
Gal Oya Lodge
Situated on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, this lodge features stunning accommodation, spectacular views and exciting safari activities.
Duration | Price | When | Destination | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
22 Days | £8310 | Dec - Mar | Sri Lanka | Tailor-Made |
An adventurous safari exploring Sri Lanka's best wildlife havens. Seek out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, diverse bird species and more with visits to Wilpattu, Yala, Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and the Sinharaja Rainforest, while also experiencing some of the islands cultural sights.
Focusing on the diverse and fascinating wildlife of Sri Lanka, you will spend 22 days discovering the flora and fauna of some of the islands best national parks. From leopards prowling the forests of Wilpattu and Yala National Parks, to the elephant herds of Udawalawe and the colourful birdlife that abounds in the Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka boasts a variety of unique ecosystems. You will also experience a taste of the rich cultural history of Sri Lanka, with visits to the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the famous tea gardens of the Hill Country. Spend your final few days on the stunning beaches of the south coast, the perfect way to relax after your safari.
During your journey you'll have the pleasure of staying at some of Sri Lanka's best safari lodgings. These include the grand Horathapola Estate with its pepper gardens, paddy fields and groves of coconut trees; the eco-friendly Gal Oya Lodge, where you can take a dip in a turquoise pool while gazing out at the greenery of Gal Oya National Park; and the idyllic retreat of Cape Weligama, where guests can partake in a multitude of water sports or indulge in a spot of relaxation on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Upon your arrival into Sri Lanka you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel, about an hours drive from the airport. The rest of the day is at your leisure; relax by the pool or explore the plantation surrounding your hotel.
After breakfast this morning you will be driven north along the coast to Wilpattu National Park. The largest and one of the oldest national parks on the island, Wilpattu is renowned as one of the best places to see Asiatic leopard. Arriving in time for lunch at your camp, you will head out in the afternoon for your first game drive in the park. Enjoy dinner back at camp under the stars.
An early start this morning as you head out for a sunrise jeep safari in the national park. Wildlife you may encounter in the park includes elephant, sloth bear, deer, crocodile and leopard. Return to camp for a late breakfast and take some time to relax, before heading out into the park again in the late afternoon for your second game drive of the day.
Embark on your final game drive in the park this morning before being driven to your hotel within the 'cultural triangle'. This area is famous for its ancient cultural sites, including the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Buddhist temple at Dambulla and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Upon arrival, settle in to your hotel before enjoying a guided walk to the local village in the evening, where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals.
Today you will visit the incredible Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on top of a 600ft rock column, the fortress is decorated with colourful frescoes and offers unparalleled views over the surrounding landscapes. After enjoying lunch in a local restaurant you will visit Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital city of Sri Lanka, witnessing the many Buddha statues, stupas and monuments that adorn this archaeological site.
Today you will be driven to the remote Gal Oya National Park, home to elephants and diverse reptile and bird species, as well as Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Spend the afternoon exploring the park by jeep, boat or on foot, before enjoying an evening under the stars back at your lodge.
Overnight: Gal Oya Lodge (B, D)
You will spend the next two days exploring the park, noted for its large elephant population and also as the home to one of the last surviving Veddha populations, the indigenous people of Sri Lanka. You will have the opportunity to spend one afternoon on a bush walk with a Veddha elder, learning about the local flora and fauna.
Overnight: Gal Oya Lodge (B, L, D)
Today you will be met at your lodge and driven to Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka. The rest of your day is at leisure, when you can spend your time relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city.
Overnight: Elephant Stables (B)
This park is known for its high Sri Lankan elephant population who can often be spotted in large herds. The wide open plains mean that it’s likely you will be able to spot elephants on your game drives here. Other wildlife you may encounter include spotted deer, monitor lizards, sambar deer and wild boar – there is a chance you may see a Sri Lankan leopard, although sightings are rare.
Spend your day exploring the rolling hills and verdant tea plantations of the surrounding area. Enjoy a guided tour of a working tea factory, take a hike through the plantation or simply relax by the pool.
Today you will be transferred from the tea plantations to Sri Lanka's last remaining tract of tropical rainforest, the Sinharaja. You will spend the afternoon exploring the forest with your guide, seeking out wildlife such as blue magpies, monkeys, snakes and lizards.
This morning you will journey into the rainforest for a hike along the logging tracks and forest trails in search of reptiles, monkeys and colourful birdlife. Return to your hotel for lunch and rest during the heat of the day, before heading back into the forest in the late afternoon.
This morning you will be driven east to Udawalawe National Park, best known for its excellent elephant sightings. Pay a visit to the elephant transit home, where you can witness orphaned elephants being bottle-fed, before continuing on to your lodge close to the park entrance. In the late afternoon, embark on a jeep safari into the park.
Today you will transfer to Yala National Park, the second largest park in Sri Lanka. Home to one of the world's largest Asiatic leopard populations, Yala is also home to elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, deer and sloth bears. Arriving into your camp in time for lunch, settle in before venturing out on a late afternoon game drive in the park.
The next few days will be spent exploring Yala National Park. Rise early and enjoy morning game drives as the sun begins to rise and the wildlife is at its most active. With some luck, you may have sightings of elephant, sloth bear, deer, crocodile, a diverse array of birdlife, and Asiatic leopard. Returning to camp for breakfast and some relaxation, you will head out on further game drives in the afternoon.
This morning you will be driven along the south coast to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Weligama Bay. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight: Cape Weligama (B)
Spend your days in Weligama relaxing by the pool or on the beaches; the perfect way to unwind following your adventure.
Overnight: Cape Weligama (B)
After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred back to the capital city of Colombo. Colombo hosts a wealth of architectural and cultural delights, which you can enjoy on an evening walking tour of the city.
Your time in Sri Lanka has come to an end. You will be driven to the airport in time for your international flight home.
A tailor-made safari is one designed specifically for you, around your taste, budget, people travelling, interests and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and changed to make it perfect for you
Situated on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, this lodge features stunning accommodation, spectacular views and exciting safari activities.
Elephant Stables is located just outside of Kandy and offers 7 charming rooms and suites set within a colonial bungalow.
Cape Weligama, a luxury coastline resort, offers spacious accommodation in a stunning cliff-side setting with incredible views.