A Walk on the Wild Side

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

By the sea

Negombo

Sri Lanka

Upon arrival in Colombo, the traditional gateway to the orient and the capital of Sri Lanka, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred right away to your hotel by the ocean in nearby Negombo.

DAY

02-03

Observing primates

Sigiriya

Sri Lanka

Set off for the centre of the island and the imposing granite outcrop of Lion Rock, rising over 500ft from the surrounding jungle. The 5th century King Kashyapa I built a vast fortress on the summit – the views from the top are magnificent. All around the fortress you’ll find many of Sri Lanka’s 33 endemic bird species, along with a variety of small reptiles and butterflies, within the Sigiriya Reserve. The next day head out to well-preserved ruins of the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa. As you walk through the vast site, observe three species of monkeys – toque macaque, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and gray langurs. At the Hurulu Forest Reserve search for small herds of Asian elephants and many of the Sri Lanka’s magnificent birds including the Indian Roller and blue-tailed bee-eaters.

DAY

04-05

Birder’s Paradise

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka

Enjoy a leisurely start with walk in the forest before heading for the green hills of tea country. Your route takes you to the pretty town of Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, housing the country’s most important Buddhist relic. Spend two nights in the peaceful ambience of the subtropical highlands surrounded by the dazzling green of the tea plants. The next day observe a fantastic array of bird life on the walk to ‘World’s End’ across the Horton Plains. Keep your eyes peeled for the five endemic bird species found here plus Bear Monkeys and Rhino-Horned Lizards.

DAY

06-08

Sri Lanka’s Big Three

Yala

Sri Lanka

During your three-night stay at a tranquil wildlife lodge or in comfortable safari tents in the park, spend your days on safari drives with the seasoned resident naturalists on the lookout for leopards, elephants, and water buffalo as well as sloth bear, sambar, toque macaque, and a huge variety of bird life. Yala’s boulder-strewn parklands resemble Africa’s bushveldt and make for good wildlife spotting conditions. At nearby Bundala N. P. spot crocodiles and rare indigenous birds in the wetlands.

DAY

09-10

The mystical rainforest

Sinharaja

Sri Lanka

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve and Sri Lanka’s last surviving expanse of virgin rainforest. It is home to over 120 bird species including the Blue Magpie as well as smaller mammals such as the Purple-Faced Leaf Monkey and the Giant Squirrel. Enjoy guided treks here amidst the thick growth of flora and fauna.

DAY

11-12

Blue whale spectacular

Mirissa

Sri Lanka

Bid the rainforest goodbye and head out to the coast at the beach town of Mirissa where the majestic blue whale, the largest mammal on earth, inhabits the Indian Ocean. Set our early on a private boat trip to see the blue whales in their natural environment. Along the way you’re like to see sperm whales, pods of spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and vast array of marine life. Note that whale watching is recommended from November to April.

DAY

International departure

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home.

What's Included:

· All airport and hotel transfers

· Accommodation based on double occupancy for 12 nights

· Breakfast daily

· Full board at Yala and Sinharaja

· Services of your driver/host

· Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

· All activities with your private guide as listed:

o Sigiriya: Half day jeep excursion in Minneriya National Park

o Sigiriya: Half day tour to the Rock Fortress

o Sigiriya: Full day tour to the Polonnaruwa and Hurulu

o Kandy: Half day tour of the Temple of the Tooth and palace

o Nuwara Eliya: Half day excursion to Horton Plains or hike to Adam’s Peak

o Yala National Park: Four jeep safaris in the park with expert naturalists

o Sinharaja National Park: Two jeep safaris in the park with expert naturalists

o Mirissa: Private half day whale watching excursion

· Entrance fees where applicable

· 24/7Support Service

· Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information

· All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

• International flights

• Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc.

• Video/Photography fees at monuments

• Travel insurance

• India Visa

• Domestic flights within the USA

• Gratuities

• Beverages(other than water) at meals

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Rainforest Ecolodge Sinharaja

This plot of previously cultivated tea land borders the south western fringe of the Sinharaja forest reserve. The ecolodge is composed of 16 individual chalets set up on stilts above the dense rainforest. We’re proud that this lodge was the fifth in the world to receive the Leeds Platinum award for sustainable tourism.

Sri Lanka’s Astounding Nature and Wildlife

Detailed Itinerary

What's Included:

What’s not included:

Accommodation

Heritance Tea Factory Nuwara Eliya

Wild Coast Lodge Yala

Rainforest Ecolodge Sinharaja

On The Ground

Manoj Abraham

Stories

A Walk on the Wild Side

Sri Lanka’s Astounding Nature and Wildlife

Detailed Itinerary

What's Included:

What’s not included:

Accommodation

Heritance Tea Factory Nuwara Eliya

Wild Coast Lodge Yala

Rainforest Ecolodge Sinharaja

On The Ground

Manoj Abraham

Stories

All Schedule