Loading search...
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
The Reptiles & Amphibians of Sri Lanka
Tour Code: LKA12A 16-day herpetology tour of Sri Lanka’s habitats in search of their most spectacular reptiles and amphibians.
£3,995
£3,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
The endemic-rich Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka is a dream destination for the naturalist and herpetologist. A land of ‘dragons’, Sri Lanka is home to some of the most fascinating and sought-after Agamid lizards on earth; Hump Snout Lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus), Rhino-horned Lizard (Ceratophora stoddartii), Rough Nose Horned Lizard (Ceratophora aspera), Leaf-nosed Lizard (Ceratophora tennentii) and Pygmy Lizard (Cophotis ceylanica).
There are yet more ‘dragons’ in Sri Lanka, less known but equally fascinating as the aforementioned selection, and on this exceptional itinerary we’ll make an exciting search for these species too; Dumbara Agama (Cophotis dumbara), Pethiyagoda’s Crestless Lizard (Calotes pethiyagodai), Erdelen's Horned Lizard (Ceratophora erdeleni), Karu's Horned Lizard (Ceratophora karu) and Ceylon Black-band Whistling Lizard (Calotes desilvai).
Sri Lanka also picks up some of the wonderful species from the continent’s mainland and on this tour we have the opportunity to find the elegant Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Russel’s Viper (Daboia russelii) and Indian Chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus), with our first hotel chosen for its close proximity to a stronghold for the latter species.
For more information about the holiday, please click the 'Detailed Information' button below, or download the full itinerary above.
- Superb endemic lizards; Hump Snout Lizard, Rhino-horned Lizard, Leaf-nosed Lizard and Pygmy Lizard
- Rare amphibians such as Half-webbed Pug-snouted Frog, Poppy's Shrub Frog and Golden-eyed Shrub Frog
- Sought-after snakes such as Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper, Green Vine Snake and Sri Lankan Green Pitviper
- The little-known species include such delights as Dumbara Agama, Karu's Horned Lizard and Pethiyagoda’s Crestless Lizard
- Visit the wonderful cultural sites of Pidurangala Rock temple, Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Comfortable en suite accommodation throughout
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Our itinerary takes in the opportunity to find some truly wonderful snakes, species such as Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta), Brown Vine Snake (Ahaetulla pulverulenta), Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper (Hypnale nepa), Lowlands Humpnose Viper (Hypnale zara), Humpnose Viper (Hypnale hypnale), White-lipped Pitviper (Trimeresurus albolabris) and the fantastic Sri Lankan Green Pitviper (Trimeresurus trigonocephalus).
Amphibians are little-known from Sri Lanka, despite having around 2.5% of the world’s frog and toad species, and on this tour we will have the chance to discover some little-known wonders such as the endangered Half-webbed Pug-snouted Frog (Uperodon palmatus), Poppy's Shrub Frog (Pseudophilautus poppiae), Golden-eyed Shrub Frog (Pseudophilautus ocularis) and the striking Common Yellow-banded Caecilian (Ichthyophis glutinosus).
Using comfortable en suite accommodation throughout, we’ll explore each of Sri Lanka’s foremost herping locations of the UNESCO listed Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Morningside, Hortons Plains National Park and Nuwara Eliya whilst enjoying visits to the wonderful cultural sites of Pidurangala Rock temple, Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable lodges with private facilities.
- Food:
All meals and bottled water provided throughout. Western, vegetarian and vegan diets catered for.
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Dileepa Rajaguru
Dileepa, formerly a naturalist at the Santani Wellness Resort, has gained extensive experience in the field of wildlife. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science from the University of Kelaniya and currently works as a freelance tour guide while pursuing an MPhil. He also serves as Secretary of the Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka.
Renowned for his expertise in herpetofauna, butterflies, birds and mammals, Dileepa is both a skilled wildlife photographer and an enthusiastic field explorer. His experience includes working as a research assistant on a National Geographic–funded ornithological project, adding further depth to his scientific background.
With wide-ranging knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation, combined with years of hands‑on field experience, Dileepa brings a high level of professionalism and passion to every tour he leads.
2027
Tour Leader: Dileepa Rajaguru
Dileepa, formerly a naturalist at the Santani Wellness Resort, has gained extensive experience in the field of wildlife. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science from the University of Kelaniya and currently works as a freelance tour guide while pursuing an MPhil. He also serves as Secretary of the Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka.
Renowned for his expertise in herpetofauna, butterflies, birds and mammals, Dileepa is both a skilled wildlife photographer and an enthusiastic field explorer. His experience includes working as a research assistant on a National Geographic–funded ornithological project, adding further depth to his scientific background.
With wide-ranging knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation, combined with years of hands‑on field experience, Dileepa brings a high level of professionalism and passion to every tour he leads.
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
