For a country just half the size of England, Sri Lanka is home to an unusually wide variety of large mammals, as well as myriad bird and reptile species. Located in the Indian Ocean, resembling a teardrop off the southern tip of India, this small island is increasingly regarded as a wildlife hotspot due to its incredible natural biodiversity.

Sri Lanka is the best place in Asia to see the continents largest land mammal, the Asian Elephant, in the wild. In the north central national parks of Minneriya, Kaudulla and Somawathiya, the annual unprecedented “gathering” of up to 300 elephants is a natural phenomenon and a highlight of the wildlife calendar. To the south east, Yala national park is also home to one of the highest densities of leopard found anywhere in the world and, as well as large mammals, Sri Lanka is fast emerging as an area of scientific interest for the unique reptiles, amphibians, primates and teeming birdlife that thrives in the dense tropical cloud forests.  

Along with the natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Sri Lanka also contains a well-developed tourism infrastructure and its relatively small size means that most places of interest can be accessed easily without the need for domestic flights or long overnight train journeys.

With an easier pace of life than that of neighbouring India, the pearl of the Indian Ocean seemingly has it all; stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, a rich cultural heritage and fascinating wildlife, not to mention superb food!  Whether it be a visit to one of the many traditional tea plantations, a ride on the narrow guage railway through the hills, leopard tracking in Yala, or more specialised wildlife interests, Sri Lanka can cater for most tastes and interests.

 

Please see below for details of our new trip in August to witness the annual elephant gathering in conjunction with the SLWCS.

SRI LANKA TRIPS

SRI LANKA ELEPHANT GATHERING AND REPTILE MONITORING PROGRAMME