Known to many as Taprobane, Serendipity and even Ceylon, Sri Lanka is a mystical island situated in the Indian Ocean. For visitors seeking leisure and relaxation, the country offers many exciting attractions. From the sandy beaches to verdant rainforests, hilly mountain terrain and areas rich in flora and fauna this island though little in size holds nature’s many wonders.
Blessed with around the year tropical weather, the country is also home to many species of wildlife making it a nature lover’s haven. Many endangered and even rare species call Sri Lanka their home. Being an island, Sri Lanka also enjoys pristine beaches which stretch for miles and acts as a boon for marine life, watersports and adventure activities.
A popular excursion engaged by many is that of whale watching. The country’s location is especially suitable for this as it lies in what is known as the protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Among the areas which are noted for sightings these mammals are the beaches of Kalpitiya in the West, Dondra in the South and Trincomalee in the East.
It is a known fact the whales converge in deep waters and interconnect through sound. While they were initially spotted as early as the 1980s, excursions were popularized only after 2006. The southern coast of the island has become the veritable hot spot for sightings of Sperm and Blue Whales mainly during the period from January to April which is considered as the time of whale migration.
As tourism and specifically eco-tourism grows in importance, Sri Lanka is fast gaining a name on the global map for whale watching. The closeness to the sea shore is also a contributing factor to spot these marine creatures.
