Geography of the Republic of Sri Lanka: nature, climate, population, flora and fauna. Fauna of Sri Lanka. Animals we saw on the island in their natural habitat Sri Lanka nature and animals

Arrival at International Airport Colombo.
Warm meeting and traditional greeting in the Airport lobby with a company representative and a Russian-speaking guide.
Transfer to Colombo.
Sightseeing tour around the city and shopping.
Colombo- a city with a population of 1.5 million people, is the political and commercial center of the country. On the one hand, Colombo is a heritage of the Portuguese, Dutch and English, which makes itself felt in temples and monuments, names and religions, clothing, food and a superficial knowledge of their languages. On the other hand, these are modern buildings in bustling commercial and shopping areas, and 5-star hotels with nightclubs and entertainment. It was this amazing mixture of cultures and religions, times and peoples that left their mark on the unique appearance of the city, where old mansions Colonial style buildings coexist with both skyscrapers and ancient oriental temples.
Dinner and overnight in Colombo.

Day 02. Colombo - Sigiriya/Dambulla

After breakfast, departure to Sigiriya or Dambulla, on the way visit the elephant nursery in Pinnawela. In the evening climb to rock in Sigiriya.
Visit along the way Elephant nursery in Pinnawala.
Founded in 1975. At the time of the foundation of the nursery, there were only 7 elephant calves. Today there are about 80 elephants here.
Initially, the idea of ​​creating a nursery was more inclined towards tourism, but soon the nursery became the best educational center and center for elephant conservation. With the help of local and foreign experts, the Pinnawala nursery is part of a scientific program to breed elephants in captivity. In 1984, the first elephant calf was born here. The success story of the Pinnawela nursery has attracted the attention of scientists from all over the world. A huge number of books and scientific articles about Pinnavel have been published in many languages ​​of the world.
Cave XRam Dambulla was founded by order of King Walagambahu in the 1st century. BC. and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is the most famous hill temple in Sri Lanka. The temple consists of five caves and is famous for the largest collection of Buddha statues (some of them are over 2000 years old). Colored frescoes decorate the ceiling and walls of the temple, depicting the main moments of the Buddha's life: his birth, renunciation of royal life, epiphany, seven weeks after insights, reading the first sermon, going into the bliss of Nirvana...
Climbing the Sigiriya rock (5th century AD) « Fortress in the Sky"Scenic Mountain, also known as "Lion Rock", is one of the main attractions of the country. At an altitude of about 200 m, King Kassapa built a palace in the 5th century, the entrance to which was “guarded” by a huge stone lion. From ancient descriptions, the pediment of the palace, built of marble and surrounded by gardens and ponds, was lined with precious stones. The giant royal throne is well preserved. Ancient descriptions also mention a gallery with frescoes and a “mirror wall” polished with mineral. The frescoes depicting the “heavenly maidens” have retained their bright colors. Unfortunately, out of 500 frescoes, only 18 have survived. The monument is under the protection of UNESCO.
UandAndnot a night in Sigiriya/Dambula

Day 03. Sigiriya/Dambulla - Kandy

After breakfast transfer to Polonnaruwa, capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th-13th centuries. Inspection of the ruins of the old city and the sculptural complex - three Buddha statues carved into the rocks. Transfer to Kandy. Sightseeing tour of Kandywith a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic,Spice Garden, Batik factories. In the evening, a performance with national Sri Lankan dances.
Polonnaruwa- was ancient capital th Sri Lanka founded in the XI-XII centuries. AD, it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
The era of Polonnaruwa's influence began with the decline of Anuradhapura, another ancient capital. In its heyday, the city was surrounded by three protective walls, decorated with excellent gardens, parks and many shrines
Here you will see the famous ruins royal palace Gal Vihara where the magnificent Buddha statues are located. Four Buddha statues in various poses are carved into the granite rock. Despite the colossal size, the sculptures are very realistic.
Famous religious sites are also located here. historical monuments: Temples of Lord Shiva, Lankatilake, Vatadage, Galpota, Kiri Vehara and the remains of the former ancient temple Buddha tooth.
Visit Spice Garden in Matale, where you can see the different types of spices growing in Sri Lanka. Here you can watch the growth of spices and learn a lot interesting information about the process of processing and further manufacturing of Ayurvedic products.
Kandy is the last capital of the Lankan Kings and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated in a mountain range at an altitude of 488 m above sea level, the city is very picturesque.
The name "Kandy" is all about brilliance and splendor. Many legends, traditions and folklore are still carefully preserved by the city’s residents. Kandy is still a cultural capital countries.
In the city center, near the lake, there is Dalada Maligawa Temple, where the main relic of the country - the Sacred Tooth of Buddha - is kept. Once a year, during a colorful festival-procession Esala Perahera, which takes place in late July - early August, the shrine resting on the back of the main elephant of the temple is put on public display. The procession passing through the streets of the city involves dozens of elephants covered with bright blankets with bells and illumination, hundreds of dancers and acrobats.
Visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day 04. Kandy - Peradeniya - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, transfer to Nuwara Eliya.
Visit along the way Royal Botanic Garden.
Founded in 1374 as a recreation garden for the kings who ruled Gampola and Kandy. Here on 147 acres fairy world collected more than 500 varieties of rare local and imported from various tree countries, plants and flowers, including rare species of palm trees, medicinal and spicy herbs, more than 300 species of orchids and 175 species of palm trees. The garden is famous for its alley of memorial trees planted by outstanding personalities of different eras. Among others, there are trees planted by Nicholas II and Yuri Gagarin.
Nuwara Eliya - High mountain resort"city of light", located at an altitude of 1884 m above sea level at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala, highest peak Sri Lanka. Mild favorable climate (average annual temperature +15 - +20 degrees), picturesque meadows and valleys, mountain landscapes- all this made Nuwara Eliya very popular resort. Nuwara Eliya is called "Little England". Excellent 18 hole golf course - one of the best in South-East Asia- known all over the world to true fans of this sport. In the city center is Victoria Park, a charming place for picnics and relaxation. South of the park- a hippodrome where horse racing takes place in April. Lake Gregory, south of the hippodrome, is one of the city's attractions.
Dinner and overnight Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05. Nuwara Eliya - Yala

After breakfast, transfer to Yala. Jeep safari in Yala.
Yala- located 309 km from Colombo on the southeast coast of the island. It is one of the oldest and largest in the country national parks. The slightly hilly terrain, covered with bushes and small forests, is home to herds of elephants, buffaloes, wild boars, sika deer and other animals. A jeep safari in the park will bring a lot of impressions and pleasure.
Dinner and overnight in Yala.

Day 06. Yala - Galle - Beach

After breakfast, drive to Galle on the coast and tour the city.
In 1663, the Dutch built a fort (on the site of a destroyed one), which is still in excellent condition and is one of the best preserved colonial forts in Asia. On the territory of the fort was built the whole city: temples, residential and administrative buildings, lighthouse, prison, planned streets.
Transfer to a hotel on the coast.

Sri Lanka is located in South Asia and is an island. The island of Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and its Bay of Bengal. It is separated from Hindustan by the Gulf of Manara and the Palk Strait, 50 km wide. T.N. Adam's Bridge - a chain of islands in the Palk Strait - once completely connected Sri Lanka with the mainland, but, according to chronicles, was destroyed by an earthquake around 1481. The island is 350 km long, its width is 180 km at its widest part, and it is the same size as Tasmania or Ireland.

The state of Sri Lanka is located between 5`54` and 9`52` northern latitude, 800 km. from the equator. The northern and central parts of the island are located in the subequatorial, and South part in equatorial zones. The total area is 65,610 sq. km, the length from north to south is 445 km, and from west to east 225 km. According to geologists, the island repeatedly rose from the water and sank again. Over many centuries, displacement of geological layers formed hills, mountains and gorges. The main part of the island is occupied by a plain, the height of which rarely exceeds 100 m above sea level.

In fact, the capital is Colombo (the seat of government and the main institutions of the country are located here), while the official suburb of Colombo is Sri Jaya-Vardenapura (Jayawardenapura-Kotte), where the country's legislative bodies and a number of administrative organizations are located.

Relief of Sri Lanka

Central is located in the center of the island mountain range. The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher. The most high point islands - Mount Pidurutalagala has a height of 2524 m, then Kirigalpotta - 2395 m, Totopolakanda - 2357 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) - 2243 m.

Many rivers of Sri Lanka flow from these mountains. The most large river The Mahaweli Ganga (335 km.) originates near Adam's Peak and flows into Indian Ocean in eastern Sri Lanka near Trincomalee. Other rivers are Malvanuna Oya - 164 km, Kelani Ganga - 145 km. The only river that does not originate in the mountains, Kala Oya - 148 km, flows from the ancient giant Kalaveva reservoir, built in the 5th century AD. Many rivers are navigable. Where there are mountains and rivers, there are also waterfalls. At 212 metres, Coslanda Bride Vale, the Bridal Veil, is one of the tallest single-spout waterfalls in the world. Babarakanda Waterfall - 241 m. The highest cascade on the island.

The east coast of Sri Lanka is hundreds of kilometers of continuous snow-white beaches, clear turquoise ocean, coral reefs and huge diversity in the plant world. In the northeast, 6-12 km. from Trincomalee Bay, there are two cozy hotels - Club Oceanic and Nilaveli Beach Hotel from which you can visit unique places for diving and snorkeling, daily excursions to the coral island of Pigeon are organized. 14% of the island's territory is occupied by national parks, nature reserves and reservations. The largest of them are Yala National Park (309 km from Colombo), Udawalawe National Park (170 km from Colombo), Wasgamuwa National Park (200 km from Colombo), Wilpatu National Park (176 km from Colombo) and National Park Bundala Park (260 km from Colombo).

The southwest coast of Sri Lanka is continuous with golden beaches, hotels and small towns - such as Negombo, Marawila, Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwela, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle. The atmosphere of the resort reigns throughout - blue ocean, golden sand, coconut palms, chic and inexpensive hotels. The capital of Sri Lanka is the city of Colombo, located in the western part of the island, on the ocean.

Minerals of Sri Lanka

The ancient Precambrian shield, which lies at the base of the Deccan Plateau of Hindustan, continues in the depths of Sri Lanka. Among its crystalline rocks lie many minerals. The most famous are deposits of high-quality crystalline graphite, in terms of reserves of which Sri Lanka ranks first in the world.

Deposits of phosphorites and mica are being developed. In some coastal areas, large areas are occupied by black monazite sands containing rare and radioactive elements. Local residents use laterite, which is formed during the weathering of crystalline rocks, to build houses. rocks, containing compounds of aluminum and iron (the latter give laterites their brick-red color). Laterite is easily cut into bricks, which quickly become hard in air.

Sri Lanka is famous for its precious stones: rubies, sapphires, topazes, amethysts. As the ancient chronicle “Mahavamsa” testifies, many kings and sultans in other countries decorated their crowns with these stones mined on the island. Centuries of predatory exploitation have led to the depletion of rich deposits, but the extraction of precious stones still continues.

Oil exploration is underway in the country, and Soviet geologists also took part in it in the 1970s. According to experts, there are sedimentary structures promising for oil on the Sri Lankan shelf. Since the 80s, exploration work began in the shelf zone, for which the state oil corporation of Sri Lanka entered into long-term contracts with companies in the USA and Canada. There is an agreement with the Indian Oil and Natural Gas Commission on joint exploration work.

Inland waters of Sri Lanka

Plain rivers are short, mountain rivers have great hydroelectric potential. The water in most rivers is warm. The largest rivers are Mahaweli-Ganga, Kelani, Kalu, Aruvi-Aru.

Mahaweli Ganga is the largest river in Sri Lanka. Length 335 km. Originates in central province. Its basin is the largest in the country, covering almost one fifth of the total area islands. The river reaches the Bay of Bengal on the northwestern part of the island. 6 hydroelectric dams were built on the river.

Climate of Sri Lanka

The climate in Sri Lanka is subequatorial and equatorial monsoon, greatly complicated by the topography and the general orientation of the island from north to south. Average annual temperature on the plains about +29-31°С (seasonal variations are insignificant), in the mountainous part - from +16°С to +24°С. The sea water temperature is above +25°C all year round.

Air humidity is high and almost always remains above 75%. Precipitation ranges from 1000 (northern and eastern regions) to 5000 ( southwest coast) mm per year. The rainy season occurs from May to September (southwest monsoon) and October to April (northeast monsoon), but these periods often have different time frames in different areas of the island.

Flora and fauna of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's natural environment contains many unique species and is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. The level of endemism of animals and plants in Sri Lanka is 16% of the total fauna and 23% of the flowering flora. The flora of Sri Lanka is diverse and has a high degree of endemism. It includes 3,210 species of flowering plants from 1,052 genera. 916 species and 18 genera are endemic to the island. There are 8 types of forests in Sri Lanka.

In the southwest, at the foot of the mountains and on their slopes, in some places, dense moist equatorial forests with a huge variety of vegetation types (ebony, teak, silk tree, fruit trees) have been preserved. Along the northwestern and southeastern coasts, thorny bushes grow, and mangrove forests and coconut palms are sometimes found.

Fauna. Sri Lanka is home to 91 species, 41 of which are endangered (9 critically endangered). 16 species are endemic to the island, of which 14 are endangered, including the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), the endemic Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), and the Indian sambar deer (Cervus unicolor). Among the 11 orders, the largest number of species belongs to the order Chiroptera (30 species). In the sea waters surrounding Sri Lanka, 26 species of the order Cetaceans are found.

Sri Lanka is home to: 227 species of birds (previously up to 486 species were recorded), 46 of which are endangered (10 critically endangered); 171 species of reptiles live in Sri Lanka, of which 56 are endangered and 101 species endemic to the island (mainly snakes). And the largest species are represented by two crocodiles: the Swamp crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

Sri Lanka is one of the most species-diverse regions in the world for the class Amphibians. It is home to 106 species of amphibians, of which 90 are endemic to the island and this is the highest species density for amphibians in the world. 52 species are threatened with extinction, almost all of them (except one) are endemic.

There are 82 species of freshwater fish in Sri Lanka, of which 28 are endangered. Butterflies are represented on the island by 245 species, of which 23 are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else. 76 species are threatened with extinction, especially the species Pachliopta jophon.

Population of Sri Lanka

Population - 21.3 million (estimated as of July 2009). Annual growth - 0.9%. Birth rate - 16.2 per 1000 (fertility - 1.99 births per woman); Mortality - 6.1 per 1000; Emigration - 1.1 per 1000; Infant mortality - 18.5 per 1000; Average life expectancy is 73 years for men, 77 years for women.

Sinhalese constitute about 75% and Tamils ​​about 18% of the population, mainly in the northern and eastern regions. There are also Sri Lankan Moors (Larakalla - descendants of Arabs) - about 7%, burghers (descendants of mixed marriages with Europeans) - about 0.3%, Veddas (descendants of the oldest population of the island) - about 1 thousand people.

About 70% of the population (mainly Sinhalese) profess Buddhism, 15% Hinduism (Tamils), 8% Christianity, 7% Islam (Lankan Moors). Literacy - 92% of men, 89% of women (according to the 2001 census).

Official languages ​​are Sinhala and Tamil, widely spoken English language. The national-ethnic composition generally corresponds to the religious affiliation of the population: Buddhism is professed by about 70% (mainly Sinhalese), Hinduism - by more than 17% (mainly Tamils), Islam and Christianity - by approximately 8% each (Moors, burghers, etc.) . Largest cities: Colombo, Moratuwa, Galle, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Kandy.

Source - http://travellanka.ru/geografia.html
http://ru.wikipedia.org/
http://www.shri-lank.ru/

The island's forests amaze with their power and diversity. Here you can find giant trees reaching 50 meters in height, small but beautiful flowering plants, and numerous vines entwining the trunks and branches of other trees. Among them are many valuable, unique species: sandalwood with delicately fragrant branches, ebony, also called “black” for the color of the wood, rosewood - teak, breadfruit with edible fruits, tree ferns, papaya, mango and many others. But most of all in the forests there are various palm trees, of which coconut trees are in first place, of course. Their slender silhouettes, sometimes rising 30-35 meters, are found everywhere on the island.

This plant has long served man in tropical countries. Its nuts are used as food and provide oil used in soap and candle making. Palm leaves are used to cover huts, baskets, mats and brushes are made from them, the wood is used for buildings, and dishes are made from nut shells. Palm fiber is used for weaving ropes and making fabrics.
From other types of palm trees, sweet juice is obtained, which after fermentation becomes an intoxicating drink, starch, sugar, wax and other substances. In ancient times, the leaves of the talipot palm were used to make paper similar to parchment. Ancient manuscripts written on it have survived to this day - more than a thousand years! And the fruits of the cabbage palm are still included in the menu of the island’s residents.

Near Buddhist monasteries there are always groves of banyan trees - the sacred tree of India and Sri Lanka. After all, it was under the banyan tree that two and a half thousand years ago, the founder of Buddhism, Prince Gautama, experienced “enlightenment,” that is, he understood the cause of human suffering and the way to get rid of it. This happened in one of the cities of Northern India. From then on, Gautama took the name Buddha (“Enlightened One”). Every year, millions of pilgrims come to bow to the tree, which has survived to this day.
And in 245 BC, envoys from Sri Lanka turned to the priests guarding the sacred Indian tree with a request to allow them to take one branch of banyan tree to their island so that they too would grow a symbol of true faith. Permission was given, and the cutting of the tree in a golden vessel traveled down the Ganges River and then by sea to Sri Lanka, where it was planted on a hill in the ancient capital of the country - Anuradhapura and watered with sacred water from the Ganges. And the tree took root in the new place and has been blooming and bearing fruit for more than two thousand years. The monks spread its fruits throughout the island, and now there is no Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka that does not have a banyan tree growing near it.

By the way, this tree is a close relative of the well-known indoor ficus. By the way, the ficus family, which is widespread in the Mediterranean, also includes the fig tree, or fig tree, as the Bible calls it. An amazing feature of the banyan tree is its ability to form numerous aerial roots hanging from the branches to the ground. Having taken root in the soil, these roots begin to thicken, turning into powerful additional trunks, reaching a meter in diameter. (The main trunk can sometimes be up to ten meters in diameter.) Gradually the tree turns into a real forest, sometimes occupying an entire hectare and consisting of 600-800 trunks! The largest banyan tree is considered to be a five-hundred-year-old tree in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, resembling a huge green hill with an area of ​​two hectares. It is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. True, such giants have not been recorded in Sri Lanka.
In the forests of the island there is a real abundance of animals: there are wild elephants and buffalos,
black sloth bears and leopards, jackals and meter-sized bats - flying foxes, as well as many monkeys, flocks of which regularly devastate fields and gardens local residents. There are five species of deer in Sri Lanka, including the largest axis deer with a spotted coat and the mouse deer, which is the size of a hare.
The jungles of Sri Lanka also abound in birds, many of which fly here in winter from the north. But among them there are also permanent residents - these are peacocks, weaver birds, spur partridges and amazingly beautiful Ceylon kingfishers, whose feathers on the back shimmer in all shades of blue.
Dangerous animals are also found here, such as poisonous snakes (including cobras), crocodiles, sometimes growing up to five meters in length, and in coastal sea waters - sharks. The rivers are home to a rare fisherman, similar to a huge eel, up to a meter long. During the dry season, it is able to crawl overland from one body of water to another that has not yet dried up.

And gecko lizards, common in Sri Lanka, are tamed and kept in houses by residents to combat flies, mosquitoes and mosquitoes.
The island's fertile climate provides excellent conditions for the cultivation of many cultivated plants, and therefore most of the plains of Sri Lanka (and they occupy four-fifths of the country) have been converted into plantations. Rubber trees such as hevea and cocoa, coconut palms and coffee trees, bananas and citrus fruits grow on them. But the main asset of Sri Lanka is its famous tea, which from old memory is called Ceylon tea. A third of all the tea harvested in the world is grown here, and it provides the lion's share of revenue to the state treasury.

But the nature of the island is famous not only for its richness of flora. In its mountains, on the roads of Sri Lanka, the richest reserves of the best graphite in the world have been found, and “black sands” - the most valuable ore of titanium and zirconium - are mined off the coast. However, first of all, Sri Lanka is known throughout the world for its precious stones. More than forty different types of gems hide its depths: rubies and topazes, amethysts and garnets, tourmalines and alexandrites.

Sri Lanka is famous for its amazing landscapes: snow-white sandy beaches, mighty hills, rich forests and mesmerizing waterfalls. The first protected area appeared in the 3rd century BC, and today there are 3 reserves, 12 national parks and 51 reservations on the island, the list of which includes Mineria, Sinharaja, Bundala, Wilpatu, Wasgamuwa, Udawalawe and Yalla.

Mineria - national park, which is located near a reservoir in the Polonnaruwa region at a distance of 182 km from Colombo. The park has a huge variety of vegetation and a sufficient amount of water, which creates favorable living conditions for many species of animals. The park has become an ideal habitat for 200 elephants. Sinharaja - unique tropical
forest untouched by civilization. The pristine nature of the forest has become the home of many species of flora and fauna. Trees whose length reaches 50 meters are of great interest. Bundala National Park natural conditions which are ideal for about 20 thousand migratory birds. The sandy area of ​​the park is a place for sea turtles to lay eggs. You can also see elephants, deer, wild buffalo, storks, pelicans, flamingos and waterfowl in the park. Yalla is the largest and oldest national park. The park is home to a huge number of animals and birds. Udawalawe is a national park that is distinguished by a variety of plant species. The park is home to jackals, wild boars, some types of deer, and buffalo. On the shores of the lakes you can see pelicans, herons and other bird species. Vilpatu is a national park, on the territory of which there is still unexplored places, where numerous representatives of animals and plants live. Local reservoirs are inhabited by river shrimp and many different species of fish.

The fauna of Sri Lanka is quite numerous and very diverse. On this big island you will see many interesting animals. There are about 90 species of mammals in Sri Lanka alone, including deer, wild pigs and other animals that can be found in forests and savannas in large quantities. Even meeting a leopard in Sri Lanka is very likely. For example, some protected areas such as Wilpatte or Yala National Park have an impressive population of these big cats. In total, about 600 leopards live in Sri Lanka today. The elephant population on the island is also large, but due to the fact that their habitat has been significantly reduced in last years, the elephant population is gradually declining. The elephant is probably one of the most impressive animals on the island. In different national parks one can still see large herds of elephants passing through the countryside.
In this article we will tell you about the most famous and interesting animals in Sri Lanka, provide photos of some of these animals and tell you a lot of interesting things about the fauna of the island.

Wildlife of Sri Lanka

Typical representatives of the animal world in Sri Lanka are also the porcupine, wild boar and sloth bear. There are also many species of monkeys, including macaques. Monkey species endemic to the island include the Baraffe and Blattaffe, which can be identified by their bright red face.
In general, animals in Sri Lanka are quite modest and shy, but there are also animals that are not afraid of humans and are therefore relatively common. These are, for example, geckos, which can be seen almost anywhere. The local population is so accustomed to this reptile that they don’t even pay attention to it. There are many other species of reptiles, including some that can only be found in Sri Lanka, such as the marsh crocodile. In addition, the island is home to a huge number of turtles and snakes. As you know, Sri Lanka is home to 83 species of snakes, including poisonous ones, including the cobra.

Birds in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a very diverse bird population, as the island, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is home to 427 species of birds. Here you can see herons of various sizes, crows, parrots, flamingos, cormorants and many other birds.
The birds in Sri Lanka are so diverse and interesting that many tourists even go on special excursions to watch the birds. Sometimes such excursions last not one, but two or more days.

Fishes in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is rich in fish and amphibians. We are not talking about sea creatures, but about freshwater fish. As you know, 54 species of fish and 38 different amphibians live in the waters of Sri Lanka. Many fish are very attractive and impressive with their colorful patterns, which is why they are popular as aquarium fish in other parts of the world.
Some fish species did not originally exist in Sri Lanka, but were brought by the British from Europe. Thus, one should not be surprised by the presence of trout in the rivers of the island. This fish feels quite comfortable in the clear waters of the local rivers.

Butterflies in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's butterfly population is also extremely diverse. This island is famous for its colorful butterflies. Of the approximately 240 butterfly species, most live in the lower mountainous regions. The annual migration of butterflies in Sri Lanka is a unique and delightful sight. Insects fly during March and April on Samanala Kandhu, the so-called butterfly mountain.

Monkeys in Sri Lanka

Whether we accept the theory of evolution or not, apes are the closest relative to humans in the evolutionary tree. Their behavior and comical expressions remind us of many of our moods. From the suburbs of Colombo to the most remote parts of Sri Lanka, you can spot monkeys different types, the most common of which are macaques. Other interesting monkeys in Sri Lanka include the Hanuman langur (aka gray langur), purple lagur and slender lorises, which are rare and difficult to spot due to their nocturnal nature. Monkeys in Sri Lanka are commonly called "Wanduroo", macaques are called "Rilavu" and lorises are called "Unahapuluwa".
The macaque is Sri Lanka's most widespread primate and is evenly distributed across the island from the coastal plains to the central hills. The macaque is a reddish-brown monkey with a whitish underbelly.
Hanuman Langur is a monkey that is widespread in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka and is named after the Indian Hindu monkey god Hanuman, immortalized in the epic Ramayana. The fur color of this monkey ranges from gray to dark brown. Usually these monkeys can be seen in a group of ten to thirty individuals, and sometimes in large numbers. These groups are often accompanied by a large, dominant and aggressive male.

Crocodiles in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, all crocodiles are called "Kimbula". As we have already said, this island is home to the swamp crocodile, which is very fond of swampy surroundings, where it digs holes to create shelters. This crocodile is on the Red List of Threatened Species. Adult crocodiles are brown or blackish-gray in color, while juvenile crocodiles are usually pale olive in color with black stripes all over their bodies.
The Mugger crocodile (another name for the swamp crocodile) is similar to an alligator in appearance and has a wide snout about 0.5 meters long. Its head is rough without any ridges, and its jaw contains 19 upper teeth on each side. The limbs are protected by keel scales, and a jagged fringe is visible on the outer edge of each leg.
The Mugger crocodile is known to migrate long distances in search of food and water or new habitat. In Sri Lanka, the marsh crocodile usually lives along an extensive river network, irrigation canals, lakes and estuaries. The mugger is very common in Yala National Park, as there are about 500 individuals living here. There are no recorded attacks of crocodiles on people in the national park, although there are frequent attacks by crocodiles on local residents on the Nilwala River. True, in all cases they occurred due to encroachment on the habitat of crocodiles or due to the negligence of people.

Turtles in Sri Lanka

Sea turtles are among the oldest creatures to live in our planet's waters, having remained virtually unchanged for 110 million years. These ancient sea nomads, however, face an uncertain future due to habitat destruction and accidental capture by fishing gear. Until recently, sea turtle studies have focused on nesting females and chicks because they are the easiest to locate and observe. Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles superbly adapted to marine life, but they cannot retract their heads and limbs like other turtles and freshwater terrapins. The hydrodynamic shape, large size and powerful winged front flippers allow them to dive deep and swim great distances without going ashore. In fact, they almost never come ashore except when laying eggs.
In the early 1990s, awareness campaigns began in Sri Lanka sea ​​turtles, and many conservation efforts have been directed toward areas around the major resorts. Of the eight known species of turtles found in the world's oceans, five species are found in Sri Lanka, where they lay eggs in many places around the island.

Monitor lizards in Sri Lanka

There are quite a lot of lizards on the island, including monitor lizards, the size of which can reach two meters. Not every adult can always remain calm if he sees a 2-meter monitor lizard in front of him. In general, monitor lizards in Sri Lanka, as in any other country in the world, are not aggressive, and do not particularly seek out meetings with people. However, in some cases, monitor lizards can attack a person, especially if the person provokes this animal. The bite of a monitor lizard itself is not dangerous, but on the teeth of this lizard there may be a huge number bacteria. Therefore, if the wound is not treated immediately, the wound will become very painful and fester.
But let us note once again that monitor lizards will attack a person only in cases where they simply have no choice.

Palm squirrels (chipmunks) in Sri Lanka

There are three species of palm squirrels in Sri Lanka: the white striped squirrel called Vana Lena or Mukalan Lena in Sinhala and Karapu Anil in Tamil, the palm squirrel called Iri Lena in Sinhala and Sinna Anil in Tamil, and the sand squirrel called Puluthu Lena or Podi Lena in Sinhala and Sinna Anil in Tamil.
The palm squirrel is the most common squirrel species on the island. The other two species are much less common. There are four subspecies of palm squirrel in Sri Lanka, which are found in different geographical locations on the island. One of the subspecies lives in the mountains, the second in the humid zone, and the other two in the dry zone (in the north and south). In most cases, these subtypes are difficult to identify unless grasped.
Because of their stripes on their bodies, palm squirrels are called chipmunks in Sri Lanka. These squirrels have small ears covered with soft fur, thick tails, the length of which is approximately equal to the length of the body and head. When they are squatting while eating or holding something with their front paws, the squirrel's tail is held in an "S" shape.
Palm squirrels in Sri Lanka make their nests from any material they can find, including dry grass, soft bark of some trees, wool, etc. In urban areas, they can even build their nests under the roof of some houses and other convenient places .
Many Sri Lankan households, especially in rural areas, have a squirrel as a pet. Some locals have giant squirrels. Squirrels can become very tame, are easily tamed and will not leave if released from their cage.

Leeches in Sri Lanka

One of the things that keeps people from visiting tropical forests Sri Lanka, is the presence of small leeches in these forests. Leeches in Sri Lanka, which are only 3-5 cm long, frighten some people even more than venomous snakes or ferocious mammals.
Repellent on shoes and on your feet helps against leeches, but the fact is that moisture on the ground and plants will quickly wash away the repellent, and you will be left without protection. So you should take care of other methods of protection. The main one is special socks. This is the most effective and convenient way avoid leech bites while hiking in the rainforests of Sri Lanka. These long fabric socks that cover your leg up to the knee will not only relieve you from leech bites, but will also effectively prevent tick bites.

Dangerous animals in Sri Lanka

Many tourists, before deciding to travel to the rainforests or other regions of Sri Lanka with an abundance of different animals, are interested in what dangerous animals there are on this island. In fact, there are quite a few dangerous animals in Sri Lanka, so we advise you to always remain vigilant, even when you are on hotel premises.
Remember that there are many snakes in Sri Lanka, including poisonous ones. For local residents, a snake crawling through the streets of a village is not an unusual phenomenon, and no one runs away, no one screams. They know that even the most dangerous snake poses no danger to them if they themselves do not touch it. So you just need to be careful and not go into any suspicious places.
Things are more complicated with dangerous insects. For example, a scorpio may crawl into your shoes or hide in your clothes. This can happen even in a large hotel, not to mention bungalows located in rural areas.
Spiders, centipedes, leeches, ticks - all these insects can pose a certain danger to humans. A fatal outcome, of course, is unlikely, but health problems and severe pain are possible if they are bitten.
But not only snakes and insects can pose a danger to humans in Sri Lanka. This island is home to a large number of crocodiles, wild cats and other animals that can attack you. As a rule, such animals live in national parks or other places far from resort areas. So, if you don't want to meet them, then you probably won't.
Don't forget that seemingly cute animals, such as dogs and monkeys, can also pose a certain danger.

Currently, the beauty, abundance, and charm of the island attract numerous tourists. This tropical island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, southeast of the coast of India.

The area of ​​the island is 65,525 square meters. km., length from north to south 435 km, from west to east 225 km. The main part of the island is occupied by a plain, the height of which rarely exceeds 100 m above sea level. In the center of the island is the Central Mountain Range - the Highlands. The highest point of the island is Mount Pidurutalagala (height 2524 m). The most famous Adam's Peak is 2243 m. Numerous rivers of the country flow from the mountains. Some of the island's rivers are navigable. The largest river, the Mahaweli Ganga (335 km), originates near Adam's Peak and flows into the Indian Ocean in eastern Sri Lanka near Trincomalee.

Other rivers are Malvanuna Oya - 164 km, Kelani Ganga - 145 km. The only river that does not originate in the mountains, Kala Oya - 148 km, flows from the ancient giant Kalaveva reservoir, built in the 5th century AD. The 212-meter-high Coslanda Brida Vale (“Bridal Veil”) is one of the highest single-spout waterfalls in the world. Babarakanda Waterfall - 241 m. The highest cascade on the island.

The entire coastline is surrounded by 1,600 km of beautiful tropical beaches. Thanks to the rainy season on each of the coasts, parts of the island can always enjoy dry and sunny weather.
The main beaches stretch from Wakkala to Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwela in the west and southwest, and to Bentota, Ahungalle, Hikkaduwa, Dickwella, Tangalle and Hambantota in the south. Cleanest beaches east coast Nilaveli, Kuchaveli, Pasekuda and Arugam Bay - stretch north and south of Trincomalee.

160 km from a truly tropical seaport and the commercial capital of Colombo is the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya (1890 m), where there are cool nights. Here tourists can enjoy freshly picked strawberries and asparagus, as well as warm up by the fire. The resort is located among high mountain ranges and tea plantations. Queen Anne and King George style architecture, charming flower gardens and an 18-hole golf course reminiscent of British colonial rule. Botanical gardens The Hakgala are known for their magnificent collections of subtropical flora. The Highlands are where some of the world's famous goods come from Sri Lanka. Tea plantations cover about 200,000 hectares, and many aromatic spices also grow in the area, especially around Kandy.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the magnificent nature reserves in mountainous areas countries: Sinharaja rain forest (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mountain chain Knuckle, the wet montane forests of the Horton Valley, breathtaking mountain gorges such as World's End, Haputale and Ella, the cascades of the Diyaluma waterfall, the sixth highest in the world, the most beautiful bay Trincomalee. The foothills of the mountains on the south-eastern side around Ratnapura (City of Gemstones) are rich in magnificent gemstones.

It amazes with its natural abundance: precious and semi-precious stones, all the variety of spices - cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, 117 species of orchids and 242 species of butterflies, 441 species of birds. The variety of wild animals is amazing - from huge elephants to tiny lorises, all types of tropical and subtropical fruits and more than 500 species of medicinal plants. Rich animal and vegetable world preserved in 13 national parks, as well as in more than a hundred other protected areas. Some of the most accessible game reserves include Yala (Ruhuna), Uda Walawe, Wasgomuwa, Gall Oya, Maduru Oya, Horton Valley, Bundala, Kumana, Weerawila, Kalametiya and Giant Lake.

In the reserves you can see elephants, leopards, bears, wild buffalos, deer, monkeys, wild boars, wild cats, lizards, and giant squirrels. Among the birds you can see are blue magpies, paradise and dark blue flycatchers, yellow-eared bulbuls, orange long-tailed grub-eaters, mountain hawk eagles, falcons, black-necked herons.
The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a unique elephant sanctuary where baby elephants are raised.

Sri Lanka: upcoming tours

 

It might be useful to read: