With cascading waterfalls and as many as 103 rivers, all major groups of vertebrates can be found in Sri Lanka. Of these, the highest endemic species are found in the amphibian and reptile group. Most of the 107 species of fish are found in marsh and river dwelling. The 39 endemic species – the Carplet group – being restricted to the perennial streams of the wet zone. The British introduced trout into the clear, cold streams of Horton Plains. Of the 54 species of amphibians, 33 are endemic to the island. According to ongoing research, the largest number of endemic amphibian fauna in the world may soon be found in Sri Lanka. One endemic genus, the Nannophyrus, with three species, is common in the wet zone living on rock ledges, covered by a continuous trickle of water, and sharing the same habitat with tadpoles.   

Turtle, Whale and Dolphin watching;   Read more...

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Marine turtles were roaming the oceans for about 190 million years. Among the many different varieties of this species only eight reptiles are found living today. Of the eight, Sri Lanka is famous for five kinds of turtles who regularly visit the sandy beaches to nest in the south-western and south-eastern beaches. Turtles are best seen in the nights.   

Sea expeditions are available to see dolphins and whales off " Kirinda " and " Bentota " - Whales are also seen in other areas around the islands such as Batticaloa , Weligama , Negombo and Chilaw at a distance of 20 - 30 miles from the Island.   

In Sri Lanka whale watching opportunities are popping up and it is now high on the list of holiday activities.   

Whales seen include:-Common Blue Whales , Bryde's Whales , Sperm Whales , Killer Whales , False Killer , Dwarf , Melon Headed Whales , Cuvier's Beaked Whales and if lucky, the elusive Indian Blue Whales.   

Dolphins seen include:-Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Fraser's Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Dolphins and the Bottlenose Dolphins.   

South of Dondra in Sri Lanka may turn out to be the best location in the world for seeing blue whales. Furthermore, it may also be the best for seeing both blue whales and sperm whales together. This view is based on recent observations and a theory of a migration of whales by marine biologist Charles Anderson. During the season, a Blue Whale is easier to see to the south of Dondra, than a leopard in Yala.   

In April this year (2008), South of Dondra, we had a hundred per cent encounter rate for the highly desired but usually difficult, Blue Whale. Both the largest baleen whale and the largest toothed whale are within sight of shore. Sri Lanka could be the world's top spot for watching Blue and Sperm Whales together. The ascendancy of the Galle-Mirissa coastal strip to being an international hot spot for Blue and Sperm Whales has just begun   

Explore the unexplored in Sri Lanka an area that has the potential to be one of the hottest fishing spots. Its unspoiled seas and fishing zones hold an abundance of game fish for the keen angler. Species of Marlin, Sail Fish, Wahoo, Spanish mackerel, Grat Trevallie, Benito, Queen Fish Barracuda, Grouper, Cobia and Tuna make this beautiful island second to none when it comes to sea angling.   

Agriculture;   

Many areas which are historical kingdoms of the ancient rulers of Sri Lanka, are distinguished centres of Sri Lanka's agro-industry. Claming kinship to a glorious past, during which an age-old hydro-culture flourished could be characterized as an oasis of those industrious and energetic people who conquered nature.   

The characteristics endemic to the dry zone are not quite conducive to agriculture. But they constructed massive reservoirs, bringing fertile cultivated lands into being. The farmer succeeded in obtaining high yields, that way.   

One could spend a tranquil holiday in the company of nature, a holiday, in association with a homely environment, complete with agro-cultivations and among the soothing endowments of benevolent nature.   

Calm and tranquil environment, paddy fields stretching endlessly as far as your eyes could see, the breezes that waft the fragrance of those fields, comforts both the body and the mind.   

Indigenous fruits and groves of medicinal herbs lead you to a strange world of flora, you have never known. Fresh fruits, equally fresh vegetables and fresh milk drawn from cows in the farmland, are always ready for your use.   

Rock Climbing;   

The exhilaration of standing on the summit of a mountain is only a sliver of the total enjoyment and satisfaction that one achieves from mountaineering. Mountaineering is an adventure sport that requires assiduous skills and levels of fitness that few other adventure sports can match. For those raring to explore; the mountain ranges offer breath taking, enthralling, climbing routes. Climbing is all about discovering nature..   

Most rock climbing expeditions are conducted in places viz the Knucles Mountain Range with its rugged terrain and magical environs, Belihul-Oya , a very picturesque little hamlet renowned for its eco tourism opportunities, is situated in the “Sabaragamuwa” province, approximately 160 km from Colombo . This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country at an altitude of less than 1500m. The following bio-diversity hotspots; Sigiriya, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Buttala, Horton plains provide the rock climbers with necessary wonderment and adventure.   

Train Tours;   

A ride on the luxury steam train to Hill Capital is one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world! As you journey through, in the modern and relaxing comfort, you are sure to witness and experience a way of life that has existed since time immemorial.   

The "Viceroy Special" is a 75 year old private train and the only steam train still in operation in Sri Lanka. The train has two air-conditioned observation saloons furnished in period style, with 64 plush reclining seats and individual adjustable tables. A public address system is available for guides to describe details of the journey or for suitable music to be broadcast. Each saloon has an adjoining smokers' lounge and a modern toilet.   

There is also a restaurant car, elegantly furnished with Edwardian ribbed fans and teak-trimmed wood panelling is complete with a fully equipped kitchen and a well complemented bar.   

The "Viceroy Special" transports guests throughout the rail system in Sri Lanka. Especially popular are trips to & from Kandy and the tea plantations of the hill country and down the west coast to the beach resorts. Being steam-hauled, the train can stop on request and guests can photograph scenic beauty spots and even ride in the engine driver's cabin.   

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