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Connected to the Sri Lanka’s Wildlife


  • Elephants in the river
  • Sri Lanka landscapes - Lumle holidays
  • Traditional Si Lanka - Lumle holidays

Connected to the Sri Lanka’s Wildlife

 Sri Lanka

12 days from $4825 pp return flights

Discover a wild world hidden in the Sri Lanka National Parks, witness lush landscapes, marvel at rich biodiversity through safari, walking and cycling tours.  

At a Glance

  • Visit World Heritage sites
  • Enjoy Wildlife Safari
  • Savor Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine
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Join this Twelve-day exciting adventure in an earthy paradise. Discover a wild world hidden in the Sri Lanka National Parks, witness lush landscapes, and marvel at rich biodiversity through safari, walking and cycling tours.  

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Wilpattu National Park: many species of animals can be witnessed within the territories of Wilpattu National Park and among these, the Sri Lankan sloth bear takes a prominent place.

Minneriya National Park: spanning over 8,800 hectares, it is located alongside the vast, renovated Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir. 

Kaudulla National Park: this enchanting national park nurtures 24 species of mammals out of which the most prominent one is the Sri Lankan elephant.

Gaol Oya National Park: morning hours are perfect to observe the breath-taking beauty of the many flocks of birds here. Keep your cameras ready to capture sensational shots!

Yala National Park: this mesmerizing destination has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, so your chances of spotting these apex predators roaming stealthily in their natural habitats will remain quite high.

The short itinerary

Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK
Day 2 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO – NEGOMBO (10KM – 20 MIN)
Day 3 : NEGOMBO – WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK (180 KM – 4.5HRS)
Day 4 : WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK – ANURADHAPURA (65KM – 2HRS)
Day 5 : ANURADHAPURA – HIRIWADUNNA VILLAGE – MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK – HABARANA (113KM – 2.5HRS)
Day 6 : HABARANA – MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK – KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK – HABARANA (60KM – 1HR)
Day 7 : HABARANA – GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK (185KM – 4HRS)
Day 8 : GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
Day 9 : GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK – YALA NATIONAL PARK (145KM – 4HRS)
Day 10 : YALA NATIONAL PARK
Day 11 : YALA NATIONAL PARK – GALLE – COLOMBO (300KM – 5HRS)
Day 12 : DEPARTURE COLOMBO (40KM – 1HR)

Tour Ends

Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK

Today you will board on an overnight plane to Colombo; 1 stopover (Direct flight can be arranged at extra cost).

Overnight stay on the plane.

Day 2 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO – NEGOMBO (10KM – 20 MIN)

You will be arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake where a representative will meet you. Transfer to the city of Negombo. Check-in at the hotel and rest by the gorgeous sea while preparing for your exciting adventure! Negombo is a city that is tinged with the charm of diverse ethnicity. You will find many beautiful churches across its territories. The beach here is also immensely famous. Delicious seafood dinner by the ocean will be served at a hotel in Negombo. Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.

Overnight in Negombo.

Day 3 : NEGOMBO – WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK (180 KM – 4.5HRS)

Have breakfast at your hotel and visit the famous fishing market in Negombo, which is very active in the morning. You will then leave the hotel and go to the world-famous Wilpattu National Park. Witness the magical beauty of the ‘willus’, which are sand rimmed basins that naturally collect groundwater and provide refreshing habitats for reptiles and birds in the region. Many species of animals can be witnessed within the territories of Wilpattu National Park and among these, the Sri Lankan sloth bear takes a prominent place. You will also come across many archaeological sites of interest here including the ruins of what is known as the Palace of Kuweni. When the evening comes, take a safari tour to see the white sands of the national park. You may witness leopards lazing upon the dazzling sands so come prepared with your cameras! Return to your campsite and enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner and an overnight stay at a campsite.

Overnight near Wilpattu National Park.

Day 4 : WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK – ANURADHAPURA (65KM – 2HRS)

Witness the ethereal charm of the Wilpattu National Park in the golden light of the morning sun. Many herds of deer are quite commonly spotted in the early hours of the day. You will also see flocks of birds flying in the brilliant blue skies, welcoming the new day with their songs of joy. You can spend a few hours in the park looking out for sloth bears and leopards. Return to the campsite to have your breakfast. Take a shower and prepare to leave for Anuradhapura. You will be enjoying an idyllic cycling tour through this city, passing paddy fields and manmade reservoirs to reach the ancient city (2/3 hours). Here you will find the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which originated from a branch of the sacred bo tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. A few pagodas, ancient ruins as well as a local village will be included in the tour. Despite the direct rays of the sun, you will find yourself thoroughly enjoying this bike tour as you will be riding along a shaded tarmac road. You can cool off with a refreshing drink of king coconut too! Return to the hotel in Anuradhapura and enjoy your dinner in a large garden amidst serenity and old-world charm.

Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Day 5 : ANURADHAPURA – HIRIWADUNNA VILLAGE – MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK – HABARANA (113KM – 2.5HRS)

Relish a delicious breakfast at your hotel and travel to the local village of Hiriwadunna. Witness the charming simplicity of the lives of the locals while exploring historic manmade reservoirs. Traverse across the village by foot and savour mouthwatering traditional fare prepared by the locals. A delightful catamaran ride will complete your tour of the village. In the afternoon, you will visit the Minneriya National Park which is quite famous for its large herds of elephants. Quite several visitors have very close encounters with these majestic giants of the jungles in this national park. There are many species of mammals, birds, butterflies, and fish in the region and you will most likely come across a good sample of these during the tour. After your safari return to your hotel in Habarana which is a tranquil nature resort. Savour dinner in the hotel. 

Overnight in Habarana.

Day 6 : HABARANA – MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK – KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK – HABARANA (60KM – 1HR)

Start the day with a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park. Spend the early morning hours with the beautiful wildlife of this stunning destination. You may come across endemic mammals like the purple-faced langur, Sri Lankan sambar deer, and grey slender loris during the tour. Enjoy a packed breakfast within the park and return to the hotel for a shower and lunch. In the afternoon you will visit Kaudulla National Park for your second safari trip for the day. This enchanting national park nurtures 24 species of mammals out of which the most prominent one is the Sri Lankan elephant. It is estimated that close to 200 elephants occupy the lush green territories of the park. 435 species of birds have also been recorded in the Kaudulla National Park which is recognized as an Important Bird Area in the country. Return to your hotel at the end of your safari tour and tempt your taste buds with exquisite Sri Lankan fare. 

Overnight in Habarana.

Day 7 : HABARANA – GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK (185KM – 4HRS)

Feast on a good breakfast at your hotel and set off to explore the beautiful Gal Oya National Park. In-route, you can relish a good local meal for lunch too. You can enjoy boat safaris and jeep safaris at the Gal Oya National Park. If you take the boat ride, you will be able to visit the beautiful Bird Island, where large flocks of gorgeous birds abound. You will also get the opportunity to witness the enchanting spectacle of swimming elephants in the glistening reservoir known as the Senanayake Samudra! Return to the hotel, after the safari and relax and enjoy dinner. 

Overnight in Gal Oya.

Day 8 : GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK

Leave your hotel with your packed breakfast and lunch to visit the Gal Oya National Park. Embark on an enchanting boat safari in the park and visit the Bird Island. Morning hours are perfect to observe the breath-taking beauty of the many flocks of birds here. Keep your cameras ready to capture sensational shots! Have your breakfast onboard and go to the Nilgala entrance of the Gal Oya National Park. You will be taking an exciting jeep safari through the rugged terrain of this region that is teeming with birds and butterflies. You could also visit the Makara place where an underground river starts. You can enjoy your lunch during the safari and return to the hotel on completion of the tour.

Overnight in Gal Oya.

Day 9 : GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK – YALA NATIONAL PARK (145KM – 4HRS)

Have your breakfast and enjoy a relaxing time exploring the beauty of the environs of the hotel and the village. Today you will be driving to Yala via Monaragala. In-route enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Savour dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight near Yala National Park (Tissamaharama).

Day 10 : YALA NATIONAL PARK

Leave your hotel with a packed breakfast to the world-renowned Yala National Park. This mesmerizing destination has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, so your chances of spotting these apex predators roaming stealthily in their natural habitats will remain quite high. The area has rich biodiversity so you will see many species of flora and fauna during your safari tour. There is also a remarkable array of archaeological sites of interest, wrapped in thick foliage within the territories of the national park. You can relish your lunch at the beach inside the park. Spend the warm hours of the afternoon witnessing the raw, unspoiled beauty of this enchanting destination and the wildlife that call it home. Return to the campsite after your tour, for dinner. 

Overnight near Yala National Park (Tissamaharama).

Day 11 : YALA NATIONAL PARK – GALLE – COLOMBO (300KM – 5HRS)

Enjoy your breakfast at the campsite and prepare to leave for Galle. In-route you will visit the quaint town of Ahangama. Here you will see stilt fishermen, patiently waiting for a catch while the brutal sun relentlessly browns their bare backs. It’s an age-old method of fishing that generations of fishermen in the region have been using. Continue on your journey to reach the iconic city of Galle which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see remnants of a rich colonial past scattered lavishly within its borders. Take time to visit the Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese back in the year 1588. Other prominent attractions in the city include the Dutch Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church. Upon completion, proceed to the city of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Witness the amazing beauty of this place that fosters a richly diverse population. Visit the Old Parliament, Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo City Hall, National Museum, Khan Clock Tower, Gangaramaya Temple, Red Mosque and the Pettah Bazaar while you are here. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Following that you can look forward to a blissful night’s sleep at your hotel. 

Overnight in Colombo.

Day 12 : DEPARTURE COLOMBO (40KM – 1HR)

It’s time to say goodbye to the glorious paradise island until you visit again for yet another fascinating tour! Check-out from your hotel and proceed from Colombo to the Bandaranaike International Airport.

What's included

FLIGHTS:
  • Return flight from NEW YORK
TOUR GUIDE:
  • Operated with English-speaking chauffeur-guide, other languages upon booking of the optional extra
ACCOMMODATION:
  • 10 night’s accommodation
MEALS:
  • 10 Breakfasts 
  • 4 Lunches (Day 6, 7, 8, 9) (5 remaining lunches available upon an additional cost, full-board extra)
  • 10 Dinners (Seafood dinner at Negombo, BBQ dinner at Wilpattu, farewell dinner at Colombo)
TRANSPORT:
  • Arrival and departure private transfer from/to Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioning vehicle throughout the tour 
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:
  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Wilpattu National Park, Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari (Day 3 & 4); Anuradhapura Ancient Kingdom, Bicycle ride at Anuradhapura (Day 4); Hiriwadunna Village Trek (Day 5); Minneriya National Park, Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari (Day 5 & 6); Kaudulla National Park, Kaudulla National Park Jeep Safari (Day 6), Gal Oya National Park, Gal Oya National Park Jeep Safari & Boat Ride (Day 7 & 8); Yala National Park (Day 10)
OTHER:
  • Meet & Greet
  • Government taxes 

What's not included

  • Lunches, available upon an additional cost (full-board extra)
  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
  • Visits to wildlife parks will be at client's own risk. Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours)
  • The guide is not available for the departure day
  • Optional tours (if any)
  • City tax not included, payable on the spot
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Porterage and gratuities  
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
  • Visa fee http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ of booking.
  • Any other services not specified above.
Start Date End Date Price Note AVAILABILITY Booking
Mon, 3 Nov, 25 Fri, 14 Nov, 25 $4952 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 1 Dec, 25 Fri, 12 Dec, 25 $5206 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 6 Jan, 25 Fri, 17 Jan, 25 $5206 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 3 Feb, 25 Fri, 14 Feb, 25 $5206 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 3 Mar, 25 Fri, 14 Mar, 25 $5206 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 21 Apr, 25 Fri, 2 May, 25 $4825 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 5 May, 25 Fri, 16 May, 25 $4825 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 2 Jun, 25 Fri, 13 Jun, 25 $4825 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 7 Jul, 25 Fri, 18 Jul, 25 $5333 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 4 Aug, 25 Fri, 15 Aug, 25 $5587 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 1 Sep, 25 Fri, 12 Sep, 25 $4825 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 6 Oct, 25 Fri, 17 Oct, 25 $4825 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 3 Nov, 25 Fri, 14 Nov, 25 $5206 GUARANTEED Book Now
Mon, 1 Dec, 25 Fri, 12 Dec, 25 $5333 GUARANTEED Book Now
If you wish to travel on any other date than dates above or have any other queries please call our office at 1-888-214-4856 or email to sales@lumle.com

A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail sales@lumle.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 12 Days
All the Prices are in USD ($) Per Person.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 2 Negombo : Jetwing Sea Hotel

Day 3 Wilpattu : Big Game Camp Wilpattu

Day 4 Anuradhapura : Forest Rock Garden

Day 5, 6 Habarana : Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Day 7, 8 Gal Oya : Gal Oya Lodge

Day 9, 10 Tissamaharama : Ekho Safari

Day 11 Colombo : Ozo Colombo

Check-in : 15:00 hours
Check-out : Until 12:00 hours
Room occupancy : Maximum 2 adults

Offer is based on Twin share so 2 people must book to complete the offer. So valid with 2 full paying adults:

Hotels : If the hotels mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable you will stay in hotels of a similar standard

Wheelchair access : The hotels and tour are not suitable for wheelchair users.

Mobile number : Please be sure to fill in mobile number when booking. This is so that the driver can get in touch with you.

Flight Times : Please note that flights may be subject to change, delay or postponement by the provider and that flight times are provisional. We search for the best times for you and will do our utmost to provide you with the flights detailed above. However, please note that flight times are subject to availability and may be amended.

Group : In Sri Lanka you will travel in a group of minimum 01 and maximum 20 people

Visa : Please note that in order to visit Sri Lanka, you will require a tourist visa. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel visas – including prices and the required length of time that the document is needed for – we advise that you visit www.gov.uk . Alternatively, you can contact the local embassy of the country you are planning to visit.

Passport : Please note that your passport MUST be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the validation date of your visa.

Travel Documents : Please ensure you take all your final travel documents with you to Sri Lanka.

Personal Information : Please ensure that your personal details are filled in identically to the data on your passport. If this information does not match, you cannot travel to and from your destination. Amendment to this information if entered incorrectly will result in additional charges. If married, please fill in your surname as it appears on your passport.

Tour Itinerary : Please note that in exceptional circumstances the itinerary and/or excursions may be subject to change for reasons outside of the control of Lumle Holidays

Vaccination : If you are travelling to Sri Lanka, you may need to be vaccinated. For the most up-to-date health advice, you should visit your local doctor/GP or visit www.gov.uk

Cancellation Conditions : This offer cannot be cancelled or modified, and is strictly non-refundable

Please note

  • Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
  • Visits to wildlife parks will be at client’s own risk. Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours)
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed. The official check-in time at all hotels will be 12:00 pm-02:00 pm (depend on the hotel). The official check-out time at all hotels will be 11:00 am
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed  

What do I need to bring?

Visitors of both genders have to wear decent clothing to cover the body appropriately when visiting religious places and shorts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. This rule is strictly adhered to at all religious sites especially the Sacred Bo Tree and Stupas in Anuradhapura and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Visitors should remove hats, caps, shoes and slippers when entering buildings and sites with religious monuments. Most of these places have a secure facility at the entrance for visitors to leave behind shoes and slippers for a very small fee.

One Review to “Connected to the Sri Lanka’s Wildlife”


  1. Rating: 5 / 5
    David Jordan Wed, 27 Sep, 23

    Sri Lanka Splendors

    Thank for arranging this holiday, it was the most relaxing one we have had, with no early morning starts or internal flights and having our own car and chauffeur meant we could go at our pace. Krishan, our driver, was very polite, helpful and patient and a credit to his company. The Occidental Eden at Beruwala was superb!
    Great itinerary: with visits to Lion Rock, which required a climb up 800 steps, using a series of ladders attached to the rock face, a visit to the Buddha caves with paintings and statues, a train ride to Nanu Oya, on which you can hang out of the open door, a cultural dance show and visit to see the ‘Sacred Tooth’, a visit to a tea plantation and a Turtle hatchery.

    The Hotels
    The Amaara Forest was an interesting hotel, set in the midst of the jungle and a ten minute drive from the main road up a narrow track. The rooms were spacious and well equipped, and, with each being only one of two in a purpose built building, they are peaceful; ours was on the first floor with a balcony. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the paths to the dining hall torchlit at night. Being off season we found we were the only two staying there on the first night and so the Maitre d’ brought us a menu selection to choose from as there was no buffet: the service and food was excellent on all three nights and the staff spoke good English. Excellent choice!
    Thilanka Kandy was excellent, with a spacious room on the 5th floor with a balcony overlooking the pool and the town. The rooftop pool, the longest in Sri Lanka, was very enjoyable to swim in, looking out over the town. The buffet selection was very good with a wide range of foods.
    The Galway Heights room was well equipped and had a range of world wide sockets, and a duvet on the bed was welcome as it was quite cool at night.
    The Occidental Eden was perhaps the best hotel we have ever stayed in and we would have liked another couple of days there to relax. The crescent shaped design meant that everyone had a room overlooking the pool and, beyond the palm trees and garden, the sandy beach and the Ocean. The buffet selection was multi-national and included fresh cooked meats, kebab skewers and beef strips, and breaded fried fish from chefs on the spot; the Head chef, who had been told about my garlic allergy, told me that I could order anything I liked and he would cook it for me – we had a plateful of pan fried prawns and French fries on two night, which were delicious. The staff all spoke excellent English and were very attentive and helpful. 5 stars is not enough!
    Thank you arranging this trip for Lumle.

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Travel Info

    • Flight time 21 hours Colombo (via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Delhi and Bahrain)
    • Time zone GMT+5 1/2 hours
    • Recommended airlines Emirates, Etihad, Air India and Qatar
    • Best season Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, Nov & Dec. It’s a year-round destination with consistent warmth and lots of sunshine, with temperatures averaging between 31°C at their highest and 22°C at their lowest.
    • Visa US citizens need a tourist visa. The information provided herewith at the current time can be subject to change at concise notice. It's your responsibility to ensure you meet entry requirements before you travel.
    • Capital Colombo

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