Overview
Are you dreaming of an adventurous wildlife tour? Sri Lanka is one of South Asia’s premier destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, offering an incredible array of habitats and species. This island nation is stunning, exhilarating, majestic, and awe-inspiring. You will be captivated by the sight of majestic elephants, elusive leopards, playful dolphins, mighty whales, and countless species of vibrant birds that you never imagined seeing, all guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
On this tour, we guide you through Sri Lanka’s diverse and breathtaking fauna and flora with a series of exhilarating wildlife safaris, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
So, grab your binoculars and dive into the heart of the Sri Lankan wilderness. Capture unforgettable photographs of rare and mesmerizing wildlife while enjoying the warm hospitality of our people and the rich tapestry of our cultural diversity. Prepare yourself for the ultimate journey into the wild, where every destination is steeped in history, culture, tradition, festivals, architecture, and captivating landscapes.
Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of spectacular destinations and scenic wonders, each telling its own unique story. Join us on our meticulously crafted wildlife tour, designed to offer you an unforgettable experience from start to finish. This is more than a tour – it’s a wild adventure tailored just for you!
On this tour, we guide you through Sri Lanka’s diverse and breathtaking fauna and flora with a series of exhilarating wildlife safaris, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
So, grab your binoculars and dive into the heart of the Sri Lankan wilderness. Capture unforgettable photographs of rare and mesmerizing wildlife while enjoying the warm hospitality of our people and the rich tapestry of our cultural diversity. Prepare yourself for the ultimate journey into the wild, where every destination is steeped in history, culture, tradition, festivals, architecture, and captivating landscapes.
Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of spectacular destinations and scenic wonders, each telling its own unique story. Join us on our meticulously crafted wildlife tour, designed to offer you an unforgettable experience from start to finish. This is more than a tour – it’s a wild adventure tailored just for you!
Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival: Airport to Colombo/Negombo
- Welcome at the Airport: Upon your arrival in Sri Lanka, a Travana Tour representative will warmly greet you at the airport.
- Transfer to Hotel: After a brief meet and greet, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Colombo or Negombo.
- Hotel Check-In: Upon arrival at the hotel, complete the check-in process and settle into your room.
- Leisure Time: The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Relax at the hotel, explore the local area, or simply unwind after your journey.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel and relax for your first overnight stay in Sri Lanka.
Day 02
Negombo to Wilpattu
- Morning: Begin your day with an English breakfast before departing for Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuaries.
- En-route Stop: Visit Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, a unique ecological area ideal for bird watching, with numerous species nesting and breeding in this haven.
- Arrival at Wilpattu: Arrive at your campsite, relax, and prepare for an evening safari.
- Evening Safari: Embark on a thrilling jeep safari in Wilpattu, where you may spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and other wildlife.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Enjoy a mouthwatering BBQ dinner under the stars, followed by an overnight stay in a tented safari camp.
Overnight stay: Wilpattu
Day 03
Wilpattu to Anuradhapura to Sigiriya
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, established in the 4th century BC by King Pandukhabaya.
- Exploration: Explore the historic city, including visits to the ancient ‘Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi’ (the oldest documented Bo tree), ancient monasteries, and significant ruins. Witness remarkable stone carvings like the ‘Isurumuniya lovers’ and the majestic ‘Aukana Buddha statue,’ known for its intricate craftsmanship and spiritual significance.
- Afternoon: Continue your journey to Sigiriya.
- Arrival at Sigiriya: Check in to your hotel, relax, enjoy dinner, and unwind after a day rich in history and culture.
Overnight stay: Sigiriya
Day 04
Sigiriya to Wasgamuwa
- Morning: Start your day with an early breakfast before visiting the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, known for its remarkable architecture, ancient frescoes, and the stunning mirror wall. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a marvel of 5th-century engineering and design.
- Late Morning: After exploring Sigiriya, proceed to Wasgamuwa.
- En-route Stop: Visit a wildlife conservation center focused on mitigating human-elephant conflicts. Learn about the innovative use of orange plantations as a natural deterrent to elephants and participate in activities supporting local villagers.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Wasgamuwa, where you will visit the Wasgamuwa tank to observe elephants gathering at the water’s edge.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and relax at your hotel.
Overnight stay: Wasgamuwa
Day 05
Wasgamuwa to Nuwara Eliya
- Early Morning: Begin with an early jeep safari in Wasgamuwa National Park. Enjoy the sight of playful elephant herds and other wildlife species as you explore the park’s reservoirs. A packed breakfast will be provided.
- Mid-Morning: After the safari, depart for Nuwara Eliya via Mahiyanganaya. En-route, visit the historic Mahiyanganaya Temple, the first stupa built in Sri Lanka during the era of Lord Buddha.
- Scenic Drive: Continue your journey through mountainous landscapes, passing lush grasslands, misty vistas, and roadside stalls selling king coconuts. Enjoy the thrill of navigating the famous ‘18-hairpin-bends’ road, with opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range.
- Afternoon: Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, check in to your hotel and relax.
- Evening: Engage in a Nuwara Eliya city tour, including a visit to Gregory Lake. Admire the charming colonial architecture, mist-capped mountains, and blooming gardens.
- Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya
Day 06
Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains to Udawalawe
- Early Morning: Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on the Horton Plains trek at 6:30 am. Explore the stunning landscapes of Horton Plains, featuring a unique blend of montane evergreen forests, grasslands, and marshlands.
- Trek: Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and capture the beauty of the surroundings during your trek.
- Mid-Morning: After completing the trek, descend towards Udawalawe.
- En-route Stop: Visit the magnificent Ravana Falls in Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and widest waterfalls.
- Evening: Arrive at your riverside hotel in Udawalawe, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Riverside Hotel in Udawalawe
Day 07
Udawalawe to Yala/Kataragama
- Early Morning: Start your day with an early breakfast, then embark on an exciting jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, known for its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity. Explore the unique dry zone vegetation, forests, grasslands, and thorny shrubs.
- Late Morning: Visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, which cares for injured, sick, and orphaned baby elephants from across Sri Lanka.
- Afternoon: Proceed to Yala and check in to your safari camp for some relaxation.
- Evening: Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner at the safari camp.
- Night Activity: After dinner, take a guided night walk through the bush, where you’ll observe birds, reptiles, and other wildlife in their natural habitats as they settle in for the night.
- Overnight Stay: Return to your tented safari camp in Yala for a restful night.
Overnight stay: Tented Safari Camp in Yala
Day 08
Yala National Park
- Early Morning: Start your day with an early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park. Breakfast packets will be provided. Explore the vast forest and watering holes, and keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species. Yala is renowned for its high leopard population density, offering some of the best chances to spot these elusive big cats.
- Mid-Morning: Visit the Sithulpawwa Monastery within the park, where you can learn about the fascinating folklore and history of this ancient site.
- Afternoon: After lunch, continue with another jeep safari session in Yala, where you can spot more wildlife and enjoy the park’s diverse landscapes. As the day cools, more animals venture out to the water holes.
- Evening: Return to the safari camp and enjoy a Rotti dinner under the starry skies, followed by a restful overnight stay in your tent.
Overnight stay: Tented Safari Camp in Yala
Day 09
Yala to Kataragama to Ahangama Beach
- Morning: After breakfast, depart from Yala and visit ‘Wadahiti Kanda’ in Kataragama. This sacred site is where Prince Dutugemunu vowed to build a temple after defeating the invader King Elara.
- Late Morning: Continue your journey towards Ahangama beach, stopping en route at Ussangoda Beach Park. This unique location, believed to have been struck by an ancient meteoroid, features a mysterious landscape with barren soil and unusual vegetation.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your beach resort in Ahangama. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach, enjoying the serene environment, and soaking in the local culture of southern Sri Lanka.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the resort and unwind before your overnight stay.
Overnight stay: Ahangama Beach Resort
Day 10
Departure from Sri Lanka
- Morning: On your last day in Sri Lanka, enjoy an early breakfast. Depending on the season, you may be transferred to Mirissa (November – April) for an early morning whale watching excursion at 5:30 AM, with breakfast packets provided. Mirissa offers breathtaking views, stunning sunrises, and is a premier spot for whale and dolphin watching.
- Late Morning: After the whale watching experience, transfer to Colombo for a city tour. Explore key landmarks such as Galle Face Green, the old parliament, the lighthouse clock tower, Colombo Harbour, Gangarama Temple, Independence Square, and Viharamahadevi Park.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch and a quick shopping tour in Colombo to pick up any last-minute souvenirs.
- Evening: Proceed to the airport for your departure. If your flight is late in the night, a special Sri Lankan dinner with a local family will be arranged, offering a perfect cultural farewell.
- Departure: Bid farewell to Sri Lanka, bringing an end to your exciting and memorable wildlife adventure.
More info
Included
- Halfboard accommodation on Twin/Double sharing basis at selected hotels
- Transfers by air-conditioned vehicles with English speaking chauffeur / guide services as per government health and safety protocols
- Expressway and parking charges
- All applicable local taxes
Excluded
- Optional sightseeing Entrance fees to places of interest (given separately as optional)
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Incidental expenses
- Lunch & beverages throughout the tour
- Visa charges Any other services not specified above
Group Deal Available!
If you’re traveling with more than 10 people, take advantage of our exclusive group deal:
- Discounted Rates: Special prices on airfare, accommodation, and transfers.
- Extra Perks: Complimentary upgrades and group experiences.
Contact us for group pricing details and save more on your Sri Lanka adventure!