Nature & Wildlife Holiday IDEAS in Sri Lanka:
Nature & Wildlife explorer
Sri Lanka's Big Mammals
The Birdlife of Sri Lanka
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Let us inspire you
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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.
Your next adventure starts with a conversation...
Start PlanningCall us 020 7924 7133
Call us 1-888-577-8452
These itineraries are designed for you to spot the wonderful wildlife of Sri Lanka and explore its diverse landscapes without missing the must-see sites. Yep, they’re big on nature, but not just nature – think the perfect blend of discovery and downtime, with stays in everything from eco-lodges and luxury camps to charming, characterful hotels.
Do you have a particular passion? Talk to our talented Travel Team, and we’ll finetune your holiday in Sri Lanka to up your chances of seeing exactly what you’re after. These holidays are just ideas – together, we'll design your dream adventure.
MORE Nature & Wildlife Holidays in Sri Lanka
Birdlife & Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka
Natural & wild Sri Lanka
Nature trails and Cultural tales
Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
£4,500pp
and include*:
Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500pp
and include*:
- International flights (if required)
- Guides, drivers & their tips
- Accommodation
- Specified meals & snacks
- Your immersive experiences
- Internal & regional transfers
*Price dependent on destination, flights & dates. See more:
Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452
THE BEST WILDLIFE & JUNGLE LODGES IN SRI LANKA
We know the lodges in Sri Lanka like the back of our hand.
From the conventional, ultra-luxe ones like Relais & Châteaux’s Wild Coast Tented Lodge, to the comfortable and atmospheric ones like Gal Oya Lodge and our absolute favourite, The Mudhouse.
Mulling over which might suit you and your travel companions best? Talk to us. Together, we can choose a lodge (or a winning combination) to match your styles.
Each of our hand-picked hotels has a serious sense of place.
Never bland. Certainly never boring.
And the guides? Top-notch.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala
UGA Chena Huts, Yala
UGA Jungle Beach, Trincomalee
The Mudhouse, Anamaduwa
Treetops Jungle Lodge, Buttala
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya
Ceylon Wild Safaris, Yala
Leopard Trails, Wilpattu
Kulu Safaris, Yala
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Let us inspire you
~
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.
Your next adventure starts with a conversation...
Start PlanningCall us 020 7924 7133
Call us 1-888-577-8452
While the vast majority of travellers head to Yala National Park, we recommend vising lesser-visited national parks like Wilpattu for a more exclusive safari experience. There's also a whole spectrum of under-the-radar wildlife wonders in Sri Lanka like the world's largest gathering of Asian elephants and a bounty of beautiful birds. Sure, you may not think birding is that exciting but, trust us, it's likely to surprise you! Plenty of ETG travellers leave Sri Lanka with a brand-new obsession for twitching: read Phoebe's story here.
Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park
Birding in Bundala National Park
THE BEST NATURE EXPERIENCES IN SRI LANKA
You'll have heard about Sri Lanka's 'iconic' rail routes that weave through atmospheric jungles and gorgeous tea-clad hills. While these train journeys are every bit as scenic as they sound, there are plenty more glorious landscapes to explore. A few ETG favourites are:
The phenomenal Pekoe Trail: we're over the moon that travel magazines like Wanderlust and Nat Geo are cottoning on to its beauty, too.
The Knuckles Mountain Range: this is our top choice for an off-the-beaten-track adventure.
The Sinharaja Rainforest: an utterly unspoiled biodiverse area.
Naturally, the golden coastline and the Indian Ocean can't be missed. Check out our roundup of the island's best beaches.
Secret spots that provide a bit of rural respite from cities like the small village just outside of the capital: where you'll find The Notary's House.
If your curiosity is blooming, have a chat with an ETG expert.
Experiences
Immersive ETG holiday experiences let you genuinely connect to the people and places you visit. You’ll learn as much about yourself as you do about them.
element
Sometimes you can know too much. Our holidays are specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, unexpected discoveries.
done right
Our B Corporation certification, commitment to sustainability and 'give back' philosophy mean you can always be sure that every step you take is light. Ethical, mindful, guilt-free travel - travel done right
luxury
A thread of luxury that ties everything together. From beautiful boutique hotels to top-quality transport, to exceptional levels of service - whatever luxury looks like to you… it’s yours
We know Sri Lanka like the back of our hands – and we can’t wait to share it with you.
A
Alice first fell in love with Sri Lanka during an unforgettable trip through its misty tea hills, national parks, and bustling towns. Her passion for the country shines through in the thoughtful itineraries she creates, blending iconic highlights with hidden gems that give travellers a true taste of Sri Lanka’s magic.
Alice’s insider tip: “Don’t miss the train journey from Kandy to Ella. It’s not just a way to get around – it’s one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world!”
H
Holly is a true Sri Lanka enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that blend the must-see highlights with the hidden corners of the country. Whether it’s a family-friendly wildlife encounter, a romantic retreat in the tea hills, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight her clients.
Holly’s insider tip: “For a truly magical experience, take an early morning safari in Wilpattu National Park. It’s quieter than some of the other parks, and the chance to spot leopards in their natural habitat is unforgettable.”
L
Lynsey’s love for Sri Lanka began during her travels across the island, where she was captivated by its warm people, diverse landscapes, and mouthwatering food. Her expertise lies in creating itineraries that balance relaxation and adventure, with a special focus on ethical travel and supporting local communities.
Lynsey’s insider tip: “In Yala National Park, skip the busy Block 1 and head to the quieter Block 5 instead. It’s far less crowded, and you’ll actually feel like you’re in the wild. Leopards can be elusive, but there’s so much more to see – think elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, water buffalo, mongoose, peacocks, and incredible birdlife.”
