The Rainforest Ecolodge - Sinharaja with Shuttle Service from Car Park

We stayed here for one night as part of a tour. First off, the one hour jeep drive to get to the lodge is quite the journey, a rough road up a steep hill with hairpin bends and no safety barriers. Not for nervous passengers. However, the views are stunning. We were welcomed to the lodge and taken along a steep, uneven path to our container accommodation. It was clean but basic, the upgrades which are in progress are definitely needed. The saloon doors to the bathroom afford little privacy, they definitely need a rethink. The bed was comfortable. However, the location of the room is stunning with all the sounds of the rainforest around you. We saw lots of rare birds on the early morning walk with the resident guide who was really good, it was what the trip was all about. The evening meal was of an amazing standard, one of the best meals we had in Sri Lanka. Quite how they managed to provide a fine dining experience in the middle of nowhere is a mystery! No alcohol is available here.

Anfahrt mit abenteuerlichen ausrangierten Jeeps dauerte für 8 km eine Stunde. Diese war eine extreme Belastungsprobe für die Bandscheiben. Container tagsüber sehr heiß und nachts eiskalt, dafür dreckig und voller Leben, Ungeziefer auch in den Betten. Wege zu den Containern sind voller Stolperfallen. Nachts sehr dunkel, da die meisten Lampen nicht funktionieren. Pirsch mit Ranger durch das Unterholz war enttäuschend, weder Vögel ect. ., dafür Blutegel ohne Ende. Lodge hat anscheinend keine Alkohollizenz, wer Bier oder Wein möchte muss es selbst mitbringen. Dies war mit Abstand die schlechteste Unterkunft unserer Sri Lanka Reise. Hatten noch Glück mit dem Wetter, weder Regen noch Nebel.

We stayed for 3 nights and enjoyed our retreat into the rainforest. On Day 1 after a long slow drive, we weren’t prepared for the 10 km 4 wheel drive journey up from Deniyaya as well as the fairly functional standard of accommodation awaiting us within the repurposed shipping containers. On Day 2, after an early morning bird watching walk followed by hearty breakfast (sri lankan or western), we began to relax, taking in the amazing views from the lodge and looking forward to a further walk around the rainforest and listening to sounds all around. By Day 3, and after a 3 hour nature trek in the heart of the rainforest, we really understood what a gem this place is and learned and observed so much flora and fauna. Staff were all very kind and attentive including the nature guides who were knowledgeable and safety conscious. Meals in the most were good, breakfasts, soups & sandwiches especially. Some of the interpretations of western main course dishes were a little strange and management received our comments on this very positively. Sri Lankan options were consistently good. A programme of renovation of the container rooms is underway which will make them more comfortable but meanwhile staff have to balance this with the need to keep the lodge running which is very important. Recommendation stay more than one night & give yourself time to settle in, relax and enjoy the nature.

The hotel is situated high up in the rainforest. The accommodation is basic but clean and the food was satisfactory. However, the highlight for us was our fantastic nature guide Shantha. The afternoon we arrived he led us on a nearly 3 hour trek through the forest explaining its ecosystems and flora. He has vast knowledge and took his time to explain and took pains to seek confirmation that we had understood. He walked at a gentle pace eventually stopping at a plateau to view the rainforest around us, and to breathe the cleansing air. The following morning we went on a bird safari where he expertly spotted the birds hidden in the trees and showed us the best place to view them. We saw many species, some rarities as well as a giant squirrel and leaf monkeys. Shantha’s love and respect for nature shines through and I would highly recommend asking for him to be your guide if you are here.

Los contenedores limpios y situados en un enclave natural espectacular! Todo el staff dedicados a que disfrutes de tu estancia. Rohan Ranasingha en el restaurante y Jagath Jayawardana como guía en las caminatas (nocturna, naturaleza, cataratas y avistamiento de aves) son dos personas súper especiales que aman la naturaleza y te transmiten todo lo bueno de sus conocimientos! Para los que disfrutamos del contacto con la flora y la fauna tropical, un sitio BELLÍSIMO!

An absolutely stunning location in the heart of the rainforest—perfect for exploring Sinharaja. Absolutely the Best Way to Explore the Sinharaja Rainforest! This was our favourite place we stayed on our Sri Lanka trip. This eco-lodge is hands down the ultimate way to experience the magic of the Sinharaja Rainforest. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear you’re in for something extraordinary. The location is beyond words—completely surrounded by lush rainforests, making you feel truly immersed in nature. It is so peaceful and quiet - no noise from roads, traffic etc. The staff made our entire stay seamless and stress-free. They have a convenient car park in the nearby village, where they meet you and transfer you up to the lodge in a 4x4—what a fun start to the adventure! We stayed for two nights The accommodation is spectacular. Large windows on every side of the room allow you to feel like you’re right in the heart of the jungle. Waking up to the incredible sounds of the rainforest was unforgettable, and we even spotted monkeys and exotic birds right in our room! Amazingly, you also get wifi in your room. The staff were outstanding, from the friendly restaurant team to the knowledgeable guides. On arrival, the Duty Manager, Mithun, warmly welcomed us, explained all the details about meal times, and helped us plan treks into the rainforest. They offer a variety of treks and provide you with a guide. They are also pretty flexible, We wanted a longer trek to explore more of the jungle and this wasn't a problem. The trek itself was a dream. We spotted an incredible variety of wildlife, including lizards, snakes, and a stunning array of Sri Lankan birds. The guides were so knowledgeable and enhanced the experience. Overall, this was incredible value for money. Running such a well-maintained eco-lodge in the middle of the rainforest can’t be easy, yet they make it feel effortless. If you’re looking for great value for money and an unforgettable way to explore Sinharaja, this is absolutely it.