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.

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