Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Safari - Focus on Leopards and Whales
Sri Lanka is one of the smallest but most biologically diverse countries in Asia. It offers a vast array of attractions and is fast becoming one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild. Our exciting safari visits two contrasting wildlife areas of this beautiful country.
Firstly we concentrate on one of the country's flagship national park - Yala - which is renowned for Leopard and Asian Elephant, and a large variety of other animals and birds. The National Park is a beautiful region located on the coastline of Sri Lanka with a mixture of scrub, forest and riverine vegetation making it the ideal habitat for leopards.
In the second half of our safari we cruise the waters around the coastline which are now acknowledged to have one of the highest concentrations of dolphins and whales in the world. Blue Whales, the largest mammal on the planet, are seen regularly at the time we visit, together with the Killer, Humpback and Sperm Whales. Large schools of Spinner Dolphins are frequently seen as they cut through the brilliant blue sea - leaping, spinning and frolicking!
Highlights of the Safari :
- Visit one of the best places in the world to see Leopards and a chance to glimpse the largest animal on earth
- Learn photography and natural history from professional photographers and naturalists
- See the best wildlife that Sri Lanka has to offer
The Schedule
Day 1
Our tour begins with flight to Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. AC minivans will be waiting for us, which will drive us to Yala National Park. It will be a 6 hr drive. We will settle down at Yala Village Resort, which is just 3 km from the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, making it an ideal base from which to explore the area. There are beach and jungle chalets with balconies, ensuite facilities and air conditioning.
Day 2,3,4
We will be spending the next three full-days on safari in Yala. Yala is one of Sri Lanka's largest and best known national parks and has good populations of Asian Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Salt-water Crocodiles and Wild Boars. Recent studies have suggested that Yala has one of the the world's highest concentrations of leopard per square kilometer. Yala is also home to more than 215 species of birds and is identified as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.
Day 5
Saying our farewells to the leopards after one last drive in the morning, we then move on to the south coast to Mirissa where we hope to encounter the mighty giants of the sea - Blue Whales, Sperm Whales and Killer Whales - either breaching the surface, offering tantalizing glimpses, or longer, lingering views. We will drive to Mirissa Fisheries Harbour in the evening and board on our specially chartered boat to track and photograph the whales. We will be staying two night at Koggala Beach Hotel, Koggalas.
Day 6
We go on boat rides into the open ocean both in the morning and in the evening to photograph the whales and the dolphins. To stare into the eye of one of these mysterious, huge animals is to look back to the beginning of time!
Day 7
Transfer to International Airport. En-route visit the town of Galle to visit the world famous Dutch built Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
It's About Photography - Lots of it!
Unlike a traditional safari, which focuses on observing wildlife, a photographic safari specializes in getting you in the right place at the right time to create the perfect picture. Our emphasis is photography, and LOTS OF IT!
This safari is designed to maximize photographic opportunities. Early morning and afternoon game drives provide ideal shooting conditions, with an emphasis on good light and quality subjects. Vehicles are limited to three photographers. Our small group guarantees everyone will have the opportunity to create memorable images.
The safari is very informal and fun, an ideal situation to maximizing learning. Kalyan Varma and Harsha J will be shooting alongside you at all times, sharing his knowledge of photography and animal behavior. We will have discussion and assistance on a variety of specialized topics such as photographic technique, composition, exposure, creative techniques, action shooting, and animal behavior. Advanced techniques will be constantly discussed, demonstrated, and put into practice.
Because of the unique location of this workshop, and the luxury accommodations, this workshop adventure is open to spouses as well as photographers. Even nonphotographers will find the locations visited and the wildlife viewing opportunities to be thrilling. The cost for non-photographers is the same as for active participants.
What's Included?
- All internal travel - Between Colombo, Yala, Mirissa and back to Colombo
- Accommodation based on double occupancy
- All meals inclusive of staff tips
- Services of guides and drivers
- All park entry fee at Yala and Mirissa
What is Not Included?
- Your airfare to and back from Colombo
- Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, insurance and airport taxes
- Alcoholic beverages and sodas
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary
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Dates
04th Dec - 10th Dec 2010
Safari Leaders
Kalyan Varma is a freelance Wildlife Photographer and a filmmaker who works on assignments with National Geographic and BBC. He is a BBC Earth Explorer who collaborates with wildlife scientists, researchers, policy makers, activists and educators on fieldwork, books and film projects. His work has appeared in many publications worldwide, including National Geographic, GEO, Lonely Planet, BBC Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation and other magazines.
Harsha J has been the Head Naturalist for Taj Safaris till recently. He has been a professional naturalist for the last 8 years and has worked in different places in India from Nilgiri Biosphere to Central Indian forests.
The Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive trip is Rs 78,500 per person. This fee includes all transportation as well as hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals.
Accommodation is two person to a room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be a supplementary charge of Rs 12000.
You have the option of doing just the Leopard safari at Yala and head back. The cost of 6 safaris in Yala with 4 night stay will cost you Rs 58,500 per person
Note: The maximum group size is ten to allow for individual attention
What Do I Do Next?
If you're excited by the thought of becoming a member of this trip, then now is the time to register. If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any queries to mail@kalyanvarma.net. To register for the safari, kindly mail to mail@kalyanvarma.net at the earliest.
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