tours also involve exploring the Sinharaja rain forest. The 6-day adventure vacation that Seerendipity Tours offers, for example, comprises a Sri Lanka jungle tour that is based in the Sinharaja rain forest.