Whales, Elephants and Leopards wildlife touring holiday of Sri Lanka
9 nights/10 days
On this wildlife tour, experience the wealth of nature that Sri Lanka has to offer and go in search of its Big Five – the blue whale, sperm whale, Asian elephant, leopard and sloth bear. Please note that this is a seasonal tour running throughout the whale-watching season from December to April.
Day 1 Arrive Colombo
You will be met on arrival and driven by your English-speaking chauffeur guide who will accompany you throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Drive to the private boutique hotel Paradise Road Tintagel (approximately 1 hour drive) for one night.
Day 2 Colombo to Weligama Bay
After breakfast, head south along the coast road to Galle (approximately 3 hours). Take a walk around the Dutch Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its myriad narrow streets within the city walls. Then continue to Weligama Bay Resort with its breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean in Weligama (approximately 45 minutes) to stay for three nights.
Days 3 and 4 Weligama Bay
In the mornings, drive with your naturalist to Mirissa and embark on a sea journey in a spacious and comfortable boat. Look out for blue whales, spinner dolphins and sperm whales. In the afternoons, relax by the beach or enjoy an aromatherapy or traditional Ayurvedic treatment at the resort’s Bawana Spa.
Day 5 Weligama to Yala
After breakfast, head eastwards to Chaaya Wild hotel or stay in a luxury tented camp as an alternative for three nights (approximately 3.5 hours). This nature resort is located in ten acres of jungle bordering the entrance of Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean. A variety of wild animals are seen in the grounds, such as monkeys, wild boar and the occasional elephant.
Days 6 and 7 Yala National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Yala National Park. Yala offers one of the best chances in Asia to see leopards. Other large animals you may see include elephant, sloth bear, mugger crocodile, wild buffalo, grey langur monkey and mongoose. Birding highlights include the Malabar pied hornbill, painted stork, lesser adjutant and black-necked stork.
Day 8 Yala to Thalpe (near Galle)
After breakfast, leave to travel along the coast to Thalpe (approximately 4 to 5 hours) for one night at the Frangipani Tree on a secluded stretch of sandy beach. In season, sea turtles return to the beach here to lay their eggs.
Day 9 Thalpe to Negombo
Depart for Negombo (approximately 4 hours drive) for a relaxing afternoon and evening at the Jetwing Beach. Negombo, set amid lush groves of coconut palms, breathes the spirit of the sea. The town itself shows its interesting colonial past with many historical buildings.
Day 10 Departure from Colombo
Transfer to the airport for your departure (approximately 20 minutes drive).
Prices from £2350 per person
OUR PRICE INCLUDES
• Return scheduled flights with British Airways or Sri Lankan Airlines to Colombo in economy class
• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
• Private English-speaking chauffeur-guide in an air-conditioned Japanese car throughout the itinerary
• Entrance fees to the monuments listed above
• Whale-watching and safari trips as listed above
OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE
• Visas
• Meals, except as specified above
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
• Camera fees where applicable
• Insurance
HOTEL LIST FOR THE ABOVE ITINERARY
Colombo, Paradise Road Tintagel, this is a unique and private boutique hotel in the heart of Colombo’s most elite neighbourhood. There are 10 individually designed suites, a large lounge, bar and restaurant overlooking a small tropical garden (Executive Suite)
Weligama, Weligama Bay Resort, on a sandy beach in the middle of Weligama Bay, this newly built boutique hotel has 24 individually designed bedrooms, spa restaurant and swimming pool (Superior Room)
Yala National Park, Chaaya Wild Hotel, a nature resort hotel in ten acres of jungle bordering the national park and Indian Ocean. There are 61 comfortable, air-conditioned chalets (Jungle Chalet)
Thalpe, The Frangipani Tree, a collection of exquisitely furnished suite-villas on a sandy beach near to Galle. There is a pool, tennis court, beach spa and gourmet kitchen service (Olive Ridley Suite)
Negombo, Jetwing Beach, the cool, contemporary architecture complements a charming stretch of beach. There is a lovely spa, great restaurant and a choice of water sports (Deluxe Room)