Sinharaja Rainforest is a world heritage site and major a eco tourism destination, which can also be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. Whatever its 'technical' name, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka's endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Trekking through this magnificent jungle, the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest on the island is an absolute treat. This houses an incredible array of flora and fauna (including a sum total of 73 endemic species of birds, butterflies, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians) making a world famous hotspot for biodiversity. Bird Watching in this ecosystem is particularly a wonderful experience as it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka. Named as a world heritage site in 1989 by UNESCO, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery.
The Knuckles Mountain Range (so-called because its appearance resembles a set of knuckles in a closed fist) is a major eco tourism venue of Sri Lanka and has been declared a conservation area, now known as the Knuckles National Heritage and wilderness area. The region stretches an impressive 155 sq km that contains five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery of Sri Lanka . It is a real paradise for those who love to hike or mountain bike, offering numerous mountainous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, and alongside terraced paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens. The chance to visit traditional small mountain villages in the area gives an interesting insight into the close-knit atmosphere that such a local community fosters and provides a welcome departure from fast-paced modern day life.
It lies at a height of more than 2,000 m in the central highland, the highest plateau in the country. This altitude means that it has a much cooler and windier climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka with an annual temperature of 16 C rather than the 27 C of the coasts. The grassy plains, which are interspersed with small patches of forest, are home to leopards, sambur, deer, bear, monkeys and a rich array of birds, including some endemic species. The Bakers falls is fantastic and the World's End is a sheer precipice with a 1,050 m drop. Early morning visits are essential to witness the wildlife and breathtaking view of sunrise. ark covers 31.60 km, and is a mixture of highland forest and wet grassland and the best way to explore the park is on foot, though the plains can also be explored by jeep.