Cultural
6 Nights / 7 DaysTimeless Sri Lanka: Cultural Heritage Journey
The Cultural Triangle in depth — Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla — finishing in the hill capital of Kandy.
Bandaranaike International Airport Up to 12
PriceOn enquiry
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Wildlife · 10 Nights / 11 Days
Wild Sri Lanka: Safari & Rainforest
Four parks and a rainforest — the Minneriya elephant gathering, leopards at Yala, Udawalawe herds and the endemic birds of Sinharaja.
10 Nights / 11 Days 1–12 travellers Starts Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Private tour
About this tour
Sri Lanka packs an extraordinary amount of wildlife into a small island. This route is built around the times of day the animals actually move: dawn drives at Yala for leopard, the late-afternoon gathering at Minneriya when hundreds of elephants come down to the reservoir, Udawalawe for guaranteed herds, and a guided walk in Sinharaja, the last stretch of primary rainforest on the island.
Some early starts, and worth every one of them.
Highlights
- Minneriya / Kaudulla Elephant Safari
- Yala Leopard Safari Adventure
- Udawalawe Elephant Experience
- Sinharaja Rainforest Trekking
- Tea Plantations & Scenic Hill Country
- Bentota Beach Relaxation
- Wildlife & Bird Watching Tours
- Nature Photography Experiences
Day-by-day itinerary
This is our recommended route. Everything on it can be swapped, dropped or extended — just say the word when you enquire.
Day 1
Airport → Sigiriya (Night 1 of 2)
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your driver-guide from Lanka Rides Travel. Begin your journey to Sigiriya, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Enjoy scenic countryside views along the way before checking into your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or enjoying a peaceful nature walk around the hotel surroundings.
Included today- Airport pickup & welcome assistance
- Scenic transfer to Sigiriya
- Relaxation & leisure time
- Optional village or nature walk
Day 2
Sigiriya Safari Experience (Night 2)
Start your day with an optional early morning climb of the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy panoramic views and discover ancient royal ruins and frescoes. In the afternoon, head out for an exciting jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, famous for large elephant gatherings and rich wildlife.
Included today- Optional Sigiriya Rock Fortress visit
- Jeep safari at Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park
- Elephant & wildlife spotting
- Bird watching & nature photography
Day 3
Sigiriya → Kandy (Night 1)
After breakfast, travel to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. En route, visit a traditional spice garden in Matale to learn about Sri Lankan herbs and spices. In Kandy, explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy an evening cultural dance performance featuring traditional Kandyan dancing and fire walking.
Included today- Scenic drive to Kandy
- Spice garden visit
- Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Kandyan cultural dance show
Day 4
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Night 1)
Travel through the scenic central highlands filled with tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains. Visit a tea factory to learn about world-famous Ceylon tea production and enjoy fresh tea tasting. Explore Gregory Lake and enjoy the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England.”
Included today- Tea plantation & factory visit
- Waterfall sightseeing
- Scenic mountain photography
- Gregory Lake visit
Day 5
Nuwara Eliya → Yala (Night 1 of 2)
After breakfast, continue your journey towards Yala National Park through scenic landscapes and small villages. Stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls for photos and relaxation. Arrive in Yala and enjoy free time at your safari resort near the national park.
Included today- Scenic hill country drive
- Ravana Falls visit
- Nature sightseeing
- Leisure time at safari hotel
Day 6
Yala National Park Safari (Night 2)
Wake up early for an unforgettable jeep safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve and home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Explore diverse landscapes including forests, lagoons, and grasslands while searching for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and exotic birds.
Included today- Morning Yala jeep safari
- Leopard & elephant spotting
- Wildlife photography
- Optional evening safari
Day 7
Yala → Udawalawe (Night 1)
Today travel to Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Visit the Elephant Transit Home to observe rescued baby elephants before heading on another exciting safari adventure through the park’s grasslands and reservoirs.
Included today- Udawalawe jeep safari
- Elephant Transit Home visit
- Wildlife photography
- Nature exploration
Day 8
Udawalawe → Sinharaja (Night 1)
Journey to the lush Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest rich in biodiversity and tropical wildlife. Enjoy a guided rainforest trekking experience while discovering waterfalls, rare birds, butterflies, reptiles, and tropical plants.
Included today- Rainforest trekking
- Bird watching
- Nature exploration
- Waterfall & jungle photography
Day 9
Sinharaja → Bentota (Night 1 of 2)
After breakfast, continue to the southern coast and arrive in Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beach destinations. Relax by the beach or enjoy optional water sports and a scenic Madhu River boat safari through mangrove forests.
Included today- Transfer to Bentota
- Beach relaxation
- Optional Madhu River safari
- Water sports opportunities
Day 10
Bentota Leisure & Marine Life (Night 2)
Spend the day enjoying Bentota’s tropical beaches and marine attractions. Visit a turtle hatchery to learn about sea turtle conservation or enjoy optional snorkeling and ocean activities. Relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.
Included today- Beach leisure
- Turtle hatchery visit
- Optional snorkeling / boat rides
- Sunset beach experience
Day 11
Bentota → Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and natural beauty.
Included today- Breakfast at hotel
- Airport transfer
- Departure assistance
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole tour
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls, parking and all driver expenses
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Bottled water throughout the journey
- 24/7 WhatsApp support while you are in Sri Lanka
Not included
- International flights and Sri Lanka ETA visa
- Entrance tickets to sites and national parks
- Lunches, dinners and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Anything not listed under what is included
Well suited to
Wildlife loversPhotographersBirdersFamilies with older children
Gallery
Plan this trip
Tell us what you want from Wild Sri Lanka: Safari & Rainforest
Every itinerary we run is private and rearranged around the people travelling. Send us a rough idea and we will come back with a day-by-day plan and a firm price.
- A reply within 24 hoursUsually the same working day.
- One fixed priceVehicle, driver, fuel and hotels in a single figure.
- Change anythingRevise it as many times as you like before committing.
- Nothing to pay nowNo card details, no deposit to get a plan.
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