Yathra Eco Trails

27/01/2021

Cycling is a great way to get around Sri Lanka. Exploring on two wheels is the best way to see this rural country and to experience the way of life of its friendly people.

23/01/2021

With a striking yellow bill and black & white plumage, the Malabar Pied Hornbil, is easy to spot during the day and as well as at dusk, thanks to the casque on top of their huge bills presenting an unmissable silhouette. 📸: Carlos Bocos
Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka.

23/11/2020

Chameleons live in a variety of habitats throughout Sri Lanka, from rainforests and lowlands to scrub savannahs, and even mountains. Many inhabit trees, but some live in grass or on small bushes, fallen leaves, or dry branches. Likened to the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the Old World lizards, nothing escapes the Indian chameleon’s peripheral view. Each eye has the incredible range of motion of 90 degrees vertically and 180 degrees horizontally, and can also move in opposite directions, allowing the chameleon to scan most of the surrounding area for its target without even moving its head! If one wandering eye should spy a tasty insect, the other one will move to lock on the target, giving the lizard some depth perception before the target is terminated! 📷Isuru Dayananda

19/11/2020

An interesting fact about Crested Serpent Eagles, scientifically known as Spilornis cheela is that they mate in monogamous pairs and remain pairs with each other throughout the year. Their courtship displays include the pair soaring and calling together and may also include rolling and wing vibrating. 📷:Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl

16/10/2020

The civet—a small nocturnal mammal native to tropical parts of Asia and Africa, is an animal most Sri Lankans have crossed paths with at least once. From causing a ruckus on our rooftops to eating fruits from our gardens, civets are arboreal animals, dwelling in the shadows, just out of sight of humans. Civets in Sri Lanka are legally protected under Act No. 30 of the Flora & Fauna Protection Ordinance, which means anyone caught hunting, capturing, or exporting civets can be punished by law.

Civets may not seem as important as other animals to your average citizen, but every animal on this planet contributes to the balance of our ecosystem. 🇱🇰 Image courtesy: animalsadda.com

03/06/2020

Gal Oya National Park- Ideal for those looking for a Digital Detox! Hop into a boat with an experienced naturalist and sail across the calm waters of the Senanayake Reservoir in Gal Oya National Park. Catch a glimpse of vibrant birds nesting, breeding and feasting in their natural habitat. Crocodiles lie motionless on the sandbanks, basking in the sun. If you are lucky enough, you may even spot swimming elephants braving the waters of the reservoir. We recommend doing this excursion at sunset when the sky glows with glorious color.

01/06/2020

When Sri Lankan giant squirrels aren’t in ninja mode, you can find them chilling out spread-eagled on a shady tree branch! However, their true ninja prowess can be observed through watching them nail the long jump of 6m between trees, flatten themselves against a branch to hide, or remain completely motionless like a master ninja. Although their sense of hearing is relatively poor, their vision makes up for it, making them exceptional at predator recon!
Contact one of our expert tour planners to find out more about where you can spot these amazing creatures: [email protected]

27/05/2020

Gray slender lorises are endemic to Sri Lanka and nocturnal primates who take the phrase ‘all night long’ to the next level! Located in the North Central dry areas and the Central Province respectively. Gray slender lorises inhabit forest, plantations and jungles of dry shrub, and seem to prefer degraded forests instead of primary forest, often living in areas near human habitations. 📸 Mindaka Mahela

23/05/2020

The Sri Lankan jackal can be found in abundance all national parks, dry zones and also in marshy areas including Thalangama wetlands, Bolgoda Lake in Colombo and Muthurajawela which is around 20 kilometers North of Colombo. Here’s a Fun Fact: This golden jackal, are observed to be monogamous when they mate, and they would fiercely defend the territory from other females . 📸Jan Ševčík.

21/05/2020

Two bull elephants battle if out in Minneriya national park. The Sri Lankan elephant is one of three recognised subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to Sri Lanka. Much like their relatives in Africa, elephants in Sri Lanka form matriarchal herds of more than a dozen individuals. Elephant calves live with their mothers for up to 5 years, after which males disperse and females continue living with the herd.

28/11/2019

A Grizzly scene captured at Wilpattu National Park. Generally, a much quieter park than Yala National Park in the south, especially outside Sri Lanka’s peak tourist season of December and January, Wilpattu has a genuine sense of wilderness. Talk to our year team to plan your next adventure.
Contact us on:
☎️ +94 11 4378 598
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.yathraecotrail.lk

23/10/2019

Thalangama Tank: A Paradise For Birds
In a residential suburb of Colombo is a reservoir bordered by greenery and enriched with avifauna: Thalangama in Pelawatte is an oasis of calm.

To start planning your trip contact us on:
☎️ +94 11 4378 598
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.yathraecotrail.lk

📸: Menaka Aravinda

16/10/2019

Did you recognize him?

The western purple-faced langur is a Sri Lankan endemic listed by the IUCN as one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world. If you put it in simple words, they are the LAST ON EARTH of their subspecies.

It is saddening to see their numbers getting reduced everyday due to habitat loss and human activities.

We are already late but there is still hope that it is still possible to save this monkey from disappearing forever.

18/09/2019

17/09/2019

Humans have made more of an impact on the world than any other species. We have a powerful role to play in the shaping of what's left of the world. Lets create travel in Sri Lanka that involves and protects the local people and our environment, let's reward them fairly for their valuable contribution. There’s no easy solution or quick-fix, but it’s vital that we all try.

Would you like to feel happy in the knowledge that the beautiful country you visited will be better off thanks to the decisions you've made?
Contact us on: [email protected]

16/09/2019

Looking for a Wild Getaway? We often forget that Sri Lanka, this tiny tear drop island holds some of the best wildlife in Asia. Even a visitor with only the most casual of interest can’t help but be overawed by the sight of great herds of elephants, enormous whales, elusive leopards, schools of dolphins, hundreds of colourful birds and reefs teeming with rainbow-coloured fish. We hope this glimpse into a safari in Yala National Park will inspire you to visit this MUST see destination.

Contact Us and Book your next adventure with us: http://yathraecotrail.lk/contact/

Or Call Us 0n : +94(11) 437 8598

03/09/2019

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR A HIKE!! Pettigala an easy reach from the Bambarakanda Rajamaha Viharaya is a 430m, challenging climb.

With a 30 min hike to the top you will be rewarded with a stunning view from Digana to Victoria Reservoir!

Be sure to contact us to plan your next adventure: [email protected]

28/08/2019

Sri Lanka and our Hatcheries! 🐢🐢

Home to five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle, Sri Lanka is giving tourists the chance to see turtles, while hoping saving them at the same time.

22/07/2019

Ever seen a tipsy bear? Well if you come between July to September you just might be able to! Palu is a tree that bears a fruit that's irresistible to the Sloth! They eat so much of it and get a little intoxicated by it. Contact us, for your bespoke eco friendly tours to Sri Lanka tailored especially for you

28/06/2019

We will Rise Together- Positive Sri Lanka

11/06/2019

Located on Sri Lanka’s north-west coast, Kalpitiya has a bit of everything; deserted beaches, mangrove-filled swamps, a wide lagoon, thriving communities and pristine coral reefs. Kalpitiya is a great spot to glimpse some whales and dolphins. Visitors will also love exploring The Bar Reef, Sri Lanka’s largest coral formation, which is home to over 150 species of coral and over 280 species of fish.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Sri Lanka specialists on [email protected] or

15/05/2019

We are Open ... 💖 Sri Lanka

12/05/2019

Twenty minutes drive away from the Uda Walawe National Park is the ‘Elephant Transit Home’. Here, orphaned or sick elephants are fed and cared for until they are strong enough to be returned to the wild.

The centre allows you to visit at the feeding times of 06:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00. From behind a barrier you can watch the elephants ambling along behind a keeper, into the compound where they will be fed milk through plastic hoses with funnels attached, some stamping and trumpeting with impatience.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Sri Lanka specialists on [email protected] or @ Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

06/05/2019

Macaque Toque (Macaca sinica) is a commonly found monkey endemic to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has been recognized as one of the best destinations for primate watching, be it for leisure, study or photography; just a glimpse of these prized creatures that are rapidly disappearing from this earth will certainly tug at your heart strings. Arrange your own primate trek with Us, where you can spot our Toque monkeys along with the other 5 species of monkeys found in Sri Lanka on an Eco Trails adventure!

04/05/2019

The Sri Lankan Leopards: While the Sri Lankan lion isn’t much more than a majestic myth adopted by the country’s ancient kings, another magnificent big cat prowls the island physically today – the leopard. Have your own wildlife-filled safari on an Eco Trails adventure in Sri Lanka!

23/04/2019

Sri Lanka will Rise and Recover, Stronger and Better, Together as One Nation!

18/04/2019

Diyaluma Falls (220m) is the 2nd biggest waterfall in Sri Lanka, Located 1 hour away from Ella and is the perfect spot for a full day adventure. The foot of the Diyaluma falls is quite easy to reach within an hour by tuk-tuk, car or motorbike. If you fancy a hike than just dipping in at the bottom of the fall, there is about 3 hours hike, with no marked paths to the top with its different levels and natural pools also the views are beyond anything you could imagine.

09/04/2019

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is unique in its wildlife and vegetation. It is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where the Baobab thrives. Native to Africa, the tree was brought by Arab sailors to feed their camels. Although camels are not found in Sri Lanka, the Baobab tree has adapted to growing in this area and other areas in the country which climatically resemble Mannar. The Gulf is home to 3600 species of fauna and flora, making it one of the richest coastal regions in Asia. Numerous species of Fish, Dugongs, Sea Turtles and Dolphins are regularly seen near the coast.

05/04/2019

Wilpattu means 'natural lakes' in Sinhala and '10 lakes' in Tamil and lakes are exactly what you'll find at Wilpattu National Park. Visitor numbers remain low, even in high season, which gives Wilpattu a genuine sense of wilderness. This is a place for the more dedicated safari-goer.

03/04/2019

Sri Lanka is a fantastic cycling destination, with well-surfaced roads and diverse, beautiful natural surroundings. Sri Lanka is fast becoming a popular cycling holiday destination. Contact us for your bespoke tours to Sri Lanka tailored especially for you!

01/04/2019

The Gal Oya National Park is one of Sri Lanka's undiscovered natural treasures. It has been quietly survived, for the most part, outside the influence of man. We believe that it is the perfect place to explore pure nature. Among the herds of elephants, wild boar, four species of deer, jackals, sloth bears, marsh mugger crocodiles and an array of rare exotic birds co-exist in harmony. It's a diverse ecosystem ready to explore.

28/03/2019

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost

22/03/2019

The sound of fresh free flowing water.. nothing like it!

14/03/2019

Yathra Eco Trails was the first Tour operator in Sri Lanka to conduct a 100% polythene and plastic free tour. No polythene or plastic were disposed to the environment or directly used in any form.
Aluminium re-usable water bottles were provided instead of plastic bottles for all the guests attended.
We hope others may follow the same path, towards the goal of achieving true Eco friendly tourism.

13/03/2019

Lyriocephalus scutatus, commonly called as the Hump-nosed Lizard, Hump Snout Lizard or the Lyreshead Lizard is the largest agamid endemic to Sri Lanka. This picture was taken in Knuckles forest reserve by our team.