Sri Lanka is a small country, compared to others in the region, the difference in climatic conditions within the island are quite remarkable and is the reason why such a variety of animals survive in these paradise like conditions. Some fish, insect and even bird species that inhabit the jungles of Sri Lanka are indigenous species of which a handful are listed as endangered animals because they are nearing extinction due to habitat loss which is a direct result of the increasing human population.

These turtles are truly an amazing breed of creatures. With a lifespan of almost 80 years, these gentle beasts inhabit all the oceans of the world except the Arctic. Anyone who has stumbled upon an animal show while going through TV channels has seen the graceful beauty of a sea turtle gliding underwater effortlessly in search of a meal or to reach the shore. Even this harmless animal has suffered under the cruelty and utter selfishness of man. For many years fishermen along the western coastal belt of Sri Lanka had been used to feeding their families with sea turtle eggs which are easy find for those who live by the sea because the female sea turtle can only cover her batch of eggs under a few feet of sand because the eggs need to be incubated at a specific temperature.

Female sea turtles come to the shore during the safety of the night to lay their eggs because they are vulnerable to predators during labor. These shallow nesting locations are easy to detect when fishermen rise early morning and find adult sea turtle tracks to and from the beach. The lucky hatchlings that avoid the hands of humans are challenged with a daunting task within minutes of birth. Once they make their way through the sand they are defenseless and have a long stretch of land to cover before they reach the safety of the sea. This long wobbling struggle to reach the water is the very moment their life depends on. Seagulls and other birds of prey make the most of this all you can eat buffet as hundreds of baby sea turtles make a run for their lives.

In recent years steps have been taken within Sri Lanka and even on a global level to ensure the survival of this amazing animal. The Sea Turtle Project plays an essential part in ensuring the continuity of this species as an irreplaceable component of the natural world. Human involvement as a predator in the life cycle of sea turtles has practically vanished as hunting for sea turtles and collecting sea turtle eggs for financial purposes has been banned by the Sri Lankan government. When you’re in Sri Lanka you can also be a part of this initiative and help save the sea turtle for generations to come.

The stunning natural beauty of the island’s tropical landscape and the idyllic beaches of its coast make holidays in Sri Lanka extremely inviting. The temperate climate and renowned hospitality of the warm and engaging locals, has seen Sri Lanka holidays become increasingly popular.

From the rich cultural heritage of the island has emerged a diverse and eclectic ethnic community, yet the result is distinctly Sri Lanka. Holidays to the island are not just about relaxing on the beach – although the beaches are outstanding. And they aren’t just about the culture – although the history is fascinating. Holidays in Sri Lanka are truly experiential – with the sum of everything you see and do; eat and drink; hear and feel; combining to form the perfect portrait of a memory of Sri Lanka.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
You will see elephants everywhere on your Sri Lanka holidays. They are depicted in carvings, artwork and coats of arms. They are almost a national emblem and one of the most rewarding things you can do in Sri Lanka is to visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Halfway between the towns of Colombo and Kandy in the central hills, the orphanage was established as a sanctuary in 1975 with four motherless elephant calves. Many offspring from those original four now live happily in the orphanage but it has also more recently become an important breeding centre. Now housing over 70 elephants – the largest group of captive elephants in the world – the centre is a beacon for conservation as well as being a popular tourist site.

Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is wonderfully well-preserved and a must see on your holidays in Sri Lanka. It was the island’s capital between the 11th and 13th Century and is filled with ancient architecture such as the intricate Dagobas, strikingly beautiful statues, and monuments. It is an easy area to explore as it is so compact, and it is lovely to wander around the ancient statues and feel the history emanating from this ancient site. Today, excavations and conservation are underway in order to further preserve these fascinating ruins.

Bentota Beaches
Reputedly the best beaches to visit on your Sri Lanka holidays are around the Bentota and Aluthgama areas. The wide sandy beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and are a popular location for diving, fishing and of course swimming. Although there are a lot of resorts in the area and it can get quite busy, it is still possible to find some quieter beaches on which to take a long, relaxing solitary stroll. You can also take a river cruise up the Bentota River to enjoy the wildlife and experience the unique geography of the river which, in some places is separated from the sea by only 100 metres of shoreline.