Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Summer is here, at last.....



Association for the Conservation of Primate Diversity

(Smithsonian Institution Primate Biology Program)

New Town, Polonnaruwa


Telephone: 027-222-2552, 0777 282 700. dittus@sltnet.lk



Guided tours by professional field biologists:


1. Study tour of monkey society: A unique opportunity to observe the soap opera lives of monkeys as depicted in the documentary film “Temple Troop” under special guidance of experienced monkey researchers. Cost: US$ 15 per persons (6-10 am, and 4 to 6 pm)

This tour within the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Reserve includes sighting of ruins of ancient temples and palaces. For foreign nationals the entrance fee to the Archaeological Reserve is US$ 25 per person payable to the Central Cultural Fund at Polonnaruwa. Locals enter for free, but vehicle cost is Rs 100 per vehicle.

2. Loris at night: Observe the elusive nocturnal primate at night (6:30 – 8:30 pm).

3. Bird observation tour: Learn about the rich bird life of the dry zone (about 150 species) and add that rare migrant to your life list. (6-9am, or 4:30- 6:30 pm).

4. Lake Boat Tour: (water birds and fishing) Boat hires US$ 60 (6 adults maximum per boat) Boating times, 6-8 am or evening 4:30-6:30 pm.

5. Elephant safari: Jeep tour of Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks. Get close to large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Jeep hire (4-6 persons per jeep) is US$45 per jeep. National Park entrance is US$ 15 per foreigner, or Rs 60 for locals. National Park jeep entrance fee: Rs 1,000 for foreign tourist jeep or 400 for Sri Lankans.

Meals: Our guests have labeled us as a “Vegetarian Paradise”: We serve traditional Sri Lankan rice and curries cooked in clay pots. Fresh lake fish is served almost daily. Meat is available on request. We offer: western and eastern breakfasts, Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch, western or eastern dinners, and afternoon tea.

Beverages. We serve soft drinks, beer or some hard liquor on request.

Accomodation.3 bedroomed house (12pax) Lodge (4pax) Inclusive 1 A/C room and 3bedrooms with Hotwater

Local additional activities:

  • Swimming and bathing in lake
  • Nature walks and meditation in quiet forested surrounding on shores of Parakrama Samudra
  • Visit to the Gal Vihare and other ancient religious shrines within the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Reserve (Central Cultural Fund).
  • Archaeological Museum at Polonnaruwa (entry cost included in CCF entrance ticket)