Rainforest Eco Lodge
Sinharaja

On the edge of the Singharaja Rainforest, hidden amongst the trees and rolling tea hills, is the the Rainforest Eco Lodge. This area was previously cultivated tea land and borders the south-western fringe of the Sinharaja forest reserve. Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It has the richest biodiversity in Sri Lanka and is an area of great importance for wildlife and conservation not only in Sri Lanka but across Southern Asia. This makes the Rainforest Eco Lodge the perfect stop on an itinerary for birding enthusiasts and eco tourists, and just over a 3-hour drive from Galle, makes an easy addition to a Sir Lanka tour.

The resort has 16 comfortable chalets situated just feet away from the edge of the rain forest and with breathtaking views of the forest canopy and tea estate. The chalets are made with natural recycled materials, and are reminiscent of bird hides, albeit far more sophisticated! Using bamboo wicker paneling for the walls and recycled railways sleepers for the floor and decking, the chalets blend perfectly with their environment and you feel almost like you are camping, but with modern comforts of home. Each chalet consists of a bedroom, en suite bathroom, and a living area that leads outside to a private viewing deck. Rooms come in double or twin rooms set up.

In the communal area there is a lounge, reading room, and bar, all in the same natural style as the rooms, and one main restaurant. All have tea plantation and jungle views and the restaurant is open sided so that you can hear the sounds of the rain forest day and night. Cuisine here is locally sourced from a neighbouring village, and meat and seafood brought from Galle, so menus are fresh and tasty, and they serve their signature traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

Excursions here are all about exploring the terrain and spotting wildlife. Guided excursions include nature walks for bird watching and butterfly observation, jungle treks, tea plantation and factory visits, a day trip out to Hathmale waterfall, visit mountain temples and local village communities, or for a more relaxing experience you may go to a natural pool in the middle of the jungle for a swim. There are many areas of natural beauty to discover in this incredible and unique corner of Sri Lanka and the Rainforest Eco Lodge makes for a wonderful stay and complete immersion into nature.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson