There around 20 mammal species that are endemic to Sri Lanka out of which most are in the rodent family. However, Sri Lanka is home to some iconic mammals including the Sri Lanka Leopard, Asian Elephant, Wild Pig and Golden Jackal. There are 3 other species of Cats also; the Jungle Cat, Rusty-spotted Cat and the Fishing Cat. Grey Slender Loris and Red Slender Loris also occur in the island. Whilst day safaris are good to find most of the big mammals a nocturnal drive yields many more elusive habitants. This itinerary is set at getting the best of both the day and night time activity which greatly increases your chances of seen most of the island’s mammals.
Day 1: Arrive Katunayake/ Wilpattu
Upon arrival at the Katunayake Airport you will be met by our Naturalist Tour leader and will proceed to Wilpattu. Our first Mammal of the tour no doubt should be the Indian Palm Squirrel which we will make acquaintance with almost every day. Torque Macaque: the first endemic mammal should be present along the road sides and on electric wires usually near food shops fighting to pick up any scraps or even snatch the fresh fruit on display. Grey Mongoose and Brown Mongoose will be another Mammal to look out for as they are seen frequenting the many Paddy fields.
As we near Wilpattu we should be met by the gorgeous Tufted Grey Langur which should keep us occupied during our stay at Wilpattu. The Sri Lankan Grizzled Giant Squirrel is possible throughout
the journey and also in the vicinity of the hotel.
Later in the night we will undertake a night drive in search of the more elusive nocturnal mammals. Sri Lanka has four species of cats and all four are possible at Wilpattu. Jungle Cats are often seen in the fields whilst the rare Rusty-spotted Cat can turn up anywhere. Closer to waterbodies we have the possibility of Fishing Cat due to our close proximity to the Wilpattu National Park, a good chance for Leopard also exists. One of the smallest primates of the island; the Grey Slender Loris
can also be seen here and we will intensively scan the trees and bushes for their beady eyes reflecting from our lights. Otter, Indian Crested Porcupine, Small Indian Civet, Northern Palm Civet and Indian Palm Civet also occur here.
We could also have some run ins with Brown Fish Owl, Indian Scops Owl, Indian and Jordon’s Nightjar, Brown Wood Owl and Forest Eagle Owl. Although it’s an impressive list, sighting all species in one night depends on a certain amount of luck.
Overnight stay in Wilpattu
Day 2: Wilpattu National Park
Day 3. Wilpattu National Park
Today we will have a morning safari to Wilpattu National Park hoping to maximize the chances of any species that may have eluded us.
We return to the hotel for a leisure afternoon and once again will undertake a short night drive to top up our experiences from the previous nights.
Overnight stay in Wilpattu.
Day 4. Wilpattu/ Sigiriya
After breakfast we will proceed to Sigiriya.
Sigiriya is another location famous for mammals both diurnal and nocturnal.
In the afternoon we will explore the Sigiriya sanctuary and should come face to face with a small group of Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys that decorate the canopies with their impressive size, elegant tails and white beards. Bird life is also teeming in this forest from Alexandrine Parakeets, White-rumped Shama, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Peregrine Falcone and many more.
Once again in the night we will set out for the rarer mammals and should encounter most of the species seen before. A possibility of the critically endangered Indian Pangolin also exists here. We may also come across a few snakes such as Russell’s Viper, Green Pit Viper, Common Rat Snake and Tikiri Keellback.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 5. Sigiriya
Another leisurely morning after our late night out should rejuvenate us for the afternoon program of Bat hunting. Caves in temple close by are promising for Schneiders Leaf-nosed Bat, Large leaf-nosed Bat, Lesser Woolly Horse-shoe Bat and Indian Pygmy Pipistrel.
Another night drive will be undertaken this night as well.
Overnights stay in Sigiriya
Day 6. Sigiriya
Today we will have an optional visit to climb the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock which should give you a perspective on the engineering marvels of the ancient people of Sri Lanka. We will further explore the Sigiriya sanctuary for any species that may have eluded us.
A final night drive will be conducted in Sigiriya this night.
Overnights stay in Sigiriya
Day 7. Sigiriya/ Kandy
After breakfast we will proceed to Kandy.
The hotel garden is a former tea plantation which today grows various different crops. This property is also the home to the Giant Flying Squirrel, Golden Palm Civet, Yellow-striped Chevrotain, Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Red Muntjac and Wild Boar. A late evening walk in this garden should give us a good glimpse of most of these species.
Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 8. Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we will proceed to Nuwara Eliya en-route visiting a working tea plantation and enjoy some specialty teas.
Once wr reach Nuwara Eliya we will visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and search for Highland race of the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey which is known as the “Bear Monkey”. This garden is also good for Brown Mongoose, Sri Lanka Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Dusky-striped Squirrel.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 9. Horton Plains National Park / Kataragama
We will have a very early start today as we visit the Horton Plains National Park. This Park showcases some iconic Highland mammals which include the Sri Lanka Leopard, Samba, Brown Mongoose, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Wild Boar, and Layard’s Flameback Squirrel. Although Horton Plains is mainly visited for the breath-taking scenic views and 10 km hiking trail our focus will be on searching for our target species as the afternoon journey is a rather long and winding one.
We should reach Kataragama somewhere late in the evening after traversing the scenic mountain towns.
Another short night drive will be undertaken this night as well.
Overnight stay at Kataragama
Day 10. Lunugamwehera National Park
In the afternoon we will drive to the Lunugamwehera National Park where the search for Leopard, Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Stripe-necked Mongoose, White-spotted Chevrotain and Ruddy & Grey Mongoose will continue.
We will take another night drive along the Tissamahara village where most of cat’s species have a good chance of showing up.
Overnight stay in Kataragama
Day 11. Lunugamwehera National Park / Kanneliya.
We will visit the Lunugamwehera National Park one more time before setting off to Kanneliya in the evening.
After an early dinner we will go in search of the Red Slender Lori’s and will be on foot during this excursion. Possibility of Golden Palm Civet, Yellow-striped Chevrotain and Indian Red Muntjac also exists here.
Overnight stay in Kanneliya
Day 12: Kanneliya/ Katunayake
In the morning we will visit the Kanneliya Rainforest and explore some caves, where possibilities of Lesser False Vampire Bat, Horse-shoe Bat and Schneiders Leaf-nosed Bat are high.
In the afternoon we will proceed to a hotel near the Airport and will have the night for preparation for the next day departure unless anyone fancies an evening walk in search of Indian Scops Owl and Brown Hawk Owl if they were not sighted during the tour.
Overnight stay in Katunayake.
Day 13. Katunayake/Departure
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