Sri Lanka · Wildlife

7-Day Sri Lanka Nature Exploration Tour with Yala Safari

7 Days Round trip from Negombo Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See elephants being bottle-fed and bathing at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
02 Hike through Knuckles Valley past tea estates, waterfalls, pigmy rain, and cloudy forest
03 Enjoy white-water rafting in Kitulgala with trained and experienced professionals
04 Walk the 9 km circular trail across Horton Plains and see Baker's Falls
05 Watch the sunset from Little Adam's Peak in Ella
06 Join a Yala safari in Sri Lanka's second-largest wildlife reservoir, known for its leopard population

Enjoy a relaxing and comfortable tour of Sri Lanka as you explore the rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Visit major attractions in Kandy, Knuckles, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Ella, and Tissamaharama, with experiences ranging from hiking and rafting to wildlife viewing and scenic walks. This 7-day journey combines mountain landscapes, waterfalls, national parks, and close encounters with Sri Lanka's remarkable flora and fauna.

Join the Yala Safari by 1:30 PM at the second-largest wildlife reservoir in Sri Lanka, which harbours the highest density of leopard population in the world.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kandy, Negombo, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Kitulgala, Horton Plains National Park, Tissamaharama, Knuckles Mountain Range

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to Kandy

Pick up from the airport and transfer to Kandy. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and watch the elephants being fed milk and bathing.

Overnight stay at Amaya Hills or a similar hotel in Kandy.

Day 02

Knuckles Valley Hike and Jungle Camp

Depart for Knuckles Valley at 7 AM and hike to reach the peak, passing tea estates, waterfalls, panoramic scenery, pigmy rain, and cloudy forest along the way. Also experience the indigenous flora and fauna of the region.

Spend the night in a jungle camp, with a BBQ dinner.

Day 03

Downhill Trek Through Tea Plantations to Kandy

Start descending through tea plantations and enjoy sparkling waterfalls on the way. You will be dropped back at your hotel in Kandy by the evening.

Overnight stay at Amaya Hills or a similar hotel in Kandy.

Day 04

Kitulgala Rafting and Journey to Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Kitulgala and enjoy water rafting for people older than 10 years of age, with well-trained and experienced professionals guiding you throughout the activity. The journey covers 5 km of still water and 5 km through major and minor rapids. If you are visiting Sri Lanka, this is an experience you should not miss.

Overnight stay at Jetwing St. Andrews or a similar hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05

Horton Plains Trek and Sunset in Ella

Set off for Horton Plains at 5:00 AM. This is the highest plain in the region and features a 9 km circular walking track. Complete the trail in 4-5 hours and view the south coast of Sri Lanka from what seems to be the World's End. Baker's Falls also offers breathtaking scenery and is part of a highly sensitive natural zone in Sri Lanka.
Drive to your hotel in Ella and observe the sunset from Little Adam's Peak.

Overnight stay at EKHO Ella or a similar hotel in Ella.

Day 06

Ravana Falls Visit and Yala Safari

Drive to Tissamaharama. See the wonderful Ravana Ella waterfall, the widest fall in Sri Lanka. Join the Yala Safari by 1:30 PM at the second-largest wildlife reservoir in Sri Lanka, which harbours the highest density of leopard population in the world.

Overnight stay at Jetwing Yala or a similar hotel in Tissamaharama.

Day 07

Departure and Airport Drop-off

No touring activities on this day; drop-off at the airport.

Where this trip takes you

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Knuckles Mountain Range hikes, Baker's Falls, Yala National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Negombo 10 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional English-speaking guide and driver
Accommodation at 4 & 5-star hotels with breakfast and dinner
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel and local insurance
Driver's accommodation and meals
All local taxes and charges

What's Not Included

Lunch

Know before you go

Not wheelchair accessible.
Not stroller accessible.
Not suitable for pets.
Infants must not sit on laps.
Tourists are able to include or exclude one or more options from the set tour according to their requirements.
You can adjust tour activities and the itinerary according to your requirements.

Logistics