Paradise for Wildlife and Nature

Paradise for Wildlife and Nature

You will see a variety of animal species in Sri Lanka throughout this tour. Take a boat safari to first see the wonder and grace of the blue whales and immerse yourself in their world. You will see an elephant orphanage in Udawalawe National Park, and if you’re lucky, you might see wild elephants, crocodiles, and leopards when on a safari in Yala National Park. You can experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness turtles at the Rakawa Turtle Reserve up close and personal. Along with the renowned Lion Rock of Sigiriya (UNESCO), you will also visit the highland town of Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque cities.

Tour Highlights

  • Mirissa – Known for being one of the best places in the world to spot the gentle giants of the sea, the blue whales
  • Rakawa Lagoon – Spot diverse bird species, mangroves, reptiles and monkeys
  • Rock Temple of Mulkirigala – Discover intricately designed cave temples, colorful frescoes, intricate sculptures, and ancient manuscripts
  • Yala National Park – Renowned for its high leopard population density, where you may go on a game drive
  • Elephant Orphanage – Learn about the feeding habits and dietary requirements of these gentle giants and see the elephants having fun in the bath
  • Udawalawe National Park – Look for the country’s greatest herds of Asian elephants.
  • Nuwara Eliya – Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the secrets of tea production.
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic – One of the most sacred relics in Buddhism, a tooth relic believed to belong to Lord Buddha.
  • Sigiriya – A series of steep steps and staircases take you on a journey through beautifully landscaped gardens, ancient frescoes, and the famed Lion Gate

Included

  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • 7 nights 4-5 star hotels or heritage properties in a double room
  • All entrance fees and national park fees according to the program
  • Escorted by an English-speaking professional chauffeur guide
  • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

  • International flights and visa
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
  • Recommended attractions not included in the itinerary
  • Personal

Others

  • Please be aware that there is no guarantee of the animal sightings reported for this trip. These are close-up encounters with wild, free-ranging animals whose actions are unpredictable. Should there be no sighting, which is improbable, there will be no reimbursement for the airfare. However, to maximize the odds of being spotted, our local partners and I make use of all of our expertise and experience.
  • If you would like to upgrade your room or prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, we will be happy to arrange it for you.
  • Please note that you may need to get up early at times and that hot weather are to be expected.
  • The national parks’ roadways can be incredibly uneven at times, with numerous washed-out pits and bumps. A cushioned or air-filled seat cushion could be advised if you have disc issues.
Day 1 Colombo – Tangalle

Drive to Tangalle, a beach resort on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, when you land at the airport.

Recommended attractions: Tangalle Beaches, Mulkirigala Rock Monastery, Hummanaya Blowhole, Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, Tangalle Fishing Harbor, Wewurukannala Vihara Temple


Day 2 Mirissa Whale Watching/Rakawa Lagoon – Turtle Conservation

Nov – Apr

In the early morning we drive to Mirissa, which is known for being one of the best places in the world to spot the gentle giants of the sea, the blue whales. These colossal marine mammals, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet. While the blue whale takes center stage, Mirissa’s waters are also home to other marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of other cetaceans like sperm whales, pilot whales, and playful dolphins. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone seeking an extraordinary experience, Mirissa Whale Watching promises a marine adventure of a lifetime.

May – Oct

You travel to Rakawa Lagoon and explore the serene place by boat, where you can spot diverse bird species, mangroves, reptiles and monkeys.

For the rest of the day, you will drive to the turtle reserve in Rakawa. Discover a plethora of fascinating details regarding the several turtle species that breed here; the primary laying season runs from January through May.


Day 3 Rock Temple of Mulkirigala – Tissamaharama

The Rock Temple of Mulkirigala will be visited en route to Yala National Park. The journey to the top involves a series of steps carved into the rock, and as you ascend, you’ll discover intricately designed cave temples that have been integral to the Buddhist faith for centuries. The temple complex comprises seven distinct caves, each with its own unique murals, statues, and religious significance. The caves house a stunning collection of colorful frescoes, intricate sculptures, and ancient manuscripts, preserving the heritage and artistic mastery of generations past. Mulkirigala Rock Temple continues to be a place of worship and meditation for Buddhist monks and pilgrims.


Day 4 Yala National Park

Today you set off on a safari in what is probably the most popular nature reserve in the country, the Yala National Park, which has the largest leopard population density in the world. The park is a top spot to see leopards because these mysterious large animals move freely among its varied terrain. Yala is full of amazing moments for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Elephants, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, and other bird species can all be seen as you explore its varied habitats. There are many different bird species to see in this park, making it a birdwatcher’s heaven. The topography of the park features a remarkable blend of verdant woods, placid lakes, and vast grasslands.


Day 5 Elephant Orphanage – Udawalawe National Park

Today we driver to Elephant Orphanage first, You’ll learn about the feeding habits and dietary requirements of these gentle giants. seeing the elephants having fun in the bath. After that, we will go to Udawalawe National Park.

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 6 Nuwara Eliya – Tea Plantation

After breakfast, we will first drive to Nuwara Eliya. It is known as Sri Lanka’s “Tea Capital” and is home to some of the world’s best tea estates. A visit to a tea plantation and factory is a must-do event, where you can watch the art of tea production while sipping a cool cup of world-famous Ceylon tea. The colonial-era structures and finely kept gardens lend Nuwara Eliya a historic feel.


Day 7 Kandy – Temple of the Tooth Relic – Sigiriya

Today we will driver to Kandy, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala rulers. It is a culturally and historically rich city.

Before we set off to Sigiriya, we go to the well-known Temple of the Tooth Relic first. This splendid temple houses one of the most sacred relics in Buddhism, a tooth relic believed to belong to Lord Buddha. The relic has a storied history, with legends of its journey from India to Sri Lanka. One of the most famous and spectacular events associated with the temple is the annual Esala Perahera, or the Kandy Perahera. This grand procession features beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, fire dancers, and a ceremonial casket carrying the sacred tooth relic. It is a cultural extravaganza.

Sigiriya, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its history dates back to the 5th century when it was transformed into a royal citadel by King Kasyapa. One of the most exhilarating aspects of visiting Sigiriya is the ascent to the summit. A series of steep steps and staircases take you on a journey through beautifully landscaped gardens, ancient frescoes, and the famed Lion Gate, which was once adorned by a massive lion statue. As you ascend, you’ll encounter the Mirror Wall, a polished surface that was once so smooth and reflective that it was used by the king’s courtiers. The Sigiriya Frescoes, on the western face of the rock, feature stunning depictions of beautiful maidens. Its terraced gardens are also a marvel of ancient landscaping and hydrological engineering.


Day 8 Departure

We bid you a fond farewell with a transfer to the airport for your next flight after breakfast.


Trip Type

Group Tours

Starts

Colombo

Ends

Sigiriya

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: 7

Countries

Sri Lanka

Minimum Age

12 years, accompanied by an adult.