Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Waikkal
• Hello and welcome to Sri Lanka!
• You are now officially onboard with LF Lanka Tours Tours to start your most anticipated wildlife journey
• Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, receive a warm welcome
• Private airport pickup and transfer to the coastal town of Waikkal
• Check into your hotel and settle in
• Take time to relax and recover from your international flight
• Overnight stay in Waikkal
Tour Kickoff:
- Airport arrival scene
- Kalpitiya (reference image)
Day 2 - Waikkal to Dambulla (via Elephant Freedom Project)
• Morning transfer from Waikkal to the ancient city of Dambulla
En Route – Elephant Freedom Project (Ethical Elephant Experience):
• You will be able to enjoy a couple of hours with rescued elephants
• This is an ethical sanctuary where elephants are treated with care and respect
Activities with Elephants:
• Elephant Bathing – wade into the river and help scrub these gentle giants
• Elephant Feeding – prepare and offer fresh fruits and leaves
• Elephant Walking – take a stroll alongside your new elephant friend
• Spend quality time observing their natural behaviors
• Learn about elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka
• Educational experience for all ages
Afternoon:
• Continue transfer to Dambulla
• Check into your hotel and relax after this memorable encounter
• Overnight stay in Dambulla
Elephant Encounter:
- Feeding a baby elephant at the sanctuary
- Deer in Wilpattu National Park (reference)
Day 3 - Dambulla - Village Tour, Sigiriya & Herbal Massage
• Full day of cultural and nature experiences in the Dambulla/Sigiriya region
Morning – Sri Lankan Village Tour:
• Experience an authentic Sri Lankan village tour
• Travel by bullock cart through rural paths
• Cross a scenic lake by traditional catamaran
• Meet local villagers and learn about their daily life
• Participate in traditional cooking demonstration
• Enjoy a delicious village lunch prepared with local ingredients
Afternoon – Sigiriya Lions Rock:
• Exploration of the iconic Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Climb approximately 1,200 steps to the summit
• View the famous frescoes of Sigiriya maidens
• Walk along the mirror wall with ancient inscriptions
• Pass through the lion's paws gateway
• Stunning 360-degree views from the top
Evening Relaxation:
• After the climb, enjoy a rejuvenating herbal foot massage
• Traditional Ayurvedic treatment to soothe tired muscles
• Perfect way to end an active day
• Overnight stay in Dambulla
Cultural & Relaxation:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (reference)
Day 4 - Dambulla to Polonnaruwa (via Minneriya/Kaudulla)
• Morning visit to the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple
• UNESCO World Heritage Site – the largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka
• Five caves with over 150 Buddha statues
• Stunning ceiling murals covering 2,100 square meters
• Easy climb of approximately 400 steps
Afternoon Transfer:
• Transfer towards Polonnaruwa – the medieval capital of Sri Lanka
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
• Embark on an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla National Park
• These parks are world-famous for the "Elephant Gathering"
• During the dry season (June-October), hundreds of elephants gather around the reservoirs
• Spot large herds including baby elephants, juveniles, and adult tuskers
• Also look for deer, crocodiles, water buffalo, and abundant bird species
• Professional driver-guide helps spot wildlife
Evening:
• Continue to Polonnaruwa
• Check into your hotel
• Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa
Temple & Elephants:
- Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
- Minneriya National Park elephant gathering
Day 5 - Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa Loop
• Morning transfer towards Wasgamuwa – a scenic road drive through rural countryside
• Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of paddy fields and forests
En Route Sightseeing – Girithale Tank:
• Stop at the historic Girithale Tank (reservoir)
• Ancient irrigation system dating back to the Polonnaruwa era
• Beautiful spot for photography and wildlife watching
• Often see elephants and birds near the water
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
• Afternoon jeep safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
• Less crowded than other parks – offers a more intimate wildlife experience
• Known for reliable elephant sightings including large males
• Also home to sloth bears, leopards, deer, and wild boar
• Habitat includes dry forests and grasslands
• Professional driver-guide helps identify animals and birds
Evening:
• Return to Polonnaruwa for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa
Wilderness Safari:
- Wasgamuwa National Park elephants
- Delft Island Fort (reference)
Day 6 - Polonnaruwa to Gal Oya
• Morning exploration of the ancient Polonnaruwa city by bicycles
• UNESCO World Heritage Site – the medieval capital of Sri Lanka
• Cycle through the sprawling archaeological park
• Visit key highlights including:
• Royal Palace – once home to 1,000 rooms
• Gal Vihara – magnificent rock Buddha statues
• Sacred Quadrangle – the religious center
• Audience Hall with elephant-carved stone steps
• Lotus Bath – ancient stone swimming pool
• Vatadage – circular relic house
Afternoon Transfer:
• Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Gal Oya
• Approximately 3-4 hours drive through scenic landscapes
• Arrive in the pristine Gal Oya region
Evening:
• Check into your hotel and relax
• Soak in the peaceful jungle atmosphere
• Overnight stay in Gal Oya
Heritage & Journey:
- Cycling through Polonnaruwa ruins
- Nilaveli Beach (reference)
Day 7 - Gal Oya to Ella (via Boat Safari)
• Morning boat safari on Senanayaka Samudraya – Sri Lanka's largest lake
• Located within Gal Oya National Park
Boat Safari Highlights:
• Cruise across the massive reservoir
• Spot wildlife from the water – a unique perspective
• Watch for elephants swimming between islands or bathing along the shore
• Look for crocodiles, monitor lizards, and water birds
• Painted storks, pelicans, egrets, and herons are common
• Peaceful and quiet experience – unlike jeep safaris
Afternoon Transfer:
• Transfer from Gal Oya to the beautiful hill country town of Ella
• Approximately 3-4 hours drive through scenic mountain roads
Evening – Cooking Experience:
• Enjoy a cooking experience at a typical local place
• Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes
• Traditional techniques and local ingredients
• Follow the cooking demonstration with dinner
• Taste the delicious meal you helped prepare
• Overnight stay in Ella
Lake Safari & Cuisine:
- Gal Oya National Park elephants by water
- Gal Oya reservoir and forest views
Day 8 - Gal Oya Reserve – Second Lake Safari
• Another morning boat safari on Sri Lanka's largest lake – Senanayaka Samudraya
• With a little luck, you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing
• This is a rare and special sight found in very few places worldwide
• Cruise to different parts of the reservoir for varied wildlife encounters
• Professional guide shares knowledge about the ecosystem
Picnic in the National Park:
• Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch within Gal Oya National Park
• Dine surrounded by nature and wildlife sounds
Jungle Drive:
• Experience a jungle drive through a jeep ride
• Explore areas of the park not accessible by boat
• Spot additional wildlife on land
• Visit different habitat zones within the park
Evening:
• Return to your Gal Oya accommodation
• Relax and reflect on two days of unique wildlife encounters
• Overnight stay in Gal Oya
Wildlife & Picnic:
- Pigeon Island National Park (reference)
- Dolphins in Trincomalee Sea (reference)
Day 9 - Gal Oya to Udawalawe
• Morning – Enjoy a Walk of Discovery with The Chief (Headman) of the Vedda Village
Indigenous Experience:
• Meet the Chief Vedda (indigenous community) of the Gal Oya region
• Take a guided walk through their ancestral forest
• Learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques
• Discover medicinal plants used for centuries
• Listen to native songs and folk tales
• Gain insight into one of the world's oldest indigenous cultures
Afternoon Transfer:
• Transfer from Gal Oya to Udawalawe
• Approximately 3-4 hours drive
Late Afternoon – Elephant Transit Home:
• Visit the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe
• This facility rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants
• Watch feeding time – babies run to the feeding point
• See adorable chubby little elephants being bottle-fed
• Learn about the release program – elephants returned to the wild
• Educational and heartwarming experience for all ages
• Check into your Udawalawe hotel
• Overnight stay in Udawalawe
Indigenous & Baby Elephants:
- Udawalawe National Park (reference)
- Veddha indigenous people
Day 10 - Udawalawe - Two Safaris & Sri Lankan Lunch
• Full day dedicated to wildlife in Udawalawe National Park
Morning Safari:
• Early morning safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Depart before sunrise – best time for animal activity
• Udawalawe is famous for its large elephant population
• Guaranteed sightings of wild elephants including babies
• Look for crocodiles, water buffalo, spotted deer, and wild boar
• Excellent for bird watching – eagles, kingfishers, and painted storks
Complimentary Sri Lankan Lunch:
• Enjoy a complimentary traditional Sri Lankan lunch
• Classic rice and curry preparation
• Refuel after your morning wildlife adventure
Afternoon Safari:
• Second safari in Udawalawe National Park in the afternoon
• Different route to spot additional wildlife
• The afternoon light is beautiful for photography
• May see animals coming to water sources
• Another chance to observe elephant herds
• Overnight stay in Udawalawe
Double Safari Day:
- The Bullock Cart in Sri Lanka (reference)
- Anuradhapura (reference)
Day 11 - Udawalawe to Galle
• Morning transfer from Udawalawe to the historic coastal city of Galle
• Approximately 2.5-3 hours drive through beautiful southern countryside
Afternoon – Exploration of Galle Fort and City:
• Visit the iconic Galle Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, expanded by the Dutch
• Walk along the 17th-century ramparts with stunning ocean views
• Explore the charming streets within the fort walls
• Visit the iconic lighthouse, old Dutch Church, and colonial buildings
• Discover boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes
Evening:
• Check into your Galle hotel
• Watch the sunset from the fort ramparts
• Enjoy the coastal atmosphere
• Overnight stay in Galle
Coastal Heritage:
- Sigiriya (reference)
- Galle beach shoreline
Day 12 - Galle to BIA Departure
• Final day of your elephant-focused safari tour
Morning:
• Enjoy a final breakfast at your Galle hotel
• Depending on flight time, perhaps take one last walk along Galle beach
• Complete hotel checkout formalities
Airport Transfer:
• Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
• Approximately 2-2.5 hours drive north along the coastal highway
• Your chauffeur guide will ensure a comfortable journey
Departure:
• Arrive with ample time for check-in and security
• Bid farewell to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka
• Take home unforgettable elephant and wildlife memories
End of Tour:
• Your Elephant Safari Tour with LF Lanka Tours Tours concludes here
• We hope you enjoyed close encounters with Asian elephants in their natural habitat
• Please contact us for any future trips or customizations
Farewell:
- Beach farewell
- Airport departure
