Sri Lanka Safari Tour

Arrive in Colombo and transfer to a peaceful retreat just outside the city. Spend the afternoon unwinding in tropical gardens, enjoying a swim, or simply relaxing after your flight.

Hotel: The Wallawwa, a beautiful 18th-century manor house tucked away in tropical gardens just outside the city.

Travel north to Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest national parks. Over the next few days, explore its quiet forest tracks and shimmering natural lakes on guided game drives with an expert naturalist. The park is home to elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and a rich variety of birds, with wildlife encounters often unfolding when you least expect them. The untouched wilderness and peaceful surroundings make Wilpattu a truly immersive introduction to Sri Lanka safari experiences.

Hotel: First-class wildlife glamping at Leopard Trails Wilpattu, close to the park entrance.

Travel east into Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, a region of ancient cities, temples, and heritage sites. Pause at Anuradhapura, the island’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see historic stupas and sacred ruins. Explore Minneriya National Park, where elephants often gather on the open plains.

Rise early to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a dramatic royal citadel with sweeping views, and wander the Dambulla Cave Temples, home to over 150 statues of the Buddha and centuries-old murals.

Hotel: Kalundewa Retreat, a serene eco-luxury hideaway set amidst 100 acres of lakes, paddy fields, and forest.

Venture to Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most secluded national parks. It is the only park where safaris take place by boat, drifting across the island’s largest lake while watching for elephants, crocodiles, and colourful birds. Explore the little-visited Nilgala section, known for its medicinal plants, or join a torch-lit night walk to spot nocturnal creatures. Meet the Veddah people, one of Sri Lanka’s remaining indigenous communities, as the village chief shares ancestral stories and guides you to ancient caves. For panoramic views, climb Monkey Mountain at sunrise or enjoy a peaceful bird walk in the evening.

Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge, a secluded eco-retreat set within 20 acres of pristine private forest.

Travel to the southeast and explore Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks. Its mix of dry forests, open grasslands, wetlands, and coastal lagoons creates a diverse home for elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, and colourful birdlife.

Guided safari drives reveal the park’s dramatic landscapes, from rocky outcrops to lotus-filled wetlands. With patience and a keen eye, you may also spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, as Yala is known for having one of the highest densities of these big cats in Asia.

Hotel: Leopard Trails Yala, a luxury wilderness camp offering close encounters in Sri Lanka’s premier leopard territory.

Drive to Udawalawe National Park, a vast landscape of grasslands, marshes, and lagoons. The park is home to over 600 elephants and more than 200 species of birds, along with deer, jackals, and other wildlife.

In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are cared for before being gradually returned to the wild. Later, enjoy a late-afternoon game drive as the warm golden light brings the park’s animals into view.

Hotel: Kalu’s Hideaway, a small and welcoming lodge surrounded by nature.

Follow the coastal road to Mirissa, pausing at a local turtle hatchery to see how conservationists protect nesting sites, care for injured turtles, and release hatchlings safely into the ocean. Arrive in Mirissa, a relaxed seaside town with a golden crescent beach and swaying palms.

Between December and April, the deep waters offshore offer opportunities to see blue whales, sperm whales, and pods of dolphins. Spend your days soaking up the sun, strolling along the sands, or simply enjoying the town’s laid-back charm.

Hotel: Lantern Boutique Hotel, a first-class seaside retreat, combines laid-back coastal charm with the golden sands of Mirissa.

After a relaxed morning, drive back to Colombo for your international flight. Leave with lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes, and the warmth of the people you met along the way.