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Sri Lanka

Wildlife Encounters of Sri Lanka

Wildlife & Safaris • Wildlife & Safaris • Nature • Luxury Safari Camps

Wildlife Encounters of Sri Lanka

Countries

Sri Lanka

From

USD 1,000

Duration

9D / 8N

Handpicked Itineraries · Tailored Experiences

Discover the soul of Sri Lanka

Embark on an exciting 9-day wildlife adventure across Sri Lanka, exploring spectacular national parks, ancient heritage sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Begin in Negombo before heading to Wilpattu National Park for thrilling wildlife safaris and opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, and exotic birdlife. Discover the ancient wonders of Polonnaruwa, then continue to Gal Oya National Park, renowned for its scenic reservoir and unique boat safari experiences. Journey south to Yala National Park for another unforgettable safari adventure before exploring historic Galle Fort and concluding your journey in Colombo. This remarkable experience blends wildlife, nature, adventure, and cultural heritage into one memorable Sri Lankan escape.

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 1 - Arrival in Sri Lanka & Relaxation in Negombo

Negombo

⌄

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo, a coastal town known for its beaches, fishing heritage and lagoon. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening before beginning your wildlife journey.

Accommodation

Uga Riva Negombo • Sentido Heritance Negombo • Jetwing Thalahena Villa • Jetwing Beach • Jetwing Blue • Amagi Aria

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

30.00 minutes

Distance

15.00 KM

2

Day 2

Day 2 - Negombo to Wilpattu National Park Afternoon Safari

Wilpattu

⌄

Travel north to Wilpattu National Park, famous for its forest landscapes and natural lakes known as villus. Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari, looking for leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer and birdlife in their natural habitat.

Accommodation

Leopard Trails Wilpattu • Big Game Camp - Yala

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

4.00 hours

Distance

150.00 KM

3

Day 3

Day 3 - Full Day Wildlife Experience in Wilpattu

Wilpattu

⌄

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Wilpattu National Park. Explore its quieter wilderness and watch for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and colourful bird species. Between safaris, relax at your lodge surrounded by nature.

Accommodation

Leopard Trails Wilpattu • Big Game Camp - Yala

Meals

Dinner • Breakfast

4

Day 4

Day 4 - Wilpattu to Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura • Polonnaruwa

⌄

Travel towards Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient palaces, Buddhist monuments and impressive stone carvings. Explore this historic kingdom and enjoy the surrounding reservoirs and forests, where monkeys, deer and birdlife may be seen.

Accommodation

Deer Park Hotel • EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa • EKHO Lake Polonnaruwa

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

140.00 KM

5

Day 5

Day 5 - Polonnaruwa to Gal Oya National Park

Bibile

⌄

Travel to Gal Oya National Park, a lesser-visited wildlife destination surrounding the vast Senanayake Samudraya reservoir. Enjoy the peaceful natural setting and settle into your lodge or glamping accommodation ahead of the park’s distinctive wildlife experiences.

Accommodation

Gal Oya Lodge • Wild Glamping Gal Oya • Jetwing Kaduruketha

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

140.00 KM

6

Day 6

Day 6 - Gal Oya National Park Wildlife Exploration

Gal Oya

⌄

Explore Gal Oya National Park on its signature boat safari, where elephants may occasionally be spotted swimming between islands. The park is also home to crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar and abundant birdlife. Guided nature walks and Indigenous community encounters may be available as additional experiences.

Accommodation

Gal Oya Lodge • Wild Glamping Gal Oya • Jetwing Kaduruketha

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

7

Day 7

Day 7 - Gal Oya to Yala National Park

Yala

⌄

Travel south to Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife destinations. Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari through a varied landscape of forests, grasslands and lagoons, looking for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and birdlife.

Accommodation

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

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

6.00 hours

Distance

260.00 KM

8

Day 8

Day 8 - Galle Fort and Colombo City Tour

Galle • Colombo

⌄

Travel along Sri Lanka’s southern coast to historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for colonial architecture, charming streets and ocean views. Continue to Colombo for a city tour featuring key landmarks, bustling markets and modern waterfront developments.

Accommodation

Radisson Hotel Colombo • Cinnamon Grand Colombo • Jetwing Colombo Seven • The Kingsbury Colombo • Shangri-La Colombo • Granbell Hotel Colombo

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

150.00 KM

9

Day 9

Day 9 – Departure from Sri Lanka

CMB Airport

⌄

Enjoy breakfast and any leisure time permitted by your flight schedule before transferring to Bandaranaike International Airport. Reflect on your journey through Wilpattu’s forests, Polonnaruwa’s ancient heritage, Gal Oya’s waterways and Yala’s wildlife-rich landscapes

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

1.00 hours

Distance

40.00 KM

Explore This Route

Sri Lanka Tours→Negombo→Wilpattu→Anuradhapura→Polonnaruwa→Bibile→Gal Oya→Yala→Galle

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
⌄
Abhayagiri MonasteryAnuradhapura Sacred CityGalle Face GreenGal Oya National ParkGal ViharaGalle FortIndependence SquareJaya Sri Maha BodhiIsurumuniya TempleJetavanaramayaKataragama MuseumLotus TowerWilpattu National Park
Activities
⌄
Wilpattu National Park safariYala National Park safariGal Oya boat safari
Hotels
⌄
Uga Riva NegomboSentido Heritance NegomboJetwing Thalahena VillaJetwing BeachJetwing BlueAmagi AriaLeopard Trails WilpattuBig Game Camp - YalaDeer Park HotelEKHO Lake House PolonnaruwaEKHO Lake PolonnaruwaGal Oya LodgeWild Glamping Gal OyaJetwing KadurukethaJetwing YalaWild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All InclusiveWild Trails YalaCinnamon Wild YalaRadisson Hotel ColomboCinnamon Grand ColomboJetwing Colombo SevenThe Kingsbury ColomboShangri-La ColomboGranbell Hotel Colombo
Highlights
⌄
Safari adventures in Wilpattu National ParkExplore the ancient heritage of Polonnaruwa Ancient CityUnique boat safari in Gal Oya National ParkWildlife encounters including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and exotic birdlifeExciting safari experience in Yala National ParkColombo city exploration and shopping opportunities
Inclusions
⌄
Services of a professional English-speaking chauffeur guideAccommodation in hotels/resortsAll sightseeing and excursions mentioned in the itineraryTrasnportAll government taxes and service chargesComplimentary bottled water during transfers and excursionsMeet and greet assistance at the airport upon arrivalHotel pick-up and drop-off24/7 on-tour assistance and customer supportAccommodation in Hotels/ResortsAll Sightseeing and Excursions Mentioned In The ItineraryAll Government Taxes and Service ChargesPrivate luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tourBottled WaterLuggage handling assistance at hotelsAirport Arrival and Departure Transfers
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.Payments can be made via bank transfer, online transfer, or other approved payment methods.50% advance payment is required at the time of booking confirmation for Sri Lanka arrangements.No-show bookings and unused services are non-refundable.Any bank charges or transfer fees should be borne by the guest or agent.• Travel durations may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Trip blueprint

Your journey at a glance

Duration
9 Days

8 Nights

Travel style
Private Tailor-Made
Starts in
CMB Airport
Ends in
CMB Airport
Route path
Negombo→Wilpattu→Anuradhapura→Polonnaruwa→Bibile→Gal Oya→Yala→Galle→Colombo→CMB Airport

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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