Leopard & Elephant Expedition | Sri Lanka Itinerary | Apple Vacation

Leopard & Elephant Expedition | Sri Lanka Itinerary | Apple Vacation

Itinerary

Day-by-day journey

1

Day 1

Arrival in Sri Lanka & Transfer to Negombo

Colombo / Airport

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Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your chauffeur guide and transfer to Negombo. Spend the day relaxing by the coast and enjoying the tranquil surroundings of this charming fishing town. The nearby lagoons and wetlands provide a wonderful introduction to Sri Lanka's rich natural environment.

Accommodation

Jetwing Beach • Jetwing Blue • Jetwing Thalahena Villa

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

20.00 minutes

Distance

15.00 KM

2

Day 2

Negombo to Sigiriya

Minuwangoda • Kurunegala • Melsiripura • Galewela • Dambulla • Habarana

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After breakfast, journey to Sigiriya through Sri Lanka's scenic countryside, passing coconut plantations, paddy fields, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax before heading out for an exciting wildlife adventure in Minneriya National Park. Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari through the park's grasslands, forests, and reservoir surroundings, which are renowned for hosting large gatherings of wild Asian elephants. Depending on the season, you may witness the famous "Gathering," one of Asia's greatest wildlife spectacles. The park is also home to deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, making it an excellent introduction to Sri Lanka's wildlife. Return to the hotel after the safari and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Accommodation

Water Garden Sigiriya • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve • Cinnamon Lodge • Habarana Village by Cinnamon • The Paradise Dambulla • Hotel Sigiriya • Aliya Resort & Spa

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3

Day 3

Sigiriya to Nuwara Eliya

Dambulla • Matale • Kandy • Gampola • Ramboda • Nuwara Eliya

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This morning, travel from the dry-zone forests of Sigiriya into Sri Lanka's spectacular central highlands. En route, pass through the scenic landscapes of Kandy before ascending into misty mountains covered with tea plantations, waterfalls, and cloud forests. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the cool climate and stunning natural surroundings.

Accommodation

Heritance Tea Factory • Araliya Green Hills - Where Historic Charm Mingles with Natural Beauty • CheRiz Boutique Villa Hotel • Jetwing Broomfield Bungalow • Jetwing Warwick Gardens, A Luxury Reserve • La Grande Villa • The Bellwood Manor • The Blackpool Hotel • The Grand Hotel - Heritage Grand • The Westbury Palace

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

6.00 hours

Distance

180.00 KM

4

Day 4

Nuwara Eliya to Yala

Nuwara Eliya • Ella • Wellawaya • Thanamalvila • Kirinda • Yala

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Travel through the beautiful hill country via Ella, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery, waterfalls, forests, and valleys. Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls before descending into the wilderness landscapes surrounding Yala National Park. The transition from cool highlands to dry forests offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

EKHO Safari Tissa • Jetwing Yala • Cinnamon Wild Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

170.00 KM

5

Day 5

Full-Day Wildlife Experience in Yala National Park

Yala

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sanctuary. Enjoy thrilling jeep safaris through diverse ecosystems including forests, grasslands, lagoons, and rocky outcrops. Look out for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, wild elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, spotted deer, and an incredible variety of bird species. This is one of Asia's premier wildlife destinations and a highlight of the journey. Overnight stay in Yala.

Accommodation

EKHO Safari Tissa • Cinnamon Wild Yala • Jetwing Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner • Lunch

6

Day 6

Yala to Udawalawe

Udawalawe

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After breakfast, travel to Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Asia to observe wild elephants. Enjoy an afternoon safari through open grasslands and around the vast Udawalawe Reservoir, where elephants are frequently seen grazing, bathing, and interacting in large family groups. A visit to the Elephant Transit Home offers insight into Sri Lanka's important conservation efforts.

Accommodation

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

100.00 KM

7

Day 7

Udawalawe to Bentota

Galle • Hikkaduwa • Ambalangoda • Bentota

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Leave the wilderness behind and travel towards Sri Lanka's southwest coast. Arrive in Bentota, known for its beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and river ecosystems. Spend the afternoon relaxing amidst nature or exploring the coastal environment.

Accommodation

Cinnamon Bey Beruwala • Cinnamon Bentota Beach - Signature Selection • Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa • Thaala Bentota • Taru Villas The Long House - Bentota • Taj Bentota Resort & Spa • The Habitat Kosgoda by Asia Leisure • The Rockwall Boutique Hotel • Jetwing Saman Villas, A Luxury Reserve - Adults Only

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

175.00 KM

8

Day 8

Madu River Nature Safari, Colombo & Departure

Balapitiya • Koggala • Panadura • Moratuwa • Mount Lavinia • Colombo • Colombo / Airport

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Begin the day with a scenic boat safari on Madu Ganga, a unique coastal wetland ecosystem rich in mangroves, birdlife, and aquatic wildlife. Visit a turtle conservation hatchery before continuing to Colombo. Following a brief city tour, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

12.00 KM