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Also a haven for birdwatching, the park has 184 recorded species, including 33 migratory bird species. Look for endemic species like the Red-faced Malkoha, the Lanka Grey Hornbill, and the Brown-capped Babbler. The park also attracts a variety of Sri Lankan Junglefowl and rare migrants like the White Wagtail and the Black-capped Kingfisher. The reservoir and surrounding areas teem with flocks of water birds, including Cormorants, Eurasian Spoonbills, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Openbills, and Painted Storks. Soaring above the open areas, watch for majestic birds of prey like the White-bellied Sea Eagle, the Crested Serpent Eagle, the Grey-headed Fish Eagle, the Booted Eagle, and the Changeable Hawk Eagle.
Note: The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe:
Bordering Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home offers a unique opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan elephant conservation. Established with the support of the Born Free Foundation, this sanctuary rehabilitates orphaned elephant calves and intends to release them back into their natural habitat. While observing them from a distance during feeding time, you’ll gain valuable insights into these gentle giants and the efforts to preserve their future within Udawalawe National Park. This option is perfect for those seeking a more affordable alternative to a whole safari adventure.
Cost: The cost of your safari (does not include the travel to the park) adventure depends on the company you choose and your group size. Prices typically range from 12,000 to 20,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately $42 to USD 70) per jeep, not per person.
Kalamaetiya offers a zero-carbon-emission paddle boat ride as its safari experience. Glide noiselessly across the waters while your naturalist points out the birds and butterflies fluttering around. Climb the rocky islets that prop up in the middle of the lagoon. Your guide can also take you on a jungle walk excursion, pointing out this sanctuary’s rare fauna and flora.
A visit to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary offers the chance to witness breathtaking natural beauty and an array of threatened wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or admire nature’s wonders, Kalametiya promises an unforgettable experience.
Cost: Depending on the guided tour experience you wish to have in this Sanctuary, a 2-3 hour exploration will cost between $20 and $70 per adult.
Tip: To maximise your trip to the area, consider visiting Ussangoda National Park and Turtle Watch in Rekawa Beach on your return journey (details on the Turtle Hatchery visit are below).
Volunteers gently take over once the mother turtle has laid and carefully concealed her precious eggs. They carefully excavate the nest, collecting the eggs to ensure their safe transport to the conservation project’s hatcheries. Here, the eggs are placed in temperature-controlled incubators, mimicking the ideal conditions for development. Dedicated volunteers diligently monitor the eggs throughout this critical period, eagerly awaiting the day when new life will emerge. Watch this process and carve a quiet appreciation of the dedication to helping these endangered creatures.
After approximately 45 to 60 days, the eggs hatch, starting a new chapter in the sea turtles’ incredible journey. Under the watchful eyes of the volunteers, tiny hatchlings emerge from their shells, instinctively drawn towards the moonlight and starlight, which guide them towards the vast ocean. This perilous journey is dangerous, as predators wait on land and in the water.
Volunteers play a vital role in increasing the hatchlings’ chances of survival. They provide a crucial head start by creating a clear path to the water and shielding the hatchlings from potential threats. Once safely in the ocean, the hatchlings embark on their epic voyage of life, navigating the vast currents in search of food and refuge.
Throughout this extraordinary experience, you’ll witness firsthand the pivotal role volunteers play in safeguarding the future of sea turtles and their delicate ecosystems. You’ll contribute to ongoing conservation efforts, from participating in nightly patrols to collecting eggs and guiding hatchlings to the sea. Your participation creates a deep sense of appreciation of the natural world. It serves as a beacon of hope, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at these magnificent creatures returning to the shores of Rekawa Beach.
A visit to Rekawa Beach transcends a typical beach holiday. It’s an opportunity to witness a miracle of nature and become a guardian for these vulnerable creatures.
Tips:
High season for turtles: April – July. Approximately 5-15 turtles between sunset and sunrise.
The low season for turtles is October – January. Approximately 1-2 turtles between sunset and sunrise.
Please consult the Turtle Watch website for details on the cost of participating and volunteering at https://www.turtlewatchrekawa.org/
The Honeymoon Guide features the best nature and wildlife explorations in and around Tangalle. It offers a comprehensive guide to exploring the South’s best ocean, land, and river adventure safaris.
