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

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.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

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 Beaches, whales & forts

After a morning game drive, you'll 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.

DAY 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 DEPART SRI LANKA

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

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Get in touch

Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Banyan Camp, Uda Walawe

A true eco-lodge in the countryside - come here to connect with nature

Kulu Safaris, Yala

Sri Lanka’s original luxury wildlife outfit, Kulu’s responsible, immersive safaris offer an unforgettable rumble in the jungle: the remote camp comprises just four authentic safari tents.