Leopards, Elephants & Whales
Sri Lanka's big five parks in one journey, from the wild north-west to the deep south.
Budget for entrance fees & activities: about £345 per adult for everything in this itinerary. You pay these on the day, at the official rates. There's no mark-up from us.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Into the wild
From the airport, drive north to the edge of Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest national park.
Overnight in Wilpattu - Day 2
Wilpattu safari
Morning and afternoon jeep safaris among the lakes and forests, searching for leopards and sloth bears.
Overnight in Wilpattu - Day 3
The Gathering
Travel to the Cultural Triangle for an evening safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla, where elephant herds gather.
Overnight in Habarana - Day 4
Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock at dawn. Afternoon nature walk or relaxation.
Overnight in Habarana - Day 5
Kandy
Drive to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Overnight in Kandy - Day 6
Tea country
Through the tea estates to Nuwara Eliya.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya - Day 7
Horton Plains to Udawalawe
Dawn on Horton Plains, looking for sambar deer and endemic birds, then down to Udawalawe.
Overnight in Udawalawe - Day 8
Elephants and orphans
Morning safari in Udawalawe, then feeding time at the Elephant Transit Home. Continue to Yala.
Overnight in Yala - Day 9
Leopard country
Two safaris in Yala National Park at the best times of day for leopards, bears and elephants.
Overnight in Yala - Day 10
Birds and beaches
Birdwatching safari in Bundala wetlands, then on to Mirissa.
Overnight in Mirissa - Day 11
Whales and farewell
Early whale-watching trip (in season), then transfer to the airport.
