Wildlife Treasures of Sri Lanka

Morning:

• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
• Optional early check-in and rest or brief city exploration.

Afternoon:

• National Zoological Gardens: Explore the zoo to get a preview of Sri Lankan wildlife.
• Beddagana Wetland Park: Go on a nature walk through this urban wetland to spot birds and reptiles.

Evening:

• Relax at your hotel, or visit the Old Dutch Hospital in Colombo for some shopping and dining.
• Brief introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife and ecosystems by your tour guide.

Accommodation: Stay in Colombo.

Morning:

• Depart for Yala National Park (approximately 5-6 hours), passing through lush countryside and small towns.
• Optional stop at Kataragama Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Yala and check into your safari lodge.
• Relax before your evening game drive, soaking in the natural surroundings.

Evening Safari:

• Your first safari in Yala National Park, famous for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various birds. Visit waterholes and lakes in the park to spot mugger crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks.

Night Activity (Optional):

• After dinner, go on a night walk near your lodge (if available), where you might spot nocturnal animals like civets and owls.

Accommodation: Stay at a safari lodge near Yala.

Morning Safari:

• Begin early with a game drive, the best time to spot leopards, as well as early morning wildlife activity. Visit the Kumana Bird Sanctuary, located within Yala, which is also home to a number of crocodiles, elephants, and bird species.

Lunch Break:

• Packed lunch inside the park or return to the lodge for a midday break.

Afternoon Safari:

• Continue exploring the park’s lagoons and dense jungle. Look out for peacocks, wild boars, sloth bears, and crocodiles lurking in the rivers.

Evening:

• Visit a nearby beach such as Kirinda Beach for a relaxing stroll and sunset viewing. Kirinda is known for its beautiful views and peaceful environment.

Accommodation: Stay at a safari lodge near Yala.

Morning:

• After breakfast, head to Bundala National Park (approximately 1 hour), a wetland reserve known for its birdlife and saltwater crocodiles.

Morning Safari:

• Embark on a birdwatching safari in Bundala, famous for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks. The wetlands are also home to saltwater crocodiles, which you can spot along the lagoons and marshes.

Afternoon:

• Visit Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, a peaceful area with diverse bird species and lagoon views. Go on a guided boat ride to explore the sanctuary’s waterways.
• Stop by a turtle conservation center on the way back to your lodge, where you can learn about efforts to protect sea turtles.

Evening:

• Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the nearby lagoon to watch birds and spot crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Stay near Bundala National Park.

Morning:

• Drive to Udawalawe National Park (approximately 2 hours), known for its large population of elephants.

Morning Safari:

• Go on a morning game drive in Udawalawe, which is home to herds of elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, and various bird species. Stop by Udawalawe Reservoir, where you can see crocodiles basking on the banks.

Lunch:

• Return to your lodge for a lunch break or enjoy a picnic lunch at the park.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. You’ll witness the feeding of the baby elephants, a heartwarming and educational experience.

Optional Activity:

• Take a guided nature walk near the park, where you can learn about the local flora and smaller animals, including reptiles and birds.

Accommodation: Stay near Udawalawe National Park.

Morning:

• Depart for Gal Oya National Park (approximately 3 hours), a unique park famous for its boat safaris on Senanayake Samudraya Lake.

Afternoon Boat Safari:

• Embark on a boat safari across the large lake, surrounded by lush hills. Spot swimming elephants and crocodiles in the water, as well as a variety of birds and monkeys.

Optional Activity:

• Take a Jeep safari in Gal Oya, where you can explore the park's savannahs and dense forests to spot elephants, deer, leopards, and crocodiles along the water’s edge.

Evening:

• Relax at your eco-lodge and enjoy a bonfire dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Stay at an eco-lodge near Gal Oya.

Morning:

• Start the day with a nature walk led by the indigenous Vedda tribe, who will show you their traditional way of life and teach you about the medicinal plants and wildlife they coexist with.

Optional Activity:

• Visit Dambana, a nearby Vedda village, to learn more about their unique culture and heritage.

Afternoon:

• Depart for Colombo (approximately 6 hours), stopping at scenic points along the way for photos and refreshments.

Evening:

• Arrive in Colombo, where you can relax or explore the city. Optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant to sample traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay in Colombo or transfer to the airport for your departure flight