
Sri Lanka’s Wildlife and Culture
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 centerpiece, 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.
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
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Sri Lanka
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12 Nights
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Safari
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Scenic
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is tailored 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 {: 8800|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 11700|toCurrency :} per person
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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.
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
Excludes
- Entry visas and fees
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional activities / experiences
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.
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4WD Safari
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Birdwatching
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Boat Trip
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Guided Walking Safari
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Cultural Experience
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Cycling
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Hiking
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Food Experiences
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Wellness/Spa
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Photography
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Tea Plantations
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Temples
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether it’s a bucket-list trip, marking a milestone, or a soul-stirring retreat, let this handpicked selection inspire your next escape.
- Bespoke itineraries
- Flights and transfers included
- Best rates guaranteed