Cinnamon Nature Trails

10/04/2024

In a captivating wildlife scene captured by photographer Pasan Senevirathne, a stunning display of coexistence unfolds at .

Against the backdrop of lush foliage, the leopard’s sleek form contrasts with the elephant’s massive yet graceful presence, illustrating the delicate balance of nature.

Senevirathne’s lens immortalized this serene moment, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of life within the park.

30/03/2024

08/12/2023

The exclusive premiere of BBC 's episode 'Freshwater' featuring our very own Mugger crocodiles at Yala National Park, was hosted at Scope Cinemas in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The untamed beauty of the Sri Lankan wilderness was captured by the BBC team with our Cinnamon Nature Trails team facilitating this endeavour. The documentary is also unveiling a musical odyssey by composer Hans Zimmer featuring the talents of RAYE and Bastille, and is voiced by Sir David Attenborough himself.

The event was graced by Chitral Jayatilake, Vice President of Cinnamon Nature Trails and Mikael Svensson, CEO, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts alongside our colleagues and wildlife enthusiasts.

Here is what guests at the premiere had to say:

20/11/2023

In the heart of the Yala National Park, a realm of untamed beauty and natural wonder unfolds, revealing the extraordinary presence of the Mugger crocodiles that grace its pristine landscapes.

As documented through the lens of Gayan Gamage, Senior Naturalist at Cinnamon Nature Trails, these remarkable creatures that are native to Sri Lanka, have become the focal point, where their primal grace and untethered wildness take centre stage on BBC’s .

Yala National Park, situated in the southeast of Sri Lanka, is particularly renowned for its population of Mugger crocodiles. These crocodiles, well-adapted to freshwater habitats, are often found basking along the riverbanks or lurking in the shallows.

Handling the logistical aspects of the Sri Lankan segment of the production, filmed in Yala National Park, was Cinnamon Nature Trails, whose insights into Yala’s crocodiles—silent in movement yet majestic in presence—proved invaluable.

Encounters with freshwater crocodiles in Sri Lanka, especially in protected areas like Yala National Park, provide visitors with a unique opportunity to witness these ancient reptiles in their natural environment.

It is crucial to approach these creatures with caution and respect, recognising their vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the freshwater ecosystems they inhabit.

The latest episode of the series titled ‘Freshwater,’ is a one-of-a-kind musical odyssey as the renowned composer Hans Zimmer brings together the extraordinary talents of RAYE and Bastille for this unforgettable collaboration.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxI1vGAPxfA

25/10/2023

In the tough wilderness, as drought takes its toll, the battle for survival intensifies.

Witness Mugger crocs - expert hunters - seizing their chances, while nimble deer rely on quick reflexes to outsmart danger.

Experience the gripping struggle for life in the wild, first-hand.

Credit: Chithral Jayatilake

25/10/2023

The golden palm civet (Paradoxurus zeylonensis) is a viverrid endemic to Sri Lanka. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Its distribution is severely fragmented, and the extent and quality of its habitat in Sri Lanka's hill regions are declining.

Credit to our very own Vimukthi Weeratunga for capturing this image.

12/10/2023

Get ready to embark on a musical journey like no other as legendary composer Hans Zimmer unites the incredible talents of RAYE and Bastille for an unforgettable experience in the BBC's .

Featuring our Yala National Park crocodiles, our own Cinnamon Nature Trails, managed the ground handling for the Sri Lankan leg of BBC production. This awe-inspiring wildlife documentary celebrates the beauty and diversity of our natural world.

Stay tuned for the global release of the full documentary and prepare to be captivated by the magic of our planet's incredible wildlife.

is back. Legendary composer Hans Zimmer brings together music stars RAYE and Bastille for your first look at 🌎 Coming soon.Subsc...

04/09/2023

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04/09/2023

The Grey Hornbill, scientifically known as Ocyceros gingalensis, is a bird species that is endemic to Sri Lanka.

It is a distinctive bird with its striking grey plumage and a unique horn-like casque on top of its bill.

These birds are often found in the dense tropical forests and wooded areas of Sri Lanka, where they feed primarily on fruits and small insects.

Their distinctive call and vibrant presence make them a notable and cherished part of Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity, making efforts to conserve and protect their habitat crucial for the country's unique natural heritage.

📷 Vimukthi Weeratunga

13/07/2023

The Sambar Deer is a hardy species, seen congregating in large herds in the national parks and reserves of Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

The type found in Sri Lanka is a sub-species found only in the island nation known as Rusa unicolor unicolor.

It is also one of the largest found in the world, and has the largest antlers both in body and in size.

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07/07/2023

A Doe's gestation lasts for about 210 to 238 days and typically, one fawn is produced during pregnancy. The fawn typically is reliant on the mother for 4 to 6 months, until the weaning stage starts.

Such is the bond between mother and child.

Pictured is the Ceylon Spotted Deer.

📷 Pasan Senevirathne

20/06/2023

Lobtailing S***m Whale 🐳

'Lobtailing' is known as non-vocal communication behavior of Whales, which is the act of lifting its tail and forcefully slam it onto the water surface, resulting in loud slap.

Whatever the scientific interpretation of this behaviour, it is absolutely special for anyone that sail out to watch whales in the open ocean.

📷 Vimukthi Weeratunga

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20/06/2023

The magical trunk 🪄🐘

An Elephants' trunks are perhaps the most sensitive organ found in any mammal, having around 150,000 muscle units.

They use it to suck up water to drink - with it containing up to 8 litres, and also use their trunks as a snorkel when swimming 🤿

📷 Jonathan Bulathsinghala

14/05/2023

Small hands, big love.

Happy Mother's day from the wild.

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09/05/2023

The barn owl is a rare bird in Sri Lanka categorized as ‘near threatened’ in the 2012 National Red List.

Scientifically known as Tyto alba, it is a beautiful owl species with a whitish face, chest, and belly, and buffy upper parts.

According to National Geographic, on average, a wild barn owl eats about four small mammals a night. That is 1,460 rats per year.

The barn owl’s heart-shaped face collects sound in the same way as human ears and its hearing is the most sensitive of any creature tested, according to some literature. Barn owls are faithful lovers. A pair mates for life unless one gets killed. It breeds between February and March.

Thank you to Jonathan Bulathsinghala for sharing this beautiful image from a spotting at Moratuwa.

03/05/2023

A heartwarming capture from photographer Jonathan Bulathsinghala. Here is his story behind the image:

'A mother Toque Macaque tenderly embraces its young. Although behavior such as this is not rare amongst primates, this moment will forever be treasured. It’s intimate times like these that I try to capture, images that strike a chord amongst viewers. In spite of this species being quite common, their humanoid gestures and capacity to show love and emotion make them an interesting subject to photograph."

25/04/2023

A stunning capture of a tiger in the wild, taken on m the 1st leg of a curated Tiger Spotting Safari led by the head of Cinnamon Nature Trails - Chitral Jayatilake.

The safari was a success with a total of 17 Tiger sightings at Tadoba National Park in India.

📷 Chitral Jayatilake

11/04/2023

Did you know that the Changeable Hawk Eagle is a medium to large sized raptor? They are known to be a relatively slender forest eagle with some subspecies being dimorphic, which gives its name ‘changeable’.

This breed of eagle is found in the Indian subcontinent, mainly in India and Sri Lanka, and also the south eastern rim of the Himalayas across Southeast Asia to Indonesia and the Philippines.

📷 Ravindu Attanayake

01/04/2023

Y52 - Jessica on the prowl. Thank you for sharing Pasan Senevirathne 🐆

25/03/2023

Here are a few highlights from the 1st leg of a curated Tiger Spotting Safari led by the head of Cinnamon Nature Trails - Chitral Jayatilake.

The safari was a success with a total of 17 Tiger sightings at Tadoba National Park in India.

Next, the team moves on to Kanha, with the aim of completing tours of 3 national parks on our special Tiger Marathon across India.

Stay tuned as we bring you more highlights...

23/03/2023

Here's your did you know fact for today: Sri Lanka has two species of crocodiles. One is the Mugger or Marsh crocodile known specifically as Crocodylus palustris. It is known as the Geta Kimbula in Sinhala.

The other is the Saltwater or Estuarine crocodile with the specific name Crocodylus porosus, also known as the Hela Kimbula.

Thank you for this stunning capture Pasan Senevirathne.

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17/03/2023

The feathered celebrities of Mannar, the legendary Flamingos, have arrived! Along with them have also arrived thousands of ducks and other rare migrant birds.

Rare migrant birds routinely show up in Mannar, which is undeniably the best location in Sri Lanka to see these birds.

It's network of easily accessible roads, flat open terrain and vast brackish-water lagoons offer perfect conditions for these animals that seek food, security and space to spend their winter months, in tranquility and peace.

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08/03/2023

Lucas, the Sri Lankan Leopard, was spotted in Yala National Park.

There are 74 male and 73 female leopards recognized in this area, and our team at Cinnamon Nature Trails follows up on each of them to ensure their safety and well-being.

Yala National Park is a vital habitat for these majestic felines, and we're committed to working together with local communities to ensure their protection.

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28/02/2023

"Unlike their larger cousin the leopard, the smaller three wild cats in Sri Lanka are much harder to come across. One must rely mostly on luck as it’s almost impossible to track, even the most experienced safari goers may have only a handful of encounters.

The best chance of catching glimpse of these elusive felines would be at the cover of dark on roads leading through forested areas.

I was fortunate to photograph this 'Jungle Cat' during broad daylight while on safari in Yala." - .wild

21/02/2023

We love this stunning capture at Kumana National Park by Pasan Senevirathne!

Can you guess what majestic animal this is?

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13/02/2023

Truly a majestic sight!

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03/02/2023

The Bentota Estuary is an inter-connected coastal wetland type, formed in places where rivers enter the sea. Easily accessible from the resort - Cinnamon Bentota Beach - this Estuary is home to a diverse range of flora, fauna and migratory birds.

We are committed to creating awareness with each of the guests who stay onsite, especially on why protecting and restoring estuaries is important.

Here is a short carousel on why the diversity here is fascinating.