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Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

Due to its tropical location, abundant rain forests, and mangroves, Sri Lanka is home to over 452 recorded species of Birds. Read on to know more about bird watching in the paradise isle of Sri Lanka.

Overview

Sri Lanka is a country that boasts a tropical climate, the island has an abundant supply of fruits and grains, and the ecological conditions are perfect all of these factors make the country an idyllic home to a variety of birds making the island an ideal destination for avid bird watchers and nature lovers.

Best Places for bird watching

Sri Lanka’s largest forest – Sinharaja, Yala national park, and the Horton plains forest reserve are some of the places that are frequented by birdwatchers apart from these, all most all the wildlife reserves are ideal for spotting new kinds of birds.

Getting to these places and accommodation options

You can reach the forest reserves through public transport or by booking your very own transport which can be a taxi or a tuk-tuk. When you reach the destination, you can opt for guided tours or you can explore and spot birds yourself. There are also specific accommodation options that many bird watchers love the likes of Birds Park Polgahawela. The property is located in the midst lush greenery that includes trees and vines which in turn attracts a large number of birds. Staying at this property is also considered as one of the exciting things to do in Kurunegala.

Source image — Image Credit: Birds Park Polgahawela

Things to remember

Make sure that you enjoy the boons of mother nature without harming it. Do not disturb the birds while you track their activities and watch them. Also, do not litter at the jungle grounds and dispose of plastic items in a responsible way.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

From stealthy leopards and grinning crocodiles to majestic eagles and iconic elephants, the Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable safari into the wild.

Wilpattu National Park| Img by: Hasitha Tudugalle via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Getting There

Wilpattu is located around 188 km away from Colombo and the main Hunuwilgama Entrance can be easily accessed from Anuradhapura or Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally from 6am to 10am and from 3pm to 6pm. Excursions organised by wildlife tour specialists like Nature Odyssey are an ideal option since they offer transport, accommodation and guided jeep safaris.

Mammals

On your adventure tours in Sri Lanka at Wilpattu National Park, you have the chance to see leopards, sloth bears and elephants which are amongst the biggest draws at the park. Spotted deer, water buffalos and wild pigs may also be spotted here.

Birdlife

Wilpattu is made up of “villus” or natural lakes which attract a large variety of bird species. The whistling teal, white ibis and garganey are a few of the wetland bird species that can be spotted, while the Sri Lankan junglefowl, painted stork and eagles also call this park home.

Reptiles

The mugger crocodile is one of the most prominent reptile species in Wilpattu and makes for a great photo opportunity too! The common cobra, Indian python, soft-shelled turtle and monitor lizard are also found at the park.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Despite being a relatively small country, the wildlife in Sri Lanka is one of the finest. You’ll be surprised at the number of habitats, herds of elephants, different species of birds, leopards and schools of dolphins are a few to name. The biodiversity on the island is one that will not cease to amaze you.

National Park | Image Credit - Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons — National Park | Image Credit – Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

Yala National Park

Yala forms a total area of 1269 sq. km, 260 km southeast of Colombo. This huge area of grassland, lagoons and the light forest is home to plenty of wildlife. adventure tours in Sri Lanka include Yala National Park as a must visit, since it boasts animals from leopards, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinhajara is a vast area of tropical rain forest bounded by rivers on three sides, another biodiversity hot spot found in the Island. You can opt for a tour package such as the likes of Silvertree Travel to coordinate and plan.

Pigeon Island National Park

A marine national park in Sri Lanka has located 312 km from Colombo. The sanctuary spans 471.4 hectares in total. On entering the Island, the first thing you’ll witness would be Blue Rock pigeons, an endangered species, nesting and breeding. The island possesses 100 species of exquisite corals, making it a breeding ground for over 300 species of fish.

Uda Walawe National park

This park centres the Uda Walawe reservoir and is ideal for elephant watching. Besides elephants, you’ll spot deer, buffalos, jackals, crocodiles, etc as the lack of dense vegetation makes way for easy spotting.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Top water sports in Bentota

Holidaying in Bentota inevitably succumbs you to taking part in some of the best water sports in Sri Lanka. Some of the top ones that we would recommend are:

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving into the warm Indian ocean and swimming with the fish while taking a peak at all the sea creatures and corals is a fun activity to enjoy with the family. Stay at a resort in Bentota that is near areas that have this activity so that it is easier and faster to travel.

Wind Surfing

Weather its your own gear or something hired, wind surfing is quite a popular water sport on the beaches of Bentota. Hotels like AVANI Bentota Resorts and Spa help you sign up for such activities. Just speak to their front office concierge for more info.

Banana Boat Rides

One of the most fun and thrilling water activities you can do in Bentota is the banana boat ride! As per its name, the banana boat is shaped like a banana and accommodates a group of people while being pulled by a jet-ski. If you are tipped over, you are bound to fly off and end up in the lake so hold on tight!

Jet & Water skiing

From beginners to pros, everyone can take part in this super exciting water sport! Bentota has professional instructors who can assist you if you need help. Whizz around in the jet ski with your friends and make memories that will be cherished forever!

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Here’s a curiously delightful venue which drifts across the Beira Lake in Colombo

How about spending a memorable evening in an unrivalled above-the-lake event space featuring a meticulous interior and exterior design? Do read on to know more interesting facts.

About
Away from the lavish lifestyles of the bustling capital city is the “8° on the Lake”, the floating restaurant of Beira Lake which comes across as a fascinating venue for your evening functions. Docked at the Cinnamon Lakeside’s pier, it captures the hearts and minds of everyone especially at the coming of the dusk. This will be the best spot in Colombo to celebrate your private parties and special celebrations.

Design
The large windows and the transparent dome allow you to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking Beira Lake and beautiful night sky adorned with stars. The wood panelled floors of the upper deck make it an incredible space for a great dance floor. It’s better to spend time during an evening because the heat during the day can ruin your fun.

Location
Those who are holidaying at a luxury hotel in Colombo the likes of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, should definitely go a dinner cruise along the picturesque Beira Lake to indulge in an exceptional experience in the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka.

Entice your taste buds!
While enjoying a nice time with your friends, you’ll be able to savour a wide array of Western and South Asian cuisine. Sip your favourite cocktail while feasting your eyes on the stunning vistas of the lake. What’s more attractive?

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

An Adventure on the South Coast of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southern coast is a must visit for any thalassophile. It is a paradise of golden beaches, separated into small bays. However, it is also home to many cultural attractions worth visiting.

Madol Duwa

Madol Duwa was a legendary island in one of the books authored by Martin Wickramasinghe. Following his book, the island has now become a popular place to visit. The island is located in Koggala on the Galle – Colombo main road.

Galle Dutch Fort

The Galle Dutch Fort was built by the Dutch during the mid-17th century. The later arrival of the British made some additions to the fort, encircling the city, interrupted by 14 massive bastions. If you want to explore the fort thoroughly, then the best thing is to walk the length of the walls. The whole walk will take about 90 minutes.

Richmond Castle

This enchanting mansion may look like it belongs in England, but in actual fact, it can be found in Kalutara along Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Set amidst quite beautiful gardens, this grand mansion can be visited while staying AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa, which is a Bentota resort, located in close proximity to many must-visit attractions.

Water Sports

When you have vast stretches of the Indian Ocean as your backyard as it were, there really is no limit to the amount of water sports fun you can have! The island’s South Coast provides plenty of adrenaline pumping action and even laidback thrills that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Most resorts along the coast are positioned right on the beach itself providing easy access to a myriad of activities.

Windsurfing at AVANI Resort Bentota — Image Credit: AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Guide to Wildlife Safari in Yala

The mesmerising and informative Yala Safari is something every visitor or native should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Image Credit - Walkers Tours — Image Credit – Walkers Tours

Where to go

Adventure tours in Sri Lanka are rarely planned without including a safari or two in it and of all the places to go to on the island, the Yala National Park attracts the most visitors every year. A Yala Safari can be arranged with the help of any travel agency, Walkers Tours, for example, and you will have a fun-filled day where you watch the wildlife in their natural habitats.

About Yala Safari Park

Being the second biggest national park in Sri Lanka, it is also known as the Ruhuna National park. Spreading over a massive 979 square kilometres, this reserve is home to many endemic animals and birds, and a few endangered ones too.

The Safari

They pride themselves on providing the best tours and safaris on the island and a guide will take you through the jungles as he explains and shares fun facts about every animal or bird you spot.

What to expect

The Sri Lankan leopard and the Sloth bear are the most sought-after animals, closely followed by the deer, elephants, and crocodiles.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Guide to Whale Watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the most popular coastal locales in Sri Lanka, and in addition to offering beautiful beaches with powdery sands and turquoise waters, it is has a significant whale population.

Overnight stay at Cape Weligama & Weligama — Image Credit – Walkers Tours

International Grade Operations

Pretty much all the providers of whale-watching expeditions operate under very strict guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of the marine titans. Among many things they refrain from venturing unnecessarily close to the whales, and they never interfere with the creature’s course.

The Vessels

The whale-watching boats are generally large vessels with a capacity of at least forty people. The ones run by the military are even bigger, and can hold more than a hundred passengers. The price is also generally inclusive of insurance relating to the boat and its passengers respectively.

Procuring a Tour

A whale-watching adventure should definitely be a priority when it comes to things to do in Sri Lanka. You can easily procure a whale-watching expedition from many travel providers such as Walkers Tours.

Whale-Watching Season

The optimal time to go whale-watching is from November to April, where there’s a very high number of whales and the seas are also quite calm. Although there will be whales from May to October as well, the seasons tend to be quite rough and the voyage is not recommended.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Extreme Water Sports to try out in Kalutara

Kalutara is a quiet coastal town located in the south of Sri Lanka and is one of the best places on the island to partake in a variety of water sports.

Jet Ski

Hop on a jet ski and rip through the mesmerizing lagoon waters of Kalutara. This adrenaline pumping sport is a great way to spend the afternoon, especially if you’re staying at AVANI Kalutara Resort.

Surfing

Surfing is an island wide favourite and if you’re looking for popular things to do in Kalutara– this is it! Grab a surf board and catch some of the biggest and baddest waves around the coastal areas.

Parasailing

With the wind as your friend, parasailing is a great way to enjoy the scenery and partake in a thrilling activity! Feel the adrenaline rush through your bones as you soar above the shimmering ocean waters.

Wind Surfing

Sri Lankan beaches, lagoons and rivers are the best places to try this water sport as you’re constantly blessed with the gusts of wind. Glide along the waves and let the wind be your guide.

Diving

Don your flippers and scuba diving kit and dive into the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Only those with a PADI license are permitted to dive.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Things To Do In Kalutara You Didn’t Know About

Kalutara in the dazzling western coast offers more than just golden beaches. Here are a few things to do in Kalutara, Sri Lanka that you probably didn’t know about.

Canoeing in Kalu River

a couple canoeing on a river — Canoeing is the best way to explore Kalu River

Gently flow along the Kalu Ganga (කළු ගඟ ) (River) which in Sinhalese means the “Black River”. According to local travel guides such as Travel Kalutara this can be done as a half day tour or overnight tour. Along the way, you’ll see verdant tropical greenery, exotic birds and cheeky monkeys who’ll make funny faces at you!

Water Sports

jetskiing is a motorized water sport — Jet Skiing – Photo via Pixabay

Where there’s a beach, there’s almost always a chance for some fun in the water. In Kalutara you can try out a number of watersports such as

Jet skiing
Water skiing
Bodyboarding
Banana or tube rides, to name just a few.

Fishing Trips

Have some fun and catch your lunch at the same time! There are many hotels and tour operators who offer deep sea fishing expeditions in Kalutara. Hunt for a variety of fish ranging from tuna to sailfish, dorado, mackerel, and even the humoungous Marlin!

Spa in Kalutara

You need a good break, after all, that adventuring around right? So book a spa session at one of the many luxury hotels in Kalutara and be prepared to be pampered like a prince or princess with a wide range of holistic Ayurvedic treatments.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.