Treasures of Sinharaja

'And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul' - Unknown.

Sinharaja Rain Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is one of the last untouched rainforests in Sri Lanka. This lush sanctuary is a surviving fragment of the vast forest that once blanketed the island’s southwest wet zone. Teeming with life, Sinharaja is home to an incredible array of endemic species—from vibrant birds to unique reptiles, insects, and plant life. For any true nature enthusiast, a visit here is an absolute must.

Located around 120 km from Colombo, Sinharaja is an ideal site for a day visit. If you leave early from Colombo, it only takes around 2+ hours to get to the location. Thus, if one leaves Colombo around 3.30 - 4.00 AM, one will get there in time for the sunrise and flocks of birds.

(Link: Learn more about the Sinharaja forest reserve)

Although it's amazing to be inside the forest, if you are interested in photographing birds of Sinharaja, the outskirts of the forest reserve provide better opportunities than the thick heart of the jungle. There are human settlements and clearings on the boundary of the forest, and one can walk along these paths to observe the different bird species.

Rain-forest is a daunting place to observe birds and photograph. To find elusive bird species, one have to call upon someone with knowledge of the area, behaviour of birds and potential locations to scout for certain bird species. Thus, I rely on 'Thilak', one of the independent local birding guides, who is fantastic. He has been taking people to see Sinharaja for years and posses extensive knowledge on where to look for different species.

(If anyone is interested, I can provide his contact number. Please contact me.)

During multiple trips to Sinharaja, I have been lucky to see a myriad of both endemic and other bird species. Among them, the endemic and increasingly rare Green-billed Coucal holds a special place.

The sight of a couple of rare and endemic White-throated Flowerpeckers in the morning sun sets the mood for a whole day of clicking.

On certain days, if the weather holds, one encounters the famous mixed-species feeding flocks of Sinharaja. Usually led by fearless Sri Lanka Crested Drongos, these flocks have many different species feeding at different layers of the forest all following one another for mutual benefit.

Among Sri Lanka’s many endemic birds, the Red-faced Malkoha stands out for its striking beauty. Elusive and rarely seen in the open, these birds spend most of their time hidden within the dense canopy, making them exceptionally difficult to photograph. I was incredibly fortunate to capture one in all its majestic splendor.

The forest in the morning is buzzing with activity. Flocks of endemic Orange-billed Babblers make a lot of noise as they move from one bush to another on the forest floor and among the understorey layer.

Scattered along the forest's edge are small houses that offer excellent vantage points for wildlife observation and photography, especially since capturing shots deep within the forest can be quite challenging. Locals know of several key hotspots nearby where various species are known to frequent, including the elusive Sri Lanka Spurfowl.

The Sri Lanka Spurfowl, a ground-dwelling species, is notoriously shy and alert. At the slightest sound or movement, it disappears in a flurry into the dense undergrowth. Over five separate attempts, I came agonizingly close to capturing it on camera, only to be met with disappointment each time. But on my sixth try, during an overcast morning on the Sinharaja forest's edge, my persistence finally paid off. The beauty of the couple made it all worth the effort.

The Sri Lankan Blue Magpie is one of the island’s most iconic and charismatic birds. With its dazzling plumage and mischievous personality, it has earned fame far beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. At Sinharaja, encounters with these striking birds are almost guaranteed—they’re as bold as they are beautiful.

On my first visit, after a rewarding morning spent spotting a variety of endemic and resident bird species, the focus shifted to owls as evening approached. Following a longer trek through the forest, we finally came upon a stunning sight—an endemic Chestnut-backed Owlet perched high above, quietly surveying the world below.

Later that same evening, after pushing our way through dense undergrowth for what felt like an eternity, we stumbled upon a pair of the strange and fascinating Sri Lanka Frogmouths. The encounter perfectly captured the challenge of photographing in the thick jungle—finding a clear angle amidst the tangled vegetation while being careful not to disturb the birds is no easy task.

Thrushes have a special place in my heart—they’re among the rarer and more elusive birds to photograph in Sri Lanka. The Spot-winged Thrush is somewhat more commonly seen in Sinharaja, while the Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush remains a true prize for birders. Spotting one requires venturing deep into the forest reserve and hoping for gloomy, rainy weather—perfect conditions for them to emerge and forage for ground-dwelling worms.

Among the many vibrant parrot species in Sri Lanka, two endemic gems often spotted in Sinharaja are the Layard's Parakeet and the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot—each showcasing their own distinct and striking coloration. While not endemic, the Plum-headed Parakeet is also a resident of the forest. So far, I’ve only managed to photograph them from a distance during my visits.

Tracking down some of the rarer, endemic bird species of Sinharaja takes a mix of determination, patience, and a little luck. That’s where Thilak’s expertise truly shines. One of the more elusive birds to photograph is the White-faced Starling. Both endemic and endangered, these striking birds usually stay hidden high in the upper canopy, seldom coming down. After numerous attempts, I finally managed to get a few good shots. The one with the ant mid-fight is especially memorable.

The dance of light and shadow across the forest floor and canopy sets the stage for some truly stunning shots. If you're heading to Sinharaja in pursuit of captivating photographs, be prepared to get low, get messy, and fully immerse yourself in the undergrowth—it's all part of the adventure.

While my interests are focused on birding, Sinharaja forest holds many other fascinating flora and fauna that you come across. A significant number of them are endemic to the island.

As the mist settles and birdsong fades into the twilight, Sinharaja leaves you with more than just photographs—it offers a deeper connection to nature, a sense of wonder, and the quiet thrill of discovery. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply a curious traveler, the forest has a way of drawing you in, reminding you that in the stillness of the trees and the flutter of wings, there’s a whole world waiting to be seen—if only you take the time to look.