Chasing the big five in Sri Lanka

Welcome at the airport & proceed to Kalpitiya for check in (140KM/3h30m) (Standard check in time : 14.00 hrs)

Overnight stay at Kalpitiya

Early morning engage in whale watching.

Whale Watching in Kalpitiya (Duration of visit : approx 3 ½  – 4 Hours) 

The deeper waters off Alankuda and Kalpitiya coastlines are the haunt of six types of whales. The biggest of Sri Lanka’s big five can be seen surfacing from time to time and the sight of these enigmatic cetaceans is both breathtaking, spellbinding and offers a truly humbling experience. There are peaks in the movement of whales between November and December and again between March and April. Sperm Whales are most common, if you are lucky you will be able to witness other species of Whales including the Blue, Minke, Melon-Headed, Pilot, Brydes and Dwarf Sperm whales.  The months of November and April are the best times for whale watching in Alankuda. Whales are spotted during the period from November to April but not as often as these two months which is the migration period and are seen close in shore in large numbers.

Thereafter proceed to Wilpattu. (92KM/2h00m)

Evening engage in a nature trail at the campsite

Nature Trail at Big Game Camp (Duration of visit : approx 1 ½  – 2 hours)

This offers a wildlife viewing experience at Wilpattu to clients apart from the Safari. You will be able spot few bird varieties, butterflies, and small insects during this trail and you will be accompanied by a naturalist. You will also walk to visit rice fields and a lake that is loacted closer to the campsite during this session. The visit starts at 16.00hrs.

Early morning engage in a full day safari at Wilpattu National Park. (With packed breakfast)

Wilpattu National Park (Full day)

The special feature of this National Park is the existence of Willus, or natural lakes, sand-edged pools or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the northwestern lowlands in the dry zone of Sri Lanka (about 180 km north of Colombo), Wilpattu National Park has an area of 13,1693 hectares, making it the largest in the country & one of the oldest (since 1938).  The Willus are a paradise for water birds & a treat for whole herds of animals. Crocodiles also live in these Willus. 31 species of mammals were identified within this national park: elephants, slothbears, leopards, water buffaloes, wild boar, axis & sambar deer, mongoose & wild rats. Among the majority of reptiles are often land monitors, swamp crocodiles, swamp & star tortoises etc.

While on safari enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch by the Marawila villu (one of the natural lakes inside the park) which is located on an off-the-beaten road inside the park. Camping tables and chairs will be arranged for you to have lunch.

After a full-day safari there is nothing quite like an alfresco dinner under the stars, or under the canopy of a large tree with professional chefs creating gourmet traditional and fusion cuisine, with the ambiance of a bush forest hiding scurrying animals. Enjoy a BBQ by the campfire with the entertainment of tranquillity and chirping crickets, and, additionally, our assurance that you will experience more than just a meal.

Dinner and Overnight stay at Wilpattu

After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya. (107KM/2h30m)

Afternoon engage in a safari at Minneriya National park.

Minneriya National Park (Duration of visit : approx 3 ½  – 4 Hours)

The extent of the Minneriya national park is approximately 8889 hectares. Dry zone plant and Animal Species are common. The elephant is a highlight of the park. Approximately 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and more than 78 butterfly species can also be found here. There are also rare bamboo trees in this park which is unique to Minneriya national park.

While on safari climb up an observation deck which is located by the Minneriya lake to enjoy some snacks of your choice with the lake view. (Sandwiches/soft drinks etc) 

Overnight stay at Sigiriya

Early morning climb Pidurangala rock to view the sunshine.

Pidurangala (Duration of visit : approx 1  – 1 ½ Hours) 

Pidurangala rock is well known for its epic viewpoint. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys but also Sigiriya Rock. The only way to the top of the Pidurangala is via a pretty tough 30-40 minute hike, ascending quickly over a rocky path, until a section of bouldering to get to the summit. Both Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock are volcanic hills rising out of the lowland jungles and central plains of Sri Lanka, and are steeped in history and mythology.

Once you reach the summit enjoy a picnic Sri Lankan snack with a magical view of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Includes Halapa, Sri Lankan pancake Laveriya etc)

Thereafter proceed to Wasgamuwa National Park and check in at 12.00hrs to engage in an afternoon safari. (87KM/2h30m)

Wasgamuwa National Park (Duration of visit : approx 3 – 3 ½  Hours) 

Ride along the eastern fringes of Wasgamuwa National park, home to large population of Sri Lankan Elephants, other mammals include Sloth Bear, Leopard, Deer, wild buffalo and over 100 bird species.

While on safari enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch by the riverbank of Mahaweli river which is the longest river in Sri Lanka that is located on the eastern border of the park. Camping tables and chairs will be set up for your lunch.

Overnight stay at Wasgamuwa

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. (139KM/4h00m)

Evening engage in a walking tour of Nuwara Eliya.

15.00hrs - 17.00hrs: Start the walk to racecourse, colonial post office, city center, central market & Victoria Park (optional rent a bike). En-route have a shot of coconut arrack (local whiskey) or beer at a local wine store. (Drink it standing on the street which is typical of locals there)                            

17.00hrs - 17.45hrs: Walk by old colonial hotels Hill club & Grand hotel (from outside)                  

18.00hrs: Continue drinking. Another round of coconut arrack at one of oldest bars (Windsor) and then continue to Lion pub (Where locals hang out) for a local beer and local dinner

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya

Start early and proceed to Horton Plains National Park in search of the highland leopard.

The safari will start at 06.00hrs from the Pattipola ticket office where you can spot the highland endemics for about half an hour. Then you drive further up towards the Thotupola nature trail to see more endemic birds. Feel free to take pictures here and you will spend about approximately one hour over here. Thereafter drive further up to Arangapool where you will see the highly illusive Eurasian Otter and some endemic and migrant birds. Here you will spend about an hour having breakfast. Start your drive again towards the Adams peak viewpoint where you will be able to see Adam’s Peak if it is not too cloudy. If you are lucky you may see few leopards here as there have been few leopard sightings before.. Thereafter drive towards the Ohiya ticket office where you will spot more endemic birds, lizards and even eagles. Your safari will end here and soon after drive back to the parking  where you will enjoy a Sri Lankan lunch.

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast proceed to Gal Oya. (141KM/4h00m)

Once you reach the hotel engage in a bicycle tour. You could choose from below options according to your preference.

Bicycle Tour

Option 01 (Duration: approx 1 hour): Engage on a leisurely bicycle ride during your stay at the lodge. You may choose to ride on a shorter off-track trail to the small Kiri Oruwa Lake, which is teeming with bird species. (Included in the price)

Option 02 (Duration of visit: approx 3 hours): Alternatively, you may ride on the longer main road which cuts through the national park to the beautiful Namal Oya Reservoir. Helmets are provided. (Included in the price)

Overnight stay at Gal Oya

Early morning (06.00 am) engage in a boat safari in the lake.

Enjoy the only experience in Sri Lanka that allows you to spot wildlife from the water. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. With a little luck, you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. A 2–3-hour safari by boat, and a scenic 40-minute drive from the lodge to the lake is perfect to explore the national park and surrounding villages.

At 12.30 pm engage in a jeep safari at the Gal Oya National Park.

Enjoy lunch next to the river, waterfall or overlooking one of the park’s many breathtaking views. We can even provide a delicious picnic lunch prepared by our safari chef. The picnic is best coupled with the jeep safari. We recommend a 12:30 pm start for a late lunch and a swim in the river.

Thereafter engage in a jeep ride into the forgotten Nilgala section of Gal Oya National Park. Once protected by ancient royalty for the abundant medicinal plants and endemic birdlife, the park’s unique ecosystem is home to herds of elephants, wild boar, four species of deer, jackals, sloth bears, marsh mugger crocodiles, and an array of rare exotic birds.

Optional: Our more intrepid guests can couple the drive with a safari on foot. Hike through the park with our expert naturalists and see wildlife up close while exploring hidden corners of the park.

After breakfast proceed to Arugam Bay. (113KM/2h30m)

Afternoon engage in a lagoon tour in Urani lagoon in Panama. The tour is done by using a catamaran. The duration of the tour is approx. 2 hours. In this you will explore elephant activities in the evening, various species of birds as well as crocodiles. Elephant socialization activities are very similar to Minneriya.

Thereafter drive to Panama and have an exquisite BBQ dinner (Inclusive of grilled fish, vegetables, garlic bread etc) on the Panama beach shore. Camping chairs and tables will be set up for dinner. 

Overnight stay at Arugam Bay

Early morning (with packed breakfast) engage in a safari at Kumana National Park.

Kumana National Park(Duration of visit : approx 3 ½  – 4 Hours) 

The Kumana National Park is the most important and most popular bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Kumana birdlife supported by Some 20 lagoons and tank is an ornithologist’s paradise. During April–July, tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area annually nearly 255 species of birds have been recorded in the National Park. Regular sightings of birds include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and hundreds of little cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp.

Thereafter proceed to Yala. (167KM/4h00m)

Dinner and Overnight stay at Yala

Early morning (with packed breakfast) engage in a safari at Yala National Park.

Yala National Park (Duration of visit : approx 3 ½  – 4 Hours) 

The Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka has the world's highest concentration of leopards. Much of the nature reserve is parkland, but it also includes jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes, rivers and scrubland.  In addition to leopards the Yala National Park is also home to substantial numbers of elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo, grey langurs, and many more varieties of large animals. But that’s not all; the park is also home to birds of prey such as the white-bellied sea eagles, waders, painted Storks, the Indian peafowl, and the Sri Lanka jungle fowl.

Thereafter proceed to Mirissa and set sail at 04.00 pm from Mirissa Fisheries harbor on board on 53’ catamaran into the sunset. You can enjoy a nice swim, and paddle board in Weligama bay. Dinner is served on board, in the seclusion of the red cliff of Weligama. (119KM/2h15m)

Overnight stay at a Catamaran

Awake at sunrise and enjoy a cooked hot breakfast and local fresh fruits and leisurely cruise while taking sight of the giants of the ocean, whales, and dolphins. Lunch is served at noon at the beach where you can swim and paddle board. Thereafter you will be back at the Mirissa harbor.

Inclusions:

• Welcome drinks Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Whale/dolphin watching
• Swimming
• Stand-up paddle boarding
• Line fishing

Thereafter proceed to Galle.

Overnight stay at Galle 

After breakfast engage in a lagoon and village cycling tour.

The Lagoon and Village Cycling Tour goes at your own pace – we get off the beaten track with an easy 12 km (7.5 miles) ride from approx. 2.5 to 3 hours (or more) depending on how comfortable you are and how fast you wish to cycle. The tour stays primarily on dirt and gravel tracks and shows you local industries, lagoon and mangroves, fauna, flora and also meets the local people. You can also witness the process of catching crabs.

Thereafter proceed to Colombo.

Overnight stay at Colombo

On completion proceed to the airport for departure.