Sri Lanka Wildlife Holiday | Sri Lanka Safari | Safari and Beach Holiday

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Sri Lanka’s national parks are a joy for wildlife lovers. This amazing itinerary takes in the island’s most exhilarating national parks, Gal Oya, the Horton Plains, Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundula, before finishing on a tropical beach near Galle’s old fort.

With 26 national parks, 492 species of birds identified and 125 species of mammals, a tour of Sri Lanka is high on any nature lover’s bucket list. When it comes to wildlife holidays, Sri Lanka is clearly at the top of the food chain, above its often larger Asian neighbours.

Sample itinerary in brief

Remember: our itineraries are purely for inspiration purposes only - every detail can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1-2	Colombo 1	Rest and relaxation after long haul flight	The Wallawwa
2-5	Tea Country 2	Tented tea plantation accommodation; Tea factory experience; Tea tasting with experts	Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge
5-8	Gal Oya National Park 3	Private safari by boat, Private jeep safari, Meet an indigenous hunter-gatherer tribe	Gal Oya Lodge
8-11	Tea Country 4	Hike up Mini Adam's Peak; Walk in the Horton Plains National Park; Cross the Nine Arch railway bridge	Nine Skies
11-13	Yala National Park 5	Private safari; Wildlife galore; Expert naturalists	Chena Huts
13-16	Tangalle 6	Blissful relaxation; Complete R&R	Villa Maya
16-21	Galle 7	Private walking tour of Galle Fort; Beautiful beaches	Frangipani Tree

What's Included

International flights
Private chauffeur guide throughout
Expert naturalists and guides
Luxury & characterful accommodation
Dedicated Yonder support 24/7

Sample itinerary in full

DAYS 1-2 | Colombo

Highlights: Rest and relaxation after long haul flight

As you break through the clouds as your flight descends to Colombo airport, you’ll catch a glimpse of a verdant tree canopy, contrasting with the sparking Indian Ocean. Emerging into the arrival halls, you will see your Yonder chauffeur-guide waiting to take on on the short drive to The Wallawwa, a tastefully restored ancestral home where you will relax after your flight.

Your included hotel

The Wallawwa

Your alternative hotel choices

Galle Face Hotel

Tintagel

DAYS 2-5 | Tea Country

Highlights: Tented tea plantation accommodation; Tea factory experience; Tea tasting with experts

Today’s destination is Madulkele Tea and Eco Lodge in the Knuckles Mountain Range at 1,000m above sea level. Here jaw-dropping views, rolling hillsides carpeted in tea bushes and mesmerising birdlife will immerse you in the natural world. From here you’ll go on an outing to Kandy to experience the lovingly kept botanical gardens and Sri Lanka’s most sacred site, the Temple of the Tooth.

Your included hotel

Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

Your alternative hotel choices

Ceylon Tea Trails

Ellerton Bungalow

DAYS 5-8 | Gal Oya National Park

Highlights: Private safari by boat, Private jeep safari, Meet an indigenous hunter-gatherer tribe

Gal Oya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets. You’ll leave the rustic luxury of Gal Oya Lodge and go out on the vast lake by boat in the hope of seeing the Asian elephant swimming between the islands. You’ll also venture into the jungle in a Land Rover to get a different view of this spectacular habitat to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Your included hotel

Gal Oya Lodge

DAYS 8-11 | Tea Country

Highlights: Hike up Mini Adam's Peak; Walk in the Horton Plains National Park; Cross the Nine Arch railway bridge

You’ll check in to Nine Skies, a converted estate manager’s bungalow overlooking the Demodara valley. From here, you have the Sri Lankan hinterland at your feet. You can trek from the front door to Mini Adam’s Peak or walk to the spectacular Nine Skies colonial era railway bridge. It is from here that you will visit the Horton Plains National Park and trek to World’s End.

Your included hotel

Nine Skies

Your alternative hotel choices

Ceylon Tea Trails

Living Heritage Koslanda

Jetwing St Andews

DAYS 11-13 | Yala National Park

Highlights: Private safari; Wildlife galore; Expert naturalists

The scenery dramatically changes as you arrive at the Cinnamon Wild in Yala National Park. The arid landscapes hemmed in by sand dunes and the Indian Ocean are home to Sri Lanka’s densest leopard population. You’ll hopefully also encounter elephants, sloth bears, jackals, crocs, deer and a staggering array of colorful birdlife.

Your included hotel

Chena Huts

Your alternative hotel choices

Cinnamon Wild

Jetwing Yala

Kulu Safari Camp

DAYS 13-16 | Tangalle

Highlights: Blissful relaxation; Complete R&R

On your way along the southern coast, you’ll go on safari in Bundula National Park, one of the few places in Sri Lanka where land, sea and wetlands meet, a combination that’s ideal wintering for migratory birds. After relaxing at sumptuous Villa Maya for a couple of days, you go on safari to Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s largest population of elephants.

Your included hotel

Villa Maya

Your alternative hotel choices

Amanwella

DAYS 16-21 | Galle

Highlights: Private walking tour of Galle Fort; Beautiful beaches

The beaches to the east of Galle are amongst the best in Sri Lanka. The Frangipani Tree is a beautiful boutique hotel fronting the Indian Ocean. Here, you’ll become a lazy lounger, relaxing and savouring the fine hospitality. Historic Galle Fort is just a short drive, where you’ll go on a fascinating walking tour with our favourite resident historian. On your final day, your faithful chauffeur guide will take you reluctantly to the airport.

Your included hotel