| Name | Sri Lanka Big Five Safari Tour |
| Destination | Sri Lanka |
| Categories | BeachWildlifeNatureCulture |
Airport, Kalpitiya, Wilpattu, Sigiriya, Wasgamuwa, Nuwara Eliya, Gal Oya, Arugam Bay, Yala, Weligama, Mirissa, Galle, Colombo
Embark on an extraordinary 15-day journey across Sri Lanka, designed to showcase the island’s iconic Big Five wildlife and diverse landscapes. This immersive safari experience combines thrilling game drives in Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park with unforgettable whale watching in Kalpitiya and Mirissa. Travel through lush jungles, golden beaches, and cool highlands like Nuwara Eliya, while enjoying unique stays and authentic experiences that bring you closer to nature. This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and discovery for wildlife lovers and explorers alike.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Kalpitiya, a peaceful coastal destination known for its rich marine life. Enjoy a scenic drive along the west coast before checking into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax by the beach or pool and recover from your journey, preparing for the exciting wildlife experiences ahead.
Start your day with an unforgettable whale watching experience off the coast of Kalpitiya, where you may encounter majestic species such as sperm whales, blue whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. After this incredible marine adventure, journey to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park. In the evening, enjoy a guided nature trail at your campsite, offering a closer look at birds, butterflies, and the surrounding wilderness, providing a relaxing and immersive introduction to the park’s rich biodiversity.
Spend an exciting full day exploring Wilpattu National Park on a guided safari, discovering its unique “villus” (natural lakes) that attract a wide variety of wildlife. Spot iconic species such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles while enjoying a packed breakfast and an authentic Sri Lankan lunch set beside one of the park’s scenic lakes. End your day with a memorable outdoor dining experience under the stars, featuring a delicious BBQ in a tranquil forest setting, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
After breakfast, journey to Sigiriya, a region known for its rich landscapes and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for its large elephant populations and diverse wildlife. Explore the park’s dry zone ecosystem, home to numerous bird species, reptiles, and butterflies, and take in scenic views from an observation deck overlooking Minneriya Lake while enjoying light refreshments.
Start your day with an early morning hike to Pidurangala Rock to witness a breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and the iconic Sigiriya Rock. After descending, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan snack before continuing your journey to Wasgamuwa National Park. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting safari through this less-crowded park, known for its large elephant herds and rich wildlife. During the experience, enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch by the scenic Mahaweli River, surrounded by untouched nature.
After breakfast, travel from the dry zone landscapes to the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya, enjoying a scenic journey through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls. In the evening, explore the charming colonial town on a guided walking tour, discovering its historic landmarks, local markets, and unique atmosphere often referred to as “Little England.”
Start early and head to Horton Plains National Park for a unique highland safari experience in search of the elusive leopard. Explore a variety of scenic locations including Pattipola, Thotupola, and Arangapool, where you can spot endemic birds, the rare Eurasian otter, and other wildlife. Enjoy breakfast amidst nature and continue towards viewpoints offering stunning views of Adam’s Peak on clear days. The journey concludes with more wildlife sightings before returning for a relaxing Sri Lankan lunch.
After breakfast, journey to the untouched wilderness of Gal Oya National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at your eco-lodge, take part in a guided bicycle tour, choosing between a relaxed ride to the peaceful Kiri Oruwa Lake, rich in birdlife, or a longer scenic route through the national park towards the beautiful Namal Oya Reservoir. This experience offers a unique and immersive way to explore the natural surroundings.
Begin your day with a unique early morning boat safari in Gal Oya National Park, offering a rare opportunity to observe wildlife from the water, including elephants swimming between islands and a variety of birdlife. After this memorable experience, continue with an afternoon jeep safari through the park, exploring its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in nature before venturing into the remote Nilgala section, known for its untouched wilderness, endemic species, and abundant wildlife. For the more adventurous, an optional guided walking safari offers an even closer encounter with nature.
After breakfast, travel to the beautiful east coast and arrive at Arugam Bay, known for its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, enjoy a unique lagoon safari in Urani Lagoon near Panama by catamaran, where you can observe elephants, diverse birdlife, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. As the day ends, head to Panama Beach for a memorable BBQ dinner by the shore, complete with freshly grilled seafood and a serene coastal setting.
Start your day early with a packed breakfast and embark on a safari in Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier bird sanctuary, renowned for its rich birdlife and scenic lagoons. Spot a wide variety of species including pelicans, painted storks, herons, and the rare black-necked stork in this true paradise for nature lovers. After the safari, continue your journey to Yala National Park, preparing for the next stage of your wildlife adventure.
Begin your day with an early morning safari in Yala National Park, renowned for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Explore its diverse landscapes of जंगल, lagoons, and coastline while spotting leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife. After this thrilling wildlife experience, continue your journey to Mirissa and in the evening board a luxury catamaran from the harbor. Sail into the sunset, enjoy swimming and paddleboarding in Weligama Bay, and end the day with a unique onboard dinner set against the stunning coastal scenery.
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast onboard as you continue your relaxing cruise off the coast of Mirissa. During the journey, spot whales and dolphins while enjoying activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, and line fishing. A delicious lunch is served on a scenic beach stop, offering time to unwind by the sea. After returning to the harbor, proceed to the historic coastal city of Galle for the next stage of your journey.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely lagoon and village cycling tour around Galle, exploring scenic backroads, mangroves, and local communities at your own pace. This immersive experience offers insight into rural life, local industries, and traditional activities such as crab fishing, while surrounded by rich flora and fauna. After the tour, continue your journey to Colombo, the vibrant capital city.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Sri Lanka Big Five safari journey filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and diverse experiences.
Accommodation
Daily breakfast and selected meals
Private transportation with driver-guide
Safari jeep tours in national parks
Whale watching excursions
International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees and entry permits
Personal expenses and tips
Optional activities and supplements
Contact us for availability
No seats are available for the selected date. For further assistance or to inquire about future availability, please get in touch with our team.