Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Wilpattu, Sigiriya, Minneriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Udawalawe, Bundala, Mirissa
Overview:
Embark on an exciting 10-day wildlife tour of Sri Lanka, where you’ll explore the island’s diverse ecosystems, from dense jungles and misty mountains to wetlands and coastal areas. This tour offers a chance to see Sri Lanka’s incredible biodiversity, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and colorful birdlife. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, this journey takes you through some of the country’s best-known national parks, providing close encounters with animals in their natural habitats.
Highlights:
Wilpattu National Park – Track elusive leopards and experience Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
Minneriya National Park – Witness the world-famous elephant gathering, one of the largest in Asia.
Yala National Park – Spot leopards, elephants, and crocodiles in one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations.
Udawalawe National Park – Enjoy a safari where you can observe large herds of elephants up close.
Bundala National Park – Explore this wetland haven for birdwatchers, home to flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds.
Whale Watching in Mirissa – Take a boat ride to see blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
Nature Trails – Hike through Horton Plains, explore tea plantations, and enjoy scenic nature trails in Nuwara Eliya.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Wilpattu
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and transfer to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
Afternoon jeep safari in Wilpattu, where you’ll have the chance to spot leopards, sloth bears, and deer in their natural habitats.
Overnight stay at an eco-friendly lodge near the park.
Day 2: Wilpattu National Park – Full-Day Safari
Full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife.
Explore the park’s unique landscape of natural lakes (“villus”) that attract a wide variety of animals.
Evening at leisure to relax at your lodge or enjoy a nature walk around the park’s edges.
Day 3: Wilpattu – Sigiriya
Drive to Sigiriya and climb the iconic Lion Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Afterward, visit Pidurangala Rock for an even more adventurous hike with rewarding views.
Overnight stay at a nature resort near Sigiriya.
Day 4: Sigiriya – Minneriya National Park
Morning visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, known for its stunning Buddhist murals and statues.
Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for the gathering of elephants, where you can see hundreds of wild elephants congregating near the water during the dry season (July to October).
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening surrounded by nature.
Day 5: Sigiriya – Kandy
Travel to Kandy, stopping enroute at a local spice garden for a tour of Sri Lanka’s fragrant spices.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
Enjoy an evening cultural dance performance in Kandy and stay in a hotel nestled in the surrounding hills.
Day 6: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Head to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England,” for its cool climate and tea plantations.
Visit a tea plantation and factory, where you can learn about tea production and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
Afternoon trek through Horton Plains National Park, where you’ll explore World’s End, a dramatic escarpment offering breathtaking views, and spot wildlife like the Sri Lankan sambar deer and various bird species.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park
Travel to Yala National Park, the most famous wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka known for its high density of leopards.
Afternoon jeep safari in Yala, where you’ll have the chance to see not only leopards but also elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and an array of birds.
Overnight stay at a safari lodge near the park.
Day 8: Yala – Udawalawe National Park
Early morning, head to Udawalawe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants.
Afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe, where you can observe elephants in large numbers, along with water buffalo, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Stay at an eco-friendly lodge near Udawalawe.
Day 9: Udawalawe – Bundala National Park – Mirissa
Depart for Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Enjoy a birdwatching safari, where you’ll see a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks.
Relax at your beachfront resort in Mirissa.
Day 10: Mirissa – Whale Watching – Colombo Departure
Early morning whale watching boat trip from Mirissa to see blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
Return to Colombo for a half-day city tour before your departure.
Visit Galle Face Green, Colombo port city, and enjoy some last-minute shopping.
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for your departure.
What’s Included:
Accommodation in eco-lodges and nature resorts.
Daily breakfast and selected meals.
All ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
Entrance fees to all national parks and cultural sites.
All wildlife safaris with experienced rangers and jeep rides.
Whale watching tour in Mirissa.
Birdwatching safari in Bundala National Park.
Not Included:
International flights.
Travel insurance.
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, meals not mentioned, etc.).
Pricing:
Depending on the choice, Duration and itinerary. Special package rates are available for multi-day trips and longer journeys. Group discounts and tailor-made itineraries available upon request.