Wildlife & Nature Expedition – 15 Days in Sri Lanka

National parks, eco-experiences, birding
Best for: Nature lovers & wildlife photographers

🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Leisure Evening

• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.

• Warm welcome and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.

• Relax after your flight or enjoy a peaceful walk along Galle Face Green.

• Optional: Visit the Colombo Lotus Tower or enjoy a sunset cocktail by the beach.

• Overnight: Colombo

🐾 Day 2: Colombo to Wilpattu National Park – Evening Safari

• Early breakfast and scenic drive to Wilpattu National Park (approx. 4–5 hrs).

• Check-in at a safari lodge near the park.

• Evening jeep safari in Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park.

• Spot leopards, sloth bears, deer, and water birds in natural lakes (villus).

• Overnight: Wilpattu

🦅 Day 3: Morning Safari & Transfer to Anuradhapura

• Early morning safari in Wilpattu for optimal wildlife viewing.

• After breakfast, transfer to Anuradhapura (1.5 hrs).

• Brief historical city tour: visit Ruwanwelisaya, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Isurumuniya.

• Capture the harmony of ancient ruins surrounded by lush greenery.

• Overnight: Anuradhapura

🐘 Day 4: Minneriya National Park – The Elephant Gathering

• Transfer to Habarana/Sigiriya region.

• Afternoon safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.

• Witness the famous elephant gathering (best between July–October).

• Ideal for wildlife photography with large herds in open plains.

• Overnight: Sigiriya or Habarana

🏯 Day 5: Sigiriya Rock & Nature Walk

• Early morning climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

• Explore frescoes, water gardens, and stunning panoramic views.

• Afternoon nature walk around Sigiriya Sanctuary or Habarana forest.

• Optional: visit a local village for a nature trail and canoe ride.

• Overnight: Sigiriya

🌿 Day 6: Transfer to Wasgamuwa – Night Nature Walk

• Scenic drive to Wasgamuwa National Park (approx. 3–4 hrs).

• Settle into an eco-lodge by the park border.

• Evening night nature walk for nocturnal species and sounds of the forest.

• Focus on amphibians, owls, civets, and insects.

• Overnight: Wasgamuwa

👣 Day 7: Morning Safari & Mahiyanganaya Tribal Visit

• Early morning safari in Wasgamuwa – look for elephants, wild buffalo, and endemic birds.

• After breakfast, drive to Mahiyanganaya (approx. 2 hrs).

• Cultural experience with the indigenous Vedda community.

• Learn about their forest-based lifestyle and ancient hunting techniques.

• Overnight: Mahiyanganaya

🏞️ Day 8: Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

• Transfer to the Knuckles Conservation Area (2.5–3 hrs).

• Begin your trekking expedition with a local naturalist guide.

• Explore cloud forests, rare plants, waterfalls, and endemic birdlife.

• Stay in a mountain eco-camp or homestay in the village.

• Overnight: Knuckles

🌸 Day 9: Knuckles to Kandy – Botanical Garden & River Walk

• Morning drive to Kandy (approx. 2.5 hrs).

• Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya – a paradise for plant lovers.

• Enjoy a riverside walk along the Mahaweli River.

• Evening leisure in the city or watch a traditional dance show.

• Overnight: Kandy

🌄 Day 10: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains Trek

• Drive to Nuwara Eliya via lush tea plantations (approx. 2.5 hrs).

• Visit a tea factory en route for tasting and photography.

• Afternoon visit to Horton Plains National Park (if time permits) or prepare for next day trek.

• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

🌳 Day 11: Horton Plains & World’s End Hike – Transfer to Ella

• Early morning trek at Horton Plains, visit Baker’s Falls and World’s End.

• Excellent for wildlife spotting: sambar deer, highland birds, and unique flora.

• Continue the journey to Ella through scenic hills (approx. 3 hrs).

• Overnight: Ella

🧗 Day 12: Ella Exploration – Little Adam’s Peak & Ravana Falls

• Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak – easy and rewarding.

• Visit Ravana Falls and enjoy some free time in Ella town.

• Optional: Ziplining or a visit to a spice garden.

• Overnight: Ella

🐘 Day 13: Ella to Udawalawe – Elephant Transit Home

• Drive to Udawalawe (approx. 2.5 hrs).

• Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary for orphaned elephant calves.

• Evening safari in Udawalawe National Park – known for its wild elephants, eagles, and crocs.

• Overnight: Udawalawe

🐦 Day 14: Bundala Bird Sanctuary – Drive to Mirissa

• Morning safari in Bundala National Park, a Ramsar wetland site.

• Excellent for birdwatching: flamingos, spoonbills, bee-eaters, and more.

• Continue drive to Mirissa (approx. 3.5 hrs).

• Relax by the beach or enjoy a sunset drink.

• Overnight: Mirissa

🐋 Day 15: Whale Watching & Departure via Colombo

• Early morning whale-watching cruise off the coast of Mirissa.

• Spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins (seasonal: Nov–Apr best).

• Return to Colombo (approx. 3–4 hrs).

• Optional shopping or rest before transfer to the airport for departure.

• Departure: Bandaranaike International Airport

🌿 Optional Add-ons:

• Bird Photography Workshops with local experts.

• Treehouse or Glamping stays near national parks.

• Nature documentary-style photo tours upon request.