Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia to see wild animals – elephants, leopards, sloth bears, whales and turtles. The best way to see them is in the wild, and the choices you make as a traveller matter.
Avoid: elephant rides and shows
Riding an elephant or watching one perform requires harsh training. Instead, see elephants roaming free in Udawalawe, Minneriya or Kaudulla – or visit the Elephant Transit Home, which returns orphaned elephants to the wild.
Choose responsible safari operators
Some jeep drivers race to leopard sightings and crowd the animals. We work with operators who keep distance, stay on the tracks and don’t pressure animals for a photo.
Turtle hatcheries – choose carefully
Some hatcheries keep turtles in small tanks for tourists to handle. Choose projects that release hatchlings quickly and don’t allow handling – or see nesting turtles in the wild with the community-run Rekawa turtle watch.
Whale watching done right
Pick licensed operators who follow the national guidelines on distance and number of boats, and avoid boats that chase whales.
Our commitment
Lanka Itinerary never sells elephant rides or captive animal shows, and we brief every guide on ethical wildlife viewing. Ask us anything – we’re happy to explain the choices behind every itinerary.