Wet Zone
The Rainforest Ecolodge
The Rainforest Ecolodge is a unique property, comprising 16 individual chalets set upon stilts above dense rainforest. Situated in the Sinharaja Division of the Enselwatte Estate in Deniyaya. This plot of previously cultivated tea land borders the south-western fringe of the Sinharaja forest reserve. Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Biodiversity Hotspot as designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The lodge itself is the first in Sri Lanka, and fifth in the world, to receive the Leeds Platinum award for sustainable tourism. These titles highlight the importance of the forest reserve and hence the location of the Ecolodge in terms of its biodiversity as well as its fragility.
With a spectacular main lobby building, containing a lounge, bar and restaurant, guests can enjoy local cuisine r drinks overlooking the magical views of virtually undisturbed rainforest. The chalets also provide spectacular vistas, with each one having its own decking area. These aspects make the Ecolodge a unique opportunity to stay in great comfort, whilst being immersed in wild forest land.
Facilities
Each chalet has a bedroom, bathroom, living area and private deck. Tea and coffee facilities, personal safe, hairdryer and twin or queen beds upon request. The lobby has a restaurant, kitchen, bar and seating area, as well as an interpretation center and large decking.
Local Wildlife
Sinharaja has a high endemicity of trees, oddities such as the purple-faced leaf monkey, and is famed among birdwatchers for mixed feeding flocks and for protecting the majority of the island’s endemic bird species. There are 147 bird species, and of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds, the 21 rainforest species all occur here, including red-faced malkoha and green-billed coucal. Reptiles often seen are the hump-nosed lizard and green pit viper and there are a large variety of tree frogs. Sinharaja is a priceless and rare natural jewel.
Optional Activities
There are great opportunities for birdwatching, nature trails and trekking through the rainforest from the Ecolodge. Additionally, relax with a dip in the natural pool nestled in the forest, or even indulge in some fish therapy, for feet tired from trekking!
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Sri Lanka tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Our guide was excellent being knowledgeable, interesting, trustworthy and a good travel companion. I would unhesitatingly recommend him to your future clients. Yala was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour and from a wildlife point of view exceeded our expectations. My wife and I have had a thoroughly enjoyable two weeks in Sri Lanka. Everything ran smoothly and there were no major faults. Astounding scenery and wildlife, friendly people and delicious food.
We will certainly consider using Reef and Rainforest again. Thank you for putting together a wonderful itinerary which covered all our needs in the time available. A return visit to see other parts of the island will be on our list!