SRI LANKA HERP & WILDLIFE TOUR
Explore Sri Lanka in 15 days, from cultural treasures and wildlife safaris to serene highlands and beachside retreats. A perfect blend of discovery and relaxation awaits.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
From lush rainforests to dry jungles and coastlines, Sri Lanka offers incredible wildlife diversity. On this herping adventure, we’ll search its richest habitats for rare reptiles, iconic mammals, and even giants of the ocean.
- Blue Whales
- Leopards
- Sri Lanka’s “Big Four” Most Venomous
- Snakes
- Sloth Bears
- Poecilotheria tarantulas
- Green Pit Vipers
- Hump-nosed Vipers
- Ceylon Cat Snake
- Boulenger’s Keelback
- Day Geckos
- Rough-scaled or Clouded Monitor
- Asian Elephants
- Colorful Birdlife
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN NEGOMBO
DAY 2
CULTURAL TRIANGLE & SIGIRIYA
DAY 3
PIDURANGALA & RITIGALA
DAY 4
KANDY & SPICE GARDEN EXPERIENCE
DAY 5
NUWARA ELIYA & TEA COUNTRY
DAY 6
HORTON PLAINS & TRAIN JOURNEY
DAY 7
BELIHULOYA NATURE RETREAT
DAY 8
JOURNEY TO SINHARAJA
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 9
SINHARAJA RAINFOREST EXPLORATION
DAY 10
SINHARAJA TO UDAWALAWE
DAY 11
UDAWALAWE TO YALA
DAY 12
YALA SAFARI & JOURNEY TO MATARA
DAY 13
WHALE WATCHING & GALLE FORT
DAY 14
BEACH RELAXATION IN INDURUWA
DAY 15
DEPARTURE
Day 1: COLOMBO
ARRIVAL IN NEGOMBO
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a scenic sunset cocktail experience on the tranquil Negombo Lagoon, followed by a delightful dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Regenta Aire Lagoon
Day 2: SIGIRIYA
CULTURAL TRIANGLE & SIGIRIYA
Rise early and transfer to the Cultural Triangle. En route, stop at the ancient Arankelle Monastery to explore its historic ruins. Continue to Sigiriya, where you’ll enjoy lunch before an evening climb to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, perfectly timed to witness the sunset views. Later, check in at Back of Beyond Hotel and savor dinner amidst its serene surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Back of Beyond, Pidurangala
Day 3: PIDURANGALA
PIDURANGALA & RITIGALA
Rise early for a sunrise hike up Pidurangala Rock, where sweeping views of Sigiriya and the surrounding landscape await. Return to the resort for breakfast and a short refresh before departing to explore Ritigala, an ancient monastery with ruins and rock inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BC. Enjoy lunch in Habarana, then return to your hotel in the afternoon for a special experience—watching the playful lorises within the hotel grounds. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Back of Beyond, Pidurangala
Day 4: KANDY
KANDY & SPICE GARDEN EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, check out and depart for Kandy. Along the way, visit a spice garden where you’ll enjoy a hands-on cookery demonstration followed by lunch. In the afternoon, arrive in Kandy and explore the Udawattakele Forest Reserve—also known as the Royal Forest of Kandy—located just a short drive from the city. From 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, immerse yourself in this lush sanctuary before returning to Thilanka Hotel, where dinner will be served.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Thilanka Hotel, Kandy
Day 5: NUWARA ELIYA
NUWARA ELIYA & TEA COUNTRY
After breakfast, check out and depart for Nuwara Eliya. En route, stop at Anselm’s Place in Gampola before continuing through the scenic highlands. In the afternoon, visit a tea factory to discover the art of Ceylon tea production. Depending on timing, you may also enjoy an optional visit to Galway Forest. Later, check in at Mirage King’s Cottage, where dinner will be served.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage, Nuwara Eliya
Day 6: BELIHULOYA
HORTON PLAINS & SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY
Rise early with a packed lunch and transfer (approximately 1 hour) to the entrance of Horton Plains National Park. Embark on an 8 km hike through this stunning landscape, visiting the famed World’s End viewpoint and Baker’s Falls along the way. After your hike, continue to Pattipola to board the train for a scenic journey to Haputale. In the afternoon, travel onward to Belihuloya and check in at Glenrock Hotel, where dinner will be served.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Glenrock Hotel, Belihuloya
Day 7: BELIHULOYA
BELIHULOYA NATURE RETREAT
Spend a leisurely day in Belihuloya, enjoying guided nature walks and the tranquil surroundings of Glenrock Hotel. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area at your own pace, with meals served at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Glenrock Hotel, Belihuloya
Day 8: SINHARAJA
JOURNEY TO SINHARAJA
After a relaxed morning, depart Belihuloya and travel via Ratnapura to reach the Sinharaja Rainforest. Upon arrival, check in at Blue Magpie surrounded by the lush wilderness. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Blue Magpie, Sinharaja
Day 9: SINHARAJA
SINHARAJA RAINFOREST EXPLORATION
Rise early for a guided excursion into the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its rich biodiversity and pristine jungle environment. Walk through lush trails alive with birdsong, rare plants, and the sounds of the forest before returning to Blue Magie for dinner and
overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Blue Magpie, Sinharaja
Day 10: UDAWALAWE
SINHARAJA TO UDAWALAWE
After breakfast, explore the buffer zone of Sinharaja Forest before boarding your coach for the journey to Udawalawe. In the afternoon, set out on an exciting jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its wild elephants and rich wildlife. Later, check in at Athgira River Camp, where dinner will be served.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Athgira River Camping, Udawalawe
Day 11: YALA
UDAWALAWE TO YALA
Rise early to experience the birdlife along the riverbanks before departing for Yala. In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling jeep safari in Yala National Park (Block 1), home to elephants, sloth bears, and the elusive leopard. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at Grand Tamarind Lake.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Tamarind Lake, Kataragama
Day 12: MATARA
YALA SAFARI & JOURNEY TO MATARA
Rise early for a jeep safari in Yala National Park (Block 5), or choose an alternative excursion to Bundala National Park, a haven for birdwatchers. In the afternoon, continue to Matara and check in at Amaloh Beach Resort. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk in the local surroundings before dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaloh Beach Resort, Matara
Day 13: INDURUWA
WHALE WATCHING & GALLE FORT
Rise early for an unforgettable whale-watching excursion in Mirissa (6:00 am – 11:00 am). Return to the hotel to relax before continuing your journey to Bentota. En route, stop to explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit a local handloom factory to witness authentic craftsmanship. In the evening, arrive in Induruwa and check in at Shandara Blue for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shandara Blue, Induruwa
Day 14: INDURUWA
BEACH RELAXATION IN INDURUWA
Spend a leisurely day unwinding on the beach at Shandara Blue. For those seeking adventure, an optional morning excursion to Hikkaduwa offers the chance to snorkel with sea turtles and explore vibrant marine life—an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Shandara Blue, Induruwa
Day 15
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, enjoy some free time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your return flight to London, bringing your Sri Lankan journey to a close.
ACCOMMODATION
Regenta Aire Lagoon, Negombo
Deluxe Rooms
Set along the Negombo Lagoon, Regenta Arie Lagoon combines modern comfort with scenic waterfront views. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a large pool, and easy access to the beach and city.
Back of Beyond, Pidurangala
Tree House
Nestled in the jungle near Sigiriya Rock, Back of Beyond Pidurangala offers a rustic, eco-friendly retreat. Its tree-shaded cottages and nature trails make it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.
Thilanka Hotel, Kandy
Deluxe Rooms
Overlooking the city of Kandy, Thilanka Hotel blends modern comforts with traditional Sri Lankan charm. Its hillside setting offers serene views, while still being close to Kandy’s cultural highlights.
Mirage Kings cottage, Nuwara Eliya
Deluxe Rooms
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, Mirage King’s Cottage offers cozy, elegant stays in a cool highland setting. Surrounded by rolling hills and tea plantations, it’s perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.
Glenrock Hotel, Belihuloya
Deluxe Cottages
Hidden in the lush Belihuloya Valley, The Glenrock combines eco-luxury with nature’s tranquility. Guests can enjoy riverside rooms, mountain views, and immersive outdoor experiences.
Blue Magpie, Sinharaja
Deluxe Rooms
Situated on the edge of Sinharaja Rainforest, Blue Magpie Lodge is a simple and welcoming base for nature lovers. Its close proximity to the park makes it ideal for early treks and wildlife exploration.
Athgira River camp, Udawalwe
Tented
Athgira River Campl offers a unique glamping-style experience just minutes from Udawalawe National Park. Tented chalets blend comfort and adventure, making it an excellent base for safari-goers.
Grand Tamarind, Kataragama
Deluxe Rooms
Set by the tranquil waters of a lake, Grand Tamarind Lake provides moden amenities with a peaceful atmostphere. Its location offers easy access to Yala National Park and the sacred town of Kataragama.
Amaloh Beach Resort, Matara
Deluxe Rooms
A charming boutique hotel by the sea, Amaloh Beach blends colonial-style architecture with coastal beauty. It’s an intimate retreat perfect for relaxation near Mirissa’s beaches and while-watching excursions.
Shandara Blue, Induruwa
Deluxe Rooms
Shandaru Blue in Induruwa offers a laid-back beachfront escape with modern comforts. With golden sands at your doorstep and the ocean breeze all around, it’s an ideal spot to unwind by the coast.