Amazing Wildlife of the Emerald Isle

The emerald isle of Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of wildlife. Lying in the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, the island nation is home to many endemic bird and mammal species, as well as the world’s best whale-watching destinations.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The reserve is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The place is especially an attraction for birdwatchers, who visit to admire the many species of birds in Sinharaja, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, including Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka White-eye, Serendib Scops Owl, and many more.

Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is the largest fishing port on the south coast and is known for its tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish. During winter and summer, Blue and Sperm Whales cross the southern tip of the island, migrating to the warmer waters of Southeast Asia. Many Blue Whales can be seen at Dondra point in Sri Lanka, accessed through the Mirissa or Weligama harbour. Whale-watching tours can be arranged in Sri Lanka. Blue Whales and some types of dolphins can often be seen in the waters off Mirissa. 

Negombo is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Negombo Lagoon is a large, semi-enclosed, coastal water body with plenty of natural resources. The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers and a Dutch canal. It is linked to the Indian Ocean by a narrow channel to the north, near Negombo city. Apart from supporting local agriculture and forestry, it has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds.

Snow Leopard Tours

 Ladakh is truly a stunningly beautiful country, one that has beauty in its rugged and almost bare landscape. Not only are the landscapes and views beautiful here, but the people are too. Friendly locals, who are not only super helpful, but also a joy to chat with, colourful traditions, and, of course, yummy Ladakhi food!

The stunning scenery and amazing monuments are accompanied by a fantastic diversity of wildlife, much of which is not found in the rest of the subcontinent. The high altitude and desert-like conditions mean that much of the wildlife here is specialised, even if not endemic.

Among the rugged mountain landscapes of Ladakh, lives possibly the most elusive of the big cats: the Snow Leopard. As pioneers of this trip, it is specially designed and tweaked over 15 years to give you the optimum chance of spotting one of these beautiful creatures. While most only get to see pugmarks of this almost-mythical animal, our trained guides and local trackers always ensure a glimpse of this magnificent predator in its natural habitat, as well as enjoy the other unique wildlife that this high-altitude habitat has to offer. The locals of the area are our support system and one gets enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.

Hemis National Park is a high altitude national park in eastern Ladakh. It is globally famous for Snow Leopards, and has the highest density of these predators in the world.  It is the only national park in India that is north of the Himalayas, and is the largest notified protected area in India. The park is home to a viable breeding population of about 200 snow leopards, especially in the Rumbak Valley area. Hemis is the only refuge in India containing the Urial, and is also home to other Tibetan species, including Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Himalayan Marmot, and more.

A Birdwatching Journey Through Nepal

 Home to Mount Everest, Nepal also boasts of stunning natural beauty, with an enviable wildlife and cultural experiences making it a very attractive destination for tourists with varied interests.

 

Starting the tour at Kathmandu, we visit the old area with its stone-paved lanes, ancient temples and the colourful bazaars with curio shops and shops selling shawls, carpet, trekking equipment. Tourist attractions include Swayambhunath Stupa, which is a 2500 years old Buddhist Stupa located at a top of a green hillock with the eyes of Buddha painted on its pinnacle overlooking righteous behaviour of the valley inhabitants. 

Phulchowki is the highest hill among others surrounding the Kathmandu valley. 18 km southeast of the valley, it offers great views, and is a popular hiking destination. The forests of Phulchowki are a popular birding destination. The Royal Botanical Garden at Godavari, at the foot of the hill, is home to more than 100 species of birds, including Spiny Babbler, Tibetan Siskin, and more.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve comprises extensive mudflats, reed beds, and freshwater marshes in the floodplain of the Sapta Kosi River, in the eastern Terai. Together with the Koshi Barrage, it is designated as an Important Bird Area. The riverine habitat is home to a large variety of wetland birds.

Away from the hustle bustle of the city, we drive to the Chitwan National Park next. A six-hour drive through mountain roads, tiny villages, hamlets and naturally scenic vistas make the drive very interesting. A larger number of bird species (over 480) has been recorded here than in any other part of Nepal due to Chitwan’s diverse habitats and tropical lowland situation. We can expect to see a third of these during our two-night stay. 

The park holds a similar wealth of mammals, including the endangered Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, and Rhesus and Common Langur Monkeys. Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (the Asiatic bison) may also occasionally be seen, as well as the Marsh Mugger and fish-eating Gharial Crocodiles. We will explore the park on foot, on elephant back, in canoes and by jeep. At Chitwan, we can also spend time indulging in various other activities including village walks, cultural programs and the most popular visit to elephant breeding centre. We can arrange for you to visit Tharu villages and have a glimpse of Tharu culture too.

Covering an area of 968 sq km, Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed national park in Nepal's Terai. The wide range of vegetation types, including forest, riverine, and grassland patches, provides excellent habitat for more than 50 types of mammal, and more than 400 species of birds.