A Day Ride Through
Sinharaja Rainforest

Motorcycle Travel Diary

Written by Simone Loganathan

There is something mystical about Sri Lanka. Such a small island yet full of variety. A ride to the Sinharaja rainforest is one of the perfect examples. This isn’t just a trip on a motorcycle; it’s a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes Sri Lanka has to offer, with a few hidden gems and authentic experiences along the way. 

The Sinharaja Rainforest is a tropical rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern region of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, high endemism, and unique ecosystems, making it one of the most important and protected natural reserves in the country.

Malith, Ruwan and I have recently been on a recce to explore the area and it was absolutely worth the effort.

On the Road to Sinharaja: The Adventure Begins

We kick things off bright and early at The Shack Beach Cafe right on the beach in Galle. It’s the perfect spot to start the day with the sound of the waves and the first light of dawn casting a warm glow over the ocean.

Once we hit the road, we head out of Galle, and almost immediately, the scenery begins to change. The bustling town gives way to serene countryside, and soon we’re riding through lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages where the locals wave as we pass by. 

After a couple of hours on the road, we’ll take a break at a known spot — “Gurubeula Leisure as You Wish”, an organic agro resort tucked away in the greenery. Here, we enjoy local tea and coffee, all made from ingredients grown right on the property. The resort is all about sustainable farming and it’s at a convenient location for a break before getting back on the road.

The road continues twisting between tea plantations, coconut fields and small towns. The road is not as busy so it’s a pleasant and stress-free ride.

By midday, we’ll reach our lunch destination—a charming guesthouse right in the middle of a tea plantation, nestled alongside a peaceful river. This spot is totally unknown.

The setting is tranquil, surrounded by lush tea bushes and the gentle sounds of the river flowing by.

The local hosts welcome us with a traditional Sri Lankan lunch spread—think rice, spicy curries, fresh salads, and of course, some sweet treats to finish.

See you later Google Maps

After lunch we’ll head west towards Lankagama, where there is one of the entrances to the forest reserve and things start to get a bit more adventurous. This is where the road becomes less predictable, and even Google Maps doesn’t give you a clear path.

The ride here is pure thrill. We  navigate through narrow roads, cross over small bridges, pass by cascading waterfalls, and even spot a few monkeys watching us from the trees. It’s a part of the country few get to see when traveling in Sri Lanka and it’s an ideal destination for a day ride.

Once we reach the other side the route takes us through more urban areas from Neluwa. The ride back offers a different perspective—smoother roads but still plenty of interesting sights to keep things exciting. We’ll pass through local markets, busy villages, and maybe stop for a fresh king coconut along the way. It’s a great way to experience a bit of everything Sri Lanka has to offer.

You would feel the excitement of tackling the terrain and the joy of discovering hidden gems around every corner.