Dawn breaks gently over the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and with it comes a rising chorus of birdsong that has, in recent weeks, drawn an unprecedented stream of visitors to the Kalawana–Kudawa entrance of Sri Lanka’s famed rainforest.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, already treasured for its biodiversity, is now at the height of its spring season and birdwatchers from here and abroad are seizing the moment.
Forest officers say the surge in arrivals is no coincidence. With evening showers becoming routine, mornings have turned into a spectacle of movement as dozens of bird species forage deeper into the forest. Endemic birds, longtime residents of Sinharaja, mingle with migratory visitors, offering a rare double treat for enthusiasts armed with binoculars and cameras.
“This is the best time for nature lovers,” said Sinharaja Forest Warden S.D. Nimal, pausing as a mixed-species flock fluttered overhead. “You can easily spot flocks with 20 or 30 species, sometimes even more. The forest is lush, the streams are flowing, and flowers are in full bloom. Sinharaja is especially beautiful during this season.”
With bird watching emerging as the primary draw, forest officials are advising visitors to plan more than just a day trip.
Not all flocks reveal themselves at once — and many of the forest’s most vibrant displays, including the blooming of the endemic nelu plants, are best appreciated in the early morning light.
The increased rainfall has revived streams and waterfalls throughout the reserve, painting a vivid backdrop for those wandering under its dense canopy. Carpets of forest flowers line the trails, and the air rings with birdsong even before first light.
Tour guide P. Gunaratne, who has been leading groups through Sinharaja for years, says the timing could not be better.
“We’re in the last quarter of the year, when both endemic and migratory birds arrive,” he explained. “The rains are tapering off, and tourists are coming in large numbers. From the moment you step inside, you hear the birds. It’s even better if you start your walk early in the morning.”
Gunaratne urged school groups, nature lovers and foreign travelers alike to explore the forest while it is at its seasonal peak.
As visitor numbers continue to climb, the Forest Conservation Office is encouraging the public to experience the rainforest’s full splendour — responsibly. For many, the allure is simple: the chance to witness nature at its purest.
Sinharaja, with its shimmering streams, blooming nelu, and vibrant bird-life, is offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s most enchanting seasonal performances — and for now, the forest seems to be calling louder than ever.
Text and Pix By Upendra Priyankara Jathungama
Wild flowers
Sri Lanka spurfowl
A spider