What might come as a surprise however, is the wildlife you can expect to come across when you venture out of your luxury villa in Sri Lanka. Famed for its incredible biodiversity, this enchanting island off the coast of south-east India is home to some of the world’s most exotic animals.

Elephants

Sri Lankan elephants are a subspecies of the Indian elephant and are the darkest in colour of their kind, giving them a wonderfully distinctive appearance. These animals hold enormous cultural and symbolic significance to Sri Lanka’s inhabitants, and are protected in their wild habitat.

Leopards

The Sri Lankan leopard is native to the Island. The iconic tawny coat with dark russet spots has fascinated lucky observers of these awe-inspiring big cats for thousands of years, and those who travel to Sri Lanka will be fortunate enough to have the chance to see them in their natural surroundings.

Indian Flying Fox

These sleek fruit bats have to be one of the cutest looking animals in Sri Lanka. With a wingspan of just over a metre, they roost high in the treetops of the Sri Lankan hills making their recognisable calling sounds. Named for their fox-like facial features and light brown fur, they provide indispensable support to the ecosystem of the island by pollinating many types of tropical plants and fruits.

Indian Mongoose

Native only to southern Asia and mainland Africa, the wild mongoose is fascinating to see in the wild. Sleek and fast-moving, these natural hunters are remarkably agile and can be seen across the Island.

'Mugger' Crocodile

A must-see for reptile fanatics, this species has a broader snout than most which gives it an alligator-like appearance. The powerful Sri Lankan crocodile is to be found on the edges of lakes and wetlands throughout the country. It is undoubtedly the most ferocious of animals in Sri Lanka.

Indian Crested Porcupine

These fascinating rodents can be observed throughout Sri Lanka. Impossible to miss, they are covered in flexible quills, banded with alternating colours which are raised when they feel threatened.

Golden Jackal

A special subspecies of this beautiful mammal is native to Sri Lanka, with a shorter and smoother coat than its mainland relatives. These creatures feature heavily in Asian folklore and literature, and are most often observed in groups.

Striped Dolphin

A highlight of a visit will most certainly involve sighting dolphins in the tropical waters. These aquatic mammals have long played a role in human culture and are known to have extremely high intelligence.

Spotted Deer

Deer can be very easily spotted throughout the national parks. These graceful mammals have a distinctive spotted coat and can be observed in large groups throughout the seasons.

Sloth Bear

The Sloth Bear is one of the most elusive animals in Sri Lanka. This beautiful species is highly endangered, but is protected in national parks. Due to being nocturnal, they are best observed at dawn or dusk during June or July. Their rarity makes sighting these awe-inspiring bears a once in a lifetime opportunity.