Mega Fauna

Had a wonderful, great tour with many highlights each day. Thanks for working overtime to help us see such great wildlife, reptiles, snakes, mammals and birds. Also appreciate your knowledge about Sri Lanka in general and history. Thanks so much. Hope to see you in the future

Thank you so much, I appreciate all of your hard work helping us find great snakes...

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping us find some fantastic wildlife. I really enjoyed Sri Lanka.

Thank you so much, I appreciate all of your hard work helping us find great snakes. I really loved seeing your country and I cant wait to come back.

Our custom-designed 3-week exploration of the natural world of Sri Lanka was expertly designed by Classic Wild and Rajiv. Our group of 6 photographers enjoyed our time spent in the National Parks and preserves searching for and photographing so many species found in Sri Lanka from butterflies to leopards. Rajiv designed our tour to meet the diverse interests of our group and to introduce us to a variety of habitats and species found in Sri Lanka. Thank you to Rajiv and his team for all of the efforts that went into planning our adventure!

Island Fever

Cannot thank Rajiv and Classic Wild enough for the two trips (and more planned) executed for my small groups. Great places to stay, excellent wildlife opportunities and no detail not taken care of from start to finish. This is the only way to experience the wilds of Sri Lanka…in comfort!

I went on the last weekend Yala tour with Rajiv Welikala and had a great trip, great organization, very comfortable and pleasing accommodation with good food. He is a true wild life enthusiast and it was lovely listening to his experiences in the jungle . I have been spreading the word to family and friends about the trip and I look forward to organizing another one to Yala with Rajiv and I plan to take a full contingent of my friends along as well.

I am writing this review to thank 'Rajiv Welikala for organizing the most memorable tour to Habarana ( Minneriya & Kaudulla National Parks) This was my first trip with Classic Wild and it was fully worth and very highly recommend. The naturalist guide 'Supurna Hettiarachchi (Hetti) was professional, polite and really patient. He had a very good eye for spotting birds, if not for Hetti, I would not have spotted many different varieties of birds. Overall I am highly satisfied with the entire journey and it was an adventure to remember. I am looking forward to joining Classic Wild for many other wildlife tours.

Good luck & God Bless you all !!

Had a wonderful 3 night excursion to Sinharaja arranged by Rajiv and his team at Classic Wild.

All arrangements with regards to transport, accommodation, food and guides were well taken care of and as promised. The birding guide Hetti was exceptional as were the local driver/ guides Tilak and Dhanuskha who went all out to seek and show us a pair of Frogmouths and a pair of Serendib Scops Owls amongst the many other endemic birds we were able to see. We had a fun trip and would definitely go back to Sinharaja with them.

We did a safari tour of Yala National Park with Rajiv Welikala and thoroughly enjoyed it. Rajiv was very attentive and ensured we enjoyed our stay. He and the other tour guides took extra effort to show us and the rest of our tour group the rarer animals in the park and as a result we did. The drivers were also extremely skilled and went out of their way to get us a rare sighting as well. All in all the trip was very enjoyable and we will not forget this amazing experience!

I've been to Yala National Park countless times and never truly experienced or appreciated the park until my recent trip with Rajiv Welikala and Classic Wild. Rajiv's enthusiasm for wildlife and photography makes him an expert guide and host, and I learned something new about our island's rich natural heritage with every sighting. I came out of the tour with a greater appreciation for wildlife, better photography skills under Rajiv's mentoring, great sightings and a wider circle of fellow animal enthusiasts and travelers. The trip to Yala was an absolute treat and Classic Wild is to be praised for its exceptional organization. Travel was smooth and comfortable and our stay at Yala was fantastic with truly great food, cosy rooms and brilliant service. I cannot recommend the trip highly enough for budding photographers or nature enthusiasts like myself. It isn't every day you get the opportunity to travel with a legendary wildlife photographer and enthusiast like Rajiv and learn so much.

Took part on a birding tour to Sinharaja with Classic Wild, it was a very well organized tour, our birding guide Hetti was amazing with his knowledge on bird calls and local knowledge on the whereabouts of each endemic bird species which made bird watching all the more easier even though the damp weather. A big thanks to Rajiv and Classic Wild for organizing the tour

Natural Selection Tours

Took part on a birding tour to Sinharaja with Classic Wild, it was a very well organized tour, our birding guide Hetti was amazing with his knowledge on bird calls and local knowledge on the whereabouts of each endemic bird species which made bird watching all the more easier even though the damp weather. A big thanks to Rajiv and Classic Wild for organizing the tour

The Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), is the iconic apex predator of the island and a unique subspecies native to Sri Lanka. They are the most successful of the big cats with the ability to survive in any habitat, from scrub jungles, to rainforests to open savannahs. Feeding on a wide variety of prey species from spotted deer, sambhur and wild boar to smaller species such as land monitors, black naped hare and even village dogs they are the ultimate survivors.

Leopards prefer hunting at night, but are also active during dawn and dusk, and daytime hours. They rarely haul their kills into trees, which is likely due to the lack of competition from larger predators such as Lions, Hyenas and Tigers which pose a serious threat to leopards in Africa and India. As a result, Sri Lankan leopards are much bolder and within protected areas such as Yala and Wilpattu National parks where there is a relative abundance of prey, the big cats are bolder and are readily encountered during the day time. Since leopards are the apex predators they don't need to protect their prey, but do on occasion get into conflict with the Mugger Crocodile as well as a scavenging Sloth Bear and herds of Wild Boar.

The leopard hunts by silently stalking its prey until it is within striking distance where it unleashes a burst of speed to quickly pursue and pounce on its victim. The prey is usually dispatched with a single bite to the throat or through suffocation in the case of larger prey. There appears to be no particular breeding season for leopards with births scattered across months. A litter usually consists of 2-3 cubs. On a global context the leopard is classified as Near, however the subspecies Panthera Pardus Koitiya is classified as Endangered Threatened by the IUCN and are listed on CITES (Convention in the Trade In Endangered Species).

Seeing a Leopard in the wild, is one of the most rewarding experiences for an avid wildlife enthusiast or a photographer. Very elusive across Africa with the exception of high-end private concessions in South Africa and across India, Sri Lanka offers visitors the best opportunity to see these charismatic big cats in their natural habitat.

Yala Block I is believed to have the highest concentration of these big cats in the world and was described by veteran film maker and big cat expert Jonathan Scott as ‘God’s patch of land for leopards’. Wild game including Spotted Deer, Sambar, Buffalo and Wild Boar are abundant here, providing plenty of food for leopards. The scrub jungle and patches of grassland, provide the ideal terrain for hunting and the numerous man-made lakes dotted across the reserve provide a good supply of water year-round for the wildlife. Leopards can be seen sunning themselves at first light atop the rocky boulders or resting atop trees particularly during the heat of the day. Due to the abundance of prey and water, leopards in Yala have very small territories compared to other parts of the world, and at any given time, there are two to three sets of mothers with cubs which maybe encountered on a visit to Yala. The male leopards here are muscular and impressive in size and boldly patrol their territories in daylight hours which are often marked along the dirt roads used by the safari jeeps. During the dry season, a waterhole stakeout provides the best opportunity to watch the leopards come into the open and quench their thirst.

Closed for the better part of 30 years due to the civil war, the Wilpattu National Park which re-opened in 2010, is another top spot for watching the Sri Lankan Leopard in a very different terrain. Wilpattu comprises of dry evergreen forest amongst which the picturesque sand rimmed villus which are the park’s natural water sources are scattered throughout the jungle. One of the highlights during a visit to Wilpattu is to encounter a leopard resting in the white sands in the open by a villu.

The misty highlands of Sri Lanka is hardly a place one would imagine encountering a leopard. But despite this, historically, the highlands are where most of the island forests are covered, it was and where most of the wildlife animals roamed. With the onset of the British taking over the country, they cleared these vast forests to grow Coffee and subsequently Tea. One of the last remaining highland wilderness refuges is Horton Plains, National Park. Located over 2500 meters above sea level, this montane wilderness is set atop a high plateau and is one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular wonders. This land is one of the most sensitive and ecologically significant locations in the country – with a vast number of plants and animal life being endemic and found nowhere else in the world. The park was very popular for its scenic landscapes and walking trails. Subsequently was highly valued as a top birding destination to see some of the rare highland endemic species.In the last few years, through countless visits and patience, this too has produced some unforgettable leopard encounters. The kings of this domain, these predators are found in the deep dense cloud forests and on the fringes of the open plains which are the main landscapes of this habitat. Feeding primarily on Sambhur the largest species of deer in Sri Lanka these cats seem to have a few physiological differences from their lowland cousins. The Horton Plains Leopards seem to be much larger in physical size and their faces wider with shorter muzzle areas giving them a stouter and wider look. A study carried out by a scientific team consisting of Dr Enoka Kudavidanage in 2020 has identified 23 adult leopards found in the park.

Despite good chances of encountering leopards, which by nature are elusive animals, it is recommended to factor in a minimum of 3-4 half-day game drives in order to get the best opportunities to view and photograph these iconic predators.

The Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), is the iconic king of the Sri Lankan jungles. As the largest land animal found in the country (and next only to the African Elephant in the world scale), the elephant is a flagship species which is not only an ecological importance but a cultural value to the people of Sri Lanka.

Elephants were once widespread across the country but today are found mostly in the dry lowlands. The elephants in the highlands were declared as vermin and killed in the era of tea plantation during the period of the British. Found in ever shrinking areas of forest in the country, the numbers during the last census was estimated at around 6,000 animals.

Presently over 20% of the island’s land is declared as protected wilderness areas in the form of national parks, sanctuaries and strict natural reserves. Elephants can be seen in virtually all the dry-zone national parks and Sri Lanka remains one of the most accessible and top spots for observing these gentle giants.

“The Great Gathering” which takes up from June to October in Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks is one of the most unforgettable wildlife spectacles in the world. Each afternoon during the period, around 150 - 300 individual elephants come out of the forest in to the open to graze on the fresh green pasture by the water’s edge of these two great lakes.

The Elephant Transit Home in Uda Walawe is a joint initiative undertaken by a number of NGO’s with the Department of Wildlife Conservation, which focusses on looking after wild orphaned elephant calves and aims to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild. Udawalawe National Park which is located nearby is one of the best locations for year round sightings of these majestic giants.

The Southern Yala, Wilpattu and Kumana National Parks too shelter Elephant herds along with Sloth bears, Leopards and other species.

Lesser known compared to the iconic parks, Maduru Oya, Wasgamuwa and Lahugala National Parks are also havens for these giants. With few visitors these are some of the best locations to quietly observe elephants in their natural habitats, where you might have the entire park to yourself.

Kalawewa and Galgamuwa are few other locations where there are seasonal gatherings, sometimes with herds ranging from 50-150 or more. These two locations are unique in that they have a high concentration of males who bear tusks. Known as tuskers locally, these males are quite a rarity. Only 3% of the males in Sri Lanka bear ivory and hence seeing large numbers of them in one location is a truly special moment. They are the pinnacle of perfection of their species, and a sight to behold.

The Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) when initially classified was mistakenly categorized under the sloth family in the early 1700’s. This miscategorization gave rise the name and the error was first discovered when a specimen was shipped to Europe from India in 1810. This species of bear is stocky with a long and extremely shaggy black coat and a V or Y shaped marking on the chest. They have a cream-coloured muzzle, and large prehensile lips and a long tongue. Their paws are equipped with well-developed hook-like claws that enable them to climb trees and dig for termites. These claws can also be used with deadly force against intruders. The head and body grows up to 6 feet in length, and can weigh up to 140kg for a male and 95 kg for a female. Very little is still known about this creature’s life which is shrouded in mystery. Sloth Bears have 2-3 cubs at a time, and the young bear cubs can be seen carried on the mother’s back. The Sloth Bear is highly threatened and its numbers have plummeted due to rampant deforestation and human encroachments as it is highly dependent on natural forests for its food sources.

Being a primarily nocturnal species, they set about their forage from dusk until dawn. A very shy and reclusive animal, seeing one during the day in the wild is a rare occurrence. Feeding predominantly on termites, they use their large claws to dig at the mounds. Once a hole is opened, they blow away the excess dirt and thereafter suck out the insects through a gap in its front teeth. While doing so they close their nostrils and use their lips like a vacuum nozzle. Apart from insects the bears feed on a wide variety of fruits like Palu, Dam, Weera as well as bees honey. They are also known to feed on carrion (carcass of a dead animal), with sightings of them feeding on the entrails and organs of fresh leopard kills.

One of the best times to see one out in the daytime is when these seasonal fruits ripen which happens seasonally from around May to July. During these months, the bears go on a feeding frenzy, foraging around the trees and even found high up on the branches feeding on the ripe berries. Bears are known to occasionally get intoxicated by feeding on fermented fruit and can sometimes be seen ambling around or sleeping in the open.

The sloth bear has to quench its thirst every night and cannot go on for prolonged periods of time without water. Sloth bears use a wide variety of facial expression and calls to communicate with one another. Certain sounds are similar to that of humans, which makes the bear one of the most dangerous and deceptive animals to encounter while on foot. Many a tale of vedda’s and poachers being attacked, killed and maimed by these animals. One of the primary reasons for this is the poor eye sight, which results in the animal getting startled when someone or something is too close. The bear tends to get on his two hind feed and attack with its long, sharp claws and teeth. Found exclusively in heavily forested areas within the dry zone, these rare animals are often seen out in the open in rocky outcrops and caves in the dry zone forests.

In the south of Sri Lanka, Sloth Bear can be encountered in Yala, Kumana and Lunugamvehera national parks along with the Wilpattu National Park in the north-west. The stretch around Maradan Maduwa in Wilpattu, where research is currently being undertaken has revealed a high density of Sloth Bears, and is an area which they can be seen year-round.

The wild water buffalo of Asia (Bubalus arnee) is one of the most formidable animals one would come across in the wilds of Sri Lanka. Growing to large sizes ranging from 600-1000 KG these giants infact exceed the maximum weight and size of their more famous African counterparts the Cape Buffalo. They too have the largest set of horns in the animal world with records of horns spreading 2 Meters from tip to tip.

Distinctively different from the domesticated buffalo in body size, horns and overall behavior and attitude, they are the most feared animal among villagers who venture into the jungle. Known to charge and maul anyone who invades their space, these mighty bovines are a rarity now in the wilds of Sri Lanka. Most populations have genetically been diluted due to inbreeding with village buffaloes who fight for grazing space.

The purest populations of truly wild water buffalo are seen in Kumana National Park and certain remote corners of Yala National Park.