General
This tour is an absolute Active Asia favourite! As the name suggests, this is the perfect trip for adventurous wildlife and nature enthusiasts of any age and with a good sense of fun.
Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and untouched natural habitats have been carefully protected and nurtured for generations. Both ancient and contemporary Sri Lankan rulers have continually made it a priority over time to preserve the land and its wildlife, where there are hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and birds that all call the island home.
Easing into your adventure, start with a stay in Kalpitiya, a small fishing village that’s free from the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers an ideal gateway for your next step – a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, which, among its abundant array of wildlife, is also renowned for its leopard population. Explore the tranquillity of the hill country with a trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range. With an experienced trekker, an outdoor enthusiast and knowledgeable naturalist accompanying you, experience jaw-dropping cliff views on the surreal Horton Plains National Park trek, where you are very unlikely to see another soul along the way.
The last half of your journey encompasses a few more national parks after an epic scenic train journey to Ella. A second jeep safari in both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks gives you the opportunity to see herds of elephants and possibly even leopards. The chances of witnessing a herd of Sri Lankan elephants is extremely high, particularly near the rivers and the reservoir of Udawalawe. Less crowded with tourists is Bundala National Park, an important area for coastal wetlands and an important wintering ground for migratory birds.
Then, continue on to Mirissa for an exciting whale watching experience before heading off to Sinharaja Forest Reserve for an eco-friendly rainforest trek. As a biodiversity hotspot, this tropical rainforest is believed to be home to almost 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic wildlife, which are well worth looking out for and listening to during this amazing trek. As your adventure slowly draws to an end, Galle offers a fascinating insight into the city’s mixed past whilst in Colombo you will surely reminisce about all the highlights and those moments to cherish!
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU:
JEEP SAFARIS IN WILPATTU, YALA & UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARKS / KANDY WALKING TOUR / TREK THE KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE / TEA EXPERIENCE A TREK IN THE HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK / TRAIN JOURNEY TO ELLA / MIGRATORY BIRD VIEWINGS IN BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK WHALE WATCHING EXPERIENCE / RAINFOREST TREK IN SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE / TOUR OF GALLE / COLOMBO STREET FOOD TOUR
| Destination | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Cities & Locations | Kalpitiya / Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Yala / Hambantota / Mirissa / Sinharaja / Galle / Colombo |
| Duration | 18 Days / 17 Nights |
Itinerary
This holiday is solely a suggested itinerary: it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your very own custom-made tour.
Terms & Conditions
Itinerary and price subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Please refer to our full terms and conditions available on our brochure or from our website. Active Asia reserves the right to alter the hotels and/or the itinerary if needed due to availability and/or adverse weather conditions.
With a unique blend of old and new, the sprawling capital city of Colombo offers a vibrant experience and is often used as a starting point for the adventures that lie ahead in Sri Lanka. Paying homage to its once foreign stronghold, colonial style buildings and churches stand effortlessly amongst modern office blocks, peaceful Buddhist
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s ancient culture by visiting the famed ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, all of which are found within the dubbed Cultural Triangle. Offering a treasure trove of archaeological sites, home to some of the finest in the country, many of which are declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From
A must on any Sri Lankan itinerary, the south western coast boasts the perfect mix of beach and culture along with offering ideal stops between the wilds of Yala. Hugging the coastline, common stops include Bentota, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa. Bentota is a great place to relax with its pristine beaches and is home
Capital of the mighty hill country, Kandy sits at the heart of Sri Lanka and offers a unique laid-back charm. Surrounded by misty hills and with a beautiful lake at its core, the city remains as one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural and religious centres. The Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and
Sri Lanka’s deep south coast is as long as it is stunning, incorporating beautiful beaches, cultural sights and national parks. Stretching from Matara to Yala, drive along the narrow, single road that hugs the coast and pass by beautiful beaches along the way. Luxury villas and hotels dot the coastline and the food is as
Sri Lanka is a destination that stimulates all the senses – tropical beaches, cooler mountainous terrain punctuated with waterfalls, incredibly rich wildlife, tea plantations, fabulous food and diverse culture featuring time old ancient sites. Start your adventures in the city of Colombo, with its old-world colonial charm, temples, old churches and markets. Sit on the