Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour
Duration
13 Days
Duration
General Tours
Overview
This Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour is designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience the island’s diverse ecosystems. Known for its rich biodiversity, Sri Lanka offers a range of wildlife sanctuaries, from tropical forests to open grasslands, and from coastal habitats to the vast savannas. Over the course of 13 days and 12 nights, you will explore some of the most iconic wildlife parks in central and southern Sri Lanka. This journey not only gives you the opportunity to witness incredible land-based wildlife but also offers a chance to discover the vibrant marine life in the waters off the southern coast.
Itinerary
Day 01
Airport to Negombo
Your adventure begins as you land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, greeted by the warm tropical breeze and vibrant energy of Sri Lanka. A courteous chauffeur from The Visit Lanka Tours welcomes you at the arrivals lounge, ready to escort you on a short 30-minute drive to Negombo, a lively coastal town known for its golden beaches and historic fishing heritage.
Negombo, often called “Little Rome” due to its many colonial-era churches, boasts a bustling fish market and the scenic Dutch Canal, a 17th-century waterway lined with colorful boats. Check into a comfortable beachfront hotel, where you can relax by the pool, stroll along the sandy shores, or unwind with a tropical drink as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. This serene start sets the tone for your exciting journey ahead.
Overnight: Negombo
Day 02
Negombo to Wilpattu Afternoon Safari & Overnight in Anuradhapura
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a 3.5–4-hour drive to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, spanning 1,317 square kilometers and renowned for its unique “willus” (natural lakes) that create a stunning mosaic of wetlands. Famous for its leopard population, Wilpattu is home to elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, and over 200 bird species, including the endemic Ceylon junglefowl, making it a year-round haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
In the afternoon, enjoy a 3-hour safari in a 4×4 jeep with an expert ranger, exploring dense forests and sandy trails where wildlife thrives in any season. Afterward, continue a 1.5-hour drive to Anuradhapura, a sacred city and UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in over 2,000 years of history. Check into your hotel, where the tranquil ambiance of this ancient capital sets the stage for the next day’s exploration.
Overnight: Anuradhapura
Day 03
Anuradhapura Ancient City & Transfer to Sigiriya
Begin your day exploring Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, founded in the 4th century BC. This sprawling archaeological site is revered for its monumental stupas, like Jetavanaramaya (once the world’s third-largest structure), and the Sri Maha Bodhi, a 2,300-year-old fig tree grown from a cutting of the Buddha’s enlightenment tree, drawing pilgrims year-round.
The site also features ancient monasteries, royal palaces, and intricate irrigation systems, showcasing Sri Lanka’s advanced engineering and Buddhist heritage. A guided 3–4-hour tour immerses you in this spiritual and historical treasure. After a local lunch, travel 1.5 hours to Sigiriya, home of the iconic “Lion’s Rock.” Check into a comfortable hotel surrounded by lush jungles, resting up for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 04
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya Safari
Start your morning with a climb up Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a 5th-century rock citadel rising 200 meters above the plains. Known as the “Lion Rock” for its ancient lion-shaped gateway, this fortress, built by King Kashyapa, features vibrant frescoes of celestial maidens, a polished mirror wall with ancient graffiti, and ruins of a palace atop its summit, offering panoramic views of jungles and distant hills year-round. The 1–2-hour climb is a highlight, with cooler mornings ideal in any season.
Next, we will drive to one of National parks, famous for its large elephant herds, often seen grazing or bathing in ancient reservoirs alongside deer, monkeys, and birds like the grey-headed fish eagle. A 3-hour safari in a 4×4 jeep offers thrilling wildlife encounters, vibrant in any month. Return to your hotel in Sigiriya, reflecting on a day of history and nature.
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 05
Sigiriya to Kandy Dambulla Rock, Spice Garden & Hindu Temple Visit
After breakfast, drive 30 minutes to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Buddhist sanctuaries, dating to the 1st century BC. This rock monastery features five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant frescoes depicting ancient Buddhist stories, set under dramatic rock ceilings, offering a serene experience year-round.
Next, visit a local spice garden to explore Sri Lanka’s renowned herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric, with a guided tour showcasing their cultivation and medicinal uses, a fascinating stop in any season. Stop briefly at a colorful Hindu temple, such as the Sri Muthumariamman Temple, to admire its vibrant gopuram (tower) adorned with intricate deity carvings, perfect for photographs.
Continue your 2.5-hour drive to Kandy, the cultural capital, and check into your hotel, ready to delve into its rich heritage.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 06
Explore Kandy Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandyan Dance Show
After breakfast, visit the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, housing a relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth. Built in the 16th century, this ornate temple with golden-roofed halls and intricate woodwork attracts devotees year-round, offering a deep spiritual experience.
Next, explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a 147-acre paradise established in 1821, showcasing over 4,000 plant species, including towering royal palms, a spice garden, and a vibrant orchid house, beautiful in any season. A 2-hour stroll reveals exotic flora and serene pathways. In the evening, enjoy a Kandyan dance performance at a local theater, where traditional dancers in colorful costumes and drummers perform rhythmic routines, showcasing Sri Lanka’s folklore through fire dances and peacock-inspired moves. Return to your hotel, enriched by the day’s cultural immersion.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 07
Kandy to Ella via Nuwara Eliya Scenic Train Journey(subject to availability)
Travel 2.5 hours from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its colonial bungalows, cool climate, and manicured landscapes. Visit a working tea factory to learn about Ceylon tea production, from hand-picked leaves to world-famous blends, and wander through sprawling tea estates where workers in colorful saris dot the green slopes, a timeless scene year-round.
Depending on availability (book early), enjoy a scenic 2–3-hour train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, one of the world’s most picturesque rail journeys, winding through emerald tea plantations, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls. If the train is unavailable, your chauffeur will drive you through the same stunning landscapes. Arrive in Ella, a charming hill town, and check into a cozy guesthouse, where the cool mountain air ensures a restful night.
Overnight: Ella
Day 08
Explore Ella | Little Adams Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, and Local Dining
Begin your day with a 1-hour hike to Little Adam’s Peak, a gentle trail leading to a 1,141-meter summit offering panoramic views of Ella’s rolling hills, deep valleys, and distant mountains.
The scenic beauty is captivating year-round, with clear vistas and lush greenery. Next, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, a 1921 colonial-era marvel with nine elegant stone arches, spanning 91 meters amidst lush tea plantations. Built without steel, this architectural gem is a photographer’s delight, especially when trains pass over it.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ella, savoring Sri Lankan specialties like rice and curry or kottu roti, served in the vibrant town center with views of misty hills. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Ella’s quirky cafes and shops. Return to your guesthouse, immersed in the laid-back charm of this highland gem.
Overnight: Ella
Day 09
Ella to Tissamaharama
After breakfast, embark on a 2.5–3-hour drive from Ella to Tissamaharama, a southern town near Yala National Park, steeped in history with ancient stupas and reservoirs.
The scenic route descends from the highlands to the lowlands, passing lush forests and rural villages, offering glimpses of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes year-round. Upon arrival, check into a comfortable hotel and relax by the pool or take a short walk to explore Tissa Wewa, a 3rd-century BC reservoir reflecting the town’s ancient heritage, beautiful in any season. Rest up for the next day’s wildlife adventure, enjoying the tranquil ambiance of this southern gateway.
Overnight: Tissamaharama
Day 10
Yala Safari (Full Day or Half Day)
Spend the day on a safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve, spanning 970 square kilometers and renowned for one of the world’s highest leopard densities. Its diverse ecosystems—savannahs, jungles, and coastal lagoons—host elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species, including the painted stork and Sri Lankan peacock, with wildlife active year-round.
Choose between a full-day safari (6–8 hours) for an immersive experience, including a picnic lunch amidst nature, or a half-day safari (3–4 hours) for a shorter adventure. Aboard a 4×4 jeep with an expert ranger, explore Yala’s rugged trails and dramatic landscapes, capturing unforgettable wildlife moments. Return to your hotel in Tissamaharama, reflecting on the day’s thrills.
Overnight: Tissamaharama
Day 11
Tissamaharama to Mirissa
After breakfast, travel 2–3 hours to Mirissa, a charming beach town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, known for its crescent-shaped beach and laid-back vibe. Mirissa’s golden sands, swaying palms, and turquoise waters create a tropical paradise year-round, while its lively beachfront cafes and surf culture add a modern flair.
Check into a beachfront hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the shore, swimming in gentle waves, or exploring nearby attractions. As the sun sets, enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant, savoring the relaxed coastal ambiance. Rest well for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight: Mirissa
Day 12
Whale Watching in Mirissa
Rise early for an exciting whale-watching tour off Mirissa’s coast (subject to availability, best booked in advance), one of the world’s top spots for spotting blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins. This 3–5-hour boat excursion, guided by marine experts, ventures into the Indian Ocean, where sightings are possible year-round, though conditions vary.
Back on land, spend the rest of the day relaxing on Mirissa’s pristine beach, perfect for sunbathing or surfing gentle waves. Alternatively, explore nearby Coconut Tree Hill, a scenic spot with swaying palms and ocean views, ideal for photos. Enjoy a leisurely evening at a beachfront cafe, savoring fresh seafood and tropical cocktails under the stars.
Overnight: Mirissa
Day 13
Mirissa to Airport | Departure
After a leisurely breakfast by the sea, bid farewell to Mirissa’s idyllic shores and begin your 3.5–4-hour drive to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
Depending on your flight schedule, make an optional stop at Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed 16th-century Dutch fortress, to stroll its cobblestone streets and browse for souvenirs like handcrafted batiks or Ceylon tea. Your chauffeur from The Visit Lanka Tours ensures a smooth and comfortable transfer, giving you time to reflect on the unforgettable memories of wildlife, ancient ruins, highlands, and beaches.
Arrive at the airport with ample time for your departure, carrying the warmth of Sri Lanka’s hospitality and the beauty of its landscapes in your heart.