Sri Lanka Southern Circuit Safari

Arrive Colombo

Fly into Colombo International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide who will drive you to your hotel, the beautiful Wallawwa just 20 minutes from the airport. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: The Wallawwa

Colombo - Kandy

This morning you will be transferred to Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important places of worship in Buddhism that is said to house one of the Buddhas actual teeth. Join your guide for a tour of the temple and witness the evening unveiling of the tooth, before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Elephant Stables (D)

Kandy

Formerly the fortress palace of King Kassapa who assumed the throne in 477 AD after murdering his father, little remains of the palace itself but foundations at the summit. The climb to the summit is not difficult and there are ancient frescoes to view in a sheltered alcove midway through the climb. Later this morning continue southwards to Kandy where you spend the next two nights at The Kandy House located 30mins out of town.

Overnight: Elephant Stables (B, D)

Kandy - Hatton

Board your train southwards to the hill country, winding your way through the tea plantations that stretch across the rolling hills and enjoying scenic views from the open doors of the train. Your guide will meet you at Hatton station and transfer you to your luxurious colonial-era hotel set amongst the tea gardens. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

Hatton

Today you will explore the tea plantations surrounding Hatton, including a tour of a tea factory where you will learn about the manufacturing process and taste some Sri Lankan tea. The remainder of the day is yours to hike through the plantations or relax by the hotel pool.

Hatton - Udawalawe National Park

Today you will be transferred out of the hill country to Udawalawe National Park. Previously an area of tea plantations, Udawalawe is now a haven for elephants, many of which were rescued from captivity or taken in as orphans. The Elephant Transit Home located on the edge of the park feeds young elephants until they can be weaned, and they can spend the rest of their time in the national park. In the late afternoon head out on a game drive in the park, where you have excellent chances of multiple elephant sightings and can admire the diverse birdlife that can be found here.

Udawalawe - Yala National Park

This morning you will be driven to Yala National Park, the second largest and most well-known national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is home to one of the largest populations of Asiatic leopard in the world, and is also home to elephant, crocodile and the elusive sloth bear. Upon arrival at your jungle camp you will settle in and have lunch at camp before venturing into the park for your first game drive.

Yala National Park

An early start this morning as you head out on a morning game drive in the national park, with possible sightings of leopard, elephant and sloth bear awaiting. Return to camp before midday for a late breakfast and spend some time relaxing at camp, before setting out again in the late afternoon for your second game drive of the day.

Yala National Park - Tangalle

Leave the jungle behind as you travel along the south coast to your colourful beach hotel, close to the fishing town of Tangalle. The area is known for its white sandy beaches and quiet coves and is also an important nesting site for five different species of turtle.

Tangalle

You will have two days of blissful relaxation on the south coast; sunbathing on the white sandy beaches, snorkelling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and exploring the local area.

Tangalle - Galle

Today you will be driven further west to the town of Galle, known for its historic Dutch fort. Your hotel is located on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and a short walk or tuk tuk ride from the fort – the perfect location for exploring the area whilst keeping out of the hustle and bustle. In the evening head into town for a walking tour of the fort, learning about the history of the region and discovering the towns hidden gems.

Galle

Today you will have a full day to explore Galle. Wander along the cobbled streets lined with grand colonial-era mansions, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic town, or head down to the beach for more sunbathing.

Galle - Colombo

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide and transfer north back to the capital of Colombo. Enjoy your final night in Sri Lanka with a walking tour of the city's architectural and cultural sites.

Depart Colombo

Today you will bid farewell to Sri Lanka as you head to the international airport to board your flight home.