6-Day Wildlife & Adventure Tour – Sri Lanka

Overview

This carefully crafted 6-day adventure takes you through Sri Lanka’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries and cultural treasures. From the ancient kingdoms of the Cultural Triangle to the leopard-rich wilderness of Yala, this tour combines thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural immersion and scenic adventures.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to Habarana

Base: Habarana

Morning

  • Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
  • Meet your tour guide and driver
  • Welcome briefing about the tour
  • Drive to Habarana (3.5 hours) – Strategic location in the Cultural Triangle

Afternoon

  • Check-in at eco-lodge/hotel in Habarana
  • Lunch at the hotel
  • Village Safari by Tuk-Tuk – Experience rural Sri Lankan life
  • Visit local farming communities
  • Traditional cooking demonstration
  • Bullock cart ride through paddy fields

Evening

  • Sunset at Habarana Lake
  • Bird watching (over 160 species recorded)
  • Dinner at hotel
  • Rest and prepare for early morning safari

Accommodation: Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar eco-lodge

Day 2: Minneriya National Park & Sigiriya Rock

Base: Habarana

Early Morning (5:30 AM)

  • Minneriya National Park Safari (3-4 hours)
  • Famous for “The Gathering” – largest Asian elephant congregation
  • Spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and 160+ bird species
  • Jeep safari with experienced naturalist guide

Late Morning

  • Return to hotel for breakfast and rest

Afternoon

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress Climb
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Ancient rock fortress and palace ruins (5th century AD)
  • Famous frescoes of celestial maidens
  • Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti
  • Summit offers panoramic views
  • Adventure Level: Moderate to challenging (1,200+ steps)

Evening

  • Sigiriya Village Experience
  • Traditional lunch prepared by local family
  • Learn about rural farming techniques
  • Catamaran ride on Sigiriya Lake
  • Return to hotel for dinner

Day 3: Polonnaruwa & Transfer to Kandy

Base: Kandy

Morning

  • Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Exploration
  • UNESCO World Heritage medieval capital
  • Cycle tour through archaeological ruins
  • Royal Palace complex, Audience Hall, and Royal Baths
  • Gal Vihara rock temple with massive Buddha statues
  • Parakrama Samudra (ancient reservoir system)

Afternoon

  • Transfer to Kandy (2.5 hours drive through scenic hill country)
  • Check-in at hotel in Kandy
  • Lunch en route with mountain views

Evening

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka
  • Evening puja (prayer ceremony) at 6:30 PM
  • Kandy Cultural Show
  • Traditional Sri Lankan dance performances
  • Fire walking and drum performances
  • Dinner at hotel

Accommodation: Kandy House or Oak Ray Regency

Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Country Adventure

Base: Nuwara Eliya

Morning

  • Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
  • 147-acre garden with over 4,000 plant species
  • Famous giant bamboo collection and orchid house
  • Scenic Train Journey (Optional upgrade)
  • One of the world’s most beautiful train rides
  • Journey through tea plantations and misty mountains

Afternoon

  • Drive to Nuwara Eliya (2.5 hours)
  • Tea Factory and Plantation Visit
  • Learn tea processing from leaf to cup
  • Tea tasting session
  • Walk through emerald tea estates

Evening

  • Nuwara Eliya City Tour
  • “Little England” colonial architecture
  • Victoria Park for bird watching
  • Lake Gregory boat ride
  • Adventure Activity: Horse riding around the lake (optional)
  • Dinner at Grand Hotel (colonial heritage property)

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya or Tea Bush Hotel

Day 5: Horton Plains & Transfer to Yala

Base: Tissamaharama (near Yala)

Early Morning (5:00 AM)

  • Horton Plains National Park
  • UNESCO World Heritage cloud forest
  • World’s End – 870m precipice with stunning views
  • Baker’s Falls waterfall hike
  • Endemic flora and fauna including sambar deer
  • Adventure Level: Moderate hiking (3-4 hours, 9km circuit)

Late Morning

  • Return for breakfast

Afternoon

  • Long drive to Yala region (4 hours)
  • Scenic route through diverse landscapes
  • Stop at Rawana Falls (48m waterfall)
  • Check-in at safari lodge near Yala
  • Rest and prepare for leopard safari

Evening

  • Yala National Park Evening Safari (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
  • Highest leopard density in the world
  • Spot elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and 215 bird species
  • Beautiful sunset views at Patanangala Beach within the park

Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Yala or similar safari lodge

Day 6: Yala Morning Safari & Departure

Final Day

Early Morning (5:30 AM)

  • Full Morning Safari in Yala National Park
  • Best time for leopard sightings
  • Visit different zones of the park
  • Breakfast picnic in the wild
  • Last chance wildlife photography

Late Morning

  • Return to lodge
  • Pack and check-out
  • Transfer to Colombo (4.5 hours) or Bandaranaike Airport (5 hours)

Afternoon (Optional if time permits)

  • Brief Colombo City Tour
  • Gangaramaya Temple
  • Independence Square
  • Galle Face Green seaside promenade
  • Shopping at Pettah Market or modern malls

Evening

  • Departure from Bandaranaike International Airport

What’s Included

Transportation

  • Air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
  • All fuel and highway tolls
  • Airport transfers

Accommodation

  • 5 nights in selected hotels/eco-lodges
  • Daily breakfast
  • 2 lunches and 3 dinners

Activities & Entrance Fees

  • All national park entrance fees
  • Safari jeeps with naturalist guides
  • Cultural site entrance fees
  • Village experiences and demonstrations
  • Boat rides and nature walks

Services

  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • 24/7 support hotline
  • First aid kit and emergency assistance

What to Pack

Essential Items

  • Comfortable hiking boots and sandals
  • Light, breathable clothing in earth tones
  • Warm layers for hill country (Nuwara Eliya gets cold)
  • Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable)
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Camera with extra batteries/memory cards
  • Personal medications
  • Water bottle

Adventure Gear

  • Hiking poles (optional for Horton Plains)
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Daypack for hikes

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season: December to March (best weather)
  • Yala National Park: February to June (optimal for leopard sightings)
  • Hill Country: March to May and August to September

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Mammals

  • Asian Elephants (almost guaranteed)
  • Sri Lankan Leopards (best chances in Yala)
  • Sloth Bears
  • Water Buffalo
  • Spotted Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Purple-faced Langur
  • Fishing Cats

Birds (Endemic and Migratory)

  • Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
  • Ceylon Junglefowl
  • Painted Stork
  • Fish Eagle
  • Kingfishers
  • Peacocks
  • Hornbills

Adventure Difficulty Levels

  • Easy: Village tours, boat rides, cultural sites
  • Moderate: Sigiriya Rock climb, Horton Plains hike
  • Challenging: Full day safaris in hot weather

Estimated Budget Range

  • Mid-range: $150-200 per person per day
  • Luxury: $250-400 per person per day
  • Budget: $80-120 per person per day

Prices vary based on accommodation level, group size, and season

Important Notes

  • Carry passport for national park entries
  • Respect wildlife – maintain safe distances
  • Follow your guide’s instructions during safaris
  • Stay hydrated, especially during safaris
  • Tipping is appreciated for good service
  • Some sites require modest dress codes