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Sri Lanka

Safari Trails of Sri Lanka

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

Safari Trails of Sri Lanka

Best Time

November – April

From

USD 2,000

Duration

21D / 20N

Enquire Now

Handpicked Itineraries • Tailor Your Experience

Discover the Soul of Sri Lanka

Embark on an unforgettable 21-day wildlife adventure across Sri Lanka's most iconic national parks, forests, wetlands, and scenic landscapes. From the coastal bird habitats of Negombo to the elephant-rich plains of Minneriya, the misty highlands of Ella, and the leopard territory of Yala, this journey offers exceptional opportunities to witness Sri Lanka's remarkable biodiversity while enjoying cultural landmarks and breathtaking scenery.

Journey Route

Itinerary

Day-by-day journey

1

Day 1

Day 01 – Arrival in Colombo → Negombo

Colombo

⌄

Upon arrival, meet your chauffeur guide and transfer to Negombo. Relax after your flight and enjoy an evening walk along the beach or lagoon. Negombo's coastal ecosystem provides an excellent introduction to Sri Lanka's birdlife and wetlands.

Accommodation

Jetwing Sea • Jetwing Blue • Sentido Heritance Negombo

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

35.00 minutes

Distance

15.00 KM

2

Day 2

Day 02 – Negombo Birdwatching & Lagoon Safari

Negombo

⌄

Enjoy an early morning birdwatching excursion around Negombo Lagoon. Observe kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, and migratory birds. In the afternoon, experience a traditional lagoon boat safari through mangroves and fishing villages.

Accommodation

Jetwing Sea • Jetwing Blue • Sentido Heritance Negombo

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

3

Day 3

Day 03 – Muthurajawela Wetland Exploration

Negombo

⌄

Explore the Muthurajawela Marsh Sanctuary, one of Sri Lanka's largest coastal wetlands. Spot crocodiles, water monitors, monkeys, butterflies, and numerous bird species while cruising through scenic waterways.

Accommodation

Jetwing Sea • Jetwing Blue • Sentido Heritance Negombo

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

4

Day 4

Day 04 – Negombo → Sigiriya

Sigiriya

⌄

Travel to Sigiriya through rural Sri Lanka. Arrive at your nature resort and spend the evening relaxing amidst forest surroundings. Watch for peacocks, monkeys, and endemic birds around the property.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve • Aliya Resort & Spa

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

4.00 hours

Distance

155.00 KM

5

Day 5

Day 05 – Minneriya National Park Safari

Minneriya

⌄

Embark on an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. Famous for its large elephant populations, the park also hosts deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and a rich variety of birdlife.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Aliya Resort & Spa • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

45.00 minutes

Distance

30.00 KM

6

Day 6

Day 06 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Experience

Sigiriya

⌄

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress during the cooler morning hours. Later, experience a traditional village tour with a catamaran ride, bullock cart journey, and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Aliya Resort & Spa • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

7

Day 7

Day 07 – Kaudulla National Park Safari

Sigiriya

⌄

Explore Kaudulla National Park, renowned for elephant sightings and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The park's reservoirs attract a wide range of wildlife throughout the year.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Aliya Resort & Spa • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.00 hours

Distance

40.00 KM

8

Day 8

Day 08 – Ritigala Forest Reserve Excursion

Sigiriya

⌄

Visit the mysterious Ritigala Forest Monastery and nature reserve. Walk through shaded forest trails while observing endemic flora, butterflies, reptiles, and numerous bird species.

Accommodation

Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Aliya Resort & Spa • Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

55.00 KM

9

Day 9

Day 09 – Sigiriya → Kandy

Kandy

⌄

Journey to Kandy via the Matale spice-growing region. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth and enjoy an evening cultural performance featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance and drumming.kand

Accommodation

Amaya Hills Kandy • Earl's Regent Kandy • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

95.00 KM

10

Day 10

Day 10 – Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Kandy

⌄

Explore Udawattakele Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers. The forest shelters many endemic bird species, monkeys, and unique tropical vegetation close to the city.

Accommodation

Amaya Hills Kandy • Earl's Regent Kandy • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Meals

Dinner • Breakfast

Travel Time

20.00 minutes

Distance

10.00 KM

11

Day 11

Day 11 – Knuckles Range Nature Trail

Kandy

⌄

Enjoy a guided nature walk in the Knuckles Mountain Range. Encounter cloud forests, waterfalls, butterflies, and endemic wildlife while experiencing spectacular mountain scenery.

Accommodation

Amaya Hills Kandy • Earl's Regent Kandy • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

12

Day 12

Day 12 – Kandy Botanical Gardens & Nature Walk

Kandy

⌄

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, home to diverse plant collections and abundant birdlife. Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the lush surroundings.

Accommodation

Amaya Hills Kandy • Earl's Regent Kandy • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

13

Day 13

Day 13 – Kandy → Ella (Scenic Train Journey)

Ella

⌄

Board one of the world's most scenic train rides through tea plantations, misty mountains, and picturesque valleys. Arrive in Ella and enjoy stunning hill-country views.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel • EKHO Ella

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

6.00 hours

Distance

140.00 KM

14

Day 14

Day 14 – Ella Nature Exploration

Ella

⌄

Visit Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arches Bridge. Enjoy opportunities to spot endemic birds while walking through tea estates and scenic countryside.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel • EKHO Ella

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

15

Day 15

Day 15 – Horton Plains Excursion

Ella

⌄

Discover Horton Plains National Park and hike to World's End. The park supports unique montane ecosystems, endemic wildlife, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel • EKHO Ella

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

60.00 KM

16

Day 16

Day 16 – Ella → Yala

Yala

⌄

Travel south to Yala. Relax at your safari lodge before embarking on an evening wildlife presentation or nature walk around the property.

Accommodation

Jetwing Yala • Wild Trails Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

105.00 KM

17

Day 17

Day 17 – Full-Day Yala National Park Safari

Yala

⌄

Experience a full-day safari in Sri Lanka's most famous national park. Search for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, and a remarkable variety of birds.

Accommodation

Jetwing Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

18

Day 18

Day 18 – Bundala National Park Bird Safari

Yala

⌄

Explore Bundala National Park, a UNESCO-recognized wetland known for flamingos, pelicans, storks, crocodiles, and migratory birds.

Accommodation

Jetwing Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive • Wild Trails Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

1.00 hours

Distance

35.00 KM

19

Day 19

Day 19 – Yala → Galle

Galle

⌄

Travel along Sri Lanka's southern coastline to Galle. Visit the historic Galle Fort and enjoy a sunset walk overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Resort Galle • The Fort Printers • Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

150.00 KM

20

Day 20

Day 20 – Whale Watching or Coastal Leisure

Galle

⌄

Choose between a whale-watching excursion from Mirissa (seasonal) or a relaxing day exploring Galle's charming streets, cafés, and coastal scenery.

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Resort Galle • Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve • The Fort Printers

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

60.00 KM

21

Day 21

Day 21 – Galle → Colombo Airport

⌄

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your wildlife journey across Sri Lanka.

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

155.00 KM

Route Summary

Colombo → Negombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → Yala → 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
⌄
Colombo Port City PromenadeKandy View PointGalle FortNegombo BeachSeema Malaka TempleTemple of the Sacred Tooth RelicSigiriya Lion RockNine Arches BridgeLittle Adam’s PeakLotus TowerPettah MarketSigiriya MuseumYala National ParkRavana CaveRoyal Palace of KandyMuthurajawela WetlandsIndependence SquareColombo National MuseumGalle Face GreenElla RockHanthana Mountain Range
Activities
⌄
Gangaramaya TempleColombo Lotus TowerGadaladeniya TempleGalle Fort walking tourLittle Adam’s Peak hikeLagoon fishingKandy cultural dance showOne Galle Face MallNine Arch Bridge walkPort City promenadeScenic train ride Kandy-EllaRoyal Botanical Gardens PeradeniyaRock climbingSigiriya Lion Rock climbUnawatuna beach
Hotels
⌄
Jetwing SeaJetwing BlueSentido Heritance NegomboHabarana Village by CinnamonJetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury ReserveAliya Resort & SpaAmaya Hills KandyEarl's Regent KandyCinnamon Citadel Kandy98 Acres Resort & SpaOak Ray Ella Gap HotelEKHO EllaJetwing YalaWild Trails YalaWild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All InclusiveRadisson Blu Resort GalleThe Fort PrintersJetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve
Highlights
⌄
Jeep Safaris in Yala National Park, home to one of the world's highest leopard densities.Elephant gatherings at Minneriya National Park.Birdwatching excursions in Negombo Lagoon and wetlands.Scenic train journey through Sri Lanka's hill country.Wildlife encounters in Udawalawe, Bundala, and Yala National Parks.
Inclusions
⌄
• Train tickets (Kandy to Ella)All government taxes and service charges• Wildlife safaris as mentionedServices of a professional English-speaking chauffeur guideAccommodation in hotels/resortsAirport pickup and departure transfersTrasnportComplimentary bottled water during transfers and excursionsMeet and greet assistance at the airport upon arrival24/7 on-tour assistance and customer supportPrivate luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tourHotel pick-up and drop-offPrivate air-conditioned vehicleHotel pickup and dropLuggage handling assistance at hotelsTransportation in an air-conditioned vehicle (car/van/bus)Seasonal fruits (subject to availability)Highway toll charges and parking feesBreakfast at hotelFuel & highway tolls
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

Duration21D / 20N
Travel StylePrivate Tailor-Made
Starts InColombo
Ends InColombo
Route Path

Colombo⟶Negombo⟶Sigiriya⟶Minneriya⟶Kandy⟶Ella⟶Yala⟶Galle

&

Tailor-made

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Itinerary
Yours

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