This guided tour is a superb introduction to the wildlife and beautiful scenery of Sri Lanka. A treat for the wildlife enthusiast with the chance to see elephants, sambhur, bear monkey and even the elusive leopard! This safari offers great value for money.

Colombo: 1 night
Nuwara Eliya: 1 night
Yala: 3 nights
Embilipitiya: 2 nights
Beach: 4 nights
Plus up to 4 extra nights free

DAY 1 Departure by SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow to Colombo.

DAY 2 On arrival transfer to the four star Taj Samudra, Colombo (approx. 45 miles).

DAY 3 After breakfast, drive through stunning scenery to Nuwara Eliya 6,000 feet above sea level for overnight, stopping for lunch at Kitulgala where the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ was filmed. Enjoy a brief stop at St. Clair’s and Devon waterfalls. Overnight at St Andrews, Numara Eliya (approx. 115 miles or 5½ hours).

DAY 4 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. Continue to Bandarawela for lunch (at extra cost) before departing for Yala – Sri Lanka’s largest National Park and Yala Village for three nights (approx. 150 miles or 5½ hours).

DAY 5 A guided bird and nature trail around the hotel grounds. Take a jeep safari through Yala National Park where you may see wild elephants, spotted deer, jackal, sloth bear and if you’re lucky, leopard. A barbecue dinner awaits you tonight (approx. 15 miles).

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

DAY 7 Drive toward Hambantota. At Tissa take a walk on Debarawea tank bund for birds and see the Buddhist Dagabas. After lunch, continue to Bundala National Park to see wild elephants, spotted deer, many bird species and crocodile before proceeding to the Centuria hotel, Embilipitiya for two nights (approx. 50 miles or two hours).

DAY 8 Morning at leisure. In the afternoon continue to the elephant transit home before enjoying a jeep safari of the Udawalawe National Park which is famous for its large herds of elephants (approx. 30 miles or 1½ hours).

DAY 9 TO DAY 12 Leave for the ancient fortified city of Galle, and visit the Dutch Fort. Continue to the Bentota Beach or chosen hotel (Standard room) for four nights or more to enjoy the beaches of Sri Lanka (approx. 125 miles or 4½ hours).

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


EXTENSIONS
This holiday may be combined with any featured hotel on Sri Lanka beaches or the Maldives.

MALDIVES
DAY 1 TO DAY 12 Follow the Wildlife Safari itinerary.

DAY 13 Fly to Male’ and transfer by boat to Full Moon Maldives, for four nights or more in a Deluxe room.

DAY 17 SriLankan Airlines flight direct or via Colombo to Heathrow arriving later the same day.

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 will be provided by local representatives.