Wild Sri Lanka: Mammals, Birds & Ancient Wonders

Your incredible adventure to Sri Lanka begins today. Make your way to the airport and board your overnight flight to the vibrant capital city of Colombo. As you ascend into the skies, leave behind the familiar and look ahead to a land of golden beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient temples, and breathtaking wildlife encounters. Relax, unwind, and let the excitement build as you cross continents toward the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka.

Touch down in the bustling city of Colombo, where your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka truly begins. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred by private vehicle to your enchanting lodge, nestled amidst serene natural surroundings.

Spend the afternoon unwinding and settling into the tranquil atmosphere of Jetwing Vil Uyana, a luxurious eco-retreat blending seamlessly with its lush wetland setting. Relax in your stylish thatched villa, enjoy the peaceful gardens, or simply soak in the sights and sounds of nature all around you.

For those eager to begin exploring, there is an optional evening night walk within the lodge’s grounds. Guided by expert naturalists, this gentle stroll offers the chance to encounter Sri Lanka’s nocturnal wildlife – from slender lorises and frogs to night birds hiding within the reeds and trees.

After breakfast, we set out on our first real immersion into Sri Lanka’s rich natural world with a visit to the stunning Kaludiya Pokuna Forest Reserve. This semi-evergreen forest, tucked beneath dramatic rocky hills, is a paradise for wildlife lovers. It is also the site of an important research project focused on the endemic and endangered purple-faced leaf monkey. Walking gently along shaded trails, we track a habituated troop of these elusive primates and learn about their fascinating behaviours and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

As we explore, we may also encounter a host of other forest creatures – from vivid lyre-headed lizards and agile velvet-fronted nuthatches to clouds of dazzling butterflies flitting between the trees. The forest’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with the rich tapestry of life it supports, offers a truly magical wildlife experience.

Return to Jetwing Vil Uyana in the afternoon, with time to relax, enjoy the lodge’s superb facilities, and perhaps watch for wildlife within the grounds.

As night falls, the adventure continues. Before dinner, join a guided night walk around the lodge grounds in search of the extraordinary grey slender loris, a rare and mysterious primate with oversized eyes adapted for nocturnal life. After dinner, we embark on an exhilarating night drive into the surrounding countryside, where we hope to encounter some of Sri Lanka’s most elusive nocturnal mammals. Among our hopeful sightings are the fishing cat, jungle cat, small Indian civet, common palm civet, golden palm civet, Indian crested porcupine, and the shy Sri Lankan spotted chevrotain, also known as the mouse-deer.

Tonight offers a rare chance to glimpse the secretive night-time world of Sri Lanka, where every rustle and gleam in the torchlight could reveal a hidden wonder.

After the excitement of last night’s nocturnal explorations, this morning is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Relax amidst the peaceful surroundings of Jetwing Vil Uyana, where wildlife abounds. Gentle nature walks through the lodge’s private reserve offer the chance to spot colourful birds, butterflies, and perhaps even another glimpse of the elusive purple-faced leaf monkey moving through the trees.

In the afternoon, we venture to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks – the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site rises dramatically above the surrounding plains. Explore the beautiful water gardens and ancient ruins that lie at the base of the rock, marvelling at the sophisticated engineering of this ancient citadel. For those feeling adventurous, an optional climb to the summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views across the emerald forests and shimmering lakes below.

The forests and gardens surrounding Sigiriya are a haven for wildlife, rich with birdlife and home once again to the purple-faced leaf monkey. Keep your eyes open as you wander the grounds — surprises often await in this lush setting.

Returning to the lodge, there’s time to unwind before darkness once again draws in. As night falls, we set off on another thrilling nocturnal exploration. Beginning with a search for grey slender lorises and other shy creatures within the lodge’s grounds, we later venture out on night drives into the surrounding countryside, seeking encounters with jungle cats, palm civets, and perhaps even a second sighting of the rare fishing cat or the diminutive Sri Lankan spotted chevrotain.

Each evening spent under the stars offers a new window into Sri Lanka’s vibrant and mysterious night-time world.

After a relaxed morning enjoying the wildlife and peaceful surroundings of Jetwing Vil Uyana, we depart after lunch for an exciting afternoon safari. A scenic drive of around 50 minutes brings us to the beautiful Kalawewa National Park, a reserve celebrated for its ancient reservoirs and abundant wildlife.

Designated a national park in 2015, Kalawewa protects an important network of habitats around the historic irrigation tanks of Kalawewa and Balaluwewa. The park is a stronghold for the Asian elephant, and uniquely boasts a high concentration of majestic tuskers. On a good day, we may be lucky enough to see up to ten tusked male elephants — a rare and unforgettable sight, given that only around 10% of Sri Lankan male elephants develop tusks.

Returning to the lodge after our safari, we enjoy some time to relax before heading out after dark. As the night falls, we embark on another adventurous night drive, focusing on elusive nocturnal mammals. Patience and perseverance tonight may reward us with sightings of rare species seldom glimpsed during daylight hours.

This morning is again at leisure, providing a perfect opportunity to unwind and observe the birds, butterflies, and occasional mammals that inhabit the lodge’s grounds.

In the afternoon, we venture out on another safari, adapting our location based on recent elephant movements and water availability. Depending on local conditions, we may return to Kalawewa National Park or explore nearby Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks — both of which are renowned for their seasonal gatherings of wild elephants and rich biodiversity.

Afterwards, we return to the lodge for dinner and prepare for another thrilling nocturnal foray. Tonight, we dedicate extra time to extended night drives, venturing deeper into the wilderness to maximise our chances of encountering some of Sri Lanka’s most elusive night creatures — from fishing cats and jungle cats to rare civets and the tiny, shy spotted chevrotain.

With expert tracking and a little luck, this evening could offer some of the most memorable wildlife sightings of the entire journey.

This morning, we leave the lush forests of the Cultural Triangle behind and transfer westward to our next incredible destination: Wilpattu National Park. En route, we pause at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred ancient cities, famed for its immense Buddhist monuments, serene temples, and ancient reservoirs.

Continuing our drive, we arrive at Claughton Wild, our idyllic base for the next four nights, perfectly located on the edge of Wilpattu National Park. After settling in, we waste no time and head straight out for a thrilling late afternoon safari, exploring the park’s rich landscapes of shimmering lakes, scrub jungles, and dappled forests.

Today we dedicate ourselves to exploring Wilpattu National Park – Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest protected area, often called the “Land of Lakes” due to its beautiful network of natural water bodies formed in limestone depressions. The park’s enchanting scenery provides a perfect backdrop for wildlife encounters, and the sense of wilderness here is truly magical.

Wilpattu is home to a dazzling range of wildlife. Herds of spotted deer and sambar deer graze alongside shy Indian muntjacs and sturdy water buffalo, while black-naped hares dart through the undergrowth. With patience and luck, we aim to glimpse Sri Lanka’s most celebrated predator, the Sri Lankan leopard, as well as the elusive and rarely sighted sloth bear.

After sunset, we continue our wildlife exploration with an exhilarating night drive. As darkness falls over the forest, a whole new world awakens. Nighttime sightings might include the secretive fishing cat, the elusive rusty-spotted cat, the sleek jungle cat, and small Indian civets. Reptile enthusiasts may also be rewarded with interesting nocturnal species near the lodge itself.

Another full day beckons to dive deeper into the wild beauty of Wilpattu. With the experience of previous safaris sharpening our senses, we return to favoured waterholes, shaded forest glades, and open scrubland where wildlife activity is most concentrated. Each safari drive offers fresh opportunities – a leopard lounging on a tree limb, a sloth bear snuffling among termite mounds, or a troop of langurs leaping between the trees.

Between safaris, the serene surroundings of Claughton Wild offer the perfect setting to relax, review photographs, and enjoy the sounds of the wild all around us.

In the evening, we embark once again on a nocturnal adventure, increasing our chances to observe rarely seen species that prefer to emerge under the cover of darkness. With patience, focus, and a little luck, these nights could deliver some of the most memorable sightings of the trip.

Today brings a spectacular new adventure as we head to Sri Lanka’s dazzling northwest coast. Early this morning, we transfer to the shores of the sheltered Kalpitiya Lagoon, a tranquil expanse of water teeming with marine life.

Boarding small motorised boats, we glide quietly into the lagoon’s calm waters in search of the elusive Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin — a shy and threatened species that finds refuge here. After a peaceful exploration of the lagoon, we cross to the sandy shores of the Kalpitiya Peninsula, where we switch to larger boats and head into the deeper offshore waters.

Here, in the nutrient-rich channel just beyond the peninsula, we enter one of the best places in Asia to witness incredible super-pods of spinner dolphins. Watch in awe as these agile marine acrobats burst from the ocean, leaping and spinning high into the air in spectacular displays. Pods numbering in the hundreds — and occasionally over a thousand individuals — are not uncommon here, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

Along the way, we may also spot a variety of seabirds, including the majestic white-bellied sea eagle soaring overhead, and migrant waders feeding along the coast.

After our magical morning on the water, we return to our lodge near Wilpattu National Park for an afternoon at leisure, allowing time to relax and reflect on the incredible encounters of the day. For those keen to maximise their wildlife experience, there is the option to join a final thrilling night drive, searching once more for Sri Lanka’s rare nocturnal mammals — from fishing cats and jungle cats to civets and chevrotains hidden in the darkness near the lodge.

Our final morning at Wilpattu National Park beckons, and we set out on one last exhilarating safari into its wild landscapes. With the rising sun casting golden light across the lakes and forests, we hope for a rewarding farewell — perhaps a final glimpse of a majestic Sri Lankan leopard or a shy sloth bear making its way through the undergrowth.

After our safari, we return to Claughton Wild for a relaxed lunch and a chance to say our goodbyes to the wonderful team who have made our stay so memorable. We then begin our journey back towards the coast, heading south to Colombo.

Our final night is spent at the stylish Jetwing Lagoon, a luxurious eco-resort nestled between the waters of the Indian Ocean and the calm Negombo Lagoon. Here, you can unwind beside the inviting pool, stroll through tropical gardens, or simply reflect on the extraordinary wildlife and cultural encounters that have filled your Sri Lankan adventure.

After a final leisurely breakfast beside the tranquil waters of Jetwing Lagoon, we bid farewell to the lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and ancient wonders that have defined our unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka. We transfer to Colombo Airport for our return flight to NEW YORK, carrying with us a treasury of memories — from mist-draped forests and golden lagoons to thrilling wildlife safaris and timeless cultural marvels.

Depending on the flight schedule, those departing in the morning will arrive back in NEW YORK later today. Evening departures will reach home the following day, concluding an extraordinary adventure across one of the world’s most enchanting and biodiverse islands.