Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Colombo
• When you exit Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by a LF Lanka Tours representative
• This person will be your chauffeur cum guide for the rest of this 14-day Wildlife Tour in Sri Lanka
• Your first stop will be to briefly explore the capital city of Colombo
• Take a short city orientation drive to get acquainted with Sri Lanka's commercial hub
• Check into Marino Beach Hotel for the night
• Enjoy ocean views and hotel amenities
Arrival & City Introduction:
- Airport arrival scene
- Colombo Lotus Tower landmark
Day 2 - Colombo to Wilpattu (via Anawilundawa)
• Early morning departure – begin your wildlife journey heading north towards Wilpattu
En Route – Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary:
• Stop at this beautiful Ramsar wetland sanctuary
• One of Sri Lanka's most important bird sanctuaries
• Beautiful natural wetland and bird sightings
Bird Species to Spot:
• Painted storks, openbills, ibises, and cormorants
• Purple herons, egrets, and numerous shorebirds
• Kingfishers – several colorful varieties
• Waterfowl and migratory birds (seasonal)
Afternoon:
• Continue transfer to Wilpattu
• Check into Big Game Camp for your stay
• Settle into your wilderness accommodation
• Overnight stay in Wilpattu
Wetlands & Arrival:
- Crocodile in Wilpattu National Park (reference)
- Deer in Wilpattu National Park (reference)
Day 3 - Wilpattu National Park - Full Day Safari
• Full day jeep safari scheduled for today
• Thoroughly explore and peacefully observe the wildlife of Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu Overview:
• Sri Lanka's largest national park
• Famous for its natural "villus" (natural lakes) – over 40 scattered throughout
• Known for leopards – one of the best places in Sri Lanka
Wildlife to Spot:
• Leopards – Wilpattu's signature predator (requires patience)
• Elephants, sloth bears, and spotted deer
• Crocodiles in the natural lakes
• Water buffalo and wild boar
• Abundant bird species including eagles and painted storks
Safari Experience:
• Professional driver-guide helps spot camouflaged animals
• Different zones cover varied habitats
• Midday break for packed lunch within the park
• Refreshments provided throughout the day
• Return to camp for dinner and relaxation
• Overnight stay in Wilpattu
Wildlife Expedition:
- Full day jeep safari through diverse habitats
- Wilpattu's famous natural "villus" (lakes)
Day 4 - Wilpattu to Sigiriya (via Minneriya)
• Morning transfer to the iconic Sigiriya region
• Arrive by lunchtime
Sigiriya Village Tour:
• Take an authentic Sri Lankan village tour
• Experience rural life away from the tourist trail
• Travel by bullock cart through countryside paths
• Cross a scenic lake by catamaran
• Enjoy an authentic rice and curry lunch
• Interact with local villagers and learn about their lifestyle
Afternoon – Minneriya National Park:
• Drive to Minneriya (approximately 45 minutes)
• Afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya National Park
• Famous for the "Elephant Gathering" (June-October)
• Large herds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank
• Also spotted: deer, crocodiles, water buffalo, and birds
Evening:
• Check into Amaya Lake Hotel in Sigiriya
• Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Culture & Elephants:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (reference)
- Sigiriya evening golden light
Day 5 - Sigiriya & Kandy
• Early morning visit to Sigiriya sanctuary for bird watching
• Explore the scrubland and dry evergreen forest
• Spot dry zone bird species around small reservoirs
Sigiriya Lions Rock:
• Explore the popular Lion's Rock in Sigiriya
• Rock climbing activity that is doable by most people – not to be missed
• Climb approximately 1,200 steps to the summit
• Discover beautiful frescoes engraved into the rock on your way up
• Great views at the top – 360-degree panorama of the jungle
• Walk through the lion's paws gateway
Afternoon Transfer to Kandy:
• Target to reach before 5:00 PM
• Attend the evening cultural dance performance in Kandy
• Traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers, and fire walkers
• Colorful costumes and energetic performances
Evening:
• Check into the luxurious Amaya Hills Hotel
• Relax and unwind for the night
• Overnight stay in Kandy
Heritage & Culture:
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic (reference)
- Jaffna Fort (reference)
Day 6 - Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
• Morning – nature trail at Udawattekela Forest Reserve
• Located within Kandy city limits – an urban forest sanctuary
• Home to birds, monkeys, and small mammals
• Peaceful walking trails through the canopy
Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya):
• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
• Explore beautiful flora – 147 acres of tropical plants
• Famous avenue of royal palms
• Giant bamboo groves and orchid house
• Sprawling lawns and colonial-era buildings
Afternoon Transfer:
• Transfer to Nuwara Eliya – the "Little England" of Sri Lanka
• Check into Hotel Golden Ridge for the next two nights
• Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Gardens & Hills:
- Nuwara Eliya tea plantation landscapes
- Lake Gregory and mountain views
Day 7 - Horton Plains National Park
• Early morning visit to Horton Plains National Park
• Part of the Central Highlands UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nature Trail Details:
• 9.5 kilometer (5.9 mile) trek through montane grasslands and cloud forest
• Walk through unique highland ecosystem found nowhere else in Sri Lanka
World's End:
• Experience the dramatic viewpoint called World's End
• Sheer cliff with an 870-meter (2,850-foot) drop
• Arrive early before clouds roll in for optimal views
Baker's Falls:
• Visit the beautiful Baker's Falls along the trail
• 20-meter (66-foot) cascading waterfall
• Great photo opportunity
Wildlife in Horton Plains:
• Spot sambar deer grazing on the plains
• Look for purple-faced langurs in forest patches
• Endemic birds including Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush
• Unique flora including rare orchids and rhododendrons
• Return to Nuwara Eliya for a relaxing evening
• Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Highland Trek:
- Horton Plains with sambar deer
- World's End cliff edge view
Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe (via Ella)
• Morning transfer from Nuwara Eliya to the charming town of Ella
Ella Exploration:
• Visit the spectacular Nine Arches Bridge – colonial-era viaduct
• Watch for trains crossing this iconic brick bridge
• Hike to Little Adam's Peak – gentle 45-minute trek
• Stunning views over Ella's green valley
Afternoon Transfer:
• Continue to Udawalawe region
• Check into Big Game Camp for two nights
• Overnight stay in Udawalawe
Scenic Hill Country:
- Udawalawe National Park (reference)
- Feeding a baby elephant (reference – Elephant Transit Home)
Day 9 - Udawalawe National Park Safari
• Full day exploring Udawalawe National Park on jeep safari
Udawalawe Overview:
• Famous for guaranteed elephant sightings
• Large herds of elephants including babies and large tuskers
• One of the best places in Asia for elephant viewing
Morning Safari:
• Early departure (approx 5:30-6:00 AM) – prime animal activity
• Search for elephants, crocodiles, and water buffalo
• Spot spotted deer, wild boar, and sambar deer
Midday Break:
• Return to camp for breakfast/lunch break
• Rest during the heat of the day
Afternoon Safari:
• Second safari in different zone of the park
• Golden afternoon light perfect for photography
• Elephants come to water sources during dry hours
Other Wildlife:
• Mugger crocodiles basking on reservoir banks
• Water buffalo with impressive curved horns
• Abundant bird species – eagles, kingfishers, painted storks
• Monitor lizards and toque macaques
• Overnight stay in Udawalawe
Double Safari Day:
- Udawalawe elephant herd at reservoir
- Crocodile basking on river bank
Day 10 - Udawalawe to Yala
• Morning transfer from Udawalawe to the famous Yala region
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
• Experience the much-anticipated afternoon jeep safari at Yala National Park
Yala Overview:
• Known for having the highest leopard density in the world
• Diverse habitats – dry forest, grasslands, lagoons, and coastline
Leopard Spotting:
• Best time: afternoon safaris (2:00-5:30 PM)
• Famous for spectacular sightings, though requires patience
• Look for leopards resting on rock outcrops or crossing tracks
Other Wildlife:
• Elephants – smaller herds but frequently sighted
• Crocodiles in the park's natural lakes
• Wild boar, spotted deer, and sambar deer
• Golden jackals and mongooses
• Painted storks, pelicans, eagles, and peacocks
Accommodation:
• Big Game Camp at Yala – two nights stay
• Overnight stay in Yala
Leopard Country:
- Yala National Park jeep safari
- Leopard in natural habitat
Day 11 - Yala (Morning Safari) & Bundala National Park
• Morning jeep safari opportunity available at Yala National Park (different route)
• Early morning (5:30 AM departure) is prime time for leopard activity
• Search for species you may have missed yesterday
Afternoon – Bundala National Park:
• Transfer to Bundala National Park
• Explore this important wetland sanctuary
Bundala Overview:
• Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland site (internationally recognized)
• Less crowded than Yala – more peaceful experience
• Famous for bird watching – especially waterbirds
Bird Species to Spot:
• Flamingos – seasonal visitors (large flocks)
• Painted storks, spoonbills, and ibises
• Pelicans, herons, and egrets
• Openbills and cormorants
• Shorebirds and terns along the coastline
Other Wildlife:
• Crocodiles in the lagoons
• Elephants occasionally seen
• Spotted deer and wild boar
• Overnight stay in Yala
Birds & Wetlands:
- Flamingos in Bundala lagoon
- Yala leopard at sunrise
Day 12 - Yala to Sinharaja (via Bundala)
• Morning – another safari at Bundala National Park (optional)
• Or enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure
Transfer to Sinharaja:
• Journey from the dry lowlands to the lush rainforest
• Approximately 3-4 hour drive through scenic countryside
Sinharaja Arrival:
• Check into Rainforest Eco Lodge for the last two nights
• Settle into your accommodation at the edge of the rainforest
• Overnight stay in Sinharaja
Rainforest Arrival:
- Sinharaja Rainforest canopy view
- Rainforest Eco Lodge surroundings
Day 13 - Sinharaja Rainforest - Full Day Trek
• Full day trekking tour scheduled to explore the Sinharaja Rainforest
Sinharaja Overview:
• UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the last remaining primary tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka
• Biodiversity hotspot with endemic species found nowhere else on Earth
Rainforest Trekking:
• Guided trek with a trained naturalist
• Walk along forest trails through dense vegetation
• Approximately 5-7 kilometers of trekking (easy to moderate)
Endemic Bird Watching:
• Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – stunning long-tailed bird
• Sri Lanka Spurfowl – secretive forest dweller
• Red-faced Malkoha – colorful and elusive
• Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill – often seen in pairs
• Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Green-billed Coucal
Other Wildlife:
• Purple-faced Langurs – endemic monkey species
• Giant squirrels – impressive size and coloring
• Rare amphibians and reptiles – including pit vipers
• Colorful butterflies – many endemic species
Flora Highlights:
• Massive dipterocarp trees
• Rare orchids and carnivorous plants
• Medicinal plants used in Ayurveda
• Packed lunch provided in the forest (picnic style)
• Return to lodge late afternoon
• Overnight stay in Sinharaja
Rainforest Immersion:
- Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve lush vegetation
- Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – endemic bird
Day 14 - Sinharaja to BIA Departure
• Final day of your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka
Morning:
• Enjoy a final breakfast at Rainforest Eco Lodge
• Complete hotel checkout formalities
Airport Transfer:
• From Sinharaja, approximately 4 hours drive to Bandaranaike International Airport
• Journey through scenic lowland and coastal landscapes
• Your chauffeur guide will ensure comfortable travel with breaks
Arrival at Airport:
• Arrive with ample time for check-in and security
• Last chance for duty-free shopping
Departure:
• Bid farewell to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka
End of Tour:
• This brings us to the end of the Wildlife Tour in Sri Lanka
• If you are an animal lover or simply want to explore Sri Lanka with emphasis on its wildlife diversity, you have got to try this itinerary
• Please get in touch with us to book your package or make any changes
• Our friendly travel consultants will be glad to assist you
Farewell:
- Final rainforest memory
- Airport departure with wildlife memories
