This 16 day private tour itinerary has been specially designed to allow you to observe and learn about the wild elephants of Sri Lanka. Along the way you’ll take in a diverse range of landscapes and Sri Lankan wildlife through safaris and nature-based activities such as guided walks. Created for wildlife enthusiasts who value in-depth experience, the itinerary is also ideal for families wanting to travel in Sri Lanka with a nature/learning focus. Interspersed are cultural highlights and of course unique accommodation which showcases natural, delightful Sri Lankan hospitality.
Wildlife enthusiasts and families wanting to discover Sri Lanka's wildlife, national parks and unique nature related experiences.
Welcome to Colombo. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation set on a private coconut estate, a journey of around an hour from the airport.Unwind and spend the remainder of your day at leisure
Discover rural Sri Lanka today. You will have many activities to choose from including going on a bullock cart around the estate with a visit to an organic farm or cycling or walking to explore the surrounding village and observe the daily lives of people.
Depart to Wilpattu National Park today on a journey of around two and a half hours. This is the largest and the oldest national park in Sri Lanka,popular due to the high prevalence of Sri Lankan leopards. Its unique setting with sand-rimmed natural lakes and diverse wildlife makes it furthermore attractive. Your tented upmarket accommodation here is situated close to the National Park. Be ready to go on a jeep safari this afternoon with the in-house naturalist.
Embark on early morning and afternoon jeep safaris with your naturalist today. Wilpattu National Park being large and diverse offers a lot on safaris. Mornings are the best times to see arrange of birds including water birds who are active on the many ‘villus’ meaning ponds. Afternoon safaris are a great way to enjoy the quietness of nature and beautiful landscape although later in the afternoon the forest comes alive. The park’s most sought after animals, leopards and sloth bears tend to surprisingly appear both in the mornings and late afternoons. Best to be camera ready at all times.
Rise early this morning for your final game drive into Wilpattu National Park with the in- house naturalist. Return to your accommodation, refresh and drive to Sigiriya in the area best known as the cultural triangle. Your journey will take around three and a half hours. Enjoy your boutique accommodation in Sigiriya for the remainder of your day.
Rise early this morning to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO Heritage site. This colossal Rock Fortress, also known as ‘Lion Rock’, is possibly Sri Lanka’s best-known attraction and one of its biggest drawcards. This afternoon you will embark on a game drive into Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. Both parks are famous for observing elephants in their natural habitat and encountering these giants at close range is an unforgettable experience. As the Elephant herds migrate between both parks, your driver- guide will check with the Department of Wildlife and suggest which park to visit depending on the movement of the elephants on the day.
Depart to Gal Oya this morning on a journey of around 4 hours. Gal Oya National Park is one of the most untouched and least visited of all of Sri Lanka’s national parks. It serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, a large manmade tank which is Sri Lanka's largest water body.The Park is home to about thirty-two species of mammals including some endemic species. Your accommodation is at a unique eco lodge. The lodge offers a number of activities including nature walks with the in-house naturalists, should these interest you for the rest of the afternoon.
Rise early this morning to go on a boat safari, a magical experience in the Senanayake Samudraya with your in-house naturalist in search of swimming elephants. This large manmade reservoir consists of number of rocky little islands. Elephants enjoy swimming between them and reaching different areas of the park. Boat safaris are also a great way to get close up sightings of other animals who enjoy water and plenty of sunshine including crocodiles and birds. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the lodge before heading on a jeep safari into Gal Oya National Park.
Depart to Ella this morning, a journey around 3 hours. Ella is located in the highlands of Sri Lanka where the air is cooler, vegetation is lush, and fruits grow aplenty in a pleasant hill climate. This is one of the country’s prime hiking destinations, yet at the same time is the perfect spot to simply unwind for a couple of days. Your accommodation in Ella is a stylishly refurbished, luxury tea bungalow majestically perched on a tea-fringed hill just outside Ella town. Be at leisure upon arrival
This morning a guided tea plantation tour will teach you about the age-old tea making process. Enjoy the rest of the day by immersing yourself on the verdant surroundings or visit Sri Lanka’s longest covered wooden bridge, swim in pristine waterfalls and picnic in private locations handpicked for heart stopping scenery.
Depart to Udawalawe. Your journey will be approximately two hours. Rich in wildlife, Udawalawe National Park provides a home to a large number of animal species. It is well known for Sri Lankan elephants where elephant sightings are all but guaranteed. This afternoon go on a jeep safari with your naturalist. Your tented accommodation is located on the eastern border of the national Park surrounded by wildlife.
Rise early this morning to go on a jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park with your naturalist. Return to your accommodation and be at leisure. A nature walk around the property with your naturalist is scheduled for this evening. Situated on the eastern border, there are exciting encounters from intrusions from wild elephants to an array of birds and smaller mammals. Taking an hour or more on a gentle nature walk will give you some amazing opportunities to emerge yourself in the surrounding nature including panoramic views of Udawalawe National Park
Depart to Mirissa this morning, a journey of 2 hours. En route visit the Elephant transit home. Established in 1995 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation Elephant transit home provides care and rehabilitation to young elephant calves so that they can be reintroduced as fit and healthy young elephants back into the National Parks of Sri Lanka. Arrive in Mirissa, check in to your accommodation and be at leisure. Your accommodation in Mirissa is a boutique hotel with a stunning ocean front.
Today is all about leisure. Mirissa a wonderfully picturesque beach town, is an ideal location to enjoy a multitude of water sports. It is also a hotspot for whale and dolphin watching plus there is are some quirky restaurants and places to hang around enjoying the sun and the sand
Today depart to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Galle on an hour drive. Galle Fortis considered to be the best example of a fortified city in south and southeast Asia. One of the most remarkable things about Galle Fort is that it is a living monument - families that have lived here for generations continue to inhabit the fortified streets and here’s your chance to experience the same.Discover the many faces of Galle with your driver-guide. He will help you to find a way to look beyond the touristy facade and discover the Fort’s true nature. Return to your accommodation in Mirissa later this evening.
Today drive to Colombo's International airport for your departure flight, a journey of around two and a half hours on the southern expressway.
All services were first class.’’
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Additional inclusions may vary from private tour to private tour. A full list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each individual enquiry/quote.