Biology Beyond the Classroom

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Arrive in Sri Lanka

   Meals included: lunch and dinner

   We depart the UK and arrive in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, we meet our local leader and transfer directly to our hotel. Afternoon activities are subject to arrival time. After an evening meal at our hotel, we have the opportunity to listen to a fascinating lecture on natural history, delivered by a local expert.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Colombo to Sinharaja Rainforest

   All meals included

   After breakfast, we begin our 200 km journey to the Sinharaja Rainforest, approx. 4 hours. After checking in to our hotel, we receive the first taste of our new tropical surroundings with a beautiful walk up to a nearby waterfall. We also have the chance to learn about the local industries in the area, such as the extraction of treacle from the fishtail palm tree. Later we enjoy dinner and overnight at our hotel.

3. 4

   Day 4

   Sinharaja Rainforest Trek

   All meals included

   The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rainforests remaining in Sri Lanka; it is surrounded by 22 villages with a population of approximately 5,000 people. The day begins with a very early breakfast before we embark on a 12 km exploration into this unique forest. After a long but exhilarating day, we return to our hotel and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

4. 5

   Day 5

   Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home & Safari

   All meals included

   After breakfast, we head to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (3-hour drive). This facility within Udawalawe National Park was established in 1995, with a primary objective to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for release back into the wild. They are looked after until they are around five years old before being released. During feeding time, visitors can watch from the viewing platform for about twenty minutes while the elephant calves are fed. We then proceed to the edge of the national park, from where we enjoy our first safari into Udawalawe National Park.

5. 6

   Day 6

   Udawalawe National Park

   All meals included

   The Udawalawe National Park spans approximately 31,000 hectares. With approximately 400 elephants residing within the park’s boundaries, it is an unforgettable experience to witness these elephants — both adults and young — in their natural habitat. In addition to the main attraction, the park is home to water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys, and the occasional leopard. It is also an exciting location for bird enthusiasts; an incredible variety of bird species inhabit the park and many others pass through on their migratory routes. An open-top four-wheel-drive safari is the best way to experience the natural wonders this protected reserve has to offer.

6. 7

   Day 7

   Yala National Park & Leopard Conservation

   All meals included

   After breakfast, we proceed to Yala National Park (approx. 2 hours). Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and here we have an introduction to leopard identification and conservation, offering insight into their behaviour, tracking techniques, and the challenges of protecting them in the wild. In the evening, we enjoy a safari out into the national park followed by dinner at our campsite.

7. 8

   Day 8

   Yala National Park Safari & Kataragama Shrine

   All meals included

   We start the day with breakfast before embarking on a full-day safari. Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and is best known for its variety of wild animals; it is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and aquatic birds. We look out for pugmarks (footprints) and other clues that leopards are ever present in this area. We then enjoy an evening visit to the Kataragama Shrine, where we explore the connection between animals and Gods and debate faith versus science as a group.

8. 9

   Day 9

   Transfer to Ahangama & Turtle Conservation

   All meals included

   We make our way to Ahangama (approx. 2.5 hours). We head to the ancient port of Galle, Sri Lanka’s first international commerce and trade centre. Galle is the bustling provincial capital and administrative centre of the south, famous for its beautiful Unawatuna Bay where the sea is protected by the reef, making swimming safe. We enjoy a tour of the city, including the Galle Fort, followed by a visit to the Turtle Conservation Project.

9. 10

   Day 10

   Whale Watching

   All meals included

   (Subject to time of year) Our final day in Sri Lanka is spent whale watching. The south coast of Sri Lanka is one of the very best places in the world to see blue whales, and Sri Lanka boasts the longest blue whale season. Sperm whales are also present in pods. The whales are on their annual migratory route, travelling from the Horn of Africa up to the waters of the Arabian Sea, and can be seen from November to April in the waters around Sri Lanka. Other cetacean species that can be seen include the Bryde’s whale, dwarf sperm whale, spinner dolphin, striped dolphin, and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. After this unforgettable experience, we head back to the beach for swimming and relaxation before returning to our hotel.

10. 11–12

    Days 11–12

    Depart Sri Lanka

    Meals included: breakfast and lunch

    This morning we make our way back north and head to the airport. Subject to flight time, we arrive home on day 12.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.