Wildlife Tour of Sri Lanka

Today, you make your way to the historic city of Anuradhapura. Containing its very own UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a historian’s dream come true. Once you reach your destination, either rest in your hotel or take an optional tour of the ancient ruins and historical monuments of the city. Anuradhapura was the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom for many centuries, starting from the 4th Century BC and ending in the 11th century AD. It thus has many

enrapturing stories to tell, as is evidenced by the longstanding palatial structures, temples, and works of art that linger to this day.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Optional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anuradhapura

Meals

• Breakfast

Rise and shine! Make your way to the stunning Wilpattu National Park for your first Sri Lankan wildlife safari. Travellers have the option of either opting for a morning safari, which lasts a couple of hours, or a full-day safari for more hardcore animal lovers. The park is unique owing to the presence of numerous “Willus” – natural, sand-rimmed basins that fill up with rainwater, which you will encounter on your journey. Another prominent feature is its status as a sanctuary to a large leopard population. Around 31 other species of mammals call this park their home and include threatened species such as the elephant and the sloth bear, which you’re sure to encounter. Apart from these, it also hosts a wide range of birds and reptiles, all of whom will play a prominent role in your thrilling wildlife adventure!

If you opt for the morning tour, there are a number of other activities that can be undertaken in and around Anuradhapura during the rest of the day. Some of these include a trip to Polonnaruwa’s historical sites, other national parks in Minneriya and Kaudulla, or just getting some rest at the hotel!

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Safari to Wilpattu National Park

Meals

• Breakfast

After getting some glorious shut-eye, make your way to the coastal haven that is Trincomalee.

Once there, spend the day at leisure. Visit Marble Beach for some of nature’s finest sunbathing spots, and unwind to the soothing sounds of the sea. If you’re up for more vigorous activity, get your adrenaline pumping with some deep sea exploration of the Indian Ocean. There are numerous companies that offer diving gear and tours, plenty of which you can set-up with ease.

In the evening, explore the historic Trincomalee city, on an optional evening tour. Here, you can expect to see interesting styles of architecture hailing from the country’s colonial past, prominent religious landmarks such as the Koneswaram Temple, and the famous Kanniya Hot Springs, among others.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Optional city tour of Trincomalee

Meals

• Breakfast

Wake up bright and early, and head to the deep sea for glimpses of magnificent sea creatures. Sri Lanka is a famous whale and dolphin watching site, with travellers treated to views of majestic Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, as well as pods of leaping dolphins. The best time period for this is deemed to be between the months of March and November, so if you’re in the country during this time, this activity is one that should not be missed!

Once you complete your maritime adventures, head to the Primate Center Eco Lodge. While the lodge provides comfortable accommodation, it also serves as a “monkey camp” – a well-recognised research centre focusing on the subject of, as you guessed it, primates.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Dolphin and whale watching tour

Meals

• Breakfast

Today, spend your morning doing some of the engaging camp activities organised on your behalf. Whether watching its enchanting documentary ‘Monkey Kingdom’, produced by Disney Nature, or a number of other primate-related activities, you can expect to both learn immensely and have a pleasant time at this venue.

Spend the rest of the day in leisure, catching up on rest following your travels thus far. The next phase of your wildlife tour begins the following day.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Activities at the Primate Centre Eco Lodge

Meals

• Breakfast

If you’re dying for a closer look at the regal elephants of Sri Lanka, your trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one you will never forget.

Following the destruction of the elephant population in Sri Lanka during colonial rule, efforts to revive elephant numbers in Sri Lanka led to establishments such as the orphanage. Following a captive breeding program launched in 1982, over 20 elephants have been bred in the orphanage since then. Here, visitors can witness these peaceful creatures bathing in the river and playing with one another, with the serene countryside surrounding them.

Following your stop in Pinnawala, head down to the scenic town of Nuwara Eliya. Once

there, you can make an optional visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. More than just a quaint enclosure with approximately 10,000 species of flora, the site is also one that plays an important role in traditional folklore.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Optional visit to Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Meals

• Breakfast

Today, conquer the Horton Plains National Park. Visitors here have the opportunity to trek through the breathtaking wilderness; a changing landscape of broad plains, lush valleys, and a number of stunning precipices and waterfalls. Covering an area of around 12 square miles, discover the rich ecological heritage of the country and breathe new air as you conquer this extremely rewarding trek.

As you make your way across the park, take time at the precipice of the famed World’s End and Baker’s Falls – perfect photo opps for your mandatory vacation selfies! Once you complete your trek, head to Yala for more wildlife adventures!

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Visit to Horton Plains National Park

Meals

• Breakfast

On your agenda for today is either a trip to the Yala National Park or the Bundala/Kumana National Park.

Located in the south-eastern slice of the country, Yala expands its fortress over both the Southern and Uva Provinces. While the park covers a whopping 1260 square kilometres, only one-fifth of it is open to the public. Among the many dazzling species of wildlife in the park, droves of brightly-hued birds, majestic elephants, regal leopards, and sanguine water buffalos, are only a few of the many inhabitants of this sacrosanct reserve.

If you’re more of an ornithology enthusiast, the Bundala/Kumana National Park is a better option. Renowned for its exotic range of avifauna, both parks are a paradise for avid bird lovers. Despite its status as a bird sanctuary, however, the area also attracts golden jackals, wild boars, elephants, otters, and many other creatures.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Trip to Yala National Park or Bundala/Kumana National Park

Meals

• Breakfast

Today, head to coastal paradise, Tangalle, for a more seaside wildlife experience. Once there, visit the Turtle Watch Project headquarters in Rekawa. Here, get to know more about turtle conservation efforts in Sri Lanka and about the lives of these delightful creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even get the opportunity to watch a turtle lay its eggs and complete its journey back to the ocean!

If you’re keen to explore more of Tangalle, head to its famous fishing port or tour the area for stunning examples of Dutch architecture, lingering from the country’s colonial history. If you’re after more sun, sand, and sea, you can even go beach hopping, scoping out the city’s stunning coastal treasures.

Accomodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Visit to Turtle Watch Project headquarters

Meals

• Breakfast

Today you depart from Sri Lanka and head back home. We hope the warmth of the country and its people stay with you on the rest of your adventures. As you reminisce on your time in this paradise island, our hope is that you recall nothing but good times and good memories.

Meals

• Breakfast