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 birds, butterflies, and dragonflies; numerous species of reptiles and amphibians; and mammals.

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 on to 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 will spot the dry zone birds.  (More)

Butterflies of Sri Lanka:  This is an adventurous journey through Sri Lanka’s wetlands and forest reserves in search of the island’s butterflies - from the largest Ceylon Birdwing with the wing span ranging from 95 to 135mm, to the smallest - the Grass Jewel which measures only 8-13mm.  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.  (More)

Dragonfly Trail:  This tour takes you through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and untouched wilderness to spot not just dragonflies but 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 to help with conservation. 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)

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 sun-kissed 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 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)

There are 176 species of reptiles so far recorded in Sri Lanka, including 93 species of snake, 72 lizards, nine turtles and terrapins, and two species of crocodiles. Sri Lanka has six deadly venomous snakes: the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Saw-scaled Viper, Common Krait & the Sri Lanka Krait. It is very hard to see or find these species in the wild and the best one can hope for is to see one as road kill or in remote villages where paddy cultivation attracts some of these species for easy prey like the mice and rats.

Sri Lanka’s shores are home to five species of Marin Turtles, which include the Green Turtle, Hawk’s-bill, Logger-head, Olive Ridley and the Leatherback Turtle. These species come in to shore to nest to the West and South coast of Sri Lanka. September to March of each year is the best time to see turtles coming in to shore to nest. They can be seen all year round but this period is the best time. Rekuwa beach which is in Tangalle is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see turtles nesting in their natural habitat. The Turtle Conservation Society and the Department of Wildlife Conservation have a conservation programme here.

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.

The Turtle Conservation Project, Sri Lanka. 72/4 Galle Road, Walana, Panadura with site office in Rakuwa in Tangalle. E-mail: tcpsl@sltnet.lk

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

`A Photographic Guide to the Snakes and other Retiles of Sri Lanka’, by Indraneil Das and Anslem de Silva. New Holland (UK) 2005. `The Amphibian Fauna of Sri Lanka’, by Sushil K. Dutt & Kelu Manamendra-Archchi. Wildlife Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka 1996.

'Muggers and Salties:  Sri Lanka's Crocs', by Andrew Kittle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 3 No 1

'Ode to the venomous seven', by Andrew Kittle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 4

'Large Lizards – the Kabaragoya and Talagoya', by Andrew Kittle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 9

'Sri Lanka’s non-venomous Snakes', by Andrew Kittle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 3