Sri Lanka's Big Mammals
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour
Info : Sri Lanka's Big Mammals
This itinerary provides the opportunity to observe some of Sri Lankas most magical creatures in their wild habitat. Visiting three stretches of coastline and Sri Lankas most popular national park, you will have the chance to see Leopards, Elephants, Dolphins and Whales, and if you are lucky enough, the elusive Sloth Bear, amongst a wealth of birds, reptiles and invertebrates.
The tour begins with a stay on the Kalpitiya peninsula north of Colombo. From here Dolphins can be spotted frolicking alongside the boats. You will then head by sea plane to the south coast and an eco-retreat set amongst lagoons and marshes. From here it is possible to explore the subtle nature of Sri Lanka, enjoying the plentiful birds and even going down to the beach to see the turtles. Heading inland for a few nights you will embark on a three night camping safari in the heart of Yala National Park, an area famous for having the highest leopard density in Asia. Rounding off your stay, you will move back to the coast to enjoy a whale watching trip and some rest and relaxation on an idyllic white-sand beach.
Please note: In order to ensure a higher chance of seeing dolphins and whales, this tour is recommended between the months of December to April. If you would like to go outside of this season, please contact one of our travel specialists who can suggest alternatives.
Pricing & Inclusions
From £2,549 pp inclusive of flights from the UK.
(This price is based on a tour price of £1801 pp and international flights from the UK from £748 pp = £2549 pp)
Inclusions
- Direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines
- Return air-taxi service from Colombo to Dickwella
- All meals and accommodation as stated
- All tours and transfers as stated
Please note that the price of flights in particular can be higher during peak travel periods.
ALL EXPERIENCE TRAVEL TOURS ARE TAILOR MADE, PRIVATELY GUIDED AND DELIVERED BY THE BEST GUIDES IN THE COUNTRY.
Day-to-Day Itinerary : Sri Lanka's Big Mammals
DAY 1
Depart London Heathrow for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
DAYS 2, 3 & 4
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your hotel in Alankuda for a three nights stay on a bed and breakfast basis. You will stay at a superb eco-resort located right on the beach of the Kalpitiya Peninsula, ideal for those that are looking for something a little different to the run of the mill beach resort.
The area is famous for its Dolphin (and sometimes Whale) watching trips and these can be arranged through your hotel along with other activities such as snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, cycling and water skiing. Safari drives are also possible at the nearby Wilpattu National Park and the lagoon behind the Alankuda spit is renowned for its water-bird life.
Alternatively you can just sit back and relax into the pace of Sri Lankan life.
DAYS 5, 6 & 7
You will be picked up from your Alankuda hotel and transferred back to Colombo Airport for your sea-plane transfer to the south coast. Once arrived in Dickwella, you will be transferred to the Back of Beyond Kahandamodera for a three night stay on a half board basis. This is one of the best parts of the country for combining lazy days at the beach with exploring the islands natural wealth. Set amongst marshes and lagoons, this is the place to be outdoors. Taking a step back from mammal spotting, birds, reptiles and invertebrates take centre stage here so be sure to visit the local turtle nesting beaches and explore the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.
DAYS 8, 9 & 10
Moving inland for a few days, your driver will take you to Yala National Park for a three night safari with Mahoora Camping. Yala National Park is famous for its extraordinarily high density of leopard, the highest in Asia, and possibly the world, providing you with very high odds of catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures. Elephant can also be observed in the park along with sambhur deer, toques macaque, purple-faced langur and a bounty of birds. You may even be lucky enough to see the extremely rare sloth bear whilst staying here. Three nights provides you with six safari drives and a great opportunity to really explore and experience the park, its wildlife and its natural beauty.
You will be provided with all the necessary comforts and services to make the whole experience completely hassle=free whilst still retaining a sense of adventure. The while campsite is set up by the Eco Team staff prior to your arrival so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the wildlife that surrounds you. Entrance fees, safari drives, expert nature guides, meals, snacks and drinks are all included in your stay here.
DAYS 11, 12, 13 & 14
Your final destination is the beautiful coastline at Weligama, with a stay at the Weligama Bay Resort. This attractive, modern hotel is located right in the centre of the sweeping Weligama Bay and is only minutes away from the splendid beach at Mirissa. This is also the best place in Sri Lanka from which to see whales. Many whale species can be seen off the Sri Lankan coastline, but the most commonly observed is the Blue Whale, the largest known mammal to have ever existed. A half day whale watching trip is included in the price of this tour.
If you have had your fill of wildlife, you can also spend a few days enjoying the beach and exploring Weligama town with its famous fish markets and lively atmosphere.
DAY 15
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to nearby Koggala. From here, you will take the seaplane back to Colombo that connects to y our return flight to London.
Sri Lanka's Big Mammals Hotels
You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.
Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...
Alankuda, Kalpitya
Eclectic beach property on the deserted sands of Kalptiya Peninsula with Dolphin and Whale watching
Back of Beyond Kahandamodera, Kahandamodera
Exquisite 'eco villa' in the deep south of Sri Lanka
Mahoora Standard Camping, Uda Walawe
Explore Sri Lanka's amazing wilderness and camp out under the stars
Weligama Bay Resort, Weligama
Luxurious hotel in the centre of Weligama's majestic, sweeping bay