This guided tour is a superb introduction to Sri Lanka's incredible wildlife and beautiful scenery. Great value for money, the safari is also a real treat for animal enthusiasts with the chance to see elephants, sambhur, bear monkeys and even the elusive leopard.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO COLOMBO
Departure by SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow to Colombo.

DAY 2 - MOUNT LAVINIA
On arrival transfer to the three star Mount Lavinia Hotel, near Colombo, in a Standard room.

DAY 3 - MOUNT LAVINIA TO NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast, drive through stunning scenery to Nuwara Eliya, 6,000 feet above sea level, stopping for lunch at Kitulgala where Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. Enjoy a brief stop at St. Clair’s and Devon Waterfalls. Overnight at St Andrews, Nuwara Eliya (approx. 115 miles or 5½ hours).

DAY 4 - NUWARA ELIYA
Early departure for Horton Plains with a picnic breakfast. Enter the National Park and take a guided walk up to ‘World’s End’ to admire the beautiful view and perhaps see the Sambhur, butterflies, monkeys, birds and many rare trees and plants.

DAY 5 - NUWARA ELIYA TO TISSAMAHARAMA (YALA)
After breakfast continue to Tissamaharama and take a jeep safari through Yala National Park where you may see wild elephants, spotted deer, jackal, sloth bear, and if you're really lucky perhaps even a leopard. Spend 3 nights at The Safari hotel in Tissamaharama.

DAY 6 - TISSAMAHARAMA
Full day at leisure to relax or enjoy optional excursions.

DAY 7 - TISSAMAHARAMA
Take a walk on Debarawea tank bund for birds and see the Buddhist Dagabas. After lunch at the Priyankara Hotel, continue to Bundala National Park to see wild elephants, spotted deer, many bird species and crocodile.

DAY 8 - TISSAMAHARAMA TO EMBILIPITIYA
Visit the Elephant Transit Home before enjoying a jeep safari of the Udawalawe National Park which is famous for its large herds of elephants. Stay at the Centuria Hotel, Embilipitiya for a night.

DAY 9 - EMBILIPITIYA TO LONDON
Return to the airport for your SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day

NB
This tour follows a different itinerary in 2011, ask for details.


SRI LANKA BEACH EXTENSION
DAY 9
Leave for the ancient fortified city of Galle, and visit the Dutch Fort. Continue to the Bentota Beach in a Standard room or chosen hotel for four nights (approx. 125 miles or 4½ hours). Other beach hotels and alternative durations are also available.

DAY 13
SriLankan Airlines flight to Heathrow arriving later same the day.


MALDIVES BEACH EXTENSION
DAYS 1-12
Follow the Wildlife Safari itinerary with four nights' extension on the beach.

DAY 13
Transfer back to Colombo for one night at the Taj Samudra in a Superior room.

DAY 14
Fly to Malé and transfer by boat to Kurumba for four nights or more in a Superior room. Other beach hotels and alternative durations are also available.

DAY 18
SriLankan Airlines flight direct or via Colombo to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

GUIDE
The Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari is accompanied by a local guide from the afternoon of Day 2 to arrival at your beach hotel on Day 9. On beach extensions in Sri Lanka or the Maldives, assistance is provided by our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
Breakfast from Day 3 to arrival at your beach hotel on Day 9. Dinner from Day 5 to Day 7 plus an extra lunch on Days 3, 7 and 9.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotels are a mix of three and four star standards.

GRATUITIES
Tipping is common practice in Sri Lanka. We recommend small amounts for porterage and slightly larger amounts for your driver and guide, if you are happy with the service.

TRAVEL TIPS
The itinerary may be subject to change to enhance your enjoyment at the discretion of your tour guide. Be prepared for some early starts - the sightseeing will more than make up for it. Minimum age 6 years.

GROUPS
Maximum group size is 14 passengers. This tour is subject to minimum numbers, please ask for details.