Wings of the Island – 9 Days of Dragonflies & Butterflies in Sri Lanka
Touch down in Sri Lanka and ease into your first wildlife encounter at Talangama Wetland, a serene urban oasis of canals and paddy fields. Here, the air shimmers with brilliant dragonflies like the Elusive Adjutant, Eastern Scarlet Darter, and Spine-legged Redbolt. Delicate damselflies, Sri Lanka’s endemic Gems, Sprites, and Threadtails hover near the reeds, while butterflies such as the Tailed Jay, Common Rose, and Plain Tiger flit across lotus blooms. The wetland’s species list is ever-growing, currently around 24 for dragonflies alone, making it the perfect prologue to your winged adventure.
Begin your journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s rainforest as you wind past rural landscapes to Sinharaja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, step into the shaded forest trails where rare butterflies thrive. Look for the Ceylon Hedge Blue, Red Spot, Dark Palm Dart, and the Ceylon Snow Flat, alongside fluttering Common Jays. Outside the dense canopy, open areas often reveal species warming themselves in the afternoon sun, a photographer’s delight.
At dawn, the rainforest stirs to life. Place ripe jackfruit and guava along selected bamboo and palm groves, then watch butterflies descend like living jewels; Tree Nymphs, Rustics, and Palm Bobs among them. After this magical session, journey along a jungle-fringed route to Embilipitiya, pausing for roadside sightings. Visit Maduwanwela Walauwa, the partially restored 18th-century chieftain’s mansion, before settling in for the evening surrounded by rural calm.
Today’s journey climbs from the dry lowlands to Sri Lanka’s cool central hills. En route, pause at Lunugamvehera Sanctuary and the misty Ravana Ella Falls, where vibrant butterflies like the Ceylon Tiger, Forget-me-not, Large Oakblue, and Red Helen may appear against the emerald backdrop. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, take in the colonial charm at Jetwing St. Andrew’s in preparation for more breathtaking views and adventure to come.
Step into the cloud-kissed Horton Plains National Park, a world of montane grasslands and forest patches. Along forested streams, look for endemic damselflies like Elattoneura centralis, Indolestes gracilis, and Libellago greeni, as well as the striking Paragomphus henryi. Afternoon brings a return to Hakgala Gardens, where the Mountain Emperor and Red-veined Darter, rare jewels of Sri Lanka’s skies, make their elegant highland flights.
Descend into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy, home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic. After paying homage at this UNESCO Heritage site, ascend to the tranquil gardens and ponds of Hunas Falls Hotel. Here, keep watch for the Blackheaded Basker (Aethriamanta brevipennis), a species rediscovered after over a century, along with emerald damselflies glinting in the fading light.
Spend the day wandering estate trails and sparkling streams where dragonflies and damselflies thrive. Spot Jewels (Libellago) shimmering in gold and blue, delicate Gossamerwings, and swift Orthetrum skimmers patrolling the currents. Every turn of the path adds a new entry to your growing odonate list, as the calls of hill country birds complete this serene day of discovery.
Descend from the hills to Sri Lanka’s western shore, where the golden sands of Negombo offer a final day of reflection. Spend the afternoon at leisure, by the pool, along the beach, or reviewing your notes on the incredible spectrum of butterflies and dragonflies that have graced your journey.
Your journey of delicate wings and vibrant colors comes to a close. Depart with photographs, field notes, and memories of a truly unique exploration of Sri Lanka’s hidden world of dragonflies and butterflies.
