


Sri Lanka

Guided, Large Group, Small Group

Camping, Mid Range
This Sri Lanka safari takes in the very best highlights of this beautiful country including whale watching in Miressa, the best place in Sri Lanka to see blue whales and other species such as sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, short finned whales and dolphins. Sinharaja Forest Reserve has lush vegetation, pristine waterfalls, bright flowering plants, beautiful birds, reptiles and mammals, while Udawalawe National Park is home to herds of elephants, over 20 species of mammals, many reptile species and numerous birds. Enjoy a full day safari in Yala National Park where you can see wild elephants, water buffalo and, with luck, sloth bear. Finally enjoy a visit to Talangama Wetland, close to Colombo, home to around 100 species of wetland birds and common garden birds.
Whale Watching in Mirissa – Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do during your holiday in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the best place in Sri Lanka to see them. The best time to go whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April when the ocean is calm and whales migrate from the southern hemisphare to the northen hemisphere. From May to October is off-season.
The chances of spotting whales during November – April are 98%. Keep in mind that you are going to see wildlife so spotting whales is not 100% guaranteed. Blue whales are most often seen. You can see also sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, short finned whales, dolphins and rarely killer whales and whale shark. Sometimes we pass turtles and flying fish. Whale watching trip in Mirissa takes usually 3-5 hours, the average duration is 4 hours, tours start before 7 am from Mirissa harbor.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve – The apex of rainforests in Sri Lanka and home to 95% of the endemic birds in the country, Sinharaja is a globally important biodiversity venue with a highly unique cultural significance. Among its many recognitions, the rainforest has been designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also a Biodiversity Hotspot by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is a sought after by wildlife researchers as well as bird watchers from all parts of the world due to its richness in biodiversity and habitat complexity. This lowland evergreen rain forest is adorned with lush vegetation, ample water falls and a perfect climate. The name Sinaharaja which translates to Lion (Sinha) King (Raja) makes it a revered location by Sri Lankans since it reflects the popular belief about the origin of the Sinhala people. According to the legend, the inception of the race is attributed to a union between a lion king and a princess who have sought refuge in the forest.
Udawalawe National Park – Situated covering areas in two districts of Sri Lanka; namely Rathnapura and Monaragala. This is the largest conservation area in both the districts and is home to the Walawe reservoir. Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the predominant vegetation type in the park is scattered grasslands and thorny shrubs. The soil and climatic conditions are the key drivers of determining the major vegetation type in the park. The period between May and September are special for park visitors as they get the opportunity to come across herds of elephants even during mid day. Even though the bird population in the park is significant, their observation can be difficult due to the tall grass that is present. In addition, over 20 species of mammals and many reptile species can be seen in the park.
Yala National Park – In the south-east region of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the second largest national park in the island, situated some 300 km away from Colombo. It was at first established in the early 1890s as a game sanctuary. The park is located in the dry-zone region where the drought season is very long. The day time average temperature is over 30 degrees which is not uncommon in the region. The parkland makes up most of the reserve but also includes lakes, beaches, jungle, rivers and scrubland. This variety in habitats provides an excellent range in wildlife. The largest concentration of leopards can be seen in this region though the chances of seeing this animal are very low and the creature is said to be one of the most endangered species. About 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds and many reptiles and lagoon fauna species have been recorded in the park. The Yala National Park is famous among visitors as the best place to view large mammals within one territory.
Talangama Wetland _ Offering visitors a close encounter with nature, without leaving the city of Colombo, Talangama Wetland is situated in the outskirts of Colombo at Talangama Battaramulla, close to the administrative capital of Sri Jayawardenepura and takes less than an hours’ drive from Colombo. This wetland encompasses a manmade irrigation reservoir, lush green paddy fields, canals, ponds and marshes; the diversity making it a unique and favourable ecosystem for diverse species of fauna and flora to thrive in.
Thalangama Lake is home to about 100 species of wetland birds and common garden birds such as herons, bulbuls, swamp hens, water hens, kingfishers, teals, gulls, swallows, egrets and storks amongst many others. Also seen here are numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies. There are also plenty of purple faced leaf monkey and other reptiles to be seen here. The Talangama Wetland is the best place to spend an enjoyable day birding, right in the suburbs of Colombo. The best time to visit the Wetland is early in the morning and late evening when birds and other wildlife are seen in plenty. Visitors can also hire a paddle boat and enjoy paddling on the lake with a great opportunity to take a closer look at the wildlife on the lake. It is believed that the ancient Thalangama tank was built by King Parakramabahu VI during his reign from ca. 1412 to 1467 AD. It was a bathing place for the elephants of the royal army, and serves until today irrigated paddy cultivation, grazing water buffaloes, and flood water retention. The word Thalangama is said to derive from the word ‘Thadaka Gama’ or ‘village of ponds’.
From USD 530 per person
Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by your chauffeur and transferred to Mirissa. We have organised dinner and an overnight stay at the Mirissa Hotel where you can relax and recover from your journey. Spend your first day enjoying the comforts of an exotic, colonial-style hotel and relax on the beautiful golden beach which the hotel overlooks.
After a relaxing night and delicious breakfast at your hotel in Mirissa you will make way to Mirissa harbour for whale watching tour, which will take 4 hours. Afterwards you depart to Deniyaya, another iconic destination in Sri Lanka and one of the main gateways to the Sinharaja rainforest. You will enjoy a hearty dinner at your hotel in Deniyaya and turn down for the night to prepare for an exciting day ahead.
Whale Watching in Mirissa – Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do during your holiday in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the best place in Sri Lanka to see them. The best time to go whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April when the ocean is calm and whales migrate from the southern hemisphare to the northen hemisphere. From May to October is off-season.
The chances of spotting whales during November – April are 98%. Keep in mind that you are going to see wildlife so spotting whales is not 100% guaranteed. Blue whales are most often seen. You can see also sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, short finned whales, dolphins and rarely killer whales and whale shark. Sometimes we pass turtles and flying fish. Whale watching trip in Mirissa takes usually 3-5 hours, the average duration is 4 hours, tours start before 7 am from Mirissa harbor.
The next morning you will have an early start to your day as you leave to explore the wonders of Sinharaja. A day spent in Sinharaja provides ample opportunities to take breathtaking photos of all kinds of species. The forest is adorned with lush vegetation, pristine waterfalls, bright flowering plants, beautiful birds, reptiles and mammals. You may find yourself capturing some extremely charismatic species such as the rusty spotted cat, fishing cat, purple faced leaf monkey, horned lizards and the blue magpie robin. Our naturalist will guide you during this entire walk. You will also be able to capture incredible pictures of Sri Lanka’s beautiful avifauna as Sinharaja is home to 95% of the endemic bird species in the country. After concluding the walk, you will return to your hotel in Deniyaya for the night.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve – The apex of rainforests in Sri Lanka and home to 95% of the endemic birds in the country, Sinharaja is a globally important biodiversity venue with a highly unique cultural significance. Among its many recognitions, the rainforest has been designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also a Biodiversity Hotspot by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is a sought after by wildlife researchers as well as bird watchers from all parts of the world due to its richness in biodiversity and habitat complexity. This lowland evergreen rain forest is adorned with lush vegetation, ample water falls and a perfect climate. The name Sinaharaja which translates to Lion (Sinha) King (Raja) makes it a revered location by Sri Lankans since it reflects the popular belief about the origin of the Sinhala people. According to the legend, the inception of the race is attributed to a union between a lion king and a princess who have sought refuge in the forest.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udawalawe National Park. En route, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home will be made in the afternoon, before checking into the Udawalawe camping site. You will then go on an evening safari at the Udawalawe National Park, which is famous for being home to approximately 600 resident elephants; the main focus of the ‘Big Five’ here. You could also see water buffaloes, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and if lucky, leopard. Dinner and your overnight stay will be organised at the Safari Camp or Mud House in Udawalawe where you can enjoy the comforts of the tented campsite while being close to nature.
Udawalawe National Park – Situated covering areas in two districts of Sri Lanka; namely Rathnapura and Monaragala. This is the largest conservation area in both the districts and is home to the Walawe reservoir. Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the predominant vegetation type in the park is scattered grasslands and thorny shrubs. The soil and climatic conditions are the key drivers of determining the major vegetation type in the park. The period between May and September are special for park visitors as they get the opportunity to come across herds of elephants even during mid day. Even though the bird population in the park is significant, their observation can be difficult due to the tall grass that is present. In addition, over 20 species of mammals and many reptile species can be seen in the park.
After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to the campsite in Yala. Enjoy a wildlife adventure with an evening safari in the famous Yala National Park, which is commonly regarded as one of the best places to spot leopards; a favourite amongst the ‘Big Five’. Male leopards in the Yala National Park are bold and unafraid of safari jeeps and this offers visitors the perfect opportunity to photograph and film them. Dinner and an overnight stay has been organised at the Big Game Camp located on the borders of the Park, where you will enjoy the finest tented camping experience in Sri Lanka.
Enjoy a full-day safari in the dazzling Yala National Park which spans a vast 97,878 hectares. This is a park where you can see wild elephants and herds of water buffalo grazing by watering holes strewn throughout its territory, and catch a glimpse of the Sri Lanka sloth bear, another principal feature of the five. Yala is also known for being one of the best Parks for bird enthusiasts. Its habitat also boasts an array of endemic and resident birds. The country’s largest bird, the lesser adjutant, has been often spotted in the park among a host of other exotic birds. A night walk will also be included with the guidance of an expert naturalist.
Yala National Park – In the south-east region of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the second largest national park in the island, situated some 300 km away from Colombo. It was at first established in the early 1890s as a game sanctuary. The park is located in the dry-zone region where the drought season is very long. The day time average temperature is over 30 degrees which is not uncommon in the region. The parkland makes up most of the reserve but also includes lakes, beaches, jungle, rivers and scrubland. This variety in habitats provides an excellent range in wildlife. The largest concentration of leopards can be seen in this region though the chances of seeing this animal are very low and the creature is said to be one of the most endangered species. About 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds and many reptiles and lagoon fauna species have been recorded in the park. The Yala National Park is famous among visitors as the best place to view large mammals within one territory.
Enjoy breakfast at the Yala campsite then transfer to Colombo hotel, a driving time of 4 hours. In the evening visit the Thalangama Wetland for bird watching and nature walk.
Talangama Wetland – Offering visitors a close encounter with nature, without leaving the city of Colombo, Talangama Wetland is situated in the outskirts of Colombo at Talangama Battaramulla, close to the administrative capital of Sri Jayawardenepura and takes less than an hours’ drive from Colombo. This wetland encompasses a manmade irrigation reservoir, lush green paddy fields, canals, ponds and marshes; the diversity making it a unique and favourable ecosystem for diverse species of fauna and flora to thrive in.
Thalangama Lake is home to about 100 species of wetland birds and common garden birds such as herons, bulbuls, swamp hens, water hens, kingfishers, teals, gulls, swallows, egrets and storks amongst many others. Also seen here are numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies. There are also plenty of purple faced leaf monkey and other reptiles to be seen here. The Talangama Wetland is the best place to spend an enjoyable day birding, right in the suburbs of Colombo. The best time to visit the Wetland is early in the morning and late evening when birds and other wildlife are seen in plenty. Visitors can also hire a paddle boat and enjoy paddling on the lake with a great opportunity to take a closer look at the wildlife on the lake. It is believed that the ancient Thalangama tank was built by King Parakramabahu VI during his reign from ca. 1412 to 1467 AD. It was a bathing place for the elephants of the royal army, and serves until today irrigated paddy cultivation, grazing water buffaloes, and flood water retention. The word Thalangama is said to derive from the word ‘Thadaka Gama’ or ‘village of ponds’.
On the final day you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport well ahead of time for your flight – bringing your exotic Sri Lankan wildlife experience to a close. If you have enough time before your flight, you can experience a Colombo city tour and shopping.
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