Sri Lanka Wildlife Odyssey

This comprehensive expedition is designed for the ultimate wildlife enthusiast, offering a high-octane journey through the island’s most biodiverse “hotspots.” While our other packages emphasize “glamping” or “wellness,” the Wildlife Odyssey is about maximizing time in the field with a focus on the “Big Five”: Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Blue Whale, and Sperm Whale. It is an unhurried yet intensive exploration that balances the dry-zone plains with the lush rainforest and the deep blue of the Indian Ocean.

Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Airport pickup / Transfer to Negombo / Relax by the beach or explore the Negombo lagoon ecosystem with a sunset boat ride / Optional birdwatching around the lagoon wetlands/ Overnight in Negombo

Upon your arrival, you will be met by your private chauffeur-guide and transferred to the coastal sanctuary of Negombo. Spend your first day unwinding by the beach or embarking on a sunset boat ride through the Negombo lagoon, where you can observe the vibrant wetland ecosystem and enjoy optional birdwatching as the tropical sun sets.

Day 02: Breakfast at the hotel / Transfer to Sigiriya via Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe elephant conservation efforts / Continue through scenic countryside / Check-in at a nature lodge surrounded by forest / Evening nature walk around Sigiriya village / Overnight in Sigiriya.

Leave the coast behind and journey inland toward the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Stop at Pinnawala to witness heartwarming elephant conservation efforts before continuing through the scenic countryside. After checking into your nature lodge, enjoy a gentle evening walk through Sigiriya village to experience the local flora and rural rhythm.

Day 03: Early morning climb of Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress to enjoy sunrise views over jungle landscapes / Authentic village experience including bullock cart ride, catamaran ride across a lake and traditional home-cooked lunch / Afternoon jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness the famous gathering of wild elephants / Overnight in Sigiriya.

Experience the pinnacle of ancient ambition with a sunrise ascent of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Following the climb, immerse yourself in village life with a traditional bullock cart ride and a catamaran journey across a lotus-filled lake. The day concludes with a high-energy jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla to witness the world-famous gathering of wild elephants.

Day 04: Breakfast at the hotel / Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) surrounded by forested hills / Scenic drive to Trincomalee on the untouched East Coast / Check-in at a beachside resort in Nilaveli or Uppuveli / Relax by the sea / Overnight in Trincomalee.

Explore the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, home to centuries of rock-cut artistry, before embarking on a scenic drive to the untouched East Coast. Arrive at the turquoise shores of Trincomalee and check into your beachside resort in Nilaveli, where the afternoon is reserved for pure relaxation by the sea.

Day 05: Breakfast at the hotel / Boat excursion to Pigeon Island Marine National Park / Snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish / Opportunity to spot reef sharks and sea turtles / Afternoon leisure by the beach / Overnight in Trincomalee.

Set out by boat to Pigeon Island, one of Sri Lanka’s premier marine national parks. Spend the morning snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and the chance to spot reef sharks and sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. Return to the mainland for a quiet afternoon of sun-soaked leisure.

Day 06: Breakfast at the hotel / Visit Koneswaram Temple located on a dramatic cliff above the Indian Ocean / Stop at Lover’s Leap viewpoint for spectacular coastal scenery / Explore the geothermal Kanniya Hot Springs / Evening beach relaxation / Overnight in Trincomalee.

Discover the spiritual and geological wonders of Trincomalee. Visit the breathtaking Koneswaram Temple, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, and take in the spectacular coastal scenery at Lover’s Leap. End the day exploring the geothermal Kanniya Hot Springs before a relaxing evening on the beach.

Day 07: Breakfast at the hotel / Optional seasonal whale-watching excursion in the Indian Ocean / Visit Fort Frederick and explore Trincomalee’s colonial heritage / Leisure time by the beach to enjoy the natural surroundings / Overnight in Trincomalee.

Embrace the marine majesty of the east with an optional seasonal whale-watching excursion. Later, step back in time at Fort Frederick to explore the town’s colonial layers and heritage. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the natural surroundings and the calm, unhurried pace of Trincomalee.

Day 08: Breakfast at the hotel / Scenic coastal journey to Pasikuda / Check-in at a beachfront resort overlooking one of Sri Lanka’s calmest bays / Relax in the shallow turquoise waters / Sunset beach walk / Overnight in Pasikuda.

Embark on a scenic coastal drive south to Pasikuda, famous for having one of the world’s longest stretches of shallow coastline. Check into your beachfront resort and spend the afternoon walking through the turquoise waters of the bay, concluding with a peaceful sunset stroll along the pristine sands.

Day 09:Breakfast at the hotel / Full day leisure in Pasikuda / Optional Ocean activities including snorkelling, paddle boarding, catamaran sailing or jet skiing / Enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of the east coast / Overnight in Pasikuda.

A day dedicated to the tranquil beauty of the East Coast. You may choose to simply relax by the calm bay or engage in optional activities such as paddleboarding, catamaran sailing, or jet skiing. This is a day for absolute privacy and rejuvenation by the sapphire-hued waters.

Day 10:Breakfast at the hotel / Travel through scenic landscapes via Mahiyanganaya / Arrive in Kandy surrounded by forested mountains / Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic / Enjoy panoramic views from Kandy View Point overlooking the lake / Overnight in Kandy.

Travel through the diverse landscapes of the interior, passing through Mahiyanganaya as you ascend into the forested mountains of Kandy. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy a panoramic sunset view from the Kandy View Point, overlooking the iconic lake and the spiritual heart of the island.

Day 11: Breakfast at the hotel / Travel into the hill country / Visit a tea plantation and tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous tea culture / Scenic train journey to Ella through misty mountains and lush forests / Evening at leisure / Overnight in Ella.

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tea culture with a visit to a lush plantation and factory. Afterwards, board the legendary blue train for a breathtaking journey through misty mountains and emerald forests to the village of Ella, where the evening is spent in the cool, refreshing hill climate.

Day 12: Breakfast at the hotel / Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge surrounded by jungle / Explore Ravana Falls and the nearby natural landscapes / Transfer to Colombo / Short city highlights tour including Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Dutch Hospital and Red Mosque / Airport transfer for departure.

Visit the jungle-shrouded Nine Arch Bridge and the majestic Ravana Falls before transferring back to the capital. Enjoy a short city highlights tour including Galle Face Green and the Dutch Hospital before your private transfer to the airport for your journey home, carrying memories of an epic wildlife odyssey.

Inclusions:

  • 11 Nights of boutique and beachside accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
  • Private air-conditioned transport with all fuel, highway tolls, and parking.
  • Service of a professional English-speaking chauffeur-guide.
  • All mentioned safari jeep hires and boat excursion arrangements.
  • Daily bottled mineral water and all government taxes.

Exclusions:

  • International airfares and entry visa fees.
  • Entrance tickets to sites (Sigiriya, Kandy Temple, National Parks, etc.).
  • Lunches and dinners (unless specified in the final itinerary).
  • Personal expenses, laundry, and tips/gratuities.
  • Travel and health insurance.

Highlights:

  • Private, English-speaking chauffeur-guide for the entire 12-day journey.
  • Witnessing the “Gathering” of wild elephants in Minneriya/Kaudulla.
  • Marine adventures at Pigeon Island and seasonal whale watching in Trincomalee.
  • Iconic sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the scenic Ella train journey.
  • Relaxation in the calm, shallow turquoise waters of Pasikuda Bay.