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Embark on a journey through Sri Lanka’s rich natural wonders with our “Flora & Fauna” experiences. From the nocturnal world of the elusive Grey Slender Loris to the majestic Blue Whales off Trincomalee’s coast, these adventures offer an intimate look at the island’s diverse wildlife. Explore the vibrant coral reefs of Pigeon Island, marvel at the avian paradise of Kalmateiya Bird Sanctuary, or witness the ancient ritual of sea turtles nesting on Rekawa beach. Whether it’s the rare creatures of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary or the breathtaking landscapes of the Royal Botanical Gardens, each experience is designed to immerse you in the unparalleled beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
The Grey Slender Loris, with its large bulging eyes and tiny limbs, is a nocturnal primate found in Sri Lanka, India and South East Asia. Witness the elusive beauty of nocturnal wildlife, with a 90% success rate of spotting Grey Slender Loris at Back of Beyond, Pidurangala. Beginning at 7.30 pm, the one and half hour-long tour which is conducted by the resident naturalist, will take you through a forest filled with a wide range of vegetation where you spot slow moves of these tree dwellers in the scrub forests.
Trincomalee, even though it’s best known for its amazing surf, is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these whales. Blue Whales – the largest mammals ever known are residents off the shores of Trincomalee and Sperm Whales – the largest predators on our planet and also the deepest diving whales travel in pods following the matriarchal system similar to elephants. Off the coast of Sri Lanka, you can often encounter “super pods” containing 40 or more of these whales along with large numbers of Spinner dolphins.
Pigeon Island was designated as a sanctuary in 1963. In 2003 it was re-designated as a national park. The Island is one of the several protected areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. A 30-minute boat ride will take you to an island of that consists of coral reefs that harbour many vertebrates and invertebrates. The park supports over 100 species of coral and 300 coral reef fishes recorded around the Trincomalee area. The location is also great to observe the juvenile and adult Black tip reef shark as well as a variety of turtles. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka.
A true birder’s paradise, Sri Lanka is home to over 400 species, a factor attributed to its wide variety of natural habitats, from mountain and lowlands, to dry plains and lush forests. A spectacular wetland area of salty lagoons and mangrove swamps, the Kalamateiya Bird Sanctuary is one of the country’s oldest reserves and provides a lovely setting for your boat tour. A renowned hotspot for a wealth of migrating shorebirds, the sanctuary itself is home to over 150 species of birds including Indian reef herons, glossy ibises, Sri Lankan black-capped purple kingfishers and jungle fowl, a species endemic to the island. You can also hope to see Eurasian spoonbills, common snipes, and black winged stilts, whilst the waters themselves provide a rich habitat for over 40 species of colourful fish.
The best time to visit is between 7 pm & 3 am when Sea Turtles come ashore to nest. A drive through dirt roads and Rice paddies leads to the spectacular beach at Rekawa, a famous nesting site for five species of Turtle, namely the Green turtle, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill. Sea Turtle nesting occurs throughout the year on Rekawa beach, with a distinct peak-nesting season from March to July.
The frequent sightings all year round have put Sri Lanka and the Mirissa area on the worlds ‘Top Hot Spots’ for Sperm and Blue whale sightings. They are best seen between December and April off the South coast of Sri Lanka, which is part of their migration pattern. While you enjoy the early morning ride in the wide-open seas your naturalists will be on the look-out for the marine mammals. You may also encounter Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins, sea turtles and flying fish. Post safari activities are also offered such as banana boating, snorkelling, sea kayaking and paddle boarding.
Just off the coast of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean, swims the majestic blue whale, the largest creature on earth. Nowhere in the world is it possible to see these ocean giants so close to shore. In one of their boat ‘The Lain’, observe blue whales along with sperm whales, orcas, playful spinner and bottlenose dolphins, and whale sharks in their natural environment. It is often a unique experience. Borderlands Ocean Safaris offer private boats, giving the traveller the opportunity to enjoy a trip in comfort and away from the hustle and bustle of the overcrowded public boats. Post safari activities are also offered such as banana boating, snorkelling, sea kayaking and paddle boarding upon request.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya started off as a pleasure gardens for Sinhalese Royalty. It was turned into a Botanical Garden by the British in 1843. It was also the location of the supreme headquarters of Lord Mountbatten during World War 2. The 147 acres of gardens include more than 4000 species of plants including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. The orchid collection of over 300 varieties is one of the main highlights. Other highlights include the Giant Bamboo of Burma, capable of growing up to 130 feet in height, the century old giant Javan fig tree with its tentacle like roots spread across the enormous area of about 1,800 square meters and the Cannonball tree planted by King George V and Queen Mary in 1901 often laden with fruit thought to resemble cannonballs.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a relatively unknown forest reserve sitting on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy. There are several secluded walking paths and many trekking routes worth exploring inside. The sanctuary is famous for an abundant variety of over 460 plant species, especially lianas and shrubs, and an abundance of wildlife such as porcupines, toque monkeys, and wild boars. There is also a large population of snakes and other reptiles that are found here. Look out for the giant ‘Pus Wela’, a famous, ancient liana that has entwined its way across treetops and the forest floor, covering vast distances inside the forest.
A nature trail of 10km in to the forbidden forest Udawattekele which is a home for an exclusive collection of bird species and mammal species. Trail includes attractions such as Royal Pond, Kandy City view point, Flag point which is the highest point of the park. The Park hosts 80 bird species including endemic birds like Sri Lankan Myna, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lankan Horn bill, Yellow fronted barbet etc. Apart from these 15 species of mammals, 32 species of butterflies and several species of reptiles and amphibians.
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