15 DAYS Wildlife TOUR
TRIP DETAILS
Duration
15 Days and 14 Nights
Location
Negambo - Wilpattu - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Tissamaharama -Yala - Udawakawe - Sinharaja - Mirissa - Airport
Day 1 – Airport to Negombo
Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, your faithful chauffeur for the next 15 days will be at the gate to greet you. After your arrival, you will be first driven to the beautiful beach city of Negombo for your overnight stay.
Day 2 – Negombo to Wilpattu
On day two of your tour, you will be driven to Wilpattu to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Day 3 – Wilpattu sightseeing
On day three of your tour, you will be journeying through the Wilpattu National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s lowland dry zone on the country’s northwest coast. The Wilpattu National Park is also known as the Land of Lakes. Wilpattu is the biggest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is unique because of its natural lakes (willus). Willus is a natural water basin with a sand rim. Wilpattu is home to around one hundred and six lakes and tanks spread throughout the park. People come from all over the world to see the leopards at Wilpattu. Along with leopards, there are many more animals, ranging from insects to elephants. Also, in the far corner of the beach known as Kudrimalai Point (Horse Point), formally known as Thambapanni, is where Prince Vijaya landed. After the safari, we will be heading back to the hotel to end the day.
Day 4 – Wilpattu to Sigiriya
On day four, you will be heading to Sigiriya for your next adventure in the Minneriya National Park. There are 8,889.4 hectares of wilderness there. In 1938, it was first designated as a wildlife sanctuary, and in 1997, it became a national park. There are several species there, ranging from butterflies to elephants. According to research, there might be up to 700 elephants. The biggest draw here is the free-roaming elephants. Because there is food and water nearby, they frequently travel here. The Minneriya tank is a popular location to see elephants in the park. However, because they are difficult to capture, leopard sightings in Sri Lanka are extremely uncommon and thrilling. After the safari, we will be heading back to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 5 – Sigiriya City
On the 5th day, you will be visiting the city of Sigiriya. We are planning to go to Pidurangala rock. Even though it is more obscure than Sigiriya rock, Pidurangala rock is situated a few kilometers to the north of Sigiriya. The Sigiriya rock and surroundings may be seen from the Pidurangala rock, which is more natural and gives a tranquil view. With a height of 199 meters, it is only 1 meter short of the Sigiriya rock in height. It has a lengthy history; it is believed that before king Kashyapa acquired control of Sigiriya, the monks were relocated to the Pidurangala rock. The ascent up the Pidurangala rock is significantly riskier than Sigiriya.
Afterward, we will be heading to Hiriwadunna Village, which is a stunning, modest rural village that is close to Habarana Town. It is an interesting way to see the normal village life in Sri Lanka because it only has a population of roughly 2500 people. A tasty traditional Sri Lankan meal is also available, in addition to a bullock cart ride and boat trips. With birds chirping and cool breezes blowing across the rice fields, the community is relaxed and serene. After that experience, you will be driven back to the hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 6 – Sigiriya to Kandy
On day six of your tour, you will be traveling to Kandy. However, first you will get the opportunity to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock) is the historic remains of a castle of King Kashyapa and was chosen to serve as his new capital. The 180 m-tall rock is located close to Dambulla city. King Kashyapa erected an entrance halfway up that had the appearance of a huge lion; this construction gave the big rock its name. Sigiriya is a UNESCO-listed world historical site. After the king’s death, the palace was abandoned and then utilized as a Buddhist monastery until the fourteenth century.
Afterward, we will be heading to the Dambulla Golden Temple, also known as the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, which has been a revered pilgrimage place for more than 22 centuries. It is thought to be Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple. There are 157 different murals, totaling up to 2100 m2, that are painted on the walls. Five caverns make up the cave. The caverns are constructed beneath a 150-meter-tall hanging rock. The cave temple is an amazing piece of geology. Following the restoration project, a 15-meter-tall monument and pagoda were constructed in 1982. In order to preserve the temple, UNESCO recognized it as a historic site.
The trip next takes you to the Matale spice garden, where you can stroll among the fragrant foliage and learn some important information about how to utilize spices to improve food, cosmetics, and medicine. Next, is the Hindu temple in Matale, also known as Muthumariamman Temple The goddess Mariamman, regarded as the patroness of rain and fertility, is the subject of the temple that was constructed in her honor. This temple is visited by both Buddhists and Hindus, and Hindu wedding ceremonies frequently take place in the temple’s wedding hall. The chariot festival, which is celebrated in March and is a tremendously lively event to watch, is the biggest religious celebration in the temple. Then we will head directly to Kandy for your overnight stay.
Day 7 – Kandy City
On day seven, after breakfast, you will be heading to the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. Udawattakele Forest Reserve is a historical woodland preserve in Kandy city on a steep slope. It covers an area of 104 hectares (257 acres). The reserve is renowned for having a diverse avifauna. Additionally, there are many different plant species in the reserve, including lianas, shrubs, and tiny trees. There are several enormous lianas. Here, you may observe a lot of the tiny and medium-sized animals that live in Sri Lanka. It’s possible to witness many snake species as well as other reptiles. In 1856, Udawattakele was classified as a forest reserve, and in 1938, it was made a sanctuary.
Following the sanctuary, we will be heading to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). It is of great importance and a holy landmark for all Buddhists worldwide. It is the spot where the left canine tooth of the Buddha is revered. In 1988, UNESCO designated it as a world-historic site.
Following the Dalada Maligawa is the Kandy Lake, often referred to as the Kiri Muhuda (“Sea of Milk”) by locals, which is located right adjacent to the Dalada Maligawa. A man-made lake that was created in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe is located in the center of the city. The lake’s size has decreased with time. However, it is a protected lake where fishing is not permitted. It’s a nice area to go for a stroll. Then we will transport you to the Kandy viewpoint, which offers a magnificent view of the city. (If time permits, we will drive you to the Kandy shopping center so you may browse the gift shops.) Afterward, you will be dropped back at your hotel for the night.
Day 8 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
On day eight, our destination is Nuwara Eliya, a captivating city in the Central province’s hill area and the world-famous center of the tea industry. Nuwara Eliya’s name has two connotations: “The City of Lights” and “City on the Plains.” About 76 kilometers separate Nuwara Eliya from Kandy, and there are several attractions along the route. First, we will be visiting the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. The 147 acres of stunning Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens include more than 4,000 different plant species. It is about 5.5 kilometers from Kandy city. With the majestic Mahaweli River flowing through it, the area is tranquil and serene.
Following that, we come across the Ramboda falls, which rush down a cliff with a tier-like rock face and are close to the Nuwara Eliya highway. The Ramboda Falls, which drops from a height of 358 feet, is the eleventh-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka (109m). A river called Panna Oya, a tributary of Kothmale Oya, is responsible for creating the waterfall. This is wonderful because an emerald forest frames it, giving it a breathtaking appearance.
Then we will be visiting the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden. One of the tea gardens we pass on the way to Nuwara Eliya is the Damro tea facility. It was once known as the Mackwoods and is now Sri Lanka’s oldest tea shop. A massive 5000 hectares of opulent tea plantations are there. Since each type of tea has a unique production procedure, you will get the opportunity to learn about both black and white tea manufacturing. A complimentary taste of tea is offered at the conclusion of the factory tour. Then we will directly head to Nuwara Eliya to the hotel.
Day 9 – Nuwara Eliya to Tissamaharama through Ella
On the ninth day of the tour, we will be heading to Tissamaharama. We will be going through Ella and visiting a couple of places. The first location is Little Adam’s Peak (or Mini Adam’s Peak). Due to the resemblance between the two summits, Little Adam’s Peak (also known as Mini Adam’s Peak) was named after the revered Adams Peak (Sri Pada). An accessible climb to Little Adams Peak ascends a stunning peak covered with tea plantations, where you may observe people picking tea. Sceneries of thick jungles are breathtaking.
After that, we will be heading to the Nine Arch Bridge. The Nine Arch Bridge, sometimes referred to as the “Bridge in the Sky,” was built by joining two bog mountains when the Badulla-Colombo railway was being built. Built under British rule in 1921, it stands as a remarkable example of the technical and design genius of the early 20th century. The dimensions of this bridge are 300 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 80 to 100 feet high. One of the nation’s outstanding examples of railroad building from the colonial era is this one. Enjoy the sights of undulating hills and lush vegetation as you go over the bridge. Enjoy the sights of undulating hills and lush vegetation as you go over the bridge.
Then we’ll be going to the Ravana Falls, also called Ravana Ella and named for the mythical king Ravana. King Ravana was allegedly taken hostage by King Sita, who then concealed her in a cave beneath the waterfall. It is the country’s widest fall. The waterfall takes on the appearance of an Areca blossom in the wetter months. Thereafter, you will travel to your hotel in Tissamaharama to spend the night.
Thereafter, you will travel to your hotel in Tissamaharama to spend the night.
Day 10 – Tissamaharama to Yala and back
On day ten, you will be heading to the Yala National Park for your safari excursion, the nation’s second-largest national park and one that the Indian Ocean borders. Only two of the park’s five blocks, Ruhunu and Kumana national parks, are accessible to the public. Yala was designated as a refuge for animals in 1900, It is crucial for the preservation of aquatic birds, leopards, and elephants in Sri Lanka. Six Sri Lankan indigenous bird species are among the 215 bird species found in Yala. The park features 44 mammals that have been identified, and it boasts one of the greatest numbers of leopards in the world. Also, several ancient civilizations lived in the Yala region. Within the park lie Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara, two significant pilgrimage sites. You will be driven to the hotel in Tissamaharama for supper and a night’s stay after the safari.
Day 11 – Tissamaharama to Udawalawe National Park
On day eleven, you will be heading to Udawalawe National Park. On the border of the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva lies the Udawalawe national park. There are 30,821 hectares in the reserve (119.00 sq. mi). The park was established to offer a refuge for wild creatures. Elephants from Sri Lanka and water birds both benefit from the Udawalawe ecosystem. There have been records of 94 plant species, 21 fish species, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, 184 birds (of whom 33 are migratory), and 43 mammals in the park. In addition, Udawalawe is home to 135 different kinds of butterflies. Udawalawe is also home to a few members of the family Felidae. The Sri Lankan elephant, which is very difficult to view in its open surroundings, has an important habitat in Udawalawe. The Udawalawe reservoir draws many elephants to the park, where a herd of roughly 250 animals is thought to live permanently. To care for orphaned elephant calves inside the park, the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home was founded in 1995. A total of nine calves were released into the park when they were mature enough to survive on their own, twice in 1998 and 2000, and once in 2002. After the safari, you will be driven back to your hotel in Udawalawe for the night.
Day 12 – Udawalawe to Sinharaja Sanctuary
On the 12th day of your journey, you will be taken to another well-known rainforest in Sri Lanka, the well-known Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Sri Lanka’s Sinharaja Forest Reserve is both a forest reserve and a hotspot for biodiversity. It has been named a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its importance on a global scale. The majority of the trees—more than 60%—are indigenous, and many of them are uncommon. 50% of the animal species in Sri Lanka are endemic (especially butterflies, amphibians, birds, snakes, and fish species). 95% of the birds there are endemic. It’s a mesmerizing rainforest to visit. Afterward, you will be taken to your overnight hotel.
Day 13 – Sinharaja to Mirissa
On day thirteen, you will be taken straight to Mirissa. We will go to Coconut Tree Hill when you get to Mirissa. It is most likely Mirissa’s most well-known place. A mineralized headland next to the Indian Ocean may be seen near Mirissa. Walking along the beach from the street takes around 10 to 15 minutes. You must take a picture in this wonderful frame as you reach the top, which offers a stunning view of the beach and Mirissa bay. Afterward, we will head to the fish market and the harbor, where you can see anglers bringing in their catches and auctions. You may then meander through the town before checking into your accommodation for the evening.
Day 14 – Mirissa
On the 14th day, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe whales since we have scheduled a whale-watching tour in the morning. You may get very close to these lovely animals. This is tour you can obseve marine wildlife in the Indian Ocean.
Additionally, you will get an opportunity to observe a lot more marine species. Afterward, you will get to spend the whole day visiting the beautiful beaches of Mirissa. At the end of the day, you will be driven to the hotel.
Day 15 – Departure
The ever-courteous and pleasant chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel on the fifteenth and final day of your trip and take you to the airport in plenty of time for your flight out, capping off a magnificent tour with LANKA SAFE TOURS of this lovely island nation.
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