Wildlife Safari in Sri Lanka

The island country of Sri Lanka, like a tear dropping into the Indian Ocean, is home to a variety of species including the elusive leopard, gentle elephant, and exotic birds. From Kitulgala rain forest and Horton Plain to Yala National Park and Mirissa, Wildlife Adventure in Sri Lanka will bring you into a fascinating world of wildlife.

Once you arrive at the airport in Colombo, your private chauffeur guide will escort you to Kitulgala, the perfect place to start your wildlife adventure.

Kitulgala is a rainforest patch, home to different species of birds. This morning, you will climb into a dugout canoe across the Kelani River and then alight for a nature trek through the rainforest. The crisp and sweet birdsong will lead you to find the endemic Orange-billed babbler, Chestnut-backed owlet, Green-billed coucal, and so on. Apart from birdlife, you will also discover the rich ecosystem of trees, flowers, insects, and butterflies.

Adrenaline junkies can alternatively join in active white-water rafting. The Kelani River is wide at Kitulgala, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids, is for anyone above the age of 10 years including the beginners. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, thrillingly ride down the picturesque river, challenge yourself with one rapid zone after another.

After a leisurely breakfast, leave the rain forest behind and move on to Nuwara Eliya in the misty hills of central Sri Lanka.

Along the way, you will stop for sightseeing at the roaring Devon and St. Clair Falls, as well as touring around a tea factory and a stroll at Victoria Park.

There are so many places to visit in Nuwara Eliya in addition to the tea plantations. Among these, the UNESCO-listed Horton Plains National Park should be the top for natural lovers. To fully enjoy Horton Plains, be sure to start your hike in the park at dawn. As you reach the World's End where the plateau comes to a sudden end, treat yourself to a hearty picnic breakfast amid gorgeous scenery. Along your way through the vast open landscape and lush forest, look out for the monkeys, lizards, and deer that roam freely.

After hiking, head toward Udawalawe for an overnight stay.

Jump in a jeep and enjoy a morning safari inside Udawalawe National Park. There are over 500 elephants within this nearly 120 square miles of land. This means that you are guaranteed to observe tons of wild elephants, even babies too. Other than these giant guys, you will also see water buffalo, crocodiles, lizards, etc.

When the safari finished, it's time to move on to Yala. Unload your package at the lodge and go on to Yala National Park in search of its elusive leopards. The high density of the leopard population within the parkland makes sightings - although not guaranteed - a regular occurrence.

Stretching from the inland jungles to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Yala has a wide variety of ecosystems that provides a home to many other animals and birds besides leopards.

Continue exploring the park on a full-day safari. Passing through the grassy plains and along the lagoons to the jungles, you are potential to spot elephant families roaming in the open plain, cute monkeys playing amidst the woods, fierce crocodiles dozing off under the water, and magnificent leopards lounging on the huge granite boulders, etc.

At noon, you can enjoy picnic lunch under an abundant foliage or by the beach.

Take the morning free at leisure.

In the afternoon, you will head to the seaside town of Mirissa, about 2 hours away from Yala. Putting down the package upon arrival, feel free to enjoy fresh coconuts in your hammock or hang out along the beachside restaurants for delicious food.

Mirissa is well known as the destination for whale watching. Wake up early and venture into the deep blue sea in search of them, as well as groups of dolphins and turtles. If lucky, you may even spot a big blue whale - the largest animal on the planet!

Return to the hotel for refresh up and then proceed to Bentota, the last destination in Sri Lanka.

With a beautiful beach, a tropical lagoon, and a major river, Bentota offers various beach activities and water sports. Today is yours to enjoy what sports you like, or simply sun on the beach overlooking the vast Indian Ocean.

The Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project, about a 13-minute drive from Bentota, is run by volunteers, aiming to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates. Turtle lovers can come here and get an educational tour, learning more about different types of turtles that are found around Sri Lanka.

Adventure in Sri Lanka will come to an end today. Your private driver will escort you to the airport in time. Bid farewell to this island country and board your flight back home.