Tropical Wildlife & Nature Quest – 12 Days

National parks, wildlife safaris, and nature walks

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Relax in Negombo

• Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport.

• Transfer to Negombo (approx. 30 mins).

• Check-in at a beachfront hotel.

• Enjoy a relaxing evening walk along the Negombo beach.

• Optional: Lagoon boat ride or visit to St. Mary’s Church.

Overnight: Negombo

Day 2: Negombo to Wilpattu – Evening Safari

• After breakfast, travel to Wilpattu National Park (approx. 4.5 hrs).

• Check-in to a nature lodge or tented safari camp.

• Late afternoon jeep safari in Wilpattu – famous for elusive leopards, sloth bears, and spotted deer.

• Dinner by the campfire.

Overnight: Wilpattu

Day 3: Morning Safari – Transfer to Sigiriya

• Early morning safari in Wilpattu for birdwatching and sunrise photography.

• Breakfast at the lodge and drive to Sigiriya (approx. 3 hrs).

• Optional en route stop at Kala Wewa Reservoir or Avukana Buddha Statue.

• Check-in and relax at an eco-resort in Sigiriya.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 4: Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Eco Village Experience

• Early climb of the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

• Return for breakfast and rest.

• Afternoon village tour with bullock cart ride, traditional lunch, and a catamaran ride across the lake.

• Learn about local agriculture and rural lifestyle.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 5: Safari in Minneriya National Park

• Morning leisure or optional cycling through local villages.

• Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park – famous for “The Gathering” of wild elephants.

• Return to hotel and enjoy a local cultural dance show (optional).

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 6: Dambulla Cave Temple – Transfer to Kandy via Spice Garden

• Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple – a World Heritage Site with Buddhist murals and statues.

• En route stop at a spice and herbal garden in Matale.

• Arrive in Kandy and check-in to a lakeside hotel.

Overnight: Kandy

Day 7: Udawattekele Forest Walk – Temple of the Tooth

• Early morning guided nature walk in Udawattekele Forest Reserve – spot birds and endemic flora.

• Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and explore the Kandy city and lake surroundings.

• Evening cultural show with Kandyan dance.

Overnight: Kandy

Day 8: Scenic Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Estate Tour

• Board the scenic train to Nanu Oya from Kandy or Peradeniya.

• Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”.

• Check-in and afternoon visit to a tea plantation and factory to witness the tea-making process.

• Walk through Gregory Lake Park.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe – Elephant Transit Home

• Depart for Udawalawe via scenic southern hills (approx. 4 hrs).

• En route stop at Rawana Falls (optional).

• Visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe to witness orphaned baby elephants during feeding time.

• Relax at a safari lodge near the park.

Overnight: Udawalawe

Day 10: Morning Safari in Udawalawe National Park

• Early morning jeep safari in Udawalawe – see wild elephants, crocodiles, eagles, and other wildlife.

• Return for breakfast and leisure at the lodge.

• Optional: Afternoon village walk or lake exploration.

Overnight: Udawalawe

Day 11: Transfer to Colombo via Galle – City Tour

• After breakfast, drive to Galle (approx. 3 hrs).

• Walk around Galle Fort – visit lighthouse, ramparts, and colonial-era buildings.

• Continue to Colombo (approx. 2.5 hrs).

• Evening Colombo city tour – Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and Galle Face Green.

Overnight: Colombo

Day 12: Departure

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure based on flight schedule.

• Optional souvenir shopping or a spa session before departure if time permits.