New Scientist - USA (2021-02-20)

Wildlife of Sri Lanka

with George McGavin

Sri Lanka boasts an impressively high rate

of endemic species, offering some of the finest

wildlife watching experiences in South Asia.

Embark on a wildlife expedition like no other,

that takes you to the wild corners of this

extraordinary island in search of leopard,

elephant and whales and the more unusual

species like sloth bear, pangolin and loris.

George McGavin, entomologist and TV

presenter, will shine a light on all these species

and provide a fascinating insight into this

beautiful and exotic island.

Highlights

• Explore some of the most diverse biospheres
  in South East Asia including national parks,
  UNESCO sites, rainforests, research centres
  and local conservation initiatives.


• Explore Colombo’s rich colonial heritage
  and multi-ethnic legacy with churches,
  mosques and temples.


• Observe the wildlife from the stunning
  Gal Oya Lake including crocodiles, deer,
  elephants and many rare and endemic
  species of birds, spotting wildlife from the
  water to truly immerse yourself in the
  animals’ habitats.


• Take a jeep safari to the forgotten
  Nilgala section of Gal Oya National Park.
  Home to herds of elephants, wild boar, four
  species of deer, jackals, sloth bears and an
  array of rare exotic birds.


• Encounter elephant herds under open skies,
  sunsets with the promise of prowling cats,

daybreak with monkeys, storks, ibis and

crocodiles, as well as deer, sloth bears,

jackals and wild buffalo during morning and

evening game drives.

• Explore crystal clear waterfalls, and
  endemic flora and fauna.


• Visit the Rekawa Turtle Conservation
  Centre, a treasured location for all wildlife
  enthusiasts owing to its frequent habitation
  of nesting turtles.


• Embark on a whale watching expedition
  from Mirissa Harbour aboard a private small
  catamaran.


• In the evenings enjoy an informal talk
  about what you have seen that day and how
  that sits within the wider entomological and
  wildlife ecosystem.


• Accompanied throughout by entomologist
  and TV presenter George McGavin.


• Stay in a unique range of accommodation
  including tea plantations, 5-star colonial luxury,
  eco-lodges, and cutting-edge safari camps


• A highly immersive expedition with no
  more than 14 guests.

Covid-19 safety

protocol includes:

• Pre-departure screening of all guests
  and tour leaders.


• Increased sanitisation of all accommodation
  and transport.


• Mandatory use of PPE where appropriate.
  In partnership with Steppes Travel

Discovery

Tours

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12 days | 5 March 2022

For more information visit newscientist.com/tours