Wild Life in the Wild

Spend enough time in Sri Lanka and, it's impossible not to miss just how close nature really is. At The Resthouse Collective in Weligama, monkeys regularly knock on doors, so much so that we always remind guests to keep windows closed when they’re out!

It’s a very real part of life in Sri Lanka these days, but speak to the residents, and its not how iit'salways been. As towns and cities expand, wild animals and humans are sharing space more and more, a trend seen across the developing world, and Sri Lanka is no exception.

The upside? You can spot animals you’d usually only see in a David Attenborough documentary from your bedroom window. Below are some of the best places on the south coast to see our furry and scaly friends up close, just remember: please don’t touch or feed them.

Turtles on the Beach

Swim alongside giant green turtles in the shallow lagoon: an unforgettable experience. Just please don’t touch or feed them. Top tip: find a low tide that falls in the morning for calmer water and fewer crowds. Wijaya Beach is the spot and they do a great lunch for after.

Peacocks in the Paddies

Join Idle Bikes for a Paddy Trail and

cycle through rice paddies where peacocks roam freely, often in full display. The bike ride is gentle, the bird life is magical & the trail gives you a peak off the beaten track and into Sri Lankan village life.

Whale Watching

The deep ocean lies just offshore from Weligama, making whale watching here historically incredible, however recent reports is that it can be hit or miss. Expect dolphins and a beautiful day at sea, and consider whale sightings a bonus rather than a guarantee.

Baby Turtles in Habaraduwa

Habaraduwa beach is possibly one of the most underrated beaches in the South.

It is vast: both wide and long. And it is where the turtles love to lay their eggs. There are a number of conservation centres where you can see & release baby turtles.

I guess not technically "in the wild"

but still worth a visit.

Monkeys on Koggala Lake

Glide through this vast coastal lake rich in birdlife, with monkeys swinging through the trees overhead. There is a troop of toque macaques that are often hanging around the lake shores. If you're might even spot a crocodile! Call Anand Spice Garden to book your boat.

Elephants at Udawalawe

To see elephants in the wild you’ll need to travel a little further inland. While Yala gets the spotlight for leopards, Udawalawe offers far more reliable elephant sightings, and very do-able on a day trip from the south.