Lankagama: The Hidden Paradise of Sinharaja

 

Lankagama:   The Hidden Paradise of Sinharaja

Location and Significance

The Village: This beautiful village is situated on the border of the world-heritage Sinharaja Rain Forest, within the Neluwa DivisionalSecretariat Division of the Galle District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. 

Boundaries: 

Bordered by the Sinharaja Reserve to the north and the Dellawa Reserve to the south, Lankagama serves as a major gateway to the Sinharaja Forest. 

Biodiversity:

Due to its proximity to the Sinharaja Reserve, the area boasts high biodiversity. Visitors can observe several animal and plant species endemic to Sri Lanka, as well as highly rare species of butterflies, birds, and frogs. 

The Legend Behind the Name:

There is an interesting folklore among the villagers regarding how the village got its name. Even when the entire country fell under British rule, this area—surrounded by the dense jungle of Sinharaja—could not be discovered by the British. As a result, the village was named "Lankagama" (meaning the village of Lanka). 

How to Get There

Route from Colombo: If you are traveling by a private vehicle from Colombo, you can take the Southern Expressway, exit from the Welipenna or Pinnaduwa interchange, and reach Lankagama via Pelawatta and Neluwa. 

Road Conditions: This is the easiest route to reach Lankagama. Although the village was known as a remote and difficult area in the past, the roads have been well-constructed and developed in recent times.

Places to Visit in Lankagama

Lankagama is the ideal destination if you want to experience the coolness of a rainforest and the beauty of a series of waterfalls in the same area. The most attractive feature for visitors is the cluster of five waterfalls located within a very short distance of each other: 

Brahmana Ella:

This is the main and tallest waterfall in Lankagama. It can be seen right by the roadside as you enter the village. 

Duwili Ella:

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lankagama. It gets its name because the water sprays out in the form of a dust cloud ("Duwili"). (Note: There is another waterfall named "Kosmulla Duwili Ella" located in the Kosmulla village, about 6km along the road from Neluwa to Lankagama. Many tourists confuse these two distinct waterfalls as being the same ). 

Thattu Ella:

This waterfall is named "Thattu Ella" (Layered/Tiered Falls) because it cascades down in the shape of a flight of stairs. 

Uran Watunu Ella  

Gal Oruwa Ella:

A waterfall that cascades down in the shape of a boat ("Oruwa") between two narrow rock boulders. 

Other Attractions:

Gin Ganga: The Gin Ganga River, which originates from the Sinharaja Reserve, flows gracefully through this beautiful village. 

Sangili Palama (Suspension Bridge):

Also known as the hanging bridge, this is built across the Gin Ganga. It is an excellent spot for taking beautiful photographs. Walking across the bridge as it gently sways from side to side is a highly enjoyable experience for tourists. 

Important Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

The ideal period to visit Lankagama is from January to March, when rainfall is relatively low. The dry season is the safest time to bathe in these waterfalls. 

Monsoon Warning:

From May to September, heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon cause the water levels in the rivers and waterfalls to rise significantly. Bathing during this period can be dangerous, and the increased leech population during the rainy season can also disrupt your travel plans. 

Leeches and Environment:

Since Lankagama is a rainforest area, leeches are abundant, so visitors need to be mindful of them. Furthermore, it is important to enjoy the beauty of this environment while ensuring its protection. 

Local Delicacies:

Lankagama is highly famous for authentic Kithul jaggery and Kithul treacle. Visitors have the opportunity to visit a local village home, enjoy a piece of warm, freshly made jaggery, and taste a cup of plain black tea (Kahata). You can also purchase genuine Sinharaja Kithul treacle.

Accommodation in Lankagama

Most of the accommodations here are designed to be eco-friendly. It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance. Notable places include: 

Sinharaja Eco Lodge:

 Located near the Sinharaja Neluwa entrance, this is a beautiful place designed without harming the natural environment, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beauty of the Sinharaja forest and the Gin Ganga. 

Mist of Sinharaja:

A unique cottage-style accommodation built using containers and wood, located on the road leading from Neluwa to Lankagama. 

360 Rainforest:

A luxury accommodation option that is highly popular even among foreign tourists.