Exotic Sri Lanka Safari

Day 1: Colombo - Arrival

AYUBOWAN! Welcome to Sri Lanka, The Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, you will be greeted by your naturalist guide and transferred directly to Weligama, a coastal city down south. As the car sped along the empty road lined with coconut trees, it seemed as if a lush green carpet had been rolled out just for our journey.

Weligama, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waves, and abundant foliage, sits like a precious gem of Sri Lanka. Moreover, this quaint town, with its colorful yet weathered houses, evokes a sense of nostalgia. Despite the salt-infused air causing the walls to peel, it feels as though you’ve stepped onto a movie set. Once settling in your hotel room, you can spend the rest of your day enjoying the tranquil vibe of Weligama by yourself.

Overnight in Weligama

Day 2: Mirissa - Whale watching

Morning:
We’ll head to Mirissa, a beautiful coastal town next to Weligama. 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:
You’ll have a free beach time in Weligama, where the soft, curving sands meet crystal-clear waters just right for a leisurely swim or a tranquil sunset view. Take a stroll through the nearby fishing village, where vibrant boats bring in the day’s fresh catch to sell along the shore. And if you want to bring a touch of authenticity back home, explore the local cottage industry of lace products and find your souvenir.

Overnight in Weligama

Day 3: Weligama - Free & Easy

Today is all yours to freely explore the beauty of Weligama. Do you need some inspiration? These suggestions might be helpful for you:
– If you’re curious about the local fishing scene, rise early to witness stilt fishing. It’s an age-old tradition along Sri Lankan southern coast, where you’ll see old fishermen sitting on stilts instead of boats. They stick to the calm waters near the shore, unlike the rough seas they used to tackle when they were younger.
– Whales aren’t bothered by heavy rain — it’s business as usual for them! But for us, it might mean it’s harder to see them off shore. If we didn’t have luck yesterday, we can always head back out to sea and give photographing the whale pod another shot.
– If you just want a chill time, all you need to do is relaxing on the golden sands. The beach is a long curve of sand and has lovely calm clear waters for swimming.

Overnight in Weligama

Day 4: 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:
Experience the wetlands from a different perspective with a boat safari. This quiet mode of exploration allows you to observe wildlife up close without disturbing their natural behaviors. As the day winds down, take advantage of the soft afternoon light for a photography session. Later, you’ll spend the rest of your day in a lodge amid the pristine forest.

Overnight in Tissamaharama

Day 5: 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 6: Tissamaharama - Yala National Park

Morning:
You wake up early for a dawn safari, eager to catch the park at its quietest. The early morning light is perfect for spotting nocturnal animals returning to their resting spots. As the sun rises, you explore the park’s forested areas, dense with monkeys like gray langurs and toque macaques swinging through the trees. Visit more waterholes for today to observe how the changing light affects animal activity, perhaps catching a glimpse of wild boars or jackals.

Afternoon:
We drive towards the park’s coastal area, where the ocean meets the wild. Here, we can see crocodiles in the water and different kinds of birds along the shore. Then, we’ll drive through open grasslands where we might spot herds of deer and buffalo. We end the day watching the sunset at Patanangala Rock, a perfect way to finish our second day in Yala.

Overnight in Tissamaharama

Day 7: Udawalawe - Udawalawe National Park

Morning:
Say farewell to Tissamaharama because we’re heading deeper into the center of Sri Lanka, to Udawalawe National Park. Nestled like a sanctuary for large herds of elephants, Udawalawe National Park stands as one of the world’s prime spots to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Afternoon:
Hop on a thrilling jeep safari through the park, where you can spot not only elephants but also water buffalo, jackals, and a variety of deer. After your adventure, make a visit to the Elephant Transit Home – a heartwarming refuge and rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants. Here, you can observe these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact with each other. You’ll even have the chance to hear firsthand from the conservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting these incredible creatures.

Overnight in Udawalawe

Day 8: Negombo - Free & Easy

We’ll transfer 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 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, ensuring a seamless transition for your departing flight. Until our paths cross again on your next adventure, safe travels!