Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Colombo
• Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, a LF Lanka Tours representative will greet you warmly
• Your representative will guide you to a private luxury vehicle
• This vehicle will be your dedicated mode of transport for this wildlife photography tour in Sri Lanka
• Your first stop will be in Colombo at the historic Galle Face Hotel
Colombo Exploration:
• The hotel is located in close proximity to malls and other attractions in Colombo
• Feel free to set out and explore the capital city
• Visit nearby attractions such as Galle Face Green
• Take a stroll along the oceanfront promenade
• Capture some street and cityscape photographs
• Overnight stay in Colombo
Arrival & City:
- Airport arrival scene
- Colombo city skyline and landmarks
Day 2 - Colombo to Udawalawe
• On day 02, you will transfer from Colombo to the wildlife-rich Udawalawe region
• Approximately 4-5 hour drive through scenic lowland landscapes
Elephant Transit Home (Noon arrival):
• Reach the Elephant Transit Home by noon
• This timing coincides with the milk feeding time for baby elephants
• Capture adorable photographs of orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed
• Watch the little ones run to the feeding point when the bell rings
• Excellent opportunity for heartwarming wildlife portraits
Lunch:
• Enjoy lunch before your afternoon safari
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
• Scheduled afternoon jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park
• Get maximum possible photographs of elephants in their natural surroundings
• Safari timing 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (golden hour light)
• Udawalawe is famous for guaranteed elephant sightings
Photography Opportunities:
• Large elephant herds including babies and large tuskers
• Crocodiles basking on reservoir banks
• Water buffalo with impressive curved horns
• Birds in flight during golden hour
Accommodation:
• Check into Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort for overnight stay
Elephant Portraits:
- Udawalawe National Park elephant herd at dusk
- Safari jeep ready for wildlife photography
Day 3 - Udawalawe to Yala
• Early morning encounter with Udawalawe elephants (6:00 AM game drive)
• Capture elephants in the soft morning light
• Best time for photography – golden light, active animals
• Different perspective from afternoon sessions
Morning Safari Highlights:
• Herds moving through grasslands
• Elephants crossing the reservoir
• Crocodiles sunning themselves
• Bird species in flight
Midday Transfer:
• Head towards Yala National Park
• Strategic timing to arrive for afternoon safari
Afternoon Safari – Yala National Park (3:00 PM):
• Jeep safari at Yala National Park
• Capture the park's diverse wildlife
Yala Photography Targets:
• Leopards – highest density in the world (requires patience)
• Sloth bears – elusive and rare
• Elephants – smaller herds than Udawalawe
• Spotted deer, sambar deer, and wild boar
• Water buffalo in open grasslands
• Crocodiles in natural lakes
• Peacocks displaying their feathers
• Golden jackals and mongooses
• Have your camera ready to capture every moment!
• Overnight camping at Leopard Nest in Yala
Leopard Country:
- Yala National Park leopard sighting
- Bird watching at Yala National Park
Day 4 - Yala & Bundala Double Safari Day
• Prepare for an early morning game drive at Yala National Park (6:00 AM)
• Best time for leopard photography – pre-dawn and early morning
• Soft morning light perfect for wildlife portraits
Morning Session Targets:
• Leopards returning from night hunts
• Sloth bears active at dawn
• Elephant families in open areas
• Peacocks displaying on the ground
Midday Break:
• Return to camp for breakfast and rest
• Review your morning photographs
• Change camera batteries and clear memory cards
Afternoon Safari – Bundala National Park:
• Transfer to Bundala National Park for afternoon safari (2:30 PM)
• Famous for bird photography – especially waterbirds
Bundala Photography Highlights:
• Flamingos – seasonal, large flocks create stunning compositions
• Painted storks and spoonbills
• Pelicans, herons, and egrets
• Crocodiles in the lagoons
• Sunset over the wetlands – spectacular backdrop
• Return to Leopard Nest for second overnight stay
• Transfer to Mirissa on day 05
Double Safari Day:
- Yala leopard in morning light
- Bundala flamingos at golden hour
Day 5 - Yala to Mirissa
• Early morning safari at Yala National Park (6:00 AM) before transfer
• One final opportunity to capture elusive leopards
• Capture any species you may have missed
Midday Transfer to Mirissa:
• Journey to the coastal paradise of Mirissa
• Approximately 2.5-3 hour drive
Afternoon:
• Check into Sri Sharavi Beach Villas
• Relax for the rest of the evening
• Enjoy the beachfront surroundings
Optional Evening Photography:
• Sunset over the Indian Ocean
• Stilt fishermen along the coast
• Coconut palms silhouetted against golden sky
• Overnight stay in Mirissa
Coastal Arrival:
- Famous Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa
- Mirissa beach sunset view
Day 6 - Mirissa - Whale & Dolphin Photography
• Early morning activity – whale watching in Mirissa
• Gear up for a challenge to your photography skills
Whale Watching Excursion:
• Depart from Mirissa harbor at approximately 6:00 AM
• 3-4 hour boat excursion in the Indian Ocean
Photography Challenges & Opportunities:
• Blue Whales – largest animals on Earth
• Capture the blow (spout) before the dive
• Wait for the tail fluke as they descend
• Use fast shutter speeds for these massive subjects
• Sperm Whales – massive toothed predators
• Often more predictable than blues
• Great for surface portraits
• Spinner Dolphins
• Capturing acrobatic leaps
• Use continuous shooting mode
• Dolphins often ride the bow wave
Marine Photography Tips:
• Fast shutter speed (1/1000+ for dolphins)
• Steady your camera on the boat (image stabilization)
• Watch for whale blows to anticipate surfacing
• Patience – they can stay under for 10-15 minutes
Afternoon:
• The rest of the day is left for relaxation
• Some unique captures of the gorgeous sunset along the southern coast
• Coconut Tree Hill – iconic photography spot
• Waves crashing on Parrot Rock
• Overnight stay in Mirissa
Marine Photography:
- Whale watching boat with blue whale
- Spinner dolphins leaping offshore
Day 7 - Mirissa to Negombo (via Galle & Kosgoda)
• Morning departure from Mirissa to Negombo
• En route stops for cultural and conservation photography
Stop 1 – Galle Dutch Fort:
• Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Photography opportunities include:
• 17th-century ramparts with ocean views
• Iconic Galle Lighthouse
• Old Dutch Church and colonial buildings
• Cobblestone streets with boutiques and cafes
• Local life within the fort walls
• Fishing boats in the harbor
Stop 2 – Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery:
• Visit the turtle conservation center
• Photography opportunities:
• Baby turtles in tanks – macro photography
• Turtle releasing into the ocean (seasonal)
• Different species – Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley
• Conservation activities – egg collection, nest protection
Afternoon – Negombo Arrival:
• Upon reaching Negombo, check into Jetwing Blue
• Evening boat safari at Muthurajawela Marsh
Muthurajawela Photography:
• Wetland and marsh ecosystem
• Waterbirds – herons, egrets, kingfishers
• Monitor lizards and crocodiles
• Mangrove forests
• Golden hour light on the water
• Overnight stay in Negombo
Coastal & Conservation:
- Galle Fort lighthouse and ramparts
- Turtle hatchery conservation
Day 8 - Negombo to BIA Departure
• Last day of your wildlife photography tour in Sri Lanka
Morning (Time Permitting):
• Tour of Negombo town before heading to the airport
• Photography opportunities in Negombo:
• Negombo Beach – morning light
• Dutch Canal – colonial-era waterway
• Fish Market – bustling local life (morning best)
• St. Mary's Church – neoclassical architecture
Airport Transfer:
• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
• Approximately 20-30 minutes from Negombo
• Arrive with ample time for check-in
Departure:
• The wildlife photography tour of Sri Lanka now comes to an end
Customization Note:
• This is scheduled as an 8-day tour
• If you have lesser time or would like to spend more time
• Or if you would like to cover different attractions, do let us know
• Our team of consultants is waiting to serve you
• We can prepare a customized itinerary according to your requirements
Farewell:
- Negombo beach morning farewell
- Airport departure with photo memories
