Discover the remarkable natural
diversity of Sri Lanka, from large
mammals in the national parks to the
abundant marine life in the waters
off the south coast. Starting from the
Knuckles mountain range, renowned
for its endemic birds, this tour visits the
Uda Walawe and Yala national parks in
search of wild elephants and leopards.
Continue to the west of the island to
look for blue whales and sperm whales
off the coast of Galle.
(N)
Day 2: ColomboMorning arrival and transfer to Horathapola Estate for 1 night. (D)
Day 3: Knuckles mountain rangeTravel to the edge of the Knuckles mountain range for a 2-night stay at Rangala House, set amidst tea plantations. En route, stop for lunch in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya botanical gardens. (B)
Day 4: Knuckles Mountain rangeVenture into the Knuckles Range to catch sight of the abundance of birdlife, with the area containing 75% of Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species. (B)
Days 5-6: Gal Oya National ParkHead for the sublimely beautiful Gal Oya National Park and check in to the Gal Oya Lodge for a 2-night stay. Safaris by boat and 4×4 open up a world of Asian elephants and birdlife. A morning boat safari and breakfast by Senanayaka Samudra lake in the company of elephants is not to be missed. (B)
Day 7: WellawayaLate morning drive to Wellawaya for a 4-night stay at Jetwing Kaduruketha, located amid lush paddy fields in the foothills of the central highlands. (B)
Days 8-10: Uda Walawe & Yala national parksDay trips can be taken from Wellawaya. The Uda Walawe National Park further south is not only home to the largest population of elephants in Sri Lanka, but also other animals such as wild buffalo, spotted deer and crocodiles to name just a few. In the neighbouring regions, the Handapanagala Tank is another hotspot for elephants, while the Weheragala section of Yala National Park is known for being one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. It is also possible to spot sloth bears, wild elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles and an incredible array of birdlife. (B)
Day 11: MirissaMorning drive to the south coast of Mirissa, which has earned a reputation as one of the world’s hot spots for whale and dolphin watching. Visit the Bundala bird sanctuary en route. Stay 2 nights at Parrotfish Bay. (B)
Day 12: MirissaIn the morning, head to Dondra Head in search of whales aboard a Sail Lanka catamaran*. The continental shelf is at its narrowest near Dondra Head, making it one of the best places to see blue whales and sperm whales. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 13: Fly home(B)
Meal basis:As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information * Whale watching:This is available from November to April.
Superior tour:This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
Single supplementAvailable on request.
Tailor-made travel:For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
Rangala House is located on the outskirts of the Unesco Knuckles Conservancy region in the Hill Country of central Sri Lanka. A converted tea-planter's bungalow, the guesthouse offers a relaxed atmosphere and luxurious rooms with astounding views over the area and its tea plantations. The restaurant offers a flexible choice of food with the resident chef using fresh local produce to prepare meals.Features: 4 rooms including 1 suite, living/dining room with stone-built fireplace, large panoramic veranda, swimming pool, gardens, golf chipping net, table tennis, restaurant with resident chef.<br>Room amenities: Satellite television, Wi-Fi, minibar, in-room dining and en suite bathroom.
Encircled by paddy fields and verdant rolling hills, the Jetwing Kaduruketha reflects its rural setting by resembling a traditional village and adopting an agro-eco approach to tourism. The property is tucked away in a quiet region of Wellawaya in central Sri Lanka, at the foothills of the scenic highlands. Each of the 25 self-named dwellings are scattered across the properties 20 hectares of fields and farmland and have been built using wood and bamboo giving natural ventilation as inspired by traditional Kandyan architecture. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is served using fresh ingredients grown at the on-site organic farm.Features: 25 rooms, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, library, terrace, Wi-Fi.<br>Room amenities: Ceiling fan, minibar, tea & coffee making facilities.
Horathapola Estate is a heritage bungalow with its own garden, outdoor pool and restaurant located in Marawila, an hour's drive from Colombo airport. Situated on a working estate which grows coconuts, mangoes, pineapples and spices, Horathapola offers a tranquil stay in a rural location. Enjoy walks around the surrounding estate, take a bullock cart ride or cycle to the nearby village. The bungalow's grandiose architecture is matched with a priceless collection of Sri Lankan antique furniture blending with touches of luxury. It is an ideal spot to relax at the start or end of a tour of Sri Lanka.Features: 7 rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, complimentary internet access and hot tub, <br>Room amenities: En suite bathroom with shower, ceiling fan, air conditioning, private balcony, veranda or terrace.
On the edge of Gal Oya National Park and set among 8 hectares of private forests, Gal Oya Lodge is a rustic eco-friendly lodge. It comprises spacious and elegantly furnished bungalows and villas, designed with timber walls and glass-to-ceiling windows and doors to enjoy the spectacular views. A range of experiences are on offer including 4x4 safaris, bicycle tours, bird walks, a boat safari and a jungle cooking course.Features: 9 bungalows & villas, restaurant, bar, swimming pool.<br>Room amenities: En suite bathroom with bath or shower, seating & dining area.
SOW2021
Guideline Prices
Low season from £2555 per person
High season from £2675 per person
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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