Wildlife Exploration

Welcome to Sri Lanka! After you arrive at the International Airport in Colombo, your private driver guide will wait for you and then escort you to the hotel in the closer city of Negombo by a 30-minute drive. If time allows, the guide will accompany you to embark on a boat tour on Dutch Canal. Running through the heart of Negombo, the canal connects Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon. The marsh is home to more than 160 different species of birds, of which purple herons, cormorants, and kingfishers are common and easy to spot. It would be lucky to capture pictures of a cormorant catching a fish. As well as bird watching, you may discover other wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys and lovely otters along the canal.

➤ Useful Information about SIM Card
The most recommended SIM card in Sri Lanka is from Dialog. Counters of this operator can be found in both the airport and major cities. Here are 2 good choices for travel plans: approximately USD 3 with 10 GB of data and USD 4.5 with 20 GB of data, both valid for 30 days.

➤ Recommendation for Dinner in Negombo (at your own expense)
Walk south for 5 minutes and you will see Centella Bistro. Here you could have a taste of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine like chicken curry, fish curry and local seafood. The nice vibe and location of the restaurant can make you feel relaxed and calm. After dinner, you may walk to the nearby beach and enjoy the beautiful sea view.
Average Cost per Person: USD 8-10
Address: 192 Poruthota Road, Negombo

Accommodation: Jetwing Sea Hotel, Negombo (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will leave for Wilpattu National Park to enjoy today’s safari by 2.5 hours’ drive. As Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park, Wilpattu is an unmissable place for nature lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. As you enter the park, primitive jungles are surrounding you with natural atmosphere. The park is the habitat for a large number of birds and mammals, such as peacocks, sloth bears, crocodiles, golden jackals, squirrels, and ruddy mongooses. And it’s likely to see a leopard which is elusive and endemic to Sri Lanka and features a smaller body than other leopards.

➤ Tips: Please take care of yourself and don’t get off the jeep at will during the safari. It might be dusty and windy in the park, so you can wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a mask to protect your throat. It is also recommended to wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers to prevent scratches from branches or twigs. For better wildlife watching, you can bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens.

After the tour, your driver guide will transfer you to Anuradhapura in 1 hour and help you check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palm Garden Village Hotel, Anuradhapura (3 stars) or similar

This morning, you will be led to explore the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. Constructed in the 5th century BC, Anuradhapura is the first capital and also the Buddhist center of Sri Lanka. It was once abandoned due to a war and was rediscovered in the 19th century. Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba is one of the landmarks in the city. Built in the 2nd century BC, this huge white stupa is an example of the architectural aesthetics of King Dutugamunu’s reign (161-137 BC). According to historical records, the stupa was originally 107 meters high (350 ft.) and is now 55 meters high (180 ft.) with a three-tier foundation. Around the stupa, there are 344 elephant statues, each of which is exquisite with a solemn look. In addition, the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the highlights in Anuradhapura. It is said that the over 2,600-year-old tree grew from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in India where the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama got his enlightenment. Now it has become the second national treasure in Sri Lanka, only after the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha in Kandy.

Then, proceed to Habarana by 2 hours’ drive for a jeep safari in Kaudulla National Park. The park is one of the best places to watch the wild elephants in Sri Lanka. If you come around August, it’s likely to see more than 200 elephants in Kaudulla. Take a jeep ride through the vast grasslands and jungles and get a close-up view of elephants munching the grass or drinking by large reservoirs. Baby elephants chasing their mothers would be a funny and healing sight. In addition to elephants, you may also see peacocks, lizards, and sloth bears in the park. After the safari, we will drive you for an hour to the hotel in Dambulla.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaya Lake Dambulla (4 stars) or similar

Today, we will first visit Dambulla Cave Temple. Built in the 1st century BC, it is a significant World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. The 5 shrines of the temple were constructed in natural caves on the hillside. Its favorable concealment also contributed to the good preservation of the Buddhist relics in the caves. Stepping into the temple, you could appreciate a number of Buddha statues of different sizes and poses and the delicate murals covering the walls and ceilings, which have high religious artistic value.
➤ Tip: Most religious sites in Sri Lanka require that visitors wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees, and take off shoes and hats before entering. You may take a pair of socks in case your feet get dirty or hurt.

Then, we’ll drive 3 hours to Kandy. Upon arrival, let’s pay a visit to Udawatte Kele Sanctuary. Situated on a 600-meter-high (about 2,000 ft.) ridge, it is a pristine forest reserve that once belonged to the royal family of the Kingdom of Kandy. Overlooking Kandy Lake and the sacred temple, the sanctuary is a peaceful and serene haven. Strolling through the dense and deep woods, you may encounter colorful birds, lovely monkeys, and deer. Enjoy your refreshing escape from the muggy weather and the bustling city.
➤ Tip: There may be leeches in the woods, especially during the rainy season. It’s better to wear long trousers and boots and take some insect repellent to protect you from bites.

Next, visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, aka “Sri Dalada Maligawa”. Located on the north side of Kandy Lake, it enshrines one of the only 2 remaining tooth relics of Lord Buddha. Since the tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD, it has been a symbol of royal power. Kings of several kingdoms constructed dedicated temples to enshrine the tooth, and the one in Kandy was first built in 1595. The temple has white exterior walls and grey and gold roofs, and is built on a 6-meter-high (20 ft.) platform. Inside the temple, there are 4 shrines for the 4 “guardian gods” of the tooth. Walking into the main shrine, you could see a magnificent golden statue of Buddha, under which are the offerings and lotus flowers. After the visit, watch a Culture Dance Show, from which you could get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s fascinating culture. Finally, the guide will escort you back to your hotel.

➤ Recommendation for Your Night in Kandy
For dinner, you can go to Vito Wood Fired Pizza (56 Saranankara Rd, Kandy 20000) which is diagonally opposite your hotel. The restaurant serves pizzas of a variety of sizes and flavors, of which Teriyaki Chicken pizza is the most popular one. Also you can try some chocolate milkshake and mango milkshake. The cost is about USD 8 per person. After dinner, you may take a walk around Kandy Lake to soak up the quiet leisurely atmosphere of the ancient city.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will leave for Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The only two existing elephant orphanages in the world are located in Sri Lanka and Kenya respectively, which offer sanctuary for the elephant orphans and injured ones. The east part of the orphanage is the main living area of the elephants, and the west part is Ma Oya River where elephants bathe every day. Watch how they bathe and play with water in the river around 10 o’clock. If you like, you could pay to experience feeding baby elephants.

Next, we will drive for about 3.5 hours to Nuwara Eliya with a stopover at a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory. As one of the top 4 black teas in the world, the high-quality Ceylon black tea is regarded as a “gift to the world.” You could learn about the production of the world-famous tea and savor some fresh black tea or white tea. Try to distinguish different grades of tea such as OP and BOP. The unique alpine climate of Nuwara Eliya provides an excellent growing place for tea. Feeling the cool, fresh air mixed with the fragrance of tea, and picking tea leaves in the verdant plantation could be a memorable experience. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, your driver guide will help you check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Blackpool Resort & Spa, Nuwara Eliya (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you will go on an adventurous hike in Horton Plains National Park. Although located in the tropics, Horton Plains is unique with a cool climate. It is at an elevation of over 2,000 meters (6,560 ft.) and covers an area of 3,160 hectares (7,809 acres) with grasslands, hills, and cloud forests that are home to abundant plants and animals. To better enjoy the beauty of Horton Plains, it’s most recommended to start your hike before sunrise, as heavy fog covers the plains every morning at around 10 am. It takes about 4 hours to complete the 9.4-kilometer (approximately 6 mi.) hike route. During the hike, you may come across some wild animals like sambar deer, fishing cats, and Sri Lanka blue magpies. When your trail seems to come to an end, you will reach the “World’s End”, which is a cliff with stunning view of the nearby valleys and waterfalls. Please note that it could be very cold in the morning, so you may wear a thick coat or jumper to keep warm. Hiking shoes are necessary as well.

Next, get back to Nuwara Eliya to take a deep breath of life at a local market. Let the fascinating aroma of fresh fruits and fragrance of flowers guide your way to explore the colorful stalls. Try to chat with the locals and sample some food at the market. Indulge yourself in the lively atmosphere and get an insight into the culture through what the locals eat or what they dress. After that, return to your hotel and have a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Blackpool Resort & Spa, Nuwara Eliya (4 stars) or similar

Say goodbye to Nuwara Eliya and today we will head for Udawalawa by 4 hours’ drive. After checking in at the hotel, let’s pay a visit to Elephant Transit Home, which is a temporary home for elephant orphans in Sri Lanka. It is committed to rescuing and curing baby elephants that are orphaned due to injury or illness. Elephants are taken care of here until they are able to live independently and then be released back to the wild. The elephants here are usually fed 4 times a day, and baby elephants are fed milk one by one at a regular time. You may find some naughty ones trying to get some additional food. After eating, they usually sleep by the river or in the woods. Inside the transit home, there is a huge elephant skeleton, and you could gain some knowledge about this elephant and Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation. After the visit, you will be sent back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we’ll set out for a safari in Udawalawe National Park. More than 50 herds of wild elephants inhabit here, including elephants released from the nearby Elephant Transit Home. Get a close-up view of elephants’ behaviors in the nature, for example, watch how the baby chases its mother and play in the trees, and how the elephants clean themselves with their trunks. Besides, the huge Udawalawa Reservoir is a nice habitat for various birds such as bee-eaters, parrots, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and Sri Lankan shrikes. These brightly-feathered birds are usually active in the early morning. Moreover, water buffalos, water monitor lizards, and sambar deer are commonly seen. After the safari, we will drive for 1.5 hours to Tissamaharama and check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Thaulle Ayurveda Resort, Tissamaharama (4 stars) or similar

Get enough rest at the hotel and enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park. As the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park boasts the diversified ecological environments, such as forest, meadow, beach, river, lake, marsh, and wetland. It has the highest density of leopards in the world, which offers you a great chance to spot wild Sri Lankan leopards possibly licking the hair or sleeping in the trees. Also, you may see sika deer, buffalos, wild boars, crocodiles, and black bears. As the sun sets, animals usually come out to drink water by the lake. Immerse yourself in the pure nature and feel the call of the wild. In addition, to let you have a pleasant safari, we will specially serve fresh watermelon for you to quench your thirst and refresh. After that, return to your hotel.

➤ Note: The best time to visit Yala National Park is from November to April. The park closes for regular maintenance in September or October.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Thaulle Ayurveda Resort, Tissamaharama (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your private guide will help you check out and drive to Bundala National Park for a morning safari. If you are a bird lover, Bundala National Park will not disappoint you. Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, this park is an important habitat for 197 kinds of migratory birds and also one of the crucial bird sanctuaries in the world, making it one of the best places to watch birds in Sri Lanka. Every winter from November to April, a large number of migratory birds come here, including the gracious greater flamingos, Eurasian spoonbills, and species of pelicans. As many as 2,000 flamingos once wintered here. A more interesting thing is that, because sea and lake water are mixed here, you may see both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in the lagoon. In the afternoon, we’ll drive 2 hours to Mirissa and stay one night there.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Weligama Bay Resort, Mirissa (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you are going to Mirissa Fishing Harbour and experience a whale-watching trip. In this dreamy trip, you’ll have the chance to see the dolphins and whales and watch these gigantic creatures breaching or spouting out of the water. The best time to watch the whales in Mirissa is from November to April, during which fin whales, blue whales and sperm whales are more active, and the probability of seeing a whale is up to 98 percent. Blue whales are solitary animals and sperm whales often travel in large groups. So if lucky, you may spot more than one whale! Besides, other sea animals like spinner dolphins, turtles, flying fish and tunas are common. Watching the dolphins leaping out of the water could be an interesting experience.

➤ Tips: 
1. The cruise usually lasts for 4 to 5 hours, and the ocean could be quite rough, so you are advised to eat less for breakfast in case of seasickness. The skipper will offer seasickness tablets, or you could take some yourself.
2. To avoid getting sunburned, you can take some sun care things, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat. 

Next, head for Galle and check in at the hotel. After that, explore the listed UNESCO World Heritage site - Galle Dutch Fort. This 400-year-old town carries Sri Lanka’s colonial memories. The Dutch-style buildings in the fort have been transformed into vintage restaurants, galleries, hotels, and souvenir shops. Experience the exotic atmosphere and wander along the clean streets. Don’t miss the Lighthouse Street near the seaside which is lined with old European style houses, serene and elegant. In the evening, enjoy a sunset at the white lighthouse by the ocean, along with the locals and even some wild peacocks.

➤ Tip: If you are interested in stilt fishing and want to have a look of this unusual fishing practice, please tell your driver guide in advance to make a stop at Koggala on the way to Galle. However, a warm tip for you is that stilt fishing is not what it used to be. It’s now more of a commercial photo spot for tourists than a place for fishermen to make a living. If you like, you could pay for taking a picture or climb onto the stilt to experience fishing yourself.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Galle (at your own expense)
The Bungalow Galle Fort - Restaurant & Bar is a seafood restaurant in the heart of the Dutch Fort. You could enjoy your food in the open-air small yard. It’s highly recommended to try the tuna steak or tuna tartar and drink some cocktail.
Average Cost per Person: USD 14
Address: 3 Church Cross St, Galle 80212

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort Galle (5 stars) or similar

Today, we will say goodbye to Galle and take the private car to Colombo. In midway, pay a visit to Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. All 7 species of sea turtles in the world are endangered. Sea turtle conservation centers have been set up to maintain the turtle population in Sri Lanka. Here you may see rescued turtles that were injured or blinded by fishing nets and hooks, and turtles that can’t go to the bottom of the sea influenced by the ocean waste. Get to know the living habits and breeding process of sea turtles, and get close to some lovely baby turtles.

After reaching Colombo and checking in at the hotel, your private guide will accompany you to explore this capital city. First, visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a temple as well as a religious museum built in 1899. The temple architecture is a mixture of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese styles. Get overwhelmed by the rich collection in Gangaramaya, for example, the mighty Chinese stone lion statues in front of the gate, numerous Buddha statues, antiques, ivory, and even a Rolls-Royce inside the temple. Most of these valuable things are said to be donated by Buddhists or wealthy locals. Next, go to Colombo National Museum, the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It houses not only historical relics but also natural heritages such as specimens of native animals, insects and fossils. Marvel at the intricate religious frescoes, statues and artifacts from the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka. You could also admire the Stele of Zheng He with trilingual inscription recounting the exploits of the ancient Chinese navigator, as well as Chinese porcelain brought through the Maritime Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy the views of both thriving city and the vast Indian Ocean at Galle Face Green. Watch a sunset, and get a glimpse of the local life. Get surrounded by the bustling sounds of children flying kites and people chatting with friends. As it gets dark, vendors are getting busy, along with street performers.

➤ Free Time Recommendation:
Getting a traditional oil massage could be one of the must-dos when traveling in Sri Lanka. If you want to have a try in Colombo, you may go to Spa Ceylon Royal Heritage Spa – Chatham, a 5-minute walk from your hotel. The skilled therapists offer a variety of foot, back, neck or head massage that can help you rejuvenate and relax.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Kingsbury Colombo (5 stars) or similar

Today, your driver guide will escort you from the hotel to the airport according to your departure flight schedule. Hope you have enjoyed this 2 weeks Sri Lanka tour! If you want to extend your tour to the nearby India or Maldives, please don’t hesitate to contact our travel consultants to tailor an itinerary for you.

➤ Recommendations for Late Departure:
If you want to further explore Colombo before leaving, you may visit Pettah Market on your own to experience the local culture and life. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, which is located near the market, is a popular photo spots for its distinctive red exterior. If you want to try the world-famous scenic train ride in Sri Lanka, you could get to Fort Railway station by a 7-minute ride and purchase a ticket to Mount Lavinia. It costs LKR 100 (30 cents) and the train ride is about 20 minutes. This coastal train journey could give you a unique view of Sri Lanka’s seaside view. Upon arrival, you can buy a return ticket or take a taxi or tuk-tuk back to your hotel. Please note that your driver guide will wait for you to transfer you to the airport, so please get back at the agreed time.

➤ Tips on Ride-hailing:
The most recommended way to get around is by tuk-tuk. But there might be a rip-off, so it’s better to fix the price beforehand or require the driver to charge by meter. Generally, the fare is LKR 50 (20 cents) per kilometer, which means if the ride takes about 15 minutes, it will not be more than USD 1.

Meals: Breakfast