Nature & Wildlife Explorer

DAY 1  DEPART UK

 Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

DAYS 2 - 4  THE mudhouse     

Your private chauffeur-guide will welcome you to Sri Lanka and transfer you to The Mudhouse, an enchanting jungle lodge surrounded by lakes and forests at the foot of the mysterious Paramakanda Rock Temple. You can make the experience as adventurous or as relaxing as you please. Enjoy early morning birdwatching walks, kayaking in lakes, climbing the ancient rock, cycling on jungle trails, learning to cook Sri Lankan food, or relaxing in the comfort of a hammock.

Day 5-6 Wilpattu National Park

Head north to Wilpattu National Park. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, venturing on safaris to spot leopards, sloth bears, and a rich array of birdlife. Wilpattu’s peaceful trails and lack of crowds offer a serene and authentic wildlife experience.

DAYS 6 - 8   the CULTURAL TRIANGLE       

Head east with your chauffeur-guide towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Visit the ancient city of Anuradapura en route to your next hotel. During your stay, you will have the chance to explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and you will also learn firsthand about the history of the area and the life and work of villagers. 

Days 9 & 10  the Knuckles Mountain Range

Your next stop is the Knuckles Mountain Range, where you’ll stay in a hillside villa surrounded by tea plantations. The Knuckles is an incredible spot for birdwatching, and there is a telescope on the balcony for detailed viewing. We recommend a trek deep into the hills around, too; your efforts will be rewarded, as the range contains almost 75% of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species.

Days 11 – 13  Gal Oya Lodge

 As you journey towards Gal Oya National Park, you’ll feel you’re getting away from the typical tourist trail. Here you’ll stay in a beautifully designed eco-lodge from which you’ll have the chance to enjoy both a cultural experience and a range of wildlife. The country’s largest lake is in the vicinity, so keep watch for crocs, and if you’re lucky, you might witness herds of elephants bathing.

Day 14 & 15     TREE TOPS JUNGLE LODGE

 You’ll travel south with your chauffeur-guide to Treetops Jungle Lodge. This is a different experience from Gal Oya; the accommodation is more comfortable camp-style than lodge-style, and the wildlife experience changes, too. Discover the jungle trails with an expert guide; you’ll keep watch for elephants and other wildlife as you explore.

 A full-day four-wheel-drive safari to Yala National Park will be included during your stay. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous park because of the high density of leopards, but it gets hectic. Your trackers will aim to scope out clear leopard sightings throughout your day without the typical jeep-jams. 

DAYS 16-18  the GALLE Coast

 Your final stop is on the coast, where you’ll stay in the hills, a short distance from the coast and the historic town of Galle. Days can be spent lazing by the beach or exploring the ramparts of the Dutch Fort with an expert historian. There is also the opportunity to explore inland, have a picnic lunch next to a waterfall, take a leisurely boat tour along the river, go on cycle tours, or experience local cookery.

DAY 19  FLY HOME

 Your driver will drop you off at Colombo airport to depart for your flight back to the UK.