Wildlife stays in Sri Lanka
The wonders of nature abound throughout Sri Lanka but if you are particularly keen to incorporate as much wildlife as possible with your Expressions holiday to Sri Lanka then try to include a stay in one of these places.
The South-West
Natural beauty and wildlife is all around you at Kahanda Kanda, inland from Galle, overlooking Koggala Lake and surrounded by forest and tea plantations. Peacocks roam freely and monkeys jump around in the trees nearby; mongoose, Asia Paradise, flycatchers are also frequently seen. A pleasant way to see the local life and scenery is from the top of an elephant – the hotel can arrange elephant rides for you!
Elephant Corridor
At Elephant Corridor, the wonders of nature are all around you. Wildlife can be seen and heard right on the doorstep of your luxurious suite and binoculars are provided in every suite so that you can observe the birds, animals and reptiles close-up. Wake up to nature’s ‘morning song’ and count butterflies as you laze by the pool. Guests can take a hike on the nature trails amidst acres of jungle and parkland with their indigenous trees and plants, though beware -wild elephants have been known to wander through the grounds!
Deer Park Hotel
The Deer Park Hotel has been designed to make the most of the natural wooded setting. In an eco-friendly atmosphere, guests can frequently spot a number of bird species and monkeys amidst some rare tropical trees. This hotel is the nearest in our selection to Minneriya National Park and Polonnaruwa, and is positioned slightly above the banks of the ancient Giritale reservoir.
Ulagalla Resort
Ulagalla Resort is set in 58 acres of woodland, paddy fields, lakeside and scrub, a veritable haven for wildlife. The resident naturalist can accompany guests on nature walks to identify the unique flora and fauna that cohabitate in the surrounding woodlands. Wild elephants have been known to wander into the grounds, so take the advice of the staff if you intend to wander around. As an eco-friendly resort, Ulagalla Resort has many quiet spots for you to enjoy the surroundings, the reservoir, paddy fields or jungle, and provides activities that allow you to interact with and appreciate nature. Explore the reservoir by canoe, follow flat tracks to the village or just have a stroll on the nature trails.
Wild Places to Stay on the North Central Plains of the Cultural Triangle
Our selected hotels in the Cultural Triangle all provide wonderful natural surroundings for observing nature, mostly offering unrestricted access to their own extensive grounds. You are likely to see a variety of birds and lizards, playful monkeys, possibly even the occasional bold, or lost, wild elephant.
Heritance Kandalama
The Heritance Kandalama, with its unique environment friendly design and philosophy, is a perfect place for discovering the nature and wildlife of Sri Lanka’s central province. Nestled between a mountain and Kandalama lake, the hotel lies on the border of the intermediate zone and the dry zone, so the area is very rich in bird life. The hotel’s mission is to enable people to experience a unique interaction with nature and culture, while leaving a minimum impact on the environment, so that you can enjoy the wildlife in the environs without even leaving the comfort of the hotel. You may spot a herd of elephants come to quench their thirst at the Kandalama Lake, which is a common sight during the dry season. Elephant back trekking, horse-riding, walking, bike rides and hot-air balloon rides enable you to enjoy the natural surroundings in different ways. Feel the power and majesty of the hotel’s resident elephant. It is believed that the Kandalama Lake is named after Kandula, the war elephant of Sri Lanka’s greatest monarch, Dutugemunu. Sri Lanka is home to nearly 10% of the world’s remaining elephant population and Heritance Kandalama plays its part in trying to preserve this endangered species.
Take a look at other wildlife interest with:
Elephants in Sri Lanka
Sea turtles in Sri Lanka