“Authentic wildlife experiences are not just about seeing an animal, but truly connecting with the ecosystem it inhabits.”
At Uga Halloowella, a new boutique property tucked into the tea-covered hills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the stunning natural landscape is an integral part of the experience. Nisal Herath, the property’s resident Naturalist, plays a vital role in helping guests connect with the surrounding environment – from designing hiking trails informed by leopard behaviour, to offering insights into the region’s ecology, culture and conservation. Here, he shares what makes Sri Lanka's Hill Country so ecologically unique, and how even the smallest signs can tell the story of a living, dynamic landscape.
- 01. What first inspired you to work in conservation and guiding?
- 02. What does a typical day in your role look like?
- 03. How do you introduce guests to the natural environment in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country?
- 04. You designed the hiking routes at Halloowella and along the elephant corridor. How did you go about mapping these trails?
- 05. How do you balance the excitement of wildlife encounters with protecting the animals and their habitat?
- 06. As a naturalist, what are some of the small, easily missed details in nature that you love to point out?
- 07. What do you personally find most special about working for Uga?
I’m Nisal Herath, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. I specialised in zoology, botany, and chemistry. During my studies, I gained valuable hands-on field experience under the guidance of my supervisor and worked as a research assistant on several environmental conservation projects. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the natural world and strengthened my passion for conservation, ultimately motivating me to pursue a role as a trainee naturalist, in which I gained one and a half years of professional experience.
What first inspired you to work in conservation and guiding?
What does a typical day in your role look like?
A typical day in my role involves interacting with guests, promoting and upselling excursions, and exploring nature trails to discover new paths while learning more about the surrounding environment. Another key aspect of my work is monitoring leopards and other mammals, studying their behaviour through trail cameras placed in selected locations. I also document their movements and behavioural patterns as part of ongoing observation and research initiatives.
When I introduce guests to the natural environment of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, I like to share the story of a landscape that is both beautiful and resilient. Although much of the region is now covered by tea plantations and invasive plant species, there are still small, untouched forest patches that remain much as they have for centuries. These areas are rich with life, offering visitors a true sense of the Hill Country’s natural beauty. As we explore, I often talk about the incredible wildlife that thrives here, from barking deer that quietly move through the undergrowth to the colourful birds that bring the forest to life with their movement. One of the most fascinating animals to observe, even if only through signs or camera footage, is the Sri Lankan leopard, the apex predator of this ecosystem. These leopards have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle, moving mostly at night due to human activity in the area. The Hill Country is also home to three of Sri Lanka’s four wild cat species, along with a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians that make each walk a new and exciting adventure.
How do you introduce guests to the natural environment in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country?
You designed the hiking routes at Halloowella and along the elephant corridor. How did you go about mapping these trails?
It wasn’t elephants, but leopards that inspired the design of the hiking routes at Halloowella. To begin mapping the trails, I spent time exploring the plantations and surrounding areas, setting up trail cameras to identify the paths most frequently used by leopards. Through this process, I discovered several routes that run along the edges of both forest patches and tea plantations - areas regularly visited by leopards and other wildlife. Along the way, I also found beautiful viewpoints offering scenic perspectives of the landscape. I then connected these routes to create a unique trail that highlights key elements of the area: leopard territories, forest patches, tea plantations, nearby communities, and striking viewpoints. The result is an immersive experience that blends wildlife, nature, and local culture. At the end of each walk, I host a presentation where I share trail-camera footage, giving guests a rare glimpse into the hidden life of the landscape and the secret world of leopards that move quietly through these trails.
It’s quite rare to encounter a leopard during these experiences, as they are shy animals that have fully adapted to a nocturnal and elusive lifestyle. Rather than trying to guarantee a sighting, my goal is to help guests appreciate and understand their presence in a respectful and meaningful way. During the walks, I focus on identifying signs such as tracks, scat, scratch marks, and other subtle indicators that reveal their behaviour and movements. I also share footage from my trail cameras, allowing guests to witness their hidden world without causing any disturbance. This approach keeps the sense of excitement alive while ensuring minimal impact on the wildlife and their habitat. Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for how these leopards live and a greater understanding that authentic wildlife experiences are not just about seeing an animal but truly connecting with the ecosystem it inhabits. Additionally, the area offers wonderful opportunities for bird lovers, as it supports rich avifaunal diversity and frequent sightings of many fascinating species.
How do you balance the excitement of wildlife encounters with protecting the animals and their habitat?
As a naturalist, what are some of the small, easily missed details in nature that you love to point out?
As a naturalist, I love drawing attention to the smaller, often overlooked details that reveal the deeper story of the Hill Country’s environment. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, I highlight the impact that industrialisation, particularly the tea industry, has had on local ecosystems. Many visitors are surprised to learn how habitat loss and fragmentation threaten wildlife, and how ongoing human activities continue to disrupt the natural balance. I also take time to speak about the lives of plantation workers, whose hard work has shaped this region for generations. Their relationship with the land is an important and often forgotten part of the story. Alongside these discussions, I emphasise the importance of conservation initiatives and the sustainable practices that can be fostered within local communities. By focusing on these small but meaningful elements, I aim to inspire guests to view the Hill Country not only as a beautiful landscape, but as a living, interconnected system that requires care, respect, and understanding.
All of these reasons make working for Uga very special to me. The environment is exactly what I hoped for – peaceful, inspiring, and a place where I can give my best every day. The team is equally wonderful. As this is a newly opened property, both the pre-opening team and new members work together with great harmony and teamwork. I feel truly fortunate to be part of such a friendly, humble, and supportive group of people. Another aspect I value greatly is meeting guests from around the world. Every interaction is unique – sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and learning about different cultures is something I truly enjoy. I especially appreciate the way guests respond to my work, particularly when discussing the elusive wildlife. Their interest and appreciation are incredibly rewarding. These moments not only create lasting memories, but also help me grow both personally and professionally. I genuinely enjoy being part of Uga and feel grateful for this meaningful experience.
What do you personally find most special about working for Uga?
Inspired to explore Sri Lanka’s Hill Country on foot? Let us create a tailormade journey that includes a stay at Uga Halloowella, where wildlife, culture and conservation meet on the trail. Our thanks to Nisal for sharing his knowledge and passion.
Photography credits: Uga Resorts
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