A 12-day circuit that begins in the wildlife-rich northwest at Kalpitiya, moves through the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and the wilderness of Wilpattu, then covers Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle before descending to Ella, the southern wildlife parks, and the Galle coastal finish. Built for Australian travellers who want the full wildlife and cultural range of Sri Lanka in a coherent sequence without the feeling of running between stops.
Tour Packages
Package 02: Ceylon Wildlife and Coastal Escape
Tour Highlights
- Wilpattu Full-Day Private Safari Sri Lanka's largest and least-visited national park at its most rewarding: extended villu-based wildlife observation without vehicle competition.
- Udawalawe Elephant Safari The finest elephant-watching destination in South Asia, with open grassland herds and the Elephant Transit Home on the park boundary.
- Anuradhapura by Bicycle One of the ancient world's great capitals explored at dawn by bicycle with a specialist archaeological guide.
- Minneriya Elephant Gathering The August-to-October gathering of hundreds of wild elephants at the Minneriya Reservoir, one of Asia's great wildlife spectacles.
- Galle Fort Walking Tour 350 years of layered colonial history readable in every cobbled street and building facade of the island's finest heritage city.
Inclusions
Private vehicle and driver throughout, all transfers including scenic train, 11 nights accommodation with daily breakfast, all park entry fees, specialist naturalist guides, private safari jeeps.
Exclusions
International flights, travel insurance, meals not specified, optional cultural show, personal expenses, tips.
Itinerary
Arrival - Kalpitiya
Transfer from the airport to Kalpitiya on the northwest peninsula. Check-in at a coastal eco-lodge beside the lagoon. An evening at leisure by the water: optional horse riding along the beach or a quiet walk through the lagoon-edge landscape. Overnight in Kalpitiya.
Kalpitiya to Anuradhapura via Anawilundawa
Optional morning dolphin watching in the offshore waters before the drive south toward Anuradhapura, stopping at Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching in one of Sri Lanka’s most important coastal wetland systems en route. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura - Wilpattu Full-Day Safari
Early morning departure for a full-day private safari in Wilpattu National Park with a picnic lunch inside the park. Leopards, sloth bears, and rich birdlife in the villu ecosystem without the vehicle pressure of the more visited southern parks. Return to Anuradhapura for the evening. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura Ancient City
A morning bicycle exploration of Anuradhapura’s sacred zone: the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the great stupas, and the ancient monastic landscape. An afternoon at leisure or a further cycling loop through the outer ruins and tank landscape. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura to Dambulla via Minneriya
Optional morning safari at Minneriya National Park for elephant sightings at the reservoir before the drive south. Evening nature walk around the Dambulla area and a visit to a local community. Overnight in Dambulla.
Dambulla - Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, including the water gardens, the frescoes, and the summit view across the flat forest plain. Transfer to Kandy in the afternoon through the spice garden landscapes of the Cultural Triangle foothills. Overnight in Kandy.
Kandy - Temple, Lake, and Cultural Show
Visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic for the morning puja ceremony, followed by a lakeside walk and an afternoon exploring the Kandyan artisan quarter. Optional evening Kandyan dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.
Kandy to Ella by Scenic Train
The highland railway from Kandy to Ella through the most visually dramatic section of the Sri Lankan rail network. Evening at leisure in Ella with panoramic hill views from the lodge terrace. Overnight in Ella.
Ella to Udawalawe via Little Adam's Peak
Morning visit to the Nine Arches Bridge and a hike to Little Adam’s Peak for the valley panorama. Drive south to Udawalawe, arriving at the safari lodge in the afternoon. Overnight at Udawalawe safari lodge.
Udawalawe Elephant Safari and Bundala
Morning elephant safari in Udawalawe’s open grassland where herds of 50 to 100 animals are visible throughout the morning. Afternoon transit safari at Bundala National Park, the Ramsar wetland site on the southern coast, for waterbird observation that complements the Udawalawe mammal focus. Overnight in Udawalawe.
Udawalawe to Colombo via Galle
Drive west to Galle Fort for a guided walking exploration of the colonial streets, ramparts, and galleries. Optional beach time at Unawatuna or Mirissa. Evening transfer to Colombo. Overnight in Colombo.
Colombo - Departure
Morning shopping and city exploration before transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
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