We have put together several itineraries that take you across the island’s diverse landscapes and its natural wilderness in search of endemic as well as migrant species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Sri Lanka Elephant Pilgrimage: Our ‘Sri Lanka Elephant Pilgrimage’ has been designed for nature-loving families. The Asian elephant has been an important part of Sri Lanka’s culture and ecology for thousands of years (10% of the world’s elephant population is concentrated in this small island). This fascinating animal provides the central focus of this holiday, but there is plenty more packed in besides including exploration of the island’s rich history, tea-growing hills, and the palm-fringed south coast. (More)

Sri Lanka’s Wilderness: This wilderness journey takes you through the marshes and lagoons of the west coast, to a camping safari in Uda Walawe National Park famous for its elephant herds. Journey to the hill country’s mountain peaks through tea estates, followed by the tropical rainforests in the foothills of the mountains. On to the deep south where finally you will rest and relax on the sunkissed beaches of Mirissa where Whale and Dolphin spotting is a must during the season. (More)

Sri Lanka Nature Trek: This ‘Sri Lanka Nature Trek’ is specially designed for ramblers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. We’ve hunted down eco-retreats and hotels situated in the most picturesque locations and created an itinerary that takes you to see some of the island’s most memorable natural sites, including peaceful jungles in the cultural triangle, the impressive Hunnas Giriya Mountains, the pristine tea-growing highlands, Yala’s rolling plains and the virgin rainforests of Sinharaja. (More)

Wildlife & Beach Explorer: This journey let’s you experience some of Sri Lanka’s unique destinations - the magnificent wilderness and the south coast beaches in luxurious comfort. An adventurous safari through the wilderness ends with five days of relaxation on the beautiful south coast beaches of Tangalle. We have selected unique accommodation – secluded private villas, eco-retreats, and luxury camping in the wilderness – to ensure a journey filled with memorable experiences. (More)

Sri Lanka has 102 terrestrial mammals so far discovered on the island and 90 of them are indigenous species of which 14 are endemic to Sri Lanka. Mammals are extensively distributed in the country due to the diverse climatic, vegetation, altitude and geographic history of the island. According to Eisenberg and Mckay, the island is divided into major mammalian zones identified as Monsoon Shrub jungle, Monsoon forest and grasslands, Inter-monsoon forest & Rain forest, and grasslands. Of the 14 endemic species of Mammals, eight are confined to the wet zone (Rain forests & grasslands).

The highest density of species is observed in the Rain Forest & grasslands habitats which is below 914m below sea level. The non-endemic mammals found on the island are also found in the Indian Subcontinent. However, an increasing number of sub-species are being identified in Sri Lanka due to continuous research that is being carried out locally. An example of this is the sub-species Grey Slender Loris found in the Sri Lanka’s rain forest being upgraded to a `full species’ which is endemic to the island. According to research, during the Pleistocene period, Sri Lanka has had rich mammalian fauna related to the Indian forms including the Porcupines, Red Dog, Tiger, different Genera of elephants, two species of Rhinoceros, hippopotamus, another species of pig, Deer, Gaur and a further Sambar species.

Asian Elephant (Elephas Maximus Maximus): The Asian elephant is much smaller than the African Elephant and is about 225-325cm at shoulder. The Sri Lankan Elephant is a distinct sub-species from the main land species. General coloration is black with heavy pigmentation on the truck and ears. Some males will have tusks however, females do not develop tusks like its African cousin. Some younger males develop small tusks which are not true tusks but are called tushes. Behaviour is like the African elephant where a herd is lead by a matriarch which is always an older female. Mature males will not be tolerated within the herd and only during mating season are males seen near a herd.

Sri Lanka’s elephant population has steadily declined within the last 100 years or so. Much damage was done during the Colonial period when elephants were killed in their thousands for sport. Elephants were also domesticated for work and religious activities. The current elephant population on the island is estimated at around 4,500 – 5,000. The biggest threat to its survival now is the loss of habitat which has lead to the Human – Elephant conflict resulting in both people and elephants losing lives.

The Udawalawe National Park is the best natural habitat to observe these magnificent animals through out the year. Since this National Park is smaller than the others, it is easier to spot the animals while on safari. Small herds can be spotted here in the evenings coming to the water holes and tanks for their daily drink and bath. Minneriya National Park is also fast becoming the ‘hotspot’ for elephants in Sri Lanka. Coined as ‘The Gathering’, during the months from July to October over 300 elephants are seen at this National park together by the Minneriya water tank. As a result of the dry season during this period, water becomes scares in the whole area and elephants from all around migrate to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park. The number of elephants 'gathering' at this time is known to be the highest in the world.

Leopard (Panthera Pardus Kotiya): There are four species of cat in Sri Lanka of which the Leopard is the `big cat’ and the top predator. The other smaller cat species include the Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus Rubuginosus), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus Viverrinus), and the Jungle Cat (Felis Chaus). Sri Lanka is fast becoming popular as one of the best places to spot the Leopard. Although the Leopard species is found widely in Africa and Asia, it is a very secretive and elusive animal preferring jungle habitat and not found in the open plains in Africa like the Lions and Cheetahs.

Leopards are found in all National Parks in Sri Lanka including Horton Plains which is in the montane forests. Yala National Park – Block 1 is known to have the highest density of Leopard in the world according to research carried out by Ravi Samarasinghe who was the fore-most authority on Leopards in Sri Lanka. Wilpathu National Park is the next best place to see the leopard in Sri Lanka.

Sloth Bear (Melursus Ursinus): The Sloth Bear, also found in the subcontinent, is one of the most elusive ‘big game’ in Sri Lanka. Although found in most National Parks, Yala would be the best place to spot the Sloth Bear with Wasgamuwa National Park also being popular. The Sloth bear is best seen during the months of June & July when its favorite fruit the `Palu’ is in season. Sloth bears are aggressive and are easily provoked.

Primates: Of the Primates found in Sri Lanka, there are three species of Monkey which include the endemic Toque Macaque, the endemic and endangered Purple Faced Leaf Monkey, and the Gray Langer which is also found in India. Two species of Loris are found here as well the Grey Slender Loris and the newly split endemic - Sri Lanka Red Slender Loris. The Grey Langer is confined to the dry zone of the country. You can see them in groups in places like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park and in the North-Central dry zone area. They prefer to stay in forested areas and do not venture in to human habitat.

The Toque Monkey is found across the island at all elevations. It is fast becoming a pest in most areas as its habitat shrinks and its closeness to humans becomes a problem. They are opportunist and will invade humans if they can get an easy meal. Polonnaruwa ancient city is one of the famous places for these primates and is where the popular ‘Temple Troop’ documentary was filmed. One must be vary of this species as it can get aggressive when it comes to food. It is strongly advised not to feed monkeys.

The Purple-faced Leaf Monkey which is mainly found in the wet zone, has three distinct sub-species. The Western sub species, the Southern sub species and the Montane sub species. This endemic species is on the threaten list of species for Sri Lanka due to its habitat being encroached my man. It will avoid human contact whenever possible. The two species of Loris in Sri Lanka are endangered and their population is diminishing at a fast pace. Due to its nocturnal habits very little is known about these animals. However, a new study being carried out by scientists did result in the up grade of a subspecies to a full species.

Deer: Sri Lanka has five species of deer. The Spotted Deer is the most numerous and wide spread. Found in all National Parks, this species is confined to the dry zone of the country. The spotted dear is the main pray of the Leopard and its population is a key indication of the leopard population in an area. They are also hunted by people for their meat. The main threat at the moment to this species is hunting and loss of habitat. Sambar Deer is the biggest in size of the four species of deer. Once again, found across the island, more numbers are found in National Parks such as Hortain Plains in the Montane zone of the island. Barking Deer or Muntjak is a smaller species of deer and is found in small numbers all across the island. Wilpathu National Park is known for its large number of Muntjak. Its not easy to spot this species in other area. Hog Deer which is a medium sized deer, is also found around the island and is mainly seen in the wet zone. Mouse Deer is the smallest member of the deer family in Sri Lanka. It’s still found in urban scrub forest and is shy and difficult to spot. You might encounter it dashing across the roads when travelling in the nights.

Wild Boar: Found widely at all elevations, the wild boar are farmer’s number one enemy. Unfortunately, this Wild boar is not protected and can be killed if it’s a problem for farming. Found in family groups, they are very aggressive and will defend its young even from a Leopard.

Jackal: Jackal is also found in Sri Lanka. Often seen in most National Parks, this small predator is mainly a scavenger and lives on smaller prey like birds, eggs and small rodents.

Other large Mammals found in Sri Lanka: The Pangolin is found here, but has nearly been hunted to extinction in the country. Otter is mainly found in the hill country and Horton Plains, but one would need to get there early to spot these animals. Other Mammals found on the island include the Palm Cat, Ring-tailed Civet and the endemic Sri Lanka Golden Palm-cat, Wild Buffalo, Porcupine, Giant Squirrel (has three sub species), Giant Grey Flying-Squirrel, Small flying-squirrel, Sri Lanka Flame-striped Jungle Squirrel, Palm Squirrel, Dusyt-striped Jungle Squirrel, Black-naped Hare and four species of Mongoose (Grey, Brown, Ruddy and Striped Necked Mongoose), and all other species consist of Bats, Shrews, Rates and Mice.

`Panthera Pardus Kotiya – images of a Sri Lankan Leopard’, by Priyantha Talwatte, Explore Sri Lanka, July 2007

`Yala – the lure of the Leopard’, by Sarasi Wijeratne, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 4

`A journey back to the wild’, by Ruvini Jayasinghe, Serendib, November & December 2006

`The elephant gathering’, by Sarasi Wijeratne, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 2

`Human – elephant conflict : all the bloody numbers’, by Ethan Gelber, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 5 No 1

`The Sloth Bear – an assailant in self-defence’, by Andrew Kittle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 3 No 8

`The Porcupine and Pangolin – a bizarre jungle pair’, by Rukshan Jayewardene, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 3 No 9