850 ReviewsIt’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Depart on your overnight flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
November - April
Part of what makes Sri Lanka so special is how its biggest wildlife encounters unfold effortlessly around you.
We’ve designed this itinerary to provide the best opportunities to observe the endemic creatures in their natural habitat. It is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and also includes some time at the beach. It is lighter on the history and culture than some of our other suggested holidays, but as always, we can tailor the itinerary to ensure the balance is right for you.
Visiting various national parks and different parts of the coast, you’ll have the chance to see Leopards, Elephants, Dolphins, and Whales, and if you are lucky enough, the elusive Sloth Bear, amongst a wealth of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Sri Lanka's Big Mammals
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
The Ark
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
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
Moving east, your driver will then transfer you to Yala, where you’ll take a 2-night safari with the excellent Kulu Safaris. Here, 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. As such, you have very high odds of catching a glimpse of one of the elusive creatures.
In addition, 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. Overall, 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.
Throughout your stay, you will be provided with all the necessary comforts and services to make the whole experience hassle-free while still retaining a sense of adventure. The campsite is set up before your arrival, so all you have to do is simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the wildlife that surrounds you. Furthermore, entrance fees, safari drives, expert nature guides, meals, snacks, and drinks are all included in your stay here.
Days 8 - 11
Beaches, Whales & Forts
After a morning game drive, you’ll then travel west to the Galle Coast. Your final destination is a boutique property in the hillside close to Ahungama. You’re near Weligama/Mirissa which is 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 countryside and beach. You’re also close to Galle, where we can arrange for you to spend a morning at a hands-on cooking class or explore the ramparts of the fort itself with a local expert.
Days 12 - 13
Negombo
Your final destination is a beautiful converted manor house near 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
Fly home
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Colombo airport for your return flight.
We have just returned from a two-week trip to Sri Lanka
Best family holiday ever. A mixture of beach, temples, wildlife, quiet and fun. [ETG] understands us and we won't be using anyone else for our holidays to Asia.
The Reynolds-Maclean Family
Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
Meet Our Sri Lanka Experts
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the genuine highlights with the hidden corners of the country. Whether it’s a family-friendly wildlife encounter, a romantic retreat in the tea hills, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight ETG travellers.
“The power of this trip is in the encounters. It’s not about ticking off sightings, but being in the right place, at the right time, and letting Sri Lanka’s wildlife reveal itself.”
Holly
Sri Lanka Travel Specialist
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
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Important FAQs about Sri Lanka
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been curating immersive Sri Lanka holidays since 2006 long before the island became a mainstream destination. Our deep-rooted local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and passion for meaningful travel make us the ideal choice for discovering Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary.
Over nearly two decades, we’ve developed unique experiences that blend cultural depth, comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s staying in boutique hotels hidden in tea country, meeting local artisans, or exploring UNESCO heritage sites with expert guides, we design every journey to reveal the real heart of Sri Lanka, not just the tourist highlights.
With our thoughtful planning and in-country support, you’ll have peace of mind while enjoying a tailored adventure that suits your interests and travel style. We don’t do off-the-shelf holidays — we create personalised journeys that capture what’s truly special about Sri Lanka.
Let us show you the Sri Lanka we know and love.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on where you’re going. One of the best times to visit is between December and March. The summer month and September is also a great all-round option, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Every ETG holiday to Sri Lanka is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), chauffeur guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Sri Lanka specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka
Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
