Features
Overview
Sri Lanka Elephants & Safari Experience – 12 Nights / 13 Days
Embark on an unforgettable wildlife journey across Sri Lanka, a land where elephants roam free, leopards rule the forests, and birds fill the air with color and melody. This 13-day adventure offers a perfect balance of exploration, photography, and authentic encounters with nature across the island’s most iconic national parks and biodiversity hotspots.
Tour Highlights
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Witness the world-famous “Gathering” of elephants at Minneriya National Park
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Guaranteed elephant sightings at Udawalawe National Park
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Game drives in Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya, Yala, and Bundala National Parks
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Loris and primate watching in Sigiriya
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Explore Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Spot rare endemic birds and mammals unique to Sri Lanka
Best Time to Travel
August to September – Ideal for witnessing “The Gathering” of elephants at Minneriya. However, wildlife sightings are excellent year-round across other national parks.
Package Includes
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Accommodation in selected eco-lodges and hotels
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All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
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Private transfers and transportation
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Park entrance fees and safari jeep rides
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Experienced naturalist guide
Package Excludes
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International airfare
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Travel insurance
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Tips and personal expenses
What's Included
- Beverages, drinking water, morning tea
- Lunch
- Tour Guide
Itinerary information
Day 01: Arrival – Colombo – Muthurajawela Wetlands
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo. In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching at Muthurajawela Wetlands, home to over 50 species of migrant and endemic birds. Spot Cinnamon Bitterns, Ceylon Swallows, and owls as the evening sets in.
Overnight in Negombo
Meals: Dinner
Day 02: Negombo – Wilpattu National Park
After breakfast, depart for Wilpattu and enjoy an afternoon safari through Sri Lanka’s largest national park. Look for Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Elephants, and endemic birds such as the Ceylon Junglefowl.
Overnight in Wilpattu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 03: Wilpattu National Park
Spend a full day exploring Wilpattu’s dense forests and natural lakes. With luck, you might encounter a leopard resting under the shade or elephants bathing by the water’s edge.
Overnight in Wilpattu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 04: Wilpattu – Sigiriya – Minneriya National Park
Travel to Sigiriya and embark on an afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Witness “The Gathering,” where herds of elephants congregate around the tank. Later, enjoy a guided night walk to observe the elusive Loris.
Overnight in Sigiriya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 05: Sigiriya – Wasgamuwa National Park
Head to Wasgamuwa for morning and afternoon safaris. The park hosts about 150 wild elephants along with buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and occasionally leopards or sloth bears.
Overnight in Wasgamuwa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 06: Wasgamuwa – Gal Oya
After breakfast, transfer to Gal Oya National Park and settle into your campsite surrounded by nature.
Overnight near Gal Oya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 07: Gal Oya National Park
Experience a full day at Gal Oya, the only park where you can see elephants swimming across lakes in search of food. Watch herds move gracefully between the forest and islands.
Overnight near Gal Oya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 08: Gal Oya – Yala National Park
Proceed to Yala and enjoy an evening safari in search of the park’s famous leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
Overnight in Tissamaharama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 09: Yala National Park
Spend the entire day on safari, exploring Yala’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
Overnight in Tissamaharama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Bundala & Yala National Parks
Visit Bundala National Park in the morning, a Ramsar wetland known for its flocks of flamingos and migratory birds. In the afternoon, return to Yala for another thrilling game drive.
Overnight in Tissamaharama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Yala – Sinharaja Rainforest
Travel to Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last remaining tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka. Encounter endemic species such as the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and Purple-faced Leaf Monkey.
Overnight near Sinharaja
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Sinharaja – Negombo
Take a morning trek through Sinharaja’s lush rainforest before returning to Negombo for your final night.
Overnight in Negombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Departure – Negombo – Katunayake
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
