Tour Highlights
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the historic ruins of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla Cave Temples
- Spot elephants, leopards, and sloth bears on jeep and boat safaris in Wilpattu, Minneriya, Udawalawe, and Gal Oya
- Trek through Sinharaja Rainforest and Horton Plains, discovering rare wildlife and stunning landscapes
- Explore Galle Fort, relax on scenic beaches, and see traditional stilt fishermen in Weligama
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Colombo - Negombo - Kalpitiya - Willpattu National Park - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya - Minneriya - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Bandarawela - Uda Walawe - Sinharaja - Galle - Colombo
Duration: 16 days/15 nights
Start/ End: Colombo/ Colombo
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your interest about your vacation packages)
Departure Date: No fixed departure. Any time you wish!
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo - Negombo (D)
Day 2: Negombo - Kalpitiya: Snorkeling Adventure (B)
Day 3: Kalpatiya - Willpattu National Park: Jeep Safari (B, L, D)
Day 4: Willpattu National Park (B, L, D)
Day 5: Willpattu National Park - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya (B)
Day 6: Sigiriya & Minneriya: Rock Fortress & Jeep Safari (B)
Day 7: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Gal Oya National Park (B, D)
Day 8: Gal Oya National Park: Boat Safari & Jungle Walk (B, L, D)
Day 9: Gal Oya National Park - Bandarawela (B)
Day 10: Bandarawela - Horton Plains - Uda Walawe: Jeep Safari (B, L, D)
Day 11: Uda Walawe: Jeep Safaris (B, L, D)
Day 12: Uda Walawe - Sinharaja Rainforest (B)
Day 13: Sinharaja Rainforest (B)
Day 14: Sinharaja - Galle (B, D)
Day 15: Galle (B)
Day 16: Galle - Depart Colombo (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo - Negombo (D)
Upon arrival in Colombo, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, a coastal city on Sri Lanka’s western shore. Nestled at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, the city serves as the gateway to an afternoon boat excursion into the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve. As you navigate through the lush wetland marshes and mangrove forests, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife inhabiting this 7,000-hectare ecosystem, including herons, egrets, playful monkeys, and estuary crocodiles.
Day 2: Negombo - Kalpitiya: Snorkeling Adventure (B)
Travel to Kalpitiya, a remote and unspoiled stretch of Sri Lanka’s northern coastline, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Its vibrant coral reefs provide a sanctuary for a variety of marine life, including reef fish, mollusks, manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks. Between November and March, the waters here offer incredible dolphin sightings, featuring spinner, bottlenose, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, as well as frequent encounters with sperm whales and even the elusive blue whale. In the afternoon, take a short boat ride to one of Kalpitiya’s top snorkeling spots and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, exploring the underwater wonders of this marine paradise.
Day 3: Kalpatiya - Willpattu National Park: Jeep Safari (B, L, D)
This morning, travel to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its most secluded wildlife reserves. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling safari through its vast, dry forests and tranquil lakes. Unlike the busier parks of Yala or Minneriya, Wilpattu offers a quieter, more immersive experience, with fewer jeeps on the trails.
As you navigate dirt tracks, stopping at watering holes and lakes, keep an eye out for elephants cooling off in the water or a leopard pausing for a drink. The park is also home to an incredible array of wildlife, including sloth bears, mongooses, buffalo, crocodiles, and a diverse range of bird species.
Overnight in Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Willpattu National Park (B, L, D)
Start the day with an early morning jeep safari, offering another chance to spot Wilpattu’s diverse wildlife. Later, embark on a guided bush walk, where traveling on foot allows for a closer look at the park’s intricate details—tiny creatures, unique plant life, and the subtle sounds of the forest. Learn the art of animal tracking as you explore. As night falls, listen for the distinctive call of the loris. With the help of an experienced guide, venture into the darkness in search of these small, elusive primates, known for their large, glowing eyes and nocturnal habits.
Day 5: Willpattu National Park - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya (B)
After a final morning jeep safari in Wilpattu, enjoy lunch before continuing your journey. In the afternoon, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the former capital of Sri Lanka. This expansive archaeological site is home to an impressive array of stupas, tombs, and temples, each set within distinct zones. With your guide, uncover the stories of the great kings who once ruled here and their deep connection to Buddhism.
Day 6: Sigiriya & Minneriya: Rock Fortress & Jeep Safari (B)
Start your morning with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a striking 180-meter-high rock formation rising above the plains. Once home to a grand palace, its ruins now reveal ancient gardens, ponds, and aqueducts. Climb to the summit, pausing midway to admire the famous Sigiriya Damsels frescoes.
In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, depending on the best elephant sightings at the time. Keep an eye out for elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and an array of bird species in these wildlife-rich reserves.
Day 7: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Gal Oya National Park (B, D)
Today’s journey to Gal Oya takes you through the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples, home to an extraordinary collection of Buddha statues and Hindu deity sculptures dating back to the 1st century BC. This revered pilgrimage site showcases intricate frescoes and religious artistry.
Next, visit the Sam Popham Arboretum, Sri Lanka’s only dry zone arboretum, where you can observe a diverse array of wildlife, insects, and native plant species in a protected environment. Continuing into the mountains, you’ll arrive in the remote wilderness of Gal Oya National Park. As night falls, join an in-house naturalist for a guided jungle walk in search of the park’s elusive nocturnal creatures.
Day 8: Gal Oya National Park: Boat Safari & Jungle Walk (B, L, D)
Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched wilderness areas, is home to the country’s largest lake, Senanayake Samudraya, surrounded by grasslands and dense forests. This morning, embark on a boat safari to observe diverse birdlife and, if lucky, witness elephants swimming between islands or bathing along the shores.
After lunch, take a guided walk with a Vedda chief, a member of Sri Lanka’s indigenous forest-dwelling community. Learn about their ancestral survival techniques, from hunting to jungle sustenance. As night falls, set out with a naturalist for a guided walk, seeking out the park’s elusive nocturnal wildlife.
Day 9: Gal Oya National Park - Bandarawela (B)
Drive through the breathtaking mountains and tea plantations, stopping along the way to admire cascading waterfalls and panoramic views stretching down to the plains. On a clear day, the Ella Gap offers a stunning vista all the way to the sea. Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara, a 30-meter-high stone railway bridge built in the early 20th century.
Continue to Buduruvagala, a 10th-century Buddhist temple featuring seven impressive statues, including a towering Buddha figure. Arriving in Koslanda, settle into a secluded lodge on a scenic estate before embarking on a nature walk. Follow forest trails along the Nahavila Oya River, discovering pepper vines, wild coffee plants, and diverse trees while spotting giant squirrels, toque macaques, butterflies, and vibrant birdlife.
Day 10: Bandarawela - Horton Plains - Uda Walawe: Jeep Safari (B, L, D)
This morning, explore the misty grasslands of Horton Plains, Sri Lanka’s highest and most remote plateau. Situated at around 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers excellent nature walks and is home to diverse birdlife and wildlife. From here, continue your journey to Udawalawe National Park. In the late afternoon, embark on a thrilling jeep safari to observe the park’s rich wildlife in its natural habitat.
Day 11: Uda Walawe: Jeep Safaris (B, L, D)
Today, enjoy both morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Udawalawe National Park. Centered around a vast reservoir, the park’s landscape features bush trees and grasslands, providing a habitat for large elephant herds, deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and jackals. Spend the day exploring this serene wilderness and observing its diverse wildlife, with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home included.
Day 12: Uda Walawe - Sinharaja Rainforest (B)
After breakfast, journey to Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s last remaining virgin rainforest. Unlike other parks, entry is only possible on foot, offering an immersive experience in this biodiverse haven. While larger mammals like leopards are present but rarely seen, the forest is home to towering 45-meter canopy trees, rare flora, and 147 recorded bird species. A guided walking safari provides a peaceful escape, allowing you to appreciate the rich plant life and vibrant birdlife up close.
Day 13: Sinharaja Rainforest (B)
Today, continue your exploration of Sinharaja Rainforest with an expert naturalist guide, discovering its diverse flora and fauna. Follow scenic trails winding through various landscapes, some leading past cascading waterfalls and tranquil streams. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in one of the rainforest’s natural pools.
Day 14: Sinharaja - Galle (B, D)
Travel south to the coast, passing through charming seaside towns and beaches along the way. Stop at Weligama, where traditional stilt fishermen balance on 2-meter poles to catch fish in the waters below. Upon reaching Galle, explore the historic Galle Fort, the largest remaining European fortress in Asia. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort retains its old-world charm, blending European influences with Sri Lankan culture. Stroll through its winding streets, admiring colonial-era buildings and soaking in the timeless atmosphere.
Day 15: Galle (B)
Your last day is yours to spend as you wish. You might choose to explore more of Galle or unwind on one of the nearby beaches, soaking in the tranquility after your eventful journey.
Day 16: Galle - Depart Colombo (B)
Travel along the coast back to Colombo today. If you're a fan of Geoffrey Bawa’s work, you may opt to visit his renowned country home and gardens at Lunuganga Estate. Later, continue to Colombo Airport in time for your onward flight. Your Sri Lanka Adventure Tour ends here. Thank you!
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