Into the Wild, Sri Lanka

On this tour discover the rich diversity of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. In the thick jungles of the humid rainforests of Kitulgala and Sinharaja, look out for lizards and exotic birds. High on cool highland tea terraces of Nuwara Eliya, enjoy scenic hike across Horton’s Plain and keep an eye out for deer and monkeys. Enjoy exciting safari rides across several of the country’s national parks while staying in cozy lodges and colonial hotels before rounding off your trip exploring the Dutch canals on the coast at Negombo.

Colombo – Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe – Yala National Park - Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Negombo - Colombo

08 Nights/09 Days

Highlights
  • Canoe across the Kalani River Hike across Horton’s Plain
  • Spot leopards in Yala National Park
  • Spend the night in the Sinharaja Rainforest
  • Discover the story of Cinnamon with an expert
Inclusions
  • Accommodation
  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Entrances

Not included is travel insurance, tips and any expense of personal nature

Extensions

Destinations

Sri Lanka lies to the South of India in the Indian Ocean. Famous for its Buddhist ruins, It also offers diverse landscapes from rainforest and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches.

Trip Plan

Day 1

Colombo - Kitulgala

Day 2

Kitulgala

Day 3

Kitulgala - Nuwara Eliya

Day 4

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe

Day 5

Udawalawe - Yala National Park

Day 6

Yala National Park

Day 7

Yala National Park – Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Day 8

Sinharaja – Negombo

Day 9

Negombo – Colombo, depart

Day 1

Colombo - Kitulgala
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met and assisted by a Sri Lankan Airlines staff who will hold a board with your name as you exit the aircraft. You are accompanied through passport control, customs, baggage collection and money changers, all the way to the arrival lounge where the Luxe representative will meet you, address any last minute questions you have about the itinerary and introduce you to your private chauffer guide who will be your travel companion and explorer guide around Sri Lanka. You transfer to beautiful Kitulgala to check in to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Kitulgala
Famous for white-water rafting, jungle trekking, birdwatching and cave exploration, Kitulgala’s other claim to fame is that David Lean filmed his 1957 Oscar-winning epic Bridge on the River Kwai here on the banks of the Kelaniya Ganga. For those interested in archaeology, a few kilometres from Kitulgala is a large cave system where the 28,500-year-old remains of early humans were discovered. The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon pedal your way in a dugout canoe across the Kalani River, then begin the hike into the surrounding lowland rain forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the many exotic species of animals, birds, lizards and trees before returning to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

Kitulgala - Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before you commence your drive through the green hills of tea country. The drive is approximately two hours but en route you make a few worthwhile stops. One of the stops is at the roaring Devon Waterfalls – named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation is situated nearby. This is followed by a tour around a tea factory and a stroll through nearby Victoria Park, which is one of the country's most attractive and best-maintained town parks. A stroll around its paths, past manicured lawns, is a pleasure. It’s also a home to quite a number of hill-country bird species, including the Kashmir flycatcher, Indian pitta and grey tit. Finally, you’ll arrive in the pretty hillside town of Nuwara Eliya, where you may enjoy dinner and a comfortable night in a colonial-style hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe
The drive to Udawalawe takes about 4 hours. It’s an early start this morning as you cross Horton Plain to reach Sri Lanka’s highest point, where you stop for a hearty picnic breakfast amid gorgeous scenery. As you hike across the plains, look out for the monkeys, lizards and deer that roam freely. In the afternoon, you will visit the Udawalawa National Park for a sunset safari drive. Framed by soaring highlands on its northern boundary, the Udawalawe National Park is one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, it's also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting. After your jeep safari return to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5

Udawalawe - Yala National Park
After breakfast, you set out again to discover another of Sri Lanka’s national park in Yala - known for the highest leopard density in the world and Yala, the most eco-friendly, the oldest and most prominent, attracts more tourists than any other park for this reason. Once you’ve checked in at your lodgings, enjoy an afternoon drive through Yala National Park in search of its elusive leopards. Spanning 100,000 hectares of dry thorny scrub and dusty glades, you could easily be in an African bushveldt, right down to the long-thorn bushes. This background was so suited to viewing elephants, leopards, wild boar, spotted deer, crocodiles and jackals that the entrepreneurial South African Englebrecht, who was shipped over as a POW after the Boer War, rightfully instigated it as a sanctuary – Sri Lanka’s first – at the turn of the twentieth century. The bird population is profuse, stunning and in November-January, the fantail peacocks everywhere is unforgettable. In the evening, relax and enjoy dinner in the park, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 6

Yala National Park
This morning enjoy another jeep safari through Yala National Park before returning for lunch. You can opt to relax this afternoon or take an excursion to Bundala National Park, a wetland famous for crocodiles and many species of rare indigenous birds. Return to your lodgings in Yala after the safari. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7

Yala National Park – Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Today, your next destination is the rainforest at Sinharaja that lies approximately two hours away. The word ‘Sinharaja' means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and is of international significance and has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Bird Watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka. After the visit, drive to your hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8

Sinharaja – Negombo
After breakfast, head to the coastal beach town of Negombo. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. This afternoon you will discover the history of Cinnamon. The gentle coastal hills of southern Sri Lanka are especially suited to the growth of the cash crop, Cinnamon. The Portuguese were led to this part of world in search of Cinnamon, cutting out the Arab middlemen. Cinnamon remains a major export of Sri Lanka, and it is used in both cooking and medicinal purpose. Eulogized in poetry from the song of Solomon to Michael Ondaatje, more than any spice it has become subject of romance. Even now, the aroma of Cinnamon being peeled to create the "quills" induces a feeling of well-being tinged with sensuality. You will be met by a local cinnamon planter who takes you on yet another walking tour through a working Cinnamon plantation where you will learn how Sri Lanka’s southern province produces the best Cinnamon in the world. You also have the option of a nearby factory visit to experience the processing and packaging methods of the spice. The evening is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9

Negombo – Colombo, depart
Wake up early and take in the stunning sunrise by the beach. Watch as the light breaks the darkness and the sky slowly comes alive with the sun’s warm glow. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your driver escorts you to the airport in time to check in for your onward journey, either back home or onto your next destination. To quote the legendry explorer, Marco Polo, “Sri Lanka is the finest island of its size in all the world” and we hope that you will return soon to discover more.


Welcome on board!

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