Sri Lanka's Big Mammals
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This itinerary provides the opportunity to observe some of Sri Lanka's most magical creatures in their wild habitat. Visiting three stretches of coastline and Sri Lanka's most popular national park, you will 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.

• Gorgeous verdant tropical scenery and lush birdlife inland from Bentota.
• Elephants in the wild at Uda Walawe National Park.
• Get away from the crowds with a posh camping safari for Yala National Park.
• Blue Whales and dolphins off the coast of Mirissa. 

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include.

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.  

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart London Heathrow for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAYS 2 - 4 inland from bentota

Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your hotel in Bentotha for a 3 night stay at The Ark. This superb resort is built just above the tree level - a 'castle in the sky' as the owners term it. Perfect anyway for the amazing views and the incredible wildlife viewing this presents.  

The area is justly famous for its rich flora and fauna as well as the beaches nearby. 

DAYS 5 - 6 Uda Walawe National park

You will be picked up from Bentota and transferred to Uda Walawe National Park. Your lodge is a great base from which to explore the park and visit the responsible (in environmental terms) elephant 'transit' camp nearby. 

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 7 & 8 YALA NATIONAL PARK

Moving east, your driver will take you to Yala National Park for a 2 night safari with Kulu Safaris. Yala National Park is famous for its extraordinarily high density of leopard, the highest in Asia, and possibly the world, providing you with very high odds of catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures. Elephant can also be observed in the park along with sambhur deer, toques macaque, purple-faced langur and a bounty of birds. You may even be lucky enough to see the extremely rare sloth bear whilst staying here. A three night stay allows time for six safari drives and a great opportunity to really 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 completely hasslefree whilst still retaining a sense of adventure. The while campsite is set up by the taff prior to 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 9 - 12 mirissa

Your final destination is the beautiful coastline at Mirissa on the south coast with a stay at The Lantern Mirissa. This gorgeous bay is one of the prettiest in Sri Lanka and it is a low key and laid back beach. It is also the best place in Sri Lanka from which to see whales. Many whale species can be seen off the Sri Lankan coastline, but the most commonly observed is the Blue Whale, the largest known mammal to have ever existed. A half day whale watching trip is included in the price of this tour.

If you have had your fill of wildlife, you can also spend a few days enjoying the beach and exploring nearby Weligama  town with its famous fish markets and lively atmosphere and further afield Galle with its famous old dutch fort. 

DAY 13 Negombo

Your final destination is the beautiful converted manor house inland from Negombo and close to the international airport, The Wallawa. It's a fantastic place to enjoy a last night, a great meal and reflect on your holiday! 

DAY 14 DEPART SRI LANKA

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