Wildlife of Sri Lanka

17 Days in Sri Lanka: Colombo | Horathapola | Wilpattu | Sigiriya | Kandy | Gal Oya | Yala | Galle

  • Colombo
  • Horathapola
  • Wilpattu
  • Sigiriya
  • Kandy
  • Gal Oya
  • Yala
  • Galle

Wildlife of Sri Lanka

Trip Code: BV16HIW

Price: from AU$12,890 per person twin share

Prices valid until 30 September 2024, excluding the Christmas / New Year period.

Departs: Daily

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary and current prices and departure dates.

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation on twin share basis
  • Return Airport transfers
  • Meals: 16 breakfasts, all meals at Wilpattu, Gal Oya and Yalla, dinner in Galle Day 16
  • Transport for sightseeing
  • Guided excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary – inclusive of entrance fees, park fees, transport and services of an English speaking local guide

Not included:

  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities
  • Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non-meal hours
  • Video and professional Still Camera fees
  • International and Domestic air tickets
  • Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey
  • Any expenses of a personal nature eg tips in restaurants or hotels, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc
  • Any other expense not mentioned as included
  • Meals other than specified
  • Introduction

    Wildlife lovers will visit and experience three of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife destinations as part of this trip. Combining some of Sri Lanka’s most important archaeological sites, World Heritage-listed locations and the country’s best national parks abundant with wildlife – this is an ideal introduction to all Sri Lanka has to offer.

    This comprehensive 17-day exploration of Sri Lanka’s ‘must see’ locations commences at the wonderful Horathapola Estate – where the tranquility of rural Sri Lanka is lay before you. Search for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard in Wilpattu National Park on guided game drives, wander the ancient sacred grounds of Anuradhapura and explore the mediational pathways of Ritigala.

    You will have the opportunity to climb of the magnificent Rock Fortress of Sigiriya – a rare jewel amongst the treasures this land has to offer. Visit the charming capital of the hill country – Kandy and explore this former capital city by bicycle. See swimming elephant herds at Gal Oya National Park, stay at a luxurious tented camp from where you will take game drives into the world famous Yala National Park and walk the historical streets of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Galle – once a prominent sea port hosting traders from all over the world.

    A wonderful 17-day wildlife and sightseeing trip in Sri Lanka.

  • Day 1 Colombo

    Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met upon arrival at Colombo’s international airport and make the short drive to the seclusion of Horathapola Estate. This astutely renovated plantation bungalow offers you contemporary comforts coupled with local charm that will entice you from the moment you reach this property.

  • Day 2 Horathapola

    Morning at leisure to enjoy the ambiance of the 50-acre estate. With its large agricultural expanse you may like to stroll through the coconut trees and paddy fields or  take a guided village walk. You are also welcome to help prepare lunch or dinner and learn about the local spices and cooking methods.

  • Day 3 Wilpattu

    Drive to Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka and popular due to the high prevalence of Sri Lankan leopards. The park is also home to a diverse range of other wildlife, including the highly threatened Sri Lankan sloth bear, elephant, spotted deer, water buffalo, sambar and mongoose. A number of wetland bird species are found here including garganey, pintail and whistling teal. Spend the next two days exploring this amazing eco system on guided game drives.

  • Day 4 Wilpattu

    Today continue your exploration of the Wilpattu National Park on guided game drives.

  • Day 5 Sigiriya

    This morning drive to Anuradhapura. Wander the sacred and ancient grounds of Anuradhapura with its rich collection of archaeological treasures dating back over 2,000 years. Anuradhapura is a sprawling complex and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Afterwards, visit Ritigala archeological site to explore its long meditational pathways that open into the thick jungle and large stone-lined reservoirs. Continue onto Sigiriya.

  • Day 6 Sigiriya

    This morning visit the magnificent Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. The rock fortress also known as Lion Rock, is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode. Later visit the massive rock formation of Pidurangala located just a few kilometers north.

  • Day 7 Sigiriya

    Morning at leisure before you set out on a jeep safari to either Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park where you can see elephants in their natural habitat. Encountering these giants at close range is an unforgettable experience. Both parks also present sightings of bird-flocks such as painted storks, pelicans and little cormorants as well as toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo and crocodiles.

  • Day 8 Kandy

    Continue on to Kandy today. The charming, easy-going capital of the hill country, Kandy once served as the country’s capital of the Sinhalese kingdom until its fall to the British in 1815. With the lovely centerpiece of Kandy Lake, Kandy is a big city that still retains touches of its colonial history in its buildings.  Visit the Buddhist ‘Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha.

  • Day 9 Kandy

    Mounting the older Sri Lankan style of bikes, take a guided cycling tour rolling along small lanes and back roads to discover the heritage of Kandy through its people who carry on the traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom, from the keeper of a Buddhist temple, to a lady selling coconuts.  Enjoy a snack break along the way and stop by some local cottage industries.

  • Day 10 Gal Oya

    Gal Oya is the only place in Sri Lanka where safaris can be conducted by boat, giving you an opportunity to observe animals as they come to the water’s edge to drink. A highlight is seeing the spectacle of herds of elephants swimming from one island to another in search of greener pastures. Nearby are the Veddha – the forest-dwelling indigenous people of Sri Lanka who will take you through the jungles to learn more about their way of life. Spend the next three days at Gal Oya exploring by boat, jeep and on foot.

  • Day 11 Gal Oya

    Today continue your exploration of Gal Oya on guided game drives. Gal Oya is the only place in Sri Lanka where safaris can also be conducted by boat providing an opportunity to observe Wildlife by the waters edge.

  • Day 12 Gal Oya

    Today we take an excursion to a nearby Veddha village – the forest dwelling indigenous people of Sri Lanka who will share their knowledge of the jungle and their way of life.

  • Day 13 Yala

    Continue on to Yala. Your stay for the next two nights will be at a luxury campsite where you can set out for game drives into the Yala National Park. This is Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife reserve and is home to herds of elephants, wild boar, wild buffalo, crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys and other animals. Its most famous residents, however, are its leopards.

  • Day 14 Yala

    Further exploration today by way of game drives into the Yala National Park – Sri Lanka’s most popular and home to an incredible variety of wildlife.  Today you will have yet another chance to spot the most famous resident of the park – the Sri Lankan Leopard.

  • Day 15 Galle

    One of the best-preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia, Galle has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. Galle was a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country as Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. A leisurely day to relax by the pool or you can take a walk and enjoy the views of the sunset from the ramparts of the fort.

  • Day 16 Galle

    Discover Galle Fort with its narrow, cobbled streets, laid back cafes, boutique hotels, and artisan workshops. The Fort remains a working community with locals going about their business as they have done here for centuries. Dine at a local home tonight to taste some of Sri Lanka’s finest curries.

  • Day 17 Colombo

    Transfer to Colombo for international departing flight.

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