SRI LANKA’S WONDERFUL WILDLIFE – In search of everything from Leopards to Lizards

Photographic Highlights

• Very good opportunities for photographing Leopards in two separate reserves
• Brilliant gatherings of photogenic Asian Elephants at Minneriya
• Chances to photograph other rare species such as the shy Sloth Bear and Lorises
• An excellent variety of birds that can be photographed during our safari-style excursions around Yala National Park
• Cultural wonders such as the famous Sigiriya ‘Lion’ Rock, Polonnaruwa and the rock cave temples of Dambulla
• On the Sinharaja extension you may photograph rainforest creatures from box millipedes to butterflies, a variety of birds and reptiles

PRICE INFORMATION

Wild Images Inclusions: Our tour prices include surface transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.

Our tour prices also include all tips for local guides, drivers and accommodation/restaurant staff.

Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.

TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)

If you are travelling alone, the single supplement will not apply if you are willing to share a room and there is a room-mate of the same sex available.

This tour is priced in US Dollars. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.

Air Travel To & From The Tour: Our in-house IATA ticket agency will be pleased to arrange your air travel on request, or you may arrange this yourself if you prefer.

SRI LANKA WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY

Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Tour: Day 1  The tour will begin this morning with a departure at 0830 from the Airport Garden Hotel in Negombo near Colombo Airport.

(It will also be possible to pick up anyone opting to arrive at Colombo Airport on a night flight arriving in the early hours today. This is not something we would recommend, given we think getting some rest before the tour starts is a good strategy, but we do understand that some of our guests have limited time available and may wish to do this. The pick up at the airport will be at 0845.)

Afterwards, we will commence drive to north-western Sri Lanka to visit the oldest reserve in the country, Wilpattu.

Nestled close to the reserve entrance, our home for the next three days is our treehouse style lodge which features lofty bungalows where you wake to the sounds of the forests.

Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Tour: Days 2-3

Over the next two days we will be on morning and afternoon safaris in the magnificent reserve of Wilpattu, searching for leopards and other wildlife.

Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Tour: Day 4

Today we will transfer to Habarana for a three nights stay.

En route, we will stop at Dambulla for lunch and for a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples, where we will be able to see the famous rock paintings and rock temples. The temples are comprised of five caves, which have been converted into shrine rooms. Within these rooms, a collection of over 100 statues of Buddha is housed, surrounded by ornately decorated walls. This spectacular site is worth visiting not just for its historical significance, but also for the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Our hotel at Habarana is beautifully designed and located in close proximity to Minneriya National Park. The large and elegantly designed rooms spread across the attractive grounds. The hotel overlooks Lake Habarana, where one can walk around the nature trails leading to the edge of the lake and the tree houses. These provide great opportunities to photograph a wide range of bird species such as Purple Heron, Common and Pied Kingfishers, the impressive White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite and, if we are lucky, the superb Brown Fish Owl. Among the reptiles, Water and Land Monitors (huge lizards) are plentiful. Large numbers of Toque Macaques and Tufted Grey Langurs are also seen around the property and there are usually fantastic opportunities to photograph primate behaviour. Asian Palm Civet, Golden Palm Civet and Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel are some of the other mammals seen regularly around the hotel (the civets are usually active at night).

Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Tour: Day 5

This morning we visit the world-famous Sigiriya ‘Lion’ Rock. The dramatic story of this iconic rock centres around Prince Kasyappa, the son of King Dhatusena (459 – 477 AD). Being the King’s son by a non-royal consort, Kasyappa executed his own father to gain the throne. The Crown Prince, Mogaliana, fled to India in fear of his life. In order to protect himself from future attacks from the rightful king, Kasyappa made Sigiriya his capital and built a palace on the summit of the rock, elevated at around 650 feet. He then proceeded to use his artistic genius to create a vision of heaven on earth, making landscaped gardens with water pools, fountains and terraces. The moat around the Sigiriya sanctuary is another excellent site for photographing the Tufted Grey Langur and Toque Macaques, which are plentiful in the area and are the most photogenic of subjects. Over 150 species of birds have also been recorded here, and there is sure to be something of interest to point the cameras at, such as a Crested Hawk Eagle or a Greater Racket Tailed Drongo.

Climbing this incredible stand-alone rock monolith can be a rewarding experience, but photographically it may or may not be worthwhile, depending on your personal opinion. Photographs of the rock paintings are no longer allowed, and in some places, the stairways can be crowded, but the panorama at the top of the rock is impressive. For those in the group who wish to make the climb, we can arrange for a guided walk to the top.

After lunch, we will make an afternoon game drive in Minneriya National Park. From July to October, anywhere from 100 to 300 Asian Elephants gather on the receding tank (lake) beds here. The gathering of the Elephants at Minneriya is an extremely impressive wildlife spectacle. The gathering provides a fantastic opportunity to photograph elephants in many different situations, such as young elephants and calves at play, big males interacting with the herds in their search for potential mates whilst others are drinking, bathing and playing in the water.

The open areas around the lake are excellent for photographing raptors including Brahminy Kite, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle. Toque Macaque, Tufted Grey Langur, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel, Jackal and Chital (Spotted Deer) are some of the other mammals that we are likely to see and may be able to photograph.

This evening there will be an optional post-dinner excursion around the Sigiriya area to search for nocturnal creatures including Golden Palm Civets, Grey Slender Lorises, Eurasian Otters and if we are immensely lucky, Fishing Cat. The photographic opportunities for many of these animals may vary, depending on the encounters we enjoy, however an opportunity to see some of these creatures in their wild environment is very special.

Sri Lanka: Day 6  This morning we will visit Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. Here we will visit the world-famous rock-cut Buddha statues of Gal Vihara as well as the Parakrama Samudra (‘Sea of Parakrama’) a 2500-hectare man-made reservoir (with a capacity of 134 million cubic metres) built by King Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). Here, we will encounter troops of Toque Macaques, that were famously featured in both the BBC’s Temple Troop and David Attenborough’s Life of Mammals. Here, we will be intrigued by the power play between the Toque Macaques and Tufted Grey Langurs. Troops of the attractive northern race of the endemic Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys can also be found in this area.

In the afternoon, we will make another safari to Minneriya National Park to once again enjoy photographing the ‘gathering of elephants’ and its other wildlife.

Sri Lanka: Day 7  Today will essentially be a travel day, and after breakfast, we will leave for Yala, which will be our base for the next six nights.

Despite the long drive, we will have a chance to enjoy and photograph some wonderful and varied landscapes in the Sri Lankan countryside. By late afternoon we should arrive at our comfortable hotel in the Yala area.

Sri Lanka: Days 8-9  During our two full days in the region of Yala, our primary focus will be morning and afternoon safaris into Lunugamvehera. Yala is undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and the best in Sri Lanka for viewing a wide variety of animals. It is a wonderful place with a real diversity of habitats from scrub jungle and rocky outcrops to lakes, brackish lagoons and riverine habitats.

Yala National Park (or Ruhuna National Park as it is sometimes known) is huge, but, as some parts of this park are very busy, it pays to go there with expert guides who know the quieter areas that offer great photographic opportunities. We can claim truly invaluable expertise in this respect.

Yala’s star attraction, and one of the main reasons for our visit, is undoubtedly the Leopard. Yala West has one of the highest densities of Leopards in the world and is possibly the best place on earth to see and photograph this usually elusive species in the wild. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times to find these spectacular cats: walking along the roads; lying on a rocky outcrop; having a drink in one of the many waterholes; resting with limbs dangling from a tree or simply just strolling through the jungle. Each encounter is different but every one a memorable event! Most years there are also one or two sets of cubs that at times perform for the cameras, providing photographers with a great opportunity to photograph the social and interactive behaviour of an animal which usually leads a solitary existence.

Asian Elephants can also be seen here, though in smaller numbers and smaller groups than at Minneriya. A highlight though is to photograph the large tuskers, of which there are around ten in the park. Unlike in Africa and in most parts of Asia only 7% of male elephants in Sri Lanka bear tusks!

Yala’s third star attraction is the magnificent Sloth Bear and during our series of game drives, we will have an excellent chance of connecting with this seldom-seen creature. Indeed, in June and July, when the Palu Trees begin to bear ripe fruit, Sloth Bears can be seen regularly.

Other conspicuous wildlife regularly seen at Yala which we may be able to point the lenses at include the attractive Chital (or Spotted Deer), the large Sambar, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Tufted Grey Langur, Toque Macaque, Stripe-necked and Ruddy Mongooses and Black-naped Hare. Some pretty impressive reptiles are likely to crop up too, namely Marsh Crocodile and some rather large monitor lizards which look almost as dangerous as they scamper away noisily at high speed!

And then of course there are the birds. Yala has a very rich and varied avifauna, and over 300 species are known from the park. As we travel around on our morning and afternoon safaris we will no doubt have opportunities to photograph a good number of these, with possibilities including such charismatic species as Ceylon Junglefowl and Great Thick-knee, and we may get to see some of the dry zone specialities such as Sirkeer and Blue-faced Malkohas and Malabar Pied Hornbill at close quarters

In addition, during the ‘down’ time between our safari drives, for those not intent on resting, relaxing or working on their photos, there will be time to explore the environment around the hotels, where many avian surprises may lurk.

Sri Lanka: Day 10  On our final day of the tour those not taking the extension will be transferred to Colombo International Airport to arrive by late afternoon (if you are departing this evening) or to your hotel in Negombo if you have decided to stay overnight. It will be time to reflect back upon what should have been a marvellous adventure.

SINHARAJA FOREST EXTENSION

Sri Lanka (Sinharaja): Day 1  From Yala we drive overland through the stunning Sri Lankan countryside to the World Heritage-listed forests of Sinharaja. It will take over half a day to drive between Yala and Sinharaja, allowing for a few stops. We will arrive at our lodge near the edge of the reserve in time for dinner.

Sri Lanka (Sinharaja): Day 2  We will arrange for an early breakfast at our lodge so we can arrive at the entrance to Sinharaja when the gates open. The attractive park building at the entrance has a tiny water pool which is fed by a tiny cascade. It is worth checking this pool for smaller creatures like Damselflies, frogs, bamboo orchids and water lilies. Checkered Keelback snakes can also be found swimming freely between the lily pads or around the rocks at the bottom of the cascade.

Once the park has opened, we will cross a bridge over the river and start our gentle walk uphill searching for rainforest wildlife including butterflies, snakes, millipedes and birds. We will be looking for and listening out for two of Sinharaja’s most iconic bird species – the Blue Magpie and Red-faced Malkoha but we will also be listening for ‘bird waves’ or mixed feeding flocks of birds in the canopy. If we chance upon one of these we may find Orange-billed Babblers, Crested Drongos and Malabar Trogons on top of the targeted Blue Magpies and Red-faced Malkohas. It is worth watching these feeding flocks for the large Grizzled Giant Squirrel which can sometimes be found feeding in the melee of birds.

On a quick check around your feet while you walk the trails of Sinharaja, you may spot curious Box Millipedes that roll up into a seed pod-like ball if they feel threatened. Sinharaja is home to such an astonishing variety of wildlife, it is worth spending time here to photograph the butterflies, look for curious Kangaroo Lizards and check the vines for Green Vine Snake and Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper. On the path verges you might find the non-poisonous Giant Millipedes or a highly poisonous Black Scorpion!

Sri Lanka (Sinharaja): Day 3  After another early start, we will do a slightly more strenuous walk uphill to an alternative entrance to the park. Mornings in Sinharaja can often be misty so we will be listening for the haunting calls of the park’s Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys echoing from the forests. If we hear some calling from the trails we will try to find and photograph them. While normally shy it is possible to have closer encounters with these beautiful monkeys if you remain quiet and you move slowly.

In contrast, the park’s resident Toque Macaques can often be a bit more cheeky and it is worth stopping if you hear any movement in the branches and leaves as Toque Macaques may be running through the canopy above you.

Further into the forest, if you are very lucky our guide may find a very shy, difficult-to-spot Sri Lankan Frogmouth. These tiny birds can so easily be initially mistaken as dead leaves but a trained eye will spot them. You need to watch for a dead leaf that turns its head!

Sri Lanka (Sinharaja): Day 4  This morning we will have a final opportunity to photograph in the Sinharaja area before we return to Colombo Airport by late afternoon (if you are departing this evening) or to your Negombo hotel if you have decided to stay overnight. It will be time to reflect back upon what should have been a marvellous adventure.