DETAILED ITINERARY

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

Day 2: Colombo to Kandanagedara 
On arrival, you will be met by your driver/guide and privately transferred approx. 1 hr to Kandanagedara, where your Sri Lanka adventure starts with a 1-night stay at Horathapola Estate! A heritage bungalow set within a working coconut plantation, Horathapola is nestled in the peaceful backdrop of rural Sri Lanka. Take a dip in the pool this afternoon, or stretch your legs after your flight in the tranquil gardens surrounding the property. Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Day 3: Kandanagedara to Wilpattu National Park
Today you will be met and transferred north to Wilpattu National Park! Your journey will take you approx. 3 hrs to Thamaravila where you will spend the next 2 nights – surrounded by abundant wildlife on the outskirts of Wilpattu, Thamaravila provides a secluded getaway, superior comfort, and an immense wildlife experience! Fancy more time to go on safari? Talk to us about adding in a night!

Once you have settled in, you will head out this afternoon for your first jeep safari. Make sure you keep an eye out for amazing wildlife! Relax this evening on the terrace back at Thamaravila, and listen out for the sounds of the wildlife around you. 

Day 4: Wilpattu National Park
More time in Wilpattu National Park is in store today – head out in both the morning, and the afternoon, for some more jeep safaris! Look out for leopards, elephants, spotted deer, sloth bears, and more! 

Day 5: Wilpattu to Cultural Triangle
This morning you will go out on one last jeep safari, before you hit the road and head approx. 2 hrs to the Cultural Triangle region of the country. You will drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the largest temple cave complex in Sri Lanka. Have some time to explore, before you continue to Wildgrass Nature Resort, where you will stay for 2 nights. Surrounded by jungle, Wild Grass is a welcoming and secluded eco-retreat, spread out over 25 acres of untouched forestry – perfect for some peace and quiet. Spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing by the pool! 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.

Day 6: Cultural Triangle
This morning you will be collected by your guide and driven to the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya where you will enjoy a guided tour and hike of this fascinating UNESCO complex – enjoy the stunning scenery once you reach the top! This afternoon you can either stay at the resort, or head out to explore more of the surrounding area at your leisure. There are nature tours and hiking opportunities available, or grab a bike and head off on two wheels. Fancy trying a cooking class to learn more about how dishes of this amazing cuisine are prepared? Talk to us about adding this in to your stay at Wildgrass! 

Day 7: Cultural Triangle to Gal Oya National Park
This morning you will be driven approx. 3 1/2 hrs south to Gal Oya National Park, to spend the next 3 nights at Gal Oya Lodge. This stunning safari lodge is set away from the more trodden routes, and the Lodge champions a more discreet and responsible kind of wildlife tourism! Relax by the pool, or head out on guided walks with the resident naturalists, and check out anything they have managed to capture on their camera traps. We’ve visited all the hotels in this itinerary so ask us for the low-down. Call 01273 923100.

Days 8 & 9: Gal Oya National Park
Two days to enjoy different wildlife experiences and more of the National Park. You will get the chance to head out on a shared boat safari on one of the days – look out for wild elephants swimming in Sri Lanka’s largest lake, and find yourself immersed in the animal’s habitats! You will also get to head out on another jeep safari with a delicious picnic lunch included! 

When you’re not on safari, relax by the pool, or for a true cultural experience, you could head out on a walk with the chief of the local Vedda tribe, and learn more about how they sustain their community. 

Day 10: Gal Oya National Park to the Southern Tea Hills 
This morning you will be met and driven approx. 3 hrs to the tea hills, where you will be spending the next 2 nights at Living Heritage Koslanda – this unique, luxury boutique hotel is set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, where traditional architecture and design are fused with attention to detail. Relax by the pool this afternoon as you soak up the incredible views! Want to travel on the iconic train through the tea hills? Call us on 01273 923100 to discuss how you can include this journey into your trip. 

Day 11: Southern Tea Hills 
You have a free day at leisure to enjoy this beautiful area of Sri Lanka! Take a picnic lunch and head to the nearby waterfall where you can also enjoy a dip in the cool water. Go out on a guided walk through the forest, join in on a cooking class and learn how to make the delicious Sri Lankan Hopper – a favourite snack often enjoyed at breakfast – or attend a local puja if you are looking for a slice of culture. Or you could simply grab a book and head to the pool!

Day 12: Southern Tea Hills to Yala National Park
Today you will be met and transferred approx. 2 hrs to Yala National Park to spend 2 nights at Kulu Safari Yala – blending the adventure of a Sri Lankan safari with exceptionally comfortable tented lodging, Kulu Safari Yala will provide you with an authentic and memorable wildlife experience. Settle in after you arrive, and then head out this afternoon on safari! 

Day 13: Yala National Park
A full day of jeep safari in Yala National Park is in store today. Yala is the most visited park in Sri Lanka, and boasting the highest concentration of leopard in the world, it’s no surprise. Binoculars at the ready! 

Day 14: Yala National Park to Weligama
This morning you will enjoy one more morning safari before you are met and transferred approx. 2 hrs to the rural coast to enjoy your last three nights at Malabar Hill, a nature focused luxury resort, located on a hilltop with views that will take your breath away. Relax with a dip in your private plunge pool this afternoon.

Days 15 & 16: Weligama
You will get to enjoy a visit to Galle Fort on one of the days, and the rest of your time will be free for you to spend at your leisure – there is plenty for you to do nearby! Go on a whale watching tour, enjoy the interactive tree trail around the hotel and soak up the exotic nature around you, join in with a traditional cooking experience, rent a bicycle and take in the scenery along one of the cycling routes, or unwind with some yoga.

Day 17: Weligama to the UK
Following a final breakfast you will be transferred approx. 2 hrs north to Colombo Airport for your flight back to the UK. Want to add in some more time closer to the beach? Talk to us about some beach properties you could head to before you journey home.  

Welcome Home…(how many photos!!)