Wildlife of Sri Lanka touring holiday
On this 9 night 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 - Arrival in Colombo
On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be driven by your English-speaking naturalist chauffeur guide in an air-conditioned vehicle (approximately 1 hour drive) to Tintagel for one night.
Paradise Road - Tintagel
Day 2 - Colombo to Weligama Bay
After breakfast, head south along the coast road to Galle (approximately 3 hours drive). Take a walk around the Dutch Fort (UNESCO world heritage site) then continue to Weligama Bay Resort in Weligama (approximately 45 minutes drive) where you will stay for three nights.
Weligama Bay Resort
Days 3 and 4 - Weligama Bay
In the mornings, drive with your naturalist to Mirissa and embark upon your ocean journey in a spacious and comfortable boat. Look out for blue whales, spinner dolphins and sperm whales. In the afternoons, relax by the beach.
Day 5 - Weligama to Yala
After breakfast, head eastwards to your luxury tented camp or stay at Yala Village hotel where you will stay for three nights (approximately 3.5 hours drive).
Yala Village Hotel
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 drive) where you will stay for one night at the Frangipani Tree. In season, sea turtles return to the beach here to lay their eggs.
The Frangipani Tree
Day 9 - Thalpe to Negombo
Depart for Negombo (approximately 4 hours drive) for a relaxing afternoon and evening at the Jetwing Beach.
The Jetwing Beach Hotel
Day 10 – Departure from Colombo
Transfer to the airport for your departure (approximately 20 minutes drive).
Prices from about £2335 per person for the above tour including scheduled return flights in economy class with Sri Lankan Airways London to Colombo, a car with English-speaking chauffeur guide, entrance fees and sightseeing as specified, accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis (unless otherwise specified).
Prices of this holiday will be tailor-made for you. Please call one of our specialist sales consultants who will help you. All our touring holidays can be adapted in any way, by adding or reducing nights or changing our suggested hotels for any others in the area. In all cases you are met on arrival at Colombo airport by your personal English-speaking chauffeur guide who will accompany you on your journey around the island. We can include a Mark II car, a Japanese car or a Mercedes, at varying costs. Entrance fees for places you want to visit will be included in your holiday price. Bed and breakfast will be included with dinners as specified at some hotels or half-board can be added at a supplement. All these details will be specified by your sales consultant.