Exotic Wildlife Safari
15-Day Exotic Wildlife Safari in Sri Lanka
Experience Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife and cultural heritage
Tour Overview
This comprehensive 15-day wildlife safari combines Sri Lanka’s most exciting national parks with cultural highlights and beach relaxation. Designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, our Exotic Wildlife Safari tour offers unparalleled opportunities to observe elephants, leopards, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitats.
From the famous elephant gatherings at Minneriya to leopard spotting in Yala National Park, this itinerary maximizes wildlife viewing opportunities while also showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage through visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Galle Fort.
With expert naturalist guides, comfortable safari accommodations, and carefully planned schedules to optimize wildlife sightings, this tour provides an unforgettable Sri Lankan wildlife experience combined with cultural immersion and coastal relaxation.
Tour Snapshot
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Destinations
Negombo • Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa • Kandy • Ella • Yala • Galle • Bentota • Colombo
Tour Style
Wildlife, Safari, Cultural & Beach
Ideal For
Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, families with older children, nature lovers
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo
Highlights:
- Beach relaxation
- Lagoon exploration
Itinerary:
- Airport pickup and transfer to Negombo (30 min drive)
- Relax at the beach or take a lagoon boat tour
- Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 2: Negombo to Sigiriya
Highlights:
- Scenic countryside
- Ancient cave temples
Itinerary:
- Scenic drive to Sigiriya (approx. 4 hours)
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple en route
- Evening at leisure
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Tour
Highlights:
- UNESCO heritage site
- Traditional village life
Itinerary:
- Morning climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Village tour with bullock cart ride and traditional lunch
- Optional Ayurvedic spa session
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 4: Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Highlights:
- UNESCO heritage site
- Ancient ruins
Itinerary:
- Day excursion to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore ancient ruins, royal palaces, and Gal Vihara statues
- Return to Sigiriya
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 5: Minneriya National Park Safari
Highlights:
- Elephant gathering
- Wildlife safari
Itinerary:
- Relax morning
- Afternoon Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park – famous for the elephant gathering
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 6: Sigiriya to Kandy via Matale
Highlights:
- Spice gardens
- Cultural capital
Itinerary:
- Visit a spice garden in Matale
- Arrive in Kandy, cultural capital of Sri Lanka
- Evening visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Enjoy cultural dance performance
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 7: Kandy Exploration
Highlights:
- Botanical gardens
- City exploration
Itinerary:
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- Explore Kandy Lake and city streets
- Optional gem museum visit
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 8: Kandy to Ella via Train
Highlights:
- Scenic rail journey
Itinerary:
- Scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella (book reserved seats)
- Enjoy stunning hill country landscapes and tea plantations
- Check-in at Ella hotel
- Overnight stay in Ella
Day 9: Explore Ella
Highlights:
- Mountain hikes
- Scenic viewpoints
Itinerary:
- Hike Little Adam’s Peak
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge
- Optional visit to Ravana Falls
- Relax evening in the cool mountain climate
- Overnight stay in Ella
Day 10: Ella to Yala National Park
Highlights:
- Wildlife gateway
Itinerary:
- Drive to Yala (approx. 3–4 hours)
- Optional visit to Buduruwagala rock carvings en route
- Evening at leisure near the park
- Overnight stay near Yala
Day 11: Yala National Park Safari
Highlights:
- Leopard spotting
- Wildlife safari
Itinerary:
- Early morning Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
- Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and birds
- Optional second safari in the afternoon
- Overnight stay near Yala
Day 12: Yala to Galle
Highlights:
- Coastal drive
- Colonial heritage
Itinerary:
- Drive along the southern coast to Galle (approx. 4–5 hours)
- Explore the Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Sunset walk along the ramparts
- Overnight stay in Galle
Day 13: Galle to Bentota
Highlights:
- River safari
- Turtle conservation
Itinerary:
- Optional boat ride in Madu River (Balapitiya)
- Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
- Relax on Bentota beach or enjoy water sports
- Overnight stay in Bentota
Day 14: Bentota to Colombo
Highlights:
- City tour
- Shopping
Itinerary:
- Drive to Colombo (approx. 2 hours)
- City tour: Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, shopping
- Enjoy local dining or nightlife
- Overnight stay in Colombo
Day 15: Departure from Colombo
Highlights:
- Final shopping
Itinerary:
- Depending on flight time, last-minute shopping or visit to Pettah market
- Airport transfer for departure
Tour Highlights
Wildlife Safaris
Minneriya & Yala National Parks with expert guides
Scenic Train Ride
Kandy to Ella through tea country
UNESCO Sites
Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Galle's colonial fort
Beach Relaxation
Galle & Bentota coastal experiences
Package Includes
- 14 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
- Scenic train tickets (Kandy to Ella)
- English-speaking driver-guide with wildlife expertise
- Entrance fees to listed attractions (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Temple of Tooth, etc.)
- Two Jeep safaris (Minneriya & Yala National Parks)
- Madu River boat safari (optional)
- Turtle hatchery visit
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- All government taxes and service charges
Why Choose This Tour
Wildlife Focus
Optimized for wildlife viewing with expert guides who know animal behaviors
Perfect Balance
Combines wildlife, culture, and beach relaxation in one comprehensive itinerary
Photography
Excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography
Local Insights
Expert guides provide authentic wildlife and cultural experiences