Wild Life Tour – 13 Nights

Galle Fort.

After breakfast proceed to Galle, the southern capital of Sri Lanka and enjoy a tour of the famous Galle fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Once a famous bustling harbor attracting foreign merchants from around the world, this fortified city celebrates the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Now a town emanating old world charm, the beauty of Galle Fort is haunted by its colonial influences.  Dutch colonial villas and buildings, churches, museums, antique shops, lighthouse, boutique hotels and restaurants are some attractions within the fort.  Overnight stay at your hotel in Galle.

Madhu River Safari, Turtle Hatchery.

After breakfast you may visit Bentota and take a river safari on Madu River. This is the 2nd largest wetland habitat in Sri Lanka and the 3rd site to be declared a “Ramsar Wetland” site. It’s an interesting excursion filled with shady mangroves, islands, cinnamon plantations, ancient temples and fish therapy.  Ideal for bird lovers as it is home to Brahmin Kites, Sea Eagles, Kingfishers, Egrets, Cormorants, and other exotic species. You will also come across water monitors, monkeys, prawns farms, and fishermen along the gentle boat ride. Afterwards proceed to Singharaja  Nature Reserve where you will check into your hotel.

Trekking in Singharajah Forest Reserve.

In the morning trek through Sri Lanka’s tropical rainforest the “Kingdom of the Lion” situated in the south-west lowland wet zone. This stretch of virgin rainforest is a hot spot for bio diversity as it is home to endemic and rare trees, birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. Afterwards prepare to leave for Udawalawe, where you will spend the night at your camp site.

Full Day Safari, Camping.

Today you will go on a full day safari at Udawalawe National Park. Most famous for its elephant population, it was declared a national park in 1972. This major eco tourism destination spans  30,821 hectares.  The park is full of endemic birds and cormorants as well as the occasional leopard, sloth bears, water monitors, sambar deer and monkeys.

Camping

After breakfast check out and transfer to your camp site in the Yala National Park. The second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka is spread out over the Southern & Uva Province. Yala is reputed to have the highest density of leopards within a single area. Consisting of 215 bird species it is one of the 76 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka.  Home to a wide variety of wild animals and flora and fauna, it is also an important conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds. You may go on an evening safari and later enjoy a BBQ dinner and overnight at your camp site.

Full Day Safari.

Indulge in a full day jungle safari in the park which will give you the best opportunity to spot the abundant wild life.

Morning Safari.

You may enjoy a morning safari today and after breakfast proceed towards the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka is the heart of the tea industry which began its journey to produce the green gold of the country after the British influence in the colonial era. You will see many bungalows, houses and hotels with a touch of British taste. Check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Horton Plains Trek.

Enjoy a trek through the Horton Plains National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This high altitude plateau is stretched out in grassland with intervals of forests. It is home to sambar, deer the occasional leopard and birds. It is an excellent excursion for nature lovers, hikers and bird watchers.  The most thrilling attraction is the “World’s End” where the earth drops south plummeting into a misty descent of nearly 1000m. The misty view creates and infinite drop, but on a clear day it is a magnificent sight.

Hakgala Gardens, Tea Factory Spice Garden, Traditional Dance Performance.

Optional : After breakfast you may take a stroll in the Hakgala Botanical Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site)  The name “Hak-gala” originated from the rock shaped like a Elephants jaw bone found in the garden. With a touch of English cottage garden flowers, it has curious little nooks and corners of ferns and rocky pathways, vibrant rose gardens and glorious orchid house which houses an endemic mountain orchid.

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the hill country capital of Kandy . This city  is rich with culture and history which preserves national heritage and ancestral traditions. On the way you may visit a tea factory and a spice garden in Matale. Check in to your hotel in Kandy. In the evening enjoy a traditional dance performance. Overnight stay at hotel.

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Today you will visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden which houses over 4000 varieties of plants, flowers, spices, palm trees and medicinal herbs. The park is also bursting with avid wild life with nearly 80 species of birds and butterflies, fruit bats, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. In the evening enjoy a visit to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Relax by the Beach.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Negombo. On the way you will visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which looks after a large number of Elephants. The main attractions are the feeding and bathing of the elephants. Check into your hotel in Negombo and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind. In the evening you can enjoy a stroll through the streets of Negombo and enjoy the many restaurants and bars.

Muthurajawela Marsh,Relax by the Beach,  Nightlife.

Today you will visit the Muthurajawela Marsh , one of the most bio diverse flora and fauna sanctuaries. It is said to be the islands largest peat bog which has nearly 200 species of flora, over 200 species of fauna and over 100 species of birds. Grab your camera and click away at water birds, endemic and migratory birds, water monitors, lizards, toque macaque monkeys and crocodiles. If you are lucky you may see the endangered Slender Loris.  Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach and enjoy Negombo nightlife.

Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.