Sri Lanka - Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear and Blue Whale

Sri Lanka
Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear and Blue Whale

Photograph the wildlife of Sri Lanka

Photograph the wildlife of Sri Lanka. The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. The legendary explorer Marco Polo who visited Sri Lanka in the 13th century was captivated by its natural beauty and hospitable people and regarded as ‘the finest island of its size in the world’. Popularly referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle’ over the years, Sri Lanka, an island rich in history has been referred to by many names including ‘Serendib’ by the Arab traders, ‘Taprobana’ by the Greeks in the 4th century and ‘Ceylon’ during the period of British rule.

With a tropical climate, surrounded by golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters, this island paradise is a year-round destination for holidaymakers seeking sun, sand and sea. The oceans are abundant with life, and amazing coral reefs. The deeper waters are home to marine giants such as the Blue Whale, the largest animal to have ever lived.

Sri Lanka boasts a rich natural heritage, with amazing wildlife and biodiversity and incredibly for an island of its size can boast of iconic megafaunas such as leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. The island is also regarded as a biodiversity hotspot and teams with endemic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plant species. Sri Lanka comprise a wide range of picturesque landscapes and natural habitats which can be compared to that of a much larger country. It has numerous natural lakes and man-made reservoirs and rivers running through its interior. Lush tropical rainforests, mangroves and coastal lagoons, misty highlands laden with waterfalls and dry zone scrub jungles contribute to the biologically diverse environment.

The island has a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2500 years, with marvelous archeological monuments. Magnificent stupas, massive irrigation reservoirs, and ruined remains of ancient kingdoms dot the landscape. Much of heritage can be linked to the origins of Buddhism in the country.

It is no wonder that this little island (about the size of the US State of West Virginia), boasts of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The hidden treasure of Sri Lanka is its people, a rich multi-cultural and multi-religious society. The warm hospitality and friendly nature of Sri Lankans will make anyone feel welcome. Boasting unique culinary heritage, Sri Lankan cuisine is rich in spices with its distinct flavour and is a fusion of traditional dishes mixed with influences from traders and colonial powers.

With palm-fringed beaches, diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes, cultural heritage, and delicious food, Sri Lanka truly is the complete package when it comes to finding the perfect holiday destination with a unique array of different experiences on offer.