12-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour

See Wild Elephants, Leopards, Birds, and Whales in Sri Lanka

This 12-day itinerary includes the essence of nature and culture in Sri Lanka. During the trip, you would not only be able to see over a hundred species of birds and mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, but also experience the most famous natural wonders and landmarks of Sri Lanka. You would have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local religious customs and truly experience Sri Lankan cultural charm.

The sample itinerary below is only one version of the possibilities. Get involved and share your thoughts with us to make your journey unique. We will create your dream itinerary.

  • Days:12±
  • Best for: First-timers & Wildlife enthusiasts
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price: US$2,969 each (2 per room)*

*The price is based on a private tour for 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$240/person/day

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Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Spot leopards and elephants during Jeep safaris in three different National Parks.

leopards

Climb the world-famous landmark of Sri Lanka — Sigiriya Lion Rock.

Sigiriya

Navigate through the adrenaline-pumping white-water rapids of the Kelani River.

white-water rafting

Search for Sri Lanka's endemic bird species in Kitulgala.

bird

Trek through Horton Plains to witness diverse landscapes and rich wildlife.

Horton Plains

Experience the ultimate Safari adventure with all-inclusive Yala Safari Camping.

Yala Safari Camping

Engage in morning whale watching in Mirrisa to witness incredible Ocean creatures.

whale watching

Take a peaceful and relaxing lagoon Safari at sunset.

lagoon Safari

Tour Map (Suggested Route)

map

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Normally a full-day guided tour starts from 9 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m. However, your preferences would design the real journey. The days, stops, and travel pace can be adjusted. We're ready to create a unique Sri Lanka trip for you.

Day 1
Arrive in Colombo, transfer to Anuradhapura

Our chauffeur-guide will meet you at the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel in Anuradhapura. The driving time is about 3½ hours.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at the hotel relaxing and decompressing from your long flight.

Day 2
Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour

Explore Anuradhapura's rich heritage with visits to Vessagiriya, Isurumuniya, Ranmasu Uyana, Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanweliseya, and Mihintale. These ancient sites offer insight into Sri Lanka's historical and spiritual roots.

Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura ancient city
Day 3
Anuradhapura to Sigiriya — Morning Jeep Safari at Wilpattu National Park
  • The morning safari time is 6–10am. Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. You will have the chance to see leopards, deer, various birds, and other animals.
  • Visit a typical rural village on the way to Sigiriya. Embarking on a scenic boat ride on a serene lake and enjoying a cup of herbal tea, you will be immersed in the local life.
Wilpattu National Park
Ceylon Deer in Wilpattu National Park
Day 4
Lion Rock and Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
  • Take another morning safari in Minneriya National Park. Minneriya National Park Safari is the best for watching the world's largest wild Asian elephant gathering!
  • In the afternoon, gaze upon Sigiriya Lion rock, a World Heritage site inscribed by UNESCO in 1982. Your guide will tell you the interesting stories and legends relating to this magnificent rock.
Sigiriya Lion rock
Sigiriya Lion rockRural village
Day 5
Sigiriya to Kitulgala, White-Water Rafting
  • Drive to Kitulgala for more adventure. Kitulgala is small town situated on the Kelani River only a few hours east of Colombo. It is the best spot in Sri Lanka for adventure sports.
  • You will experience white-water rafting in the afternoon. The rafting trip includes a range of different rapids interspersed with leisurely drifting and even some swimming opportunities.
hite-Water Rafting
White-Water Rafting on Kelani River
Day 6
Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya, Bird Watching in a Forest
  • Bird watching in Kithulgala is one of the main interests of nature lovers in Sri Lanka. You would see many of the country's endemic bird species, such as the Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler and chestnut-backed owlet, as well as reptiles such as the green pit viper and earless lizard and a variety of butterflies.
  • Stay overnight at Nuwara Eliya.
Bird Watching
Bird Watching
Day 7
Horton Plains Trekking and Tea Plantation Tour
  • Get up early, as it is advisable to arrive in Horton Plains before 7:00 a.m., and get to Word's End before 10:00 a.m. (Generally it's foggy after 10:00 a.m.) Discover an array of natural wonders at Horton Plains National Park, where cascading waterfalls, sprawling grasslands, lush forests, and captivating wildlife await.
  • Go to a Tea Factory in the afternoon. Visitors to the estate can partake in a guided tour exploring the tea-making process from plucking to packaging, enjoy tea tasting sessions, and experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding plantations.
picking the tea leaves
Woman is picking the tea leaves
Day 8
Nuwara Eliya to Yala — Evening Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
  • You will be transferred to Yala in the morning, about a 3½-hour drive.
  • After lunch, you will be picked up at 2:00pm and enter Yala National Park to do evening safari. Animals awake after their noon naps around then, and you will then have the best hopes of seeing leopards, elephants, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Patanagalla Beach or Manik River will be our rest stop before we hit the road again. About 6:30pm, you will return to camp inside the national park. You will have a BBQ dinner at the luxury camping site.
 Yala safari Dinner
Dinner at the luxury camping
Day 9
Yala to Galle — Morning Safari and Pottery Making
  • Start the safari at 6:00am, the best time to see leopards and elephants walking around to get their breakfast. As our Jeep roams across the land, you will see lots of wildlife in their pristine natural conditions.
  • Try pottery making in Tissamaharama after lunch. This experience will give you an insight to the artisanal industry of pottery, which traditionally is passed down from father to son.
Pottery Making
Pottery Making
Day 10
Highlights of Galle
  • Witness the exploration-era Galle Dutch Fort in the morning. The captivating historical site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past and showcases a fusion of European and Asian cultures.
  • Following this, you will watch the stilt fishermen of Koggala. Observe fishermen at sea, precariously perched on a wooden stilt sunk deep into the seabed.
  • Later in the afternoon, go to a Sea Turtle Conservation Centre to witness baby turtles being released into the ocean after 6.00pm, once the sky gets dark and the water is safer for them.
Stilt Fishing
Stilt Fishing
Day 11
Lake Safari and Whale-Watching in Mirissa
  • Transfer to the pier before 7:00am and sail off onto the ocean. If you are lucky, you will spot blue whales, Bryde's whales, sperm whales, killer whales, dolphins, and turtles on the 3-hour sailing safari.
  • Go on a lagoon safari in the afternoon. Embark on a magical catamaran ride, drifting across the serene lagoon, as you journey towards a captivating island. The whole trip is a tranquil experience in which you will be amazed by the sunset view and wildlife.
Whale Watching
Whale Watching in Mirissa
Day 14
Departure

Say goodbye to enchanting Sri Lanka. Your guide will accompany you to Colombo to board your flight back home or onward.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

The Sanctuary at Tissawewa
Garden-style Hotel in Anuradhapura
Sigiriya Rock View in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock View Hotel in Sigiriya
Central located hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Central located hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Palmstone Retreat
Mountain Retreat Hotel in Kitulgala
Radisson Blu Resort Galle
Hotel with Private Beach in Galle

Tour Price:

12 days from
US$2,969 p/p(with 4-star hotel options)
  • The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
  • The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
  • We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
  • The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
  • We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

  • Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
  • English-speaking local chauffeur-guide for the sightseeing
  • Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
  • Accommodation for all nights
  • Flights/trains between itinerary cities
  • Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
  • 24/7 helpline while touring
  • Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

  • International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
  • Visa fee, if applicable
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-lk-5

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