Wildlife of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Wildlife

Tropical birds, leopards & elephant gatherings

14 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Experience the incredible natural beauty of Sri Lanka as you delve into the island's spectacularly diverse wilderness. Discover the mystical ruins of Anuradhapura, learn of the Kandyan Kings in the Udawatte Kele Sanctuary and explore some of Sri Lanka's most iconic ecosystems, from freshwater wetlands to verdant rainforests. Venture away from popular nature trails to the undisturbed Wilpattu National Park and search for native wild elephants in Minneriya National Park. Soak up the colonial charm of Nuware Eliya. Enjoy panoramic views across the tea plantations of the Horton Plains before wandering through the quaint colonial streets of Galle.. Finally, indulge in island life as you relax on the tranquil beaches of Hikkaduwa.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The beach town of Negombo
  • Undisturbed wildlife at Wilpattu National Park
  • Visit the migratory elephant corridor of Kaudulla National Park
  • Sigirya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Tea plantations in the Horton Plains
  • Leopards in Yala National Park
  • Explore Bundala National Park
  • Spot endemic species in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve
  • Walk on the beach along the South coast

Places Visited

Negombo - Wilpattu National Park - Sigiriya - Gal Oya - Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park - Sinharaja Forest Reserve - Ahangama

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Negombo

Arrive in Colombo International airport, where you will be met by a Travel the Unknown representative and transferred to Negombo. Dinner and overnight in Negombo.

Overnight in Arie Lagoon, Negombo

Meal plan: Dinner

Negombo is a quiet beach town on the western coast of Sri Lanka. It was under Dutch control for the majority of the 18th Century, becoming one of their most important sources of cinnamon, before being acquired by the British in 1796. Negombo is a great introduction to Sri Lanka with a friendly local community and restaurants to suit all tastes. It has an interesting old quarter as well as a 100km-long canal that was used during the town’s Dutch era. It also boasts a number of Catholic churches, boutiques and interesting stalls.
 
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Day 2 : Negombo - Willpattu

After breakfast, depart the capital and head to the first park of your trip: Wilpattu. After arriving, check-in to your accommodations. Your stay for the next couple of nights will be at the Big Game Camp where the tents are basic but equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable camping experience. The campsite comes alive in the evenings with the dining tables set around the campfire and lit by the night skies. 

In the afternoon, take your first outing into the park. Head out on foot along one of the park's border nature trails with a local naturalist who will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the area. In the evening, relax into your tents and prepare for a full-day safari tomorrow. 

Overnight in Big Game Camp, Wilpattu National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Wilpattu is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. Its name derives from 'Willu-pattu', meaning 'land of lakes' after its many distinctive natural water basins. These depressions fill with rainwater, forming lakes that attract a rich array of birds and wildlife. Due to security concerns regarding the Sri Lankan civil war, the park was closed to the public for fifteen years. However, despite reopening in 2009, it is a relatively quiet tourist destination; which is why it is a perfect location to spot undisturbed sloth bears, elephants, deer and leopards.

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Day 3 : Wilpattu National Park

It's an early start today with a packed breakfast in hand as you take advantage of a full day game drive. It's a big park with plenty to explore and many wildlife sightings to see. Note that most of the park does not have toilet facilities so be prepared for a wild bush toilet or two (your guide and naturalist will advise on the best stops for this). In the later afternoon, return to camp for a well-earned rest. 

Overnight in Big Game Camp, Wilpattu National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 4 : Wilpattu - Sigiriya

Depart the park and hit the road towards Sigiriya. Enroute, you'll first stop at Ritigala Monastery for a forest walk and exploration of this archaeological site. After taking in it's mysteries, drive on to your accommodations in Sigiriya where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Seerock The King's Domain, Sigiriya

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Forty-three kilometres away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, sits the ruins of Ritigala Monastery dating back to the 1st century BCE. Tucked away on the Ritigala Mountain Range, the ruins cover 59 acres and sit close to the foot of the man-made reservoir Banda Pokuna; which historians believe was used for religious rituals. Ritigala was also discovered to have none of the traditional relics and icons found in Buddhist temples. It is believed that this was due to the extreme austerity and simplicity the Pansukulikas Buddhists, who resided in the area, adopted to achieve ultimate enlightenment.
 

The Sigirya Rock Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is located in the middle of a plain and consists of a 200m-tall central rock and two rectangular precincts that stand on the east and the west. The fortress is surrounded by wide moats that used to be full of crocodiles. Sigirya was built under the orders of King Kasyapa and was used as both a palace and a fortress. 

Regarded as perhaps Sri Lanka's most dramatic sight, the UNESCO listed Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in the northern Matale District of Central Province. At nearly 200m high, Sigiriya is of great historical and archaeological importance. During King Kashyapa’s reign (477-495 CE) he moved to Sigiriya from the traditional capital Anuradhapua to Sigiriya which he made into an impressive rock fortress. The climb up to Sigiriya consists of a series of vertiginous staircases, yet sights along the way such as the mirror wall, which used to be so well polished that King Kashyapa could see his reflection, the water gardens and the panoramic views at the top, make it a truly unforgettable and enjoyable experience.
 

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Day 5 : Sigiriya & Surroundings

It’s an early start today as you make the one-hour hike up Pidurangala Rock to catch sunrise with Sigiriya Fortress in the distance. Climb back down and head back to your hotel to rest through lunch.

In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari of one of the national parks located near Sigiriya - this could be Minneriya, Hurulu Eco Park, or Kaudalla - where elephants can be well-observed in their natural habitat. These majestic animals transfer from park to park throughout the year, so your final destination will depend on their current movements. Depending on the day, the park can be busy so prepare to see other travellers, but the elephant sightings are sure ot be unforgettable.Various birds can also be spotted, including painted storks, pelicans, and little cormorants.

Return to your accommodation later on, where the evening is at rest. 

Overnight in Seerock The King's Domain, Sigiriya

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Pidurangala is a large rock formation located opposite Sigiriya. It was once used as a meditative retreat for monks and contains many caves and cells purportedly used by them throughout history. Two highlights of Pidurangala are its large reclining Buddha statue and its unbeatable views across the landcape.

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Day 6 : Sigiriya - Gal Oya

After breakfast, check-out and make the four-hour drive to Gal Oya National Park. Here you'll check-in and come afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the village of Rathugala. You'll be accompanied by a local naturalist to discover the lovely Kiri Oruwa lake, full of abundant bird life and the occasional elephant. The walk is about two hours, and the rest of the day will be at your leisure. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 7 : Gal Oya

Today you'll enjoy a boat safari on Sri Lanka's largest lake: the manmade reservoir of Senanayake Samudra. To protect the park, the number of boat departures per day are limited and thus the safari may be shared with other travellers, however the two-hour trip will be filled with potential sightings of many birds, deer, crocodiles, and elephants. If you're lucky, you might even see the latter swimming from island to island! Halfway through your trip, disembark and enjoy a picnic on one of the lakes remote islands. After your boat trip, head back to your accommodations and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing.

Note that today there is also the option to take an additional jeep safari to the Nilgala Section of the park, at additional cost. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 8 : Gal Oya - Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before proceeding to the highland "Little England" town of Nuwara Eliya. 

Overnight in St. Andrew's Hotel , Nuwara Eliya

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Nuwara Eliya, meaning 'City of Light', is a town in the highlands of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is also called 'Little England' - as, historically, the region's temperate climates attracted British colonialists who came to run Nuwara Eliya's many tea plantations. The buildings and houses in the town still retain features from this colonial period, whilst private gardens and parks continue to be maintained and manicured in an old-English style. 

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Day 9 : Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Yala

It's an early start and a longer day today as you depart this highland town for the open hills of Horton Plains. Spend the morning trekking through this scenic landscape with packed breakfast in hand. The hike is about 10km in total, and moves from grassland to cloud forest, arriving at World's End. After your hike, cool down and head back to your vehicle to drive through the afternoon to Yala National Park. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

The Horton Plains are a nationally protected park in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Designated as a national park in 1988, the plateau is home to a rich array of biodiversity - many species are endemic to this region. The plateau stands at an altitude of over 2,000 metres and provides panoramic views across the lush green valleys. The park is home to large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer, along with many rare and migratory bird species. 

Yala National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Sri Lanka. The park spans 979 sq. km. and consists of five blocks, two of which are open to the public. It is famous for having the highest leopard density in the world, as well as for the conservation of elephants and aquatic birds. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas of the country, being home to over 200 different bird species. Yala's ecosystems range from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. Two important pilgrim sites are also located within the park, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara.

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Day 10 : Yala - Bundala - Yala

It's a full day of wildlife as you start the day with a packed breakfast and safari in the nearby Bundala National Park. Explore the meeting or land, sea, and wetlands where lagoons are alive with colour and birdlife. End the morning with a picnic of Sri Lankan snacks and tea before heading back to your hotel for a midday rest. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a safari through the famous Yala National Park where a wide range of wildlife can be spotted including buffalo, jackals, peacocks, black bears, elephants, and the illusive leopards. In the evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest. 

Overnight in Grand Tamarind Lake, Yala National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Bundala National Park lies along the coast of Sri Lanka, spanning 20km from Kirinda to Hambantota. Bundala is quieter than many other national parks in Sri Lanka, yet it is open all year round to visitors exploring the island. The park supports a unique ecosystem. Its jungles, lagoons and coastal stretches are home to an array of endemic and rare species. Bundala attracts a remarkable variety of aquatic and migratory birds including flocks of greater flamingoes and Indian peafowl. The national park is also known for its growing turtle population, which lay their eggs along Bundala's many beaches. 

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Day 11 : Yala - Sinharaya Rainforest

This morning you'll drive to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. On arrival check-in and enjoy a few hours resting in your eco-lodgings. In the late afternoon, set out on a trek through the Sinharaja Rainforest lasting around 3 hours and 6km, exploring Sri Lanka's largest viable area of primary tropical rainforest and the many endemic species of flora and fauna found here. Enjoy an evening at leisure in your accommodations. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is situated in the wetlands of Sri Lanka and is considered to be one of the last undisturbed areas of rainforest on the island. Sinharaja has a rich array of flora and fauna, where over 60% of the trees and 50% of the animals are thought to be endemic species. The tropical rainforest has been declared a protected UNESCO site, which visitors can only access and explore by foot. Some of the species spotted in Sinharaja Forest Reserve include the purple-faced langur and orange-billed babbler.

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Day 12 : Sinharaja - Ahangama

Enjoy a restful morning before making the drive to the South Coast where the beach and crisp salt air await your relaxation. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to rest or explore this coastal hamlet. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 13 : Ahangama

Enjoy a full day to soak up the last of Sri Lanka's sun and coast, taking the day at your own pace. 

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 14 : Departure

This morning you'll leave the beach and transfer directly to Colombo International airport for your departure flight. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Arie Lagoon

Negombo (1 night)

The Arie Lagoon in Negombo is a luxury hotel nestled between the shimmering waters of the lagoon and the vast Indian Ocean, in the fishing village of Thalahena. The Banana Prawn restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including succulent seafood and Sri Lankan favorites. The hotel also offers 3 bars, so you will never be short on choice of where to sit and have a drink on an evening. 

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Big Game Camp

Wilpattu National Park (2 nights)

The Big Game Camp offers a truly unique experience for those who are adventurous and want to experience Sri Lanka’s breath-taking wildlife first hand. The campsite is close to the park’s southern boundary, but is surrounded by the park’s forests, which means that on occasion the park’s fauna can be spotted from the tents. Bear in mind that accommodation is basic, but the charm of the wilderness, outdoor barbeques and safari trip are sure to make for a once in a lifetime experience.

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Seerock The King's Domain

Sigiriya (2 nights)

Seerock The Kings Domain is a nice upper mid-range boutique hotel which pays tribute with its name to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress. With a spacious outdoor garden area, an inviting pool, well designed rooms and personalized service, this is a wonderful accommodation in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. 

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St. Andrew's Hotel

Nuwara Eliya (1 night)

St. Andrew's Hotel is situated amongst the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. The former country house still very much displays a sense of colonial elegance and old world charm. The bedrooms have similarly been decorated in an old-English style and are fitted with necessary modern comforts including air-conditioning and satellite television. Guests can either dine in the Old Course Restaurant or choose to enjoy the more informal atmosphere of the Road Hole Bar. Other hotel facilities include access to wifi, a Snooker room and a neighbouring golf course. 

Visit hotel's site
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Grand Tamarind Lake

Yala National Park (1 night)

Stay lakeside in intimate luxury in a region renowned for its natural beauty and breathtaking safaris. Tamarind Lake in southern Sri Lanka is perfectly positioned within reach of the untamed wildlife of Yala National Park, and each room looks out over the serene expanse of Detagamuwa Lake. The hotel also has a restaurant offering local delights as well as dishes from around the globe. 

Visit hotel's site
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Sri Lankan Tea Experience

Head to the hills to one of Sri Lanka's best tea plantations

Sri Lanka's Wildlife

Discover Sri Lanka through its diverse wildlife

Sri Lanka Beaches

Complete your tour of Sri Lanka with a relaxing stay on one or two of its pristine beaches

Trek through Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka's rice paddies and mountain ranges on foot

A Taste of Sri Lanka

Let your taste buds fall in love with Sri Lanka on a tour of its finest delicacies.

Hidden Sri Lanka (14 days)

Remote temples & rural life in lesser-seen Sri Lanka

Essential Sri Lanka (14 days)

Temples, tea plantations & tranquil beaches

Wildlife of Sri Lanka (14 days)

Tropical birds, leopards & elephant gatherings

Reviews

I'm delighted with all the trips that I have arranged through Travel the Unknown for myself and a couple of friends. We've stayed in some wonderful places and have had exceptional encounters with local people. Our guide was very good about checking in with us about what we wanted to do.

Joan Edmunds (USA) , Tailormade Sri Lanka

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India and Sri Lanka and had some unforgettable experiences from the magnificent Taj Mahal to the slums of Mumbai; watching a leopard chase a squirrel up a tree and women being taught to sew in a women’s cooperative in Udaipur. This was our first "educational guided tour" and our first experience of Travel The Unknown. I thought the whole planning and booking process was excellent, and the actual holiday itself was just as good - in terms of content of activities, pace of the trip and quality of the guides and accommodation. We are already planning our next one....

Judith & David James , Tailormade India & Sri Lanka

Having travelled with them before in Asia, we were excited to book again with Travel the Unknown for a private trip to Sri Lanka. The booking process was great and more importantly on the trip, our guide Kishor was excellent in every way, he really made the trip for us. We would certainly recommend this company to others and will be looking out for other trips they offer in future.

Gerardene & Elaine , Essential Sri Lanka
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