How to Plan Your Sinharaja Hike in Colombo

Planning a hike through the beautiful Sinharaja rainforest in Colombo can be a daunting task, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area. Fortunately, we offer a private hike that takes care of all the details for you, making it easy to experience the flora, fauna, and waterfalls in one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating natural wonders.

Experience

Our private Sinharaja hike is designed to give you a detailed understanding of the fascinating flora and fauna in the rainforest. You’ll be able to enjoy a close-up view of the cascading waterfalls as well as witness an array of bird species, many of which are endemic to the area. The experience is made even more special with a traditional Sri Lankan lunch that is included.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of our Sinharaja hike:

Hike through the rainforest

You’ll be guided through the lush rainforest of the Sinharaja Reserve. Our trained guide will offer insights into the flora and fauna and help identify various bird species.

Cascading waterfalls

You’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at the beautiful cascading waterfalls that dot the reserve.

Bird watching

With 95 percent of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds found in the Sinharaja Rainforest, it is undoubtedly one of the best locations to spot some of them. The trained guide will help identify more exotic and harder to spot bird species.

Sri Lankan Lunch

After the hike, enjoy a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch that is included in the package.

Logistics and Details

What’s included

Our private tour caters to a maximum of six guests and ensures that you take the hike at your own pace. The following are included: – Hotel pickup and drop-off – Local lunch is – All entrance fees – All taxes – Private guide and driver

What’s not included

Please note that the following is not included in the tour package: – Gratuities (optional)

Not Suitable for

Please note that the tour is not suited for the following groups: – Pregnant women – People with mobility impairments – Visually impaired people – People over 70 years

Additional Information

Please also note the following: – A moderate level of fitness is required – You must bring your own drinking water – Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes – Sunscreen and insect repellent is recommended

Booking Your Tour

To book your Sinharaja hike, please visit our booking page at book the tour here. We’ll take care of all the details so that you can focus on enjoying the stunning, unspoiled beauty of Sri Lanka’s last remaining virgin rainforest.

FAQs About Colombo – The Capital of Sri Lanka

Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. In this post, we will answer some frequently asked questions about Colombo to help you plan a trip to this beautiful city.

1. Where is Colombo located?

Colombo is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, facing the Indian Ocean. It is the commercial capital and the largest city in Sri Lanka.

2. What is the best time to visit Colombo?

The best time to visit Colombo is from January to March when the weather is dry, and precipitation is low. However, if you want to enjoy the cultural festivals, then November and December are the best months to visit Colombo.

3. How to reach Colombo?

Colombo is well-connected with most of the major cities in the world. Bandaranaike International Airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka, located about 30 km north of Colombo. From the airport, you can take a taxi or public transport to reach Colombo.

4. What are the top tourist attractions in Colombo?

Colombo has several tourist attractions that you can explore, such as:

A. Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the oldest and most popular temples in Colombo. It is a beautiful temple with a mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.

B. National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It has a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, paintings, and other artifacts, reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.

C. Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a popular spot for locals and tourists. It is a long strip of park facing the ocean, where you can enjoy street food, kite flying, and sunsets.

D. Viharamahadevi Park

Viharamahadevi Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Colombo. It is a peaceful oasis in a bustling city, with plenty of walking paths, green lawns, and a giant Buddha statue.

5. What are the popular local dishes in Colombo?

Sri Lankan food is a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisine. Some popular dishes to try in Colombo are:

A. Rice and Curry

Sri Lankan rice and curry is a staple dish, consisting of rice and several curries, such as dal, fish, meat, or vegetable curries.

B. Kottu

Kottu is a famous street food in Sri Lanka made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or fish.

C. Hoppers

Hoppers are traditional Sri Lankan pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk, served with curry or chutney.

6. What are the best places to shop in Colombo?

Colombo is a shopper’s paradise, and you can find almost everything you need in the city. Some popular shopping destinations are:

A. Pettah Market

Pettah Market is a bustling bazaar in Colombo, where you can find anything from clothes to electronics, spices, and souvenirs at bargain prices.

B. ODEL

ODEL is a luxury department store in Colombo, offering a wide range of local and international brands, from clothing to homeware and electronics.

C. Independence Square Shopping Arcade

Independence Square Shopping Arcade is a high-end shopping mall located in a renovated colonial building. It has several designer stores, cafes, and a movie theater.

7. What are the transport options in Colombo?

Colombo has several transport options to travel within the city, such as:

A. Taxis

Taxis are the most convenient option, and you can easily book them through your hotel or online. However, make sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi.

B. Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks are a budget-friendly option, and you can find them on almost every street corner. But you must remember to bargain for the fare.

C. Buses

Buses are the cheapest option but are often crowded and hectic. You must have small change to pay for the ticket, and the routes are not always clear or well-documented.

8. What are the popular festivals in Colombo?

Colombo has several festivals throughout the year, celebrating the diverse culture and traditions of Sri Lanka. Some popular festivals are:

A. Sinhala and Tamil New Year

Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the biggest cultural festival in Sri Lanka, celebrated in April. It is a time for family gatherings, traditional food, and games.

B. Vesak

Vesak is a Buddhist festival celebrated in May, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. The city is decorated with lanterns, and temples organize colorful processions.

C. Kandy Esala Perahera

Kandy Esala Perahera is a grand festival celebrated in Kandy, about three hours from Colombo, in August. It is a procession of hundreds of elephants and dancers, showcasing the rich tradition of Sri Lanka.

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Colombo is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, a perfect destination for an exciting vacation. We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about Colombo and given you useful information to plan your trip accordingly.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Colombo

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, Colombo is a must-see city. It has a rich history and vibrant culture that is irresistible for travelers. In this guide, we will show you how to make the most out of your time in the city. Here is how to spend your time as a tourist in Colombo.

1. Visit the Colombo National Museum

The Colombo National Museum is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and a great place to start your tour. It has a vast collection of artifacts, antiques, and exhibits that showcase Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. You will be able to learn about the country’s ancient history, art, science, and religion.

2. Explore Gangaramaya Temple

Gangaramaya Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of the city. It is renowned for its architecture, cultural importance, and spiritual significance. The temple has an impressive collection of Buddha statues, antiques, and exhibits that depict the life of Buddha.

3. Walk Along Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a long stretch of land that runs alongside the seafront. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, fly kites, and watch the sunset. You can take a walk, jog, or simply sit on the grass and enjoy the view.

4. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Sri Lankan cuisine is a fusion of flavors from different cultures, and it’s delicious. You should try out the local cuisine in Colombo. Some of the popular dishes you must try out include Kottu Roti, Hoppers, String Hoppers, and Fish Curry. You can also visit local food markets and try out street food.

5. Visit the Independence Memorial Hall

The Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument that commemorates Sri Lanka’s Independence struggle. It is a significant landmark in Colombo and has a captivating architecture worth admiring.

6. Shop at Pettah Market

Pettah Market is a bustling and vibrant shopping area in Colombo. It is one of the oldest and busiest marketplaces in Sri Lanka. You can find anything from clothes, jewelry, electronics, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to experience local life.

7. Relax at Beira Lake

Beira Lake is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling city. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and take some stunning photos. You can also take a boat ride around the lake for a different perspective.

8. Discover the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is a historic colonial building that has been transformed into an upscale shopping and dining area. You can browse through designer boutiques, grab a drink or meal, and enjoy the ambiance.

9. Visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple located on the outskirts of Colombo. It is a historic temple with a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC. The temple has been beautifully restored and has an impressive collection of murals and sculptures.

10. Learn about Sri Lankan Tea at Ceylon Tea Museum

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and the Ceylon Tea Museum is an excellent place to learn about it. It’s located in a restored tea factory and has exhibits that showcase the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. You can also taste some of the different teas produced in the country.

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Colombo is a city that never disappoints. It has so much to offer, and there is always something new to discover. You should make the most of your time by visiting these attractions, experiencing the local culture, and trying out the local cuisine. This guide will help you plan your itinerary and ensure that you have an unforgettable time exploring the city.