Sinharaja rainforest trek the walk the leeches the guide and what June actually delivers

Reporting back after trekking Sinharaja yesterday for the rainforest lovers who want the walk not just the bird list The forest the walking the trails range from the gentle main loop to longer harder routes up to the viewpoint peaks (Moulawella and the Sinhagala the lion rock deep in the forest a serious full day) the walking is on root tangled muddy forest paths under a genuine multi layer primary rainforest canopy giant trees buttressed roots strangler figs the light filtering green and dim it FEELS ancient because it is the last large primary lowland rainforest on the island The rewards beyond birds the canopy itself the endemic trees the purple faced langurs the giant squirrels the lizards and snakes (the green pit viper coiled by the path) the streams and the waterfalls and the natural pools you can swim in mid trek a cool forest swim is the reward for the sweat The leeches in June honest the wet season means the leeches are OUT in force June is peak leech you WILL collect them your leech socks are wise plus salt or a salt rub or repellent on the socks tuck everything in check at the streams they are harmless just persistent and a bit gory treat them as the price of admission not a danger Guide mandatory and worth it YES a registered guide is required at the entrance and genuinely worth it the forest is dense and confusing the guides spot the wildlife you would walk past know the trails the medicinal plants the calls and keep you found a guide multiplies a Sinharaja trek enormously do not skip it The realistic day enter early (the gate at opening) from the Kudawa or the Deniyaya side the main loop is a half day the viewpoint treks a full hard day wear proper grippy boots bring water and a dry bag everything gets wet finish before the afternoon downpour June workability NOT foolish the forest in monsoon is at its most ALIVE dripping loud green the streams full the leeches many the views often cloud wrapped so trek for the FOREST and the streams not the distant panoramas a clear viewpoint is a bonus the immersive primary rainforest in full wet season voice is the real Sinharaja and June gives you exactly that just go in with the leech peace treaty signed and a good guide