The Leopard Rock Trail
Leopard rock is so named, as leopards - the top predators in Sri Lanka - are known to have rested on this rock in the Cloud Forest.
These sleek felines still frequent Mount Pedro. In fact, people who live at the base of the ridge habitually keep their dogs indoors at night, for fear of leopards eating them. Many local people have seen leopards in this forest and sometimes, pugmarks can be seen within the Forest.
This trail is a good place to see many endemic birds of Sri Lanka such as the Dull–blue Flycatcher, the Yellow-eared Bulbul, the Sri Lanka White-eye, as well as the rare Sri Lanka Bush Warbler and the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. In addition to these endemics, you will see many more birds including Pied Thrushes, Kashmir Red–breasted Flycatchers, Pale-billed Flowerpeckers, Long-billed Sunbirds, Red-vented Bulbuls, Spotted Doves, Great Tits and Scaly-breasted Munias.
The endemic Toque Monkey, the Highland Bear Monkey, the Highland Giant Squirrel as well as the endemic lizards the Rhino-horned and Black-lipped lizards can also be seen.
Time of excursion:
Morning or evening is best
Duration: 02 hours
Distance from the hotel:
500m from the hotel
What is included: Accompanying naturalist
What is not included:
Drinking water and tips
What to wear/bring: Clothes suitable for trekking, warm jackets and raincoats, closed shoes/boots. Drinking water, binoculars, notebook. |
Leopards, Sri Lanka |
Cloud Forests Trails |
Horton Plains
Horton Plains - beautiful gift of nature - is situated at the eastern boundary of the main range of the anchor-shaped central hills of Sri Lanka. At 2100 – 2300 meters above sea level, it is Sri Lanka’s most elevated National Park containing the Kirigalpotta and Totapola Mountains, which are second and third highest mountain peaks of Sri Lanka (2395 and 2359 metres respectively).
Endemic flora such Rhododenron, Calophylum, Chimono bambosa and fauna such as the rare Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Arenga), Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, the Rhino-horned Lizard, and many other species such as Sambar, Bear Monkey and Otter can be seen easily here.
Horton Plains was declared as a natural reserve in 1969, and upgraded to a National Park in 1988. It is also the only national park within which visitors are permitted to walk.
Situated within this park, at nearly 700m, is World’s End, a sheer precipice that is popular with visitors. World’s End offers a spectacular panoramic view including the Nonpareil Tea Estate. Also within the Park is Baker’s fall, which is a small but exquisite waterfall.
Time of excursion: Early morning
Duration: Half day
Distance from the hotel: 35 km
What is included: Accompanying naturalist.
Transport and picnic packets can be
arranged on request at extra cost.
What is not included:
Extra expenditure and tips.
What to wear/bring: Suitable trekking
clothes with warm jackets, raincoats,
closed
shoes,
sun block, water bottle, binoculars
and
note book. |
Horton Plains,
Cloud Forests |
Horton Plains,
Sambhur Deer |
Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
The Hakgala Botanical Garden is located between 5000-6000 feet above mean sea level and is not only one of the highest set botanic gardens in the world but is also Sri Lanka’s most beautiful elevated garden. Located very close to Nuwara Eliya town, and lying under the beautiful Hakgala Peak, this garden was first established in 1861 under the curatorship of three Britishers of the same name – William Nock, J.K. Nock and J.J. Nock.
Those interested in Botany will find plenty to interest them such as Giant tree fern, Rhodendron Orchids and many more ferns. This is also a good site for bird watching where you can see in the arboretum including the rare Spot–winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon and Pied Thrush. The Highland Bear Monkey, Giant Squirrel can also be seen as well as butterflies such as the Bluebottle, and Common Birdwing. If you have keen eye, you will be able to will observe the endemic Rhino-horned lizard and Black-lipped lizard.
Time of excursion: Morning or afternoon
Duration: 5 hours
Distance from the hotel: About 15 km
(45 minutes drive)
What is included: Accompanying naturalist and entrance tickets.
What is not included: Transport and tips.
What to wear/ bring: Clothes and shoes suitable for trekking, binoculars and drinking water. |
Hakgala Botanical Gardens |
Variety of wild life |
