Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours

Sep 26, 2018 BY Paul McWilliams

Torn between an Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan and a choice of Sri Lanka wildlife tours? Well, consider yourself lucky because both offer unique opportunities for unforgettable wildlife inspired holidays.

Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours Flickr CC Image of India by C Fotografia

That’s the good news. The bad news is that choosing between them is going to be incredibly difficult. But don’t panic too much, as we’ve decided to help you out. We’ve looked at both Sri Lanka wildlife tours and Indian safari adventures in Rajasthan and have compared the two, splitting the tips into categories, to help you make a decision.

The wildlife

Without question, for many people the star of the show during a holiday in Rajasthan is the chance to glimpse the elusive Bengal tiger. But these animals are incredibly rare and if you’re not lucky enough to see one. Don’t be disappointed as there are also leopards, jungle cats, hyena, wild bears, crocodiles and countless other species. That’s not to mention the abundant birdlife, in the form of owlets, langur and more.

On Sri Lanka wildlife tours visit the enigmatic interior of Wilpattu or Minneriya in the north. Or head to the tropical south to Udawalawe and Yala national parks. For a marine adventure, why not visit the white sandy beaches of the coastal belt at Mirissa or Galle. Sri Lanka has its very own Big Five, and being an island nation it is truly unique. See leopards, elephants, sloth bears, blue whales and sperm whales all in the space of seven days. There are few destinations on the planet that offer such diversity.

Scenery and geography

12th century forts carved out of the desert sand, floating palaces, intricately carved temples and ancient cities – it’s fair to say that Rajasthan is a place where history comes alive. Landscapes vary from sandy deserts to lush jungle, dotted with pristine lakes and vast wildlife reserves. It’s incredible to think that this is just one state in India, even though it’s more spectacular and varied than many countries around the world.

Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours Flickr CC Image of Sri Lanka by ronsaunders47

Sri Lanka may be a fraction of India’s size but it’s no less enticing. Mist covered tea plantations and gilded Buddhist temples lie in the midst of huge national parks. And it’s all surrounded by a golden coastline lined with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Accommodation options

Your Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan will be punctuated by stays in some of the state’s major cities. Visit Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Bhavnagar and take advantage of some of the sumptuous and elegant hotels there. Make your way out into the wild and stay with local guides and people in guesthouses and jungle camps. Rajasthan offers the whole range of Indian accommodation options, from luxury down to riverside camping.

Holidays in Sri Lanka also offer an excellent range of accommodation options in all price brackets. Stay in a basic beachside shack or lounge in an elegant colonial mansion during your stay. Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming a luxury destination, with an excellent choice of affordable high-end accommodation.

Culture

Rajasthan is famed for its music and dance, both of which form a major part of the wider Indian culture. The songs depict day to day lives, focusing on work, relationships and activities that are familiar across Rajasthan. The state is also famed for its semi-precious stones and handicrafts, as well as its colourful art. Of particular note is the blue pottery of Jaipur.

Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours Flickr CC Image of Jaipur by Photographing Travis

Sri Lankan culture mixes modern and traditional elements. The history of trade, immigration and colonial eras sits alongside the traditional Sinhala Buddhists and other ethnic and religious histories. The northern plains are dotted with the ruins of ancient kingdoms built around huge lakes. The lowlands of the south and east have been founded upon fishing and rice cultivation over centuries.

Food

As part of northern India, Rajasthan cuisine is perhaps a little different from the Indian food you might know. The scarcity of water and green vegetables in the arid interior led to the development of food that would last for several days and maintain its flavour. Chutneys, turmeric and garlic all help to preserve food and add big blasts of flavour. With around three quarters of the state’s population being vegetarian, it is mostly a meat free diet. Traditional dishes to try on your Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan include Bikaneri Bhujia and Pyaaj Kachori.

Like its cultural attractions, Sri Lankan cuisine is a melting pot of influences and flavours. Don’t leave without trying the kottu roti found on most street corners. It is a simple way of dealing with leftovers. Shredded meat or vegetables are fried up with flatbreads and spices for a hearty snack. Dhal curries are also very popular and the sour fish curry of the southern part of the country is another speciality.

Other adventures

Outside the Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan and Sri Lanka wildlife tours, both countries offer a range of other activities.

Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours Flickr CC Image of Sri Lanka by Aries Tottle

While on an Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan, visit the beautiful city of Jaipur, with its City Palace, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Visit Agra and the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Or head further afield to explore more of alluring and enigmatic India.

There are many tours you can go on in Sri Lanka. You can catch the Kandy to Ella train to enjoy one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. Pass tea plantations and drink in the stunning views on each side of the tracks. Trek through tea fields, over steep mountains or enjoy the legendary sunset at the rope swing in Dalawella.

Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours?

Both safari adventures in Rajasthan and wildlife tours in Sri Lanka provide unique opportunities to enjoy the animals, culture, history and food of two of South Asia’s most beautiful destinations. Ultimately, it is down to you which is more your kind of thing. Hopefully the above guide has been of some use and has helped you figure out which of these two holiday options appeals most.

Once you decide Indian safari adventure in Rajasthan vs Sri Lanka wildlife tours be sure to check out our safari discounts.

 
Ahmedabad, Asia, Bhavnagar, Dalawella, Ella, Galle, India, Jaipur, Kandy, Minneriya, Mirissa, Rajasthan, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu, Yala National Park
Overlanding, Safari
Cultural, Elephant, tigers
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