Wild (Nov to Apr)

Day 1 – Sacred Heritage & Hill Country Charm

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and set off for Kandy (approx. 3.5 hours / 120 km). En route, the tropical lowlands gradually give way to lush hills. In Kandy, you will visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine, where the relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. Your guide will share insights into the temple’s deep cultural and spiritual significance as you walk through its ornately decorated halls.

Following the temple visit, embark on a Kandy City Tour. Stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, explore the bustling local market, and visit the upper lake viewpoint for panoramic views of the city. A short stop at a traditional crafts workshop offers you a glimpse into the artistry of Kandyan heritage.

By mid-afternoon, begin your scenic ascent to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2.5 hours / 80 km), often called “Little England” for its colonial architecture, cool climate, and manicured gardens. Along the winding mountain roads, you will pass cascading waterfalls, emerald tea plantations, and mist-covered valleys.

Arriving in Nuwara Eliya by evening, check in to your hotel and enjoy a warm cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Dinner will feature a blend of local and international flavors, perfect for unwinding after a day rich in culture and scenery.

Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 2 – Highland Wilderness at Horton Plains

Wake early to the crisp mountain air for your journey to Horton Plains National Park (1 hour / 30 km from Nuwara Eliya). The drive takes you through tea country in the soft light of dawn, with mist curling over valleys and birdsong echoing through the hills.

Upon arrival, you will set out on a 9 km nature trail across open grasslands, cloud forests, and rocky outcrops. The park is home to sambar deer, endemic lizards, and over 20 bird species unique to Sri Lanka’s highlands. Your guide will help you spot wildlife while sharing fascinating ecological details.

The highlight of the trek is World’s End, a sheer cliff with a breathtaking 880-meter drop, offering panoramic views that extend as far as the southern coastline on a clear day. Nearby, Baker’s Falls cascades through thick forest, its cool spray refreshing after the walk.

By midday, return to Nuwara Eliya for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure — you may stroll through Victoria Park, browse the local market for fresh strawberries and tea, or admire the colonial-era Post Office and Gregory Lake.

In the evening, enjoy a warm dinner by the fireplace, surrounded by the highland’s peaceful atmosphere. This day combines invigorating trekking with moments of quiet reflection in one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes.

Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 3 – From Misty Hills to Elephant Country

After breakfast, depart Nuwara Eliya for Udawalawe National Park (approx. 5.5 hours / 210 km). The journey descends from the cool highlands to the warm, open plains, passing tea plantations, rural villages, and fruit stalls piled with pineapples and bananas.

Before checking in, visit the Elephant Transit Home (around 3:00 PM feeding time), a conservation center run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Here, orphaned baby elephants are rehabilitated and released into the wild — you’ll watch them joyfully rush to their milk feeding stations.

Later, embark on an evening safari in Udawalawe National Park (3:30–6:00 PM). The park’s open landscapes make it one of the best places to see wild elephants in large numbers. Water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife add to the richness of the experience.

As the sun sets over Udawalawe Reservoir, the silhouettes of elephants against the orange sky will be an unforgettable sight.

Overnight stay: Udawalawe

Day 4 – Birdlife & Coastal Wetlands at Bundala

After an early breakfast, travel 2.5 hours (110 km) to Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famed for its bird diversity. This coastal wetland attracts over 200 species, including flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, and migratory birds from as far as Siberia. Your 3-hour safari will also reveal crocodiles basking in lagoons, troops of grey langurs, and the occasional elephant.

After lunch, continue 1.5 hours (65 km) to Yala, the most popular wildlife park in Sri Lanka. Check in to your lodge and spend the evening at leisure, preparing for tomorrow’s early morning game drive.

Overnight stay: Yala

Day 5 – Leopard Country in Yala National Park

Rise early for your morning safari in Yala National Park (5:30–10:00 AM), Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve. Known for having one of the world’s highest leopard densities, Yala offers excellent chances to spot this elusive predator. Your naturalist guide will help track fresh paw prints along sandy tracks while scanning the terrain for movement.

The park’s landscape is a captivating mix of scrub jungle, lagoons, rocky outcrops, and open grasslands. In addition to leopards, you may encounter sloth bears, elephants, jackals, mongooses, and over 200 species of birds. Pausing near waterholes, watch herds of deer and peacocks moving gracefully in the morning light.

Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax before checking out. Around midday, depart for Sinharaja Rainforest (approx. 4.5 hours / 190 km). The drive transitions from the dry zone into lush lowland rainforest, with winding roads leading deep into a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive by late afternoon and check into your eco-lodge on the edge of the rainforest. The evening is free for you to enjoy the serenity, with the sounds of cicadas and tree frogs replacing the city’s noise.

Overnight stay: Sinharaja

Day 6 – Into the Heart of Sinharaja

After breakfast, embark on a guided trek through Sinharaja Rainforest (2–4 hours depending on your preference). The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to endemic species such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie, green pit viper, and purple-faced leaf monkey. Walking along shaded forest trails, you’ll pass giant ferns, waterfalls, and buttressed trees.

Return to your lodge for lunch, then check out for your journey to Mirissa (approx. 3.5 hours / 140 km). This scenic coastal drive passes cinnamon plantations, paddy fields, and quaint villages before opening up to the turquoise waters of the southern coastline.

Arrive in Mirissa by late afternoon. The golden sands and gentle waves offer a relaxing contrast to the rainforest adventure. Enjoy the sunset from the beach or your hotel balcony.

Overnight stay: Mirissa

Day 7 – Giants of the Ocean & Galle’s Colonial Charm

At dawn, head to Mirissa Harbor for your whale watching excursion (5:30 AM departure). The southern waters are prime territory for spotting blue whales — the largest animals on earth — as well as sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and flying fish. The 3–4 hour voyage offers spectacular ocean views and unforgettable encounters.

Return to your hotel for a late breakfast and some rest. Around midday, travel 1 hour (35 km) to Galle, where you will explore the Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the ramparts, visit the lighthouse, and admire the colonial-era buildings that now house boutiques, cafés, and art galleries.

Return to Mirissa in the late afternoon for a final evening by the beach. A seafood dinner under the stars is the perfect way to celebrate your journey.

Overnight stay: Mirissa

Day 8 – Farewell to Paradise

After breakfast, depart for Bandaranaike International Airport (approx. 3.5 hours / 180 km). As you travel along the southern expressway, reflect on the diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural treasures you have experienced over the past week.