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Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

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Experience Travel Group

Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

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For a small country, Sri Lanka has a vast diversity of animal life. 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.

  • Discover verdant tropical scenery and lush birdlife while based at The Ark, inland from Bentota
  • Witness elephants roaming in the wild at Uda Walawe National Park
  • Escape the more crowded corners of Yala National Park with a superb safari adventure
  • Rise early to catch a glimpse of Blue Whales and dolphins off the coast of Mirissa

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, start your journey by calling us today. 

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.

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Kalus Hideaway

Kalus Hideaway, Uda Walawe

Kalu’s Hideaway is a unique jungle retreat, owned by Sri Lankan World Cup cricketing legend Romesh Kaluwitharana.

Kulu Safaris

Kulu Safaris, Yala

Unique tented safari, perfect to experience Sri Lanka's natural beauty in comfort and style.

Parrotfish Bay

Parrotfish Bay, Mirissa

A lovely villa set on a small private bay in Mirissa with peaceful surroundings and the ocean on your doorstep.

The Ark

The Ark, Bentota

Breathtaking views of the lush green jungle from on high make this secluded hilltop villa experience truly unique.

Wallawwa

Wallawwa, Negombo

Superb boutique hotel located close proximity to the airport

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Sri Lanka's Big Mammals'

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More Holiday Suggestions

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

This holiday is ideal for those who love nature, especially birdlife. Visit the beautiful rainforests, coast, and wetlands of Sri Lanka.

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Enjoy the incredible wildlife of animals without missing the astonishing scenery, glorious beaches and local life.

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Unique two-day walking trail in the hills with an off-the-beaten-track safari and Sri Lanka's ancient cultural sites.

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
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    • Booking with confidence
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    • Financial protection
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