Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s wildlife is as varied as the island itself, Sri Lanka is second to none in terms of its biodiversity and can be considered the best for big game safaris outside the African continent. Sri Lanka’s Big Five. leopard, elephant, sloth bear, blue whale, and sperm whale – are known as the country’s great wildlife attractions. These species are just some of the country’s plethora of wild species of fauna. With 12% of the country designated for wildlife protection, it is easy to get a taste of Sri Lankan wildlife: safari parks and sanctuaries, particularly in the southern and central zones, offer the easiest way to see animals in their natural habitat. Stay alert for a sighting of the endangered leopard; take your time as you watch the elephants feeding and washing in a tank or lagoon, or walk quietly along the beaches of the west and south coast near to marine turtles as they lay their eggs.

Trip Highlights

Wilpattu National Park
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Udawalawe National Park
Yala and Big Game Camp Yala.
Mirissa
Whale watching tour

Day 1 :

Airport to Wilpattu

Once you arrive at the airport in Katunayake, transfer you to Wilpattu. The Wilpattu National Park is highly rewarding with the wide variety of wildlife seen. Enjoy a short walk in the wilderness close to the campsite. Dinner and an overnight stay will be organised at the Big Game Tented Camp, keeping you in the lap of luxury while at the same time, close to nature.

Day 2 :

Wilpattu

Full-day Safari at the Wilpattu National Park with packed breakfast and lunch on Day 2. Known as Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest National Wildlife Parks, Wilpattu will give you the chance of experiencing some of the country’s most renowned wildlife highlights including the majestic Sri Lanka Leopard, Sloth Bears and a host of endemic bird species. After dinner, you can take a night walk with our resident naturalist in expectation of encountering the Park’s nocturnal animals, like the Ring-tailed Civet Cat, Gray Slender Lorises, owls and chameleons.

Day 3 :

Wilpattu to Kandy

After taking the breakfast at the campsite transfer to Kandy.The city of Kandy is one of much history and culture. In the evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is the most sacred site for Buddhists the world over.. The relic itself is kept in a golden casket amidst heavy security in the Inner Chamber of the temple. The temple complex is adorned with paintings and sculptures depicting the life of the Buddha and a museum documenting its history.

Day 4 :

Kandy to Udawalawe

Transfer to Udawalawe where you will first visit the Elephant Transit Home, a project that has proven vital in the conservation of elephants, some of which are orphaned or separated from their herds. Later on in the day, you can anticipate enjoying an Evening Safari at the Udawalawe National Park before dinner and then an overnight stay at the Big Game Tented Camp in Udawalawe.

Day 5 :

Udawalawe to Yala

Enjoy Morning Safari at the Udawalawe National Park. This Park is the only place in the world where an elephant sighting can be guaranteed on every single safari drive. You will also encounter several species of birds and animals, resident in the Park. After the safari you will be transferred to Yala and overnight stay will be at the Big Game Camp Yala.

Day 6 :

Yala

Full day in Yala will be spent thoroughly exploring the Yala National Park with a Full-Day Safari inclusive of packed lunches. While the Sri Lankan Leopard is the star of the Park, it also boasts a stunning array of other creatures, from: Sloth Bears, Golden Palm Civet cats, the Wild Water Buffalo to Hornbills, Black-capped Bulbuls and peacocks. After your adventure in the wild, you will be able to rest in your tented camp with a campsite dinner.

Day 7 :

Yala to Mirissa

After breakfast transfer from Yala to Mirissa. After check in to the Mirissa Hotel. Mirissa is located along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Relax on the golden sandy beaches of this vacationer’s paradise. Explore the area to learn about the local culture. You will be staying overnight at a beautiful and serene hotel, located close to the famous Mirissa Beach.

Day 8 :

Mirissa

Whale watching tour scheduled in the early hours of the morning (season from November to March). These coastlines are known as some of the best locations globally, to spot pods of Blue Whales and Sperm Whales. Later on in the afternoon, visit the Galle Dutch Fort which was built by the Portuguese and later fortified heavily by the Dutch in the 17th century. For dinner, you will head back to your overnight stay hotel.

Day 9 :

Mirissa

Day 10 :

Mirissa to Airport

You will be transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport, to catch your flight back home.

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map