- 4.9/5 401 Latest reviews
- Destination: Sri Lanka
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Wildlife
About This Trip
Embark on a 10-day wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka and get up close with the island’s extraordinary fauna. Journey through lush rainforests, misty hills, and expansive national parks to spot majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and vibrant exotic birds in their natural habitats. Enjoy thrilling jeep safaris in Udawalawe and Yala, scenic hikes through Horton Plains National Park, and peaceful canoe rides on the Kelani River, all designed to immerse you in Sri Lanka’s breathtaking wildlife.
Beyond safaris, this bespoke tour offers unforgettable experiences like whale watching in Mirissa and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Bentota. Perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers, this journey combines wildlife exploration with comfort, luxury, and authentic Sri Lankan culture, ensuring every moment is filled with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable encounters with the island’s rich and diverse wildlife.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Colombo
Arrival
2
Kitulgala
Kelani River Canoe Tour, Rainforest Trekking, White-Water Rafting
3 - 4
Nuwara Eliya
Horton Plains National Park, World's End
5 - 6
Udawalawe, Yala
Udawalawe: Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari
Yala: Yala National Park Wildlife Safari
7 - 8
Mirissa
Whale Watching
9
Bentota
Bentota Leisure Time
10
Colombo
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Kitulgala
Begin your wildlife adventure as your private driver welcomes you at Colombo Airport. Drive to Kitulgala, a lush rainforest known for its incredible biodiversity. Settle into your eco-lodge surrounded by tropical flora and the soothing sounds of jungle birds. Spend the evening exploring the riverbank or simply relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka’s wildlife awakening at dusk.
Highlights: Colombo arrival, private transfer to Kitulgala, rainforest eco-lodge stay, evening wildlife exploration
- Kitulgala
- Day 2: Kitulgala Rainforest Trek & Kelani River Canoe
Start your day with an exhilarating canoe ride on the Kelani River, gliding past dense forest and waterfalls. Trek through the rainforest trails, guided by experts who reveal the secrets of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, including rare birds, colorful butterflies, and endemic flora. Birdwatchers will love spotting species like the Orange-billed Babbler, Chestnut-backed Owlet, and Green-billed Coucal. For adventure enthusiasts, tackle the river rapids during white-water rafting, combining adrenaline and wildlife immersion in one thrilling experience.
Highlights: Kelani River canoe ride, rainforest trekking, birdwatching, spotting endemic flora, white-water rafting
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- Kitulgala
- Day 3: Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing
Travel to the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its colonial charm and tea plantations. Along the way, marvel at the roaring Devon and St. Clair Falls, and explore a traditional tea factory to see how Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea is produced. Stroll through Victoria Park, a haven for colorful birds and butterflies, and capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains — perfect for wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Highlights: Devon & St. Clair Falls, tea factory visit, Victoria Park stroll, birdwatching, panoramic highland views
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- Nuwara Eliya
- Day 4: Horton Plains National Park – Udawalawe
Wake early for a hike in the UNESCO-listed Horton Plains National Park, a unique ecosystem home to sambar deer, toque macaques, and endemic bird species. Reach the iconic World’s End cliff, offering breathtaking vistas over mist-covered valleys. Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by nature, spotting rare reptiles and small mammals along the way. In the afternoon, transfer to Udawalawe and prepare for your next wildlife encounter among the largest elephant herds in Sri Lanka.
Highlights: Horton Plains hike, World’s End cliff views, wildlife spotting (deer, monkeys, reptiles), picnic breakfast, transfer to Udawalawe
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- Udawalawe
- Day 5: Udawalawe Elephant Safari – Transfer to Yala
Embark on a morning jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its abundant elephant population. Observe playful calves and majestic bull elephants roaming freely in the wild. Spot water buffalo, monitor lizards, and a variety of birds in this pristine wildlife habitat. After the safari, transfer to Yala National Park and enjoy an evening drive to spot nocturnal wildlife such as civet cats and spotted deer, giving you a taste of the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Highlights: Udawalawe jeep safari, elephant sightings, water buffalo spotting, birdwatching, evening Yala wildlife drive
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- Yala
- Day 6: Full-Day Yala National Park Safari
Experience a full day of wildlife exploration in Yala, famous for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Traverse grassy plains, lagoons, and dense jungle to spot leopards, elephant families, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. Capture incredible wildlife photography as you enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild. Every corner of Yala offers a new chance to witness nature’s marvels in their natural environment — from crocodiles sunbathing to monkeys swinging through the trees.
Highlights: Full-day Yala safari, leopard spotting, elephant families, sloth bears, birdwatching, wildlife photography, picnic lunch in the wild
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- Yala
- Day 7: Yala – Mirissa Coastal Retreat
After a morning at leisure, drive to the coastal paradise of Mirissa. Spend the afternoon relaxing on golden beaches, swimming, or enjoying fresh seafood at beachfront cafes. Keep an eye out for coastal wildlife, including seabirds, turtles, and dolphins near the shore. Mirissa offers a perfect combination of relaxation and wildlife observation, preparing you for the next day’s marine adventure.
Highlights: Relax on Mirissa beaches, coastal wildlife spotting, seabirds, turtles, dolphins, beachside dining
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- Mirissa
- Day 8: Mirissa Whale Watching – Transfer to Bentota
Rise early for an unforgettable whale watching tour in the Indian Ocean. Spot majestic blue whales, sperm whales, playful dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural marine habitat. Learn about marine conservation efforts from local guides and witness the spectacular marine wildlife of Sri Lanka up close. After the tour, transfer to Bentota and unwind on pristine beaches, enjoying the tropical scenery and gentle ocean breeze.
Highlights: Whale watching, blue whales, dolphins, sea turtles, marine wildlife observation, transfer to Bentota, beach relaxation
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- Bentota
- Day 9: Bentota Leisure & Turtle Conservation Project
Spend the day exploring Bentota’s serene beaches or participating in water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and jet-skiing. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project, an educational center focused on protecting endangered sea turtles. Witness baby turtles hatching and release them safely into the ocean — a unique wildlife experience that combines education and conservation. End the day with a sunset stroll along the lagoon, spotting birds and other wildlife in this coastal paradise.
Highlights: Bentota beach leisure, water sports, Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project, baby turtle release, sunset wildlife observation
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- Bentota
- Day 10: Bentota – Colombo Departure
Conclude your epic wildlife safari with a private transfer back to Colombo for your departure. Reflect on unforgettable encounters with elephants, leopards, exotic birds, whales, and turtles, along with the breathtaking landscapes of Sri Lanka. Take home memories of a truly immersive wildlife adventure that combines adventure, luxury, and nature in perfect harmony.
Highlights: Private transfer to Colombo, farewell wildlife encounters, reflection on safari memories, end of trip
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