A sub-species of the Sloth Bear, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is a rare and highly threatened species with as few as 500 reported in the wild. Thankfully the National Parks of Wilpattu, and particularly Yala, preserve these unique mammals which are best spotted in the parks during the month of June.
With their distinct thick black coats and hairless snouts, the Sloth Bear is an omnivore which usually consumes insects which it finds in trees by using its long snout and powerful smell. The bear very rarely kills other animals and typically eats berries, nuts and roots alongside insects.
Due to its diet, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is very much dependant on the lowland forests in the dry-zone of the island where its staple food sources are found. Unfortunately, the recent destruction of these zones across the island has left the bear highly threatened with as few as 500 thought to still be in the wild.
Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and is an interesting mix of the old European architecture of the past and the modern commercial centre that it is fast becoming.
A holiday to Sri Lanka is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore a stunning island steeped in unique history, rich culture, exotic wildlife and outstanding natural beauty.
Being experienced specialists in arranging tailored made holidays to Sri Lanka we have plenty of great tips to offer soon-to-be-travellers to the beautiful island. Some of these are practical tips to make the most of your holiday and others are about the various customs and ways of life on the island.
If you want to know anything specific please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sri Lanka is a magnet for travellers looking to explore the finest cultural and historic sites in the world, with the small island containing six archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Sites alone – that’s more than Egypt.
While the main cultural gems are world famous – such as the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock, Temple of the Tooth and Anuradhapura City – there are countless other hidden historic and cultural treasures waiting to be explored across the island.
We have picked five such sites which come highly recommended for your Sri Lankan tour.
We continue with our pick of five hidden cultural treasures of Sri Lanka, looking at the Aluvihare Rock Temple, Yapahuwa Rock Fortress and the towering Avukana Buddha statue.
