en
- Boutique
- 16-day trip
- From €6,650 p.p.
Sri Lanka trip | Sri Lanka Nature Trip
Sri Lanka may be a small country, with an area the size of Belgium and the Netherlands combined, it is home to a rich treasure of flora and fauna. Of particular note is the presence of the Asian elephant, which still finds plenty of room to migrate between feeding grounds, although their habitat is also under pressure here. The king of the Sri Lankan forest is the leopard, which has therefore been able to develop relatively untroubled and can be easily spotted in Sri Lanka. This trip takes you past the island's most important and beautiful National Parks: Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park and the unknown gem Gal Oya National Park. Bird watching is done in the last remaining true rainforest in the country, Sinharaja Rainforest. Cultural highlights such as the Lion Rock and Polonnaruwa are not skipped. You end your trip at the beach of Thalpe.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Sri Lanka
- Day 2 Arrival in Sri Lanka
- Day 3 – 4 Wilpattu National Park
- Day 5 Stupas and lorises
- Day 6 Nature in the Cultural Triangle
- Day 7 – 8 Dambulla – Gal Oya National Park
- Day 9 Waterfalls and tea plantations
- Day 10 – 11 Yala National Park
- Day 12 – 13 Birds in the tropical rainforest
- Day 14 – 15 Beach stay
- Day 16 Return flight
Arrival in Sri Lanka
Ayubowan! We warmly welcome you to Sri Lanka! You will meet your guide for this trip in the airport arrivals hall.
Throughout your journey through Sri Lanka, you’ll have a private driver at your disposal, who will also act as your guide. This is very convenient, as you can discuss the next day’s itinerary with him, stop whenever you spot an interesting bird, and ask him all sorts of questions about the country’s flora and fauna.
After just 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at your hotel, where you’ll have the afternoon to spend as you wish. The Wallawwa boasts a beautiful garden, with a lovely swimming pool surrounded by an abundance of flowers and plants. Here, you can relax after your long flight.
Inclusief:
- Meet & Greet at Colombo airport
- Private car with driver/guide for the entire trip
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Wilpattu National Park
You’ll be driven from your hotel to Wilpattu National Park in around 4 hours. After Yala, Wilpattu is the best place in Sri Lanka to spot leopards in the wild. The park consists of a large number of lakes, known as ‘Virus’, with sandy, open shores. These are perfect spots for spotting wildlife, which is drawn to the water in this otherwise arid area.
You will go on two safaris in the park, in good, comfortable jeeps. As well as leopards, you’ll hope to spot the sloth bear here, as well as the muntjac, a small swamp deer. The safaris take place at 6.00 am and 2.30 pm.
Inclusief:
- Transfer Negombo - Wilpattu
- Two safaris Wilpattu National Park
Stupas and loris
From your camp, you’ll be driven to the ancient royal city of Anuradhapura in no time. Your guide will show you the highlights of this ancient royal city. Between 500 BC and 900 AD, Anuradhapura was an important international centre of religion, knowledge and power. Impressive structures were built here, of which mainly the Buddhist stupas remain today, the tallest of which measures no less than 122 metres. After your visit, you’ll continue your journey and reach the town of Dambulla.
The evening is set aside for a night-time search with a naturalist for the slender loris, a prosimians found here in a local sanctuary created around a resort. Not only lorises, but also otters, pygmy deer, civet cats and nocturnal birds may cross your path.
Inclusief:
- Transfer to Dambulla, including visit to Anuradhapura
- Visit to Lori reserve
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Nature in the Cultural Triangle
At 6 am, you’ll set off with a birdwatching guide to the forests and lakes of Habarana, where you can expect to see a large number of waders and birds of prey, including endemic species. You’ll return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast.
An hour’s drive from your hotel, you’ll visit another ancient royal city, Polonnaruwa. What makes the ancient monuments here particularly interesting are the families of macaques and langurs that inhabit the ruins. The behaviour of these animals is even being studied by students from a local institute.
Inclusief:
- Birdwatching tour Habarana with nature guide
- Visit to Polonnaruwa
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Dambulla - Gal Oya N.P.
Gal Oya is about a 3-hour drive from Dambula.
Wild, remote and surprisingly quiet, Gal Oya National Park is the only park in Sri Lanka where it is possible to go on a boat safari, offering close-up encounters with swimming elephants. The animals regularly swim from island to island to forage, and with a bit of luck you’ll witness this. The park consists of lush forest, scrubland, grassland and lakes, with the mountains of the Central Highlands in the background. It is home to 32 species of mammals, including wild boar, sloth bears, water buffalo, axis deer and the Sri Lankan leopard. You’ll go on your first safari through the area.
Gal Oya is certainly best explored by boat, and that is exactly what you’ll be doing the following morning. From the water, you can also expect to see elephants, as well as wading birds and crocodiles.
Inclusief:
- Transfer to Gal Oya National Park
- Two safaris in Gal Oya
- Overnight stays on a half-board basis
Waterfalls and tea fields
You’ll leave Gal Oya and be driven into the mountainous region of Sri Lanka, arriving in the town of Ella after a few hours. In Sinhala, ‘Ella’ translates as ‘waterfall’, and there are plenty of them to be found in this area! The landscape is rocky and green, with stunning views of dramatic gorges and rolling hills in many places.
In the afternoon, you have the choice of taking a walk to Little Adam’s Peak or to Ella’s Rock. The latter is a bit more adventurous.
Inclusief:
- Transfer Gal Oya - Ella
- Afternoon walk
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Yala National Park
Leaving the mountains behind and heading into the lowlands. After around 3 hours, you’ll reach the next highlight of the trip: Yala National Park.
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, and rightly so. There is virtually nowhere else in the world where you have a better chance of seeing leopards in the wild than here. In Sri Lanka, the leopard sits at the top of the food chain, which has allowed it to thrive ‘unhindered’ here, and Yala offers the best conditions in terms of vegetation and geology. It would be a rare occurrence if you didn’t spot a leopard during two or three safaris.
Yala is stunning, with forests, open plains and large bodies of water. The park is home to a healthy population of Asian elephants, sloth bears, jackals, various species of deer, langurs and rhesus macaques, crocodiles and much more. Over the course of these days, you’ll go on a total of four game drives per jeep in the park.
Inclusief:
- Transfer from Ella to Yala N.P.
- 4 safaris in jeep
- Overnight stays on an all-inclusive basis.
Birds in tropical rainforest
The largest, and one of the last remaining true rainforests in Sri Lanka is Sinharaja Rainforest. A number of well-enclosed trails provide access to this forest, which can be classified as a true birdwatchers' paradise. As many as 33 endemic species are found on the island, most of them in Sinharaja, which totals more than 160 species. Don't forget your binoculars and look for the red-cheeked malkoha (a cuckoo species), blue kitta (a species of kraai), or the frog's bill (a type of nightjar).
Inclusief:
- Transfer from Yala to Sinharaja
- Morning birdwatching excursion with nature guide
- Overnight stays on a half-board basis
Beach stay
You will be driven from Sinharaja to the coast, where you will stay for the last few nights. Just outside the historic city of Galle is the town of Thalpe. Your resort for the last few days has a beautiful garden with sun beds overlooking the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. You will have time free to spend here.
Inclusief:
- Transfer to Thalpe
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Accommodations
Wallawwa
The boutique hotel Wallawwa offers colonial charm and exceptional service within a 5-acre tropical garden. The 17 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, the Z-spa, the à-la-carte restaurant and the dedicated team of butlers ensure that all needs are met. A stay at The Wallawwa can be...
The boutique hotel Wallawwa offers colonial charm and exceptional service within a 5-acre tropical garden. The 17 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, the Z-spa, the à-la-carte restaurant and the dedicated team of butlers ensure that all needs are met. A stay at The Wallawwa can be spent relaxing in the beautiful gardens, visiting Negombo beach, sightseeing, enjoying luxurious cuisine, revitalising spa treatments and not forgetting: Taking a relaxing dip!
Wallawwa
The boutique hotel Wallawwa offers colonial charm and exceptional service within a 5-acre tropical garden. The 17 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, the Z-spa, the à-la-carte restaurant and the dedicated team of butlers ensure that all needs are met. A stay at The Wallawwa can be...
The boutique hotel Wallawwa offers colonial charm and exceptional service within a 5-acre tropical garden. The 17 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, the Z-spa, the à-la-carte restaurant and the dedicated team of butlers ensure that all needs are met. A stay at The Wallawwa can be spent relaxing in the beautiful gardens, visiting Negombo beach, sightseeing, enjoying luxurious cuisine, revitalising spa treatments and not forgetting: Taking a relaxing dip!
Your stay: 1 night
Kulu Safaris Tented Camp Wilpattu
Kulu Safaris Tented Camp in Wilpattu National Park offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience. The camp is strategically located near a popular waterhole, giving guests the opportunity to observe wildlife at night during the dry season. The passionate Kulu team provides...
Kulu Safaris Tented Camp in Wilpattu National Park offers a unique and unforgettable wilderness experience. The camp is strategically located near a popular waterhole, giving guests the opportunity to observe wildlife at night during the dry season. The passionate Kulu team ensures a homely and warm stay in the wilderness and the wildlife guides guarantee the best wildlife experience. Enjoy captivating safaris in comfortable jeeps.
Your stay: 2 nights
Wild Grass Nature Resort
The Wild Grass Nature resort features 5 beautifully designed villas that exude pure comfort, artfully constructed almost entirely from stone and wood. A blend of modern functionalism and local architecture underlines the design of the villas and each is a unique entity - complete with a living room,...
The Wild Grass Nature resort features 5 beautifully designed villas that exude pure comfort, artfully constructed almost entirely from stone and wood. A blend of modern functionalism and local architecture underlines the design of the villas and each is a unique entity - complete with a living room, bedroom, private terrace and amenities. Generous use of glass brings nature all the way inside, offering the experience from waking up in your plush bed to an unrestricted panoramic view of the forest all around you.
Your stay: 2 nights
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya Lodge is more than just an eco-lodge in Sri Lanka. It is a philosophy, something that can be seen in every detail of its design. It is an accommodation that brings you closer to nature while protecting the environment. The concept lives in every detail, from the undisturbed lush forest surrounding the...
Gal Oya Lodge is more than just an eco-lodge in Sri Lanka. It is a philosophy, something that can be seen in every detail of its design. It is an accommodation that brings you closer to nature while protecting the environment. The concept lives in every detail, from the undisturbed lush forest surrounding the mountains to the natural materials used such as cajun, wood and illuk - all used to create the bungalows. And of course, the accommodation uses sustainable technology and recycling to save valuable natural resources, such as water and energy, as much as possible.
Your stay: 2 nights
98 Acres Resort & Spa
98 Acres Resort & Spa owes its distinctive name to the land on which it is built; a picturesque tea plantation on 98 acres of land. Located in fascinating Ella, this colonial-era Ceylon accommodation looked even bigger. Owned and managed by a Brit and known under...
98 Acres Resort & Spa owes its distinctive name to the land on which it is built; a picturesque tea plantation on 98 acres of land. Located in fascinating Ella, this colonial-era Ceylon accommodation looked even bigger. Owned and managed by a Brit and known as 'Saltherland Tea Estate', this boutique hotel is an excellent choice with an ideal location among the tea fields. A fine quality tea is still being produced. The focus at this accommodation is on a pure eco-friendly and sustainable experience!
Your stay: 1 night
Kulu Safaris Tented Camp Yala
Kulu Safaris Tented Camp not only offers extremely welcoming accommodation where you can feel closer to nature than anywhere else. The Camp's location is perfect, at the quiet Katagamuwa entrance, so you won't find yourself in a long queue of jeeps before you can enter for your safari. You contemplate these days...
Kulu Safaris Tented Camp not only offers extremely welcoming accommodation where you can feel closer to nature than anywhere else. The Camp's location is perfect, at the quiet Katagamuwa Entrance, so you won't find yourself in a long queue of jeeps before you can enter for your safari. You will spend these days in a luxury safari tent, with an adjoining toilet and bathroom. Overnight stays are on an all-inclusive basis, expect delicious Sri Lankan food and far-reaching service.
Your stay: 2 nights
The Rainforest Ecolodge
Located in an area of the Enselwatte Tea Estate, Rainforest Eco Lodge offers en-suite accommodation surrounded by a forest habitat. It features an observation desk, a lounge and a restaurant. The tea estate borders the south-eastern side of the Sinharaja rainforest.
Each bungalow...
Rainforest Eco Lodge is located on an area of the Enselwatte Tea Estate and offers en-suite accommodation surrounded by a forest habitat. It features an observation desk, a lounge and a restaurant. The tea estate borders the south-eastern side of the Sinharaja rainforest.
Each bungalow has a balcony with forest views, a sofa, a safe and tea and coffee making facilities. The restaurant serves Sri Lankan and international dishes. Bird-watching excursions generally take place in groups.
Your stay: 2 nights
Era Beach Thalpe
Era Beach is located in Thalpe, close to the historic town of Galle. It offers pure relaxation and luxury, understated elegance and comfort, perfect for holidaymakers looking for a seaside getaway. The establishment offers a selection of 10 suites, all of which feature a flat-screen TV, a safe on...
Era Beach is located in Thalpe, close to the historic town of Galle. It offers pure relaxation and luxury, understated elegance and comfort, perfect for holidaymakers looking for a seaside getaway. The establishment offers a selection of 10 suites, all of which feature a flat-screen TV, an in-room safe and free Wi-Fi. During their stay, guests can enjoy delicious meals and drinks prepared on site. The swimming pool and garden are the perfect places for guests to relax and enjoy the tropical part of Sri Lanka. Activities in the area include surfing, snorkelling and exploring the many nearby attractions.
Your stay: 2 nights
Destinations
Negombo
This bustling fishing village on Sri Lanka's west coast (and close to Bandaranaika International Airport) has a fairly turbulent colonial history, involving Dutch, Portuguese and British trade. The wild cinnamon that grew in the region was described as 'the best in the universe'. You can see the remnants of this colonial period in the city's strong Catholic influences. The Negombo Lagoon and its many canals offer beautiful spots for bird watching. The city's old quarter is well worth a visit; the community is friendly and welcoming.
Gampaha District
Gampaha District is located in the western province of Sri Lanka, north of the bustling city of Colombo. It is one of 25 districts in the country and the second most populous district in Sri Lanka after Colombo district. Gampaha has a picturesque west coast, historic towns and spectacular landscapes. Visitors can look out for the old Henarathgoda railway station, one of the oldest stations in Sri Lanka and an archaeological protected monument in Gampaha town; explore the 100-year-old Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, where the island's first rubber tree was planted; and admire the Asgiriya Rajamaha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple. Other highlights include the Yatawatte Purana Vihara temple, Wathumulla Ketawala Ambalama and Ketawala Anicut.
Sri Lanka
Nochchiyagama
Nochchiyagama is a small settlement in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, surrounded by vast, breathtaking natural landscapes of forests and plains. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find this place a fantastic base to explore the wild, untamed surroundings - with Wilpattu National Park within easy reach.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast, close to the historic city of Anuradhapura. The dry zone has remarkably thick jungle. The history of the park is of great importance to the country, it e.g. ancient ruins discovered in Wilpattu National Park. In terms of wildlife, about 30 species of mammals can be found in Wilpattu National Park, including the Sri Lankan elephant, leopard, Lankan sloth bear, spotted deer, and buffalo. In addition, they are home to many special birds!
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a place in the central Matale district, close to the city of Dambulla, Sri Lanka. The name Sigiriya usually refers to a historical site of great archaeological significance, namely the huge rock nearly 200 metres high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 - 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated the sides of the rock with colourful frescoes. Welcome to this UNESCO site, also known as the Lion Rock!
Galle
Galle is a beautiful colonial town in Ceylon. After the Portuguese, it was the Dutch who made Galle an important port in the 17th century, protected by a large fort, now listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Old and (partly) crumbling, it was the fort walls that protected much of the city in 2004 when the tsunami struck. Still, thousands died, especially at the old bus station just outside the fort. Inside the walls, today's Galle is an atmospheric town filled with culture, quaint shops, bars and boutique accommodation.
Koggala
The village of Koggala on Sri Lanka's south coast offers sprawling beaches - for those looking for a tranquil holiday amidst nature. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the small beach restaurants with the picturesque sea in the background. From Koggala, you can also easily take a day trip to the historic city of Galle.
Yala National Park
Yala (Ruhuna) National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park covers an area of 151,778 hectares, consisting of five blocks, not all of which are open to the public. The park is located in the arid semi-arid climate region of southeast Sri Lanka, stretching from Trincomalee to Hambantota. Topographically, the area is a flat and slightly undulating plain running to the coast with an elevation of 30 metres to the coast while inland it rises to 100-125 metres. The landscape is characterised by green, low forests interspersed with water bodies, open plains and rocky outcrops.
Ella
Resting on the southern edge of the picturesque Hill Country lies the small village of Ella. Known for its exceptional natural surroundings, wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and pleasant climate, Ella is the ideal base from which to explore the idyllic green surroundings filled with tea plantations and lush forests. With only a handful of essential shops and tourist amenities, Ella has managed to maintain its rural Sri Lankan charm well.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a stunning reserve that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park is located in southwestern Sri Lanka. Sinharaja Forest Reserve has extraordinary flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, insects and amphibians.
Kotugoda
Located in southwestern Sri Lanka, the town of Kotugoda serves as an excellent base to explore the picturesque surroundings covered with coconut plantations, rice paddies and tea fields. The town itself is a sleepy laid-back base with a few comfortable accommodations. Visitors can look forward to numerous attractions in the area, including Negombo lagoon, pristine beaches, fish markets, sacred temples, cultural sites and museums. Sample local Sri Lankan cuisine such as seeni sambal and chicken curry, enjoy a high-tea and relax with a massage.
Gal Oya National Park
Located in eastern Sri Lanka around the island's largest reservoir, Senanayake Samudraya, the Gal Oya National Park is an important catchment area. Wild, remote and surprisingly quiet, this is the only park in Sri Lanka where it is possible to take a boat safari, giving you close-up encounters with swimming elephants. Traditional jeep safaris and a wide range of hiking trails are also offered. Explore the lush forest, scrubland, grassland and beautiful mountains, and spot up to 32 species of mammals, including wild boar, sloth bears, water buffalo, axisher deer and even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Get unique and specialised insight into the area by taking a guided walk with the indigenous Veddha people who live here. Visitors will also enjoy the spectacular, brightly coloured birdlife and extensive luxury amenities (including a swimming pool) at the park's lodges.
Talpe
Talpe, a charming seaside resort on the south coast of Sri Lanka, is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, sparkling azure and turquoise waters, and a wonderful array of activities suitable for all types of travellers. Set against an impressive grove of coconut palms and featuring an attractive natural swimming pool in the shape of a natural coral reef, this tranquil location is the ideal spot to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, surfing and exploring. Spend a day admiring various heritage attractions, including the impressive 17th-century Galle Fort, the fascinating Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum and the atmospheric Dutch Reformed Church. Visitors can also look forward to easy access to transport links and a variety of nearby attractions, including the beautiful Koggala River and picturesque cinnamon plantations.
Yala
Yala, Sri Lanka, is a picturesque region in the southeastern corner of the island. This beautiful area offers breathtaking landscapes and rich animal life. For nature lovers, Yala National Park is the highlight of the island, with a leopard density probably higher than anywhere else on the planet and a varied landscape from dense forests to wetlands.
Sri Lanka trip | Sri Lanka Nature Trip
We offer the described trip from €6,650 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Accommodation in excellent and distinctive lodges and hotels
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as listed in the ‘itinerary’, including a birdwatching tour in Habarana and safaris in Gal Oya
• Private transport with an English-speaking private guide/driver
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Entrance fees where applicable
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Contingency Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)