Sri Lanka Wildlife Discovery

Day 1: Negombo - Arrival

AYUBOWAN! Welcome to Sri Lanka, The Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred directly to Negombo, a serene coastal town nestled right next to the bustling capital, Colombo. After checking into your hotel, the day ahead is all yours to soak in the charm of Negombo, especially the tranquil Negombo lagoon.

Don’t miss a visit to the famed Negombo fishing market, affectionately known as Lellama, the second-largest fish market in the country. Here, amid the lively hustle and bustle, you can mingle with local fishermen, purchase fresh catch, and immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. If you’re up for it, consider arranging a fishing trip or a relaxing boat ride across the lagoon and out to the open ocean.

Overnight in Negombo

Day 2: Habarana - Minneriya National Park

Morning:
Wake up early for today as we’ll head to the tranquil city of Habarana. Sit back and enjoy the drive surrounded by great scenery, journeying through the local villages, small towns, coconut plantations, paddy fields and small forest patches.

Afternoon:
Embark on a wildlife adventure at Minneriya National Parks, renowned for its rich biodiversity and captivating safaris. Minneriya National Park is famed for hosting Asia’s largest gathering of elephants, alongside endemic species like the purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Encounter Sri Lankan sambar deer, axis deer, and occasional sightings of the elusive leopard and sloth bear. The park’s reservoir attracts a variety of water birds, including the lesser adjutant and painted stork. Conclude your day at a comfortable hotel, enjoying relaxation at your leisure.

Overnight in Habarana

Day 3: Kandy - Dambulla Cave Temple

Morning:
We’ll head to the beautiful city of Kandy, located on a plateau surrounded by mountains. En route, we’ll make a stop at Dambulla Cave Temple. This site features five caves housing around 150 breathtaking Buddha statues and paintings, showcasing some of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious art. These Buddha images, originally created over 2000 years ago, have been enhanced and enriched by successive kings over the centuries.

Afternoon:
Next, we’ll visit the Matale Spice Garden, home to Sri Lankan treasures like turmeric, pepper, and cardamom. Afterward, we’ll explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a stunning Buddhist temple within the royal palace complex of ancient Kandy, where legend says the Buddha’s tooth is enshrined.

Overnight in Kandy

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya - Udawatta Kale Sanctuary

Morning:
Say goodbye to Kandy as we’ll take a ride to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit Udawatta Kale Sanctuary, covering almost 104 hectares. Udawatta Kale was declared a forest reserve in 1856 by the British government, then became a sanctuary in 1938. This sanctuary is home to 81 bird species as well as some endemic species. It also has a great panoramic view of the entire Kandy city.

Afternoon:
Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England.” Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, this charming city enchants visitors with its cool, misty climate, verdant tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture. To conclude our day, we’ll visit a tea factory where you can witness the intricate process of tea production, from the plucking of leaves to the final packaging.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains

Morning:
We’ll start the day with a visit to Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains is the only national park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. The climate here is a wet montane climate with a mean annual temperature of 15 centigrade. Horton Plains is famous for World’s End, a stunning viewpoint, which is a sheer drop of 870 meters hidden in clouds.

Afternoon:
Say goodbye to the central highland of Sri Lanka, we’ll transfer to Tissamaharama. Upon arrival, you’ll spend the rest of your day in a lodge amid the pristine forest. Since we’re nestled near a natural conservation area, it’s crucial to treat nature with utmost care and responsibility. Actions such as littering, starting fires, trimming foliage, or altering the landscape should be avoided at all costs.

Overnight in Tissamaharama

Day 6: Tissamaharama - Yala National Park

Morning:
Did you know that in many areas of Sri Lanka, people and free-roaming animals coexist side-by-side? While this harmony is magical, encounters aren’t always positive and safe for both sides. Today, we’re heading to Yala National Park for a full-day safari, where animals find a protected habitat. Covering 965 square kilometers, Yala boasts incredible biodiversity. Our adventure focuses on Block 1, known for its significant leopard population – offering a rare opportunity to observe and capture photos of these majestic creatures. Moreover, as we traverse the rugged terrain in a Jeep, keep watch for elephants, sloth bears, and a host of other fascinating wildlife species.

Afternoon:
Get ready for even more excitement as we explore the beautiful water holes in the park. You’ll see mugger crocodiles, painted storks, and maybe even spot the elusive black-necked stork! After an adventure-packed day, we’ll head back to our cozy lodge.

Overnight in Tissamaharama

Day 7: Tissamaharama - Tissa Wetlands

Morning:
Begin your day early to visit Tissa Wetlands for a guided birdwatching tour. As the sun rises, the wetlands come alive with the calls and movements of various birds. Your guide will help you identify species such as the painted stork, purple heron, and the vibrant kingfisher. We’ll then traverse the serene pathways that wind through marshes and shallow lakes towards the famous Bat Tree. This ancient tree is a sanctuary for a large colony of fruit bats, which reside there during the day. Marvel at the sight of hundreds of bats hanging upside down, observing their natural behavior in their habitat.

Afternoon:
Continue your birdwatching safari at Hambantota Birds Park. Along the tranquil walking trails amidst lush greenery, you can delight in observing colorful birds like peacocks, parrots, and endemic species in a natural habitat. Later, we’ll head to Mirissa, a beautiful coastal town of Sri Lanka.

Overnight in Mirissa

Day 8: Mirissa - Whale watching

Morning:
Waking up early for today, you’ll set sail from the fisheries harbor, ready to see Blue Whales up close. Thanks to the narrow continental shelf south of Dondra, you can spot these majestic creatures relatively close to shore. Your naturalist guide will then take you further into the sea to look for Sperm Whales, with possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Plus, the guide will share fascinating information about the ocean biodiversity in southern Sri Lanka. You’re even welcome to take a dip in the ocean or try stand-up paddleboarding in calm waters.

Afternoon:
Let’s swap the soothing beach vibes for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s lively capital. Once you’re settled in at the hotel, take the afternoon to explore the city on your own, especially the incredible local cuisine. Sri Lankan food is a flavorful blend of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Arabic influences, with a dash of colonial history. Dining out here is a treat, whether you’re savoring authentic rice and curry at a cozy cafe or digging into a hearty plate of kottu—chopped roti mixed with veggies and meat.

Overnight in Colombo

Day 9: Colombo - Departure

Your journey in Sri Lanka comes to its end. After breakfast today, you’ll get the morning to yourself – no scheduled activities. Whenever you’re ready to go, our attentive driver will be ready to take you to the airport in Colombo, ensuring a seamless transition for your departing flight. Until our paths cross again on your next adventure, safe travels!