Wilderness of Sri Lanka | A treat for the wildlife lover

Wilds of Sri Lanka

Introduction

Sri Lanka’s tropical wilderness and coastal areas are a biological treasure trove providing habitats for numerous species. The wildlife found in and around the island ranges from the largest land mammal – the elephant, to the largest marine mammal - the mighty blue whale. Sri Lanka also has the highest population of leopard in Asia and is renowned as a birdwatcher’s delight. More than 400 species of birds can be found here with nearly half of them migrants and more than 33 that are endemic to Sri Lanka. The birdlife alone is worth a trip.

There are several National Parks and sanctuaries, virgin rainforests, and wetland marshes throughout the island where animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Sri Lanka’s warm turquoise seas are magnificent. During the most settled season on the west coast from December to April, venture off into the deep seas to spot numerous species of exotic reef fish, whales and dolphins.

Red Dot Tours is a British travel company that has been settled in Sri Lankafor the past ten years. Red Dot has extensive ground knowledge of all aspects of the island including its people, its cultural heritage and its fascinating natural environment. Red Dot offers imaginative tailor-made tours that aim to provide a memorable and individual holiday experience on this magical island. See: www.reddottours.com.

The 'Wilds of Sri Lanka' tour takes you on a journey of discovery through the virgin rainforests of Sinharaja where more than 140 species of birds can be spotted; a camping safari at Yala National Park, home to herds of wild elephants, the elusive leopard, sloth bear and mugger crocodiles; and the spectacular coves of the south where you can support efforts to protect the giant marine turtles come ashore to nestand whales and dolphins roam the deep blue seas. All Red Dot’s tours are entirely flexible, both in terms of accommodation and duration.

Holiday Highlights

	Mixed species bird flocks’ of the Sinharaja rainforest
	Big game including elephants, leopard, and sloth bear in Yala
	Endangered marine turtles on the south coast
	Whale and dolphin spotting in the deep seas
	Stays in unique boutique hotels, eco-retreats, and luxury wildlife camping


Day 1Transfer directly from Colombo’s international airport to The Wallawwa, a refurbished century-old colonial mansion which is now a stylish boutique hotel just 20 minutes’ drive away. Relax and unwind by the poolside and enjoy the lush tropical gardens that attract numerous exotic birds. Night time on the terrace here is blissful. The Wallawwa Nestled amongst acres of beautifully manicured gardens, this colonial manor house, or Wallawwa, is Sri Lanka’s most exciting new boutique hotel. This old and new concept provides guests with unrivalled setting and style just 15 minutes from the airport. 14 bedrooms, Asian fusion cuisine, Z spa and The Wallawwa’s swimming pool – all set amongst one of the finest private gardens in Sri Lanka. The Wallwawa is the perfect end to any visit to Sri Lanka. A luxury private hideaway. ...(More)
Day 2, 3 & 4After breakfast, head south west to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s Heart of Darkness. Moist and muggy, murky and mysterious, an experience of Sinharaja is like nothing else in Sri Lanka. This magnificent jungle – the last surviving stretch of virgin rainforest on the island – teems with life, whether it be gushing waterfalls, gurgling streams, ants marching, leaves rustling, leeches waiting (you’ve been warned!), crickets creaking or butterflies fluttering by. Apart from the very distinct atmosphere which is created by this great cacophony of noise and movement, Sinharaja is particularly renowned as a hotspot for birdlife. There are 140 bird species seen here annually, including 29 out of 33 species endemic to Sri Lanka. And should your tracker manage to find you one of the ‘mixed hunting flocks’ all you will need to do is stand and savour. Stay three nights at the Rainforest Edge, a tranquil eco-retreat located close to the park entrance. Rainforest Edge Rainforest Edge, perched above the rolling hills of Waddagala, offers one of the most restful panoramas in Sri Lanka. From this appealing eco and ayurveda property, you can gaze upon rolling tea plantations, studded with tea bungalows and factories. Rustic style in harmony with nature is the essence of its appeal, an isolated, pollution-free environment without discomfort. ...(More)
Day 5 & 6Leave first thing in the morning for Yala, the national park at Sri Lanka's south-east tip. For your two nights stay, we recommend a unique luxury camping experience offered by one of the premier wildlife safari companies in Sri Lanka – Leopard Safaris. Yala National Park with a total protected area of more than 450 square miles,is one of the best places to see a wide variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife because of its scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections. Boasting one of the world's densest leopard populations, Yala attracts many visitors just because it offers an opportunity to see such a famous big cat. Yala is also home to herds of elephants, sloth bear, sambur, spotted deer, wild boar, mugger crocodiles, and more than 150 species of birds. Leopard Safaris Leopard Safaris specializes in mobile camping safaris in Sri Lanka's major National Parks. Leopard Safaris has no permanent structures with everything brought in to the campsite a day prior to your arrival. This camping package includes accommodation, all meals, and treks accompanied by a naturalist. ...(More)
Day 7Travel south along the scenic coast for an overnight stay at Back of Beyond Kahandamodara near Tangalle. This is a peaceful eco-retreat set on an estuary where a river meets the Indian Ocean. Go on a nature walk or ride a canoe down river. At nightfall, set off to nearby Rekawa beach and silently observe the giant marine turtles as they come ashore to nest. Out of the seven marine turtle species, five can be observed in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is an ancient and phenomenal ritual that is fascinating to observe. You can also become involved in conservation projects and when you see them you will want to play your part. Back of Beyond - Kahandamodara Opened in September 2009, Kahandamodara is situated on acres of wilderness where peacock, monkeys and mongoose roam free and is just a 15 minute catamaran ride away from the secluded beaches of the south coast. This is a perfect holiday retreat for those seeking peace and tranquility or those with a fondness for nature walks, cycle trails, river fishing, and boating. ...(More)
Day 8, 9 & 10Head to the coastal village of Thalpe and check-in to Frangipani Tree, a luxurious boutique hotel situated about 15 minutes from the historic town of Galle. The Galle Coast is a popular and unspoilt holiday area, attracting holidaymakers on all budgets. Spend your days relaxing and basking in the sun at this wonderful beachside hotel. Set off one morning to Mirissa for a whale and dolphin spotting excursion. The south of Sri Lanka beyond Dondra Head lighthouse is considered one of the best locations in the world for spotting Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Spinner and Bottle Nosed Dolphins. The excursion is organised by Mirissa Water Sports based at the Mirissa harbour and can be done during the season from December to April. Mirissa Water Sports also offers a range of water based activities such as sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating. Scuba diving and surfing is possible in Unawatuna. We also recommend a visit to Galle’s 17C Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the maze of narrow roadways edged with Dutch and British colonial era buildings that are still in use, well preserved ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium, museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants and boutique hotels. Frangipani Tree Frangipani Tree is a stylish boutique hotel set at the edge of a secluded beach in the upmarket settlement of Thalpe, which has benefited from Galle’s renaissance and become Sri Lanka’s stylish mini-Riviera. It has ten luxurious and utterly private suites in four villas. Each of the elegantly-furnished suites can be rented individually. ...(More)

Package price includes:

	10 night’s accommodation on twin-sharing
	BB basis at All hotels with Rain Forest Edge on Full board basis and all inclusive basis while camping.
	Air-conditioned car and English-speaking Naturalist driver with birding expertise for tour
	Entrance fees and jeep hire: Unlimited safaris in Yala National park, 02 visits to Sinharaja Rainforest, A visit to Rakawa Turtle nesting beach, 01 Whale watching trip in Mirissa