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Wildlife safari jeep in Sri Lanka on a 13 day adventure

13 Days — Wildlife & Safari Adventure in Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka's Incredible Wildlife

Experience the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Sri Lanka on this carefully crafted 13-day wildlife and safari adventure. Explore several of the island's famous national parks and have opportunities to encounter elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and diverse birdlife while also discovering ancient cultural sites, spectacular landscapes and tropical beaches.

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers and adventure seekers, this Sri Lanka wildlife tour combines multiple safari experiences with cultural discoveries, scenic mountain journeys and relaxing days along the southern coast.

Tour at a Glance

  • Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
  • Route: Negombo → Wilpattu → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → Yala → Udawalawe → Mirissa
  • Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers
  • Tour type: Private wildlife and safari tour
  • Customization: Fully customizable
Book This Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Wilpattu National Park safari
  • Yala National Park safari
  • Udawalawe National Park safari
  • Minneriya / Kaudulla / Eco Park safari
  • Sloth bear and leopard tracking opportunities
  • Bird watching opportunities
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Traditional village experience
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Tea plantation and factory visit
  • Scenic train journey
  • Nine Arches Bridge
  • Mirissa beach relaxation
  • Whale watching (seasonal)
  • Galle Dutch Fort

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & Negombo

Begin your Sri Lanka wildlife adventure with a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport before travelling to Negombo, approximately 20 minutes from the airport. Later, visit a traditional fishing village and enjoy a Negombo Lagoon boat ride. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for the safari experiences ahead.

Overnight stay: Negombo

Negombo arrival before a Sri Lanka wildlife safari tour
Day 2

Negombo to Wilpattu

After breakfast, travel towards Wilpattu National Park, approximately 3 hours from Negombo. Wilpattu is known for its varied landscapes and natural lakes, locally known as villus. After settling in, head out for an afternoon Wilpattu National Park safari by jeep.

Overnight stay: Near Wilpattu

Wilpattu National Park safari on a 13 day wildlife tour
Day 3

Wilpattu to Anuradhapura

Begin the day with another opportunity to explore Wilpattu on a morning safari. After the safari, continue to Anuradhapura, approximately 45 minutes away. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and other ancient ruins before relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura ancient city after a Wilpattu safari
Day 4

Anuradhapura to Sigiriya

After breakfast, travel from Anuradhapura towards Sigiriya in approximately 2 hours. After checking in, you can relax or choose the optional Pidurangala Rock sunset experience. An optional Ayurvedic herbal massage can also be arranged.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya

Sigiriya after travelling from Anuradhapura
Day 5

Explore Sigiriya

Today combines ancient heritage, rural traditions and wildlife. Begin with Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then a traditional village experience with a cooking demonstration. Later, head out on a safari at Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Cultural Triangle safari
Day 6

Sigiriya to Kandy

After breakfast, continue from Sigiriya to Kandy in approximately 3 hours. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a spice and herbal garden and the Matale Hindu Temple. You can also visit a gem museum and workshop. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before a Kandy cultural dance show.

Overnight stay: Kandy

Kandy cultural evening on a wildlife-focused Sri Lanka tour
Day 7

Kandy to Ella

Leave Kandy and travel through the central highlands. Begin with Kandy View Point, then visit a tea plantation and factory. Later, board the scenic train journey to Ella. After arriving, enjoy leisure time in this hill-country destination.

Overnight stay: Ella

Scenic train journey to Ella on the 13 day wildlife tour
Day 8

Explore Ella

Spend the day discovering Ella. Begin with a hike to Little Adam's Peak, then continue to Nine Arches Bridge. An optional Flying Ravana Mega Zipline can be arranged. The remainder of the day is free to explore Ella town or relax.

Overnight stay: Ella

Ella viewpoints and Nine Arches Bridge
Day 9

Ella to Yala

After breakfast, leave Ella and travel towards Yala in approximately 2.5 hours, stopping at Ravana Waterfalls. Enjoy a Yala National Park safari by jeep in the afternoon or evening, depending on the safari schedule.

Overnight stay: Yala / Tissamaharama

Yala National Park safari on a 13 day wildlife tour
Day 10

Yala to Udawalawe

Start the day with a morning safari in Yala National Park. After the safari, travel towards Udawalawe, approximately 2 hours away. Visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are cared for with the aim of returning suitable animals to the wild. Afterwards, enjoy leisure time at your hotel.

Overnight stay: Udawalawe

Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe
Day 11

Udawalawe to Mirissa

Begin the morning with a Udawalawe National Park safari. After the safari, continue towards Mirissa in approximately 2.5 hours. Spend the afternoon at the beach or visit Coconut Tree Hill Viewpoint.

Overnight stay: Mirissa

Udawalawe safari then Mirissa beach
Day 12

Explore Mirissa

Enjoy a relaxing day on the southern coastline after your safari adventures. During the appropriate season, join an optional whale-watching excursion. Alternatively, relax on Mirissa Beach or try optional surfing lessons at Weligama Beach.

Overnight stay: Mirissa

Mirissa beach day after Sri Lanka safari experiences
Day 13

Galle & Departure

After breakfast, leave Mirissa and travel towards Galle, approximately 1 hour away. Depending on your departure time, visit a sea turtle hatchery before exploring Galle Dutch Fort. Finally, continue to Bandaranaike International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours depending on traffic and your flight time.

Galle Dutch Fort on the final day of the wildlife tour

What's Included

  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Services of an experienced driver or chauffeur guide
  • Local support throughout your journey
  • Flexible itinerary customization
  • Personalized travel planning

Important Note

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasonal conditions, weather, habitat conditions and animal movement patterns.

Safari routes and national parks may be adjusted according to current wildlife movements and operational conditions.

Every tour can be customized according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, interests and budget. A personalized quotation will be provided upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

This itinerary includes safari experiences in Wilpattu, Minneriya or Kaudulla/Hurulu, Yala and Udawalawe, allowing travellers to experience different wildlife habitats and landscapes across Sri Lanka.

Each national park offers different landscapes and wildlife experiences. Including several parks gives travellers opportunities to observe a broader range of animals and environments rather than relying on a single safari location.

Leopards can be encountered in some of Sri Lanka's national parks, including Yala and Wilpattu. However, wildlife sightings are unpredictable and no leopard sighting can be guaranteed.

Depending on the park, season and wildlife movements, safari experiences may provide opportunities to see elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, water buffalo, peacocks and many species of birds.

Wilpattu provides a different safari experience from the parks in southern Sri Lanka. Its forests, grasslands and natural lakes create varied habitats where travellers can explore the country's wildlife in a quieter natural environment.

Yes. The itinerary provides multiple safari opportunities across different national parks, giving wildlife photographers more opportunities to observe and photograph Sri Lanka's landscapes, animals and birdlife.

The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe provides care for orphaned elephant calves with the aim of rehabilitating suitable animals for eventual release into the wild.

Additional safari drives can be arranged depending on your travel dates, park operating conditions, accommodation location and personal interests.

Whale watching can be arranged as an optional seasonal activity during the Mirissa stay. Availability depends on the season and sea conditions.

Wildlife viewing is possible throughout the year, but conditions and animal movements vary between national parks and seasons. Safari locations can be selected according to your travel dates and current conditions.

Ready to Experience Sri Lanka's Incredible Wildlife?

Discover Sri Lanka's diverse national parks, unforgettable safari experiences, ancient cultural sites, scenic mountains and tropical southern coastline on a tailor-made wildlife journey.

Contact Sri Lanka Travellers today for a personalized wildlife and safari tour quotation.

Also see: Safari tours · 12 Day Adventure · All packages

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