A culture of coexistence
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
Running wild - A Carrier collection
A culture of
coexistence
On an island where Earth’s largest animals roam freely and ancient ruins lie concealed by a canopy of rainforests, meet the communities whose neighbours never forget – or change their spots.
One for the seasoned safari-goers and Attenborough enthusiasts alike, a journey through the jungles of Sri Lanka is an adventure of understanding. Taking an extraordinary approach to the nature-first character of conservation, learn how communities live alongside the likes of elephants and leopards, choosing to fortify their own farmlands to let wildlife wander.
Sharing in both successes and solutions, begin in the historical capital of Galle, surrounded by the 17th-century ramparts of Galle Fort. An exploration to cover land, sea and air follows, so expect to safari in every way imaginable: identify new flora and fauna on foot in the Sinharaja Rainforest; experience an early-morning jeep ride to spy deer, buffalo and crocodiles in Yala National Park; hop on a boat safari in Gal Oya; and take to the skies to see the wild horses of Delft Island.
Itinerary
highlights
- Take a tour of living history as you wander through Galle Fort, learning of the international influences behind this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Head to Sinharaja Forest Reserve by helicopter to meet the researchers working to protect its tropical flora and fauna.
- Spot blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins against a blanket of sea blue on a private yacht excursion.
- Meet the naturalists upholding harmony in Anuradhapura; share in their knowledge of the human-elephant conflict and see how you contribute to its success.
- Wander the jungle dwellings of the Veddha with the village chief, learning the lifestyle of this nature-loving indigenous community.
- Mix with the community members of Yala National Park to learn how locals live side by side with leopards.
- Explore the ancient ruins of lost civilisations in Kumana National Park; hidden in the jungle lie 30-metre-long sleeping Buddha statues.
- Forage in the forest for key ingredients before cooking up a traditional Sri Lankan storm in the outdoor jungle kitchen.
- Tour the UNESCO-protected city of Polonnaruwa on two wheels, exploring the castles and temples taken over by cheeky monkeys.
- Fly on an excursion to Delft Island; largely unchanged since the Dutch rule, see 500 wild horses roaming free.
- Watch in awe at one of the world’s largest elephant migrations, as hundreds assemble for ‘The Gathering’ at Minneriya Wewa reservoir.
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Where you'll stay
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![Asia, Sri Lanka, Amangalla property exterior]()
Amangalla, Galle
Set within the ramparts of Galle Fort, this 17th-century UNESCO site holds much of its original character; light, bright and airy, contemporary colonial suites overlook historic, harbour or garden views.
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![Asia Sri Lanka, Uga Chena Huts, ariel view of individual huts with private pools nestled in a green landscape]()
Uga Chena Huts, Yala
Bordering a saline lake home to ibis and a beach where turtles lay their eggs by moonlight, here, intimate clearings in the jungle are the setting for utter exclusivity.
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![Asia, Sri Lanka, Gal Oya, Pool with sunloungers]()
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya National Park
Neighbouring the unspoilt jungles of Gal Oya National Park, this lodge is lovingly community-focused; living alongside the Veddha, expect a slow-paced and personalised stay in remote surroundings.
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![Asia, Sri Lanka, Ulagalla Resort, view of villa door from outside with green courtyard]()
Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura
A 150-year-old manor house as its centrepiece, 58-acres of verdant gardens lie outstretched close to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, concealing a boutique collection of private villas among organic paddy fields.
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![Asia, Sri Lanka, Leopard Trails Camps, dining tent]()
Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented Safaris, Wilpattu National Park
Southwest of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national park, 12 tents form the luxury safari lodgings of Leopard Trails – the place to spot big cats as the name suggests.
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![Asia, Sri Lanka, Ulagalla, bedroom with four poster bed facing out to private pool]()
Wallawwa, Kotugoda
Enveloped by tropical gardens on all sides, Wallawwa provides a boutique-style sanctuary in a lovingly converted manor house; expect just 18 rooms, gourmet dining and a jungle pool.
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Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
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LOCAL CONNECTOR
“Leopards are very adaptable and about 60% of the Sri Lankan leopards live outside of national park areas, often very close to human settlements. It is us humans who have encroached into their habitats, so it is our duty to learn to adapt and safely live among them.”
The 'Leopard Man' of Sri Lanka and founder of Leopard Safaris Camps![Noel Rodrigo, Leopard Man and Founder of Leopard Safaris Camps, Sri Lanka]()
![Asia, Sri Lanka, Leopard viewed through foliage]()
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Itinerary essentials
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Explore the
collection
Allow us the pleasure of opening your eyes to Africa and the Indian subcontinent's fascinating wildlife.
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