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Wildlife Hotspots in Sri Lanka

If you love witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat then Sri Lanka is the destination for you. Here are some key places where wildlife abounds.

Yala and Wilpattu
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as spotting an elusive Sri Lankan leopard on a safari at the Yala or Wilpattu national parks. These majestic predators are not the only wild inhabitants you may see; be on the lookout for Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and a wide range of bird species too.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A Biosphere Reserve, this forest sanctuary is a premier spot for bird watching. If you stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer, you can easily see many of these birds. The Rainforest Ecolodge, Sinharaja is one such option from where you can head off on birdwatching excursions to spot endemic species like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon and Sri Lankan junglefowl.

Minneriya and Udawalawe
At Minneriya National Park you can witness The Gathering (June to September) featuring hundreds of elephants, while the Udawalawe National Park is home to a sizeable elephant population too. On safaris at these parks, one also see a diverse array of other species including toque macaques, mugger crocodiles, deer and if you’re lucky, a leopard or two.

Mirissa and Trincomalee
Located on the south and east coasts respectively, Mirissa and Trincomalee are two of the best spots for whale watching in Sri Lanka. Apart from seeing species like blue whales and humpback whales, you can glimpse playful dolphins too!

Most Thrilling Wildlife in Sri Lanka

From tropical rainforests to the coastal wilderness, Sri Lanka is teeming with wildlife, some species found nowhere else. Here is a destination for the avid bird watchers and pachyderm lovers alike.

Butterfly Sinharaja Rainforest| Img by: Kelum Chathuranga via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, holiday packages that include a visit to Yala National Park should be given most consideration, especially if you wish to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Situated along the south-eastern coast of the island it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Considered by many as the last home of the Sri Lankan lion, a diverse array of wildlife and plant species can be found here. Nestled in clouds it is only accessible by foot, a knowledgeable guide can be the decisive factor on this awe-inspiring trek. Tour operators such as Tangerine Tours offer comprehensive tour packages to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Udawalawa National Park

One of the three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant roams across the ranges of the island. But nowhere will you see such a concentration of these gentle giants as in Udawalawe National Park. It is truly a paradise for the Pachyderm lover.

Horton Plains National Park

One of the most unique eco-systems in the country, this plateau is teeming with herds of Sambar Deer and Wild Boar. Horton Plains is also home to the endemic Bear Monkey, Toque Monkey, and the Long-tailed Squirrel. No visit to the island is complete without a trip to this Shambala hidden in the highlands of Sri Lanka.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Hiking in the Hills

You can experience a different side of the country that is a far cry from the sun and surf of its world-class beaches by going into the mountains. At 2,000 m above sea level, Ella Rock is 5 km from the town and one of the most picturesque stretches of rolling moorland in the hills.

Ella Rock | Image Credit : A-wiki-guest-user, Ella Rock near waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Right Path

There are several trekking trails in Ella and not all of them are clearly marked so it would be beneficial to do some thorough research on which trails you plan to use on your hike. Hiring a tour specialist such as Nature Odyssey would ensure that you get to see all the hidden treasures and be guaranteed to make it safely up and down the slope.

Railway Stations Frozen in Time

An independent hike would take approximately 3 – 4 hours beginning and ending at the Ella Railway Station which, in itself is an image from a postcard, frozen in its colonial elegance. Trekking in Sri Lanka from such locales can take you through a myriad of beautiful locations, both man-made and natural, that are usually overlooked.

Through the Tall Grass

You can walk up the tracks to the next station, Kithal Ella and turn left at the 166 ½ marker. After a while, you will come to a footbridge crossing and a fork in the road. Take the path to the left. Traversing past a tea plantation and a narrow stretch of long grass will bring you to the interim viewing point.

Bird’s Eye View

After that, it’s a straight road to the top. The whole world spills away into the distance as far as your eye can see. A bird’s eye view of paradise awaits

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Encounters with Sri Lankan Leopards

Did you know that Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards in a national park in the world? That makes it the ideal location to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard while on a safari.

Yala National Park

The 950 square kilometre Yala National Park can be found on the south-eastern coast and is the preferred location for a leopard safari in Sri Lanka. You can visit this reserve on an eco-friendly adventure tour offered by the likes of Nature Odyssey. If you’re lucky, you will also spot jackals, elephants, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, water buffalos, land and water monitors and over 200 species of birds.

Sri Lankan Leopards

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a dapper russet yellow big cat with dark spots and is the largest subspecies of leopard in the world. At roughly 78 kgs, the males are 30% larger than females and are found throughout the country in various habitats. While leopards are considered nocturnal, it is common to spot them in the early mornings or late evenings.

An Endangered Beauty

However, the leopard count in Sri Lanka has fallen to 250 animals due to poaching and fragmentation of habitat. The Sri Lankan Leopard has been listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered.

Big Cat Conservation

The Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) is working together with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation to study the leopard and aid in its conservation. It is hoped that with a concerted effort the leopard population will once again thrive in Sri Lanka

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Does your idea of an exciting holiday include the chance to encounter everything from stealthy leopards to regal elephants? If so, you will love a safari at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka!

Leopards in Wilpattu | Image Credit: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl, Sri Lankan Leopard at Wilpattu national park – (Brave Beauty), CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting There

The country’s largest national park, Wilpattu can be found on the northwest coast and is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. It is around 188 km from Colombo and 30 km from the town of Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally in the mornings (6 am to 10 am) and evenings (3 pm to 6 pm).

Two of Wilpattu’s “Stars”

While on a safari, organised by travel specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey, keep your eyes peeled to spot two of Wilpattu’s most famous residents; the somewhat ponderous Sri Lankan sloth bear and the majestic Sri Lankan leopard! Seeing these creatures in the wild is truly unforgettable.

Not Just the “Supporting Cast”

Of course, it would be wrong to say that these are the only animals of significance you can spot here. On your safari, you may see cautious spotted deer, sunbathing mugger crocodiles, playful purple-faced langurs, unhurried pond turtles, unperturbed monitor lizards and not forgetting wise-old elephants!

Feathered Friends

The Wilpattu National Park features many lakes which attract a large number of birds too. Bird lovers have the chance to see wetland species such as whistling teals, purple herons and large white egrets. Endemic birds including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Ceylon lorikeet and the red-backed woodpecker are also a part of the colourful avifauna here.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Fun Adventures in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

If your holiday plan includes spending long days on the beach, surfing the waves, going on foodie tours and partying on the shore, then Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka is the place for you!

South Coast Escape

This laid-back town can be found along the island’s south coast; it is around 98 km from Colombo, the commercial capital and is easy to reach via the Southern Expressway or by train. Hikkaduwa resort, hotel and Airbnb options abound offering accommodation for varied budgets.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Golden sands bordered by azure waters await at Hikkaduwa Beach where soaking up the sun is a way of life! Beachside resorts the likes of Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon offer the ideal coastal base to also enjoy diverse dining and the happening nightlife scene in and around the beach area.

Ocean Escapades

Hikkaduwa also features thrilling water sports; there are some excellent waves for surfing especially for beginners, while snorkelling lets you explore the local marine national park home to assorted coral and marine life. For more in-depth exploration you can go diving to hotspots the likes of Black Coral Point and Kirala Gala.

More Adventures

There’s much more to do in Hikkaduwa; you can visit the nearby Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya, which is a temple on a small island, see turtle conservation in action at the Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Centre and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. There’s always something new to discover!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka prides itself for being home to a plethora of wildlife. A rare collection of birds, reptiles, mammals and fish are found in various parts of the nation making this destination a paradise for nature lovers.

Leopards in Sri Lanka | Image Credit : Gihan Jayaweera, Leopard at Wilpattu National Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Yala

Located in the Southernmost region of Sri Lanka, Yala is home to the nation’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. The city of Yala is located roughly 6 hours from the capital Colombo and excursions can be organized by many of the pioneers in Sri Lanka wildlife holidays and planning such as Cinnamon Nature Trails.

Udawalawe

Not too far from Yala, Udawalawe is yet another city that is famed for its wildlife park. Unlike Yala, Udawalawe does not house any leopards but the National Park in this region has an exciting collection of mighty elephants making it the best elephant sanctuary in all of Sri Lanka. Udawalawe can easily be accessed on your way back from Yala to Colombo.

Wilpattu

Wilpattu is the city where one can find the largest National Park in the island. Yet another home for the leopards in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is also more often than not visited to spot these ferocious wild cats.

Sinharaja

A historic city in Sri Lanka Singharaja literally translates to the Lion King. Despite its name, you do not find big cats in this part of the country, but you do however have a large and lush rain forest. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the rain forest is rich in biodiversity making it paradise for the eco-tourist.

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Explore the City While Visiting for the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix

As an exciting, thrilling and all-around spectacular event, the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix brings in visitors from all over the world. However, while you’re here, check out some of these other cool activities.

1) Sepang International Circuit

This is where it all takes place. The Sepang Internation Circuit was inaugurated in 1999 and is where the first Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix took place as well. The circuit was well received by its fans for featuring wide straights and sweeping corners. The circuit has long played an integral role in the country’s industrialization. If you’re looking for a Sepang hotel, there are plenty of great options around like the Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort for instance.

2) Mangrove River Cruise

An activity popular amongst most tourists who visit Sepang is the mangrove river cruise. This half-day tour allows you to wind all the way through the lush mangroves and past the dense jungle here as well. You’ll be able to take in the gorgeous sights and listen to the sounds of the monkeys, monitor lizards, eagles and a variety of exotic birds.

Mangrove river cruise during the stay at Hotels in Sepang — Image Credit: Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort

3) Banghuris

If you’re into responsible tourism, you can check out Banghuris. This half-day agro tour takes you to a rural village where you can witness traditional wooden homes and how the locals go about their lives.

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Getting up close with elephants

Everyone that witnesses an elephant is truly fascinated by these majestic beings and their intelligent behaviour. As one of the few remaining megaherbivores on the planet, elephants hold great national value as a major tourist attraction. There are numerous places to see elephants in the country, listed below are a few.

Image result for Udawalawe — Mstyslav Chernov, Bathing elephants. Udawalawe National Park. Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 3.0

Udawalawe
Declared a national park in 1972 and spanning 30,800 hectares, Udawalawe is home to roughly 500 elephants and other animals. A former teak plantation, they graze in scattered herds in the grasslands amongst the remaining teak trees. There’s an elephant orphanage nearby, where you’ll find injured or abandoned elephants being cared for, after which they’re released into the park.

Minneriya
Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 to protect the Minneriya tank and wildlife of the surrounding area, you’ll find between 150 to 200 elephants roaming the park from July to August. In the dry season, an event is known as the ‘elephant gathering’ occurs and is a great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe the social behaviour of the elephants in the wild. Just a 30-minute drive from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, a rather well-known Sri Lanka Resort, Minneriya is ideal for those looking to get a glimpse of these beasts in their natural habitat.

Pinnawala
Located in the central hills, this elephant orphanage was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Abandoned and disabled wild elephants get care and protection at this special place that spreads across 24 acres. You can observe elephants bathing, as they play and splash around.

Explore the Rainforests in Sri Lanka

A vital part of the country’s ecosystem, the rainforests of Sri Lanka are rich storehouses of endemic flora and fauna, each one offering something new to discover.

Udawatta Kele | Image Credit : Nyanatusita, Udawattakele Forest scene 4, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Sinharaja Rainforest

When it comes to primary tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the last viable area and thus of immense importance. Nature lovers can stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer at the reserve’s border such as The Rainforest Ecolodge and explore this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve; it is home to over 147 bird species as well as a vast amount of endemic trees, butterflies, mammals and reptiles.

The Makandawa Forest Reserve

Located near the island’s white water rafting hotspot of Kitulgala, this pristine reserve features a secondary lowland rainforest. The forest ecosystem is blessed with waterfalls, rock pools and a wide number of rare fish, bird, butterfly and dragonfly species.

The Kanneliya Forest Reserve

Another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Sri Lanka, Kanneliya has lowland rainforests which have plenty of endemic flora and fauna. Amongst the highlights here are the varied snake, fish, lizard and bird species along with natural attractions like the Narangas and Anagimale waterfalls.

The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Located in the hill capital, Kandy, this sanctuary is made up of small forest areas where one will find a wide range of plant species as well as endemic bird species. Easy to explore, the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is also known for its endemic mammals as well as amphibians and reptiles.

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