Wildlife of Sri Lanka & the Maldives Safari

Arrive Colombo

Upon your arrival into Colombo you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax.

Overnight: The Wallawwa

Colombo - Wilpattu National Park

After an early start you will journey up the western coast of Sri Lanka, through fishing towns and villages, to Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu is the oldest and largest park in Sri Lanka, having been designated a protected area in 1905, and has one of the highest population densities of leopards in the world. Other significant animals in the park include elephant and sloth bear.

Wilpattu National Park

You will spend these days exploring the jungles of Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka. Famed for its leopards, Wilpattu is home to over 30 recorded species of mammal, including Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, and the rare Sri Lankan sloth bear, as well as many wetland bird species. In the evenings, relax with a drink at your campsite and enjoy a sumptuous BBQ surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Wilpattu - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya

After your morning game drive you will head to Sigiriya, stopping en-route for a visit to the archaeological site of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anuradhapura was the former capital of the island, and is the site of many palaces, temples with ornate moonstones, and a sacred Bo Tree said to be a sapling from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. You will then continue on to Sigiriya and check into your hotel.

SIGIRIYA & POLONNARUWA

Today you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Rising nearly 700 feet above one of Asia's most well-preserved ancient landscaped gardens, this giant granite monolith is an unforgettable site. Later in the day you will be driven to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city which originates from as far back as the 4th century and is the most intact of Sri Lanka's ancient cities.

Sigiriya - Kandy

Today you will be transferred to the city of Kandy, stopping on the way to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Once a pleasure garden for the last Queen of Kandy, these now comprise some of the best botanical gardens in the world and are known for the Orchid House, containing over 300 varieties of orchid, and spice garden.

Overnight: Elephant Stables B

Kandy - Gal Oya National Park

Depart for Gal Oya National Park, a hidden gem where elephants swim from island to island in Sri Lanka's largest lake, Senansyake Sumdraya Lake. This is the only park in the country that offers boat safaris and due to its remote location receives very few visitors so you will feel like you have the park all to yourself. Check into your lodge and, time permitting, head out on a boat safari or walk from the lodge.

Overnight: Gal Oya Lodge B

Gal Oya National Park

Spend the next few days exploring Gal Oya National Park. Enjoy a guided naturalist walk around the lodge, a boat or jeep safari around the park in search of leopards, elephants, wild boars and sloth bears. You will also have the opportunity to visit the indigenous Vedda community in Gal Oya. The Vedda are the indigenous inhabitants of Sri Lanka, and retain much of their distinctive cultural identity, indigenous language and traditional lifestyle.

Overnight: Gal Oya Lodge B, L, D

Gal Oya - Ella

This morning you will be driven down to the hill country and the tea plantations of Ella (approximately three hours drive). The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore this small but vibrant town.

Ella

Today you will have the chance to explore the town of Ella. Visit the ancient Dova Temple, Ravana Caves and Ravana Falls, which are associated with the ancient epic Indian poem The Ramayana. If you would like to travel slightly further afield, there are a number of scenic waterfalls to the south, and the colonial Adisham Benedictine Monastery is an interesting half-day excursion.

Ella - Yala National Park

After breakfast you will be driven to Yala, Sri Lanka's most popular national park. Check into your camp and head out on a game drive in the afternoon, where you will have the chance to see leopards, elephants and sloth bears.

Yala National Park

You will have all day to explore Yala National Park. Covering an area of 1300 square kilometres, Yala encompasses a variety of landscapes including jungles, scrub plains, freshwater lakes and beaches, and is one of the best places to see a variety of Sri Lankan wildlife.

Yala - Colombo

Today you will be transferred to Colombo, where upon arrival you will be met by a representative and check into your hotel, ready for your flight to the Maldives the next day.

Colombo - Maldives

You will be met and driven to Colombo International Airport for your flight to Male in the Maldives. After a short boat ride you will arrive at your resort, where the rest of the day is yours to relax; enjoy the tranquility of the resort, take a dip in the ocean and watch the sunset.

Maldives

Spend your days relaxing on the beautiful white sands of the Maldives, sunbathing, snorkelling, diving or enjoying the facilities at your resort.

Depart Maldives

Today you will have to tear yourself away from paradise. In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and be taken back to Male International Airport for your onward flight home.