Quest
Turtles Watching
Turtles, a generic name for the group of reptiles which includes tortoises and terrapins,
are reptiles most of whose body is shielded by a special bony shell developed from
their ribs. All extant, or living, turtles are members of the order Testudines,
which includes both living and extinct varieties of turtle.
There are two major groups of turtles: sea turtles, which grow to large sizes and
live in the oceans in the temperate and tropical regions of the earth, and fresh-water
turtles.
Five out of the seven species of sea Turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka ,
making it an ideal country to go Turtle Watching. Turtles are very nervous when
they are looking for a place to nest and can therefore be easily scared. The Turtle
can only be approached when she starts laying the eggs because by then she is engaged
in a very mechanical, almost trance-like behavior and it is unlikely for her to
be frightened by spectators
Caretta caretta
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Loggerhead sea turtle
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Chelonia mydas
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Green sea turtle
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Dermochelys coriacea
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Leatherback sea turtle
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Eretmochelys imbricate
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Hawksbill sea turtle
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Lepidochelys olivacea
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Olive sea turtle
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The above five different species visit Sri Lanka beaches to nest.
Induruwa
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Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle and Leatherback Turtle
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Kosgoda
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Loger head Turtle, Hawlesbill Turtle
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Akurala
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Green Turtle
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Mavela
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Green Turtle and Leatherback Turtle
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Kahandamodara
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Unknown species of Turtles visit the area.
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Usangoda
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Leatherback Turtle.
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Ambalantota
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Green Turtle and Leatherback Turtle
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Bundala
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Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle and Hawksbill
Turtle
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Yala
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Green Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle.
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Kandakuliya
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Thousands of Olive Ridley Turtles are found every year
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Turtle Conservation Project
Turtle Conservation Project can be found all around the South & South west coasts.
Some are working farms and will gladly let you join in, whilst Kosgoda, Rekawa Beach,
east of Tangalle, Bundala and Unawatuna are more commercial and have a visiting
centre. Conservation of the turtle nesting grounds is crucial to successful breeding
of the species. That means keeping the beach clean, planting shelter plants, etc
- The beach at Rekawa village, 10km east of Tangalla Bay Beach, is home to one of
the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Sri Lanka, visited by five different
species which lay their eggs in the sand here every night throughout the year.
The best time to see turtles is between January & April; periods when there’s a full
moon. Fullish moon too are good throughout the year, because there are both more
turtles & more light to see them by. Rekawa has recorded 23 turtles in one night.
We will definitely see at least a couple of turtles every night.
Turtle hatcheries Induruwa & Kosgoda beach
At the north end of Induruwa is one of the turtle hatcheries set up to protect turtle
eggs till they hatch. Turtle eggs, which would otherwise be eaten, are bought for
a few rupees each from local fishermen & re-buried along the beach. Once hatched,
the baby turtles are kept in holding tanks. a three-day-old turtle into the Indian
Ocean to fend off itself. The beauty of the operation is the beaches are guaranteed
the female baby turtles released herein will find their way back, sans GPS, in the
depths of seven seas to their natal beach ten years later to lay their own eggs.
The wonders & mysteries of our planet are endless.
You’ll get the chance to take part in a variety of conservation activities and help
with the children of the local community centre as you help the environment and
the people get back on their feet.
You also have the unforgettable chance to see the island’s stunning natural diversity
and spectacular sapphire seas up close by helping out the turtle project in the
area. This is a project for the flexible amongst you who don’t mind pitching in,
but the chance to make a difference in such a beautiful island is ample reward for
you efforts.
Sri Lanka TOUR specialist’s Salike travels have reviewed over 120 traditional hotels
and can provide expert advice on where to stay for stylish holidays or authentic
bungalows located in the best TURTLE watching places at Sri Lankan beaches. You
can book online for turtles watching holidays. Five out of the seven species of
sea Turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka , making it an ideal country to go
Turtle Watching. Visit the island at different times of year.
Most important Green Turtle rookeries. Olive ridley and leatherback turtles also
nest there, as well as the occasional hawksbill and loggerhead turtle could bee
seen in Sri Lanka