In search of large mammals | Sri Lanka I Experience Travel Group

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For a small country, Sri Lanka has a huge diversity of animal life. This itinerary has been skilfully planned 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 whilst 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.
Services of our in-country support team and your own expertly trained chauffeur-guide.

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 own holiday, fill in the form below.

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 a great 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 who 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.

Elephants can also be observed 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 whilst staying here. You'll have plenty of time for 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 campsite is set up 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 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. Many whale species can be seen off the Sri Lankan coastline, but the most commonly observed is the Blue Whale. A half day whale watching trip is included.

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 and/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. This is a fantastic place to 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, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

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 or use the quote request form below for your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 (included a private chauffeur-guide for most of the trip).
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.

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...