Safari & Trek
Safari & Trek
Discover the wild side of Sri Lanka on an exclusive 8-day tour, featuring private wildlife tours and treks. Experience game drives in three of the country’s finest national parks – Yala, Udawalawe, and Gal Oya, trek through the scenic Horton Plains, explore tea plantations, and visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, along with many other captivating experiences.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Others
Day 1 Colombo – Kalutara
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Colombo-1024x682.jpg)
Upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be greeted and transported to your hotel in the serene coastal town of Kalutara. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Recommended attractions: Kalutara Bodhiya, Richmond Castle, Kalutara Beach, Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, Kalutara Bridge, Kalutara Chaitya, Kalutara Basket Centre
Day 2 Sinharaja Rainforest – Udawalawe National Park
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Elephants-in-Udawalawe-National-Park-1024x683.jpg)
After an early breakfast, we depart for Kalawana to enjoy a trek in the Sinharaja Rainforest. Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of nature’s untouched masterpiece – the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO-listed treasure, and one of the last vestiges of tropical lowland rainforests in Sri Lanka. Spanning over 8,900 acres, it is a living museum. This primeval wilderness is a haven for an astonishing array of wildlife, from elusive leopards and playful monkeys to an astounding variety of exotic bird species and brilliantly colored butterflies. With the dense foliage, you may be fortunate to spot an array of endemic birds, rare amphibians, and vibrant reptiles that exist nowhere else on the planet. This is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
After Sinharaja Rainforest we continue to Udawalawe National Park for our first game drive, covering a sprawling 31,800 hectares. This vast expanse of untamed wilderness is established as a protected sanctuary with national park status in 1972. The terrain of Udawalawe is a captivating blend of grasslands, reminiscent of the African savanna, and lush shrub jungle. The large Udawalawe Reservoir and the winding Walewe River provide a continuous water supply for the park’s diverse wildlife. As you explore, you’ll encounter herds of majestic elephants, graceful deer, wild boar, and the elusive leopard.
Day 3 Tissamaharama – Yala National Park
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After eating breakfast, we head to Tissamaharama, a charming lakeside village (Tissa).
We go on our first game drive in Yala National Park this afternoon, which is renowned for being home to the highest population density of leopards in the world. These enigmatic big cats roam freely amidst the park’s diverse landscapes, making it a premier destination for leopard sightings. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Yala is a treasure trove of incredible moments. As you venture through its diverse ecosystems, you’ll encounter elephants, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and wild boar, along with a wide variety of bird species. This park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with numerous avian species to be spotted. The park’s terrain offers an incredible mix of lush forests, serene lakes, and expansive grasslands.
Day 4 Gal Oya National Park
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Leopard-in-Gal-Oya-National-Park-1024x682.jpg)
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Gal Oya National Park, which stands as one of Sri Lanka’s best-preserved and least-visited national parks. This exclusive status ensures that the park’s exceptional biodiversity and unspoiled landscapes remain a well-guarded secret.
You’ll have a chance to witness a symphony of birdlife, elephants swimming between islands, and other wildlife that come to quench their thirst along the shoreline, which is is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, water buffaloes, and a myriad of bird species. You might spot leopards, deer, and a variety of primates as you explore the park’s diverse landscapes. The park’s terrain boasts a mix of lush forests, expansive grasslands, and serene bodies of water. It’s a visual masterpiece, offering countless opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and immersive nature experiences.
Day 5 Nuwara Eliya
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Nuwara-Eliya-1-1024x575.jpg)
Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as “Little England,” this enchanting town is renowned for its stunning landscapes and a rich tapestry of natural beauty, making it an idyllic retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and exploration. Situated at an elevation of 1,868 meters above sea level, Nuwara Eliya boasts a refreshing and cool climate, a stark contrast to the island’s tropical warmth. The lush tea plantations that carpet the hills create a serene atmosphere, making this town a delightful escape from the coastal heat.
Recommended attractions: the Old Post Office, St. Xavier’s Church, Nuwara Eliya offers activities like golf, horseback riding, and boat rides on Lake Gregory.
Day 6 Horton Plains-Tea plantation
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Horton-Plains-National-Park-1024x768.jpg)
This morning we leave for an excursion to Horton Plains, perched at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level and with a refreshingly cool climate that’s a stark contrast to the tropical warmth of the rest of the island. One of the park’s most iconic features is “World’s End,” a stunning escarpment that plummets nearly 900 meters into the valleys below. The panoramic view from this cliff-edge viewpoint is a breathtaking sight, especially at sunrise.
Horton Plains offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through cloud forests, grasslands, and lush vegetation. The guided treks through this diverse ecosystem allow you to witness unique flora and fauna, such as the charming purple-faced langur and the striking Sri Lankan leopard. The Baker’s Falls trail also leads to a beautiful waterfall. This UNESCO-listed park is home to a variety of endemic and rare species, including the Sambar deer, the wild boar, and an array of unique avian life.
After that, A visit to a tea plantation and factory is a must-do experience, where you can witness the art of tea production and enjoy a refreshing cup of the world-famous Ceylon tea.
Day 7 Kandy – Temple of the Tooth Relic – Royal Botanical Garden
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Temple-of-the-Tooth-Relic-1-1024x680.jpg)
After breakfast, we drive to Kandy. It is a culturally and historically rich city, the hill capital and final stronghold of the Sinhala monarchs. We go to the well-known Temple of the Tooth Relic and Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya.
Day 8 Colombo
![](https://srilanka369tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Colombo-Gangaramaya-Temple-1024x685.jpg)
Today we return to Colombo, which is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, reflected in its diverse neighborhoods, places of worship, and celebrations.
Recommended attractions: National Museum, Old Colombo Lighthouse, the Galle Face Green promenade, and the bustling Pettah Market, Gangaramaya Temple, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, and the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Mount Lavinia, Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square
Day 9 Departure
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We say you a very heartfelt farewell with a transfer to the airport to catch your next departure after breakfast.
Trip Type
Group Tours
Starts
Colombo
Ends
Colombo
Hotel Rating
4-5 star & heritage hotels
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 25
Tour Guide
Yes – escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch: 8
Countries
Sri Lanka
Minimum Age
12 years, accompanied by an adult.