A Wildlife Holiday in Sri Lanka

 

 

 

 

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK – 13 DAY (12 NIGHTS) SRI LANKA ADVENTURE

Embark on a 13-day journey through Sri Lanka's hidden gems, ancient wonders, and breathtaking landscapes! From exploring majestic ruins at Sigiriya & Yapahuwa to spotting wild elephants & leopards in Minneriya & Yala, this tour is packed with unforgettable experiences. Ride the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, sip Ceylon's finest tea, and immerse yourself in local culture & cuisine. Witness the serene beauty of Galle Fort, stroll through Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth, and end your adventure relaxing under swaying palm trees by the beach.

 

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Packages start from £6699 per person.

Get a second person booked at a half price rate!

Price for 2 people starting from £10049.

BOOK NOW

 

 

serene river scene with boats lush greenery and palm trees offering peaceful nature escape

Day 1: Welcome to Paradise - Stay 1 Night in Negombo

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be greeted by your friendly travel escort! We'll whisk you away to Little Roam in Negombo to unwind and relax. If time permits, indulge in a serene boat ride through the Muthurajawela Wetlands, where you'll float past lush greenery and peaceful waters, setting the perfect tone for your adventure.

Stay: Little Roam, Negombo (5-star Hotel)

Travel: 30 mins from Bandaranaike International Airport

Things to Do:

Relax and unwind after arrival.

Optional serene boat ride through Muthurajawela Wetlands.

 

stone lion statues at ancient temple ruins with lush greenery and intricate carvings nine historical landmarks

Day 2: Ceylon Showpiece - Stay 3 Nights in Habarana

Step back in time as we visit Yapahuwa, the fourth ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 13th century. Climb the grand stone staircase and marvel at the majestic lion statues that greet you. After a lakeside lunch, we'll head to Habarana, your home for the next three nights, where the adventure continues!

Stay: Luxury 5 Star or equalent boutique Hotel accommodation in Habarana

Travel: 3.5 hrs drive from Negombo to Habarana (via Yapahuwa)

Things to Do:

Visit Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom.

Climb the iconic stone staircase.

Lakeside lunch en route.

 

a group of elephants interacting by touching trunks near a water body showcasing their social behavior and communication in nature depicting the unity of families related to 11 distinct species

Day 3: Heedful Hideout - Stay in Habarana

Our journey takes us to the ancient monastic complex of Ritigala, a hidden sanctuary filled with mystery. Walk along the stone-paved meditation paths used by monks since the 2nd century BC. Later, we'll visit Minneriya National Park for an unforgettable experience watching the great elephant gathering, where playful baby elephants frolic in their natural habitat.

Stay: Continue at Habarana

Travel: Short drive to Ritigala and Minneriya National Park

Things to Do:

Explore Ritigala Forest Monastery.

Walk stone meditation paths.

Afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park (elephant gathering).

 

aerial view of a large rock formation surrounded by lush greenery and mountains under a cloudy blue sky showcasing the natural beauty of the landscape with eight notable trees and paths on the rock

Day 4: Secret Gravitation - Stay in Habarana

Prepare to be amazed as we explore the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock! Meet the enchanting Sigiriya Damsels and admire ancient frescoes. Then, immerse yourself in authentic Sri Lankan rural life, interacting with local farmers and picking fresh vegetables at their Chena farms. It's a wonderful way to connect with the local culture!

Stay: Continue at Habarana

Travel: Short drive to Sigiriya

Things to Do:

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

View frescoes of the Sigiriya Damsels.

Participate in rural village experience: farming & vegetable picking.

 

intricate golden archway adorned with traditional artwork featuring figures holding items in a beautifully decorated corridor showcasing ten unique stylistic elements

Day 5: Tempting Taste - Stay 2 Nights in Kandy

As we leave the dry zone behind, we enter the lush green highlands. Meet a local family and discover the magic of coconut trees. In Kandy, enjoy a fun Tuk-Tuk ride around Kandy Lake and indulge in an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry feast served on a lotus leaf—a true flavour explosion!

Stay: Luxury stay in Kandy

Travel: 3 hrs drive from Habarana to Kandy

Things to Do:

Visit a local home to learn about the coconut tree.

Enjoy a scenic tuk-tuk ride around Kandy Lake.

Traditional lotus-leaf rice & curry lunch.

 

serene lake reflecting lush hills and buildings under blue sky with clouds and trees peaceful landscape 2 captivating locations

Day 6: Blood-Curdling Ulama - Stay in Kandy

Wake up early for a thrilling wildlife adventure at Udawattakele Nature Reserve, home to the mysterious Devil Bird! Post-adventure, we'll explore Kandy's vibrant local market and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, where you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of devotion and sacred chants.

Experience a unique day with a local housewife, blending spices and enjoying a traditional cooking lesson—an experience you won't forget!

Stay: Continue in Kandy

Travel: Local travel within Kandy area

Things to Do:

Morning nature walk in Udawattakele Sanctuary (search for Devil Bird).

Visit Kandy Market.

Temple of the Tooth Relic.

'MORE THAN DAY WITH UDAY'-Arrive by Tuk-Tuk, explore a spice garden, meet a local housewife, blend your own spices using traditional methods, enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking lesson, and experience a day in a typical Sri Lankan household.

 

lush green tea plantations with winding path and trees demonstrating sustainable agriculture 2 tea leaves plantation 2 scenic views

Day 7: Tumbling in the Mist - Stay 2 Nights in Hatton

All aboard for a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya! This journey offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty mountains. In Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England', you can admire colonial-style architecture and taste the finest Ceylon tea at a renowned tea factory. Don't miss out on a visit to Gregory Lake for stunning landscapes.

Stay: Tea Trails Bungalow in Hatton or similar 5 Star Hotel

Travel: Scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (~2.5 hrs), then ~1.5 hrs drive to Hatton

Things to Do:

Enjoy train views: tea plantations, mountains, waterfalls.

Explore colonial Nuwara Eliya & Gregory Lake.

Arrive in Hatton for mountain luxury stay.

 

interior view of a tea processing facility with long troughs filled with freshly harvested leaves surrounded by large windows showcasing the benefits of 4 quality control processes

Day 8: Hatton-Tea Trails - Stay in Hatton

Experience luxury at the Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows in Hatton! Enjoy tea plantation tours and tastings, scenic hikes, and cycling through the picturesque tea estates. Relish gourmet dining with afternoon tea, and unwind with a serene sunset boat ride on Castlereagh Lake. This is relaxation at its finest!

Stay: Continue in Hatton

Travel: Local travel within estate area

Things to Do:

Tea plantation tour and tasting.

Cycling or walking trails.

Afternoon high tea.

Sunset boat ride on Castlereagh Lake.

 

leopard walking on dirt path in natural habitat showcasing elegance strength and beauty of wildlife 3 types of animals

Day 9 & 10: Sri Lanka Unplugged - Stay 2 Nights in Yala

Venture into Yala National Park, famously known as the 'Leopard Kingdom'. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive leopards, sloth bears, and elephants during our thrilling morning and afternoon safaris. Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional Chena Hut, and enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment to refresh your spirit.

Stay: Luxury safari lodge or Luxury boutique Stay in Yala

Travel: 4 hrs drive from Hatton to Yala

Things to Do:

Morning & evening 4x4 safaris in Yala National Park.

Spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and more.

Visit a traditional Chena Hut.

Enjoy Ayurvedic spa therapy.

 

fishermen practicing traditional stilt fishing at sunset with five silhouetted figures in the ocean

 

Day 11: Crucial 'Kew' Letter - Stay 1 Night in Galle

Journey to Galle via Matara, where history unfolds at Galle Fort! Walk along the Dutch-built streets and uncover the intriguing tale of the ‘Cock on the Rock'. Learn about the letter 'KEW' that changed history in 1796 while strolling along the fort's golden sunset-lit ramparts.

Stay: Luxury boutique hotel or 5 Star Hotel in Galle Fort

Travel: 4.5 hrs drive from Yala to Galle via Matara

Things to Do:

Explore Galle Fort and Dutch architecture.

Sunset walk along the ramparts.

Learn the story of the ‘KEW' letter.

 

Day 12: Calm Under the Palm - Stay 1 Night at a Preferred Beach Hotel in South SL

Unwind in a secluded beach bungalow surrounded by swaying palm trees and breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy your last day at leisure, whether it's on a sun-kissed beach or a tranquil countryside retreat.

Stay: Preferred beach hotel on South Coast or Best 5 Star Hotel select from us

Travel: 1.5 hrs drive from Galle

Things to Do:

Leisure day at a secluded beach or countryside retreat.

Relax by the sea under swaying palms.

 

Day 13: Farewell, Sri Lanka!

As your adventure comes to an end, you'll leave with a heart full of memories from this enchanting paradise. We hope you've enjoyed every moment of your Wildlife Holiday in Sri Lanka!

Travel: Drive to airport (duration based on location)

Things to Do:

Departure with cherished memories of Sri Lanka.

 

 

Package Inclusions:

Half Board & Selective Restaurant Lunches – Enjoy delicious meals, including local Sri Lankan cuisine, at handpicked restaurants and hotels (Lunch not mandatory).

Private Transport – Comfortable private vehicle with an experienced guide lecturer for seamless travel.

National Park & Nature Reserve Fees:

  • Yala, Minneriya, Udawalawe– Entrance & 4x4 vehicle
  • Horton Plains Entrance & 4x4 Vehicle

Scenic Hiking & Outdoor Adventures:

  • Udawattakele Entrance & Hike
  • Horton Plains Exploration

Boat Safari & Water Experiences:

  • Muthurajawela Entrance & Guided Boat Safari
  • Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride for Birdwatching

Cultural & Heritage Experiences:

  • Kandy Temple of the Tooth Entrance
  • Dambulla Cave Temple Entrance
  • Tuk-Tuk Ride Around Kandy Lake

Special Dining Experiences:

  • Special Kandy Lunch
  • Beachfront Seafood Lunch

Wildlife Encounters – Opportunities to see elephants, leopards, and other exotic wildlife.

Cold Water Supply Throughout the Tour – Stay refreshed at all times.

Cold Towel After Every Activity – A refreshing touch after outdoor experiences.

Airport Transfers & Extended Drop-off – Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off OR drop-off at an extended destination of your choice. 


 

Book your tour!

Join us at Avanti Trails for a wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka that you will cherish forever!