Journey into the Wild: 10 Days of Discovery

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your first destination – Chilaw. This will take about 90 minutes and depending on your arrival time, you can decide how you want to spend the rest of the day.  

Chilaw is home to a beautiful lagoon, mangrove-fringed lakes and endless sandy beaches. It is the perfect destination to relax and unwind after a long flight. You may even be able to catch a breathtaking sunset if you arrive towards dusk.  You can spend your day in the hotel and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

An early morning start will see you heading to the fish market to watch the day’s catch coming in, experience the process of wholesale fish trading and also to learn about the process of drying fish. Afterwards you’ll be heading to Wilpattu.

Among things to do in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is a multi-faceted treasure: on your afternoon jeep safari, you will get a sense of this sprawling landscape: from low scrub forests, wetlands to tall ebony and milla trees, and its iconic lakes – getting its vernacular name which means ten lakes. “The Land of Lakes” is the biggest and 2nd oldest Wildlife Park of Sri Lanka. Look out for its wildlife, especially the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and numerous birds.

An early morning start on your wildlife tour of Sri Lanka will see you set off on a full-day safari with packed breakfasts, lunches, and refreshments. This excursion is focused on visiting the numerous lakes in this Park, as they afford the best sightings of Leopards, Sloth Bears and other inhabitants of the jungle. At the end of the safari, a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars awaits you at the campsite. After dinner, you will set off on an exciting night walk where you will get to know the nocturnal wildlife and even possibly catch sight of the elusive Slender Loris!

The following day, you will travel to Polonnaruwa, a magnificent cultural destination in Sri Lanka. On your way, you will have the opportunity to explore the Ritigala mountain range, one of the country’s three strict nature reserves. This mountain range is home to three distinct types of forests – tropical montane, dry mixed evergreen, and montane forests. The diverse ecosystems found here contribute to its remarkable biodiversity. Once you have finished exploring Ritigala, you will proceed to Polonnaruwa and settle into your hotel for the night.

We’ll drive you to Polonnaruwa which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The Gal Vihara temple cut from one slab of granite stone possesses a jewel of Sri Lankan art: the statues of Buddha in the recumbent, seated and standing positions.

Then, we’ll head for the Minneriya National Park. Annually, in August/ September during the dry season, wild elephants migrate from Wasgamuwa National Park to Minneriya National Park in search of food and shelter. It’s a wanderlust dream to see over 350 majestic mammals, migrate across the expansive parks.

On your sixth day in Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful destination of Wasgamuwa, known for its abundant wildlife, particularly elephants. Upon arrival in Wasgamuwa, you will check into your hotel before embarking on a late afternoon safari at the renowned Wasgamuwa National Park. This park boasts a diverse range of forest birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, offering you a chance to witness the rich biodiversity of the area. Interestingly, the name “Wasgamuwa” originates from the local word for sloth bear, a species that can also be spotted in the park.

After the thrilling safari experience, you will return to your hotel to unwind and prepare for the adventures that await you on the following day.

The following day, you will have the opportunity to visit the Maduru Oya National Park, another incredible wildlife destination. This park is known for its elusive and nocturnal species, such as the slender Loris, as well as a variety of other fascinating animals. During your safari, you may spot leopards, sloth bears, purple faced leaf monkeys, and over 100 species of birds, including the Racket tailed Drongo, Yellow fronted barbet, Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, and Spur fowl. After your exploration, you will return to your hotel in Wasgamuwa for the night.

After experiencing the excitement of Wasgamuwa, you will head towards the stunning Knuckles. Upon arrival, you will check into a hotel and have the opportunity to enjoy a late evening nature walk through the Knuckles Forest Reserve. This reserve is truly special as it encompasses all of Sri Lanka’s climatic zones and forest types. During the walk, you will be able to witness a wide array of plant and animal species, as well as breathtaking views. Once the walk is over, you can relax and unwind in the comfort of your hotel. the Pigeon Island, it’s a wanderlust for families with long stretches of beach and warm blue waters to revel in!

A scenic drive will get you to Kandy. When you reach Kandy, your first port of call will be the Temple of the Tooth built in the 16th century, a prominent temple where Lord Buddha’s tooth lies; surrounded by artistic murals and paintings capturing the journey of Buddhism. You will find the daily rituals ‘pooja’ held amidst drumming and chanting, very intense and colourful – attracting many worshippers daily.

We’ve reached the end of your 09-night holiday to Sri Lanka and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.