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Wildlife and conservation of Sri Lanka

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour.

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

17 March 2025  - 12 days for £3,799 per person

Embark on a wildlife expedition like no other, that takes you to the wild corners of this extraordinary island in search of leopard, elephant and whales and the more unusual species like sloth bear, pangolin and loris. 

Sri Lanka boasts an impressively high rate of endemic species, offering some of the finest wildlife watching experiences in South Asia. Explore some of its best known national parks, including Yala and Gal Oya, where days will consist of game drives around the park in the mornings and early evenings. You can expect to encounter elephant herds under open skies, sunsets with the promise of prowling cats, daybreak with monkeys, storks, ibis and crocodiles, as well as deer, sloth bears, jackals and wild buffalo.

During your exploration of the southern coastline, visit Rekawa Turtle Conservation Centre, a treasured location for all wildlife enthusiasts owing to its frequent habitation of nesting turtles. Explore Kaneliya Rainforest, identified as one of the most biodiverse areas in South East Asia. Take to the ocean with an expert marine biologist in search of the largest creature on earth, the blue whale. With time to rest and relax on some of the most perfect beaches on the planet. 

Travel by 4X4, on foot and by boat staying in a range of accommodation from 4-star luxury to tented camps in the Sri Lankan jungles. Visiting the capital Colombo, Knuckles mountain range, Cradle Mountain, Gal Oya National Park, Yala National Park, Kaneliya Rainforest and the southern coastal towns of Tangalle and Galle.

The tour is ideal for those with all levels of expertise, as it acts as a fantastic introduction to Sri Lanka's amazing flora, fauna and geology and how it is being protected whilst allowing those with a deeper understanding to observe a great many species on land, in the skies and at sea.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel. 


DAY 1: ARRIVE COLOMBO

After checking in to the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, in the evening join your tour leader for a welcome drink/meal, where they will give you an expedition briefing. 

DAY 2: COLOMBO TO MADULKELLE

Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps exploring Colombo’s rich heritage and multi-ethnic legacy with churches, mosques and temples congregating on the same streets.

Later, take the stunning drive into the heart of the island to the beautiful hills of Madulkelle. This drive is not just a transfer but the best way to get under the skin of this intriguing island with numerous stops and interesting sites to see on your way.

As you head to the highlands, a peaceful retreat awaits you on the Madulkelle Tea Estate. The road is a little bumpy and winding yet fascinating. Relish the picturesque tea plantations as you drive pass the small villages leading up to Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge., where you will stay for the next two evenings.

The Lodges which are named after birds that can be spotted in the area, sit away from the main house overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range. The designers managed to blend in its Eco concept with modern amenities to present the lodged accommodation that sits well immersed among the tea bushes. 

Relax for the rest of the day and in the evening, your tour leader will brief you about the next day’s adventures. In fact, most evenings you will have an informal talk about what you have seen that day and how that sits within the wider entomological and wildlife ecosystem.

DAY 3: EXPLORE MADULKELLE 

Let the chirping of the birds wake you up to the most spectacular views imaginable of the rolling green valley’s overlooking your terrace. The stunning landscapes keep changing through the course of the day. If you are an early riser, catch the sunrise over the sensational Knuckles Mountain Range.

Today, enjoy a day trip to Knuckles mountain range (Approximately 6 to 8 hours), where you will also be accompanied by local trekking and naturalist experts. There’s plenty of wildlife to discover, ranging from White Sambhur to the Barking Deer, Mouse Deer and the Giant Squirrel. Plus find evidence of and possibly see the star attractions of Elephants and Leopards.

A gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of 34 mystical mountains up to 2000 meters that bear an uncanny resemblance to human knuckles. Starting at the hillside village of Gomaraya, around 60 minutes’ drive from the hotel, you will explore crystal clear waterfalls, and endemic flora and fauna within this national park.

DAY 4: GAL OYA FARM VISIT

After breakfast take a leisurely drive to Gal Oya National Park, surrounded by water and Islands, it is one of Sri Lanka's true natural gems. The National Park boasts a rich and varied topography and the wide range of ecosystems that go with it, from granite hills, evergreen valleys and large water reservoirs, the park offers tranquil and breathtaking scenery. It is also home to a diverse population of Sri Lankan wildlife and is home to 32 mammal species, over 150 bird species and a healthy number of reptiles and amphibians.

Return to Wild Glamping Gal Oya where you will enjoy a privately guided walk around the farm with a Naturalist or head gardener to discover the many types of vegetables grown in the camps garden. You will have the opportunity to harvest some vegetables for a cooking demonstration followed by lunch.

In the evening you can join one of the resident naturalists for a walk to enjoy the beauty of the area around the camp and enjoy the abundant birdlife the area is known for. 

DAY 5: BOAT AND JEEP SAFARIS AROUND GAL OYA LAKE

Today enjoy a boat safari at the Gal Oya National park which is truly a unique experience. You will also have the privilege to have a picnic breakfast at a remote island within the park itself. 

A great opportunity to observe the wildlife from the stunning Gal Oya Lake: including crocodiles, deer, elephants and many rare and endemic species of birds. This experience is the only one in Sri Lanka that enables you to spot wildlife from the water and to truly immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. You may be lucky enough to see elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. 

Later in the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari at the Gal Oya National Park to the forgotten Nilgala section of Gal Oya National Park. Once protected by ancient royalty for the abundant medicinal plants and endemic birdlife, the park’s unique ecosystem is home to herds of elephants, wild boar, four species of deer, jackals, sloth bears, marsh mugger crocodiles and an array of rare exotic birds. Our more intrepid guests can couple the drive with a safari on foot. Hike through the park with our expert naturalists and see wildlife up close while exploring hidden corners of the park.

DAY 6 AND 7: YALA NATIONAL PARK

Today is the first of two days staying in Kula Safari tents in the Yala National Park with its magnificent sights of majestic elephants, fine-feathered peacocks, great black bears and agile leopards that steal away into the shadows of the thick foliage are unparalleled to any of the national parks in the country.

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's most famous National Park and with good reason it is home to an amazing range of wildlife. To avoid the crowds, you will be taken to the remoter parts of the park via the lesser known Kataragama entrance. 

You will overnight on well-appointed safari tents, set upon wooden verandas in the heart of the park next to watering hole with abundant wildlife to watch. Forget your bad memories of camping, these luxury tents are as good as any hotel. The tents have hot water and full netting yet leave a minimal environmental footprint. The camp owners have adopted a strict “no-plastic” policy, use renewable energy to as great an extent as possible and have implemented an eco-friendly waste-management system.

DAY 8: YALA TO UDAWALAWE THEN ONTO TANGALLE

After a final game drive at Yala National Park, check out from camp and drive to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. A fascinating project which feeds and trains injured and orphaned elephant calves to don the skills to survive in the wild. Apart from caring for the sick and orphaned animals, it also rehabilitates them before they are released into the wild. Although the visitors are not permitted to be with the elephants up-close and personal, the feeding times of baby elephants are wonderful opportunities to observe them and can be quite a pleasurable experience. 

In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in the Udawalawe National Park. Nourished by the Udawalawa reservoir, the park stretches over 30,000 hectares. It is most popular for elephant sightings as the park shelters close to 500 elephants. The riches within the park do not end there; flocks of deer, wild buffaloes, bandicoots, foxes, water-monitor lizards, crocodiles, sloth bears and a wealth of reptiles. 

Later on, you will check into the beachside Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort for two nights.

DAY 9:  RELAXING ON TANGALLE BEACH THEN VISIT REKAWA TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTRE

Spend the day leisurely enjoying the beachside resort. You had an exciting couple of days and it’s time to wind down a little before the rest of your expedition. 

In the evening visit the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Centre, a small-scale community run project that employs previous poachers as ‘nest protectors’ who monitor the beach 24 hours a day. Meet a conservationist who will give detailed insight into the project and also guide you to parts of the beach where you can observe (at a distance) the returning turtles ready to lay eggs and hatchlings ‘running’ to the sea.

DAY 10: EXPLORE KANELIYA RAINFOREST

After an early start, drive off to Kaneliya Rainforest which was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2004. 

It supplies nearly the entire freshwater supply for the southern region of Sri Lanka, thus proving its importance as a provider of life. You will hear about and see how the forest contains most of Sri Lanka’s endemic species including 20 of it 26 endemic birds and the critically endangered Giant Navada Tree which is around 600 years old and has gargantuan girth and gait.

Plus, the forest is bejewelled by an amazing array of waterfalls including the Anagi Mala Falls with its impressive cascades and shallow pools. 

Later, drive to Galle for a two night at the beautiful Le Grand Galle Hotel.

DAY 11: WHALE WATCHING FROM MIRISSA HARBOUR

Early this morning, embark on a whale watching expedition aboard a private small catamaran. After an onboard breakfast, the first part of the trip is spent carefully searching for whales to view from the decks of the ship with a marine biologist. There is the potential see multiple species including the largest creature on earth, the blue whale. Your captain will be following strict whale watching rules to ensure no detrimental impacts on these amazing creatures.

After enjoying the whales, you will head towards Weligama Bay, anchoring near the Snake and Taprobane Islands, a lovely setting to enjoy swimming, snorkelling and lunch.

Late afternoon is at leisure or we recommend you visit the stunning for town peninsula of Galle Fort. Then a farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

DAY 12: BACK TO COLOMBO THEN DEPART

After breakfast, there will be a group transfer to Colombo airport or we can arrange for you to stay on for a few more nights to enjoy Sri Lanka.

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour.

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour.

Email us

+44 (0)203 3089 917

Highlights

  • Explore some of the most diverse biospheres in South East Asia
  • Including national parks, UNESCO sites, rainforests, research centers and local conservation initiatives
  • Up close with a broad range of flora and fauna, many endemic to Sri Lanka
  • Unique accommodation including tea plantations, tented camps, eco-lodges and cutting-edge safari camps
  • A highly immersive expedition with no more than 16 guests

Meet the expert

A local Intrepid Travel english-speaking tour leader will accompany this tour throughout. The best people to show you the heart of a destination are the ones that live there. Tour leaders are not only just travel experts, they will be your teacher, travel guru and enthusiastic purveyor of grassroots experiences. The tour leader will be on hand to sort all the logistics of the trip and to answer any questions you may have. They will also be able to offer insights into Sri Lanka's flora and fauna as well as additional information on the countries history and culture.

During visits to the various reserves, national parks, institutes and on the boat trips, you will meet and have talks from local naturalists, biologists and conservation experts.

What's Included

  • Accommodation on twin share basis in all mentioned lodges, hotels and camps.
  • Breakfast everyday. Lunch on days 4, 7 and 8 and dinner on days 1 - 7 and 11.  
  • Game drive permits.
  • Accompanied by an English-speaking tour leader.
  • Arrival/departure group airport transfers.
  • Presentations from local experts.
  • All tours and excursions.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance.
  • International flights.
  • Sri Lankan visa.
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters.
  • Private airport transfers. 
  • Single supplement - £1,260.

HOW TO GET THERE

The tour begins and ends in Colombo. Please speak to Intrepid Travel who can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK.

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

On many of the days there will be trekking, sometimes through dense ecosystems. You must be comfortable being on foot, wear appropriate clothing and have a reasonable level of fitness. For example, being able to walk for a few hours on uneven terrain. None of the activities are compulsory. Whilst the accommodation is of a high standard throughout the tour, some of the time you will be overnighting in safari tents, but they all have proper beds and amenities.

Leeches are a common phenomenon in the moist forest and adjacent habitats. Though their bite sometimes may develop a local rash or itchy feeling, they are not poisonous. You may avoid any unpleasant encounter with them by being properly prepared and dressed.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement of £1,260 for this tour. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.

Accommodation

Galle Face Hotel

Built in 1864 with a waterfront setting and in the heart of Colombo. The Galle Face Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on the island and recently restored to its former historic glory. It has hosted legions of illustrious guests including Mahatma Gandhi, Noel Coward, Che Guevara, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and author Arthur C. Clarke. A stunning way to start your Sri Lankan adventure.

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Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds chirping outside your room, you then open your front door to one of the most spectacular views imaginable – majestic mountains, lush green valleys and tea plantations, crystal clear streams and even the occasional deer or giant squirrel. 18 secluded canvas safari lodges with all the comforts of a hotel.

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Wild Glamping Gal Oya

Located near the prestigious Gal Oya National Park, which has been unblemished for centuries, Wild Glamping Gal Oya is stationed in "Rathugala," a majestic mountain-locked village inhabited by the Veddas — the aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka. Experience a unique adventure of glamping in Sri Lanka in rustic luxury and authenticity cocooned by pristine savannah & medicinal forests and mist-wrapped mountains. The location of the property lets nature lovers indulge amidst a 30-acre good practice organic farm and learn the art of living in harmony with nature from the Veddas. 

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Kulu Safari Yala Tents

These well-appointed safari tents are the ultimate way of getting close to nature whilst leaving a minimal footprint. The sites are handpicked for their remoteness and the tents are pitched onto wooden platforms with verandas, bathrooms (with hot water!) and fully netted to keep out little night-time visitors. 

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Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

A spectacular 5-star cliffside hotel on the southern coast of Sri Lanka near the old fort town of Tangalle. Overlooking a golden-hued beach and set within 42 acres of coconut plantation, this is a perfect spot to unwind for a few days in rooms leading straight to the beach.

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Le Grand Galle Hotel

Situated on a private cliff-top overlooking Galle fort and Indian Ocean, Le Grand Galle Hotel offers majestic grandeur. The contemporary rooms have comfy super king-sized beds with pretty batik headboards, smart televisions, minibars and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel has a number of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a garden and free WiFi. 

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*Subject to change, if properties are unavailable a property of a similar standard in a similar location will be used.