WILDLIFE SAFARI & WHALE TALES | 09 NIGHTS 10 DAYS
Beyond Africa, Sri Lanka boasts an impressive success rate in spotting majestic wildlife such as elephants, leopards, bears, and crocodiles. Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is blessed with a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the renowned ‘big five’ such as the Sambur, which can be sighted effortlessly in major national parks.
This tour will guide you through three renowned nature reserves in Sri Lanka before venturing out to sea to encounter the ocean’s giants.
Destination
Included
AccommodationAll parking and highway charges where applicableAll TaxesAssistant at the AirportBreakfast & DinnerEnglish Speaking Chauffeur GuideMineral Water on TourTransfers by private AC vehiclesNot Included
Lunch
Day 1: AIRPORT - COLOMBO
Ayubowan! (May you live long).
Upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport in Sri Lanka, you will be welcomed and assisted by a representative of Adithya Lanka Holidays and your chauffeur guide who will take you to the capital city of COLOMBO. Once in the comforts of your hotel, relax and recover from jet lag. If you have spare time, your chauffeur guide will introduce you to some of Colombo’s curious sites such as the vibrant markets of Pettah, the old city of Fort, the Hindu Temple at Sea Street, and the Dutch Church at Wolfendal or alternatively to indulge in some shopping.
- Included Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Colombo.
- Highlights:
- Embark on a guided city tour of Colombo
Day 2: COLOMBO - DAMBULLA
After breakfast, embark on a journey to discover MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK. Covering approximately 8,889 hectares, this park serves as a crucial part of an 'elephant corridor', where numerous elephants gather at the reservoir to drink, feed, and engage in playful activities. While smaller herds can be spotted throughout the year, the period from May to October offers the best opportunity to witness the renowned Elephant Gathering. In addition to elephants, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 23 species of mammals such as leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and buffalo, as well as over 170 species of birds.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dambulla.
- Highlights:
- Safari at Minneriya National Park
Day 3: DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast, climb the remarkable SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS, a designated World Heritage Site. This 5th-century wonder is an architectural feat hewn from an immense rock formation. Next, journey into the mountains, encountering diverse landscapes. Make a stop at a tea plantation and factory along the way. Following a break, wander through NUWARA ELIYA town – often fondly called “Little England” due to its colonial bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-manicured hedgerows, and charming gardens enveloped in refreshing misty air. Take a leisurely stroll past the renowned golf course and Victoria Park. Conclude your evening at your own pace.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
- Highlights:
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Scenic Hill Country Drive
Day 4: NUWARA ELIYA - YALA
Discover the stunning landscapes of Nuwara Eliya as you journey down to the lush jungles of Yala. YALA NATIONAL PARK is renowned for being the home of the Sri Lankan Leopard, a distinct subspecies. It boasts the highest concentration of leopards globally. Yala is also known for being the habitat of Sri Lanka’s ‘Big Five,’ including elephants, sloth bears, sambur, crocodiles, and, of course, leopards. Join our expert naturalist for an evening jeep excursion and keep your eyes peeled – you might just have the chance to witness these magnificent creatures, as well as other fascinating wildlife.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yala
- Highlights:
- Leopard trail at Yala National Park
Day 5: YALA
After enjoying breakfast, kick off your wildlife excursion with bird watching at BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK. This rugged terrain boasts sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and tranquil lagoons, creating a diverse habitat for 197 species of birds and 32 types of mammals. As the day winds down, embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the expansive landscapes of Yala National Park. Accompanied by our knowledgeable naturalist guide, you'll have the opportunity to observe Yala's most renowned residents, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. Keep a lookout for other fascinating wildlife such as wild buffaloes, crocodiles, sambur, spotted deer, mongooses, langurs, and peacocks, which are commonly spotted in the area.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yala
- Highlights:
- Bundala National Park
- Yala National Park
Day 6: YALA - UDAWALAWE
After enjoying breakfast, depart for UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK, renowned as one of the prime locations for elephant sightings, with an estimated 600 to 700 elephants inhabiting the park. While the park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, spotting leopards and bears can be challenging due to the terrain. Additionally, the reserve serves as a crucial catchment area for the Udawalawe Reservoir, a vital water source for the surrounding regions. After a lunch break, embark on an evening safari drive to explore the park further.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Udawalawa
- Highlights:
- Evening with Elephants
Day 7: UDAWALAWE - SINHARAJA
Start your day at the Elephant Transit Centre, dedicated to the care of orphaned and injured elephants before their release back into the wild. Proceed to SINHARAJA, Sri Lanka's last remaining rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 60% of its flora being endemic and rare, and more than 50% of the country's endemic mammals, butterflies, insects, reptiles, and amphibians found here, Sinharaja is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Immerse yourself in this natural wonder with morning and evening treks to fully appreciate its beauty.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sinharaja.
- Highlights:
- Sinharaja Rainforest
Day 8: SINHARAJA - GALLE
After breakfast, depart from the lush rainforest to the vibrant coastal city of GALLE, the bustling capital of the South. As one of Sri Lanka's oldest living cities, Galle is adorned with historic landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage site where a lively community thrives. Wander through cobbled streets adorned with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques, churches, grand mansions, and museums. Discover stylish cafes, quirky boutiques, and impeccably restored villas and hotels. Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring the Galle Fort and its historical attractions, and perhaps indulge in some souvenir shopping along the way.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
- Highlights:
- Embark on a guided city tour of Galle.
Day 9: GALLE – MIRISSA - GALLE
After early breakfast, depart for MIRISSA on an early morning adventure to witness the majestic whales and playful dolphins of the ocean. Encounter pods of dolphins, delighting in their acrobatic displays as they accompany your boat towards deeper waters, home to the magnificent blue whales and sperm whales. Sri Lanka is renowned as one of the premier locations worldwide to observe these majestic creatures together, offering you a chance for an unforgettable experience. After the excursion, return to shore to unwind and rejuvenate.
- Included Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
- Highlights:
- Whale & Dolphin Watching.
Day 10: GALLE – AIRPORT
As your Sri Lankan journey concludes, our chauffeur guide will accompany you to the airport, bidding you farewell. Remember, every end is a new beginning. Treasure the memories, landscapes, and warm encounters. May Sri Lanka's vibrant colors, rich culture, and serene beauty stay with you always.Until we meet again.
- Included Meals: Breakfast