Wild Safari Tour
12 nights private tour from USD 2,650 per person
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our thirteen day journey that immerses you in the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka. Get ready for wild encounters as you enjoy captivating safaris with classy glamping experiences in the expansive Wilpattu, Yala and Gal Oya National Parks, home to a rich variety of wildlife.
Valid through May to October 2024
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the wild safari tour in Wilpattu, a national park with over one hundred lakes and a unique ecosystem. Explore Yala National Park, known for the highest density of leopards
- Explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and its archaeological ruins and places of historical significance
- Ascend the amazing the rock fortress, considered the eight wonder of the world, to experience breathtaking views of the cultural triangle
- Embark on a wild safari at Gal-Oya National Park where you can get rare glimpses of Elephant’s swimming in the lakes
- Immerse yourself in the panoramic hills of tea plantations in chilly climes of Ella with visits to places of interest
Itinerary
Accommodation
Activities
Day 1 Negombo, North-West Coast
Welcome to Sri Lanka! A Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you will be met by our Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel in Negombo.
If you arrive early, have a stroll along the seaside to witness some of the local fishing craft. Maybe explore the beautiful surrounding city on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Beach: Tastefully designed with Bawa influences, minimalist interiors, and contemporary art. A home away from home with something special for everyone.
Day 2 Negombo to Wilpattu National Park, North-West Region
Early morning we journey to Wilpattu National Park, the oldest nature park with over 100 lakes. When you arrive, set out for an evening safari in the national park. This thick, dry jungle features floodplain lakes and boasts an impressive variety of flora in the huge expanses of forest. Look out for deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. After our wild safari we check in to our hotel in Wilpattu.
Overnight stay at Big Game Wipattu: Located on the border of Wilpattu National Park, Big Game - Wilpattu by Eco Team offers spacious tents with an attached partitioned bathroom. Surrounded by wildlife and nature, the camp-site is 7 km from the park’s entrance and just 500 metres from the park's boundary.
Activities Included:
- Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4x4 Safari
- Nature trail with guide
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 3 Wilpattu to Anuradhapura , Cultural Triangle
Today you will journey to Anuradhapura the northern point of the cultural triangle. This area is bursting with stunning temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. You will embark on a guided bicycle tour of the city. Among the ruins, you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite an area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about. We leave to Habarana after the cultural tour of Anuradhapura.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge Hotel, Habarana: Located in Habarana, this hotel offers a serene environment with luxurious accommodations. Key features include a spa, pool, and wildlife excursions.
Activities Included:
- Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
- Anuradhapura - World Heritage Site of ancient kingdom ruins
- Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple
- Anuradhapura - Ruwanweliseya Stupa
- Anuradhapura - Jetawanaramaya Stupa
Day 4 Polonnaruwa , Cultural Triangle
After breakfast make way to Polonnaruwa to continue explorations of the cultural triangle. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex. Visit the remains of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in intricate carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha.
On return from Polonnaruwa we will explore a national park in search of gathering elephants. The Kaudulla National Park, Minneriya Natioanl Park and Hurulu Eco Park are connected through elephant corridors and offer sightseeing opportunities depending on the season. Elephant gatherings up to 100-250 can be observed.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge Hotel, Habarana.
Activities Included:
- Visit to a National Park
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, Statue of Parakramabahu I
- Polonnaruwa - Rankot Vihara, Quadrangle
- Polonnaruwa – Lankatilaka, Gal Vihara
Day 5 Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Next morning before breakfast we visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) a UNESCO world heritage and considered the 8th wonder of the world. A ruined palace tops this dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains. It's a good workout to get to the top.
After breakfast we indulge in the local flavour rural life by going on the Hiriwaduna village tour. Here you will experience the true rural life of Sri Lanka and engage in village activities which include oxen cart ride, traditional catamaran safari, village cooking demonstration with a delicious traditional lunch served to you.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge Hotel, Habarana.
Activities Included:
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Hiriwaduna Village Safari
Day 6 Habarana to Kandy , Cultural Triangle
This morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices the country is famous for. Evening we embark on the Kandy City Tour visiting the Temple of Tooth, the Gem Museum. In the evening we go on tour to witness the Kandy Cultural Dance Show at the Kandy Lake Club.
Overnight stay at Grand Kandyan: Situated in Kandy, this hotel boasts panoramic views and elegant rooms. It offers a outdoorswimming pool, private balcony, and easy access to cultural attractions.
Activities Included:
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
- Matale - Spice Garden
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy - Gem museum & lapidary workshop visit
- Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Day 7 ,8 & 9 Kandy to Gal Oya Valley, South-East Region
After breakfast we set out to the east for a wilderness experience of the Gal Oya National Park where you will spend the next three nights and enjoy a total glamping experience in the wilderness. The wildlife here can be shy and hard to spot, so look closely for herds of elephants passing by, as well as the four species of deer that call this park home. Listen to the constant chatter of diverse birdlife above as you cruise this unique landscape.
Three nights stay at Gal Oya Lodge : Nestled in Galoya, this charming hotel offers a tranquil riverside setting. Guests can enjoy fishing, bird watching, and comfortable rooms with scenic views.
Activities Included:
- Inginiyagala- Boat Safari
- Nilgala & Hathpotha Jeep Safari
- Wild trek to Rajagala Monastery
- Wild trek to Monkey Mountain
- Indigenous Community centre visit
- Walk to Kiri Oruwa Lake
- Farm Visit
- All meals included
Your travel time today from Kandy to Gal Oya will be approximately 5 hours.
Day 10 Gal Oya Valley to Ella, Hill Country
In the morning after breakfast we journey to cloud-laden Ella where you will stay the next two nights. Rest and relax in this beautiful hill country experiencing the great outdoors. Here, visit Ella Gap, which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains. On the way stop at amazing landmarks namely Ravana Falls and the nine-arch bridge, a colonial marvel.
Overnight stay at Ekho Ella: Located in Ella, this hotel captures the beauty of the surrounding hill country. It features spacious rooms, a restaurant with stunning views, and close proximity to popular trekking trails.
Activities Included:
- Ella Gap view point
- Scenic tour of nine arch bridge and Ravana Falls
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 11 Ella, Hill Country
After breakfast you can awaken your adventurous spirit by climbing little Adam’s Peak and enjoying the great outdoors. This gives you an amazing view of the surrounding tea plantations and misty mountains. We will embark on the scenic road trip to Haputale in the evening to get a glimpse of the breathtaking surroundings and also visit the Adisham Bungalow, a planter’s house now a catholic monastery. The bungalow designed in Tudor and Jacobean style and has a fascinating history.
Overnight stay at Ekho Ella: Located in Ella, this hotel captures the beauty of the surrounding hill country. It features spacious rooms, a restaurant with stunning views, and close proximity to popular trekking trails.
Activities Included:
- Trek to Little Adam’s Peak
- Drive to Haputale Adisham Bungalow
Day 12 Ella to Yala National Park, Yala
Following day after breakfast we journey to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve. Here you’ll board a 4x4 and embark on a safari through open grasslands, lush forest and tranquil lagoons. Your guide will carefully listen out for the rustling of concealed animals that would go unnoticed by those not in the know. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties. After an exciting day of wildlife spotting, retire to your resort for dinner.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Yala: Situated in Yala, this beachfront hotel offers luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can enjoy a spa, outdoor pool, and wildlife safaris.
Activities Included:
- Yala National Park - Wildlife safari
Today’s total driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Day 13 Yala to Airport - Departure
The following day after breakfast you will proceed to Colombo Airport. En route visit Galle Fort, the best-preserved colonial town, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Late on we will visit a turtle hatchery located in Kosgoda, a turtle conservation effort by the locals and also popular tourist attractions down south. You will get the opportunity get hold of baby turtles and if the time is opportune release baby turtles to sea.
Activities Included:
- Galle - Galle Fort Walking tour
- Visit to a Turtle Hatchery
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Our representative will meet up with you at the Airport to bid you farewell and to see you again in the near future.
Tour Package Includes
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room on HB basis.
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days).
- Both airport transfers on Arrival & Departure.
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour.
- Entrance fees at tour sites and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephones, beverages, etc.
- Entrance fees, related expenses to any other tour site mentioned as “(optional)”.
- International flights.
- Visa.
- Please refer our detailed Terms & Conditions.
About this Tour
This thirteen day private round-trip is ideal for travellers who wish to visit Sri Lanka and experience wild life. The tour takes you through captivating destinations, including Wilpattu’s wild safari, Yala’s leopard dense terrain, Gal Oya National Park. Explore the outback of the Sri Lanka, while discovering the rich cultural heritage of the island. All must-see activities have been included in this tour. If you wish to have an extended stay at a particular location, especially the hill country , an extended beach stay, feel free to contact us.
Price Guide : Early booking offers, long stay incentives of our Partner Hotels have been included in arriving at prices hence advance payments should be made at least 60 days prior to arrival.
