Safari Sri Lanka

Yala Safari

Yala west (Ruhuna) National park is well recognized as one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. The park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided in to five blocks. Block one is the most visited area since it contains the highest density of leopards. However other areas of yala such as yala east had been closed to visitors for some years and it will take time to research leopard numbers in these areas. Yala west consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park, its eastern edge is bounded by the south east coast.

It is possible to take full day jeep safaris or split your day in to morning and afternoon drives. Your best chance to see a leopard is generally early in the morning and then again at dusk. You can stay until just after dark inside the park, thus maximizing your chances of a leopard encounter. The male leopards in yala are very confident and are often seen walking the tracks during the day. Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the jeep, which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities. There are similarities between yala and best National parks in India for photographing tigers, in both cases the cats have become hatbitualised to the jeeps thus enabling us to enjoy a privileged view of these magnificent animals.

There is also a substantial elephant population along with spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose penguins and crocodiles. The bird life comprises over 120 species, and ranges from lesser flamingos to paradise flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles and Black Bitterns. Outside of the park are several other fascinating birding locations, including the ancient hermitage of  Sithulpawwa, Debarawewa wetland and Palatupana saltpans. The coastline from a major nesting ground for marine turtles.

(Jeeps here have ‘soft-tops’ to provide a degree of camouflage to humans, as well as cover from the regular showers. The rider season falls between May and August and the park closes for a short time during September and October)

Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park is located approximately 230 km south east of Colombo city and is a majer eco tourism destination in srilanka. The 30821 hectares dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1524 mm and an average temperature of 29.4oC. it is most famous for the many Elephants that live there (about 400 in total).

During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds of adult and young elephants feeding or bathing and playing in the water. In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water Buffalo, water monitor, lizards, Sambar Deer, Monkeys and the occasional Leopards, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts.

A 4WD open – top safari is the only way to see all the wonders that this protected reserve has to offer and our experienced and knowledgeable nature guides will make this an unforgettable experience.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna, near galle is a beautiful wide curving golden beach. The beach has been acclaimed amongst 12 best beaches in the world. There is reef protecting the beach, which makes it safe for bathing. Rumassala, a rocky outcrop projecting into the sea at unawatuna is connected to the legend of Ramayana. It is believed to be a piece of mountain that was fallen when loard hanuman brought the mountain to Sri Lanka in search of a medicinal herb to treat laxamana-rama’s brother wounded in battle. The serene surroundings and the Dutch architecture add to the charm of the place.