When it comes to safaris, you generally think of African countries like Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa or Botswana. But Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is teeming with wildlife that will quicken the pulse of any wildlife lover. The island nation just off the tip of India in the Indian Ocean is home to herds of Asian elephants and a wealth of primates, including Toque macaques, leaf monkeys and gray langurs. Yala National Park in the southeastern part of the country has the largest concentration of leopards in the world. Natural Habitat Adventures is launching a Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari that debuts in 2018 with one date in January, two in February and one in March. The 12-day/11-night tour is limited to just 10 travelers per date to improve the wildlife-viewing experience. Sites visited will include Hurulu Forest Reserve, the ruins of Polonnaruwa, Horton Plains National Park, Yala National Park and Mirijjavila Botanical Gardens. The wildlife viewing isn’t limited to land. There are also two boat outings in search of blue whales and other marine life. The trip is priced from $9,495 per person, double occupancy, which does not include international air. Info: 800-543-8917, http://tinyurl.com/hskw3ad
Less time, money
On the topic of safaris, Great Safaris, which concentrates on Africa, has a new offering in its list of trips for 2017. The company has three “short safaris” aimed at people who might not have the time or money required for traditional longer safaris. The Kenya Express Safari (http://tinyurl.com/glbhu6m) is a five-day/four-night outing in the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. It’s priced from just $1,895 per person, double occupancy. The Affordable Southern Safari South Africa (http://tinyurl.com/jzkhobe) is a slightly longer trip that spends three days and nights in Greater Kruger Park Private Reserve and four days and nights in Cape Town. It’s priced from $1,495 per person, double occupancy. The Tanzania Express Safari (http://tinyurl.com/hoha35f) has a steeper price tag, listed from $3,295, but spends two days and nights at Ngorongoro Crater and two days and nights in the famed Serengeti National Park. International air is extra for all of the trips.
Sweet vacation
Traveling should engage all of the senses, including smell. And who doesn’t like the scent of a good chocolate factory, roasted peanuts or fruity Jelly Bellys? Atlas Obscura has put together an interactive map showing the locations of candy factories across the country, ranging from the See’s Candy Factory in Los Angeles to the PEZ Candy plant in appropriately named Orange, Conn. Check them out at http://tinyurl.com/grsybqe.
Phil Marty is a freelance writer.
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