Veterinary Study Tour in Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka, a small island crammed full of treasures, with no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This study tour provides unique insight into Sri Lanka’s veterinary practice and rich diversity of wildlife. Meet with your Sri Lankan counterparts and, through a range of specialist visits and talks, gain a general overview alongside specialist visits encompassing the Animal Wellness Trust, Giritale Wildlife Centre, Amba Estate, Peradeniya Veterinary Hospital, Elephant Transit Home and Yala National Park. During these visits meet with local experts, such as elephant researcher Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, formerly of the World Bank and Director General of Wildlife, who will present on the management of human-elephant conflict - a significant problem in Sri Lanka.

There is also a full cultural programme and ample free time to relax by the pool, join optional activities or explore at your own pace.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

SRI0226-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Professional

Profession

Veterinary Studies

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Colombo

Sunday

February

Arrive and check in to the Sentido Heritance Hotel, where you will have dinner.

Colombo

Monday

February

Drive to Bandaragama to visit the Animal Wellness Trust. Return via Colombo and visit the Old Dutch Hospital, considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area. It is now a heritage building in a vibrant shopping area with cafes, bars, shops and a spa. Welcome dinner in the evening.

Colombo / Sigiriya

Tuesday

February

Drive to the Airforce Base in Katunayake to visit the kennels and the vet hospital on the base. After a tour of the facilities, meet with the vet team at the base and learn about their work. Drive to Sigiriya and check into Sigiriya Jungles Resort and Spa. Enjoy dinner followed by an evening at leisure at the hotel.

Sigiriya

Wednesday

February

Early morning climb of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient fortress features stunning frescoes, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking views from the summit. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to Giritale Wildlife Centre, which coordinates the operation of all wildlife health programmes in Sri Lanka. Meet with the centre’s vets and take a tour. Return to hotel and at leisure.

Sigiriya

Thursday

February

At leisure or option to visit the ancient site of Ritigala, a Buddhist site set within the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve. The site includes a monastery and an historic Ayurveda herbal medicine hospital. Later in the afternoon visit Minneriya National Park and see large herds of elephants and flocks of birds. Return to your hotel in Sigiriya and overnight.

Sigiriya / Kandy

Friday

February

Early start to visit the farmers market outside Dambulla. Visit the Cave Temples in Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka and a stunning complex of ancient rock temples. Continue on to Matale and visit a spice plantation, where you will watch a cookery demonstration using many spices, followed by a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. Arrive at the Grand Serendip Hotel in Kandy.

Kandy / Amba Estate

Saturday

February

The UNESCO World Heritage City of Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Visit the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka's oldest and largest veterinary facility, and learn about animal care and conservation efforts. Tour the facility and meet with veterinary staff. Continue to Amba, an organic farm/social enterprise, and overnight.

Amba Estate

Sunday

February

Optional early morning birdwatching. Take a walking waterfall loop (option for a dip). Explore the farm, see Amba’s rescue cows and learn about their organic methods for cultivating tea, coffee, herbs and spices, etc. Take an artisanal tea and coffee production tour, including plucking and rolling your own batch of tea. At leisure or optional walk in Amba's forest reserve with a wildlife tracker.

Amba Estate / Kataragama (for Yala)

Monday

February

Drive to Udawalawa National Park, known for its large population of wild elephants. Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured elephants. Drive to Kataragama near Yala National Park. Continue to the Double Tree by Hilton in nearby Weerawila.

Kataragama (for Yala)

Tuesday

February

Early morning start with a packed breakfast to embark on safari into the Yala National Park, which boasts the highest density of leopards in Sri Lanka. Later, meet with Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, an expert elephant researcher with over 30 years of expertise, who will present on the management of human-elephant conflict - a serious problem in Sri Lanka.

Kataragama (for Yala)

Wednesday

February

Optional early morning safari or at leisure. Afternoon at leisure.

Kataragama / Galle

Thursday

February

Drive to the beautiful historic city of Galle. Arrive and check into the Le Grand Galle Hotel. Late afternoon walking tour of the old city of Galle.

Galle

Friday

February

Early morning boat trip with marine biologists to view marine mammals and turtles. Return to Galle. At leisure to further explore the town or visit nearby beaches.

Galle / Colombo

Saturday

February

Visit Lunuganga Estate, the beautiful home and garden of the famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Drive to Colombo and check in to the Galle Face Hotel, where you will enjoy dinner.

Colombo

Sunday

March

Depart hotel after breakfast.