When call of the wild becomes irresistible or when you are in the mood of searching the true meaning of life, Sri Lanka could be the perfect getaway. We suggest you take a long trip because this country has multiple treasures.
With the passing days and after the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka, tourism is flourishing at a fast pace. The government authorities and the private concerns are adding value to the industry by improving the roadways, means of communication, bringing world-class amenities to the hospitality industry and personalising the trip itineraries according to the preference of the travellers.
Why Sri Lanka?
The reason is galore of options in the way of trips. Be it a beachside holiday; a trip to a hill station; a jungle safari; dolphin and whale spotting; adventure trips like trekking, hiking, surfing, snorkelling, paragliding etc; following the tea and the food trails; stepping on spiritual sojourns or rediscovering the rich heritage and culture of the country- the days would fall short without exhausting the tour options.
Spot the Adorable Flippers in Kalpitiya and Mirissa
The best thing about the Sri Lankan beaches is that they are family-friendly unlike many of the top South-Eastern beaches. You could bring in your children here who would be too happy to spot lovely dolphins and sometimes whales too off the shorelines of Kalpitiya and Mirissa. You could get in touch with a local tour operator which would prepare a personalised itinerary for Sri Lanka holidays with kids.
Which is the Best Time to Spot Dolphins and Whales?
The season starts from the month of October and stays till May in the beachside city of Kalpitiya. In Mirissa, the season starts in the month of November and ends in the month of April.
The Types of Whales and Dolphins you Spot
The warm Indian Ocean water is the perfect habitat for the Sperm whales, Blue whales, Fin whales, Bryde's whales and the Killer whales which frequent the seas around Mirissa. Dolphins you would find here include Bottlenose dolphins, Striped dolphins, Common dolphins and Spinner dolphins.
The popularity of Kalpitiya as a whale and dolphin spotting region has drawn in hoards of foreigners. North-south parallel to the shoreline is known as the 'Dolphin Line'. The Spinner whales are the main attraction for the visitors. Sperm whales, Dwarf Sperm whales, Minke and Melon-Headed whales could be spotted in the waters.
Spot the Elephants in the Wild at Yala National Park
Wildlife safaris could be dream trips for the families with children. The jungle safari at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka could give a strong competition to an African safari as well. Specked with grasslands and lakes, you would wonder the pin-drop silence of the jungle. What you spot in abundance are deers, crocodiles, buffaloes, wild pigs, elephants and birds with colourful plumage.
There are approximately 300 elephants in the National Park. These magnificent animals do not like to be the models of the shutterbugs and hence keep off from the most visited trails of the jungle. However, you would not miss the glimpses of all in a day's life of elephant herds.
Around 250 bird species have been spotted in the National Park. Hornbills, Peacocks and Weaver birds could be easily spotted. The dangling upside down nests of the weaver birds would fascinate you and the children equally.
Come to Sri Lanka with your family. The country is the real emblem of an island paradise. You would hardly find another better spot in Asia where you get everything in a single country. Select the best tour operator and contact him/her without wasting time.
Author bio: Chrys Perera runs a tour organising enterprise the 'Asian Island' in Sri Lanka. He started the enterprise with the aim of offering exotic holiday experience to the travel enthusiasts at reasonable prices. The services include preparation of tour plans, booking hotels, air tickets and cars apart from organising eco-tours, ayurvedic and cultural tours etc.
Martin Wynn
Nguyen An Tra My
