Explore Sinharaja Hike In Colombo: From Colombo-Negombo-Bentota-Kalutara

Are you looking for exciting adventures in Colombo? Look no further than the Sinharaja Hike! This wonderful hike can be found in the outback of the city and provides a great way to explore the beauty of the city and its surrounding areas.

The Sinharaja Hike is a moderate hike that spans from Colombo- Negombo-Bentota- Kalutara and back to Colombo again. If offers tourists an amazing opportunity to explore the lush locales of southeastern Sri Lanka. On this route you will encounter thick forests, tea plantations, stunning coastal scenes, and a multitude of wildlife species.

The trek typically takes around seven days, but you can pick and choose which sections you wish to do, depending on your fitness levels or time restrictions.

What to Do Before You Head Out

Before you take off on your Sinharaja hike, it’s important that you plan carefully. You need to consider everything from accommodation and transport to food, water and clothing.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a hotel or guesthouse then there are plenty to be found in Colombo and its surrounding areas. In all of the destinations on the route, there are guesthouses and family-run hotels that provide accommodation and other related services.

Transport

To get to the starting point of your Sinharaja hike, you need to arrange for a car or taxi service. This is usually quite affordable depending on where your starting point will be.

You can also opt for a bus or train service from Colombo city centre. Alternatively, you could book a private driver, who can take you all the way from Colombo to the end of your hike (if necessary).

Food & Water

With vegan, vegetarian and meat eater diets catered in abundance, you will have no problem sourcing food during your trek. Along the way, you will find tea stalls, small cafés and small family-run restaurants where you can purchase snacks and meals.

When it comes to water, make sure to bring along at least two liters to keep yourself hydrated. You can refill at various points along the route or purchase bottled water.

Clothing & Gear

When it comes to clothing and gear, you need to make sure that you bring only necessary items that are light and easy to carry (preferably in a backpack). Your clothing should be appropriate for both warm and cold days and nights, depending on how long your hike will be.

Be sure to bring sensible shoes (e.g. trainers) for trekking and an additional pair of shoes for any off-trail adventure which will require more grip (e.g. sandals). Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant – these are all must-haves!

Getting Started on Your Sinharaja Hike

Your Sinharaja hike can start in any of the aforementioned locations – Colombo-Negombo- Bentota- Kalutara (or vice versa). It all depends on your time restrictions and overall itinerary plan.

If you would like to get a full experience of the route then we would recommend starting in Colombo and heading towards Kalutara before making your way back to Colombo again. However, if you’re short on time then it can be done in any order – just bear in mind that some sections may require more time than others due to terrain/weather conditions.

The Sinharaja Hike Experience

Once you’ve started your Sinharaja Hike, there are a multitude of things that you can experience; from wildlife species such as wild boar, monkeys and elephants; to stunning coastal scenes that offer picturesque views out onto the Indian Ocean.

Along the way, you will encounter a variety of terrains which all provide for an enjoyable hiking experience: from highlands offering up sweeping views over mountain ranges; to lush jungles bursting with life; and serene beachfronts showcasing an array of coral reef species.

The Sinharaja forestry reserve is also a must-visit during your trek as it is home to nearly 100 species of native birds, plus an array of mammals (including rare species) and butterflies not found in other reserves around Sri Lanka. Here, you can take part in birdwatching excursions or simply wander around the purpose-built trails and enjoy the impressive views from atop trees or by simply soaking up the beauty of nature for a few serene moments.

Tackling More Difficult Terrains

If you’re feeling more adventurous during your Sinharaja hike then there are certain sections that offer more challenging terrains; such as rock climbs, slippery pathways that lead through dense foliage, or waterfalls – all providing an extra edge of adrenaline-filled excitement!

As with any difficult terrain hikes, we recommend that hikers bring appropriate attire as well as trekking poles/ sticks (as they will improve balance immensely). Remember to listen closely to advice given by experienced guides who know the area well. Remember too that any challenging section can always be skipped if required!

Explore Local Art & Culture In Your Free Time

In between hikes, it’s a great idea to explore each of the surrounding towns. Here, you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in local culture; sample authentic cuisine; and experience some of the art forms; such as pottery, weaving and painting for example!

All these experiences can be found in abundance in each surrounding town on the Sinharaja route – so take some time out from your hike and explore these enchanting places at a more leisurely pace.

Get Started On Planning Your Sinharaja Hike

Now that you know all there is to know about this incredible trek – get started on planning your Sinharaja Hike! To ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience, why not book with one of the many experienced guides out there? From knowledgeable guides who have expert knowledge on animal behaviour, local culture and terrain navigation – they will all help make your Sinharaja Hike one that you won’t forget! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today by booking your activity through GetYourGuide and get ready for an extraordinary adventure!