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Sri Lanka’s Wildlife and Culture

Adventure-filled Wildlife and Culture Holiday in Sri Lanka

A wildlife-focused Sri Lanka vacation, this trip suits those who want to get to grips with the island’s unique wilderness and wildlife, but at the same time, don’t want to miss the key cultural highlights of the Cultural Triangle and the scenic beauty of the Tea Country.

The trip takes in 3 major national parks of Sri Lanka: off-the-beaten-track Wilpattu, dubbed the ‘Land of Lakes’; Gal Oya National Park, the only park where it is possible to take a boat safari allowing up-close encounters with swimming elephants; and Yala National Park, the island’s undisputed centrepiece, with a leopard density that’s reportedly higher than anywhere else on the planet. In all 3, you will stay in tented safari lodges and embark on jeep safaris in search of unique wildlife such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird life. During the cultural element of the vacation, experience a backroad cycling tour of Anuradhapura, an ancient monastic city, as well as climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You will also do a spiritual hike at Ritigala with a historian and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. At the right time of year, you may also go on an evening jeep safari in Minneriya National Park to witness the gathering of hundreds of elephants to the reservoir. During your stay in the Tea Country, you will visit a tea plantation, and a naturalist will take you to Horton Plains National Park, a beautiful highland plateau consisting of cloud forests and montane grasslands. Around 750 plant species have been observed here. These include dwarf bamboo species, ferns, lichens, and orchids.

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Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Bandaranaike International Airport
  • 1 night - The Wallawwa, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • 2 nights - Leopard Trails Wilpattu, National Parks, Sri Lanka
  • 3 nights - Jetwing Vil Uyana
  • 2 nights - Gal Oya Lodge, National Park, Sri lanka
  • 2 nights - Goatfell, Tea Country, Sri Lanka
  • 2 nights - Leopard Trails Yala, National Parks, Sri Lanka
  • Ends - Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon Sri Lanka
  • Nights Icon 12 Nights
  • Safari Icon Safari
  • Scenic Icon Scenic

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 11900|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 12900|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from JFK
Itinerary Details

Day-by-day

Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Bandaranaike International Airport

The Wallawwa, Sri Lanka, communal area verandah
The Wallawwa, Sri Lanka seating area in garden
The Wallawwa, Sri Lanka, plunge pool
The Wallawwa verandah Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 1

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel near the airport.

  • 1 night

The Wallawwa
Bed & Breakfast | Garden Suite
Sri Lanka

The Wallawwa Mountbatten Suite
Leopard Trails Dinner Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 2 - 4

Today your private driver will drive you to Wilpattu National Park which is around a 4 hour drive.

  • 2 nights

Leopard Trails Wilpattu National Park
All Inclusive | Deluxe Tent
Sri Lanka

Leopard Trails Suite Tent
Jetwing Vil Uyana Water Dwelling Bedroom
Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka, Plunge pool
Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri lanka, main pool
Jetwing Vil Uyana Water Dwelling Bedroom Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 4 - 7

Today you will travel to Sigiriya with touring stops in Anuradhapura along the way.

  • 3 nights

Jetwing Vil Uyana
Bed & Breakfast | Marsh Dwelling with Pool
Sri Lanka

Jetwing Vil Uyana Aerial
Gal Oya Lodge bedroom verandah
Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka pool
Gal Oya Lodge bungalow lounge
GO bedroom verandah Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 7 - 9

Today’s journey will be 3.5 – 4 hours to Gal Oya National Park.

  • 2 nights

Gal Oya Lodge
Bed & Breakfast | Bungalow
Sri Lanka

Gal Oya Lodge Bungalow
Goatfell, Sri Lanka pool
Goatfell, Sri Lanka lounge
Goatfell, Sri Lanka verandah
GF exterior Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 9 - 11

Today you will drive to Nuwara Eliya in the Tea Country, approximately a 3.5 – 4 hour drive.

  • 2 nights
  • Star Created with Sketch. Iconic

Goatfell
All Inclusive | Concordia Double Room
Sri Lanka

Goatfell Concordia Bedroom
Leopard Trails Yala National Park, Dining area
Leopard Trails Yala National Park, explorer suite
Leopard Trails Yala National park, leopard suite
Lty dining room Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 13

You will journey today back to the airport which should take around 5 hours. From here you will catch your international flight home.

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Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes

We've got you covered

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

Included icon

Includes

  • Meals and accommodation as specified
  • Drinks as specified
  • Private guiding & chauffeuring
  • All entrance fees and excursions as specified
  • Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
  • Conversation donation to Save the Rhino
  • Community projects contribution with Uthando
Not included icon

Excludes

  • Entry visas and fees
  • Gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities / experiences
Indulge your passions

ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

  • 4 WD Safari Icon 4WD Safari
  • Birdwatching Icon Birdwatching
  • Boat Trip Icon Boat Trip
  • Guided Walking Safari Icon Guided Walking Safari
  • Cultural Experience Icon Cultural Experience
  • Cycling Icon Cycling
  • Hiking Icon Hiking
  • Food Experience Icon Food Experiences
  • Wellness Spa Icon Wellness/Spa
  • Photographic Safari Icon Photography
  • Tea Plantations Icon Tea Plantations
  • Temples Icon Temples
Sample Itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favorites.

  • Bespoke itineraries
  • Flights and transfers included
  • Best rates guaranteed

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