Safari in Sri Lanka - 9 days
Safari in Sri Lanka - 9 days
Safari in Sri Lanka - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Dambulla, Gal Oya, Gal Oya National Park, Udawalawe, Yala National Park, Galle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1910/SSL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 9-day wildlife adventure through Sri Lanka's most captivating landscapes and national parks. This small group tour offers an immersive experience, starting in Colombo and journeying through the lush terrains of Wilpattu, Yala, and Udawalawe National Parks, renowned for their diverse wildlife including leopards and elephants. Explore the ancient Dambulla Rock Temples and meet the indigenous Veddhas tribe in Mahiyanganaya. Enjoy a unique boat safari in the pristine Gal Oya National Park and discover the historic Galle Dutch Fortress. Stay in a mix of luxurious hotels, eco-lodges, and a tented safari camp, with guided tours and game drives included. With all national park entrance fees covered and an English-speaking guide, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka's natural and cultural treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Goldi Sands Hotel
Colombo - Negombo. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo Airport you will be met and transferred to our start hotel in Negombo. After you have checked in the remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening meet your guide and the rest of the group at the tour briefing.
Day 2: Wilpattu National Park
Location: Wilpattu National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Wilpattu (tented camp)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Negombo - Wilpattu. After breakfast, we drive along Sri Lanka's picturesque coast to Wilpattu National Park. Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest national park, covering 1085 sq kms and extending inland towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The lakes and dense woodland of Wilpattu are home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna including sloth bears, spotted deer, wild pigs, crocodiles and leopards - Sri Lanka’s top feline predator. This afternoon we go in search of wildlife on our first game drive, by jeep. This evening, we enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner at the camp which is located close to the Southern boundary of Wilpattu National Park, on the edge of a lake surrounded by bush forest.
Day 3: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation Name: Wasgamuwa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wilpattu - Wasgamuwa. After breakfast, we depart for Wasgamuwa, stopping en route to visit Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave temples, the Dambulla Rock Temple. This stunning complex of 5 caves contains over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre statue carved out of the cave rock. We continue to Wasgamuwa to check into our hotel, before enjoying an afternoon game drive in Wasgamuwa National Park.
The evergreen forest of Wasgamuwa, with its towering trees is home to large herds of elephants. On our game drive we may also spot wild boar, buffalo, purple faced langur monkeys, spotted deer and crocodiles basking in the sun. Not to mention up to 143 species of birds.
Day 4: Visit The Veddhas
Location: Gal Oya
Accommodation Name: Gal Oya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wasgamuwa - Gal Oya. Today we travel to Gal Oya, stopping en route in Mahiyanganaya to visit the forest dwelling Veddhas - indigenous people of Sri Lanka. We continue to our lodge in Gal Oya National Park where the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.
Day 5: Gal Oya National Park
Location: Gal Oya National Park
Accommodation Name: Gal Oya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Gal Oya is one of the best preserved and least visited national parks in Sri Lanka. It was established in 1954, primarily to protect the catchment area of the vast Senanayake Samudra Reservoir, which is the largest inland body of water in Sri Lanka. Rich in bio diversity and aquatic life, Gal Oya spans 25,000 hectares of dense evergreen forest, mountains, savannah and lake.
This morning, we rise early for breakfast before embarking on a boat safari, the best way to spot Gal Oya's diverse wildlife, and if we're really lucky we might see the Asian elephant swimming in its natural habitat. We return to the hotel for lunch and to freshen up before our afternoon jeep safari.
Day 6: Udawalawe National Park
Location: Udawalawe
Accommodation Name: Udawalawe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gal Oya - Udawalawe. This morning we travel to Udawalawe and check into our hotel before our afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. The park is known for its large population of elephants, there are over 400 and herds of up to 50 are commonly sighted. As well as elephants we'll be on the lookout for leopards, togue monkeys, grey langur, wild pig and sambar. Numerous bird species can also be sighted including the white bellied sea eagle and crested serpent eagle.
Day 7: Yala National Park
Location: Yala National Park
Accommodation Name: Yala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Udawalawe - Yala. Bidding farewell to Gal Oya, we make our way to Yala National Park today. Checking into our hotel late morning, we then enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in the park. Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and it has the highest concentration of leopards on the island. The park is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, sloth bears, golden palm civets, Sri Lankan krait and crocodiles, while the coastline around the park is visited by leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles.
Day 8: Galle
Location: Galle
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Yala - Colombo. We travel back to Colombo today, stopping in Galle en route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Galle Fortress. The fortress was first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588, then expanded and extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Arriving into Colombo late this afternoon, we partake in a short tour of the city and this evening we'll enjoy our final dinner together as a group.
Day 9: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today, with a transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-5 star hotels & lodges -
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and five dinners during the tour.
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4 nights 4-5 star hotels, 3 nights lodges and 1 night safari camp
Stay in 4-5 star hotels for 4 nights, lodges for 3 nights, and a safari camp for 1 night.
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Guided sightseeing - Dambulla Rock Temple, Galle and Colombo
Participate in guided sightseeing tours of Dambulla Rock Temple, Galle, and Colombo.
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All national park entrance fees (included, valued at USD$350)
All entrance fees to national parks are included, valued at USD$350.
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Boat safari in Gal Oya
Experience a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park.
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Game drives in Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya, Udawalawe and Yala National Parks
Enjoy game drives in Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa, Gal Oya, Udawalawe, and Yala National Parks.
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Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Be escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, or a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 9
Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 9.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller.
Age Policy
Over 15 if accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Experience a blend of luxury and nature with stays at the Goldi Sands Hotel, Big Game Camp, Lavendish Wild Safari, Gal Oya Lodge, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Jetwing Yala, and Radisson Hotel Colombo. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and unique experiences like tented camps and eco-lodges amidst Sri Lanka's breathtaking landscapes.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned tourism vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation. Enjoy airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 9, ensuring a seamless journey throughout your Sri Lankan adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari in Wilpattu National Park?
In Wilpattu National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sloth bears, spotted deer, wild pigs, crocodiles, and leopards, which are Sri Lanka's top feline predator.
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What is unique about the Dambulla Rock Temples?
The Dambulla Rock Temples are unique because they are a stunning complex of 5 caves containing over 150 images of Buddha, including an impressive 14-meter statue carved out of the cave rock.
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Who are the Veddhas and will I have the opportunity to meet them?
The Veddhas are one of Sri Lanka's indigenous tribes, and during the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit them in Mahiyanganaya.
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What activities are included in Gal Oya National Park?
In Gal Oya National Park, you will embark on a boat safari to spot diverse wildlife and may see Asian elephants swimming. There is also an afternoon jeep safari to explore the park further.
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What is special about Yala National Park?
Yala National Park is special because it has the highest concentration of leopards in Sri Lanka. It is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, sloth bears, golden palm civets, Sri Lankan krait, and crocodiles.
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What can I expect during the visit to Galle?
During the visit to Galle, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Galle Fortress, which was first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4 nights in 4-5 star hotels, 3 nights in lodges, and 1 night in a safari camp.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, and a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.