Sri Lanka · Safari

2-Day Yala Safari and Kataragama Pilgrimage from Colombo

2 Days Round trip from Wedasitikanda Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience an early morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park
  • 02 Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and exotic birds
  • 03 Visit the sacred Kataragama Temple during the evening pooja
  • 04 Explore historic Buddhist sites including Kirivehera Stupa

Embark on a 2-day Sri Lanka adventure that blends wildlife and spirituality in the island's south. Enjoy an early morning Yala National Park safari to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and exotic birds, then visit sacred sites including Kataragama Temple during the evening pooja and the historic Kirivehera Stupa. The journey also includes tranquil visits to Wedasiti Kanda Viharay, Bird Park Hambantota, and Ridiyagama Safari Park. Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide and comfortable overnight accommodation in Kataragama.

Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Colombo, Yala National Park, Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Hambantota
Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Colombo to Kataragama for Sacred Sites and Spiritual Encounters

  • 04:00 AM - Departure from Colombo.

  • Begin the journey early in the morning in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

  • Enjoy scenic countryside views while the driver-guide shares local insights.

  • 10:30 AM - Breakfast at Nuwan's Family Restaurant, Tissamaharama.

  • Relax with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine before continuing your cultural visits.

  • 11:30 AM - Visit Wedasiti Kanda Viharay.

  • Explore the hilltop Buddhist temple with panoramic views.

  • Experience a calm spiritual atmosphere suitable for reflection and photography.

  • 03:30 PM - Lunch at Lake Edge Restaurant, Tissamaharama.

  • Enjoy local and international dishes with tranquil lake views.

  • 04:30 PM - Visit Kirivehera.

  • Explore the sacred Kirivehera Stupa, an important Buddhist site built during King Mahasena's reign.

  • Engage with the local pilgrimage heritage.

  • 05:30 PM - Visit Kataragama Sacred Temple for the evening pooja.

  • Witness the spiritual energy of this multi-religious sacred site revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Vedda communities.

  • 07:00 PM - Check in at Mandara Rosen Hotel, Kataragama.

  • Settle into your hotel after a full day of travel and sightseeing.

  • 08:30 PM - Dinner at the hotel.

  • Enjoy a comfortable dinner included in the package.

2
Day 02

Yala Safari Adventure and Wildlife Encounters

  • 05:30 AM - Early morning Yala National Park safari.

  • Depart for Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's famous wildlife reserve.

  • Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species.

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch at the hotel.

  • Return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation after the safari.

  • 01:00 PM - Visit Bird Park, Hambantota.

  • Explore the park's local and exotic bird species, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

  • 03:30 PM - Visit Ridiyagama Safari Park.

  • Observe lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other species in large natural enclosures.

  • 04:30 PM - Return journey to Colombo.

  • Drive back with comfort stops, concluding the tour.

Yala National Park, Kataragama temple, Ridiyagama Safari Park

Where this trip takes you

Yala National Park, Kataragama temple, Ridiyagama Safari Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Wedasitikanda 5 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • 1-night hotel accommodation in Kataragama
  • Dinner (Day 1), breakfast (Day 2), and 2 lunches
  • All sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Driver accommodation and meals
  • Parking fees and highway tolls
  • Travel insurance

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses (offerings, shopping, tips)
  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Yala safari jeep with experienced driver

What to bring

  • Comfortable light-colored clothing
  • Modest attire for religious sites
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Personal medication
  • Cash for offerings and entrance fees

Know before you go

  • Early morning safari departure is mandatory for the best wildlife sightings.
  • Wildlife sightings are subject to natural conditions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious places.
  • Safari vehicles are shared unless a private jeep is requested.
  • Weather conditions may affect safari schedules.
  • Itinerary timings may change due to traffic or park regulations.
  • Children must be supervised during safari and temple visits.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Wedasitikanda, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Wedasitikanda, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Wedasitikanda.

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