Into the Wild: From Whales’ Tails to Elephant Trails
Itinerary
- Itinerary:Colombo - Negombo - Wilpattu National Park - Ancient Capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - Outskirts of Kandy - Ella - Sinharaja Rainforest - Mirissa - Colombo
- Duration:15 days / 14 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £ 2,215.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-2 – Amble along Negombo’s canals
Today you’ll arrive in Negombo, a modest beach town on the palm-fringed west coast, not far from Colombo. During your time in Negombo, you’ll stay in an elegant villa with a swimming pool and gardens. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please; why not relax by the pool with a good book or take a stroll along the beach. Alternatively, you can soak up the sights and sounds of the town with your driver. Explore the fascinating colonial history, wander through the vibrant bazaar and get a taste of your first authentic Sri Lankan curry!
Next, you’ll head to WIlpattu National Park by private car with an English-speaking driver. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Days 2-4 – Leopards, lakes and royal palaces
This bite-sized trip will take you to Wilpattu, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka. This park was closed for a long time during the civil war, but reopened to tourists in 2010. It’s the perfect place to head out on an adventurous jeep safari and search for leopards and sloth bears. You’ll stay in an atmospheric safari tent and enjoy an evening BBQ at the campfire. Afterwards, you’ll head to the historic city of Anuradhapura. Here you can amble through the ancient ruins and see the sacred Bodhi tree.
Days 4-6 – Temples in Buddha’s garden
Next, you’ll travel from Anuradhapura with your driver by private car to Polonnaruwa. The journey will take around 2 hours.
From crumbling ruins to majestic elephants, this trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. Your journey will begin by climbing Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress, before you arrive at Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time as you wander and cycle around the ancient stone city. This ancient capital is also famous for its delightful restaurants, farmers’ markets and numerous food stalls, and you’ll have plenty of time to taste all the local delicacies. You’ll spend 2 nights at a lakeside hotel, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the area.
Days 6-8 – Life amongst the rice paddies
Next, you’ll travel from Polonnaruwa with your driver by private car to Digana near Kandy. The journey will take around 4 hours.
Although only an hour from the hustle and bustle of busy Kandy, Digana and its surrounding villages feels like a million miles away. From lush jungle to tumbling rice paddies, the only sounds you’ll hear are those of the wildlife and perhaps the occasional swish of a scythe. You’ll spend 2 nights in a basic eco-lodge and take a hearty walk through one of the nearby villages.
Days 8-10 – Explore the emerald valleys of Ella
Next, you’ll travel from Digana with your driver by private car to Ella. The journey will take around 4 hours.
Known for its breathtaking mountain views and endless rolling hills, Ella is a peaceful village nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. You’ll arrive by train as you pass scenic landscapes, and stay in a cosy hotel with sweeping views. Take a challenging four hour hike to Ella Rock, or a more gentle trek to Little Adam’s Peak.
Days 10-12 – Strolling through the rainforest
Next, you’ll travel from Ella with your driver by private car to Sinharaja. The journey will take around 3 hours.
You’ll explore the lush Sinharaja rainforest as you discover exotic plants, ribbons of green vines, a kaleidoscope of exotic birds and colourful lizards. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can choose which trail you’d like to take. You’ll stay in a simple guest-house on the outskirts of the park so you can fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest.
Days 12-14 – Whale tails ahoy!
Next, you’ll travel from Sinharaja rainforest with your driver by private car to Mirissa. The journey will take around 3 hours.
Take a trip to the seaside town of Mirissa and from Nov-Apr you’ll be in one of the best places on the planet for whale watching. These mighty marine giants are drawn to the sea trench just off the coast to feed, making your chances of spotting them particularly high. In your free time you can walk along the soft sands of Mirissa’s crescent bay, crack open a coconut and let your worries drift away.
Days 14-15 – Just one more thing…in Colombo!
Your driver will take you from Mirissa to Colombo. The journey should take around 3.5 hours or longer if you’d like to explore the ancient fort of Galle on your way!
Take a trip back in time as you journey back to Colombo. With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a city tour, Sri Lanka style, in one of the colourful tuk-tuks and spend the night in a stylish hotel in Colombo. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to end your Sri Lankan adventure if you’re flying early the following day.
Today it’s time to wave goodbye to Sri Lanka. Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight home and the journey should take about 45 minutes.
