Even on a regular holiday with family, one can spend some time searching for some of the dragonflies found in Sri Lanka.  Include this in a general wildlife holiday or choose the 'Dragonfly Trail', a specialist holiday accompanied by an expert naturalist.

Dragonfly Trail:  This tour takes you through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and untouched wilderness to spot dragonflies, as well as the exotic birds and butterflies found on the island. The journey also includes a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rural life and the ancient heritage.  Some of the hotels included in this itinerary such as Vil Uyana in Sigiriya, Hunas Falls in Kandy and St. Andrew’s hotel in Nuwara Eliya have created man-made wetlands. After an adventurous journey, your final three nights will be spent in an eco-resort on a secluded beach on the north-west coast.  (More)

Birds of Sri Lanka:  This journey begins at the Talangama wetlands, then on to the magnificent Sinharaja rain forest, the deep south and the jungles of Yala, and the Hortain Plains National Park, situated in the hill country 7,000 ft above sea level, and finally to the Cultural Triangle village of Sigiriya where you can spot dry-zone birds.  This journey is also ideal for spotting the island’s numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies.  (More)

Butterflies of Sri Lanka:  This is a journey through Sri Lanka’s wetlands and forest reserves in search of the island’s butterflies - from the largest Ceylon Birdwing with a wing span ranging from 95 to 135mm, to the smallest - the Grass Jewel – which is one tenth the size.  Sri Lanka’s untouched wilderness is also home to numerous species of birds, mammals and reptiles.  We have selected eco-friendly bungalows and hotels that have special butterfly gardens or grow flowers which attract many butterfly species - a delight for guests. This journey is also ideal for spotting the island’s numerous species of birds and dragonflies.   (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)

The Odonata of Sri Lanka can be divided in to two sub-orders – Damselflies (Zygoptera) and Dragonflies (Anisoptera). Sri Lanka has 117 species of dragonflies and damselflies and of these 53 species are endemic. It includes 67 genera. Twenty species of endemic dragonflies are listed as highly threatened. In dragonflies, mature males and females often look very different. Males are more colourful or brightly coloured. However immature males often resemble the females. In different stages of their lives dragonflies occur both in terrestrial and freshwater habitats and are sensitive to environmental disturbances. Dragonflies are often seen as ‘guardians’ of wetlands. They are general endangered because of deforestation and the pollution of freshwater steams, rivers and wetlands.

Butterflies and Dragonflies of Sri Lanka:  www.srilankaninsects.net  Information different species found in Sri Lanka and locations.

The British Dragonfly Society http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk Promotes and encourages the study and conservation of Dragonflies and their natural habitats.

The IUCN Species Survival Commission:  www.iucnredlist.org - 2007 IUCN Red List of threatened Species

Butterfly Conservation is a worldwide organization that conducts educational programmes and conservation activities.  President of the organization is Sir David Attenborough.  http://www.butterfly-conservation.org

Thailand’s Amazing Insects.  http://www.thaibugs.com has photographs and information on numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies.

Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS), 86 Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla. Tel: 2887390, Fax: 2887664. E mail: wnps@sltnet.lk.

The Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka, National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala. Tel: 4204566, Fax: 2714524.

Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Colombo 03. Tel: 5342609, Fax: 5337644, E mail: fogsl@slt.lk

The Sri Lanka Natural History Society (SLNHS), Hony. Secretary, SLNHS, 49/7A, Fife Road, Colombo 5. Tel: 2500266.  E-mail: taraw@dialogsl.net

'The Dragonflies of Sri Lanka', by T. De Fonseka (2000). Wildlife Heritage Trust. Colombo. 304 pages. ISBN 955-9114-19-0.

'Gehan’s Photo Guide – Dragonflies of Sri Lanka', by M. Bedjanic, Karen Conniff & Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne (2007). Jetwing Eco Holidays. Colombo. ISBN 978-955-1079-15-4.

'Gehan’s Photo Booklets – Dragonflies of Sri Lanka & Southern India'. A5 size, 42 plates (2006).

'The 2007 Red List of Threatened Fauna and Flora on Sri Lanka', Colombo, Sri Lanka (2007). IUCN Sri Lanka & Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources. ISBN: 978-955-8177-63-1.