Compare Sri Lanka's wildlife highlights by Audley Travel vs Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group, 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.

Day 2 : Nuwara Eliya

On arrival into Colombo you're met and driven up into the Tea Country by your private chauffeur guide. This journey usually takes around five hours as you get to watch the beautiful scenery change as you ascend into the tea hills. Your chauffeur guide can suggest places to stop for refreshments if you wish.

Day 3 : Nuwara Eliya

We recommend that you rise early today ahead of your private excursion. Your chauffeur guide is on hand to drive you to Horton Plains National Park. The plains here form an undulating plateau over 2,000 m (6,561 ft) high, covered in wild grassland, waterfalls and misty lakes. You can walk to the end of the plateau, known as World's End, which offers some of the best views in Sri Lanka on a clear day.In the afternoon, visit a working tea estate with your private chauffeur guide. Going into a tea factory is a fascinating way to learn about how tea is processed and produced.

Day 4 : Yala National Park

From Nuwara Eliya drive down to Yala National Park today with your chauffeur guide. You have a couple of nights to maximise your chances of seeing the leopard and sloth bear of the area. It's a long drive but there's plenty to see en route and you can ask your chauffeur-guide to stop for any photo opportunities.

Day 5 : Yala National Park

In the morning and late afternoon enjoy private safaris into Yala National Park. You are likely to see spotted deer, wild boar and wild elephant in addition to a wide variety of birds. If you are really lucky you may also spot sloth bear and leopard. (With on average one leopard per square kilometre Yala has the highest density of leopard in Asia).

Day 6 : Uda Walawe

Transfer to Uda Walawe today with your chauffer-guide which takes a couple of hours. Here you can visit the Elephant Transit Centre where the baby elephants jostle their way to the gate at feeding times, some cheeky ones pushing back into the queue for a second feeding.

Day 7 : Uda Walawe

Enjoy two private game drives in the Uda Walawe National Park today, where the bird and animal sightings differ to your Yala experience. Uda Walawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants, with around 500 taking residence in the park. Other animals that you may spot include; sambar deer, spotted deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles and water monitors.

Day 8 : Sinharaja

Enjoy another private game drive this morning before continuing on your journey to the Sinharaja Biosphere - the driving time can differ dramatically depending which accommodation you choose. Sinharaja is situated in the country's wet zone and is the last major undisturbed area of rainforest in the country. This is a fantastic place to explore as there are over 150 species of birds to spot as well as other interesting animals to see.

Day 9 : Colombo

This morning embark on a private guided tour of the rainforest with a local tracker. Explore the reserve on foot while the tracker helps you to see what wildlife inhabits the area, as well as showing you different plants and trees. There is much to see here, with some wonderfully exotic insects and endemic species of bird. Later in the afternoon drive to Colombo and check in to your hotel in a rural area close to the airport. The drive takes about five hours through quaint local villages and banana plantations.

Day 10 : International return flight

You can make a fairly leisurely start for the drive to Colombo airport, a brief thirty minute journey. Here you will be met by the airport representative and directed to the correct check in areas, ready for your flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka. A land of historic ruins, sweeping beaches and mouth-watering food, you’ve made it to paradise. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel, the Taj Samudra, Colombo. A contemporary, luxury build situated on the seafront, it provides an idyllic ambience at sunset. Unwind and rejuvenate before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director at 19:00, for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.

Day 2: Explore Colombo

There’s no better way to get to know a city than to walk through its back streets and experience it like a local. In the morning, head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the city's hidden treasures. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back from 17th century and were erected mostly during Dutch and British rule. Visit Pettah Market, where locals head to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, garments and jewellery. This market place is older than the buildings around it and an area best explored with a local. Later, board your customised tuk-tuk and head out to explore the hustle and bustle of an afternoon in Colombo's oldest neighbourhoods. Cruise the city streets as the sun descends over the Indian Ocean and the city lights spring to life around a pulse of evening activity.

Day 3: Welcome to the Jungle Relaxed Start

After breakfast, begin your journey to Wilpattu National Park. A unique complex of over fifty wetlands and gravel roads that trace watering holes, the perfect place to observe wildlife. On arrival, check into your luxury safari camp located on the boarder of the park, a quintessential glamping experience and a satisfying blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. In the evening, venture deep into the thick wilderness. Explore the park by jeep safari, taking the back roads in search for Sri Lanka's big four—leopards, elephants, sloth bears and deer.

Day 4: Jungle Safari

Enjoy journeying through the jungle on your morning and afternoon safaris. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, buffalos, mongooese and turtles.

Day 5: Wilpattu to Sigiriya

In the morning head south, making your way to Sigiriya. Stop on your journey at the Anuradhapura temple complex, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, sprawling and with a rich collection of archaeological wonders. Now a World Heritage site, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its ancient ruins with your Travel Director. Meet a practicing Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour of the Ritigala jungle’s enveloped paths. Hear the tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks that once inhabited the reserve. Begin your gradual ascent, making your way through seemingly endless paths and flights of carved stairs. This was once a place of meditation, congregation, teaching and general life for a monastic community who today devote their lives to simple living in the forest.

Day 6: Exploring Sigiriya's Ancient Kingdom

Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. Explore Sigiriya with Insight Choice. Choose to climb Sigiriya Rock.  Alternatively, visit Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. During a tuk-tuk ride, explore the ancient remains of temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself before heading back to your hotel.

Day 7: Colourful Caves and Rainforests

Today you’ll visit the colourful Dambulla Caves. Also known as the Golden Temple caves, this World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Take in its mighty artwork dedicated to Gautama Buddha as you explore with your group. S Stop at Tamarind Gardens for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This local farm has been working to supply community members with access to clean water, nutritional food, and supports the village towards a sustainable future. Later, arrive in Kandy. Surrounded by mountains, rainforest and tea plantations, this sacred city if famous for its Buddhist sites, such as the Temple of the Tooth shrine. Once here you’ll enjoy a cultural evening of drums and a dance performance. Your accommodation for the evening is, Mahaweli Reach. Located next to the mighty Mahaweli River, this traditional hotel is based in the hill capital of Sri Lanka and offers incredible culture, history and authentic dining options.

Day 8: Tea Country Hills Relaxed Start

In the morning head to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha is located here.Later meet Rahju, a local artist, at his contemporary art gallery. Enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya. A city in Sri Lanka’s tea country hills, this pretty destination is famous for Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu shrine and Galway’s Land National Park. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration. Learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef, before indulging in the fruits of your hard work.

Day 9: Exploring Nuwara Eliya

Rise early this morning for an excursion to Horton Plains for a trek to World's End, where a stunning escarpment that plunges 880 metres down to the jungle floor. World’s End is situated in one of the most popular National Parks in Sri Lanka and is the only one where you can are able walk freely as there are no elephants. Stand in awe and capture incredible views of the expansive plateau, before mist and cloud obscure the scene. In the afternoon, learn everything there is to know about Ceylon tea during a visit to a tea plantation and garden. Walk through the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session hosted by an expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over a Celebration Dinner at your hotel.

Day 10: Goodbye Colombo

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, as your journey comes to an end. You’ll be driven back to Colombo airport for your onward flight. A stop will be made in Colombo for those extending their stay.