This is a small junction where some shops are located. Our guide will come and pick-you from this place. If you are coming from a different location, you can ask from any local person about this junction. They will give you the direction.
Description
A guided tour handled by a trained and qualified local guide. He / she is well educated about the Sinharaja forest, wild life, trees, plants, and the environment.
Located in south-west Sri Lanka & country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. Over 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, and many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.
Covering an area of 8,864 ha and ranging from an altitude of 300 – 1,170 meters.
Sri Lanka is home to 830 endemic species, of which 217 trees and woody climbers are found in the low land wet zone. Of these, 139 (64%) have been recorded in the reserve including 16 rare species. Faunal endemism is particularly high for birds with 19 (95%) of 20 species recorded here being endemic to Sri Lanka. Endemism among mammals and butterflies is also greater than 50%.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
6:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 11:30 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 18–59)
$30
Senior (ages 60+)
$30
Youth (ages 12–17)
$30
Child (ages 3–11)
$22
Infant (ages 0–2)
Free
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Admission included360 min
If you are a lover of nature and wildlife, this is the best place you can visit in Sri Lanka.
This is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic & many of them are considered rare. 50% of Sri Lankan's endemics species of animals (butterfly, amphibians, birds, snakes and fish species). It's home to 95% endemic birds.
Birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Sri Lanka crested drongo and the noisy orange-billed babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie.
Reptiles include the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, & there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Sri Lankan birdwing butterfly and leeches.
It believes that about 3 elephants & some leopards are living here. Endemic purple-faced langur is common.
Pass by
Gin Ganga is one of the longest rivers of Sri Lanka and it's one of the borders of the Sinharaja forest. We will be walking on the bank of Gin Ganga during our tour.
River bathing possible during the tour and our guide will show you the safe locations for this. Come prepared. It will be fun.
Pass by
This is one of the beautiful waterfalls we meet on our way.
Pass by
Another water fall we can see during the trekking. Bathing is possible here
What's included
Included
A home made Sri Lankan rice and curry will be offered and we can have it in the middle of the tour
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
We will arrange light snack to enjoy during the tour.
Not included
Hotel pickup is not included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please send us a message / whasaapp message with the name of your hotel. If it's located close to the Sinharaja Forest entrance gate, our guide will walk into your hotel and meet.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5
8
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Galle
Starting price $30 is 54% below the typical $65 for tours of similar length in Galle
Excurgo comparison of 530 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour take?
Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour cost?
Prices start at $30 per person for this Galle experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 6:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 11:30 AM.
How much does Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour cost for children?
Children aged 3–11 pay from $22, adults from $30. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please send us a message / whasaapp message with the name of your hotel. If it's located close to the Sinharaja Forest entrance gate, our guide will walk into your hotel and meet. Pickup points include The River Face Safari Resort.
What languages is Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Sinharaja Rain Forest Guided Day Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 8 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Mahaweli Tours and Holidays.
Reviews(8)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A
arnesU8239BL
July 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Super tour through the jungle
Our guide, Ms. Inoka, explained a lot to us about the rainforest and the animals during the tour. Without you, we would have missed most of the animals. It was truly fantastic and informative. She prepared the lunch herself and it was very delicious.
Since it rained all night, the current at the waterfall was very strong. Our guide strongly advised us against going swimming there. Instead, we were shown a safer spot further downstream. Among other things, this made us feel very well taken care of by her.
M
miorio837
May 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
It was a tour to remember!
I am Japanese and only speak Japanese, but Inoka, who was in charge of the guide, explained it in easy-to-understand English, which made it a very fulfilling trekking tour. I was alone, but I was able to meet a variety of creatures and also go into the river, which was very healing. We highly recommend you to join us!
M
Miori_O
May 10, 2026 · via Viator
It was a wonderful memory for me!
Mr. Inoka was in charge of the guide. I was Japanese and only spoke Japanese, so I was on my own, but they explained it in easy-to-understand English during the trek and I really enjoyed it. It was a wonderful experience to meet so many different creatures again. We also went into the river and had lunch near the river, which was very soothing. If you are considering taking part, I highly recommend it!
C
charlottenY4914ZR
May 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fascinating Day Trip in Sinharaja Forest
We had a wonderful day tour with Ms. Inoka. She was extremely knowledgeable about all the flora and fauna and she was amazing at spotting animals. She was also kind and patient, making the trip a real pleasure from start to finish.
M
me_kov2020
August 28, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Never skip contact!!!
Team makes a amazing Job! They take care of you, give you good tips and avices! It’s cheaper to be directly in contact with them thant going threw a website and they are so gentle and polite! Thanks guys, keep going like this!
D
dmalenfant2009
July 15, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
birds, bugs and snakes kind of experience
Good nature walk, my guide Inoka was knowledgable and really good at spotting even very small insects and getting me the best angle for a picture.
She seemed more experienced than the other guides and even helped them a bit along they way.
She brought me food to have at the waterfall which no other group had and it was homemade, amazing.
Mostly a birds, bugs and snakes kind of experience, this is not a safari nor a super intense hike. It's about the rain forest and the guides were very respectful of the fauna and flora which I really appreciated.
J
Julius_R
June 7, 2025 · via Viator
Amazing rainforest teeming with life
The rainforest was so interesting to explore, so many tiny and not so tiny creatures to spot. There's a lot of walking to do and the terrain leading to the waterfall can be slowly accessed for quite a treat. Don't miss taking a dip at the base of the waterfall. This activity is highly recommended for those interested in wildlife and interesting in taking some amazing photography of the biodiversity that exists here.
G
Gail_C
December 15, 2024 · via Viator
Once in a life time adventure ❤️
Our tour guide was Sagata Nadan. He is not just a good tour guide but also a great photographer. It is clear that it's not just a job for him but his passion! We went through the rain forest and he was very elaborate in his explanations, also pinpointing the different insects/animals hide-outs. We ate on top of a waterfall, and got to hold a snake, swam in the lake, amongst many other adventures. It was definitely worth it & an adventure. I can't recommend this tour enough. Thank you for the wonderful time 😊
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