Wildlife of Sri Lanka

Arrive and transfer from Airport to Waikkal. Rest of the day at leisure.

Transfer from Waikkal to Wilpattu in the late morning. Arrive early afternoon and take a safari through Wilpattu National Park. Spanning from the northwest coast inland towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura this vast area covers an impressive 425 square miles.

The park is Sri Lanka's largest, and having reopened in March 2010 it is fast becoming one of Sri Lanka's most popular destinations for eco-tourism. It boasts an impressive variety of flora in huge expanses of forest, as well as varied wildlife, including deer, elephants, wild boars, sloth bears and leopards.

Transfer from Wilpattu to Sigiriya.

This morning we recommend the optional trip to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb the 5th century fortress, one of the many World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the jungle - truly a sight to be seen.

Transfer to Minneriya and take an evening safari through the park. Reaching about 8,889 hectares, the variety in the landscape is unrivalled. From wetlands which have international importance housing endangered animal and plant species to dry zones and dense jungle. Asian elephants, various amphibians, local and immigrant bird species are plentiful here all making for an incredibly memorable visit.

Transfer back to your hotel and relax before moving on tomorrow. 

After breakfast visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa before heading to Gal Oya National Park. Established in 1954, it serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. If you are lucky, you might even see them swimming between the islands.

After the safari head to your hotel for dinner. 

After breakfast travel south-west towards Udawalawe National Park. When you arrive, take a safari through the park that is set between the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River. Take in the scenic beauty of the endlessly winding mountain ranges surrounding the park, providing endless beauty. 

After an early breakfast, this morning you will visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe National Park. The Transit Home works to rescue injured elephants from all over Sri Lanka and nurse them back to health before releasing them to live freely in the vast spaces of the National Park.

After your morning visit, you'll make the drive to Bundala National Park for an evening safari. The park falls within the southeastern arid zone of Sri Lanka, with a general climate that can be classified as hot and dry. The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline, and vegetation consisting mainly of dry thorny scrublands and lagoons. However, it has immense biodiversity with a total of 383 plant species calling this park their home, six of which are endangered and seven that are considered nationally threatened.

After your visit to Bundala, transfer to your hotel near Yala National Park. 

Another early rise starts your day today. To maximise the chance of seeing as much wildlife as you can, an early start is paramount. The Yala National Park is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka and home to countless mammals, reptiles and birds - especially during the migration season (Sept - April). Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and enjoy an afternoon at leisure before heading back out for your second safari later in the day. 

Check out after breakfast and travel to the south or west coast for your beach stay, or straight back to Colombo International Airport for your onward journey. Please be advised that it is at least a six hour transfer from Yala National Park to Colombo International Airport.