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Sri Lanka: Wonders of the Wild
Private Travel
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General interest
13 Days & 11 Nights
Lead-in price: £2555
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.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Search for leopards, crocodiles & elephants in Yala & Uda Walawe
- Huge variety of endemic birds at Bundala bird sanctuary
- Boat safari to seek out blue whales & sperm whales
- Visit the Weheragala section of Yala National Park
- Morning boat safari & breakfast by Senanayaka Samudra lake
- Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation
Tour variations
Superior Private Tour in brief
Day 1: Fly to Colombo(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.
Superior private tour accommodation
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Horathapola Estate House
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.
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Gal Oya Lodge
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. Room amenities: En suite bathroom with bath or shower, seating & dining area.
Dates & prices
SOW2022
Guideline Prices
Low season from £2555 per person
High season from £2675 per person
Vaccination Travel Policy
All clients must be fully vaccinated before travelling with us on a Cox & Kings (C&K)
group tour. This means that a customer must have received their full two doses of the
COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before travelling with us. This does not apply
to our private tours or tailor-made travel. If you have any questions please call us
or visit our FAQs page on our website here
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
Guaranteed Departures Where a tour date has ‘yes’ listed, this tour is guaranteed to run.
For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Terms & Conditions Guaranteed departures will run except in the circumstances where travel to the destination is advised against by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or entry restrictions relating to COVID-19 preclude travel.
Additional InformationPlease 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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- • Private driver-guide throughout
• Air-conditioned transfers
• International flights
• All sightseeing as described
• All entrance fees & wildlife drives
• Meals as per the itinerary
© Cox & Kings 2021