Sri Lanka Tours
Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour
A great introduction to the vast variety of wildlife in Sri Lanka on this 9 day tour.
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Sri Lanka
Discover the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka on this immersive 9-day wildlife adventure. We designed it for nature lovers, photographers and anyone seeking close encounters with the island's most iconic creatures. The tour takes you through dense rainforests, dry-zone scrublands, coastal lagoons and ancient reservoirs. As a result, you go deep into the habitats of elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
Your journey begins in the coastal town of Negombo. Then you head north to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest and most enigmatic wildlife reserve. It is known for its unique "willus", natural lakes scattered throughout the forest. It is also home to elusive leopards and elephant herds. With two safaris in this park, you'll therefore have ample opportunity to witness its quiet majesty.
From Wilpattu, the tour moves to Anuradhapura for a boat safari along the Malwathuoya River. After that come Sigiriya's iconic rock fortress and the highlands of Mahiyanganaya. The journey then continues to Arugam Bay, gateway to Kumana National Park. This coastal sanctuary is renowned for its birdlife and sightings of elephants and leopards. Finally, enjoy two evening safaris as the sun sets over the lagoons and mangroves.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Sri Lanka
Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your English-speaking chauffeur guide meets you. Then drive to Negombo (around 20 minutes). This lively coastal town has palm-fringed beaches, Dutch-era architecture and bustling fish markets.
Overnight in Goldi Sands Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 2
Wilpattu Safari and Ancient Anuradhapura
Drive north (around 4 hours) to Wilpattu National Park for an afternoon safari. The park is a mosaic of dense forest and shimmering "willu" lakes. Afterwards, continue to Anuradhapura (around 1 hour), the sacred heart of Sri Lanka's ancient civilisation. It also has towering stupas and serene reservoirs.
Overnight in The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa, Anuradhapura · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Sacred Stones and Sunset Safari
Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Anuradhapura, walking among centuries-old temples and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree. In fact, the tree is believed to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Later, in the evening, return to Wilpattu for a second safari as sunset casts a magical glow over the park.
Overnight in The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa, Anuradhapura · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
River Safari, Ancient Buddha and Elephant Encounters
Begin with a tranquil boat safari along the Malwathuoya River, spotting crocodiles and waterbirds. Then visit the Aukana Buddha Statue, a towering 5th-century rock carving. After that, venture into Kalawewa National Park. Here elephants roam freely among reservoirs built by kings over 1,500 years ago.
Overnight in The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa, Anuradhapura · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Sigiriya's Sky Palace and Scenic Highlands
Ascend the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a marvel of engineering and art with frescoes, water gardens and panoramic views. Then continue to Mahiyanganaya (around 3 hours), a tranquil town in the central highlands. It also offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's indigenous Vedda culture.
Overnight in Mapakada Village · Meals included: Dinner, breakfast
DAY 6
Coastal Escape and Kumana Safari
Travel southeast (around 3 hours) to Arugam Bay, a laid-back beach town known for its surf breaks. Then, in the evening, explore Kumana National Park. This sanctuary for migratory birds has coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps.
Overnight in Blue Wave Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Leisure and Wild Encounters
Enjoy a morning at leisure. For example, relax on the beach, explore local cafés, or take a village stroll. Then, in the evening, return to Kumana National Park for another safari. It reveals a different side of the wilderness in the fading light.
Overnight in Blue Wave Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Journey Back to Negombo
A scenic drive back to Negombo (around 7 hours), passing through rural villages, lush paddy fields and coastal towns.
Overnight in Goldi Sands Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Departure
Your chauffeur guide transfers you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
All transfers between hotels and sites in a standard air-conditioned car or van with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Meals as shown in the itinerary
Entrance tickets to Anuradhapura, Sri Mahabodhiya, Aukana and Sigiriya
Jeeps and entrance tickets at national parks
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks and meals other than those mentioned on the program
Expenditure of a personal nature, laundry, telephone bills, drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
Tips for drivers and guides
Early check-in / late checkout fees if required
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, scheduled to your requirements.
From £1,395 per person, based on two people sharing per room
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Sri Lanka.
Your passport should be valid for 6 months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka. All visitors are advised to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. On-arrival visa facilities are also available. However, applying in advance is recommended to prevent delays. Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. Overstaying can therefore result in fines or detention.
If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 011 2691111 and ask for an ambulance, or dial 1990. Emergency medical treatment isn't easily available outside main cities, and you may need to be brought to Colombo. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds. All regions of Sri Lanka experience outbreaks of mosquito-borne dengue fever, so take steps to avoid bites.
Many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of year. Therefore, always take local advice before entering the sea. There can also be shortages of basic necessities, including fuel and medicines, from time to time. In addition, there are occasional power cuts. Check ahead if you have specific health needs.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable. Also bring a warmer jumper for cooler evenings and a light raincoat. Laundry is available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals are the ideal footwear. In addition, waterproof footwear is recommended.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. Finally, bring a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The Sri Lankan Rupee is the local currency. Most major banks allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. ATMs are also available in major towns and cities, although not all accept international cards. However, money cannot be transferred out of the country without an exchange control permit.
Sri Lanka uses type D and G plugs on a 230V/50Hz supply, and is on GMT+5:30. Wifi is common in hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafes across touristed areas. In addition, tourist SIM cards are widely available.
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