Wildlife & culture in Sri Lanka two-week tour

Bia - Negombo

Day 1: Touchdown in Sri Lanka

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. This charming coastal town is just north of Colombo and is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant fishing industry and rich colonial history. The town offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences, from bustling fish markets and lively beachfront restaurants to serene lagoons and historic churches. Visitors can enjoy water sports, explore Dutch-era canals and savour fresh seafood. 

Hamilton Canal - Wilpattu

Day 2: Morning boating

Awake early for a boat ride on Hamilton Canal, a 14.5km canal connecting Puttalam to Colombo and passing through Negombo. We're starting early today in order to catch sight of fishermen casting their nets in the open water of the lagoon. Spend the morning cruising alongside the fishing boats and seeing a wide range of water birds and waders.

Return for breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Wilpattu, where you check in at your new hotel and relax, then get ready for dinner.

Wilapttu - Jaffna

Day 3: Wildlife safari

Wake up early again for a guided morning safari in Wilpattu National Park. This is the largest national park in Sri Lanka with a varied habitat of forest, waterholes and open grassland. On your safari, you could spot Sri Lankan sloth bears, leopards and elephants, and a wide range of birdlife. Later, transfer to Jaffna and check in at your hotel.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy a special dinner of Jaffna Crab Curry, a famous local dish known for its rich and spicy flavours. The cuisine of Jaffna, heavily influenced by Tamil culture, features aromatic spices that make it unique and delicious.

Jaffna

Day 4: Exploring Jaffna

After breakfast, it’s time to explore Jaffna. Visit the grand Jaffna Fort, then head to Nagadeepa and Nagapoosani Kovil by boat before finishing at Jaffna market. This northern city is rich in history, culture and scenic beauty. A tour of Jaffna includes visits to significant religious, historical and cultural sites. Nagadeepa is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati and known for its colourful architecture. The island is accessible by a short boat ride from the Jaffna Peninsula. Jaffna Market is the perfect place to experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Jaffna community and is a must-visit destination.

Later, head back to your hotel for an evening of dinner and relaxation.

Delft Island - Sigiriya

Day 5: Wild horses & banyan trees

Awake then have an early breakfast, in preparation for a day trip to Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu. This fascinating uninhabited island off the coast of Jaffna is known for itbs unique landscapes, historical sites, wild horses and Banyan trees. The boat journey takes about an hour and offers scenic views of the surrounding waters. Spend the morning exploring the sights of the island then return to Jaffna for your transfer to Sigiriya.

Once you've arrived at your new hotel, check in, settle in,  then enjoy a delicious dinner.

Sigiriya

Day 6: Hike to Lion's Rock

There's another early start this morning, for the hike to the amazing Sigiriya Rock Fortress during the cool of the morning. This striking fortress was built in the 5th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by King Kashyapa on 'Lion's Rock', the citadel rises 200 metres above the jungle. Enjoy beautiful views under the early morning sun and visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' and the ‘Damsels of Sigiriya’. Return to your hotel to tuck into a hearty breakfast.

In the afternoon, head off on an exciting jeep safari into Minneriya National Park. During the dry season from June to September, visitors can witness the unique phenomenon of the ‘elephant gathering’ when hundreds of elephants congregate in the park.

The evening brings dinner and another night of relaxation.

Sigiriya

Day 7: Sunrise hike & village lunch

This morning’s excursion is an early hike to Pidurangala Rock, adjacent to Sigiriya. Pidurangala is a popular spot to watch the sunrise, with its 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and valleys, along with Sigiriya Rock. After enjoying the show, return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast.

After a rest, embark on a local village tour, beginning with a boat ride. Take a guided stroll through the surrounding paddy fields to learn about different crop cultivation. At the village, you’ll be invited into a local home to observe traditional Sri Lankan cooking techniques and share a delicious lunch.

This evening, visit the ancient town of Polonnaruwa, for a guided sightseeing tour, then head back to your accommodation for dinner.

Sigiriya - Kandy

Day 8: Kandy temples & hining high

After breakfast, transfer to Kandy, with a stop along the way at the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex. This is the largest and most well-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.

Check into your hotel in Kandy and relax before a visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic for an interesting evening ceremony. Later, enjoy dinner at a special Kandy viewpoint restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush landscapes and historic city below. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two or a family gathering, the stunning vistas provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Tuk-tuks & high tea

Enoy breakfast at the hotel then hop aboard a tuk-tuk for a unique sightseeing tour of Kandy. Originally known as Senkadagala, Kandy was the capital of the region from 1514 to 1815 CE and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Soak up the style and character of this gorgeous Sri Lankan city along, with the beauty of its lake setting, temples and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces. Later, transfer to Nuwara Eliya and, once you've settled into your new hotel, partake in High Tea at the Grand Hotel.

Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Day 10: Horton plains & train to Ella

Set off with a packed breakfast for an early morning visit to the Horton Plains National Park. This unique park has a range of ecosystems, including evergreen forests, grasslands and misty cloud forests. The flora and fauna here are diverse and beautiful, and the park is filled with birdlife and rare amphibious creatures along with deer, leopard and wild boar. Later, take a scenic train journey to Ella in the cooler climes of hill country. The train in Sri Lanka is considered one of the more comfortable modes of transport by the locals. In addition to the breathtaking scenery of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it offers the chance to mingle with the local people.

In the evening, take time to unwind in your new hotel and savour dinner.

Ella - Yala

Day 11: Wildlife safari afternoon

Set off on an early morning hike to Little Adams Peak for sunrise views over the forested hills. This region is well known for its tea plantations and spectacular mountains and Ella is a hiking hotspot.

Later, journey from mountain country to the dry plains and tropical jungle of Yala. After checking in at your hotel, spend the afternoon on a guided game drive, getting to know the exuberant wildlife of the Yala National Park, including buffalo, crocs and elephants.

Afterwards, head back to your hotel for dinner.

Yala - Talalla

Day 12: Journey to the beach

It's morning safari time today as you venture into Yala National Park to experience the park waking up. Morning is the most active time for wildlife, so you’ll have a good chance of spotting leopards, bears, a menagerie of vocal birdlife and elephants.

Later, transfer to Tallala for a good dose of beach time. Check in at your new hotel, eat dinner and be sure to relax: here you can unwind on peaceful sandy shores and swim in turquoise waters.

Talalla

Day 13: Free day at the beach

Luxuriate in a full day of leisure in and around your beachside hotel.

Have a lazy breakfast, take a morning dip in the pool or enjoy a stroll along the beach. Unwind with the sand between your toes and make the most of your last full day in Sri Lanka.

Talalla - Colombo Airport

Day 14: Homeward bound

Enjoy one last breakfast and a morning beachside, before your transfer to the airport in good time for your flight home.