The Rainforest Ecolodge

Torch lights lead the way into the depths of the Sri Lankan rainforest as the noisy inhabitants finish off their chatter before settling down for the night.

The UNESCO world heritage site biosphere reserve is simply magical and one of the best ways of seeing the animals and insects who live there is to join a ranger on an evening stroll, which gives the chance to spot everything from snakes to wee frogs.

And what better way not to miss the best than staying in The Rainforest Ecolodge settled right in the heart of the Sinharaja wonderland.

The first of its kind, it was designed using low impact and environmentally friendly materials. The ecolodge is made up of chalets and inter-connecting rooms and all have been placed in such a way that everyone has a fabulous view of the forest and the potential to see the wildlife up close.

Using recycled shipping containers on stilts, the rooms are simply furnished but have all the facilities needed for a comfortable stay.

It’s an adventure from the beginning, with four wheeled drive vehicles on hand for the long, windy and bumpy drive up from Deniyaya town in the tea estate of Ensellwatta in the southern part of the country.

As the road zips round, the view gets better and the native animals become more visible. The forest is over 8,000 hectares and is a famed final remnant of undisturbed evergreen, with an intricate eco system and home to a high concentration of endemic flora and fauna and rare species of wildlife, including the elusive Green Pit Viper and the striking Sir Lankan blue magpie, which majestically glides along like a streak of blue.

Staying in the hotel gives you the opportunity to enjoy special walks including early morning butterfly and bird trails and one to huge waterfalls, Kollawa Dola Ella and Pitamangala Dolla Ella, through the rainforest and a nature stroll.

There’s natural fish therapy in a small pond, home to the Ceylon stone sucker, which is only found in Sri Lankan streams as well as freshwater crabs.

With an expert leading the way and all the gear needed to keep out forest bugs such as leeches, the stay is really special.

It’s possible to see elephants, leopards, monkeys, fishing cats and bulls as well snakes, lizards, frogs and brightly coloured butterflies and birds.

After exploring, the hotel is an ideal base to relax, whether in the accommodation or the hotel’s restaurant where hearty meals including Mirepoix stuffed chicken breast are served up alongside creamy mustard Dandila (purple yam), the herb Heen Boyitiya and a delicious red wine sauce.

The hotel bar and lobby are open plan, allowing for great views of the forest and the whole design has been carefully thought out to ensure it shows off the best of the environment.

It’s also a benchmark project for responsible tourism rather than a single architect creation, emphasising harmony and nature and is a real wonder to visit.

Close by to the ecolodge is the significant ancient Buddhist temple and shrine of Gatabaruwa Dewalaya, famous for its powerful deity, Rajjuru Bandara who protected King Walagamba. Sitting perched on the top of the Gatabaruwa Kanda mountain, it is known for its reclining Buddha statue and miraculous powers.

The Details

The Rainforest Ecolodge Hotel, Ensellwatta, Viharahen Deniyaya, Sri Lanka.

Tel: + 9411 2 308 408 / 9476 6 90090

Website: www.aitkenspencehotes.com

Email: ashmres@aitkenspence.lk / info@rainforestecolodge.lk

Located in the Sinharaja Forest, The Rainforest Ecolodge is a five hour car journey from Colombo, followed by a 40 minute jeep drive up to the hotel itself.

Type of Hotel: 4-Star Hotel

Number of Rooms: 20 chalets with two being inter-connecting.

Price Band: For the latest offers for overseas and Sri Lankan visitors, please visit the hotel’s website.

Insider Tip: Sit nearest the main window in the restaurant for first class views of the resident monkeys.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10

Author Bio:

Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.

Photographs courtesy of The Rainforest Ecolodge