The Blue Magpie, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka

Tucked against the edge of Sinharaja and named after one of Sri Lanka's most striking endemic birds, Blue Magpie Lodge is a haven for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The lodge takes its name from the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, a brilliantly coloured bird found within the forest it overlooks. The setting is deliberately unhurried — this is a place shaped by the sounds and rhythms of the surrounding wilderness rather than by modern conveniences.

The property lies approximately 200 km from Colombo International Airport, and a short drive brings guests to the entrance of the Sinharaja Forest itself. The location is basic in its facilities but genuinely beautiful, wrapped in lush forest that makes it an ideal base for anyone wishing to explore one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated natural landscapes.

Accommodation

The lodge offers 12 comfortable guest rooms, each with an en suite bathroom and hot and cold water. A restaurant is available on site. The lodge makes no pretence of catering to those in search of television or strong phone signals — it is recommended, quite honestly, for nature lovers only, and that candour is part of its charm.

Trails and Excursions

Visitors can explore Sinharaja by following two main nature trails: Waturawa and Moulawella. Both trails allow guests to observe and study the many features of the forest at close quarters. The Moulawella trail involves a steep climb up to 760 metres, rewarding those who make the ascent with panoramic views across Sinharaja. Each trail takes approximately three hours on foot at a leisurely pace from the lodge, making them manageable as half-day outings.