• A gateway to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity

One of the hallmarks of Sri Lankan biodiversity is perhaps the vibrant Sinharaja Rainforest. The Sunday Morning Brunch recently visited a unique sanctuary within Sinharaja, the Rainforest Ecolodge, which serves as a unique sanctuary that seamlessly blends comfort with environmental consciousness. 

Located within the picturesque Enselwatte Tea Estate and bordering one of the last remaining undisturbed evergreen rainforests, this ecolodge is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as a biodiversity hotspot. 

Managed by Aitken Spence Hotels, a pioneer in sustainable hospitality, the Rainforest Ecolodge showcases a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism. Constructed from repurposed shipping containers, the lodge features 20 chalets designed to provide a luxurious experience while minimising environmental impact, allowing visitors to connect with nature and witness the rich flora and fauna of Sri Lanka’s endemic wildlife.

During our stay, we explored the hotel’s unique offerings and immersed ourselves in its stunning natural surroundings. We also had the opportunity to embark on a trek with the ecolodge’s resident naturalist Jagath Jayawardana. His expertise brought the rainforest to life as he guided us through the lush terrain, sharing insights about the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiversity hotspot. 

As we arrived at this hidden gem, we were immediately captivated by the Rainforest Ecolodge’s charm and its remarkable surroundings. The exquisite chalets, constructed with eco-friendly materials, blended seamlessly with the lush landscape. The sounds of tropical birds enveloped us, creating a genuine connection to the enchanting environment. 

An array of excursions 

One of the lodge’s standout features is its array of excursions, each designed to immerse guests in the extraordinary biodiversity of the region. Hotel staff shared that given that the majority of guests were often birdwatching enthusiasts, they were particularly excited about the birdwatching experiences, which offer a chance to observe the remarkable phenomenon of flock feeding. 

We had the opportunity to spot iconic species such as the vibrant Sri Lanka blue magpie, the black drongo, and the elusive Sri Lanka scimitar babbler, showcasing the vibrant life thriving within the forest.

Accompanied by Jayawardana and armed with leech socks, we ventured into the lush wilderness. Hiking through the rainforest proved to be an unforgettable experience, as Jayawardana brought the forest to life by pointing out hidden wonders like the delicate blue morphos fluttering by and the rare orchids blooming among the foliage. With each step, we felt more connected to this extraordinary habitat.

A highlight of our stay at the Rainforest Ecolodge was the waterfall trekking adventure. This 2 km trek led us to Kollawa Dola Ella and Pitamangala Dola Ella, where the cool waters beckoned us to dip our toes. 

Along the way, we delighted in the playful sensation of endemic Ceylon stone sucker fish nibbling at our feet, a whimsical reminder of the rich life in the waters below. This trek perfectly blended exploration and relaxation, with serene spots ideal for meditating amidst the rainforest’s natural beauty.

For those seeking to explore beyond the trail, the Nature Trails at the Rainforest Ecolodge guided us through lush tea plantations and into an arboretum teeming with diverse flora. As we wandered along the paths, given the unpredictable weather, we chose to combine the night excursion into this one trek, which proved to be prudent as the rains came down hard as we began our trek back to the property. 

Commitment to sustainability

We also had the opportunity to speak with Front Office Manager Mithun Santharvadivel, who shared valuable insights into this remarkable establishment. Nestled at an impressive altitude of 1,000 m above sea level, the ecolodge is situated in the Deniyaya region, which itself lies at 400 m. 

Santharvadivel proudly noted that the Rainforest Ecolodge was the first hotel in Sri Lanka to receive the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, while globally it ranked as the fifth property to achieve this distinction for its commitment to sustainability. 

“We are dedicated to eco-friendly practices,” he stated, emphasising that the chalets, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, were designed to minimise environmental impact. “Since our opening in 2012, we have worked diligently to create a space that respects nature, and we do not use air conditioning in our chalets to maintain this ethos.”

Santharvadivel elaborated on the unique design of the lodge, which features 20 container chalets with two interconnected rooms added later to accommodate varying guest needs. 

He explained: “We are located on private land within the Maturata Plantation, flanked by the pristine Sinharaja Forest. Our close proximity to the forest enhances the biodiversity experience for our guests.” 

To further engage with this vibrant ecosystem, the Rainforest Ecolodge employs naturalists who guide all excursions, ensuring a knowledgeable and immersive experience for visitors. Santharvadivel highlighted the importance of these guided tours, stating: “All our excursions require a guided tour to ensure the safety and education of our guests. The Forest Department has also installed counters to promote awareness and connection with the rainforest.”

For those interested in exploring the area, the Rainforest Ecolodge offers six different trekking options tailored to suit various interests, particularly appealing to birdwatchers and photographers. 

Santharvadivel said: “We have many guests who come specifically for birdwatching; our location provides a unique vantage point for photography, allowing guests to capture stunning images at eye level, unlike most other places where you must shoot from below.” 

He noted that the combination of leisure and research-oriented visitors enriched the ecolodge’s community. “We strive to provide our guests with the most relaxing and enriching experiences possible, as many seek to escape the stresses of everyday life.”

The commitment to sustainability at the Rainforest Ecolodge is evident not only in its architecture but also in its operational practices. Santharvadivel explained that they utilised a closed-loop system to recycle 75% of materials used in construction. 

“Every aspect of our operation is designed to minimise our impact on the environment,” he affirmed. “Even when digging holes, we ensure to take away only excess soil to avoid disturbing the natural habitat.” 

The ecolodge also employs local workers from Sinharaja, fostering community involvement and support. Santharvadivel shared: “We built the Rainforest Village to house those who worked in the estate, reinforcing our commitment to the community that surrounds us.”

An invitation to connect with nature 

Reflecting on our time at the Rainforest Ecolodge, it is evident that Sinharaja is an oasis that marinates all the senses and the Rainforest Ecolodge not only offers a place to stay but an invitation to connect deeply with nature. 

Here, every moment is a reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us. For travellers seeking an eco-friendly retreat in one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking landscapes, the Rainforest Ecolodge undoubtedly stands out as a top destination. 

With its commitment to sustainability, immersive experiences, and stunning natural surroundings, this enchanting ecolodge serves as a gateway to experiencing the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.