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Sri Lanka

Big Five Sri Lanka Safari

Wildlife & Safaris • Nature • Adventure & Nature • Wildlife & Safaris

Big Five Sri Lanka Safari

Best Time

November – April

From

On request

Duration

15D / 14N

Enquire Now

Handpicked Itineraries • Tailor Your Experience

Discover the Soul of Sri Lanka

Experience Sri Lanka's ultimate wildlife journey covering the country's most iconic national parks and biodiversity hotspots. This carefully curated safari expedition combines leopard tracking, elephant encounters, sloth bear sightings, whale watching opportunities, birdwatching, and cultural experiences. Explore the heart of Sri Lanka's wilderness while enjoying comfortable accommodations and scenic landscapes from the dry zone jungles to the misty hill country and southern coastline.

Journey Route

Itinerary

Day-by-day journey

1

Day 1

Day 01 – Arrival Colombo → Negombo

Negombo

⌄

Upon arrival at the airport, meet your chauffeur and transfer to Negombo. Spend the day recovering from your flight and settling into the tropical surroundings. Enjoy a gentle wellness welcome with herbal refreshments and an introductory Ayurveda consultation.

Accommodation

Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, A Luxury Reserve - Adults Only • Jetwing Blue • Sentido Heritance Negombo

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

35.00 minutes

Distance

15.00 KM

2

Day 2

Day 02 – Negombo → Wilpattu

Wilpattu

⌄

Travel north to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park. Enjoy an evening jeep safari through dense forests and natural lakes known as "Villus." Look out for leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation

Leopard Trails Wilpattu • Big Game Camp - Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

4.00 hours

Distance

145.00 KM

3

Day 3

Day 03 – Full Day Wilpattu Safari

Wilpattu

⌄

Spend a full day exploring Wilpattu National Park with morning and evening game drives. The park's remote wilderness provides excellent opportunities to encounter elusive wildlife including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and endemic birdlife.

Accommodation

Leopard Trails Wilpattu • Big Game Camp - Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

4

Day 4

Day 04 – Wilpattu → Sigiriya

Sigiriya

⌄

Proceed to Sigiriya, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. In the evening enjoy a village experience with bullock cart rides, catamaran journeys, and traditional cuisine. Relax amidst beautiful countryside surroundings.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Cinnamon Lodge • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

110.00 KM

5

Day 5

Day 05 – Sigiriya & Minneriya Safari

Minneriya

⌄

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning. During the afternoon enjoy a safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its seasonal elephant gathering where large herds congregate around the reservoir.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Cinnamon Lodge • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

45.00 minutes

Distance

35.00 KM

6

Day 6

Day 06 – Sigiriya → Kandy

Kandy

⌄

Travel to Kandy via a spice garden in Matale. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, stroll around Kandy Lake, and enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance in the evening.

Accommodation

Kings Pavilion • The Golden Crown Hotel • Earl's Regency

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

95.00 KM

7

Day 7

Day 07 – Kandy Wildlife & Nature

Kandy

⌄

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens and Udawattakele Forest Reserve. This sanctuary is home to many endemic birds and monkeys, offering excellent opportunities for nature walks and wildlife observation.

Accommodation

Kings Pavilion • The Golden Crown Hotel • Earl's Regency

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

8

Day 8

Day 08 – Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya

⌄

Journey through scenic tea plantations and mountain roads to Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea factory and enjoy the cool climate, colonial architecture, and picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka's tea country.

Accommodation

Jetwing St. Andrew's • Araliya Green Hills - Where Historic Charm Mingles with Natural Beauty • Grand Hotel

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

95.00 KM

9

Day 9

Day 09 – Nuwara Eliya → Ella

Ella

⌄

Travel to Ella, one of Sri Lanka's most scenic destinations. Visit Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, and enjoy breathtaking views of lush mountains, tea estates, and waterfalls.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • EKHO Ella • Nine Skies

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.50 hours

Distance

65.00 KM

10

Day 10

Day 10 – Ella Exploration

Ella

⌄

Spend the day exploring Ella's natural beauty. Hike through tea plantations, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic viewpoints. The relaxed atmosphere makes Ella ideal for nature lovers.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • EKHO Ella • Nine Skies

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

11

Day 11

Day 11 – Ella → Yala

Yala

⌄

Drive to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife reserve. Enjoy an evening safari searching for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.

Accommodation

Jetwing Yala • Cinnamon Wild Yala • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.50 hours

Distance

95.00 KM

12

Day 12

Day 12 – Full Day Yala Safari

Yala

⌄

Experience morning and evening safaris in Yala National Park. The park offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and is considered one of Asia's premier destinations for leopard sightings.

Accommodation

Jetwing Yala • Cinnamon Wild Yala • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

13

Day 13

Day 13 – Yala → Udawalawe → Galle

Galle

⌄

Begin with a morning safari at Udawalawe National Park, famous for its elephant population. Continue to the historic coastal city of Galle and enjoy an evening walk along the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort ramparts.

Accommodation

Jetwing Yala • Cinnamon Wild Yala • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

210.00 KM

14

Day 14

Day 14 – Galle Exploration

Galle

⌄

Explore Galle Fort, colonial architecture, museums, boutique shops, and coastal scenery. Optional whale watching excursions (seasonal) or visits to nearby turtle conservation centers can be arranged.

Accommodation

Amangalla • Jetwing Lighthouse Club • Le Grand Galle

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

15

Day 15

Day 15 – Galle → Colombo Airport

Colombo / Airport

⌄

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport for departure. Conclude your unforgettable Sri Lankan wildlife adventure filled with remarkable safari experiences and scenic discoveries.

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

155.00 KM

Route Summary

Colombo → Negombo → Wilpattu → Sigiriya → Minneriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Udawalawe → Galle → Colombo

Experience Details

How We
Plan Your Journey

Perfect for travelers seeking a curated luxury escape shaped around destinations, stays, attractions, activities and personal travel style.

Attractions
⌄
Bahirawakanda Buddha StatueGregory Lake ParkLover’s Leap WaterfallPedro Tea EstateTemple of the Sacred Tooth RelicVictoria ParkRavana CaveWilpattu National ParkYala National ParkSigiriya Lion RockRoyal Palace of KandyElla RockGalle FortGalway’s Land National ParkLittle Adam’s PeakNine Arches BridgeNegombo BeachSigiriya MuseumPidurangala RockKandy View Point
Activities
⌄
Ella Rock hikeGalle Fort walking tourHigh tea experienceKandy cultural dance showLover’s Leap WaterfallLittle Adam’s Peak hikeMinneriya National Park safariNegombo beach sunsetNuwara Eliya city & Gregory LakeNine Arch Bridge walkSigiriya Lion Rock climbScenic train ride Kandy-EllaSeetha Amman TempleTea plucking experienceTea factory visitTemple of the ToothYala National Park safariUnawatuna beachVictoria ParkVillage tour with bullock cart / catamaran
Hotels
⌄
Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, A Luxury Reserve - Adults OnlyJetwing BlueSentido Heritance NegomboLeopard Trails WilpattuBig Game Camp - YalaHabarana Village by CinnamonCinnamon LodgeJetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury ReserveKings PavilionThe Golden Crown HotelEarl's RegencyJetwing St. Andrew'sAraliya Green Hills - Where Historic Charm Mingles with Natural BeautyGrand Hotel98 Acres Resort & SpaEKHO EllaNine SkiesJetwing YalaCinnamon Wild YalaWild Trails YalaAmangallaJetwing Lighthouse ClubLe Grand Galle
Highlights
⌄
Home to one of the world's highest leopard densities.Witness large herds of wild elephants.Spot leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.Observe elephants in their natural habitat.
Inclusions
⌄
Services of a professional English-speaking chauffeur guideAll sightseeing and excursions mentioned in the itineraryComplimentary bottled water during transfers and excursionsPrivate luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tourPrivate air-conditioned vehicleTransport by air conditioned Shared vehicleTransportation in an air-conditioned vehicle (car/van/bus)Transportation by air conditioned shared vehiclePick up and drop off from Colombo hotelDaily breakfast and dinner at hotelsGovernment taxes and service chargesTea plantation and tea factory experience with tea tastingLuggage handling assistance at hotelsHotel pick-up and drop-offAirport pickup and departure transfersAccommodation in hotels/resortsAll government taxes and service chargesMeet and greet assistance at the airport upon arrival24/7 on-tour assistance and customer supportHotel pickup and dropTea plantation & factory visitCultural show experience in Dambulla / KandyFuel and highway chargesNuwara Eliya sightseeing4x4 safari jeep with tracker
Cancellation Policy
⌄
Cancellations made within 30 days of arrival may incur cancellation charges.Free cancellation for hotel reservations up to 30 days prior to arrival, subject to hotel policies.Day tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the tour starting time.50% advance payment is required at the time of booking confirmation for Sri Lanka arrangements.No-show bookings and unused services are non-refundable.

Trip Blueprint

Duration15D / 14N
Travel StylePrivate Tailor-Made
Starts InColombo / Airport
Ends InColombo / Airport
Route Path

Negombo⟶Wilpattu⟶Sigiriya⟶Minneriya⟶Kandy⟶Nuwara Eliya⟶Ella⟶Yala⟶Galle⟶Colombo / Airport

&

Tailor-made

Make This
Itinerary
Yours

Enquire Now

Inspire Me

Your Dream Trip Starts Here

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Start Planning

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