Discover Sri Lanka’s Wildlife
Day 1: Turtle Conservation Centre, Crocodiles on the River
Accommodation: Galle
Day 2: Mirissa – Whales & Dolphins on the Ocean
Accommodation: Galle
Day 3: Mirissa – Snorkeling with Turtles
Accommodation: Sinharaja
Day 4: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Accommodation: Sinharaja
Day 5: Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Accommodation: Nuwara Eliya
Day 6: Horton Plains
Accommodation: Sigiriya
Day 7: Sigiriya – Elephant Safari
Accommodation: Sigiriya
Day 8: Polonnaruwa Lake, Birds, Monkeys, Loris
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 9: Wild Nature Escape by Bike & Barbecue
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Day 1: Turtle Conservation Centre, Crocodiles on the River
- Turtle Conservation Centre – learn about Sri Lanka's sea turtles and efforts to protect their eggs, hatchlings and nesting beaches.
- River Safari – explore the waterways and mangroves around Negombo by boat.
- Crocodiles in the Wild – look for crocodiles resting along the riverbanks and in the mangrove areas.
- Water Monitors & Birds – watch for water monitors and a variety of waterbirds living around the waterways.
- Wildlife from the First Day – begin the journey with Sri Lanka's fascinating aquatic and coastal wildlife.
Day 2: Mirissa – Whales & Dolphins on the Ocean
- Set out from Mirissa harbour on a morning boat trip into the open Indian Ocean, where the main focus is observing marine wildlife in its natural environment.
- Blue whales are the spectacular highlight of the excursion; Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka's best-known locations for observing these enormous marine mammals.
- Whales and dolphins – depending on sea and wildlife conditions, you may encounter blue whales, sperm whales, Bryde's whales, fin whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and spinner dolphins.
A memorable wildlife experience – the excitement comes from seeing these magnificent animals in the wild, in their natural ocean environment, rather than in captivity.
Day 3: Mirissa – Snorkeling with Turtles
- Snorkeling Trip – head out into the clear coastal waters around Mirissa and explore the underwater world.
- Sea Turtles – keep your eyes open for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles swimming through the water.
- Turtles in Their Natural Environment – observe these beautiful marine animals as they move and feed around the reef.
- Tropical Fish – look for colourful reef fish sharing the same underwater habitat.
Day 4: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Rainforest Wildlife – explore one of Sri Lanka's most important rainforests, home to an extraordinary variety of animals.
- Endemic Birds – watch for colourful species found only in Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lanka blue magpie, red-faced malkoha and Sri Lanka junglefowl.
- Monkeys in the Canopy – look among the trees for purple-faced langurs and toque macaques moving through the rainforest.
- Reptiles & Amphibians – the humid forest provides habitat for endemic frogs, lizards, snakes and other rainforest species.
- Butterflies & Insects – discover the remarkable diversity of butterflies, dragonflies and other insects living among the dense vegetation.
Day 5: Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- Elephant Transit Home – observe young elephants being cared for after being separated from their herds or found orphaned in the wild.
- Rehabilitation for the Wild – the aim is to raise the calves so they can eventually return to life in the wild, rather than remain in captivity.
- Feeding Time – visitors can watch the young elephants being fed from a designated viewing area.
- Growing Up Together – the calves live together and gradually develop the skills they need to survive as wild elephants.
- A Different Elephant Experience – see Sri Lanka's young elephants while learning about their rehabilitation and return to the wild.
Day 6: Horton Plains
- Sambar Deer – Horton Plains is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe sambar deer, which are commonly seen in the open grasslands.
- Purple-faced Langurs – watch the forest edges for these endemic monkeys moving through the trees.
- Endemic Birds – the highlands are home to species such as the Sri Lanka white-eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon and Sri Lanka bush warbler.
- Reptiles & Amphibians – the cool, misty environment provides habitat for several endemic frogs, lizards and other highland species.
- Wild Highland Landscape – walk through grasslands, cloud forest and streams while looking for wildlife in one of Sri Lanka's most distinctive mountain habitats.
Day 7: Sigiriya – Elephant Safari
Day 8: Polonnaruwa Lake, Birds, Monkeys, Loris
- Spend the day by the lake and observe monkeys in the surrounding trees, with the chance to see elephants near the water.
- Take a ride on traditional fishing boats across the lake and observe the many species of birds living around the shoreline.
- For a little adventure, enjoy a tube ride along the peaceful canals connected to the lake.
- As evening falls, watch for flying foxes (fruit bats) returning to their roosts.
- Later in the evening, when the forest becomes quiet, set out to observe lorises, fascinating nocturnal animals in their natural surroundings.
Day 9: Wild Nature Escape by Bike & Barbecue
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
Ride along quiet country paths and discover the wildlife that lives around forests, fields, ponds, and waterways. Watch for birds, monkeys, monitor lizards, buffalo, and other animals as you pass through the changing landscape. Experience the peaceful rhythm of rural Sri Lanka, where cycling brings you close to nature and local wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed barbecue with local food, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.
