Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour

HIGHLIGHTS: Sigiriya l Mineria National Park l Kaudulla National Park l Knuckles Range l Kandy l Udawatta Kele Sanctuary l Udawalawe National Park l Tissa l Yala National Park

Despite its size is Sri Lanka the first choice, when it comes to wildlife watching in South Asia. There many Wildlife Parks and National Parks that impress with herds of elephants, sperm whales, leopards and thousands of domestic and migrating birds. Not to mention the colourful reefs and fish swarms.
If you have any questions and/or need to customization, please contact us or use the "Notes" field in the booking form.

Day 1 : After meeting you at the the airport, we begin the journey to Sigiriya, the first destination of this Special Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour.
Depending on your arrival/pick-up time you might have the opportunity for a stop-over at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe the feeding and bathing of an elephant herd. Alternatively you can embark on an afternoon elephant safari at the Mineria National Park.
Overnight at the Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 2 : While there you should visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The unique Sigiriya Rock was formed by hardened magma from an extinct volcano. The first impressing detail you will be the Lion Staircase leading to the former palace garden. Unfortunately only two lion paws and the masonry walls surrounding it are still in existence. The royal gardens are amongst the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.
The Sigiriya Mirror Wall was so well polished in ancient days that the king could see himself whilst he walked alongside it. The frescos of the heavenly maidens show Asparas, beautiful, supernatural female beings in the Indian mythology.
Otherwise this day is dedicated to the Kaudulla National Park, where you can see 24 different species of mammals. Most importantly a population of about 200 wild elephants. There are also 435 species of endemic birds to Sri Lanka. The topography of the Kaudulla National Park consists of small hills, lowlands, forest and scrub land. The park is named after the ancient Kaudulla irrigation tank which is fed by a giant canal.
Overnight at the Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel in Sigiriya.

Day 3 : Before we proceed to Kandy, our next destination, we stop at the Knuckles Mountain Range which form resembles a closed fist. The isolated Knuckles Range harbours several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka's endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests.
It is a declared conservation area, the Knuckles National Heritage and Wilderness Area. Spanning 155 square kilometres it is one of the main ECO destinations in Sri Lanka. Here you can see majestic forest formations, rare and endemic flora and fauna as well as a breathtaking mountain scenery. The Knuckles Range is home to no less than 200 bird species. Fifteen of these species are endemic to Sri Lanka: Spot Wing thrush, Sri Lankan blue magpie Jungle fowl, Yellow-fronted barbet, small barbet, Sri Lankan warbler, White faced starling, Sri Lanka white-eye, Black headed bulbul, Yellow eared bulbul, dusk blue flycatcher, brown capped babbler and Layard’s parakeet. The best way to explore the Knuckles is on the many hiking and mountain bike trails, leading you across clear mountain streams, past dense tropical forests, past flowing waterfalls, tea plantations and terraced rice fields. The small mountain villages provide an insight into the traditional Sri Lanka lifestyle.
In the evening you can attend a cultural show by the famous Kandy Dancers (optional).
Overnight at the Thilanka Hotel in Kandy.

Day 4 : The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (Udawattakele) is a 104 hectares large historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge north of the Kandy Lake. During the days of the Kandyan kingdom, Udawatta Kele was known as "Uda Wasala Watta" in Sinhalese meaning "the garden above the royal palace".
It is a natural paradise filled with hardwood trees and giant bamboo, good birding and cheeky monkeys. Being easily accessible and containing a variety of flora and fauna the forest has a great educational and recreational value.
Udawatta is famous for its extensive avifauna. There are several giant lianas and many of the small and medium size mammals that inhabit Sri Lanka can be seen here. The forest is very popular with bird watchers. The most seen are parakeets, black-crested bulbul, barbets, and the Asian koel. Some of the other bird species seen in the park include Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, Layard's parakeet and Oriental dwarf kingfisher. The rare clipper, Ceylon birdwing and blue Mormon are the butterflies known from the park.
Overnight at the Thilanka Hotel in Kandy.

Day 5 : On our way to the South Coast, we pass through the hill country via the 'tea capital' Nuwara Eliya and Ella (Sri Lanka's highest village). The route is dotted with many tea plantations and scenic view points. Those who are interested, can observe the whole process of the 'making of original Ceylon Tea' from harvesting (plucking) to the testing of the final product.
In the afternoon we reach the Udawalawe National Park. Just as the Sri Lanka’s first national park, the Yala National Park, Udawalawe lies towards the southern portion of the island. Sri Lankan elephants at Udawalawe can be even seen during the afternoon and the high probability of experiencing the glorious creature in its natural habitat is one of the most attractive features of the park. Multiple elephants or even herds of elephants can be spotted at Udawalawe occasionally. The chances of witnessing a herd of Sri Lankan elephants is extremely high near rivers and the reservoir of Udawalawe.
Other animals include the elusive leopards, water buffalos, nimble deer, and crocodiles. Flocks of birds that belong to a large number of varying species, including species of eagles, parrots, and herons can all be observed easily.Certain sights you witness at Udawalawe will linger in your mind and hearts for an eternity and these include elephants bathing, the enormous nests of eagles, as well as the rapid runs of the peacocks.
Overnight at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel in Yala.

Day 6 : Early in the morning you will embark on a safari by 4 wheel drive Jeep together with driver / guide at the Yala National Park. Yala is one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards in the wild. There are about 35 leopards in the park which probably is the highest density than anywhere else. Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the jeep, which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities.
Other animals to bee seen at the Yala National Park include bears, monkeys, wild boar and thousand of local and migrant birds. Just to name a few.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to go on another safari or just relax at the pool and watch all kind of animals passing by on their way to their resting places.
Overnight at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel in Yala.

Day 7 : After checking out of the hotel we drive you along the South- and West Coast back to the airport. Optionally you can use your last hours in Sri Lanka for some serious Colombo Shopping.

RATES:
2 pax - 390 US$ p.p.*
4 pax - 320 US$ p.p.*
6 pax - 300 US$ p.p.*
8 pax - 290 US$ p.p.*
*if a winter peak season supplement applies, we'll inform you accordingly