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

The above five different species visit Sri Lanka beaches to nest.

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.

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