We had the best time with Chamara. He is a really down-to-earth dude who was funny and knowledgeable about the reserve's wildlife (his English was perfect too). He pointed out animals we would have never seen otherwise. At one point, we had 2 families of elephants all to ourselves bathing in the mud and drinking water (one baby fake charged us & did the trumpet noise). Be sure to ask him about male elephants during mating season- he has some stories! He brought sandwiches for our mid-day lunch that were surprisingly delicious. Near the end of the tour, he saw what was likely a leopard in the distance walking along the road before it turned away into the bush. They're a very rare sight, so we spent a good amount of time trying to track it to no avail (it was still very exciting and fun). Overall, the experience alone was 100% worth flying across the planet for, but Chamara made it even better. If you can choose your guide, choose Chamara.

One of the must do activity in Srilanka is to undertake a Scenic Train ride. We undertook the train ride early in the morning from Peradeniya Junction to Ela Station near Nuwara Eliya. Advance booking is recommended as this tends to fill up in tourist season. The train compartment is air conditioned and light snacks are sold by vendors who come to sell in your compartment.

Seen a lot of elephants! Nice driver, really did his best to get us close as possible and he wasn’t in a rush which was really nice.

Experience was great start to finish! We were in mirissa and so we were planning on taking a taxi to the park. Mewan, the safari operator was super helpful and arranged a package for us that included transport to/from mirissa along with the park tickets, jeep, and guide. We had a beautiful afternoon driving through and saw lots of stunning birds (I didn’t think I’d be so amazed by them!), elephants, iguanas, and other cool animals. All round good time, recommend this tour :)

This was such a magical experience for our whole family! To see elephants at sunset was one of the highlights of our entire trip. The guide and driver were both really experienced and answered all the questions we had about birds, wildlife and of course, elephants! My daughter kept a tally and we saw 30 elephants in 6 or 8 distinct groups. In addition to elephants, we saw numerous green bee eaters, kingfishers, storks, egrets, hawks and eagles. We watched as a crocodile caught fish and an eagle ate lizards from a tree. There were mongoose, hares and tons of adorable monkeys. We learned a lot about how old the elephants are and about their lives, as well as understanding more about how climate change is affecting their water supply and population.

We went on a morning Safari in August, starting at 6am - 9am. Our hotel booked a safari visit for us which cost $150 - which we later found out was very steep! In the park we saw lots of animals including deer, buffalo, wild boar, crocodiles, stalks and a few elephants (though only from quite far away). Our favourite moment was sitting at the lake watching the birds and crocodiles searching for and eating fish. Unfortunately we did not see a leopard and it was difficult to understand our guide as he didn’t speak clear English. We did three safaris in Sri Lanka (Kaudulla and Udawalawe too) and this was our least favourite though we may have just been unlucky! If you’re deciding between morning or afternoon, go in the afternoon!

1 / 1 It was a unique experience during your visit to Yala last week. The drought conditions might have indeed influenced the behavior of the animals and the overall environment. Drought can impact the availability of water sources, which in turn affects the movement and behavior of wildlife. Animals often congregate around limited water sources during such times, so it's possible that you observed fewer animals than usual due to the water scarcity. The presence of a lot of dust could also be attributed to the dry conditions caused by the drought. Reduced vegetation and lack of rainfall can lead to dry and dusty environments, especially in areas like Yala that are prone to seasonal droughts. Despite the challenges posed by the drought, experiences like these offer a unique perspective on how ecosystems and wildlife adapt to changing conditions. It's a reminder of the delicate balance in nature and how various factors, including climate patterns, can impact the lives of animals and the environment as a whole.

I booked a private safari for 12 people as part of a company gathering with a team of different nationalities and ages. Ashan was very responsive throughout the easy booking process and made my life much easier! The team really enjoyed the tour and loved seeing the elephants but all of the different animals they wouldn't have spotted on their own. Great experience all round

We did a morning trip to see the elephants. If was a great experience and the driver was very knowledgeable as well as the park guide we had with us. This is a great way to remind ourselves that we have a lot to protect from climate change.

My husband and I recently took part in the Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom and Wild Elephant Safari tour from Habarana. We had a fantastic time and received excellent care throughout the day. Our guide was both professional and friendly, making us feel completely at ease. Even during the safari, we had the opportunity to enjoy a splendid day and were lucky enough to witness a stunning location teeming with animals. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour!

Our tour with Chamara was great - he was very knowledgeable, attentive and had a good eye for where the wildlife is. We saw lots of wildlife (including numerous elephants up close). We would definitely recommend this tour.

We visited on 1st August 2023 and did the afternoon safari. We had never done anything like this before so probably had unrealistic expectations, based on the marketing material, posters etc. and were therefore disappointed. In the 4 hours we were driving around the National park we saw 2 elephants ( one in the distance and one closer, just visible through the trees), a few water buffalo, three deer and some peacocks and other birds. As we left the park we saw monkeys just outside. Unfortunately there were no leopards to be found on this occassion and even the jeep driver expressed disappointment that more animals couldn’t be found. All in all a pleasant experience but when you book you need to be aware that the advertised animals may not be visible. Binoculars would have been useful too so if you have them - take them with you.

The place is great but t being off season you could easily find the lack in detail. No offence, overall a great experience but not perfection. I am determined, in season this place is magnificent.

Visiting Horton Plains National Park with my family was an unforgettable experience! The natural beauty of the park left us in awe from the moment we stepped in. The vast grasslands, mist-covered valleys, and stunning waterfalls created a picturesque landscape that was a treat for the eyes and soul. Exploring the park's trails together was a bonding moment for our family. The World's End viewpoint offered breathtaking panoramic vistas, and we were lucky to catch a glimpse of some unique wildlife, including sambar deer and colorful birds. The hike to Baker's Falls was refreshing and invigorating, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of the cascading water. The diversity of flora and fauna amazed us, and we appreciated the park's conservation efforts to protect its natural treasures. We were also mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of the cloud forest at the famous Mini World's End. The tranquility and serenity of the place made it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy quality time with our loved ones. Overall, Horton Plains National Park provided us with an opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a meaningful way. It's a must-visit destination for families who seek adventure, natural wonders, and unforgettable memories.

Dinuka did a stellar job in explains the history of Sri Lanka, it’s current state of affairs all while exploring the sites, sounds, smells and tastes of Colombo. Thank you for a great experience.