Sri Lanka
9 - 19 January 2026
Overview
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During this 11-day tour of Sri Lanka, you will have loads of exciting wildlife encounters, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
Sri Lanka is blessed with diverse and abundant wildlife throughout the island and in the seas around it. Thanks largely to the establishment of vast National Parks, the variety of wildlife encountered here is simply staggering. Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bears and Blue Whales are just some of the more famous animals in Sri Lanka, but the island has a whole lot more to offer to all types of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. During this tour you will visit the fishing village Negombo, visit 3 biggest National Parks, go on multiple Private Safaris, explore the Unesco World Heritage sites of Kandy and Galle Fort, and witness the truly stupendous sight of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress!
Your accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels and glamping sites, designed to minimise time spent in travel. This will allow you to have the maximum time to focus on your wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka and enjoy your accommodation, destinations, and the amazing cuisine.
Ideal For - Wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a dash of culture as well. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Groups consisting of friends and family.
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Explore the world’s best park for leopards, Yala National Park, with multiple safaris.
Discover the diversity of Wilpattu National Park with multiple safaris.
Meet the giants of the forests - the Sri Lankan elephants - as you explore Udawalawe National Park.
Visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are nurtured and injured elephants are nursed back to health.
Stay at Tented Safari Camps bordering the National Parks in Sri Lanka and experience guided safaris, candlelight dinners under the stars, night walks and delicious BBQ served by roaring campfires.
Witness the ancient engineering marvels of the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Stay in the historic city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and witness age-old Buddhist rituals.
Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Experiential Journeys
Experiential Journeys is founded on the ethos of responsible tourism, encounters, experiences & unique accommodations filled with character. Our focus is on delivering a curated, unforgettable travel experience for travellers to become storytellers and speak about their experiences for years to come. We have over 2 decades of experience in the travel industry and have our own operational bases in Sri Lanka and India in addition to our own accommodations. Experiential Journeys is well known for the unprecedented focus on quality it has in the destinations it offers and is fuelled by passionate, multicultural and diverse team who excel at designing and managing experiential travel.
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Throughout our Wildlife Adventure in Sri Lanka we will have local expert Tour Guides. These local guides will show us some of the Worlds most spectacular, peculiar and interesting animals, as well as discovering fascinating historical and traditional destinations.
Hi! My name is Shelley and I’ll be the tour leader for this trip! It’s going to be so great to get back to this incredible country, so full of diverse and special wildlife. I can’t wait to share lifelong memories and make friends along the way.
This trip has been planned for seeing as many animals in their natural habitat as possible! Leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles (see the entire list of my last trips sightings below).
Although the trip is a lot about wildlife, you cannot go to Sri Lanka without experiencing the culture, food, temples and history, we get to do plenty of that too.
I can’t wait to take another small group of passionate travelers to this incredible country, come join me!
Questions? shelleyrussell@nationalzoo.com.au
Itineraries
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9 January 2026
Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your first destination - Negombo. From the airport, you will be picked up and it will take about 25 minutes to Negombo. and depending on your arrival time, you can decide how you want to spend the rest of the day.
This coastal city is a bustling place, with historical buildings and churches reflecting colonial influences. Negombo has a canal system that weaves an interesting route around the city and a lively fisherfolk community with a daily bustling fish market that attracts people from near and far. And of course it's an enchanting beach that will always beckon you.
Depending on what time you arrive, it really is up to you to decide what you would like to do on your brief stop here. You may fancy a boat ride on Negombo’s Dutch Canal which weaves an interesting route around the city, or you may just like to linger on the beach. If you choose to venture out, Hotel Road teems with bars and seafood restaurants to check out.
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10 - 13 January 2025
Wilpattu
We want you to have as much time as possible in the jungle, so we’ll whisk you away to the largest National Park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu, early as possible.
We will spend the next 3 nights in a Tented Safari Camp very close to the park to do 1 half day safari and 2 full day safaris to explore what this amazing park offers. It is quite a unique experience to stay very close to the National Park in a mini nature reserve. You will see quite a few birds and animals without even leaving the camp premises, and the night skies, undisturbed by light pollution, are quite a sight to behold too!
An early morning start will see you heading to the fish market to watch the day’s catch coming in, experience the process of wholesale fish trading and also to learn about the process of drying fish. Afterwards you’ll be heading to Wilpattu.
Among things to do in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is a multi-faceted treasure: on your afternoon jeep safari, you will get a sense of this sprawling landscape: from low scrub forests, wetlands to tall ebony and milla trees, and its iconic lakes - getting its vernacular name which means ten lakes. “The Land of Lakes” is the biggest and 2nd oldest Wildlife Park of Sri Lanka. Look out for its wildlife, especially the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and a myriad of beautiful birds.
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13 - 15 January 2025
Sigiriya
A big day ahead, next on your Sri Lankan cultural holiday is the drive to Sigiriya, which is quite scenic. Along the way you are likely to spot many birds and animals, including the iconic Sri Lankan wild elephant. Your destination is the home of the famed Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its water features, landscaped gardens and amazing 360 degree views. The marvels continue at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which is dotted with palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes.
After breakfast, you will drive down to Sigiriya, a treasure of the island. Welcome to the once luxurious hideout of King Kasyapa, of 5BC! The remains of gigantic sculptured lion paws will greet you at the start of the climb. You will ascend 600 metres to reach the zenith of the Lion Rock where you will be struck by the panoramic view and vantage point for a king. Looking at the frescoes, you will marvel at the Mirror wall, depicting women of the time. On descending, you will enjoy walking by once landscaped gardens with their own irrigation systems, an engineering feat to see on your holiday in Sri Lanka.
After completing the climb, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to our next stop, the Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you will explore five sacred caves adorned with centuries-old murals and statues, and if you’re up for it, climb Dambulla Rock for breathtaking panoramic views.
On completion of the visit, we head to Kandy for 2 nights.
Wake up on Day 6 in Kandy and set your own pace, relax by the pool or ask our local guide to take you out sightseeing, the day is yours.
1700hrs: Visit the Temple of the Tooth, nestled in the heart of Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites. It houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, drawing pilgrims from around the world.
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15 January 2025
Udawalawe
Your wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka continues as we head down to elephant country! The journey to Udawalawe winds its way down through picturesque, tea estate draped hills and also involves a stop in the city of gems, Ratnapura. Famed for producing precious rubies, sapphires and other gemstones for thousands of years, this city is steeped in history and culture. Despite its diverse population of animals and birds, Udawalawe National Park’s reputation is dominated by the giants, as it is home to over 400 elephants. The Elephant Transit Home, which nurses injured elephants back to health and cares for orphaned baby elephants, is also found on the outskirts of this National Park. This rescue centre is ethical and supported by Born Free USA and others alike.
On arrival to our accommodation at Big Game Camp, lunch followed by an afternoon safari. Dinner followed by a night safari.
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16 - 18 January 2025
For the early risers, bird watching walk with the camps naturalist, breakfast and then we are on the road to Yala NP!
Yala
The drive to Yala is quite short, so after a brief exploration of the campgrounds, followed by a delicious authentic Sri Lankan lunch, you will be taken on your evening safari of Yala National Park. A delicious dinner by a roaring campfire awaits your return from the safari, and your adventures on this day are capped off with a night walk along the borders of the Park, to meet some of the nocturnal residents of the jungle.
It’s time to head off to the land of the leopards, Yala National Park! Although it is most famous for Leopard sightings, Yala has a fantastically diverse population of animals. During your Private Safari in the Park you will encounter Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Wild Buffalo, Eagles, Cobras, Peacocks and more. With rocky coasts, mountains, vast lakes and plains, the landscape of Yala is a treat for the eyes and is the perfect backdrop for exciting sightings! Your comfortable glamping accommodation will also offer up some great sightings, as it is situated right on the border of the Park.
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18 - 19 January 2025
Galle
It’s time to continue your cultural holiday, and journey to the coastal town of Galle. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries frequented by travellers, artists, writers, photographers and designers.
The Galle Fort spanning 90 acres, is a living historical site first built in 1587 by the Portuguese, then extended by the Dutch in 1633 and lastly modified by the British. Within the ramparts, is a myriad of wonder to be seen. You will reach Galle, the coastal UNESCO Heritage Site.
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19 January 2025
Departure to Bandaranaike International Airport
We’ve reached the end of your 10-night holiday to Sri Lanka and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
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OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: WHALE WATCHING – MIRISSA: SUPPLEMENT FROM AUD $325.00 PER PERSON
If you wish to catch some more action before departure, this morning is the perfect opportunity to venture out into the ocean and spot the majestic whales. We'll wake up bright and early for an exhilarating morning at sea, embarking on a thrilling whale-watching adventure.
The south coast of Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see Blue Whales, with a longer season than anywhere else. From November to April, during their annual migration from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Sea, these giants can be spotted in the waters around Sri Lanka. Additionally, you may encounter Sperm Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Spinner Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, and Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins.
Activity Starts at 0600HRS.
Email Shelley shelleyrussell@nationalzoo.com.au
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10 nights accommodation FB at the hotels.[1st & last night’s on BB basis]
Transportation in an Airconditioned Van / Coach with an English Speaking Chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
Jeep Safaris in the above mentioned National Park in a Private Jeep including the entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
Service charges at the hotels & current applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government.
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Any International or Domestic flights.
Any Visa fee or ETA fee. (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
Any additional beverage or food.
Early Check-in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
Cost of optional activities/sites (Whale Watching/ Galle Cinnamon experience)
Any tips to the staff.
Any expense of personal requirements telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills etc.)
Any additional expenses , other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Pricing
Double Sharing : $3985
Single Supplement: $1391
Questions? shelleyrussell@nationalzoo.com.au
Cancellation Policy
· 50% of full fee is charged if cancelled after 1 October 2025
· 75% of full fee is charged if cancelled within 15-30 days of travel.
· 100% fee is charged if cancelled within 14 days of travel.
o Take Travel Insurance in case of unavoidable cancellation. Days will be counted from 6am on the tour starting day.
o We will refund all recoverable money due to cancellations whenever it’s possible.
Deposit: $800
Full Payment Due COB 9 December 2025
Contact: shelleyrussell@nationalzoo.com.au
Know Before You Go!
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We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
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Early Check-ins or late Checkouts could be organised upon your flight schedules.
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Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
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Sri Lanka is malaria free but see your GP or Travel Doctor for medical advise.
Conservation & Sustainability
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WildlifeDays and the National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Team (NZACT) are working together to raise much needed funds for the Endangered Sri Lankan Leopard, and other endemic wildlife of Sri Lanka. A fundraising event will be arranged to raise funds for each trip. We have chosen the following important charity to support:
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WildlifeDays is committed to educate adventurers and donate important funds to local wildlife conservation, welfare and research. Funds will be raised by fundraising events before the trip. All adventurers will be given the opportunity to assist with fundraising but no fundraising will be charged through the trip price. The trip is at cost price, what you decide to donate to conservation is your choice. WildlifeDays will always take care of ensuring the trip supports these efforts.
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All of Experiential Journeys’ 3 Camps are Carbon neutral!