Safari Camping Concept

Nature offers plenty. It gives life and provides experiences.  And it is natural to protect what one experiences and appreciates. That is just what we, at Sri Lankan Safari offer. It is the learning of nature, so that we give back, by protecting it.

Sri Lankan Safari, established by nature and adventure professionals who are keen to promote protection of Sri Lankan fauna and flora and are keen on sharing their love for nature,  provides Safari Camping Trips in Sri Lanka. Campers experience real outdoor camping, amidst the wilderness and natural surroundings. They are guided by experienced rangers and supported by a naturalist who provides details and fascinating facts as well as basic on animals and plants of interest that guests encounter.

Sri Lankan Safari offers a choice between Standard and Luxury Safari Camping packages for guests.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Location Type                 : Nature & Wildlife

Distance From Airport      : 200 Km (5.30 hour drive)  

Distance From Colombo : 210 Km (6 hour drive)  

Attractions                         : Wasgamuwa National Park, Mahaweli &                                                                     Amban rivers  

WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK , located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the ‘Mahaweli' and ‘Amban' rivers, stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National Park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. 

Veddha Camping

Sri Lanka's indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas - preserve a direct line of descent from the island's original Neolithic community dating from at least 16,000 BC and probably far earlier according to current scientific opinion.
Even today, the surviving Vedda community retains much of its own distinctive cyclic worldview, prehistoric cultural memory, and time-tested knowledge of their semi-evergreen dry monsoon forest habitat that has enabled their ancestor-revering culture to meet the diverse challenges to their collective identity and survival. 
With the impending extinction of Vedda culture, however, Sri Lanka and the world stand to lose a rich body of indigenous lore and living ecological wisdom that is urgently needed for the sustainable future of the rest of mankind. 

Rain Forest Expedition

As the name implies this expedition is based on two of Sri Lanka’s most important Rain Forests. Namely Sinharaja Rain Forest and Kitulgala Forest Reserve. Being inside the two Rain Forest reserves provide the opportunity of understanding the bio diversity of these two locations at its best as these two locations are home for many Sri Lankan endemic Fauna and Flora.
Sinharaja Rain Forest (A World heritage named by UNESCO)
Sinharaja (11,250 ha), is the jewel of the last remaining virgin rainforest crown in country is located in the wet zone of the country. the primeval Sinharaja covers 8900 hectares of breathtakingly beautiful, continuous forest. 

Bird Watching Expeditions

Sri Lanka’s abundant bird-life makes the island a true Ornithologist's paradise. Of the 427 recorded species, 250 are resident and 23 are endemic to the country. With such a variety of environments ranging from wet to dry zone, forest to jungle, and hill country to low lands, there's no end to the fascinating locations in which to spot many of these beautiful birds. Most of the endemic birds (such as the Sri Lankan grackle) are restricted to the wet zone, while birds such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush and the yellow-eared bulbul reside in the hill country. Others, like the brilliantly plumaged jungle fowl, the striking red-faced malkoha and the shy brown-capped babbler can be found in forests and sanctuaries throughout the island. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is undoubtedly the best place to sight these birds.

Leopard Safari

A recent study has shown that Yala National Park has one of the highest recorded densities of leopards in the world, although this animal is still considered to be endangered. Leopards tend to be more readily observed in parts of Sri Lanka than in other countries where they share their habitat with more dominant competitors, such as lions or hyaenas. Leopard Trails meant to spot Leopards in Yala National Park, accommodation is provided in Standard/Luxury Camps inside the Yala National Park to maximise the number of spotting of Leopards. Meals at the Campsites goes on Full board/all inclusive basis. Beach stay at the end of the tour will surely be a setback relaxing time before you leave Sri Lanka.

Elephant Safari

Uda Walawe National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 306 km² and was established in 1972 to protect the catchment of the Uda Walawe reservoir. The habitat is open parkland, with some mature teak trees along the river.This popular reserve has more than 400 wild Asian Elephants, which are relatively easy to see in this open habitat. Udawalawe also has a dozen or so Leopards, although seeing them requires considerable luck. There are good numbers of Crocodiles, Golden Jackals, Water Buffalo and Grey Langurs amongst other large animals.

Park consists of dry lowland forest, riverine forest, thorny scrublands and grasslands. One special attraction of the park is the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River which flows through the park.

Kitulgala Rain Forest

• Distance from Colombo         : 305km
• Distance from Air port           : 335km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 7 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                      : Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bear, Deer, Crocodiles and wide variety of Birds

Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. A rain forestry area, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge Kitulgala is the base for white-water rafting in Sri Lanka. 

Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo : 183km
• Distance from Air port     : 153km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 5 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                         : Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bear, Deer, Crocodiles and wide variety of Bird

WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK is located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 183 km north of Colombo) spanning from the northwest coast inland towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura (50 km to the east of the park). Covering an impressive 425 sq miles, the park is Sri Lanka 's largest, and having reopened in 2003 it is now an increasingly popular eco-tourism destination.

Bundala National Park in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo  : 250km
• Distance from Air port          : 270km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van  : 7 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                               : Birds, Elephants, Crocodiles and Deer

Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground in Sri Lanka for migratory water birds. Bundala harbors 197 species, the highlight being the Greater Flamingo, which migrate in large flocks. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated to a national park on 4 January 1993. In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as abiosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 245 km southeast of Colombo.

The area mainly underlain with hornblende biotite gneiss of the eastern Vijayan series. The low country dry zone climate prevails in the area. Bundala area receives 1,074 mm of annual rainfall. Although the area receives substantial rainfall during the North-eastern monsoon season, dry climate persists rest of the year. The proximity to the Indian Ocean

Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo : 120km
• Distance from Air port         : 150km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 7 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                        : Elephants,Leopards.......

Introduction

The Knuckles Mountain Range covers parts of Kandy and Matale districts and is separated from the Central Hills by the Mahaveli Valley to the South and East and the Matale Valley to the West. Its name derived from its shape of a clenched fist, which forms a scenic wonderland. What makes the Knuckles Forest/Mountain Range unique is the geographical character of its location. Perpendicular to the mountain range that runs from Laggala to Urugala runs three distinct but lesser ranges while there are other minor ranges running parallel to it. There are a total of 34 clearly identified such ranges with in the 62 square miles that makes up 3000-6500feet in height.

Heritage

Knuckles Mountain Range is important due to the historical value it carries and therefore it can be categorized as one of the valuable heritages in Sri Lanka. The story of Knuckles (Dumbara Hill) goes back into prehistoric periods. It is said that in ancient times it was referred to as ‘Giri Divaina’ and as ‘Malaya Rata’ and there is archaeological evidence that speaks of ancient Yaksha settlement in the area. People believe that the name ‘Lanka’ is derived which much folklore has gathered over the centuries. The Knuckles Mountain Range is an invariable referent in any salutary appreciation of the last kingdom of the Sinhala Kanda Udarata.

Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo : 160km
• Distance from Air port         : 130km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 3 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                         : Dolphins, Bar reef, Diving, Turtles, Sand Dune 4x4 trips and deserted beaches

Placed 150 km north of the capital, Colombo, the Kalpitiya region is one of the most beautiful coastal areas located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Kalpitiya is a peninsular that separates the Puttalam lagoon from the Indian Ocean and is a marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from Bar reef, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches.

Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo : 163km
• Distance from Air port         : 200km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 7 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                              : Samber, Leopards, Wild Boar, Wild Hare                                                      and Giant Squirrel

Introduction

Horton plain, its surroundings forests and the adjoining Peak Wilderness, consolidate Sri Lanka’s most important catchment area of almost all the major rives. The plains are also of outstanding the habitats and endemic plants and animals representatives of the country wet and montage zones.

Access Roads

Horton plains can be reached by any of these all roads.

•   Via Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela and Pattipola (32km)
•   Via Haputale or Welimada, Boralanda, Ohiya (38km)
•   Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala, Rendapola, Ambewela, pattipola (38km)

Physical Characteristics

Horton plains comprises a gently undulation highland plateau at the southern end of the central mountains massif of Sri Lanka. It is dominated to the north by Mount Totupolakanda (2,357m) and to the west by Mount Kirigalpotta (2,389m). Two escarpments filling from the Horton Plain have contributed immensely to its awe inspiring physiognomy, “big worlds end” by 884m. The charm of the verdure of the mountains encircling he plains as intermittently concealed by mist is heightened by the sparkling Baker’s fall. The altitude of the park ranges from about 1,800m to 2,389m at the top of Kirigalpotta. The plateau at 2,100m is the highest tableland in Sri Lanka. The annual rainfall in the region is about 2540mm, but for Horton Plains it may exceed 5000mm. rain occurs throughout most of the year but there is a dry season from January to March. Temperatures are low, with an annual mean temperature 15ºC and ground frost is common in December to February.

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo : 305km
• Distance from Air port    : 335km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 7 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                    : Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bear, Deer, Crocodiles and wide variety of Birds

Yala National Park or Ruhuna National Park is the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. It had originally had been designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of its wild animals. Most notably its many elephants and Leopards. 

Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka

The open parkland attracts birds of prey such as White-bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Booted Eagle, and Changeable Hawk-eagle. Landbirds are in abundance, and include Indian Roller, Indian Peafowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Pied Cuckoo.

    

• Distance from Colombo : 170km
• Distance from Air port   : 205km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 4 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                       : Elephants,Deer, Crocodiles and many varieties of Bird.....

Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The reason for creating the national park was to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. The reserve covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972. Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation (chena farming). The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared. The park is 170 kilometres from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan Elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.

Sinharaja Rain Forest in Sri Lanka

• Distance from Colombo : 160km
• Distance from Air port         : 195km
• Trasfer time by Car/Van : 3 1/2 hours from Colombo
• Highlights                       : Birds, Repltiles and many Flora       

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a National Park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.

The reserve is only 21 km from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants and the 15 or so leopards are rarely seen. The commonest larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur.

Primates in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is definitely one of the best places in the world to witness  the social dynamics of diurnal primates. Noticeably, it has three species of diurnal primates (two are endemic) and two species of nocturnal primates (two lorises with one endemic).

Sri Lanka has three species of diurnal primates (two are endemic) and two species of nocturnal primates (two lorises with one endemic). It is probably one of the best places in the world to observe the social dynamics of diurnal primates. The endemic Toque Monkeys have been studied in one of the longest running field studies in the world

Butterflies of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country which can provide amazing range of butterflies, statistically  nearing 250 species of butterflies and skippers. Simply to say  how easy to find butterflies in Sri Lanka, even the wetland reserves close to commercial capital Colombo holds as many as 50 different species. large scale migrations are taking place amongst the white and yellow colored habitats. A  breathtaking array of species can be seen at any time of the year. 

Reptiles in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka currently contains 171 species of reptiles, of which 56 are threatened and 101 are endemic. Most of the reptiles are snakes and the largest are two species of Crocodile, the Mugger crocodile and Saltwater Crocodile

Amphibians in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has one of the most rich diversity of Amphibians, containing over 106 species of amphibians and has been claimed to have the highest amphibian species density in the world though that has been challenged. 52 species of amphibians in Sri Lanka are threatened, all but one of which are enedmic

Dragonflies fo sri lanka

Around 120 species of dragonflies  have been identified  with more of them still to be described by science. Sri Lanka which   is famous for thousands of manmade lakes, enormous areas of paddy fields and irrigation channels   resembles a giant wetland complex. This has significantly influenced the origination of  abundance of habitat make the island very good for dragonfly watchers.

Rainforest in Sri Lanka

Rainforest  which  covers  sizable area of  south-west of the island  is amongst the best for its bio diversity not only in south asia  but throughout the globe. For this reason Sri Lanka is placed amongst the world’s bio diversity hyper hot spots. The country’s relative  small size and  location as an  island  makes it one of the most diverse  geography and climate conditions. It is possible to be in a rainforest and  a beach shore within a  few hours distance