16 Day Parks and Wildlife Tour

Sri Lanka's diverse ecosystems, from its oceanfront national parks to its tropical rainforests, create a sanctuary for an incredible array of wildlife. This tour will take you on thrilling safaris through Wilpattu, Yala, and Udawalawe, where you'll have the chance to witness leopards, elephants, and countless other species in their natural habitat. Venture through the peaceful forest monasteries of Udawattakele and the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, and explore the rich biodiversity of Sinharaja Rainforest, home to rare and endangered bird species.

Day 1: UK to Colombo

Meals: In-flight

Depart from London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2: Arrival in Wattala

Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Wattala. The rest of the day is free for you to relax before enjoying a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Wattala to Wilpattu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Wilpattu, stopping en route at Anawilundawa, where mangroves, lakes, and the ocean meet, attracting numerous bird species. Continue to Wilpattu and settle into your accommodation.

Day 4: Wilpattu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day on a thrilling safari in Wilpattu National Park, renowned for its population of Sri Lankan leopards and diverse wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Day 5: Wilpattu to Kandy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart for Kandy, stopping at the ancient Dambulla Rock Temple to explore its stunning cave temples. Continue to Matale for lunch, then arrive in Kandy for a short city tour, including a visit to the revered Temple of the Tooth.

Day 6: Kandy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a forest trek in Udawattakele Nature Reserve, where you may encounter deer, boar, and monkeys. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 7: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the botanical gardens of Peradeniya, home to over 4,000 species of plants. Then, travel to Nuwara Eliya with a stop at a tea plantation to learn about tea production. Enjoy a scenic drive and short hike through Nuwara Eliya's picturesque landscapes.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Venture into the lush forests of Horton Plains on a guided trek. This 1.5-3-hour walk takes you past stunning waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Spend the afternoon at leisure back at your hotel.

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya to Yala

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Lunugamwehera National Park for an afternoon jeep safari. Observe elephants, water buffalo, and other wildlife, then continue on to Yala for the night.

Day 10: Yala

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy an early morning jeep safari through Yala National Park, famous for its high density of leopards. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the natural beauty of the area or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 11: Yala to Udawalawe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the Elephant Transit Home to witness an elephant feeding, and then continue with a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park, home to abundant wildlife.

Day 12: Udawalawe to Sinharaja

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a guided nature walk in this tropical paradise.

Day 13: Sinharaja

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore more of Sinharaja Rainforest on a second nature trail, taking in the rich biodiversity of this lush ecosystem. The afternoon is free for you to relax or take an optional rainforest excursion (payable locally).

Day 14: Sinharaja to Mirissa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey to the coastal town of Mirissa. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the tranquil beachfront setting of your resort.

Day 15: Mirissa to Wattala

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Mirissa or opt for a seasonal whale watching excursion (available at an additional cost) from November to March. In the afternoon, transfer to Wattala. If you’ve opted for a Sri Lanka extension, you will be transferred to your selected hotel to begin your extension.

Day 16: Colombo to UK

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for your return flight to the UK.

Inclusions:

• Round-trip international flights from London to Colombo

• Comfortable accommodations throughout the tour

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the itinerary

• Transfers and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles

• Jeep safaris in Wilpattu, Yala, Udawalawe, and Lunugamwehera National Parks

• Guided forest trek in Udawattakele Nature Reserve

• Trekking in Horton Plains and guided walks in Sinharaja Rainforest

• Visit to Nuwara Eliya tea plantations

• Entrance fees to national parks, reserves, temples, and all sites mentioned

• Visit to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

• Services of an English-speaking naturalist guide throughout the tour

Exclusions:

• Sri Lankan visa fees (if required)

• Comprehensive travel insurance (arranged independently)

• Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff

• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)

• Optional excursions and activities not included in the itinerary

• Meals not specified in the itinerary

• Vaccinations and any health-related costs

• UK airport transfers (to/from your home to the airport)