Sri Lanka Safari

Sri Lanka Safari

426 Views
12 Days From

$2885

Sri Lanka Safari

12 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Habarana, Habarana (Sigiriya), Ampara - Gal Oya National Park, Arugam Bay, Kataragama - Kumana National Park, Kataragama - Yala National Park, Sinharaja, Tangalle, Colombo

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HPKW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $2885

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Unearth a region of wild delights and rich biodiversity through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks. With safaris on land, water, and by foot, you’ll have the best chance of spotting some of Sri Lanka's iconic wildlife, including herds of native elephants in their natural habitat, leopards, thousands of birds, slender lorises, monkeys, crocodiles, buffalo, deer and jackals. You’ll also see the epic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, exploring the ruined fortress. Couple these experiences with a cruise on a natural lake, some delicious local food and a night spent in an eco-lodge among the sounds of the forest, and you’ll delight on a wildlife-focused and nature-filled itinerary in one of Asia’s best selections of jungle and forest.

Highlights

  • Head out on multiple safaris in 4WDs through Wilpattu, Minneriya, Gal Oya, Kumuna and Yala National Parks, looking out for herds of native elephants, leopards, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, hundreds of species of birds and more.

  • Don infrared night goggles and witness sea turtles coming ashore at Rekawa beach to lay their eggs while hatchlings dash down to the water to start their new life.

  • Visit Singharaja Forest Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and spend the night in a nearby lodge in the misty rainforest. Head out on nature walks here, looking out for butterflies, jackals, big cats, wild boars and toque monkeys.

  • Explore the biodiverse Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, unique due to its three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks.

  • See the incredible site of Sigiriya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous spots. Discover the ruins among thousands of birds, who thrive in the surrounding forests.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, maybe relax on the golden sand beaches and soak up some sun or feast on fresh seafood. The surrounding countryside is also perfect to explore on a bicycle (which you can rent with help from hotel reception). Tonight, ask your trip leader for the best local restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: Wilpattu National Park

Location: Wilpattu National Park

Accommodation: Permanent Tented Camp (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Drive to Wilpattu this morning, visiting Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary on the way. Anawilundawa is unique because it borders three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks. This makes it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka and a favourable nesting and breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds. Some of the species found here include herons, open-bills, great cormorants, white ibis, egrets, stalks, pheasant-tailed jacnas and the purple swamp hen. A total of 20 species of mammals have been recorded here, too, including the rusty-spotted cat, the fishing cat, the Indian otter, the slender loris, the toque monkey and 74 species of butterflies. Continue to Wilpattu and when you arrive, set out for an evening safari in the national park. This thick, dry jungle features floodplain lakes and boasts an impressive variety of flora in the huge expanses of forest. Look out for deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards.

Included Activities:
-Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
-Anawilundawa - Bird Sanctuary

Day 3: Habarana

Location: Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Set off after breakfast this morning for Dambulla. On the way, visit the Vessagiriya Complex – where 500 monks lived during the reign of the Anuradhapura kingdom. Explore the caves and then carry on to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon safari. Home to Sri Lankan elephants, Minneriya is said to be the best national park in the world for spotting large herds in their natural habitat (between July and August is your best bet). Tonight, you’ll drive to Dambulla for a free evening to rest and recharge.

Included Activities:
-Anuradhapura - Vessagiriya Complex Guided Tour
-Minneriya National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari

Day 4: Habarana (Sigiriya)

Location: Habarana (Sigiriya)

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Beat the heat with an early wake-up this morning and head to Sigiriya – this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous sights and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who make it to the top will be rewarded with epic views. This is also a popular spot for birdlife, due to the surrounding forests. Here, you’ll also learn about the Intrepid Foundation partner Zero Plastic – which works in this area to eliminate single-use plastic, educating local communities on sustainability practices and limiting the impact of plastic in and around Sigiriya. After exploring, you’ll head back to your hotel for a late breakfast. After recharging (nap, anyone?), head to a local’s home for a cooking demonstration of traditional dishes like Pol Sambol and Dhal Curry, which you’ll enjoy for lunch. Tonight, visit Popham’s Arboretum for a night-time nature walk, looking out for the slender loris and pangolin.

Included Activities:
-Popem’s Arboretum - Evening Nature Walk
-Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
-Habarana - Cooking Demo & Home Cooked Meal

Day 5: Ampara - Gal Oya National Park

Location: Ampara - Gal Oya National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Make the drive to Ampara and enter the unspoiled splendour of Gal Oya National Park. When you arrive, spend some time exploring the lush landscape on foot before heading out on a 4WD safari. This park is home to elephants, axis deer, muntjacs, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles and more than 150 species of birds. Set against the massive Senanayake Samudraya Lake, the park is framed by high mountain peaks.

Included Activities:
-Gal Oya National Park - Evening 4WD Safari

Day 6: Arugam Bay

Location: Arugam Bay

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today, you'll head to Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka's southeast coast, renowned for its world-class surfing, stunning crescent-shaped beach, and laid-back vibes. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and maybe chill out by the beach before embarking on a 4WD evening safari at nearby Kumana National Park. The park hosts a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. Kumana is also celebrated for its diverse birdlife and serves as a vital bird sanctuary with hundreds of species migrating to its lush wetlands.

Included Activities:
-Kumana National Park - Evening 4WD Safari

Day 7: Kataragama - Kumana National Park

Location: Kataragama - Kumana National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, head out on another safari through Kumuna National Park. Because of the many waterways that thread through the landscape, you’ll have a pretty good shot of spotting some local wildlife. You'll also have the chance to stop by Arugam Bay Lagoon or Panama Lake to see some crocodiles before leaving the area for Kataragama. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure. Maybe visit Kataragama Temple – dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the Hindu War God Murugan. For those who just can’t get enough of wildlife spotting, you can arrange an optional safari in Yala National Park - Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at your resort with your group.

Included Activities:
-Kumana National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:
-Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari (OPTIONAL)
-Kataragama - Kataragam Temple (OPTIONAL) - Free

Day 8: Kataragama - Yala National Park

Location: Kataragama - Yala National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Double up on wildlife spotting with two included safaris in the morning and evening in Yala National Park. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties. Keep an eye out for the 215 species of birds that call this place home, including the Sri Lankan wood pigeon, painted stork, crimson-fronted barbet and prideful peacocks strutting their way through the park.

Included Activities:
-Yala National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
-Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari

Day 9: Sinharaja

Location: Sinharaja

Accommodation: Eco Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Drive to Singharaja Forest Reserve today – a biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive, settle into the Rainforest Eco Lodge, your accommodation for the night. Set among the misty rainforest, these eco-lodges sit on stilts for optimum harmony with the natural environment. In the evening, head out on a nature walk through the forest with your leader, immersing yourself in the tropical surroundings and looking out for local beasts like jackals, big cats, wild boars and toque monkeys. Tonight, fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.

Included Activities:
-Sinharaja Rainforest - Evening Nature Walk

Day 10: Tangalle

Location: Tangalle

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Wake up with the morning birds and head out on a forest walk with your trip leader. Follow the leafy pathway, keeping an eye out for butterflies, multi-coloured blue magpies, squirrels, mongoose and birdlife. After, you’ll make the drive to Rekawa, where you’ll spend the night. As the sun goes down, you’ll head out to the beach with your group to look for nesting turtles.

Included Activities:
-Rekawa - Turtle Nesting Observation
-Sinharaja Rainforest - Bird & Butterfly Trail Walk

Day 11: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Prepare for a big day as you head for your last stop in Colombo. From October to April, you have the option to join an early morning whale-watching excursion. Although it can make for a long day, Sri Lanka offers exceptional whale-watching sightings. Here, you have the chance to spot a variety of whales, such as sperm whales, orcas, fin whales, and the biggest attraction of all - blue whales.
On the way to Colombo, you’ll visit Galle Fort – the fortified city with a mixture of Portuguese and Dutch charm, narrow laneways, and popular promenades. Explore the area on foot, taking in the local architecture that dates from between the 16th and 19th centuries. Grab some lunch from one of the many cafes here, serving traditional Sri Lankan meals with a contemporary twist.
When you arrive in Colombo, you have a free evening to choose your own adventure. Maybe head out to sample some of the city's renowned street food like crispy vegetable samosas, hoppers and kotthu (sliced roti, vegetables and eggs or meat) or find a bar and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:
-Galle - Galle Fort Walk

Optional Activities:
-Mirissa - Whale Watching

Day 12: Colombo

Location: Colombo

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Colombo, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    No

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4x4 Safari

  • Anawilundawa - Bird Sanctuary

  • Anuradhapura - Vessagiriya Complex Guided Tour

  • Minneriya National Park - Afternoon 4x4 Safari

  • Popem’s Arboretum - Evening Nature Walk

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit

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What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Transport

  • MOTORCYCLES:
  • Your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover you when riding a motorcycle. We do not include or offer motorcycle activities on any of our trips in Sri Lanka.
  • TAXIS:
  • Use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal at the airport or taxi services arranged through your booking agent. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are available in major cities.

Accommodation

  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • All hotels on this trip have fans, but not all will have air conditioning.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 15 years old or above

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is this trip right for you

    The summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest of the country. Please consider your suitability to the time of year you wish to travel and be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.

    The views from the top of Lion Rock in Sigiriya are spectacular, but getting there involves walking up uneven, narrow steps and navigating tight walkways. If you’ve got a fear of heights or conditions that affect mobility you may wish to sit this activity out.

    Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Any temple visit in Sri Lanka requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and trousers/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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