Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart London Heathrow on your overnight flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAYS 2 & 3 The ark    birdlife all around

On arrival, you'll be met by your private chauffeur-guide for the transfer to your hotel. This superb property is in a 40-acre estate swaddled by lush greenery. It sits just above the tree level - a 'castle in the sky' as the owners' term it, perfect for amazing views and the wildlife viewing. Listen to the bird-song and breathtaking vistas from the hotel itself or the infinity pool! 

DAYS 4 & 5 Uda Walawe National park       elephants and more

Your driver will transport you to Uda Walawe National Park for the first of your safari experiences. Your tented camp is an excellent base from which to explore the park and visit the responsible (in environmental terms) elephant 'transit' camp nearby, run by the Born Free Foundation. 

Uda Walawe offers the most consistent elephant sightings in the country as well as being well known for its raptor species and variety of wildlife. 

DAYS 6 & 7 YALA NATIONAL PARK    in search of leopards 

Moving east, your driver will transfer you to Yala, where you'll take a 2-night safari with the excellent Kulu Safaris. They offer the opportunity to explore one of the least busy parts of the National Park. Yala is Sri Lanka's most well-known park as it is famous for an extraordinarily high density of leopard, the highest in Asia, and possibly the world. Here you have very high odds of catching a glimpse of one of the elusive creatures.

You can observe elephants in the park along with sambar deer, macaque, purple-faced langur, and a bounty of birds. You may even be lucky enough to see the extremely rare sloth bear while staying here. You'll have plenty of time for safari drives and a great opportunity to explore and experience the park, its wildlife, and its natural beauty.

You will be provided with all the necessary comforts and services to make the whole experience hasslefree while still retaining a sense of adventure. The campsite is set up before your arrival, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the wildlife that surrounds you. Entrance fees, safari drives, expert nature guides, meals, snacks, and drinks are all included in your stay here.

DAYS 8- 11 Mirissa   beaches, whales & forts

After a morning game drive, you'll travel west to the Galle Coast. Your final destination is the beautiful coastline at Mirissa. This gorgeous bay is one of the prettiest in Sri Lanka and is a low key and laid back beach. It is also the best place in Sri Lanka from which to see whales. YOu can see several different whale species off the Sri Lankan coastline, but the most commonly observed is the Blue Whale.

There is time here to spend a few days enjoying the beach and exploring nearby Weligama.  You're also close to Galle, where we can arrange for you to spend a morning at a hands-on cooking class or exploring the ramparts of the fort itself with a local expert. 

DAY 12 & 13 Negombo

Your final destination is a beautiful converted manor house not far from the international airport. Enjoy the last day or so of your holiday and reflect on your adventures. A leisurely boat trip on the nearby canal offers the chance for some last minute bird and wildlife spotting. 

DAY 14 DEPART SRI LANKA

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Colombo airport for your return flight to London.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK