Sri Lanka · Safari

8-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari through Yala, Sinharaja and Gal Oya

8 Days Round trip from Arrival at Airport – Transfer to Negombo Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest with expert naturalist guides
  • 02 Track elephants during thrilling wildlife safaris in Udawalawe National Park
  • 03 Search for leopards and other predators during jeep safaris in Yala National Park
  • 04 Experience a rare boat safari in Gal Oya, where elephants may swim between islands

Explore Sri Lanka's wild landscapes on an eight-day safari adventure across rainforests, wetlands, and national parks. Trek through the biodiversity-rich Sinharaja Rainforest and track elephants in Udawalawe National Park. Search for leopards during thrilling jeep safaris in Yala and witness migratory flamingos in Bundala. Enjoy a rare boat safari in Gal Oya, where elephants may swim between islands, and visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Experience a rare boat safari in Gal Oya National Park, where elephants are sometimes seen swimming between islands in the reservoir.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kandy, Negombo, Yala National Park, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park, Bundala National Park, Gal Oya National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Relax in Negombo

  • Your nature tour of Sri Lanka begins at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your private chauffeur guide will welcome you.

  • Travel to the seaside town of Negombo, known for its Dutch colonial canals and golden beaches.

  • Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel while enjoying the tropical sea breeze and preparing for the upcoming wildlife adventure.

2
Day 02

Muthurajawela Wetland Boat Tour and Transfer to Sinharaja

  • Start the day with a sunrise boat tour through Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary, a vital wetland habitat home to diverse bird species and crocodiles.

  • Continue travelling south to the ancient rainforest of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the island's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest.

  • Check into your rainforest ecolodge and relax while surrounded by the natural sounds of the jungle.

3
Day 03

Full-Day Exploration of Sinharaja Rainforest

  • Spend a full day exploring the remarkable biodiversity of Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

  • Accompanied by expert naturalists, enjoy guided morning and afternoon treks through the rainforest.

  • Search for endemic bird species such as the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, along with rare reptiles and amphibians.

  • Experience authentic rainforest trekking in this UNESCO-listed natural heritage site.

4
Day 04

Udawalawe Safari and Wilderness Camping

  • Travel to the dry zone of Udawalawe National Park, famous for its massive herds of wild Sri Lankan elephants.

  • Check into your adventure campsite and prepare for a wildlife experience in the park's natural surroundings.

  • Embark on an afternoon jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park to observe elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • Conclude the evening with appetisers and drinks around a crackling campfire under the stars.

5
Day 05

Leopard Safari in Yala National Park

  • Travel to Yala National Park, known for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

  • Check into the luxury wilderness camp known as Leopard Nest for a unique safari lodging experience.

  • Embark on an afternoon jeep safari through the scrub jungles and lagoons of Yala National Park.

  • Look for wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

6
Day 06

Birdwatching in Bundala and Journey to Gal Oya

  • Enjoy a morning safari in Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its wetlands and migratory flamingos.

  • Observe diverse bird species and wildlife across the park's lagoons and coastal landscapes.

  • Continue the journey to the remote wilderness of Gal Oya National Park.

  • Experience the peaceful and lesser-explored landscapes of this region, far from the usual tourist crowds.

7
Day 07

Gal Oya Boat Safari and Visit to Kandy

  • Experience a rare boat safari in Gal Oya National Park, where elephants are sometimes seen swimming between islands in the reservoir.

  • Observe wildlife and scenic landscapes while exploring the calm waters of the national park.

  • Continue travelling to the cultural city of Kandy.

  • Visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country.

  • Relax at a luxury forest hotel overlooking the misty mountains and tea estates.

8
Day 08

Departure from Kandy

  • Enjoy a final morning in the lush surroundings of Kandy.

  • Take a peaceful walk through the hotel's forest trails or explore the local markets at your own pace.

  • Transfer comfortably to Bandaranaike International Airport with your private driver for your departure flight.

  • Conclude your Sri Lanka wildlife adventure with unforgettable memories of the island's natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park scrub jungles and lagoons, Gal Oya National Park boat safari

Where this trip takes you

Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park scrub jungles and lagoons, Gal Oya National Park boat safari

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arrival at Airport – Transfer to Negombo 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 7 nights' accommodation in hotels on a bed and breakfast basis

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for transportation

  • English-speaking chauffeur guide for sightseeing tours

  • Daily 500 ml bottled water during sightseeing

  • Airport welcome with garlands and arrival assistance

  • Parking fees, highway charges, and applicable taxes

What's Not Included

  • Sri Lanka visa

  • Entrance fees (according to the customer's request, these can be added to the final rate)

  • Cost of lunch and dinner during the tour (if not mentioned in the itinerary)

  • Any international airfare or airport taxes

  • Any change in tax structure resulting from an increase in the published tariff

  • Items of a personal nature, such as tips, laundry, and phone calls

  • Any video or still camera fees at monuments and places of visit

  • Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes

  • Bar, telephone, and laundry bills

  • Optional tours

  • Tips to guides, restaurant staff, and hotel personnel are not compulsory, but they are always appreciated

  • Any other expenses

What to bring

  • Lightweight cotton clothing for warm tropical coastal regions.

  • A warm sweater or jacket for cooler evenings in the misty highlands.

  • Sturdy walking shoes for jungle treks and wildlife safaris.

  • Sunscreen for protection from the tropical sun.

  • A hat for sun protection.

Know before you go

  • Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy by covering your shoulders and knees.

  • Remove shoes and hats before entering temples and religious areas.

  • The climate varies from warm tropical coastal regions to cooler misty highlands, so pack lightweight cotton clothing and a warm sweater or jacket for evenings.

  • Wear sturdy walking shoes for jungle treks and wildlife safaris.

  • Use sunscreen and carry a hat for protection from the tropical sun.

  • Avoid single-use plastics and follow eco-friendly practices to help preserve Sri Lanka's biodiversity.

  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for naturalist guides and chauffeur guides.

  • Travel times may vary due to winding forest roads and possible wildlife crossings.

  • Relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes during transfers.

  • Support assistance is available throughout the journey to ensure a smooth wildlife adventure.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
International Airport
Tour start
Arrival at Airport – Transfer to Negombo
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arrival at Airport – Transfer to Negombo.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Price on Request

Book This Tour
Price On Request

When

Travellers