DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Colombo
Fly overnight from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2: Kaleliya (near Colombo)
On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred in your private vehicle approx. 45mins to the village to spend 1 night at The Notary’s House, a luxury six bedroom, boutique hotel set amidst large gardens and featuring traditional Sri Lankan architecture – what a start! Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Day 3: Kaleliya to Wilpattu National Park
Today your adventure really starts, as you head north to Wilpattu National Park to enjoy a jeep safari in the park. Keep an eye out for some amazing wildlife! 

You will then exit the park to spend 2 nights at The Ibis Lodge Wilpattu, a rustic property that will allow you to experience absolute peace and be surrounded by the noises of the local species of birds. Fancy something less rustic? Remember, this is just a starting point idea to give you a flavour of what we can do. All our holidays are uniquely designed for each individual client. Contact us on 01273 923100 to start designing yours.

Day 4: Wilpattu National Park
Full day jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park. One of the oldest and less known national parks in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is dotted with many “villus” or natural lakes that support a variety of wildlife including elephant, leopard, sloth bear, endemic jungle fowls, mugger crocodiles and Indian pythons.

Days 5: Wilpattu to Cultural Triangle
This morning you will have the morning to enjoy one of the complimentary activities at Ibis Lodge, such as enjoying a refreshing dip in the nearby river, taking a boat ride across the lake in search of the local bird life, or setting off on a bicycle to explore the beautiful scenery that surrounds the property. 

You will then drive into the Cultural Triangle region of the country to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest temple cave complex in Sri Lanka.

After a fantastic day you will head to Kumbukgaha Villa to spend the next 2 nights – a secluded hideaway surrounded by wilderness and paddy fields, you can expect to experience the best of Sri Lankan hospitality. Settle in to your jungle oasis this afternoon!

Day 6: Cultural Triangle
This morning you will be collected by your guide and driven to the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Definitely a great opportunity to burn off that lovely breakfast at Arika you will enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO complex and a hike to the top to enjoy the stunning scenery.

This afternoon you will then head into Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari in search of the large elephant herds, sambar deer and purple faced langur monkey. Contact us for more info on the famous Elephant Gathering….

Day 7: Cultural Triangle to Kandy
Want to stay an extra day or two in the Cultural Triangle & see Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura? Contact us on 01273 923100 to design a holiday tailored to you or to get more ideas. This morning you will be driven south to the scenic city of Kandy, heading to the UNESCO Temple of the Tooth and Royal Palace where you will enjoy a guided tour and walk by Kandy Lake.

You will then spend 1 night at Villa Rosa, a unique hotel located away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city – enjoy a Sundowner by the infinity pool this afternoon!

Day 8: Kandy to Tea Country
Today will be driven 7km south of Kandy to the station where you will board the train south through the stunning tea plantations and many local villages to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. On arrival, you will be met and taken to spend 2 nights at Oliphant, a luxury villa surrounded by lush tea estates, beautifully kept gardens, and a backdrop of stunning mountains. 

Day 9: Tea Country
Full day to explore this beautiful region with your guide and vehicle at your disposal. No trip is complete to this region without a visit to a tea factory and if you are feeling active we definitely recommend a nature hike in the Horton Plains National Park to the “Worlds End”!

Days 10: Tea Country to Yala National Park
An incredible drive today will take in the Ella Gap with stunning views of the southern plains (definitely a stop for a few photos!) as you head down to Yala National Park to continue your safari with 2 nights at the Cinnamon Wild. Settle in to your chalet, relax on your private balcony, or head to the pool for a refreshing swim. Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in the park – prime leopard country!

Day 11: Yala National Park
Full day jeep safari in Yala National Park. Yala is the most visited park in Sri Lanka and boasting the highest concentration of leopard in the world it’s no surprise.

Day 12: Yala to Galle (via Uda Walawe National Park)
This morning you will rise early and head to your final wildlife hotspot, Uda Walawe National Park. Enjoy a jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park – the perfect environment for the Asian elephant, this is a fantastic spot to view these majestic creatures in the wild!

You will then continue west to the UNESCO Galle Fort to spend your last night at The Bartizan – the hotel is in an old dutch structure and has been renovated to feature modern bedrooms in a fantastic location. There are plenty of wonderful things to do in or around Galle Fort. Talk to us about the different options. 

Day 13: Colombo to UK
Following a final breakfast in the fort you will be transferred north to Colombo Airport for your flight back to the UK. Or add-on a few nights at the beach for a relaxing end to your holiday. Call us on 01273 923100 to tailor this holiday to you. 

Welcome Home…(how many photos!!)