Sri Lanka Safari

Experience wild Sri Lanka on this off-the-beaten track itinerary. This journey takes you through the length and breadth of this diverse teardrop isle. Through undulating hills, low grasslands and golden coast, enjoy incredible wildlife and culture throughout. With hundreds of species of endemic birds as well as a growing number of leopard sightings in Yala and Wilpattu National Park among others,

1. Days 1-2: Sri Lanka's West Coast

   You will begin your journey in Colombo, a natural starting point for anyone travelling to Sri Lanka. One night after your international flight will ensure you are rested and ready to begin this exciting adventure.

   Accommodation: The Wallawwa (1 night)

2. Days 2-4: Wilpattu National Park

   Along with your expert driver/ guide you will make your way north until reach Wilpattu National Park. Although less popular than Yala, this hidden gem makes for an authentic wildlife encounters, as you enjoy a unique camping experience. Head out on early morning and evening safaris and if you're lucky catch some amazing sightings. Later, reflect on the day with sundowners followed by dinner under the stars.

   Accommodation: Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park (2 nights)

3. Days 4-7: Sigiriya

   After three nights in the wilds of Wilpattu you will journey on to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Visit the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, the mighty rock fortress of Sigiriya, the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa, as well as the ancient cave temples of Dambulla to the south. If there is time we can also include a stop at Minneriya National Park adding yet another wildlife experience to the adventure.

   Accommodation: Water Garden Sigiriya (3 nights)

4. Days 7-9: Gal Oya National Park

   From the Cultural Triangle you will continue this wild and unique trip and head to Gal Oya National Park for two nights. One of Sri Lanka's less visited parks, it is not to be forgotten. It is all about the wild and authentic experiences here. Go on a night safari as dusk falls and help set camera traps to shoot footage of the nocturnal animals; this is a nature lover's paradise.

   Accommodation: Gal Oya Lodge (2 nights)

5. Days 9-11: Nuwara Eliya

   The next leg of your journey will then lead you to the Hill Country, home to Ceylon tea which saw the British build their bungalows here over 150 years ago. We have included two nights here, give you plenty of time to explore the surrounding plantations with some beautiful walks as well as a visit to the tea factory to learn about the art of making this widely drunk beverage. We recommend you drink plenty of tea during your stay, its known to be the finest leaf in the world due to the cool clean climate here.

   Accommodation: Goatfell (2 nights)

6. Days 11-13: Yala National Park

   You will then travel south to Yala, Sri Lanka's most famous National Park. Head out on morning and evening safaris with expert naturalists in search of the elusive leopards. Due to its topography, Yala is known to have the highest population of leopards in Sri Lanka, so you have a good chance of a sighting.

   Accommodation: Chena Huts (2 nights)

7. Days 13-16: South Coast

   Finally, no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to one of the golden beaches on the south coast. Enjoy three nights of much deserved relaxation on near to deserted beaches. If you are looking to be more active, there is plenty to choose from here as well and from November to March Mirissa is a great place to go whale watching.

   Accommodation: Aditya (3 nights)

• Explore the Tea Plantations

  During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.

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• Gal Oya Lodge - Boat Safari

  Gal Oya National Park is home to Sri Lanka's largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake. The jetty for the boat safari is a drive of about an hour from the lodge, but offers a unique experience unlike anything else in Sri Lanka.

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• Gal Oya Lodge - Jeep Safari and Walk through Nilgala

  As it is Sri Lanka's most untouched national park, Gal Oya is a fantastic location to see wildlife with very few other visitors. On this experience you will enjoy a jeep safari coupled with a walk through the unspoilt Nilgala section of the park.

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• Gal Oya Lodge - Night Safari

  During your stay at Gal Oya Lodge, head out on a night safari and discover the magic of this unspoilt landscape. At dusk, the different animals come out allowing you to see nocturnal animals and their behaviours.

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• Jeep Safari - Wilpattu National Park

  Wilpattu is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national parks, with an area of over 130,000 hectares. Explore by jeep, driving past natural lakes, scrubland and dense jungle, possibly spotting sloth bear, leopard and wild elephant.

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• Safari in Wilpattu National Park

  Head into Wilpattu National Park for a morning or evening safari to marvel at the range of wildlife.

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Kotuguda, Wilpattu, Sigiriya, Gal Oya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park & Galle