Overnight Stay: Yala
Hotel: Jetwing Yala / Cinnamon Wild Yala (or similar luxury safari lodge)
Highlights: Leopard trail at Yala National Park
+94 705 222 111
+94 705 222 111
Outside Africa, few places rival Sri Lanka for big game encounters. This small island offers an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, with impressive opportunities to spot the “Big Five” — elephant, leopard, sloth bear, crocodile, and sambur deer — all within accessible, scenic national parks.
Your journey takes you through three of Sri Lanka’s renowned nature reserves, each a unique ecosystem teeming with life, before venturing offshore into the deep blue Indian Ocean to meet the giants of the sea — the majestic Blue and Sperm whales. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the island’s incredible biodiversity both on land and at sea.
An Unmatched Wildlife Experience: Witness Sri Lanka’s Big Five — from the mighty elephant herds and elusive leopards of Yala to the sloth bears, crocodiles, and sambur deer that roam the island’s wild plains and jungles.
Luxury in the Wild: Stay in elegant eco-lodges and boutique safari retreats where comfort meets wilderness, offering serene escapes after each exhilarating day in the wild.
Beyond the Jungle: Enrich your adventure with visits to ancient ruins, spice gardens, and local villages, connecting you to Sri Lanka’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Guided by Experts: Our passionate naturalists and wildlife guides bring the wilderness to life, sharing deep insights and stories that turn every sighting into an unforgettable moment.
Ocean Meets Earth: Complete your journey on the southern coast, where you’ll embark on a whale-watching cruise — a breathtaking encounter with the world’s largest marine mammals.
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers who wish to experience Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary wildlife moments in comfort and style. Ideal for travelers who enjoy luxury blended with raw nature, from open-jeep safaris in the jungles to serene evenings under starry skies. Whether you seek thrilling wildlife encounters, eco-conscious exploration, or the quiet rhythm of nature, this tour delivers a holistic experience that celebrates the harmony between life, land, and sea.
Tailored to Your Preference
Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
Hotel (9 nights)
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Jetwing Representative and chauffeur-guide, who will accompany you to the bustling capital city of Colombo. Check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and recover from your journey in comfort.
If time permits, your guide will introduce you to some of Colombo’s most intriguing landmarks — the vibrant Pettah markets, the colonial architecture of Fort, the colorful Hindu Temple at Sea Street, and the historic Dutch Church of Wolfendhal. Alternatively, unwind with a leisurely shopping excursion or a quiet evening at your hotel, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead.
Overnight Stay: Colombo
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel / Cinnamon Grand Colombo (or similar luxury city hotel)
Highlights: Enjoy a city tour of Colombo
After breakfast, journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness with a visit to Minneriya National Park, one of the island’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Spanning over 8,800 hectares, the park is part of an important elephant corridor that connects several reserves across the region.
Here, hundreds of wild elephants gather along the shores of the Minneriya Reservoir to drink, bathe, and play — a mesmerizing spectacle known as “The Gathering,” which takes place between May and October and is regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife events.
Beyond its famous herds, Minneriya is home to 23 species of mammals, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and buffalo, as well as more than 170 bird species that fill the skies with color and song. Enjoy your safari with an expert naturalist guide who will help you uncover the park’s fascinating biodiversity and hidden treasures.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya / Habarana
Hotel: Jetwing Vil Uyana / Aliya Resort & Spa (or similar luxury wildlife lodge)
Highlights:
Elephant Watching
Minneriya Park
After breakfast, begin your day with a climb to the summit of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This 5th-century citadel, hewn from a colossal rock rising nearly 200 meters above the plains, is a true architectural and artistic masterpiece. Admire the ancient frescoes, marvel at the engineering brilliance, and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
Continue your journey into the central highlands, where the scenery transforms from tropical plains to rolling hills blanketed with emerald-green tea plantations. En route, stop at a tea factory to learn about the art of Ceylon tea production — from leaf to cup — and enjoy a fresh brew amid the cool mountain air.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as “Little England” for its colonial-era charm and misty ambience. After a short rest, explore this picturesque hill town, with its Tudor-style bungalows, manicured gardens, and tranquil lake views. Take a gentle stroll past the renowned golf course and the serene Victoria Park, before spending your evening at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Hotel: Heritance Tea Factory / Araliya Green Hills (or similar colonial-style luxury hotel)
Highlights:
Ascend the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Scenic Hill Country Drive
After breakfast, leave the mist-covered hills of Nuwara Eliya and begin your scenic descent toward the wild southern plains of Yala National Park. Watch the landscape transform as emerald tea gardens give way to open grasslands, dry scrub forests, and shimmering lagoons — a journey that captures the full diversity of Sri Lanka’s terrain.
In the late afternoon, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari through Yala National Park, world-renowned for its thriving population of Sri Lankan leopards, a rare and elegant subspecies found only on the island. Yala boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world, offering exceptional opportunities to spot these elusive predators in their natural habitat.
The park is also home to Sri Lanka’s Big Five — elephants, sloth bears, sambur deer, crocodiles, and leopards — along with a dazzling variety of birds and other wildlife. With the guidance of an expert naturalist, explore the park’s winding tracks and watering holes as the golden light of dusk sets the wilderness aglow.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Hotel: Jetwing Yala / Cinnamon Wild Yala (or similar luxury safari lodge)
Highlights: Leopard trail at Yala National Park
After breakfast, begin your day with a bird-watching excursion at Bundala National Park, a remarkable coastal sanctuary and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This diverse ecosystem of thorny scrub, shimmering lagoons, sand dunes, and beaches is home to 197 bird species — including flamingos, herons, and painted storks — as well as 32 species of mammals. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, where every glance reveals a new burst of color or movement.
In the evening, venture deep into the wild heart of Yala National Park on a thrilling jeep safari guided by an expert naturalist. As the sun begins to set, watch the park come alive with its most iconic inhabitants — elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, the true stars of Sri Lanka’s Big Five. Along the way, you’ll also encounter wild buffalo, crocodiles, sambar deer, spotted deer, mongoose, langurs, and proud peacocks, all thriving in this untamed landscape.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Hotel: Jetwing Yala / Cinnamon Wild Yala (or similar luxury safari lodge)
Highlights:
Bundala National Park
Yala National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries and the best place on the island to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat. The park is home to an estimated 600–700 elephants, and sightings are almost guaranteed as herds gather around the open grasslands and water bodies.
Beyond its magnificent elephants, Udawalawe boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for water buffalo, sambur deer, jackals, and crocodiles, as well as a variety of raptors and waterbirds that thrive around the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park’s central lifeline and a vital source of water for the region.
After a relaxing lunch break, continue your adventure with an evening game drive, when wildlife becomes more active and the park’s golden light creates a photographer’s dream setting. While leopards and sloth bears are elusive here due to the terrain, the thrill of the wilderness and the sheer abundance of life make every moment truly rewarding.
Overnight Stay: Udawalawe
Hotel: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort / Kalu’s Hideaway (or similar safari lodge)
Highlights: Evening with Elephants
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Elephant Transit Centre in Udawalawe, a heartwarming conservation project where orphaned and injured elephants are nurtured and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. Witness the gentle giants during their feeding time and learn about Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in wildlife protection and sustainability.
Continue your journey to Sinharaja Rainforest, the island’s last surviving stretch of tropical rainforest and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pristine reserve is a living treasure trove of biodiversity — over 60% of its flora is endemic, and it shelters more than half of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians.
Upon arrival, set out on a guided trek through the lush canopy, where sunlight filters through emerald leaves and the calls of exotic birds echo through the mist. In the afternoon, embark on another nature walk to observe the forest’s changing rhythms as it transitions from golden daylight to the tranquil sounds of dusk — a truly immersive experience in one of Asia’s most precious ecosystems.
Overnight Stay: Sinharaja
Hotel: Rainforest Eco Lodge / The Forest Edge (or similar eco-lodge close to the park))
Highlights:
Elephant Transit Center
Sinharaja Rainforest
After breakfast, bid farewell to the rainforest and make your way toward the sun-drenched southern coast and the historic city of Galle — Sri Lanka’s oldest living city and a captivating blend of culture, architecture, and seaside charm.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is one of the few colonial forts in the world where a bustling local community still thrives within its ancient ramparts. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with Dutch-colonial buildings, grand mansions, ancient mosques and churches, each whispering tales of a bygone era. Amid the history, discover stylish cafés, boutique galleries, and charming shops offering handcrafted souvenirs and local treasures.
In the afternoon, explore the Galle Fort at your own pace — walk along its walls for panoramic ocean views, visit the Maritime Museum or lighthouse, and watch the sunset paint the sky over the Indian Ocean.
Overnight Stay: Galle
Hotel: Jetwing Lighthouse / Fort Bazaar (or similar heritage or coastal boutique hotel)
Highlights: Galle Dutch Fort
After an early breakfast, embark on an unforgettable ocean expedition from Mirissa, one of the world’s best destinations for whale and dolphin watching. Set sail across the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean, where playful pods of dolphins often race alongside your boat, leaping joyfully in the morning light.
Venture farther into the deep blue — the domain of the majestic blue whale, the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth, and the mighty sperm whale, the ocean’s deep-diving giant. Sri Lanka is one of the few places on the planet where both species can often be seen together, making this a truly rare and exhilarating experience.
Return to shore by midday and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Relax on the golden sands, enjoy the coastal scenery, or simply unwind at your seaside resort as you reflect on the morning’s extraordinary encounters.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa / Weligama
Hotel: Cape Weligama / Mandara Resort (or similar luxury coastal retreat)
Highlights: Whale and Dolphin watching
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to this island of breathtaking wilderness and timeless beauty. Your chauffeur-guide will transfer you to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey.
As you depart, carry with you the unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s Big Five — the majestic elephants, elusive leopards, mighty sloth bears, stealthy crocodiles, and graceful sambur deer — along with the serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that made your journey truly extraordinary.
End of Tour
Highlights: Private airport transfer, farewell journey, and lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife and natural wonders.
Congue lacus habitant augue nulla posuere est facilisis inceptos. Imperdiet aenean condimentum eleifend egestas eget tincidunt ultrices. Lobortis integer sagittis amet justo vitae ante dictum hac tellus efficitur.
Congue lacus habitant augue nulla posuere est facilisis inceptos. Imperdiet aenean condimentum eleifend egestas eget tincidunt ultrices. Lobortis integer sagittis amet justo vitae ante dictum hac tellus efficitur.
Congue lacus habitant augue nulla posuere est facilisis inceptos. Imperdiet aenean condimentum eleifend egestas eget tincidunt ultrices. Lobortis integer sagittis amet justo vitae ante dictum hac tellus efficitur.
Congue lacus habitant augue nulla posuere est facilisis inceptos. Imperdiet aenean condimentum eleifend egestas eget tincidunt ultrices. Lobortis integer sagittis amet justo vitae ante dictum hac tellus efficitur.
Nalanka Travel Tour Advisor
+94 705 222 111
Inquiries@nalankatravels.com
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Jetwing Representative and chauffeur-guide, who will accompany you to the bustling capital city of Colombo. Check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and recover from your journey in comfort.
If time permits, your guide will introduce you to some of Colombo’s most intriguing landmarks — the vibrant Pettah markets, the colonial architecture of Fort, the colorful Hindu Temple at Sea Street, and the historic Dutch Church of Wolfendhal. Alternatively, unwind with a leisurely shopping excursion or a quiet evening at your hotel, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead.
Overnight Stay: Colombo
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel / Cinnamon Grand Colombo (or similar luxury city hotel)
Highlights: Enjoy a city tour of Colombo
After breakfast, journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness with a visit to Minneriya National Park, one of the island’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Spanning over 8,800 hectares, the park is part of an important elephant corridor that connects several reserves across the region.
Here, hundreds of wild elephants gather along the shores of the Minneriya Reservoir to drink, bathe, and play — a mesmerizing spectacle known as “The Gathering,” which takes place between May and October and is regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife events.
Beyond its famous herds, Minneriya is home to 23 species of mammals, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and buffalo, as well as more than 170 bird species that fill the skies with color and song. Enjoy your safari with an expert naturalist guide who will help you uncover the park’s fascinating biodiversity and hidden treasures.
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya / Habarana
Hotel: Jetwing Vil Uyana / Aliya Resort & Spa (or similar luxury wildlife lodge)
Highlights:
Elephant Watching
Minneriya Park
After breakfast, begin your day with a climb to the summit of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This 5th-century citadel, hewn from a colossal rock rising nearly 200 meters above the plains, is a true architectural and artistic masterpiece. Admire the ancient frescoes, marvel at the engineering brilliance, and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its summit.
Continue your journey into the central highlands, where the scenery transforms from tropical plains to rolling hills blanketed with emerald-green tea plantations. En route, stop at a tea factory to learn about the art of Ceylon tea production — from leaf to cup — and enjoy a fresh brew amid the cool mountain air.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as “Little England” for its colonial-era charm and misty ambience. After a short rest, explore this picturesque hill town, with its Tudor-style bungalows, manicured gardens, and tranquil lake views. Take a gentle stroll past the renowned golf course and the serene Victoria Park, before spending your evening at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Hotel: Heritance Tea Factory / Araliya Green Hills (or similar colonial-style luxury hotel)
Highlights:
Ascend the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Scenic Hill Country Drive
After breakfast, leave the mist-covered hills of Nuwara Eliya and begin your scenic descent toward the wild southern plains of Yala National Park. Watch the landscape transform as emerald tea gardens give way to open grasslands, dry scrub forests, and shimmering lagoons — a journey that captures the full diversity of Sri Lanka’s terrain.
In the late afternoon, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari through Yala National Park, world-renowned for its thriving population of Sri Lankan leopards, a rare and elegant subspecies found only on the island. Yala boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world, offering exceptional opportunities to spot these elusive predators in their natural habitat.
The park is also home to Sri Lanka’s Big Five — elephants, sloth bears, sambur deer, crocodiles, and leopards — along with a dazzling variety of birds and other wildlife. With the guidance of an expert naturalist, explore the park’s winding tracks and watering holes as the golden light of dusk sets the wilderness aglow.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Hotel: Jetwing Yala / Cinnamon Wild Yala (or similar luxury safari lodge)
Highlights: Leopard trail at Yala National Park
After breakfast, begin your day with a bird-watching excursion at Bundala National Park, a remarkable coastal sanctuary and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This diverse ecosystem of thorny scrub, shimmering lagoons, sand dunes, and beaches is home to 197 bird species — including flamingos, herons, and painted storks — as well as 32 species of mammals. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, where every glance reveals a new burst of color or movement.
In the evening, venture deep into the wild heart of Yala National Park on a thrilling jeep safari guided by an expert naturalist. As the sun begins to set, watch the park come alive with its most iconic inhabitants — elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, the true stars of Sri Lanka’s Big Five. Along the way, you’ll also encounter wild buffalo, crocodiles, sambar deer, spotted deer, mongoose, langurs, and proud peacocks, all thriving in this untamed landscape.
Overnight Stay: Yala
Hotel: Jetwing Yala / Cinnamon Wild Yala (or similar luxury safari lodge)
Highlights:
Bundala National Park
Yala National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries and the best place on the island to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat. The park is home to an estimated 600–700 elephants, and sightings are almost guaranteed as herds gather around the open grasslands and water bodies.
Beyond its magnificent elephants, Udawalawe boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for water buffalo, sambur deer, jackals, and crocodiles, as well as a variety of raptors and waterbirds that thrive around the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park’s central lifeline and a vital source of water for the region.
After a relaxing lunch break, continue your adventure with an evening game drive, when wildlife becomes more active and the park’s golden light creates a photographer’s dream setting. While leopards and sloth bears are elusive here due to the terrain, the thrill of the wilderness and the sheer abundance of life make every moment truly rewarding.
Overnight Stay: Udawalawe
Hotel: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort / Kalu’s Hideaway (or similar safari lodge)
Highlights: Evening with Elephants
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Elephant Transit Centre in Udawalawe, a heartwarming conservation project where orphaned and injured elephants are nurtured and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. Witness the gentle giants during their feeding time and learn about Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in wildlife protection and sustainability.
Continue your journey to Sinharaja Rainforest, the island’s last surviving stretch of tropical rainforest and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This pristine reserve is a living treasure trove of biodiversity — over 60% of its flora is endemic, and it shelters more than half of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians.
Upon arrival, set out on a guided trek through the lush canopy, where sunlight filters through emerald leaves and the calls of exotic birds echo through the mist. In the afternoon, embark on another nature walk to observe the forest’s changing rhythms as it transitions from golden daylight to the tranquil sounds of dusk — a truly immersive experience in one of Asia’s most precious ecosystems.
Overnight Stay: Sinharaja
Hotel: Rainforest Eco Lodge / The Forest Edge (or similar eco-lodge close to the park))
Highlights:
Elephant Transit Center
Sinharaja Rainforest
After breakfast, bid farewell to the rainforest and make your way toward the sun-drenched southern coast and the historic city of Galle — Sri Lanka’s oldest living city and a captivating blend of culture, architecture, and seaside charm.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle is one of the few colonial forts in the world where a bustling local community still thrives within its ancient ramparts. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with Dutch-colonial buildings, grand mansions, ancient mosques and churches, each whispering tales of a bygone era. Amid the history, discover stylish cafés, boutique galleries, and charming shops offering handcrafted souvenirs and local treasures.
In the afternoon, explore the Galle Fort at your own pace — walk along its walls for panoramic ocean views, visit the Maritime Museum or lighthouse, and watch the sunset paint the sky over the Indian Ocean.
Overnight Stay: Galle
Hotel: Jetwing Lighthouse / Fort Bazaar (or similar heritage or coastal boutique hotel)
Highlights: Galle Dutch Fort
After an early breakfast, embark on an unforgettable ocean expedition from Mirissa, one of the world’s best destinations for whale and dolphin watching. Set sail across the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean, where playful pods of dolphins often race alongside your boat, leaping joyfully in the morning light.
Venture farther into the deep blue — the domain of the majestic blue whale, the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth, and the mighty sperm whale, the ocean’s deep-diving giant. Sri Lanka is one of the few places on the planet where both species can often be seen together, making this a truly rare and exhilarating experience.
Return to shore by midday and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Relax on the golden sands, enjoy the coastal scenery, or simply unwind at your seaside resort as you reflect on the morning’s extraordinary encounters.
Overnight Stay: Mirissa / Weligama
Hotel: Cape Weligama / Mandara Resort (or similar luxury coastal retreat)
Highlights: Whale and Dolphin watching
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to this island of breathtaking wilderness and timeless beauty. Your chauffeur-guide will transfer you to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey.
As you depart, carry with you the unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s Big Five — the majestic elephants, elusive leopards, mighty sloth bears, stealthy crocodiles, and graceful sambur deer — along with the serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that made your journey truly extraordinary.
End of Tour
Highlights: Private airport transfer, farewell journey, and lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife and natural wonders.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
