Wild Wonders
8 Day tour of Sri Lanka
One of the most surprising and exciting aspects Sri Lanka is its immense wildlife diversity. You will encounter a complete change of climate, landscape and wildlife by travelling a small distance in Sri Lanka. In this tour, you will experience a dense Rain Forest, with sun light deprived surfaces creating a gloomy, mystical vibe. Experience the vast array of different living species that calls home to these forests. Enjoy a safari through a dry and sunny wildlife park housing the iconic Sri Lankan Leopard as well as the majestic Indian Elephant among other creatures.Bathe in the Indian Ocean and walk in its golden sandy beaches and also meet the amazing marine life residing in it. Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored!
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Into the Wild – Yala National Park & Sinharaja Rain Forest.
Itinerary
Sinharaja - 2 Nights
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle and proceed to Sinharaja and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 4 ½ to 5 hrs)
Day 02
During your stay in Sinharaja, explore and go on a bird-watching hike in the Sinharaja Forest.
Go on a jungle safari to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Experience the virgin forest with its dense evergreen type vegetation. Feel the adventure as you listen to the screeches of monkeys and see the glimpses of colorful forest birds. Feel the spine-thrilling chill as you watch a green pit viper wind itself amongst the foliage. A wonderful opportunity for those who wish to see Mother Nature at her wildest.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star)- The Blue Magpie
Standard Option (4 Star) – Rain Forest Ecolodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique)- Boulder Gardens
Yala - 2 Nights
Day 03 to Day 04
After lovely morning trek in the Rain Forest, proceed to Yala and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 4 ½ to 5 hrs)
On the second day of your stay in Yala enjoy a full day safari in Yala National Park.
Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star)- Oak Ray Lake
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique)- Jetwing Yala
Mirisaa - 3 Nights
Day 05
After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Mirissa. En route make a pause at Kalamatiya and go on a Bird Watching Tour in Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
This sanctuary located in Kalametiya mangrove lagoon and area. This is a brackish water lagoon very close to Kalametiya beach. There are many pictures places in this area. There are over 150 species of birds in Kalametiya bird sanctuary including 54 migratory birds. additionally, about 20 species of mammals, about 41 species of fish and 38 species of reptiles live in Kalametiya bird sanctuary. This is a haven for weaver birds. there are many weaver bird nest in the bird sanctuary.
Thereafter continue to Mirissa and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
Day 06
With a packed breakfast go on a lovely Whale watching safari.
The Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa, this five-hour tour gives you an opportunity to see the biggest mammals on earth, the whales, in their natural habitat. Get a chance to see blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales as they swim in the waters to the south of Sri Lanka. Gain more knowledge about the whales as a species from a qualified naturalist and learn to identify them. This tour gives you a responsible whale watching experience with a minimal imprint on nature.
Thereafter proceed to Galle and visit Galle Fort and the Old Colonial City. (Travel Time: 1 hrs)
Galle City & The Galle Dutch Fort
Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum, and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.
Day 07
After the breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Handungoda. En route make a pause at Koggala. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 mins)
Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Learn how stilt fishing is done in detail and marvel at the level of skill that goes into it. Get some amazing photographs of the fishermen silhouetted against the shoreline at sunset.
Thereafter proceed to Koggala and visit Turtle Hatchery.
Sea Turtle Hatchery and Conservation
Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.
Thereafter proceed to Handungoda and visit Handungoda Tea Factory. (Travel Time: 15 to 20 mins)
Visit Handunugoda Tea Factory which is also known as the Virgin White Tea Factory. Learn the history of the tea that this factory produces. Get to know how the famous Virgin White Tea is plucked and processed completely untouched by human hands. Engage in a tasting session with a delicious cup of tea and scrumptious chocolate cake. Get a chance to purchase some tea leaves as a souvenir.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star)- Palace Mirissa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Mandara Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique)- Casa Mirissa
Departure
Day 08
After breakfast at the hotel on your final day, proceed to the Colombo International Airport (CMB) and get ready for your departure after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Price Starting From:
USD 660 Per Person
When to go on this trip?
The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from December to May. Calm south coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are traveling to.
When to book
We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.
What add-ons are available for this trip?
We can arrange for just about any add-on’s on this trip. Have a chat with one of our Tour Consultants to help you decide.
Our Experts are ready to help
For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.
Hotel Timing
Standard Check in time : 1400 hrs.
Standard Check out time : 1200 hrs.
The above may differ from hotel to hotel. Speak to your travel expert for more details.
We are able to arrange early check-in and late check-outs depending on the hotels you choose. However, you may be subject to additional charges.
Booking Process
After deciding on which trip you want to go, send us an inquiry with the requested details. If you want to further customize this trip, our travel experts would be glad to help perfect the tour itinerary for you. Once all planning is final, the next step is starting the booking process. We request for a 20% deposit to confirm the booking. On receipt of the deposit, our team will start booking your hotels and the vehicles that were agreed upon. The balance 80% payment can be made 30 to 45 days prior to the date of arrival. For cancellation and refund policies please take a look at the terms & conditions.
Price
The price quoted is valid till April 2018. Will be subject to seasonal supplements. Speak to your travel expert to learn more details.
Packing Essentials
When packing for Sri Lanka, you only need to remember that this is a tropical country. Sunny weather & warm water. Hence, packing thin cotton clothing is essential. However, if your stay includes places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella, we recommend that you pack a few sweaters just in case. You must not forget the following:
- Effective mosquito repellent.
- A good sunscreen.
- (Ladies) Tampons – Nearly impossible to find outside Colombo.
- Universal power adapter.
Travel Insurance
We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.
VISA
Visa can be obtained online via www.eta.gov.lk. You can obtain Visa on arrival as well, however, this option is not available for some countries. Do read more on this topic here.
Travel Information
Sri Lanka is a developing nation. Yet, there are many things you must look out for during your travel. For example; when visiting religious sites, it is important that you dress to cover. All key information you need to know before traveling is right here.