12-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife Explorer Tour

Arrival in Sri Lanka – Arrival in Katunayake

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, where a friendly Tripitsu team member will greet you with a warm welcome. 

• Check-in to your Colombo hotel
• Guided city tour covering:
  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque – A vibrant red-and-white architectural gem
  • Pettah Market – Bustling local market for spices, clothes & souvenirs
  • Lotus Tower – Iconic modern landmark with panoramic views
  • Galle Face Green – Oceanfront promenade perfect for street food and sunset

Overnight: Colombo

Colombo to Sigiriya

• Early breakfast and drive to Sigiriya (approx. 4.5 hrs)
• Afternoon visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • A 5th-century palace atop a monolithic rock with frescoes, lion paw entrance, and royal gardens
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

Optional: Explore village life via bullock cart rides or lake canoeing

Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana

Minneriya National Park Safari

• Morning jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
  • Home to the “Elephant Gathering” – hundreds of elephants by the reservoir (seasonal: July–Oct)
  • Also spot deer, wild buffalo, toque macaques, and over 160 bird species
• Afternoon visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
  • 2,000+ year-old cave complex with Buddha statues and mural paintings
• Drive to Kandy (approx. 2.5 hrs)

Overnight: Kandy

Explore Kandy

• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka
• Stroll around Kandy Lake
• Optional: Kandyan cultural dance performance in the evening
• Visit Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya (if time permits)

Overnight: Kandy

Scenic Train to Ella

• Transfer to Nuwara Eliya and board the train to Ella – one of the world's most scenic train rides
  • Pass tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty hills
• Arrive in Ella and relax

Overnight: Ella

Udawalawe National Park Safari

• Early morning drive to Udawalawe National Park (approx. 2.5 hrs)
• Jeep safari to spot:
  • Large herds of elephants
  • Crocodiles, water buffalo, sambar deer, and vibrant birdlife
• Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (optional) to see baby elephants being cared for before release

Overnight: Ella / Udawalawe area

Yala National Park

• Transfer to Yala National Park (approx. 2.5 hrs)
• Afternoon or sunset jeep safari in Block 1 of Yala
  • Renowned for leopard sightings
  • Also home to sloth bears, elephants, jackals, wild boar, and crocodiles

Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama

Full-Day Safari in Yala

• Full-day safari with picnic lunch inside the park
• Explore various ecosystems: dry monsoon forest, wetlands, scrub jungle
• Perfect day for photographers and wildlife lovers

Overnight: Yala / Tissamaharama

Drive to Mirissa

• Scenic drive to the southern coast (approx. 3.5 hrs)
• En route stop at:
  • Weligama Stilt Fishermen
• Check into your beachfront resort in Mirissa

Overnight: Mirissa

Whale Watching & Beach Leisure

• Early morning whale watching tour from Mirissa Harbour
  • Spot blue whales, sperm whales, and spinner dolphins (seasonal: Nov–Apr)
• Rest of the day at leisure:
  • Surfing, beach yoga, or spa treatments
  • Optional visit to Coconut Tree Hill or Parrot Rock

Overnight: Mirissa

Galle Day Trip

• Drive to Galle Fort (approx. 1.5 hrs)
  • Explore Dutch colonial architecture, quaint streets, cafés, and museums
• Visit Galle Lighthouse
• Afternoon at Mahamodara Turtle Hatchery
  • Learn about sea turtle conservation and help release hatchlings into the ocean

Overnight: Galle / Mirissa

Return to Colombo & Departure

• Morning drive to Colombo (approx. 2–2.5 hrs)
• Optional shopping at Odel, Barefoot Gallery, or Independence Arcade
• Transfer to airport for your departure flight