Wildlife of Ceylon

Whilst perhaps better known for its historic sights, rich culture and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka’s verdant forests and warm temperate waters are home to a diverse array of fauna and flora.

Essential Experiences:

• Search for leopards in Yala National Park

• Explore the historic fort town of Galle

• Visit an elephant orphanage

The Tour: This tour focuses on the island's abundant wildlife, taking you on safari in Yala National Park; to visit a turtle hatchery; to encounter wild elephants; and enjoy an optional boat trip in search of whales and dolphins.

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Sri Lanka

Following regular observations of whales by local fisherman off the south coast of Sri Lanka, there has been an increasing amount of research into whale sightings in this area. Some naturalists now claim that it offers arguably the best chance of sighting the blue whale of anywhere in the world. We are, therefore, delighted to be able to offer an optional boat trip (in season - between November and April) to search for these majestic marine mammals. As well as blue whales, many different species have also been sighted including sperm whales, Bryde’s whale, killer whale, spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.

Accommodation: Hotels in Sri Lanka generally provide exceptional service. We have selected the hotels on this tour primarily for their location, most are simple but comfortable and offer excellent value. The stay in Yala is a real highlight due to the property's unique location.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO COLOMBO

Overnight flight from London to Colombo. On arrival you will be met and transferred for 2 nights in the small fishing village of Beruwela on Sri Lanka's west coast.

» Day 3: BERUWELA

Day at leisure offering time to recover from the flight and enjoy the tropical surroundings. (B,L,D)

» Day 4: BERUWELA TO GALLE

After breakfast visit the former home and beautiful gardens of the late Bevis Bawa (brother of the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa). Travel onwards for 2 nights in the historic fort town of Galle, stopping en route to visit a turtle hatchery. (B,D)

» Day 5: GALLE

During the whale watching season (November and April) we offer an optional boat excursion to go in search of whales & dolphins. Payable locally ($250pp), the trip is subject to a minimum of 5 participants and is subject to weather conditions. Starting early, participants transfer to the port of Mirissa, where we take a boat ride out to the natural habitats of the dolphins and whales for a 2½ hour dolphin and whale watching experience. The common blue whale, Bryde's whale, sperm whale, spinner and risso dolphins, as well as many other species have all been spotted in this area and although sightings are common (official figures show over 70% of trips sight a blue whale) they cannot be guaranteed.

Outside the whale watching season we offer a pre-bookable trip (£45pp) to visit the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, an important area of tropical rainforest.

In the evening enjoy an introductory tour of the historic town of Galle including a visit to the fascinating Dutch fort and the nearby Kataluwa Temple, renowned for its beautiful frescoes from the Kandyan period. (B,D)

» Day 6: GALLE TO YALA

Continue by road along the south coast to Yala for a 3 night stay. En route we stop to visit the Handunugoda tea factory and Dickwella lace factory - an 100 year old house that has been very tastefully converted in to a showroom to preserve this traditional craft. Funded by The Travel Foundation it provides new livelihood skills to unemployed young women. (B,D)

» Day 7 to Day 8: YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala has been off limits for the past couple of years, due to Sri Lanka's civil war. However, with hostilities over there is now the opportunity once again to visit this fantastic national park on Sri Lanka's south east coast. The park is believed to have the world's highest concentration of leopards, although seeing these elusive animals still requires an element of luck. However, there is plenty of other fauna in the park, which includes Sri Lankan elephant, sloth bear, mongoose, sambar, golden palm civet, Indian pangolin and a variety of birdlife. Enjoy 2 full days in this wonderfully scenic national park. We include a jeep safari and guided bird and nature trail, with the remainder of the time free for optional activities including further game drives or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the hotel's superb setting. (B,D)

» Day 9: UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK

Drive to Tissa, where we take a walk along Debarawewa tank to view the resident birdlife and see the Buddhist ruins. After lunch, continue to Udawalawe National Park, which is famous for its large herds of elephants as well as sambar, wild boar and wild buffalo. Enjoy a jeep safari in the park before continuing to our hotel in Embilitipiya. (B,L,D)

» Day 10: UDAWALAWE TO BERUWELA

Transfer for a final night back on the coast. (B,L,D)

» Day 11: COLOMBO TO LONDON

Return to Colombo airport for your flight back to London. (B)