Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve adds a very different kind of World Heritage experience to a Sri Lanka itinerary. UNESCO identifies it as the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, with high tree endemism and exceptional endemic wildlife, especially birds. Visits are usually guided walks through humid forest rather than safari drives, so the reward is in close observation: mixed-species bird flocks, amphibians, giant trees, streams, and forest sound. Conditions are wet for much of the year, and leech socks, patience, and a local guide make the visit much better.