Wild Sri Lanka
Overview
A nature-focused journey for travellers who want wildlife, landscapes and outdoor experiences.
Day 1 is the arrival day and the final day is the departure day. Depending on international flight times, additional sightseeing can be added on either of these days.
Itinerary
Arrive and rest near the airport before heading into the island's wilder interior.
Overnight Stay: NegomboHighlights:
- - Rest, orientation
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Muthurajawela wetland boat tour (birdlife)
- - Beach walk
Head into the dry zone for an afternoon safari among the large wild elephant herds that gather at Minneriya or Kaudulla, depending on season.
Overnight Stay: HabaranaHighlights:
- - Afternoon safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (wild elephant herds)
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Hurulu Eco Park
- - Ritigala forest monastery
- - Village bullock cart ride
An early climb up Sigiriya Rock beats the heat and crowds, followed by the cave temple complex at Dambulla.
Overnight Stay: Habarana or SigiriyaHighlights:
- - Sunrise Sigiriya Rock climb
- - Dambulla Cave Temple
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Pidurangala Rock
- - Sigiriya Museum
- - Popham's Arboretum
A scenic transfer through Kandy and into the hills, gaining altitude and cooler air as tea country opens up.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara EliyaHighlights:
- - Transfer via Kandy
- - Hill-country scenery
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- - Brief Kandy Lake stop
- - Tea factory visit
A full day in Horton Plains, walking the loop trail to World's End escarpment and Baker's Falls through cloud forest and grassland.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara EliyaHighlights:
- - Horton Plains National Park hike to World's End and Baker's Falls
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Hakgala Botanical Garden
- - Gregory Lake
- - Pedro Tea Estate
Ride the scenic railway down into Ella and spend the afternoon on short hikes with sweeping valley views.
Overnight Stay: EllaHighlights:
- - Scenic train
- - Little Adam's Peak
- - Nine Arches Bridge
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Ella Rock hike
- - Ravana Falls
- - Lipton's Seat (extended visit)
A morning safari in Udawalawe offers reliable elephant sightings before the transfer toward Colombo for departure.
Highlights:
- - Morning safari in Udawalawe National Park (elephants)
- - Transfer toward Colombo
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Elephant Transit Home
- - Second short game drive — subject to flight time