Itinerary Highlights

What's Included

  • Flights
  • Accommodation Throughout
  • Transfers
9 nights from £3,199 per person

Derek Schuurman

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

This tour is a wonderful way to be introduced to Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Combine trips to Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks with explorations of some of the most fascinating historical sites on the island – Sigiriya, Annuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. 

Itinerary

You could fly on a direct flight to Bandaranaike Airport in Colombo. Upon arrival you will be met by your Rainbow Tours Travel Representative from Walkers Tours and then travel approximately 40 minutes to your hotel in Kotugoda. Check in to your Family Suite (Bed and Breakfast basis) before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: The Wallawwa, Kotugoda
After an early breakfast you will drive to Wilpattu National Park (transfer time approximately 4.5 hours). Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park and re-opened in early 2010 after being closed for several years due to the country’s civil war. Popularly known as ‘the land of the lakes’, the park is famous for its picturesque villus and dry evergreen forests. Wilpattu is one of the top spots in Sri Lanka for spotting Sloth bears and Leopards, while Asian elephant, jackal, Mugger crocodile, sambar, Spotted deer and buffalo are among the larger animals regularly encountered. Accommodation: Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris, Wilpattu
For the next two days enjoy morning and evening game drives through the park. The dense and wild landscape of the park makes for a more authentic wilderness experience. The park’s lakes make the ideal habitat for a number of wetland birds, and species resident here include the White ibis, Purple heron and Whistling teal, among several others.
Today is another day to explore the vast expanses of this park, one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. Alongside mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, Wilpattu is home to a variety of plant life. Today keep an eye out for snakes such as the Indian python and birds including the Painted stork, Little cormorant and the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, which is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the heart of the cultural triangle and your hotel, Ulagalla (transfer time approximately 1.5 hours). Ulagalla has 25 chalets and all the rooms come with private pool and decking area; two have their own Jacuzzis. Ulagalla has good access to the main cultural sites in the local area, and is therefore a great base if you wish to visit the Minneriya National Park or visit the ancient cities of Annuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in the Minneriya National Park which is known for its elephants (transfer time: approximately 1.5 hours). Minneriya Park is located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa and is home to favorites such as Sambar deer, leopards and elephants. Accommodation: Ulagalla, Anuradhapura
After breakfast you procced to Sigiriya to explore the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Transfer time: approximately 1 hour). We highly recommend an early start for experiences within the cultural triangle as it gets very warm during the day. Make sure to stay hydrated and carry a bottle of water with you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to date back to the third century, and is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy a visit of Polonnaruwa City on bicycles (transfer time: approximately 1.5 hours). Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the country’s capital between the tenth and twelfth centuries, and is today a historical and archaeological goldmine full of ruins and ancient buildings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning drive to Kotugoda (transfer time from Anuradhapura to Kotugoda is approximately 4.5 hours). In the evening you will take part in the Heritage Walk of Colombo; the heritage walk is a fantastic experience that lasts about 3 - 4 hours and is conducted in the evening. Accommodation: The Wallawwa, Kotugoda
After your cultural and wildlife exploration of Sri Lanka, why not extend your stay and experience more that this vibrant island nation has to offer, or transfer to the scenic Maldives and relax on white sand beaches. Speak to one of our Travel Specialists who will be happy to suggest and arrange a bespoke holiday itinerary for you.

Derek Schuurman

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Pricing Information & Dates

9 nights from £3,199 per person

Derek Schuurman

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Price Includes

  • Return International Flights as per the itinerary
  • All airport taxes and security charges
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • Transfers as specified
  • Activities and excursions as specified
  • All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified

Price Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Any meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional excursions

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

  • We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
  • Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
  • We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

  • You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
  • We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
  • Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

  • We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
  • For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
  • We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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