Sri Lanka Experiences

WHALE WATCHING (MIRISSA)

The waters of Sri Lanka are teeming with marine life and a whale watching experience in the south-coast is fantastic opportunity to spot the world’s largest mammal – the Blue Whale. Embark your comfortable vessel in Mirissa in the early-morning and head out with the captain and on-board naturalist who will help you spot dolphins, whales, whale sharks and other marine life which are abundant in these waters. The best time to go whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April when the whales are migrating from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere and the ocean is nice and calm. November- March is also the best time to enjoy a villa stay on the South coast as the monsoon has passed, the temperatures are hot and provide an enticing alternative to the cold UK winter.

Heritage Galle and Turtle Conservatory

Combine a visit to the historic city of Galle with a memorable experience at one of Sri Lanka’s best Turtle Conservation Projects. 

Galle and its 17^th century Portuguese fort exemplifies Sri Lanka’s blend of colonial heritage and a wander through its archaic streets offers the opportunity to observe the European and Asiatic cultural influence that has impacted this mesmerizing city. Today Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and immense architectural wonders co-exist with an exceptional array of restaurants, boutique shops and wonderful hotels and villas.

After exploring Galle with your guide continue to the nearby Turtle Conservation Project in Koslanda to see and learn about the five species of turtle that nest in Sri Lanka - Green Turtle, Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and the Olive Ridley. The project aims to protect the species from illegal poachers as well as to educate the local community on the importance of their survival. 

Yala Park Safari (3 hours)

Safari in one of Sri Lanka’s most active National Parks – Yala, a vast arid landscape of scrubland, rocky outcrops and forested grasslands. Yala has one of the highest density of leopards in the world as well as being a haven for the 200 bird species which inhibit the park. As well as offering the best chance to spot the elusive leopard, you may also have the chance of seeing sloth bears, jackals, crocodiles, elephants and deer. Wildlife enthusiasts will not be disappointed on a Yala Park Safari. 

Udawalawe national park Day Experience

Take a day trip to UdaWalawe National Park, home to the Elephant Transit Home which is supported by the Born Free Foundation to support and rehabilitate orphaned or injured elephants back into the wild. Whilst direct contact with the elephants is strictly prohibited, the centre is a wonderful experience to observe elephants feeding, bathing and playing in their natural habitat. 

The National Park itself covers a vast area of grasslands which as well as the enormous elephant population is also home to many other species of mammals, reptiles and bird as well as a high diversity of flora and fauna. Some consider a safari in Udawalawe your best chance of spotting wildlife due to its fewer number of tourists and it’s smaller density of vegetation allowing wildlife to be spotted easier.

day tour to MULKIRIGALA RAJA MAHA VIHARA

Explore the cave temples of Mulkirigala, some of the best-preserved rock temples in the country. It is a protected archaeological site due to its unique style and historic importance. The complex comprises of several cave temples featuring colourful tributes to Buddha in the form of paintings and sculptures, similar in form but different in style to the more well-known and touristy cave temples of Dambulla. You will also find at Mulkirigala an extension collection of murals belonging to the Kandyan era which present tributes to the Lord Buddha and Jataka stories.

BUNDALA BIRD WATCHING SAFARI (3 HOUR)

Take a bird watching safari in Bundala, a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. The region is known for its varying levels of wetlands and lagoons which help nurture its abundance of plant life, which in turn attracts its wide variety of bird species. 197 species of bird are known to the park, of which over 100 species are water birds, with 50% of these being migratory species. Make sure to bring your binoculars, bird life enthusiasts will not be disappointed.  

day tour to MALIGAWILA PURANA RAJA MAHA VIHARA

Travel to the remote village of Maligawila where the tallest free standing ancient statue of the Buddha was discovered hidden in jungle territory in 1951. The statue was restored and re-raised in the 1980s and stands at an impressive 14.5 metres high. It is thought to have been originally constructed in the 7^th century and is carved from a single limestone rock. A trip to Maligawila provides an interesting insight into Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.