Sri Lanka Tours, Sri Lanka Day tours and Authentic Sri Lanka Travel Experiences tailormade by Local Destination Specialists in Sri Lanka!

Negombo

Arrival in Colombo International Airport and meet with our driver. You will be then transferred to Chilaw, just hour drive away from Colombo International Airport. You will be staying in a small hotel in Chilaw on the first day your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka. Rest of the day is for you to spend a leisurely time by the pool or take some local walks around the hotel.

Wilpattu

After an early breakfast on day two of your wildlife tour of Sri Lanka, you will be transferred to Wilpattu National Park which is only 2 hours away and, on the way, take a guided bird watching tour in one of the most important bird watching sites, Anwilundawa bird sanctuary to see many varieties of birds such as Cormorants, ducks, egrets, herons, storks, eagles, terns, swallows, swifts, kingfishers and other resident birds and migratory. The uniqueness of Anawilundawa is its immediate proximity to three vastly different ecosystems; the coast, the mangroves and the fresh water tanks making it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka. This unique ecological setting has made it a favourable nesting and breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds. Some of the Bird species found here are a large breeding colony of Herons, the Open-bill, Great cormorant, White ibis, Egret, Stalk, Pheasant tailed jacana and the Purple swamp hen. A total of 20 species of mammals have been recorded here, this includes the Rusty spotted cat, Fishing cat, the Indian otter, Slender loris, Toque monkey and 74 species of butterflies. Most endemic and resident birds can be observed right through the year while the migrants are best seen between the months of October and April. A specialist guide will bring you loads of information about Anawilundawa Birds sanctuary.

On arrival at tented safari camp in Wilpattu, enjoy a freshly cooked Sri Lankan lunch and set your way for the afternoon safari in Wilpattu National Park, packed with exciting wildlife, Wilpattu is waiting to be explored! The varying habitats have attracted many species of wildlife, both resident and migrant. 31 species of mammals have been identified; some of them being Leopard (a favorite amongst visitors), Sloth Bear, Elephant, Spotted and Barking Deer, Sambur, Wild Boar and even Crocks. It is also home to an abundance of endemic birdlife such as the Jungle Fowl, Painted Stork, Owl, Terns, Gulls, Eagles, Heron and the winter migrants who home for short periods within the nature reserve. Butterflies such as the Blue and Common Mormons, Common Rose and Crimson Rose amongst many other species can be seen vividly fluttering around. On top of the list of reptiles is the Mugger Crocodile followed by Monitor Lizards, Python, Cobra, Rat Snake along with Star Tortoise, Pond turtle and Soft shelled Turtle amongst many others. Upon arrival at the camp after the afternoon safari, freshen up and enjoy a freshly cooked dinner at the camp. You will be staying in a tented safari camp for two nights in Wilpattu near the park gate.

On day two in Wilpattu, set for a full day safari to venture deep inside Wilpattu National Park in search of Leopards. Sloth Bears and Elephants may come your way but we mainly focus on Leopards. Picnic breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be served inside the park during the safari.

On your return to the camp after the full day safari, freshen up and join the “Talk” amidst a roaring campfire to share your experience of wildlife you encountered during the safari in Wilpattu before sitting for a freshly cooked dinner and call it a day.

Habarana

After a hearty breakfast at the camp, transfer to Habarana, 2 hours drive approximately is at the heart of cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. In the afternoon go on a guided safari in Minneriya National Park to see large herds of Asian Elephants. he Minneriya National Park is famed for its “Elephant Gathering”, a spectacular phenomenon during the long dry seasons, when hundreds of Elephants, both the adults and young along with a few tuskers, sometimes numbering close to 200 (with some sightings claiming close to 700) can be seen feeding on the grasslands bordering the tank, with others cooling off in the giant tank. This annual event considered to be the largest Wild Elephant gathering in South Asia attracts hundreds of tourist visitors who come to the park to observe and experience this unique wildlife spectacle. You will be staying in a wildlife and culture themed small lodge in Habarana for two nights.

On day two in Habarana, you will be taken for a guided bird watching tour in Sigiriya Sanctuary.

Sigiriya Sanctuary, one of the most important birding sites in Sri Lanka which is home for many migratory, resident and endemic birds. Lies in the foothills of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya bird sanctuary is every birder’s must visit place. Our specialist wildlife and bird watching guide will expertly guide you through the Sigiriya forest in search for endemic and resident birds of Sri Lanka. After a picnic breakfast at Sigiriya Bird sanctuary, start making your way towards to the Sigiriya Rock to explore the ruins of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an opportunity to explore the history during your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya Rock Fortress referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological significance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is perhaps the most visited tourist attraction of Sri Lanka. The fortress complex includes miscellany of a ruined palace, surrounded by a widespread network of fortifications, enormous gardens, ponds, canals and fountains. Since 3th century BC the rocky plateau of Sigiriya served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th century king Kasyapa decided to construct a royal residence here.

Ella

On day four, after breakfast transfer to Kandy, 2 hours drive from Habarana to get on board the scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya at 12.30 PM. This train journey is approximately 6 to 7 hours running through Tea estates and hill country villages and is a not to miss experience when in Sri Lanka. This railway track was built by the British’s to bring the Coffee/Tea harvest to Colombo port, so this train journey is a trip back in time. In Ella, you will be staying in a small lodge near Ella town so exploring Ella town in the evening is easy.

Kumana

After breakfast, take a guided Tea estate and factory tour in Ella as Tea is a highlight of Sri Lanka and is an opportunity for you to know how world’s finest Tea is produced during your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka. Then you will be transferred to Kumana National Park, approximately 3 hours drive. Kuman National Park is the eastern side of Yala National Park, is less visited and uncrowded park which offers unhurried and peaceful wildlife encounters. You will be staying three nights inside Kumana National Park in a mobile tented safari camp pitched by the banks of Kumbukkan Oya river, a very interesting experience during your wildlife safari tour in Sri Lanka. The camp crew will serve you freshly cooked meals every day for breakfast, lunch and dinners by the river bank amidst a roaring campfire.

At Kumana National Park, you will be taking one afternoon safari and two full day safaris and will be expertly guided by a specialist naturalist. The big focus here is to spot Leopards and birds. The Kumana Bird Sanctuary is certainly an ornithologist’s Paradise! The park is famed for its large flocks of migratory Waterfowl and Water birds. Amongst the other species seen at Kumana are the Eurasian spoonbills, Lesser adjunt, Black-necked stork and Great thick knee are breeding inhabitants. The visiting waders include the Waterfowl, Pintail snipes migrating from as far away as Siberia. Amongst the other feathered visitors are the Asian open-bill, Glossy ibis, Purple heron, Great egret, Indian pond heron, Black-crowned Night heron, Intermediate egret, Little egret, Spot-billed pelican, Indian cormorant, Little cormorant, Common moorhen, Watercock, Purple swamp hen, White-breasted water hen, Pheasant-tailed jacana, Black-winged stilt, Lesser whistling duck and little Grebe. The park is famed for its large flocks of migratory Waterfowl and Water birds. Amongst the other species seen at Kumana are the Eurasian spoonbills, Lesser adjunt, Black-necked stork and Great thick knee are breeding inhabitants. The visiting waders include the Waterfowl, Pintail snipes migrating from as far away as Siberia. Amongst the other feathered visitors are the Asian open-bill, Glossy ibis, Purple heron, Great egret, Indian pond heron, Black-crowned Night heron, Intermediate egret, Little egret, Spot-billed pelican, Indian cormorant, Little cormorant, Common moorhen, Watercock, Purple swamp hen, White-breasted water hen, Pheasant-tailed jacana, Black-winged stilt, Lesser whistling duck and little Grebe. The mammals found here are the Sri Lankan Leopard, Elephant, European Otter, Fishing cat, Wild boar and the Golden jackal.

Yala

After a breakfast at the camp, you will be transferred to Kumana National Park entrance to transfer you to your next destination, Yala National Park, approximately 3 ½ hours drive. Upon arrival in Yala, afternoon is yours to spend a relaxing time by the pool. You will be staying three nights in a small safari lodge closer to Yala National Park.

On day two you will be taking a full day safari in Yala National Park with picnic meals. An experienced wildlife guide will be at your service for the entire day. Here too the main focus is the elusive Leopard. The Yala National Park with its varied ecosystems such as the moist and dry monsoon forests, thorn forests, grasslands, wetlands, and beaches is home to 44 species of mammals, which includes a herd of about 350 Asian Elephants, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Water Buffalo, Toque macaque (an old world monkey endemic to Sri Lanka), Golden palm Civet (also endemic to Sri Lanka and listed as vulnerable by IUCN), Red Slender Loris and the Fishing Cat. Nevertheless Yala National park is best known for its Leopard population, which is believed to be one of the highest leopard densities in the world and is the key attraction among the thousands who visit the park.

On day three in Yala, there will be a morning bird watching safari in Bundala National Park. The Bundala National Park considered the most important birding destination in Sri Lanka was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and thereafter advanced to a National Park in 1993. The park boasts of nearly 200 species of birds, of which 150 are endemic and the rest migratory. Amongst the migratory birds are the Petite Blue Tailed bee-eaters, flocks of Flamingos, Brown Flycatcher, Sandpipers, Barn Swallow, Water Fowl, Common Redshank, the Lesser Sand Plover and Forest Wagtail. The complex wetland system within the park, now declared as Sri Lanka’s first ‘Ramsar’ site (identified as an important wetland in the network of international wetlands) and declared a biosphere reserve by UNECO in 2005, is a haven to a number of aquatic birds such as the migratory Greater flamingo (large flocks of over 1000 birds), Ibis, Painted storks, Terns, Gulls and Ducks and the resident water birds such as Ppelicans, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Stilts and Storks.

Afternoon of day three will be another safari in Yala National Park to catch the missing wildlife encounters.

Mirissa

After breakfast in Yala, you will be transferred to Mirissa, a south coast beach destination popular for Whale watching off the coast if Mirissa. On your way, you will be doing a bird watching tour in Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary on a traditional catamaran skilled fully operated by duo of local friends in the area. Kalamatiya is Sri Lanka’s first bird sanctuary and is home for about 150 species of birds of which 54 are migratory. There are four nationally threatened birds found within the Sanctuary - Indian Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl and Black-capped Purple Kingfisher with Jungle Fowl being the only endemic species. 38 species of reptiles, a large number of which are nationally and globally threatened.

Sinharaja

Today you will be taking an early morning boat trip to Indian ocean off the coast of Mirissa for Whale watching trip. Continental shelf being situated very closer to shore near Mirissa, it is an ideal port to sail out to the ocean to spot Blue Whales during your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka. November to April is the best period to watch these Ocean Giants off the coast of Mirissa. An onboard breakfast will e served.

Upon your return to the shore, you will be transferred to Sinharaja Rain Forest’s southern gate in Deniyaya which is 3 hours drive from Mirissa. Afternoon if yours to have swim in the pool and relax. You will be staying two nights in a small rain forest lodge in Deniyaya and this is the rain forest experience during your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka.

On day two in Sinharaja, take a fully day guided rain forest exploration trekking trip with picnic meals. During this rain forest nature trail, our key focus will be birds, plants and eco diversity of Sinharaja Rain Forest.

The forest reserve recognized as a living heritage, though relatively smaller than other National Parks, it extends over an area of 11,187 hectares, bordering the three districts of Galle, Matara and Ratnapura. The forest reserve receives an annual rainfall of 3000-6000 mm throughout the year. Two important rivers; namely the Gin and Kalu Ganga (Rivers) and many other waterways are fed and nourished by the waters that flow from this verdant forest reserve. The forest cover is denser than other dry zone parks making it more secure for the wildlife yet making it a little harder for visitors to take a glimpse of the larger mammals such as the Leopard and Elephants. Sinharaja has recorded over 154 species of birds and is known to have a ‘mixed-species feeding flocks’ or informally called a ‘bird wave’ where two or more species feed and move together. This unique sight witnessed at Sinharaja sometimes consists of flocks containing 30-50 birds of various species sometimes 10-12 species, erupting in various bird sounds as they feed and move within a short time. Taking lead in this exercise is the Orange-billed babbler and the Crested drongo.

The endemic birds witnessed here include Ceylon Lorikeet, Layard’s parakeet, Jungle & Spur fowl, Sri Lanka Blue magpie, Sri Lanka Grackle, Ceylon Hanging parrot, Ceylon Grey hornbill, Ashy-headed laughing thrush, Layard’s parakeet, Spotted-wing thrush, Brown-capped babbler, Ceylon Hill mynah, Red faced malkoha, Legge’s flower-pecker amongst many others.

Negombo

After breakfast, transfer to Negombo for your last night of this ultimate wildlife safari tour of Sri Lanka. A five hours drive approximately. Afternoon is yours to spend leisurely by the pool or beach.

Departure

Your ultimate Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour comes to an end and you will be transferred to Colombo International Airport which is only 20 minutes away for the flight back home.