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Sri Lanka Wildlife Holidays

Sri Lanka Wildlife Holidays

Sri Lanka Wildlife Tours

Located off the southeast coast of India, Sri Lanka has only recently begun to emerge as a burgeoning ecotourism hotspot. But the wildlife of Sri Lanka is remarkable for an island measuring just 25,332 square miles, boasting a impressively high rate of endemic species (16% of the fauna and 23% of the flowering plants).

With over 120 species of mammals, 171 species of reptiles, 106 species of amphibians, 227 species of birds, and one of the world’s largest populations of blue whales and sperm whales, Sri Lanka is truly an animal-lover’s dream come true.

Find out about our wildlife tours to Sri Lanka below.

Sri Lanka Wildlife Holidays

Leopard Yala

10 Days from USD 3,599

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Sri Lanka's wild side, from national parks to the ocean

Wildlife

Top Wildlife of Sri Lanka

Sloth Bear: These medium-sized (average 290 pounds) bears evolved during the early Pleistocene era and can be distinguished from Asian black bears by their lanky builds, shaggier coats, pale muzzles and white claws. They also have a specially adapted lower lip and palate, which the nocturnal insectivores use to feed on termites, honeybee colonies. The isolated Sri Lankan population is a subspecies, and currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Indian Pangolin: Often referred to as “scaly anteaters” because they’re covered in a thick protective armour of overlapping scales, pangolins are among the world’s most endangered groups of mammals. Nocturnal and usually resting in deep burrows during the day, the pangolin is tough enough to curl into a ball and defend itself from a tiger or leopard attack.
Sri Lankan Leopard: This endemic subspecies, which is smaller than the Indian leopard (average 94 pounds and around four feet body length), is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN. But the southeastern coastal arid zone of Yala National Park boasts the world’s highest density of wild leopards, with studies estimating an adult population of 18 individuals on one 39-square mile block of the park.
Red Slender Loris: This small, nocturnal primate is a focal species of the EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) conservation project – a distinction reserved for animals with few close evolutionary relatives. Found only in Sri Lanka’s rainforests, their small size (7-10 inches tall, weighing around one pound), huge eyes and prominent ears give them an endearingly odd appearance.
Purple-faced Langur: Once commonly found in Sri Lanka’s wet zone villages and the suburbs of Colombo (the capital city), this endemic Old World monkey is now on the IUCN’s Endangered list due to habitat loss caused by rapid urbanization. Primarily found in densely populated rainforests, their distinctive vocalizations (which include harsh barks and whoops) have been mistaken for leopards.
Sri Lankan Elephant: Yala National Park is renowned as one of the best places to see this endangered endemic species, which can also be seen in Udawalawe, Lunugamvehera, Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks, as well as unprotected areas. In fact, Sri Lanka is estimated to have the highest density of elephants in all of Asia, despite the population decline caused by habitat loss and fragmentation.
Sri Lankan Jackal: This golden jackal subspecies, which is also known as the Southern Indian jackal, grows to be slightly larger than their mainland cousins (which average 28 inches long and weigh around 15 pounds). Their winter coat is also shorter, smoother and not as shaggy, with speckled black-and-white backs and colours that range from a warm tan to a rusty ochre.

My husband and I joined this tour as novice photographers and first timers to Africa. The experience blew us away. The level of service from our drivers and camp staff was exceptional. Paul Goldstein is an amazing photographer and worked tirelessly to get us great photo opps. I can’t think of a single negative thing to say about the accommodations, either. It was a memorable experience through and through, and we made new like-minded friends that we’re excited to travel with in the future. We are already considering future trips with Paul.
Betsey L Kenya Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein – Premium Adventure

This trip trys to pack in too much to the time available and therefore fails to deliver the normally high quality experiences that other Exodus trips have done. The only wild dog sitings to be expected (according to the guide upon arrival) are at the rescue centre, much appreciated but not actually on the official itinerary. Chobe is great for wildlife and getting up close to rhinos in Mtobo on foot was a great experience. The wildlife walks in the Okavango Delta likewise were a great way to experience seeing animals rather than from a jeep. Otherwise the Delta element was a bit dissapointing, too much wasted time. The long, hot journeys in a mini bus (AC seemed poor) that was really too small for the group spoilt some of the trip. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans was not handled well, a waste of time that could have been utilised for a longer time at say Hwange. Depite being told of the large lion population the apparent lack of radio communication between jeeps meant we saw none. Another day would have been of benefit. Overall some great wildlife views and Victoria Falls, but the structure of the trip fails.
Christopher Witt Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari

Discover Costa Rica was an amazing trip in a beautiful country. It is verdant with different types of ecosystems, and teeming with wildlife of every kind. There is so much to see and do, and the days fly by. We saw sloths, iguanas, monkeys, caimans, crocodiles, birds of every kind (including the Great Green Macaw and the Resplendent Quetzel!), wonderful cloud forests, waterfalls, beaches, mountains and much more. The trip is well-organised, with comfortable transport and accommodation. The itinerary covers a number of locations in different parts of the country, so there is a fair bit of travel involved. Our driver Gabriel was good-natured, helpful and incredibly skilled at navigating some pretty tricky roads! Some of the locations are somewhat remote and surrounded by wilderness – peaceful and beautiful, and a good way to disconnect from it all. Special thanks to our tour leader, Jorge. He took an amazing itinerary and made it exceptional.
Aarthi G Discover Costa Rica

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