From Colonel Hathi (Nepali for elephant) in the Jungle Book to the classic children’s story of Elmer, the elephant has fascinated us as one of the most intelligent and magical animals whilst at the same time they have an extraordinary readiness to cooperate with man. Being up close to an Asian elephant boggles and bewilders the mind and triggers the imagination to contemplate their evolution. For example: An Asian Elephant’s trunk has over 40,000 muscles (but no bone); double the circumference of their feet is their height shoulder to the floor; they cannot sweat, and they are highly clever. ‘TfT Asian Elephant’ brings you up close to both domesticated and wild Asian elephants in Nepal and on the island of Sri Lanka. This tour is the perfect experience for both families and hardcore wildlife enthusiasts.
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival you will be met by our local TfT representative and transferred to Sigiriya where you will be staying at the Elephant Corridor, your new home away from home for the coming two nights. Breakfast included.
Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of Sri Lanka. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock… Did you know Sri Lanka used to have lions?
Minneriya National Park with 8,889 hectares in extent is famous for its large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake. Today you will engage and escape on a jeep safari as you will have a chance to see wild elephants, wild buffalos, wild boars, spotted deers, sloth bears, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, amphibians, reptiles, 160 species of birds and 78 varieties of butterflies.
Tip: Experience a night safari to see the slow Loris. The forest surrounding the Smithsonian research station is prime habitat for the elusive nocturnal Loris. Given a bit of perseverance, this “solitary” representative of the prosimian (pre-monkey) lineage that gave rise to modern monkeys, can usually be observed on their feeding hunts.
Today you will be making the transfer to Gal Oya National Park. The national park is popular for its natural habitat and the wildlife that lives within it. Unlike other national parks you get to see elephant herds throughout the year and, quite possibly enjoy the iconic sight of seeing them swim across the lake. Many important herbs that are used in Ayurveda medicine can also be found in this national park . (Tip: Ask TfT Travel before you land to arrange night vision goggles to take with you to Wilpatt. This will give you a great opportunity to see some of the fauna in the buffer zone come dusk.)
For the coming three nights you will be staying at the charming Gal Oya Lodge on a B/B basis.
Today you will experience a boat safari on Gal Oya Lake, which is the biggest lake in Sri Lanka. A great opportunity to observe wildlife from the stunning landmark in the park with a number of endemic species of birds, including a number of large raptors such as eagles and hawks.. This experience is the only one in Sri Lanka that enables you to spot wildlife from the water and to truly immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats.
Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas (‘forest-dwellers’) preserve a direct line of descent from the island’s original Neolithic community dating from at least 16,000 BC. With the impending extinction of Wanniya-laeto culture, we risk losing a rich body of indigenous lore and living ecological wisdom.
At Gal Oya Lodge, you are invited by the Chief of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda tribe to walk through the jungles of his ancestors. Enjoy nature as he brings the forest alive by explaining his tribes’ uses of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds, cave dwellings and he will give you an insight on how the hunter gathers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya National Park.
An early morning start and you will be whisked south to Udawalawe National Park. This park covers an area of 230,821 hectares and was designated a national park in 1972, with an estimated elephant population of over 500. Enjoy an afternoon safari into the park to spot these amazing mammals. You will be spending your last night at the Grand Udwalawa safari resort on a B/B basis.
Departure to the international airport and onward flight.
January, July, August, September, December
February, March, April, October, November
May, June