Sri Lanka Wild Life 14 Days Ultimate

Begin your Sri Lankan adventure with a warm welcome upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, followed by a transfer to your accommodation in Negombo. Depending on your arrival time, an initial meet-and-greet is planned for the evening.

Head northwest to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park. Here, you'll go on a guided safari through the park's unique environment, known for its "willus" (natural lakes). These lakes are crucial for supporting the park’s variety of wildlife, including the elusive leopard, the park's main highlight.

But Wilpattu isn't just home to leopards. You can also see sloth bears, spotted deer, buffalo, and the majestic Asian elephant. The park features different landscapes like dense forests, scrublands, and open grasslands, each supporting a diverse range of life. If you love birds, you're in for a treat. Wilpattu is a great place to see many bird species, including the painted stork and various types of raptors, making your safari adventure even more exciting.

Start your day by exploring Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a cradle of early Sinhalese civilization. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Sri Lankan capital, where you'll see huge dagobas (stupas), old pools, and crumbling temples that tell stories of a time when kings ruled and Buddhism thrived.

In the afternoon, head to Minneriya National Park, famous for "The Gathering," the largest known meeting of Asian Elephants in the world. This amazing event happens annually during the dry season when large herds of elephants gather to eat the grass on the reservoir beds, drink water, and socialize. Minneriya's diverse ecosystem, centered around the ancient Minneriya Tank, supports various wildlife including sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles, and leopards, but the elephants are the main attraction. Bird watchers will also enjoy seeing the large flocks of birds that come to fish in the waters.

Your safari in Minneriya (or possibly in Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco Park, depending on where the elephants are) is not just a chance to see these majestic animals up close, but it also gives you a peek into the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka's dry zone. This memorable adventure offers both a journey back in time through historical sites and the excitement of experiencing a spectacular natural event, highlighting the incredible beauty of Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage and its wild landscapes.

After breakfast, start your journey to the Girithale Reservoir for a relaxing bike tour. This peaceful reservoir, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Sri Lanka, is not just an important water source but also a home for many bird species. As you ride along the water's edge, you'll see colorful birds and the green countryside that represents rural Sri Lanka.

The tour then takes you to a local village, where you get to see real Sri Lankan life. You'll meet villagers and learn how to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes, like rice and curry. This hands-on experience lets you taste and understand the care that goes into making these delicious meals.

If biking gets too tough, you can always hop into a tuk-tuk to continue enjoying the tour without missing the scenery or local interactions.

The afternoon is free for you to relax. You can think about the day’s adventures or just enjoy the stunning views from your hotel. This day offers a wonderful mix of nature, culture, and food, showing you the vibrant life around the Girithale Reservoir.

Discover the amazing Sigiriya Rock Fortress on your trip through Sri Lanka. Known as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya is a famous landmark that shows off the island's rich history. Built in the 5th century AD, it features advanced irrigation systems, stunning architecture, and beautiful frescoes of graceful ladies. These wall paintings are some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan art.

After exploring Sigiriya, head to Kandy, a city located among the central hills at 1500 feet above sea level. Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kings and is home to the important Temple of the Tooth Relic, which holds Buddha's tooth. This sacred site is very important to both Sri Lankans and Buddhists around the world.

On your way to Kandy, visit a Spice Garden in Matale. Here, you can learn about local plants and the island's long history of spice farming. This stop will give you a better understanding of Sri Lanka's natural beauty and cultural traditions.

Start your day with a walk through Udawattekele Sanctuary, a lush green forest that was once a secret hideout for ancient Kandyan kings. Now, it's a beautiful place full of different bird species, like the Golden-fronted Leafbird, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Yellow-browed Bulbul. It's a great spot for bird watching and you might even see the rare Dwarf Kingfisher.

You can also choose to visit a Gem Museum in the morning. Here, you will learn about Sri Lanka's famous gem industry, exploring the history and craft of gemstone mining.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk in the Royal Botanical Garden (Optional). This garden is home to many different types of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. It's a peaceful and educational experience.

End your day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. This important Buddhist site holds Buddha's tooth relic and offers a deep spiritual experience. If you are interested in more botanical beauty, you can also choose to visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden for an extended look at Sri Lanka's rich plant life.

Today, travel to Nuwara Eliya, a town 1890 meters above sea level. Known as "Little England" because of its colonial look and feel, this charming town is nestled in the rolling hills of Sri Lanka's central highlands. Surrounded by beautiful, misty tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers stunning views of Mount Piduruthalagala, the highest peak in Sri Lanka at 2524 meters.

During our journey, we'll stop at a tea factory located among the lush plantations. Here, you'll learn how tea is made, an important part of Sri Lankan culture and economy. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore the quaint streets of Nuwara Eliya and meet the local people, adding a rich cultural experience to your visit.

You can also visit Victoria Park, a lovely green space in the town. Here, you might be lucky enough to see the rare Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and other birds. This day promises a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxed exploration in one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful settings.

Start your day early with a trip to Horton Plains National Park, a beautiful highland area over 2000 meters above sea level. This special cloud forest is important because it collects water for several big rivers. It's famous for its hiking trails and great bird-watching spots. You'll begin with a packed breakfast, ready to explore the natural beauty of this protected area.

Horton Plains is perfect for nature lovers. You might see rare birds like the Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Ceylon White-eye, and Dusky Blue Flycatcher. Keep an eye out for animals too, like the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Giant Squirrel, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, and the unique Rhino Horn Lizard. This park is full of Sri Lanka's amazing wildlife.

Starting early means you can enjoy the peacefulness of one of Sri Lanka's most untouched areas. With stunning views and many unique species, Horton Plains will be a memorable highlight of your nature adventure.

After breakfast, we take a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, known as one of the best train rides in the world. Then, we drive down to sea level, going through the southeast hills of Sri Lanka. On the way, we stop at Ravana Falls in Ella, a beautiful waterfall perfect for taking photos.

In the afternoon, we continue to Yala National Park for a wildlife safari. Yala is Sri Lanka's second-largest wildlife sanctuary and is famous for having the most leopards in the world. The park has a mix of thorny scrub forests, grasslands, jungles, and coastal lagoons, which support a variety of animals and birds.

Wildlife lovers can see many birds like the Malabar Hornbill, Eurasian Spoonbill, Blue-faced Malkoha, Painted Stork, and many others. Yala is a top spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography in Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the peaceful surroundings of Yala. It's a great break from the busy city life. You can take it easy and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife parks. You might go for a nature walk or just chill by the pool.

If you want to see more of Yala's amazing wildlife, you can go on an optional safari tour. You might see leopards, elephants, and many birds. This extra safari is a fun way to add adventure to your day and see more of Yala's wildlife. It's a chance to make unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's natural beauty.

Start an exciting trip from Yala to Sinharaja. You'll go from the dry lands of southeast Sri Lanka to the lush, green rainforests of Sinharaja, one of the country's most treasured natural sites. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, at heights between 270 and 1060 meters, is famous for its rich variety of life. This thick, green forest is home to many different plants and animals, making it a true nature sanctuary.

Sinharaja is especially known for its birds. Birdwatchers will love seeing the Ceylon Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, Malabar Trogon, Spot-winged Thrush, Ceylon Scaly Thrush, Chestnut-backed Owlet, and White-faced Starling, among many other species. The birds' beautiful songs create a unique soundtrack to this ancient forest.

After dinner, get ready for a short night walk. This will give you a special look at the forest's night-time wildlife. This trip from Yala's rough terrains to Sinharaja's magical forest offers a wonderful journey through different environments, giving you an unforgettable experience of Sri Lanka's natural beauty.https://heavenlylanka.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Lankagama-Sinharaja-Forest-Reserve.jpg

Dive into the heart of the rainforest for an amazing day of exploration and discovery. With help from your expert guide and an experienced forest tracker, you'll uncover the vibrant bird life that lives in this green wonderland. This day is a great chance to connect with nature and see many exotic birds in their natural home.

Your journey in the rainforest isn't just a walk; it's a learning adventure into the world of diverse plants and animals. This experience will deepen your appreciation for nature and leave you with unforgettable memories.

After breakfast, start a scenic trip to Sri Lanka's beautiful south coast. In the afternoon, visit the historic town of Galle. Known for its well-preserved Dutch Fortress, Galle shows off Sri Lanka's rich colonial history and impressive architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site has strong walls and timeless streets, giving a fascinating look into the past where European and South Asian styles mix perfectly.

While exploring Galle, dive into its vibrant history. Visit the famous lighthouse, walk through charming streets with boutique shops and cafes, and admire the old ramparts that have stood strong over time. This visit to Galle is more than just a tour; it's like stepping back in time, offering an unforgettable look at Sri Lanka's colonial heritage and the unique charm of its southern coast.

As our amazing 14-day journey through Sri Lanka's wildlife ends, we want to thank you for joining us. You will be taken to the airport for your flight home, with memories of the beautiful nature and diverse wildlife of Sri Lanka. We say goodbye with warm wishes and hope you come back to explore more of this magical island. Thank you for experiencing the wonders of Sri Lankan wildlife with us. We look forward to seeing you again. Have a safe trip home!