There are a number of approach roads to Sinharaja Rain Forest and the best way of getting there is to find out if there is an excursion being organized by a local group such as (lie Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka. The other way is to hire a chauffeur guide through a travel agent specializing in adventure tours. The route starts from Benzoate via Mathugama and joins up with the, Baduraliya, Kalawana, Waddagala to Kudawa road. Maps arc virtually useless, so you will have to rely on the local knowledge of your chauffeur-guide to get you there and back.

The name of the forest is steeped in legend. 'Sinha' means lion and 'raja' means king. It may be that the forest once belonged to a royal dynasty or even that lions roamed here, but neither king nor beasts remain today. Like other rainforests in the world it was in danger of disappearing altogether until conservationists and scientists highlighted its importance. The forest is the largest and relatively undisturbed area of lowland rain forest in the country and spreads over 9,000 hectares. It is 13 miles (21 km) in length, 4 VI miles (7 km) at its widest point and 2 miles (3 km) at its narrowest point. Many rare plants grow here and over 60 per cent of the tree species are endemic.

In 1989 it was included in UNESCO's prestigious list of World Heritage Sites and in spite of administrative difficulties and a shortage of funds educational programmers on ecology and conservation are being conducted for schoolchildren. villagers and the general public.

Some fifty-two villages lie in and around the forest and access
is by road, tracks and footpaths. From Kudawa you have to go by foot to reach the entrance of the forest where there is a Forestry Department bungalow. There are three unmarked footpaths from the bungalow. The western path follows a river towards Pitakale. The southern path leads towards the field Research Station about 3 miles (5 km) away.

The third path follows the river cast towards Kelalapatala. Be prepared to encounter leeches, among the varied flora and fauna. Take your own food and water and be prepared for wet weather. Rain falls heavily throughout the year although December to March appears to be the 'driest' months.