‘Rainforest Ecolodge’: Promotes sustainable practices in Sri Lanka

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Shielding more than 8,000 hectares of dense green patch, the Sinharaja Forest, Lanka’s remaining tropical rainforest, spans across the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be accessed through four main entry points: Lankagama, Weddagala, Deniyaya-Kurulugala (Patna Entrance), Pitadeniya, and Morning Side only access point from the eastern side. Each access point offers a unique pathway into the dense rainforest, renowned for its rich biodiversity and lush greenery.

Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the ‘Sinharaja Rainforest’ shelters a multifaceted and vibrant ecosystem. This lush rainforest is home to an extraordinary concentration of endemic flora and fauna, many of which are rare and elusive. Among the trees, one might encounter the secretive Green Pit Viper coiled within the branches and some are old as 100 to 150 years, while overhead, the striking Sri Lanka Blue Magpie gliding along as a streak of blue.

Nestled on the scenic Ensalwatte Tea Estate off Viharahena bordering the Sinharaja Forest, ‘The Rainforest Ecolodge’ offers a unique experience for explorers and adventure travellers. Being located within the buffer zone of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rainforest Ecolodge offers a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lanka's endemic animals and biodiversity at its highest.

The hotel, blending into its’ lush natural surroundings, is designed to minimize environmental impact through sustainable practices. ‘The Ecolodge’ exemplifies a pure commitment to eco-friendly activities and responsible tourism, engaging in environmental conservation and community empowerment.

Rainforest Ecolodge features 20 chalets including two interconnecting rooms, constructed from repurposed shipping containers. Each chalet is architecturally designed to provide comfort and relaxation whilst seamlessly immersing in nature for an ultimate rainforest experience. All rooms have modern amenities including free wi-fi, tea/coffee making facilities, fans and en-suite bathroom with all modern amenities.

‘The Eco lodge project started in 2012 and opened for business in 2014 with just 16 chalets. Other four deluxe rooms with TV and interconnectivity were added lately.  ‘The Rainforest Ecolodge’ is the first hotel in Sri Lanka to be awarded with LEED PLATINUM status certification’ said Mithunsanthar Vadivel, the Front Office Executive of the property. 

A property is comes under the managed of Aitken Spence Hotels and the direction of veteran hotelier Niran Ratwatte as the General Manager. Rainforest Ecolodge is the first classified ‘Ecolodge’ in the country. Rainforest Ecolodge, which holds the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification of USA, is a trailblazer in the hospitality industry. It is the first hotel in Sri Lanka, fourth in Asia and fifth in the world to receive this accolade, reflecting its unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability. 
Rainforest Ecolodge is a unique tourism project initiated by industry stakeholders and similar investors, spearheaded by the respected industry stalwart late Prema Cooray. This initiative was also part of a USAID-sponsored study aimed at positioning Sri Lanka as a global leader in eco-friendly hospitality. 

Apart from the accommodation, ‘Rainforest Ecolodge’ is famous for its cuisine. The open-air restaurant serves mainly Sri Lankan country style authentic food, while Western and other cuisine too are available on request. 
‘In keeping with that tradition, the culinary wonders of good old country style cooking can be enjoyed at ‘Rainforest Ecolodge’ prepared by our very own ‘Kitchen Team’. ‘We serve typical country style food items from surrounding Sinharaja Villages and seasonal fresh fruits and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes’ said Mithunsanthar. 
The Rainforest Ecolodge provides a range of excursions designed to immerse guests in the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. Highlights include bird watching experiences, where guests can observe the remarkable phenomenon of flock feeding. Guests may spot iconic species such as the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Black Drongo (black drongo is a small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae), and the elusive Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, showcasing the vibrant life within this enchanting forest. Each activity is thoughtfully curated to enhance the connection between visitors and the rich natural environment surrounding the Ecolodge.

The most unique feature of the location is the seven popular Sinharaja waterfalls – Brahmana Ella, Thattu Ella, Duvili Ella, Ura Wetuna Ella, Nuga Deka Ella, Maha Galoru Ella and Duli Ella are located in close proximity to ‘Eco Lodge’ and can be explored with an adventure trek of just three to four hours under the guidance of hotel Naturalist Jagath. 

The popular waterfall trekking adventure at the Rainforest Ecolodge is a highlight for many guests. This two kilometre trek leads to Kollawa Dola Ella and Pitamangala Dolla Ella, where the cool waters invite visitors to dip their toes. Along the way, guests may experience the playful sensation of endemic Ceylon stone sucker fish nibbling at their feet. The trek offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, with serene spots ideal for meditation amidst the natural beauty of the rainforest.

Nature Trails at the Rainforest Ecolodge guide guests through lush tea plantations and into an arboretum rich with diverse flora. Visitors can marvel at captivating water features and the vibrant greenery along the way, creating a picturesque experience. 

As day turns to night, the forest transforms into a realm of wonder during the dark, where adventure lovers can experience through ‘Night Trekking’ venture.

‘Guests venture into the darkness, where they may encounter nocturnal creatures like the elusive Loris, along with an array of frogs, moths, and geckos. The sounds of the forest create an exhilarating atmosphere as participants uncover its hidden secrets’ Jagath explained. 

The room rates at the ‘Rainforest Ecolodge’ ranges from Rs.  42,000/- to 50,000/- on FBD basis. 

For more details log onto www.aitkenspencehotels.com/rainforest-ecolodge