WILDLIFE HOLIDAY

Day 01 : Colombo International Airport – Negombo

Arrival, transfer to Negombo

Rest of the day leisure 

Accommodation: Waterland Hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 02 : Wilpattu

Transfer to Wilpattu (03 Hours Approx)

Afternoon safari in Wilpattu National Park :

Wilpattu National Park is located 180 km north of Colombo, bordering the north western coast of the country and is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It is also the oldest with a rich historical past behind it. According to chronological accounts it is believed that Prince Vijaya (who came from East India in 543 BC and landed in Sri Lanka by accident) at Thambapanni near Mannar, now known as Kudrimale Point (Horse Point) was the founder of the Sinhalese nation. He is known to have married Kuweni a local tribal princess, the remains of whose palace can still be seen at Kali Villu, situated within the park. Packed with exciting wildlife, Wilpattu is waiting to be explored!

Rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Wilpattu Safari Camp
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 03 : Wilpattu

Full day safari in Wilpattu National Park :

Spend a full day exploring the varied terrain of Wilpattu National Park, whose vast landscape comprises of grassy plains, forest, rocky scrub land, lagoons and a coastline. This variety of environments allows Wilpattu to support a diverse range of animals and birdlife, ensuring that your day in the park is a rewarding experience and provides a magnificent exhibition of Sri Lanka's native wildlife.

Since most other jeeps leave the park after the morning safari and only return in the afternoon, you are guaranteed to have the game reserve to yourself for a number of hours. In a quieter environment the animals are likely to be more at ease, giving you a greater chance to catch a sighting of the more elusive animals, like the majestic leopard. You can enjoy a picnic breakfast, lunch and refreshing beverages throughout the safari, which will run from 06:00 to 18:00.

Accommodation: Wilpattu Safari Camp
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 04 : Gal Oya

Transfer to Gal Oya (5 hours 45 mins Approx)

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Gal Oya Wild Glamping
Meals: Half Board

Day 05 : Gal Oya

Leisure in the morning.

Afternoon boat safari in Gal Oya National Park :

Afternoon boat safari in Senanayake Tank surrounded by Gal Oya National Park to see swimming Elephants during the dry season (April to September). Gal Oya National Park is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where one could go safari in a boat. This boat trip is an ideal excursion for keen birders.

Accommodation: Gal Oya Wild Glamping
Meals: Half Board

Day 06 : Thanamalwila 

Transfer to Thanamalwila (3 hour 22 mins  Approx)

Afternoon Safari in Udawalawe National Park :

Embark on an exhilarating afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park, a wildlife haven nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka. As the sun begins its descent, the park comes alive with the sights and sounds of diverse flora and fauna. Hop aboard a safari vehicle and traverse the vast landscapes, where you may encounter herds of elephants, leopards, and a myriad of bird species. The golden hues of the setting sun create a magical ambiance, enhancing the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Udawalawe promises an unforgettable safari experience, providing a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the island's wilderness.

Accommodation: Tranquil Wild
Meals: Half Board

Day 07 : Thanamalwila 

A day out in the wild :

Explore Lunugamvehera National Park and Yala Block 5 National Park in a single day with an experienced naturalist. These two national parks are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate exploring wildlife without crowds. Elephants, Spotted Deers, Jackals, Crocodiles and many varieties of birds are expected to be encountered during this wildlife experience. If you are lucky, you may also come across the elusive Leopards and Sloth Bears. Refreshments, Picnic breakfast and a fully cooked Rice & Curry lunch is also served at a scenic location.

This wildlife experience starts at 6 AM and finishes at 6 PM (12 hours). In the morning session we head out to Yala Block 5 National Park which is also known as Veheragala NP in search of Leopards and this is where you take your breakfast on-the-go and enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. So there will be a break between 11 AM to 2 PM by the river. During this short break we do some walks in the area to explore the local wildlife such as Lizards, butterflies and birds. In the afternoon we head out to Lunugamvehera NP for the second session of the safari experience during which you may come across wild Elephant herds, Fishing cat, Asian Palm civet, Grey mongoose, Grizzled Giant squirrel and Mouse Deer.  

Special note - This is not a safari in popular Yala NP. But a safari in Lunugamvehera and Yala Block 5 national parks (AKA - Veheragala NP) which are bordering and sister parks of Yala NP. These two parks are less visited, so they are not crowded like Yala but the Leopard sightings are less compared to Yala NP. But if you come across any Leopards, it will be almost a private show.

Accommodation: Tranquil Wild
Meal: Half Board

Day 08 : Thanamalwila 

Full day safari in Yala National Park :

Embark on an immersive full-day safari adventure in Yala National Park, an iconic wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. From the crack of dawn to the tranquil dusk, this extensive exploration offers a comprehensive view of the park's diverse ecosystems. Traverse through lush jungles, expansive grasslands, and serene water bodies in search of the rich variety of wildlife that call Yala home.

Accommodation: Tranquil Wild
Meals: Half Board

Day 09 : Tangalle 

Transfer to Tangalle (1 hour Approx)

Afternoon at leisure

Watch the natural habitat of Turtle as they Lay eggs on the beach (Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary experience) :

Turtle Conservation Project of Rekawa was established in 1993 to protect turtles. Of the eight varieties of turtles remaining in the world today five species have been recorded at Rekawa beach. Green turtles are the most common, Leatherbacks, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Loggerheads also nest on this beach.

Accommodation: Shine wave turtle beach
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 10 : Weligama

Transfer to Weligama (55 minutes Approx)

Leisure by the beach.

Accommodation : Weligama Parangi bay
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 11 : Weligama

Morning Whale watching boat trip :

One of the best places in the world to see one of the only recorded resident blue whale colonies in their natural habitat. Dolphins are regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa and Dondra head on the south coast. The BBC documentary titled "Ocean Giants" featuring the mesmeric world of Whales and Dolphins, and the scientist's effort to shed light on their habits and why they grow so large were filmed around Sri Lanka and according to them 30 Blue Whales were sighted in a single day!

Afternoon at leisure by the beach.

Accommodation: Weligama Parangi bay
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 12 : Weligama - Airport

Check out and transfer to Colombo International Airport, 3 hours’ drive approx.

End of the Tour