subject: Sinharaja Forest- Admire the Beauty of the Tropics [print this page] Sinharaja Forest- Admire the Beauty of the Tropics
Although many would classify Sri Lanka as a small island nation, there is much to see and experience here that are simply fascinating. Closely tied to Buddhist religious beliefs and traditions, this little island in the Indian Ocean is proud of its cultural heritage and illustrious history. In addition to the country's nature-related attractions, visitors will come across an amazing variety of historical sites, ancient temples and museums. While the northern section of the country was almost inaccessible in the past due to the internal conflict which lasted over two decades, the fighting has since come to an end and tourism is making a steady comeback.
The Sinharaja Rainforest located in the Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces of Sri Lanka is a bio-diversity hotspot which attracts hundreds of nature lovers on a regular basis. This magical rainforest is a safe haven for a number of animal species, some of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Although most of the surrounding areas of the forest is said to have been covered in greenery in years past, the commercial logging industry has consumed most of the trees, limiting the reach of the forest considerably. The area that remains of the forest today survived due to the fact that it was considered inaccessible. In 1978 however, it was named a World Biosphere Reserve which ensured the protection of the forest.
Although the name of the forest itself, Sinharaja, is derived from the meaning- the kingdom of the lion, the existence of lions in the forest remains a myth. As far as big cats are concerned, a handful of Sri Lankan leopards are suspected to inhabit the forest. These masters of camouflage are known to be notoriously difficult to spot, but chances are, you will hear of the odd sighting of a leopard from the locals who live along the borders of the reserve.
The entire forest covers an area of approximately 88.64 square kilometres and is a great place for bird watching.
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