Sri Lanka Wildlife and Wonders

The Wonders of Sri Lanka - Whales, Turtles, Leopards and More - from £3,800 per person

Day 1

On your arrival into Colombo you will be met by one of our representatives who will welcome you to Sri Lanka before heading off to Habarana which will take roughly 5 ½ hours. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge – has individual ensuite rooms on the ground or first floor, overlooking the lake

 

Day 2

This morning after breakfast you head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which has been declared a World Heritage site. Here you will be able to see the well preserved ruins constructed by Parakramabahu the Great, the last in a sequence of warrior-kings, who developed the city on a lavish scale. In the afternoon you have a fantastic excursion to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which consists of a sheer cliff that rises 200 meters with the ruins of the palace on the top and impressive gardens at the foot.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge (B/L/D)

 

Day 3

A relaxing morning prior to travelling north east to the beautiful coastline of Trincomalee. This afternoon/evening you have at your leisure prior to whale watching in the morning.

Overnight: Chaya Blue – a newly built comfortable hotel providing the best access to whale watching along this coastline (B/L/D)

 

Day 4

An early start for whale watching! A fantastic experience as you can spot blue whales and humpback whales off the coastline of Sri Lanka. On occasions you can also spot pods of up to four hundred dolphins alongside your boat! This afternoon you have at your leisure to relax after the mornings adventure.

Overnight: Chaya Blue (B/L/D)

 

Day 5

Today you drive southwards to the central city of Kandy. A chance to relax upon arrival or alternatively start exploring this renowned city.

Overnight: Earls Regency – a 5 star hotel providing views of the surrounding mountains and great access to Kandy (B/L/D)

 

Day 6

Today you have a relaxing exploration of the cultural city of Kandy with highlight being a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. This is a must see temple which houses the tooth of the Buddha which was allegedly snatched from his funeral pyre and smuggled into Sri Lanka where it is now on display.

Overnight: Earls Regency (B/L/D)

 

Day 7

About 2 hours from Kandy is the tea plantation town of Nuwara Eliya which is the highest town in Sri Lanka. The afternoon is yours at leisure or to explore the town or nearby tea plantations.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya (B/L/D)

 

Day 8

Today you explore the nearby Horton Plains National Park. As a National Park it is not wildlife orientated, but is one of the most scenic areas in Sri Lanka. A protected area in the central highlands covered by montane grassland and the last true remaining cloud forest in Sri Lanka. One of the main highlights is “World’s End”, which is located at the southern reaches of the park and involves a 1,200m drop!

Overnight: Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya (B/L/D)

 

Day 9

After breakfast at the hotel you depart the hills and head south to Yala National Park where you will meet your leopard tracking team. After you have settled into the lodge and had lunch you will go on your first afternoon game drive in search of the Asian Leopard.

Overnight: Yala Village – is just 3 km from the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, making it an ideal base from which to explore the area. There are beach and jungle chalets with balconies, ensuite facilities and air conditioning (B/L/D)

 

Day 10

You have 4 full days of morning and afternoon game drives inside the national park as you search for leopards, elephant, bears, deer, crocodiles, buffalo and much more. You will have a second vehicle that will search the national park for leopards. They will be in radio contact with and so can alert you of any leopards they have spotted. This obviously gives you a better chance of seeing them. On one of the days you will have a bush breakfast inside the park, on another day you will have a bush dinner with the team and then another night a private dinner on the observation deck with one of your guides.

Overnight: Yala Village (B/L/D)

 

Days 11, 12, 13

For these days you will actually be staying at a bush camp within the park itself. This maximizes your chances of seeing leopards in the wild as you have quicker access to the prime viewing spots. This is truly a remote experience getting you up close and personal to the wildlife at the same time as having all your needs catered for.

Overnight: Leopard Safari Camp – shared facilities but cosy tents and tasty meals prepared by the chef accompanied by vintage wines (B/L/D)

 

Day 14

A last game drive as you depart the park and make your way along the coast to the historic town of Galle. Here you will stay at the luxury boutique property of Aditya (located 15 mins drive north of Galle). This afternoon relax and enjoy your surroundings after the adventures of the last few weeks.

Overnight: Aditya – Shanthi Room -  a luxury boutique property with direct access to the beach and a lovely pool to laze in. Evening meals can be taken on the beach or even in your room where you have a private plunge pool! (B/L/D)

 

Days 15, 16, 17, 18

Four whole days to enjoy this lovely property. A variety of activities are on offer in the surrounding area including visits to the turtle project, exploration of Galle town itself and the historic fort, whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa Harbour or further temples and monasteries that can be accessed further inland. Alternatively, just sit back, relax and reminisce over the adventures of the last few weeks.

Overnight: Aditya (B/L/D)

 

Day 19

Today you depart Aditya and make your way (approx 2hrs) to Colombo.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lakeside – a 5 star hotel (B)

 

 

Day 20

This morning you transfer to the airport in time for your international flight back home  (B)