Sri Lanka Wildlife Discovery

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Depart UK

   Depart on an overnight flight, arriving into Colombo the following morning.

2. Day 2: Negombo

   Transfer to your overnight accommodation on the beach and relax for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

3. Days 3-4 : Wilpattu National Park

   Journey north to a diverse national park, Wilpattu, home to over 30 species of mammal, countless species of wetland and forest birds, numerous reptiles and interesting flora. Famous for its leopard and sloth bear sightings, you also have the opportunity to spot elephant, deer, buffalo, wild boar, langur monkeys and crocodiles. Take half day or full day safaris in this fascinating wilderness. 

4. Day 5: Minneriya National Park

   Departing Wilpattu, make your way to Sigiriya for an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park. 

   Known as the largest ‘meeting place’ in the world for wild elephants, a remarkable gathering takes place each year in August and September where herds of up to 300 elephants from the surrounding wilderness gather in search of food and water, making their way to the shores of the reservoir adjoining the park. 

   Elephants can be sighted year round, along with sambar deer, sloth bears, buffalo purple-faced monkeys and exotic birds.

5. Day 6: Hiriwadunna Village Visit

   Visit a typical Sri Lankan village, where you can ride a catamaran across the lake to learn about local farming methods, take a tractor ride into the countryside and join a few of the locals for a tasty home-cooked Sri Lankan meal.

6. Day 7: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   Known also as Lion Rock, because of the huge lion that stands at the entrance to the palace, this 5th century fortress offers spectacular views across the Sri Lankan countryside following your climb.

   Continue your journey north to Trincomalee this afternoon.

7. Days 8-9 : Trincomalee

   The next few days are free for you to relax on the east coast beaches of Trincomalee. Choose from optional snorkelling excursions to Pigeon Island to witness turtles feeding on the seagrass or boat trips in search of whales, a prime location to see blue whales. 

8. Day 10: Kandy

   Travelling south, you head to the central province, where you can absorb some of the country's iconic culture at the Temple of the Tooth Relic or watch a traditional Kandyan Dance performance.

9. Day 11: Scenic Train Ride & Visit to Tea Plantation

   An iconic and bucket list activity in Sri Lanka, ride the train from Kandy to Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya in the highlands. The train winds its way through native forest, passing beautiful mountain scenery, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. 

   In the afternoon, visit a tea plantation, tea fields and factory to learn of the whole story from bush to cup, finishing with a fresh cup of Ceylon tea.

10. Day 12: Horton Plains

    Head out early to avoid the closing in of the late morning mist, to the highest plateau on the island, Horton Plains, and a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and birdwatchers. You may also witness large herds of sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, rusty-spotted cat, mongooses and possibly even the elusive leopard.

11. Days 13-14 : Udawalawe National Park & Elephant Transit Home

    Travelling from Nuwara Eliya, visit Ella and various viewpoints and waterfalls en route to Udawalawe National Park, where the open plains make elephant spotting a little easier to see.

    Choose to stay in safari-style tented accommodation and enjoy BBQ dinners around a campfire. Enjoy a half-day game drive, searching for wildlife and a visit to the elephant transit home – a place where abandoned, orphaned and sick baby elephants are cared for until they can be released back into the wild. 

12. Day 15: Yala National Park

    With an optional morning visit to Sithulpawwa - an ancient Buddhist monastery - or a relaxing swim in the hotel pool, the afternoon is spent searching for leopard in Yala National Park, home to the largest population of leopard in the country. 

13. Days 16-17 : Sinharaja Forest Reserve

    Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travel west to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a beautiful and tranquil primary, lowland rainforest where you can enjoy a nature trek to learn about the endemic flora and fauna in this serene biosphere reserve. There are also options to visit waterfalls and a unique sliding rock, natural water park.

14. Day 18: Depart Colombo

    Sadly, your incredible wildlife discovery tour of Sri Lanka has come to an end, and you're transferred back to the airport for your return flight home.