9 Day Tour of Sri Lanka's Majestic Trio - Elephants, Leopards, & Whales
What your day looks like
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world that has a stunning coastline with pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, numerous historical and cultural attractions, diverse wildlife and natural landscapes, largest tea producers with picturesque tea plantations, range of adventure activities, delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional Ayurvedic treatments and wellness centres, celebrates a variety of festivals all throughout the year. Sri Lanka is well known for the warm and friendly hospitality. This magical island was once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon.
The experience, in brief
- Embark on an unforgettable adventure that highlights Sri Lanka’s stunning wildlife
- Witness the grandeur of elephants in their natural habitat at Minneriya National Park
- Experience the thrill of spotting elusive leopards at Yala National Park
Your day, step by step
Colombo
Day 01 - Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will have a meet and greet before proceeding to Negombo, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Negombo
Colombo
Day 02 - Negombo to Habarana: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Habarana, which is approximately a 3-hour and 30-minute journey. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 02 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Habarana
Colombo
Eco Tour at Minneriya National Park. Day 03 - Minneriya National Park: After Breakfast at the hotel, see The Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. It provides an excellent opportunity to observe and appreciate the natural behavior of Asian elephants in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Minneriya National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to September. This is when the Elephant Gathering, the famous congregation of elephants, occurs, making it an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to elephants, Minneriya National Park is home to other animals, including sambar deer, axis deer, buffalo, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of reptiles and amphibians. Minneriya is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 170 species of birds recorded in the park. Bird enthusiasts can spot a wide variety of waterfowl, raptors, and other avian species. The park is most famous for its large population of Asian elephants. During the dry season, elephants from the surrounding areas gather near the Minneriya Tank to drink water and feed on the fresh grass that emerges as the water level recedes. It's common to see herds of elephants, often numbering in the hundreds, in close proximity.
Colombo
Day 03 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Habarana
Colombo
Local Flavor at Hiriwadunna. Day 04 - Habarana / Hiriwadunna / Habarana: Have breakfast at Hotel and then enjoy a village Tour with village lunch & boat ride experience. Trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (manmade reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot.
Colombo
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Habarana
Colombo
Day 05 - Habarana to Yala: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Habarana before checking in at the hotel in Yala and Visit at Yala National Park and enjoy a jeep safari (Approx. 3 hrs) Return to Hotel and spend the rest of the day on leisure
Colombo
Day 05 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yala
Colombo
Eco Tour at Yala National Park. Day 06 - Yala National Park and enjoy a jeep safari: Yala National Park's arid, boulder-strewn landscapes offer a striking contrast to the lush jungles and rice paddies that dominate much of Sri Lanka. Spanning 100,000 hectares of dry thorny scrub and dusty glades, the park evokes the feeling of an African bushveld, complete with long-thorn bushes. This unique environment is ideal for spotting a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, wild boar, spotted deer, crocodiles, and jackals. In the early 20th century, the enterprising South African Englebrecht, who was brought to Sri Lanka as a prisoner of war after the Boer War, recognized the area's potential for conservation. He established it as a sanctuary—Sri Lanka’s first—making Yala the oldest and most renowned national park on the island.
Colombo
Day 06 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yala
Colombo
Day 07 - Yala to Mirissa: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Mirissa, which is approximately a 2-hour journey. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 07 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mirissa
Mirissa
Whale Watching. Day 08 - Mirissa: Enjoy a Whale Watching Tour with Sail Lanka Breakfast at the Hotel Visit Coconut Hill Spot and Parrot Rock Bridge Return to hotel and spend the day on leisure Mirissa is a picturesque coastal town located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is well-known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and as a popular destination for whale watching. Here are some key points about Mirissa. Coconut Hill Spot is a scenic viewpoint has become popular on social media due to its picturesque setting with rows of coconut palm trees overlooking the ocean. It's a great spot for taking photos. Whale Watching: Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. The waters off the coast of Mirissa are home to various species of whales, including blue whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales. Dolphin sightings are also common.
Colombo
Day 08 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mirissa
Colombo
Day 09 - We hope you enjoyed your trip with us! After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drop you off at the airport so you can catch your flight back home.
What to know before booking
Included
Ticket prices Accommodation All transfers with an English-speaking guide Safari at Minneriya National Park Safari at Yala National Park Guided Bush Walk at Tribe Yala Village Tour with a boat ride Whale-watching tour with Sail Lanka All taxes and services
Not Included
Tips & Gratuity Flights and visas Insurance Entrance fees to sights Anything not mentioned
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Camera and bag for essentials Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat
Meeting & Pickup
Airport Pickup and Drop-off Hotel in Colombo (Depending on the clients' preference)
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 1 to August 31 - Roo Mansala - Per Room, Per Night - 15.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 15 to August 31 - Uga Riva - Per Room, Per Night - 140.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business