Sri Lanka Wildlife 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, the largest and oldest wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka. Join a guided safari that explores the unique ecosystem of the park, known for its natural lakes called "willus" that support diverse wildlife, including the elusive leopard, the park's main attraction.

Wilpattu is home to many animals like sloth bears, spotted deer, buffalo, and Asian elephants. The park features a variety of environments, from dense forests and scrublands to open grasslands, all supporting a rich array of life.

Experience:
Guided safari – Wilpattu National Park – spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted dear, sambar deer, crocodiles and many birds

Start your day in Anuradhapura, one of the world's oldest cities, where you'll explore ancient ruins like dagobas and temples that showcase early Sinhalese civilization and the spread of Buddhism.

In the afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park, known for "The Gathering," the world's largest meeting of Asian Elephants. Here, elephants, along with other wildlife such as deer and leopards, gather annually around the ancient Minneriya Tank. This experience offers a unique blend of historical insights and natural wonders, allowing you to witness significant wildlife events and enjoy Sri Lanka's diverse ecosystems.

Experience:
Visit Ancient Buddhist ruins in Anuradhapura
"The Gathering," the world's largest meeting of Asian Elephants - Minneriya/Kaudulla/Hurulu Eco Park

After breakfast, set off on a scenic bike ride starting at the Girithale Reservoir. This peaceful water body is surrounded by Sri Lanka's lush landscapes and is a vital source of water and a sanctuary for many bird species. As you bike along the water, enjoy the beautiful views of colorful birds and the green countryside.

The tour then takes you into a local village where you can dive into Sri Lankan life. You'll learn to cook traditional dishes like rice and curry, getting a hands-on look at the island's rich culinary traditions. If biking gets too tough, you can switch to a tuk-tuk to continue enjoying the views and interacting with locals. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and reflect on the day's experiences, enjoying the serene environment and local culture.

Experience:
Bird Watching village cycle tour
Hands on experience on Sri Lankan cooking

Explore the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, known as Lion Rock, which showcases ancient Sri Lankan techniques in architecture and vibrant frescoes from the 5th century AD. This site is famous for its significant historical art.

Continue to Kandy, nestled in the central hills, where you'll visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a crucial site for Buddhists that houses Buddha's tooth. On your way, stop at a Spice Garden in Matale to learn about the local flora and Sri Lanka's rich spice history.

Experience:
Visit Sigiriya Rock Palace
Visit Sacred temple of the tooth
Visit a Spice Garden and have a free herbal massage

Start your day with a walk through Udawattekele Sanctuary, once a protected area for the Kandyan kingdom and now a thriving natural habitat. This lush, tropical forest is home to 80 bird species, including the Golden-fronted Leafbird and the elusive Dwarf Kingfisher, making it a fantastic spot for bird watching.

Continue your exploration with a visit to a Gem Museum to learn about Sri Lanka's famous gem industry. In the afternoon, consider an optional tour strolling through the Royal Botanical Garden to see a stunning collection of orchids, spices, and other plants.

Experience:
Guided walk – Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Visit Sacred temple of the tooth - optional
Visit a Gem Museum

Today, head up to Nuwara Eliya, located 1890 meters above sea level and often called "Little England" for its colonial feel and scenic beauty. This charming town is tucked among Sri Lanka's central highlands and surrounded by misty tea plantations, offering breathtaking views of Mount Piduruthalagala, the country’s highest peak at 2524 meters.

During the journey, stop at a tea factory to see how tea is made, an important part of Sri Lankan culture and economy. Spend the afternoon exploring Nuwara Eliya's quaint streets and interacting with locals, enhancing your cultural experience. Also, consider a walk-through Victoria Park in the town center, where you might spot the rare Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and other birds, making your day a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Experience:
Visit a tea factory
Tea picking experience
Nuwara Eliya city tour

Start your day early at Horton Plains National Park, a beautiful plateau over 2000 meters high, known for its unique cloud forest, walking trails, and excellent bird watching. Enjoy a packed breakfast as you explore this diverse area, which helps sustain many of Sri Lanka’s main rivers.

Look out for rare birds like the Ceylon Whistling Thrush and Ceylon Wood Pigeon, and spot other wildlife such as Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys, Sambar Deer, and the Rhino Horn Lizard. This early morning adventure offers stunning views and encounters with unique species, making it a highlight of your trip.

Experience:
Guided walk – Horton Plains National Park
Spot plenty of sambar deer, Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys and leopards

On our way to Yala National Park, we take a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, known as one of the best train journeys in the world, offering stunning views of lush landscapes and rolling hills.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary, renowned for having the highest density of leopards in the world. The park’s varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, and coastal lagoons, are home to diverse wildlife, including many bird species like the Malabar Hornbill, Painted Stork, and Ceylon Junglefowl. Yala is perfect for wildlife watching and photography, making it a top spot for nature lovers.

Experience:
Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
Visit the Ravana Falls
Spot Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals and many endemic and migratory birds at Yala National Park

Enjoy a relaxing day in Yala’s peaceful surroundings, a perfect break from the usual busy life. You can unwind by the pool, take a nature walk, or simply soak in the tranquil beauty of this famous wildlife sanctuary. For those looking for more adventure, an optional safari is available, where you can explore Yala’s diverse landscapes and spot incredible wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and various bird species. This optional safari adds excitement to your day, letting you connect with the wild side of Yala and make unforgettable memories.

Experience:
Enjoy a relaxing day in Yala’s peaceful surroundings
Optional Yala safari is available

Travel from Yala to Sinharaja, moving from the dry landscapes of Sri Lanka’s southeast to the lush green rainforests of Sinharaja, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This forest, set between 270-1060 meters high, is famous for its incredible biodiversity and unique plants and animals. Its dense canopy hides a wide variety of wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Sinharaja is a paradise for bird watchers, home to species like the Ceylon Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, and Chestnut-backed Owlet. After dinner, enjoy a short night walk to experience the forest's nocturnal life.

Experience:
Enjoy a short night walk to experience the Sinharaja rain forest’s nocturnal life

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Spend the day exploring the lush rainforest with the help of your guide and an experienced forest tracker. You'll discover the vibrant birdlife that lives in this rich ecosystem, offering a chance to see a variety of exotic birds up close.

This adventure is more than just a walk; it’s an educational journey into the heart of nature. You’ll learn about the rainforest's incredible biodiversity, making this day a special and memorable experience that deepens your connection with the natural world.

Experience:
Early morning bird watching guided walk
Another guided walk into the thick forest

After breakfast, travel to Sri Lanka’s south coast and visit the historic town of Galle. Known for its Dutch Fortress, Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Sri Lanka’s colonial history.

Explore the fortress, visit the lighthouse, and stroll through streets filled with shops and cafes. This visit offers a glimpse into the past, blending rich history with the charm of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Experience:
Scenic drive from Sinharja to south coast
Visit the famous Dutch fortress – Galle
Stroll through famous ramparts

As our 14-day journey through Sri Lanka’s amazing wildlife comes to an end, we thank you for joining us on this adventure. You’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home, taking with your unforgettable memories of the island's stunning nature and wildlife.

We hope you enjoyed exploring Sri Lanka with us and invite you to return to discover even more. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!