Sri Lanka · Wildlife

6-Day Wildlife and Cultural Tour of Sri Lanka with Sigiriya and Wilpattu

6 Days Round trip from Colombo Moderate pace

Kalpitiya – Wilpattu – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Colombo

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Watch dolphins and enjoy a lagoon safari in Kalpitiya
02 Experience a thrilling wildlife jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park
03 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit Dambulla Cave Temple
04 Discover Kandy's cultural heritage with temple visits, a dance show, and botanical gardens

Embark on a six-day journey through Sri Lanka that combines wildlife, history, and culture. Watch dolphins and enjoy a lagoon safari in Kalpitiya, experience an exciting jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, and explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, and immerse yourself in Kandy's cultural heritage with temple visits and a traditional dance show. Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens, discover a spice garden, and shop for local gems and souvenirs on this private tour.

Begin the day with an early climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Anuradhapura, Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kalpitiya, Wilpattu National Park

Languages English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Colombo to Kalpitiya and Dolphin Watching

Morning pick-up from Colombo or the airport and transfer to Kalpitiya.
Enjoy a dolphin-watching boat tour.
Have lunch at an eco-beach resort.
Spend leisure time on the beach or enjoy lagoon-side cycling.

Dinner and overnight in Kalpitiya.

Day 02

Kalpitiya Lagoon Safari and Wilpattu Jeep Safari

After breakfast, enjoy a Kalpitiya Lagoon Safari through mangroves and birdlife.
Depart for Wilpattu and have lunch near the park.
Enjoy an evening jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park.

Dinner and overnight near Wilpattu.

Day 03

Anuradhapura Ancient City to Sigiriya

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
Explore Anuradhapura Ancient City, including Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, and Jetavanaramaya.
Have lunch and drive to Sigiriya.
Check in at the hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 04

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla, and Kandy

Begin the day with an early climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Have breakfast and visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
Enjoy lunch en route to Kandy and check in at the hotel.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and attend a cultural dance show.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day 05

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and Spice Garden Tour

After breakfast, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
Have lunch and visit Mawanella Spice Garden for a herbal demonstration and an optional foot massage.
Enjoy leisure time for shopping in Kandy.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Day 06

Scenic Drive from Kandy to Colombo

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Colombo and have lunch at a city restaurant.
Take an optional city tour including Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and Galle Face Green.
Airport or hotel drop-off and end of the tour.

Where this trip takes you

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Wilpattu National Park jeep safaris, Kalpitiya Lagoon

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 7 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private A/C transport with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Licensed national tour guide
Bottled water, government taxes, and service charges
Travel insurance

What's Not Included

International airfare
Visa fees
Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, tips)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Camera or video permits at certain sites
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
Alcoholic beverages
All entrance fees and safari tickets included

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Light clothing for coastal and warm areas
Warm jacket or sweater for Kandy and hill country
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Swimwear and beach towel for Kalpitiya
Rain jacket or umbrella
Personal medications and first-aid items
Modest clothing for temple visits
Camera or mobile phone with storage

Know before you go

Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya is seasonal (November-April) and depends on sea conditions.
Wildlife sightings in Wilpattu National Park are common but not guaranteed.
Respect local customs and dress modestly at religious sites.
Use bottled or filtered water; travel insurance is recommended.
Best time to visit: dry season on the north-west coast and in the Cultural Triangle (May-September).
4-star and 5-star hotel upgrades are available.

Logistics