Monkeys in the Jungle

Very early this morning you make the one and a half hours drive (complete with packed breakfast) to Parakrama Lake. You will drive via Minneriya National Park arriving at dawn, a very mystical way to start the day as the plains are covered in mist! Parakrama Lake is known as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest man-made lakes and you can watch the changing hues as the light comes up. These man-made lakes are known as 'wevas' to the Sri Lankan people and were created to provide irrigation. It’s a fun, friendly experience as you wait alongside the wives and young children of fisherman, who’ve gone out to retrieve their fishing nets laid out the night before - a great way to get to know the locals!

After the fishermen have sorted their catch, it’s time to head out on a catamaran across the lake; a real adventure! You may even be able to spot White Bellied Fish Eagles, Brahmini Kites, Ibis, Cormorants and other native birds as you travel. In the middle of the lake is a small island, a rocky outcrop that provides great 360° views of the lake and forests beyond.

NB – On holidays operating between June and September, you will not be able to ride on the catamaran because of lower water levels. The birdlife in the area is also less attractive as many of the species have migrated.

Bidding the fishermen and their families’ farewell, you continue to the Primate Research Camp of Dr. Wolfgang Dittus which is located in a densely forested area beside the lake. In fact it is only a 05 minute walk from where you come ashore after the catamaran ride.

Dr.Wolfgang Dittus, is a research scientist who carries out detailed studies on the primate population in the area. The main focus of the study is the populations of Toque Macaques and Purple Faced and Gray Langurs. The monkeys are observed mainly inside the Polonnaruwa archaeological site and within the surrounding forests. We will stay at the camp for 02 nights and learn about the work carried out at the camp.

A team briefing and introduction to the programme will be soon after lunch. Late in the evening you will set out to the forest for your first primate experience! The following day, you will taken an early breakfast and proceed to track and observe monkeys within the archeological site. By 1030 hrs, with the heightening of the midday heat the monkeys will retreat to their resting places and so will cease to be active. Therefore you will continue to explore the ancient ruins and learn about the rich history of Polonnaruwa while exploring the remains of the palace complex and temples. you'll then return to the Primate Research center for lunch before heading out once again in the evening to track and observe monkeys. 

We try to following various family groups of monkeys. Interestingly, two very different species live and thrive in harmony in and around the ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa. The Gray or Hanuman Langurs (named after Hanuman the monkey god of Asia) and Purple-Faced Langurs live in harmony with the smaller but more feisty Toque Macaques. The langurs are considered holy by some and exhibit a rather regal bearing. The Purple-Faced Langur is endangered, and Dr. Dittus and his colleagues actively promote wildlife awareness and conservation in the local community in an effort to save this species.

Toque macaques are medium-sized, brightly coloured, and socially active monkeys. Dr. Wolfgang Dittus and his colleagues have been studying these monkeys in the Nature Sanctuary and Archaeological Reserve for the past 37 years, making it one of the world's longest-running primate behaviour studies. The research team knows the identities, birthdays, kinship's, and a whole detective's dossier of other details for every Torque Macaque born in Polonnaruwa since 1968.

The research on the langurs is newer, but no less fascinating. Dr. Dittus's research is clarifying the relationships among the monkeys' ecology, behaviour, environment, heredity, social standing, and disease, in influencing individual survival and reproduction. In addition, Dittus is also examining the monkeys' responses to increasing tourism and human encroachment on their habitat. He has an active environmental conservation and education program in the area.

Whilst here you’ll also tour Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the capital from the 10th – 12th centuries, following the decline of Anuradhapura. Here you can explore many monuments which pay great testimony to the city’s important role in Sri Lanka’s history, such as the Royal Palace complex and the Gal Vihare complex, with four impressive Buddha images cut from a single slab of granite.

We return to camp each day and settle in for the night in the basic but comfortable accommodation.

Lodge (A) – 2 nights (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2)

The royal city of Kandy is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake surrounded by hills. It was once the capital of a kingdom, and managed to resist European dominance for hundreds of years - long after the coastal areas surrendered. During your time in Kandy you will visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their immense fig tree and exquisite orchid collection. The name is believed to be derived from the Sinhalese ‘pera’ meaning guava and ‘deniya’, meaning plain. You will also take in the sights of Kandy including a visit to the bazaar area and a visit to the citadel in time for sunset over the lake. (B)

This morning, you venture into Uda Walawe National Park, setting off on a jeep safari. The 308km park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife; herds of wild elephant are more numerous here than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. If you are really lucky you will catch glimpses of macaque and larger monkeys, leopard, spotted deer and crocodile. This is a real safari experience; kids will love the thrill of coming across a herd of wild elephants; it’s nothing like a zoo or safari park.

Then you will visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home. Run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation and set up in 1995, it provides shelter for 30 orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the Elephant Transit Home at noon feeding time and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away; a great chance to learn more about Sri Lanka’s national animal.

This afternoon you continue your journey south to reach the coast at Nonagama. Here you’ll take a short drive along the coast road west (70km) and soon arrive at the town of Ahangama. Hotel (AAA) - 3 nights (B)

After your time on the beach it's time to head north back to Minuwangoda. As you head out along the coast you reach the town of Galle. Here you can walk the walls of the famous Dutch fort or explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls. En route you can pay a visit to the turtle hatchery at Kosgoda. Turtles are kept here for the first few days of their lives before being released into the sea and the project does much to help safeguard the welfare of these endangered animals. Heading north, your last night will be spent at a hotel not far from the airport. Before you return home your Group Leader will probably arrange a final ‘last supper’ where you can reflect on the kaleidoscope of wonderful things you have seen. Hotel (AAA) – 1 night (B)