During this 10-day tour of Sri Lanka, you will have loads of exciting wildlife encounters, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
Sri Lanka is blessed with diverse and abundant wildlife throughout the island and in the seas around it. Thanks largely to the establishment of vast National Parks, the variety of wildlife encountered here is simply staggering. Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bears and Blue Whales are just some of the more famous animals in Sri Lanka, but the island has a whole lot more to offer to all types of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. During this tour you will visit the 3 biggest National Parks, go on multiple Private Safaris, explore the Unesco World Heritage sites of Kandy and Galle Fort, and witness the truly stupendous sight of a Blue Whale breaching!
Read MoreYour accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels and glamping campsites, designed to minimise time spent in travel. This will allow you to have the maximum time to focus on your wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka and enjoy your accommodation, destinations, and the amazing cuisine.
Ideal for:
Wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a dash of culture as well. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends and family.
Highlights at glance
- Explore the world’s best park for Leopards, Yala National Park, with multiple safaris.
- Discover the diversity of Wilpattu National park with multiple safaris.
- Meet the giants of the forests – the Sri Lankan elephants – as you explore Udawalawe National Park.
- Visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are nurtured and injured elephants are nursed back to health.
- Stay at Tented Safari Camps bordering the National Parks in Sri Lanka and experience guided safaris, candlelight dinners under the stars, night walks and delicious BBQ served by roaring campfires.
- Go on a Boat Safari to see the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale* or experience the Ceylon Cinnamon Trail.
- Stay in the historic city of Kandy, a Unesco World Heritage site, and witness age-old Buddhist rituals.
- Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site.
1st, 2nd & 3rd Nights - Wilpattu
Ayubowan and welcome to your safari holiday in Sri Lanka! We want you to have as much time as possible in the jungles, so we’ll whisk you away to the largest National Park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu, as soon as you arrive. Your arrival time will dictate your actions on the first day; a morning or afternoon arrival will be great for acclimatising, relaxing, and exploring the immediate area around the camp; an evening arrival will still allow you to acclimatise to your environment, but we recommend that you spend the time relaxing as you have some exciting days ahead!
The first day of your safari and beach holiday in Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your glamping accommodation in Wilpattu. Your first day will be all about acclimatisation and getting used to your environment, as it is quite a unique experience to stay on the borders of a national park. You will see quite a few birds and animals without even leaving the camp premises, and the night skies, undisturbed by light pollution, are quite a sight to behold too!
An early morning start on your wildlife tour of Sri Lanka will see you set off on a full-day safari with packed breakfasts, lunches, and refreshments. This excursion is focussed on visiting the numerous lakes in this Park, as they afford the best sightings of Leopards, Sloth Bears and other inhabitants of the jungle. At the end of the safari, a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars awaits you at the campsite. After dinner, you will set off on an exciting night walk where you will get to know the nocturnal wildlife and even possibly catch sight of the elusive Slender Loris!
The early start today will see you taking a different direction, quite literally, this time in pursuit of the gentle giants of the forest. The North-Western regions of Wilpattu, where you will be headed today, tend to feature open plains and thinner jungles, offering easier sightings of elephants. Your safari will also take you to Kudiramalai Point, an ancient port famed for horse trading. Kudiramalai is also attributed to being the location of the capital city of several legendary rulers such as the Amazon-like queen Alli Rani; the Tamil Chief Korran who traded with ancient Phoenicia, Rome, Serica and Egypt; and Vijaya & Kuveni – Sri Lanka’s first recorded King and Queen!
4th Night - Kandy
After three days in the jungles, it’s time to head up to the cooler climes of the mountains and take a brief breather in the city of Kandy. Steeped in historical and religious significance, Kandy is full of legends, mediaeval palaces, spice trails and sacred temples. Even though its days as a royal city have long since passed, it is reverently known as the hill capital, and has the serenity of a land where time has slowed down. It’s a great place to take a break from your wildlife tour of Sri Lanka and slow things down before getting back to more exciting encounters!
An early morning trek to a nearby lake awaits you on your last day in Wilpattu. A scenic drive after breakfast will get you to Kandy and you are free to explore the city at your own pace. A round of golf at the incredibly picturesque Digana golf course, a trek down the Spice Trail to learn about Sri Lankan herbs and spices, a day at a wellness spa, or a stroll around town sampling street food and admiring the palaces are just a few of the things you can do here! We also highly recommend that you do not miss the evening ritual and drumming session at the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
5th Night - Udawalawe
Your wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka continues as we head down to elephant country! The journey to Udawalawe winds its way down through picturesque, tea estate draped hills and also involves a stop in the city of gems, Ratnapura. Famed for producing precious rubies, sapphires and other gemstones for thousands of years, this city is steeped in history and culture. Despite its diverse population of animals and birds, Udawalawe National Park’s reputation is dominated by the giants, as it is home to over 400 elephants. The Elephant Transit Home, which nurses injured elephants back to health and cares for orphaned baby elephants, is also found on the outskirts of this National Park.
After breakfast, we will set off for Udawalawe, with a stop in Ratnapura. Here you will first visit a gem mine to learn about mining techniques and how the precious stones are processed; thereafter you will visit a gem market to learn how gems are graded, valued and traded. Then we will head to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe where over 50 elephants are being cared for, before being released to the wild. You will head out for your Private Safari in the Udawalawe National Park in the afternoon, which will last approximately 3 hours. After dinner under the stars, you will be taken on a night drive to observe the nocturnal behaviour of elephants.
6th & 7th Nights – Yala
It’s time to head off to the land of the leopards, Yala National Park! Although it is most famous for Leopard sightings, Yala has a fantastically diverse population of animals. During your Private Safari in the Park you will encounter Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Wild Buffalo, Eagles, Cobras, Peacocks and more. With rocky coasts, mountains, vast lakes and plains, the landscape of Yala is a treat for the eyes and is the perfect backdrop for exciting sightings! Your comfortable glamping accommodation will also offer up some great sightings, as it is situated right on the border of the Park.
Bird watching in Sri Lanka is quite a rewarding experience and the camp’s resident naturalist will take you on a morning birding trail, which will culminate just in time for breakfast. The drive to Yala is quite short, so after a brief exploration of the campgrounds, followed by a delicious authentic Sri Lankan lunch, you will be taken on your evening safari of Yala National Park. A delicious dinner by a roaring campfire awaits your return from the safari, and your adventures on this day are capped off with a night walk along the borders of the Park, to meet some of the nocturnal residents of the jungle.
An early morning start will see you set off on a full day safari with packed breakfasts, lunches, and refreshments. Full day safaris are the best when it comes to getting the most sightings in, as it allows you to be inside the park for an extended period of time. Yala is also culturally significant and you will come across the ancient temples and monasteries of Situlpawwa, Magul Vihara and Akasa Chaitiya during your time there. A significant part of Yala borders the Indian Ocean and your picnic-style lunch on this day will be served in a safe location by the beach, where Park visitors are permitted to disembark from their vehicles.
8th & 9th Nights – Mirissa
It’s time to leave the jungles behind and head to the beaches! Your next stop in your safari and beach holiday to Sri Lanka is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries. Your accommodation during this leg of your wildlife tour of Sri Lanka will be in the beautiful coastal town of Mirissa. A favourite haunt of visitors to Sri Lanka, Mirissa is known for golden beaches, great nightlife and, of course, being the launching point for Whale Watching tours.
Your morning will begin with a private culinary lesson with the chef, where you will learn to make a couple of traditional Sri Lankan dishes. On the way to Mirissa, you will meet a farmer who will show you the process of making Buffalo Curd. After checking into your hotel you will be driven to the nearby city of Galle, for a guided walking tour of the Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. During this tour, you’ll also meet members of the local community and enjoy a traditional home cooked meal. Thereafter, you are free to explore and experience the Fort at your leisure.
If your wildlife holiday to Sri Lanka falls between November to March, a Whale Watching tour would be the perfect end to an encounter filled holiday. The boat excursion to meet the giants of the ocean requires an early morning start and the tour can take around 5 hours to complete. However, it is an incredibly rewarding experience as there are many Blue Whales and multiple pods of Dolphins to be seen. You will return in time for a delicious Sri Lankan lunch and you are free to explore Mirissa at your leisure thereafter.
*The Whale Watching excursion is a seasonal activity and will be possible only from November to March.
If your holiday falls outside of the above period, or if there are adverse weather conditions forecasted or if being out at sea is not your most favourite thing to do, an alternative option would be to embark on the Cinnamon Experience. During this tour you will visit a beautiful, working cinnamon estate which produces pure Ceylon Cinnamon. Here you can experience the sequence of events, from planting and caring for the trees to harvesting and processing of the cinnamon bark. It is quite a fascinating experience and will help you to get a deep understanding of why Ceylon Cinnamon is highly valued and sought after.
We’ve reached the end of your 9-night safari and beach holiday to Sri Lanka and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Additional Safaris (requires an additional night stay).
- Private air transfer from Kandy to Udawalawe
- Private boat charter for Whale Watching.
- Additional nights for beach stays.
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 3,218
1-2 persons
$ 2,573
3-4 persons
$ 2,359
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Big Game Wilpattu by Eco Team
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Big Game Udawalawe by Eco Team
The Big Game Safari Campsite at Udawalawe is set within dense jungle overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mandara Resort
Mirissa Weligama's Mandara Resort, leave your worries behind at Mandara Resort, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean while overlooking the well-known Read...
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,534
1-2 persons
$ 2,889
3-4 persons
$ 2,675
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Big Game Wilpattu by Eco Team
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Big Game Udawalawe by Eco Team
The Big Game Safari Campsite at Udawalawe is set within dense jungle overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Ubuntu Beach Villa
Designed to blend in with the breathtaking surroundings, this villa promises to be a lovely contemporary home with plenty of natural light, daring modern...
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 6,306
1-2 persons
$ 5,662
3-4 persons
$ 5,447
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Mahoora Wilpattu by Eco Team
At Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu, you can live in a small, 8-acre private wildlife sanctuary that mixes modern conveniences with the wilderness of...
Radh Hotel
A haven of serenity and unrivalled elegance, the Radh Hotel is magnificently set in Kandy's old hill capital and centrally located, making it an...
Mahoora Udawalawe by Eco Team
Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Udawalawe is located in a thicket on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National Park, surrounded by bush forest.
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Cape Resort Weligama
Cape Weligama is part of the Resplendent Ceylon “best of Sri Lanka” circuit, created by the family-owned Dilmah Tea Company.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 09 nights. Kandy & Mirissa (BB), Big Game (FB), Mahoora Camp (All inclusive). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Jeep Safaris at all National Parks in a Private Jeep including private guide, naturalist, snacks & refreshments, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Cost of the Whale Watching Boat Ride (shared boat).
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Lunch during the transit.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
4 Hours
Leopards and Sloth Bears – Wilpattu National Park
Observe leopards and sloth bears over 131,000 hectares of forest and wetlands at Wilpattu National Park, visited by fewer jeeps in comparison to Yala.
Wilpattu
Anuradhapura
4 Hours
Majestic Beast Safari – Udawalawe National Park
Observe endless herds of wild elephants roaming the grasslands of Udawalawe National Park – the world’s best place to guarantee elephant sightings on every...
Udawalawe
3 hours
The World’s Greatest Leopard Safari – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Yala
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast
5 - 6 Hours
Whale Watching Mirissa
Experience the kiss of salty air as you journey into the Indian Ocean, to one of the world’s best whale hotspots. See it all...
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
3 hours
Watch Acres of Sky and Land Fill With 20,000 Birds – Bundala National Park
Birdwatching at Bundala National Park lets you explore 6000 hectares brimming with bright-eyed birdlife – with close to 200 species inhabiting the skies, trees...
Yala
3 hours3 - 4 Hours
Bird & leopard Experience in a former 3rd-century human settlement – Kumana National Park
Birdwatch in the ancient 18,000-hectare Kumana National Park, with a 200-hectare swamp serving as breeding grounds to everything from the rare yellow-footed green pigeon...
Yala