Sri Lanka is home to 5 out of 7 sea turtle species in the world. All species are threatened with extinction, and sea turtle hatcheries along the coast are doing a great job to keep the population growing.
In the Sea Turtle Hatchery we can see the baby turtles, as they are kept safe until they they are big enough to be set free in the ocean.
Sometimes if we are lucky, we can watch the baby turtles hatching from their eggs.
Please note there is a small entrance fee.
Horton Plains, the only National Park in Sri Lanka where you are allowed to walk around.
Normally we start the hike in the early morning with breakfast packages.
At World’s End you can sit down and have your breakfast to the amazing view of the mountains.
Horton Plains is home to a small population of leopards but unfortunately they are rarely seen.
Tip! Wear your clothes in layers as it can be very cold in the early morning hours and become very hot when the sun comes out.
As the roads are in a very bad condition, we have to hire a jeep or a van to get to the Horton Plains National Park.
Please note there is an entrance fee to Horton Plains.
The foster home of young elephants of different age and size.
We see them being fed, bathe and play in the river.
These great animals have been found injured or left abandoned in the wilderness. Now they even breed in captivity.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the most well known Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, but actually there is also an elephant orphanage close to Udawalawe National Park, The Elephant Transit Home where the young elephants are released into the wilde.
Please note there is an entrance fee to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Pigeon Island is one of Sri Lanka’s two marine national parks.
The reef here is shallow, making snorkeling almost as satisfying as diving. It is home to dozens of corals, hundreds of reef fish incl. blacktip reef sharks and turtles.
To make the most out of Your trip to Pigeon Island, bring fins and mask for snorkeling.& Snorkeling gear can also be hired from the boat.
Please note there is an entrance fee and tickets for boat hire.
Udawalawe National Park offers the most reliable elephant spotting in Sri Lanka.
With around 500 wild elephants present, masses of birds and a good chance
for spotted deer, water buffaloes, wild boars and crocodiles.
There are a few leopards in this park, but they are rarely seen and we must be very lucky to spot them.
A jeep safari is the only way to enter Udawalawe National Park.
The jeep safari begins either in the early morning, or in the afternoon where the animals comes out of the bushes due to the falling temperature.
Close to Udawalawe National Park is The Elephant Transit Home wich we like very much at Fernando Tours.
Best time to visit: year-round
Please note there is an entrance fee to Udawalawe National Park, and some expenses for jeep hire.
The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe is the foster home of young elephants of different age and size.
These great animals have been found injured or left abandoned in the wilderness.
We see them being fed, but from a distance that will allow the young elephants not to be to used to human beings.
As the elephants when they are ready, will be released into the wildernes of Udawalawe National Park.
Unfortunately humans are the elephants worst enemy, and it is therefore in the best interest of the elephant babies that only their care givers comes close.
We at Fernando Tours really appreciate that the care of the elephants comes before care of the tourists.
Please note that there is a small entrance fee to The Elephant Transit Home.