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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Big Five Wildlife Tour

Wildlife & Safaris • Adventure & Nature • Wildlife & Safaris • Luxury Journey Across Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Big Five Wildlife Tour

Countries

Sri Lanka

From

USD 1,300

Duration

12D / 11N

Handpicked Itineraries · Tailored Experiences

Discover the soul of Sri Lanka

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day wildlife adventure through Sri Lanka’s national parks, scenic highlands, and southern coast. Discover leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse wildlife in Wilpattu, Minneriya, and Yala National Parks. Explore the cultural wonders of Sigiriya, enjoy the lush tea country of Nuwara Eliya, experience seasonal whale watching in Mirissa, and visit historic Galle Fort before your departure.

Journey Route

Your itinerary

The journey, day by day.

Explore the experiences and destinations planned for each day of your journey.

1

Day 1

Day 01 – Arrival & Transfer to Negombo

Negombo

⌄

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your English-speaking chauffeur-guide for a transfer to Negombo. Enjoy time to relax by the coast and settle into your hotel before beginning your Sri Lanka wildlife safari holiday.

Accommodation

Jetwing Blue • Jetwing Thalahena Villa • Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, A Luxury Reserve - Adults Only • Mel's Inn

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

30.00 minutes

Distance

15.00 KM

2

Day 2

Day 02 – Transfer to Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu

⌄

Travel to Wilpattu National Park through Sri Lanka’s scenic countryside. After approximately 4.5 hours on the road, arrive at your safari accommodation and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this remarkable wildlife region, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Accommodation

Big Game Camp - Yala • Leopard Trails Wilpattu

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

4.00 hours

Distance

150.00 KM

3

Day 3

Day 03 – Wilpattu National Park Wildlife Safari

Wilpattu

⌄

Discover Wilpattu National Park on a wildlife safari through its distinctive forest landscapes and natural lakes, known as villus. Look out for leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles and colourful birdlife in their natural habitat. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions, making every safari a unique experience.

Accommodation

Big Game Camp - Yala • Leopard Trails Wilpattu

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

4

Day 4

Day 04 – Transfer to Sigiriya and Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya

⌄

Travel to Sigiriya, at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient heritage meets lush countryside. After the transfer, settle into your hotel surrounded by nature and enjoy a relaxing evening before exploring the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and nearby elephant habitats.

Accommodation

Cinnamon Lodge • Habarana Village by Cinnamon • The Paradise Dambulla • Hotel Sigiriya

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

2.00 hours

Distance

110.00 KM

5

Day 5

Day 05 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya Elephant Safari

Sigiriya

⌄

Explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, famous for its ancient royal history and remarkable setting. Later, head towards Minneriya National Park for a wildlife safari in search of wild Asian elephants and other native species. This memorable day combines Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage with its extraordinary wildlife.

Accommodation

Cinnamon Lodge • Habarana Village by Cinnamon • Hotel Sigiriya • The Paradise Dambulla

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

6

Day 6

Scenic Journey to Nuwara Eliya Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya

⌄

Travel to Nuwara Eliya through Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country, where winding mountain roads reveal green tea plantations, waterfalls and mist-covered landscapes. Known as Little England, this highland destination offers a refreshing change from the island’s tropical wildlife regions.

Accommodation

Heritance Tea Factory • Elegant Holiday Home • Galaxy Holiday Inn • Hill Rise Luxury Villa & Stables by Edwards Collection

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

205.00 KM

7

Day 7

Day 07 – Transfer to Yala National Park

Yala

⌄

Leave Nuwara Eliya and travel towards Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife destinations. The changing scenery takes you from cool highland landscapes towards the drier southern lowlands. Arrive at your accommodation and relax before the upcoming safari experience.

Accommodation

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

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

175.00 KM

8

Day 8

Day 08 – Yala National Park Safari

Yala

⌄

Set out to explore Yala National Park, celebrated for its leopard population and varied wildlife habitats. Keep watch for elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals and an impressive variety of bird species. With its rugged landscapes and rich biodiversity, Yala offers an exciting opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife up close.

Accommodation

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

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

9

Day 9

Day 09 – Transfer to Mirissa

Mirissa

⌄

Travel south to Mirissa and the surrounding Weligama coast, known for sandy beaches, swaying palms and relaxed seaside living. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy time to unwind before the following day’s whale-watching excursion in the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation

We Escape Weligama • W15 Weligama • When in Weligama • Ami Mirissa

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

160.00 KM

10

Day 10

Day 10 – Whale Watching Experience

Mirissa

⌄

Experience Sri Lanka’s celebrated whale-watching waters off Mirissa, where excursions venture into the Indian Ocean in search of blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy a different perspective on the island’s biodiversity before returning to your coastal accommodation for a relaxed evening.

Accommodation

We Escape Weligama • W15 Weligama • When in Weligama • Ami Mirissa

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

11

Day 11

Day 11 – Galle & South Coast Leisure

Galle

⌄

Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture, heritage buildings and atmospheric streets. Afterwards, enjoy leisure time along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, with optional spa treatments or coastal excursions available at additional cost where offered.

Accommodation

We Escape Weligama • W15 Weligama • When in Weligama • Ami Mirissa

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

12

Day 12

Day 12 - Departure from Sri Lanka

CMB Airport

⌄

Enjoy your final breakfast before departing for Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Reflect on your Sri Lanka wildlife holiday, from Wilpattu’s natural forests and Yala’s leopard country to Minneriya’s elephants, the tea-covered highlands, and Mirissa’s marine life.

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

170.00 KM

Explore This Route

Sri Lanka Tours→Negombo→Wilpattu→Sigiriya→Nuwara Eliya→Yala→Mirissa→Galle→CMB Airport

Scroll to discover more destinations

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
⌄
Coconut Tree HillGalle FortGalway’s Land National ParkGregory Lake ParkLover’s Leap WaterfallMirissa BeachMirissa Whale WatchingMoon PlainsNegombo BeachVictoria ParkSigiriya MuseumSigiriya Lion RockSecret Beach MirissaPidurangala RockPedro Tea EstateParrot RockWilpattu National ParkYala National ParkMuthurajawela Wetlands
Activities
⌄
Ayurveda spa treatmentDeep sea fishingFish market visitGalle Fort walking tourNegombo beach sunsetWhale watchingVillage tour with bullock cart / catamaranSigiriya Lion Rock climbYala National Park safariTea plucking experienceHorton Plains National Park trek
Hotels
⌄
Jetwing BlueJetwing Thalahena VillaJetwing Lagoon Wellness, A Luxury Reserve - Adults OnlyMel's InnBig Game Camp - YalaLeopard Trails WilpattuCinnamon LodgeHabarana Village by CinnamonThe Paradise DambullaHotel SigiriyaHeritance Tea FactoryElegant Holiday HomeGalaxy Holiday InnHill Rise Luxury Villa & Stables by Edwards CollectionJetwing YalaEKHO Safari TissaCinnamon Wild YalaWild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All InclusiveWe Escape WeligamaW15 WeligamaWhen in WeligamaAmi Mirissa
Highlights
⌄
Leopard safaris in Wilpattu & Yala National ParksWitness elephant gatherings in MinneriyaWhale watching experience in MirissaSpot sloth bears and exotic birdlife in the wildScenic landscapes from tea country to the south coast
Inclusions
⌄
Airport pickup and departure transfersAccommodation in hotels/resortsServices of a professional English-speaking chauffeur guideAll sightseeing and excursions mentioned in the itineraryAll government taxes and service chargesAccommodation in Hotels/Resorts24/7 On-Tour Assistance and Customer SupportAll Sightseeing and Excursions Mentioned In The ItineraryAll Government Taxes and Service ChargesHotel pick-up and drop-offPrivate luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
Cancellation Policy
⌄
Cancellations made within 30 days of arrival may incur cancellation charges.Payments can be made via bank transfer, online transfer, or other approved payment methods.Any bank charges or transfer fees should be borne by the guest or agent.No-show bookings and unused services are non-refundable.

Trip blueprint

Your journey at a glance

Duration
12 Days

11 Nights

Travel style
Private Tailor-Made
Starts in
CMB Airport
Ends in
CMB Airport
Route path
Negombo→Wilpattu→Sigiriya→Nuwara Eliya→Yala→Mirissa→Galle→CMB Airport→Weligama

Tailor-made planning

Make this journey yours.

Share your preferred dates, travel style and interests. Our specialists will help tailor this journey around you.

Inspire Me

Your Dream Trip Starts Here

Step into the journey through our curated gallery collection. Click any image to view in full screen.

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Make this journey yours.

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