Sri Lanka in to the Wild

 
About Noel

Noel’s taste for adventure started at a very early age. A keen sportsman, Noel spent much of his childhood exploring the great outdoors, igniting his passion for Sri Lanka’s jungles and the unique wildlife found within them.

Over the last 25 years Noel’s research, especially on leopards, has taken him all over the island leading expeditions into the jungle and assisting wildlife researchers with their work. Two years ago Noel started his own venture, Leopard Safari Camps offering stylish accommodation, starlit dining and guided safari expeditions into the wildest parts of the island.

Much of Noel’s knowledge of the island’s jungles has come from his other passion; off-roading. Winner of the prestigious 4×4 Challenge, Noel has also won the national motocross championships a staggering four times. 
 

An Interview with Noel 

Why Sri Lanka? 
Where in the world would you get an island that is big enough to have the diversity in flora and fauna, the hot and the cold, the plains and the mountains, the beaches and the jungles, the archaeological sites of our ancestors and the heritage sites of our invaders? These changes are reflected in journey travel times of between only one and three hours.  
 
Surprising Sri Lankan fact? 
It has the highest density of leopards and the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world. 
 
By the sea or in the hills?
Definitely in the hills. In the Knuckles Range it’s possible to see leopards roaming in the wild. 
 
Top thrill? 
Riding my bike off road or rally driving and listening to Queen at the same time.  
 
Top chill spot? 
Beside the floating bar in the river of the safari campsite at Uda Walawe National Park.  
 
Favourite walk? 
Trekking in the Knuckles Range, near Kandy.  
 
Favourite drink? 
A chilled Lion Beer.  
 
Best place for a Sri Lankan rice and curry?
At a leopard safari camp, under the stars listening to the unique sounds of the jungle. 
 
Favourite hotel? 
Vil Uyana in the Cultural Triangle. They place great emphasis on caring for the environment.  
 
Favourite garden? 
I love the tea planters’ bungalow gardens. If I had to pick one, I would choose Norwood.  
 
Best festival?
The grand Kandy Perahera in July/August every year. With so many elephants, dancers and drummers involved, it’s a multi-sensorial fiesta of giant proportions! 
 
Is there a soundtrack to your Sri Lanka journey? 
Don’t worry by Bob Marley. 
 
What do you never leave home without? 
My survival gear – it’s vital for when I go deep into the jungle!  
 
Piece of insider advice? 
Take memories away with you and leave only your footprints behind.  
 
Vital word or phrase? 
One life, live it!