Tour Highlights
- Explore Sri Lanka’s top wildlife destinations including Wilpattu, Yala, and Gal Oya National Parks.
- Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
- Discover ancient heritage sites in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, and Kandy.
- Experience the scenic beauty of the hill country in Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains.
- Enjoy unique wildlife encounters such as elephant gatherings and possible leopard sightings.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Colombo - Negombo - Wilpattu - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Gal Oya - Yala - Colombo
Duration: 11 Days/ 10 Nights
Departure Date: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!
Start/ End: Colombo/ Colombo
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interests
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Colombo - Negombo
Day 2: Negombo - Wilpattu National Park
Day 3: Wilpattu - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya
Day 4: Sigiriya - Minneriya National Park
Day 5: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy
Day 6: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Day 7: Horton Plains National Park
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Gal Oya
Day 9: Gal Oya - Yala National Park
Day 10: Yala National Park
Day 11: Yala - Colombo - Departure
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Colombo - Negombo
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, located near the airport. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey.
Day 2: Negombo - Wilpattu National Park
Travel north this morning with your driver-guide through scenic countryside to Wilpattu National Park, your first wildlife destination.
Once closed during the civil conflict, Wilpattu has re-emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s key biodiversity areas. Rather than large herds, the park rewards patient wildlife enthusiasts with sightings of leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of smaller animals such as otters, crocodiles, deer, and reptiles. Its wetlands also attract rich birdlife including pelicans, sea eagles, and migratory species.
After your safari experience, check in to your lodge near the park and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 3: Wilpattu - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya
Start early with another safari in Wilpattu, taking advantage of the calm morning hours.
Later, travel to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Visit the impressive Ruwanweliseya Stupa, a remarkable monument dating back to the 2nd century BC, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Continue onward to your hotel near Sigiriya for a restful evening.
Day 4: Sigiriya - Minneriya National Park
This morning, explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, the site features landscaped gardens and dramatic stairways leading to the summit, where ruins and panoramic views await.
In the afternoon, head to Minneriya National Park, known for its seasonal gatherings of Asian elephants.
In the evening, join a guided night walk to search for the elusive slender loris, along with other nocturnal wildlife such as geckos and night birds.
Day 5: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy
Depart for Kandy, stopping en route at the Dambulla Cave Temple, home to impressive statues, murals, and centuries-old Buddhist artwork.
Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and stroll around the scenic lake, known for its birdlife and occasional sightings of large monitor lizards.
Enjoy the evening at leisure, either exploring the town or dining at your hotel.
Day 6: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Begin your day with a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya.
Continue through the picturesque hill country, passing tea plantations and rural villages, to reach Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea region.
Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, with options such as visiting Victoria Park, a popular spot for birdwatching.
Day 7: Horton Plains National Park
Set out early for Horton Plains National Park. Enjoy a scenic walk through misty grasslands and forests to the dramatic viewpoint at World’s End, where cliffs drop sharply into the valleys below.
Wildlife sightings may include sambar deer, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and endemic bird species. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Gal Oya
Descend from the highlands to the eastern lowlands and arrive at Gal Oya, a peaceful and lesser-visited region.
In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the reservoir within Gal Oya National Park. This is one of the rare places where you may witness elephants swimming between islands.
Enjoy a quiet evening at your lodge.
Day 9: Gal Oya - Yala National Park
Begin the day with an early safari in Gal Oya, where you may encounter deer, crocodiles, wild boar, mongoose, and abundant birdlife.
After breakfast, travel to Yala National Park and check in to your lodge. The evening is free for relaxation.
Day 10: Yala National Park
Spend the day exploring Yala National Park, famous for its high density of leopards. The park is also home to elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, jackals, and a wide variety of birds.
Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives, with time to rest at your lodge during the midday heat.
Day 11: Yala - Colombo - Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward flight.
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