Lankan Wildlife

On arrival in Colombo’s International airport, you will be warmly greeted and drive south towards Mirissa.

En-route, set out on a riverboat safari at Muthurajawela, cruising down the mangrove-lined banks of the Madu River to view the amazing indigenous birdlife and photograph the lush forested scenery. The river is dappled with some 25 small islands – some of which are home to local communities that engage in the cinnamon trade. Make a stop and see the amazing process by which the villagers peel the cinnamon from the trees and cultivate it. Other highlights along the river include an ancient temple and the chance to spot crocodiles and huge water monitors. Birding highlights include stork billed kingfisher, Common kingfisher, Cormorants, black and yellow bitterns.

Afterwards, Stop briefly at the Victor Hasselblad sea turtle research and conservation centre in Kosgoda. It was the very first turtle conservation centre established in Sri Lanka in 1978, and continues to do great work. Check in to your hotel in Mirissa.

An early morning start to embark on your whale watching trip, which lasts around 3 to 4 hours depending on sightings and sea conditions. The chances of sighting Blue Whales are high in Mirissa, with both resident and migratory whales crossing from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea enjoying the warm waters off the south coast around Mirissa.

Blue whales are seen relatively close to shore. Then your naturalist skipper will take you further out to sea look for Sperm Whales. Dolphins are also spotted frequently in large shoals in these waters.

Return to your hotel and spend your afternoon at leisure. The beach in Mirissa is excellent, and there are other beaches within easy reach along the coast to explore.

This morning, you’ll embark on another whale watching excursion, after which you’ll drive eastwards towards Yala National Park.

En-route, you’ll enjoy a birding session at the Bundala National Park’s wetlands.

Check in to your hotel in near Yala National Park.

A full day safari in your exclusive safari is the best way to explore Yala for keen wildlife watchers. Yala is Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife reserve, famous for having one of the highest densities of leopard in the world.

You are also highly likely to see a wealth of other wildlife, including Elephant, Sloth Bear, Sambar and Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Stripe-necked, Brown & Ruddy Mongooses, Black-naped Hare & several civet species. In the water holes you may see Mugger Crocodile, Painted Stork, Lesser Whistling Teal, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Great, Median & Little Egrets & the rare Black-necked Stork.

Your naturalist and driver will be able to tailor your route based on your desire for specific species or interests.

Note: All vehicles on a full day safari congregate at the designated lunch point between 12-2pm, right next to the sea. You can buy packed lunches at your hotel. You are free to stretch your legs and explore within the open air area. Basic restroom facilities are available.

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and enjoy the facilities.

Later, enjoy an afternoon safari at Yala National Park.

Rise early for your last safari in Yala National Park, for one more opportunity to savour the wildlife and spot any species you may have missed earlier.

The afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast, leave for Uda Walawe (2 hrs).

Visit the Elephant Transit Home in UdaWalave to see the elephants being fed at 12 noon.

Proceed to the Uda Walave NP to enjoy an afternoon safari. This is an excellent chance to see up to 50-60 Elephants in herds and a variety of birds. The Nursery Herd here comprises of many baby Elephants, and is one of the key attractions of the National Park.

Enjoy a morning safari at Uda Walawe National Park, and then proceed to Sinharaja for an afternoon birding walk.

Sinharaja is the best location to see mixed species bird flocks which can sometimes include around 40 individual species. On your birding trip,  you can also see many endemic bird species.

Highlights include Orange-billed Babbler, Crested Drongo, Red-faced Malkoha, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Green-billed Coucal, Lesser Yellownape, Orange Minivet, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Black-naped Monarch, Yellow-fronted Barbet, White-faced Starling, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Bronze-winged Pigeon, Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Myna, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Brown-backed Needletail, Green Imperial Pigeon, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Scaly Thrush, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Black-throated Munia, Layard’s Parakeet, Black Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Dark-fronted Babbler, Velvut-fronted Nuthatch and Sri Lanka Frogmouth.

This morning you’ll have another birding session at Sinharaja National Park.

Later, drive (3.5 hrs) to Negombo. Spend your last evening in Sri Lanka on the beach, or shop for souvenirs in Negombo’s charming streets.

Depending on the time of your flight, you have the opportunity to relax at the hotel, or shop for souvenirs in Negombo’s charming streets.

You’ll be driven to the airport in time for your return flight.