Wild Life Tour of Sri Lanka

Overview
Places to See
Itinerary
Selection of Hotels
Notes

Ayubowan!

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Wild Life Tour of Sri Lanka – 9 nights

Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, known to Arab traders as Serendib - hence the word "serendipity", meaning discovery by happy accident. It was famously described by Marco Polo as "undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world".

This is a culturally rich and environmentally diverse country, with nine World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BC); 86 species of mammals (including elephant and leopard) and more than 400 bird species (including 26 endemics); a colorful array of flowering plants and trees, and a Hill Country famous for tea; 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government; and an Indian Ocean coastline boasting palm-fringed and sandy tropical beaches.

Sri Lanka, once known as Serendib Taprobane is now also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. This paradise isle, which is indeed shaped like a pearl, offers pristine beaches, lush tea estates, and more waterfalls perhaps than any other country- a staggering 350 that cascade dramatically down rolling, Hillsides and mist-shrouded mountains, and a culture that reaches back over 2,500 years. Famous for its spices and spice plantations, Sri Lanka was described by a renowned botanist, as simply one big botanical garden.

Cities where you are staying

  • 03 nights in Dambulla, Habarana or Sigiriya
  • 02 nights in Kandy
  • 01 night in Nuwara Eliya
  • 03 nights in Yala

What you will do during the tour

  • Visit to Millennium elephant foundation.
  • Jeep Safari at Minneriya or Kawdulla National park.
  • Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
  • Village tracking at Hiriwadunna
  • Visit to Kandy Tooth Temple
  • Visit to Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
  • Visit to Horton Plains
  • Visit to Yala National park
DAY 01 AIRPORT / PINNAWALA / DAMBULLA

Upon your arrival at the Colombo International Airport, you will be met by a professional Chauffeur Guide of Travel Ease Tours. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle

Next, transfer to your hotel in Dambulla.

En-route you will be visiting the Millennium elephant foundation in Pinnawela.

(Airport to Pinnawela Travel Time Approx: 2 - 2 1/2 HRS)

Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) a non-government organization (NGO) which is dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. Home of the new and exclusive Elephant Walk Experience. The alternative to elephant riding option for tourists. An ethical, up close and personal experience unique to MEF. The most interactive enjoyable way to see domestic elephants in Sri Lanka. The foundation has an international elephant volunteer program 365 days per year where the team is dedicated to the daily care of elephants and welcome applicants from all over the world. The activities available at the foundation includes the following

  • Feed the Elephants
  • Experience "How to bathe en Elephant" in a small stream near Pinnawala Orphanage. This is a private Elephant bathing experience On completion continue to Dambulla and check in to your hotel among the forests. Rest of the day at leisure to unwind and relax. (Pinnawela to Dambulla Travel Time Approx: 2 - 2 1/2 HRS)

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA or similar

DAY 02 DAMBULLA/SIGIRIYA/MINNERIYA/DAMBULLA

Today you will start the day after an early breakfast at the hotel and proceed on an excursion to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

(Dambulla to Sigiriya Travel Time Approx: 30 to 45 Mins.)

Sigiriya: Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is known as the 8th wonder of the world. This rock fortress was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered a pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace and the outer wall was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya 5th century water gardens to their former glory.

The architect of this lovely city is known to be King Parakrama Bahu - The Great. The remains of the Royal Citadel council chamber, prince’s bathing pool and the Gal Vihare, a stone temple with its colossal sculptures of the Buddha in a quiet grove of trees as well as the still functioning Parakrama Samudra, a man made reservoir, larger than our Colombo harbor, are on easy distance from each other. The new museum has an excellent scale model of the ancient city as it was.

On completion stop for lunch at a local restaurant (Optional)

Afternoon proceed on a game drive at the Minneriya National Park.

(Sigiriya to Minneriya Travel Time Approx: 30 to 45 Mins.)

More spectacular than possibly any other wildlife event in Sri Lanka is what is known as the ‘The Gathering’. During the dry season (July to Spetember) when water supplies start to diminish, more and more animals congregate around the Minneriya reservoir where grasses are rich and fertile. For several months of this drought season different herds of wild elephants gather at the reservoir. They come from the areas beyond A Minneriya, and at any one time it is possible to witness up to 300-400 elephants. They are not migrating, they simply ‘gather’, to socialize, bathe, feed and possibly mate. Minneriya National Park is also home to Sri Lankan leopards and Sri Lankan Sloth Bears. It is listed as one of the important bird areas in Sri Lanka. The wildlife here comprises of 26 species of mammals, 160 species of bird, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish and 75 species of butterfly

On completion return to your hotel, and spend rest of the day at leisure

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA or similar

DAY 03 DAMBULLA/HIRIWADUNNA/DAMBULLA

Rise up early and get yourself energized with a strong cup of Sri Lankan Tea and proceed on a nature walk at the forest breadth, around the hotel.

Spend just about ninety minutes of bliss tracking and watching an experienced naturalist. Many nests are hidden among the floating lotus leaves and the branches of the gigantic "Kumbuk" trees. Across the ramp and up the wooden stairway is an observation desk - a platform that overlooks a myriad of birdlife strewn across the reflecting waters.

The past continues into the farm that ends amidst the spellbinding Butterfly garden. A riot of clour affixed in petals awaits the nature lovers while the bird trail ends as a truly enriching experience.

On completion return to hotel for breakfast.

Thereafter proceed on an authentic village excursion to Hiriwadunna, where you will feel yourself Sri Lanken’ed’ with the ambiance of the local community. You will be served lunch at a house in the village, of which you can experience the culinary expertise of the Sri Lankan women.

The tour through the village includes an excursion through the countryside, along mud-thatched village huts, flourishing paddy fields, streamlets, rivers and springs of crystal clear. The banana plantations in the village makes up for an interesting visit. The tour also includes visits to the scenic reservoir in Hiriwadunna, which is crossed by a boat to reach a chena cultivation, where the travellers would be able to set their eyes on the scenic sights of the village atop a tree house built on a lone tree midst the cultivations.

On completion return to hotel and relax or enjoy your free time at the pool witnessing the breath taking sunset of the Paradise Island.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA or similar.

DAY 04 DAMBULLA/KANDY

You will pack your bags and check out from the hotel as you head towards the ancient royal capital of Kandy.En-route stop by to visit the religious heritage monument of Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that king Valagambahu took refuge in the 01st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceiling found here are over 2000 years old and is the largest area of painting found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters.

On completion continue to Kandy and check-in to hotel

(Dambulla to Kandy Travel Time Approx: 2 1/2 to 03 HRS.)

Late afternoon visit the Temple of the tooth to witness the traditional blessings known “Thewawa” at 1800 HRS

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Temple of the Tooth Relic is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.

On Completion return to hotel

DAY 05 KANDY / UDAWATTAKALE / KANDY

After a night of experiencing the cultural richness of the Royal Capital and its surroundings today you will be amazed to see another side of the same city with its lavishness of flora and fauna at the UdawattaKele Sanctuary

(Kandy to Udawattakele Travel Time Approx: 30 to 45 Mins.)

The lush forest cover of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary behind Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has a long history dating back to many centuries. It was declared Tahansikele or forbidden forest by the Sinhala kings who ascended the throne when Kandy became the capital city.

It was a royal forest reserve where no one was allowed to venture. Located close to Sri Dalada Maligawa and the royal palace in this verdant jungle where among trees, creepers, lichen, mosses, ferns, grasses, fungi, and bacteria are found in abundance. When the morning mist gently clears from the placid water of the pond in the middle of the forest glade, the shrill call of a bird from the nearby tree or a croak of a frog may disturb the stillness of the surroundings. One can notice a monitor lizard swim lazily catching a glimpse of a prey in the water, disturbed by its movement a blue kingfisher flashes across with its widespread wings when it failed to catch a fish. With this panorama peace and tranquility continue to prevail throughout this panoramic kingdom of fauna and flora. Udawattekele is the only forest in the world found bordering a city. With the expansion of the city it has been reduced to the present size.

On Completion return to hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure enjoying the amenities of the hotel

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA HILLS,KANDY or similar

DAY 06 KANDY / PERADENIYA / NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast at the hotel visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, one of the “Must Visits” during your stay in Kandy.

(Kandy to Peradeniya Travel Time Approx: 30 to 45 Mins.)

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

The Royal Botanical Gardens at ‘Peradeniya’ is where you could treat your eyes to an amazing, wide and rare collection of tropical and temperate, exotic and indigenous flora, and an orchid house with the largest collection in Asia.

On completion drive to Nuwara Eliya, a city among the misty hills. (Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Travel Time Approx: 02 - 02 1/2 HRS.)

Nuwara Eliya is set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town where the British succeeded in creating a replica of the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life.Pony and Horse riding is available at the turf club of Nuwara Eliya to facilitate you with some sports and adventure.

Feel the “home away from home” upon your check-in at hotel in Nuwara Eliya known as “Little England”

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT BLACKPOOL HOTEL,NUWARA ELIYA or similar

DAY 07 NUWARA ELIYA / HORTON PLAINS / YALA

Today, your day will start before the sun rises among the hills, as you head towards Horton Plains National Park with a packed Breakfast from the hotel.

(Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains Travel Time Approx: 45 Mins.to 01 HRS)

Horton Plains

6500ft above sea level lies Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau. Nature lovers will revel in this wide, patna-grass covered plain, the haunt of many wild, yet harmless, animals and the home of many species of birds. Bridle paths will take you to the precipice known as World’s End – a sheer drop of 1,050 meters. Waterfalls are seen and heard everywhere in this hill country.

On completion proceed to Yala and check into your hotel located a midst of the bounty of green neighboring. (Horton Plains to Yala Travel Time Approx: 05 to 06 HRS)

Time to pamper yourself with a foot massage (optional) after a day with long drive.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT CINNAMON WILD,YALA or similar

DAY 08 YALA

A day to check your luck on spotting the highest density of Wildlife in Sri Lanka. Your chances of witnessing an “eye to eye” experience with a Spotted Wild Cat - Leopard is high at Yala National Park. Proceed on a game drive to the Yala National Park with a packed breakfast from the hotel.

Yala National Park

The elephant is undoubtedly the best known attraction at Yala, seen in small & large herds. Herds of spotted deer are seen all over the park

Monkeys the pinkish rhesus and the grey faced Langur monkey, live and play on the tree tops and the ground below. Wild buffalo & wild boar could give a good surprise & the sight of a leopard sunning itself or drinking water at a water hole could be memorable experience. The peacock is easily the most famous of the birds at Yala. The painted stork, many varieties of heron, the spoonbill, the bee-eater, parakeets, and king-fisher & wood pecker are some of the birds can be seen in the park.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day enjoying the amenities of the hotel.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT CINNAMON WILD,YALA or similar

DAY 09 YALA

Spend the morning at leisure.

Afternoon by 1500 HRS visit the Yala National Park for your second safari where you will experience a different ambiance of the park and its wealth of Wild Life.

Return to hotel.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT CINNAMON WILD,YALA or similar

DAY 10 YALA/BEACH

After a variety of memorable experiences around the country today you will be transferred to one the hotels of your choice on the sandy golden beaches of the Island.

END OF TOUR

SELECTION OF HOTELS

LOCATION HOTEL MEAL PLAN NO. OF NIGHTS
DAMBULLA AMAYA LAKE BED AND BREAKFAST 03 NIGHTS
KANDY AMAYA HILLS BED AND BREAKFAST 02 NIGHTS
NUWARA ELIYA GOLDEN RIDGE / ST. ANDREWS BED AND BREAKFAST 01 NIGHTS
YALA JETWING YALA BED AND BREAKFAST 03 NIGHTS

Cancellation policy:

  • Cancellation within 29 days of arrival full cancellation will be charged
  • Cancellation before 30 days of the arrival date free of charge

Child Policy:

  • Children below 12 years of age (at the time of travel) up to a maximum of 02 children sharing room with 02 adults (parents) without an extra bed, 50% of adult rate.
  • Children below 12 years of age (at the time of travel) up to a maximum of 02 children sharing room with 02 adults (parents), 50% of adult rate plus US$.25/- per night for extra bed. (Only one extra bed can be accommodated in one room)
  • Children below 12 years of age and 02 Children sharing a room of their own will charge adult rate per child
  • Child below 12 years of age sharing room with 01 adult, 90% of adult rate
  • Children below 02 years (at the time of travel) of age FOC.
  • Applicable rate for an adult will depend on number of adults on tour and the applicable rate bracket. please note the children will not be counted when establishing the number of persons on tour for the purpose of identifying the applicable rate bracket

Notes

  • Please note that standard check-in time is 1400hrs and standard check-out time is 1200hrs.
  • This is only an offer without any obligation on the hotel rooms, until such time the tour is confirmed and availability is checked.
  • When making payment, kindly ensure that the entire amount given in our offer (finally in our invoice) is made without any deductions to us. All bank charges to be borne by remitter. As such total amount in our final invoice to be credited to our account without any deduction please. In the event of any deductions, such differences are to be collected in cash on arrival of the guests.
  • If payment is to be made via credit card, then a 2.75% to be added on top of the quote we made in our offer and represented in our final invoice for payment.

Good to know:

  • On Arrival at the Airport, you will first reach Immigration, then to collect your ‘checked-in’ baggage. Once you clear customs, our representative will page you and meet you just outside the arrival hall.
  • Sri Lanka being a tropical county, is hot and humid. Ideal clothing would be cotton and comfortable clothing, casual footwear or slippers and a wide brim hat. Please use suntan lotion, because the UV index is always high. Shorts and t-shirts are allowed in most settings, except when visiting temples and other religious establishments. Ladies are required to cover the shoulders as well, when visiting places of worship.
  • Temperatures throughout the year in lowland areas (sea level to 1500 feet amsl) range from an average of 25 degrees Celsius at night to 32 degrees Celsius during the day (the real feel temperature is almost always higher). In the hill country (above 1500 feet amsl) the average temperatures range from an average of 15 degrees Celsius at night to 22 degrees Celsius during the day. Please note that if you are travelling during winter, to the hill country, it is advisable to wear a light to medium jersey, as temperatures do on occasion dip to single figures.
  • Liquor will NOT be served on Poya days (Full moon day) and on any other Religious holidays.
  • All major credit cards are widely accepted in all reputable outlets (restaurants / shops etc.)
  • Tipping is customary, but not obligatory. But if you are keen to know what is acceptable in local terms, it ranges between US$5/- per day up to US$25/- per day depending on the level of satisfaction of your driver when it comes to individual / family travel. For group travel other than the guide, the coach crew is to be tipped too. The amount for a day can vary depending on group size, but the recommended amount is US$15/- to US$40/- per day.