Sri Lanka Wildlife Experience

Day 1

Your adventure starts in Negombo where you will be met at the airport and transferred to a nearby hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Negombo with its churches, fish markets and crowded streets, or simply chill by the pool and meet the rest of your group as they arrive.

Day 2

After breakfast we head inland to the central cultural area of Sri Lanka, Pelwehera, Dambulla. Spend the afternoon admiring the stunning temples in the area before taking a nature walk along the lake in the evening. The adventurous among the group can join a local fisherman on his catamaran and watch while he lays out his nets. Gliding along the lake dotted by lush lily pads and vibrant water lilies watching the sun set is a magical experience.

Day 3

After a tasty breakfast we travel to the spectacular Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and climb the rock for amazing views of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon enjoy a scenic cycle ride through the forests and villages of Pelwehera passing lakes, ponds and lush paddy fields along the way. 

Day 4 to 8

Today we head for Polonnaruwa and proceed to the Primate Research Camp to learn about the primate population of the area. A team briefing and introduction to the programme will take place after lunch. Late in the evening we head into the forest for our first primate experience! The monkeys are observed mainly inside the Polonnaruwa archaeological site and within the surrounding forests.

The Langurs are considered holy by some and exhibit a rather regal bearing. The purple-faced langur is endangered, and the researchers actively promote wildlife awareness and conservation in the local community in an effort to save this species.

The following day you will start assisting the staff with the primate research programme which will involve several sessions of observing the monkeys either out in the forest or at the Polonnaruwa archaeological site.

Take one of the afternoons off from primate watching to join your tour guide to explore the archaeological site and lean about Polonnaruwa’s rich history. 

Day 9

After enjoying an early breakfast, we will visit the monkeys, one last time. Now, you will see these amazing animals through completely different eyes with the knowledge and insight you’ve gained over the past few days. You may even be able to recognise a few individuals through their distinctive behaviour and appearance! We then leave for Dambulla where, in the evening, there is an opportunity for you to experience an elephant back safari through the forests and villages in the surrounding area (optional and at own cost).

Day 10

Next stop is Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's ancient capital, acting as the capital between 5th century BC and 9th century AD, as well as the centre of the island's Buddhist civilisation. The island's oldest Buddhist shrines - some dating back to 3rd century BC are found here.

Day 11 to 15

After our visit to Sri Lanka’s ancient capital we leave for Wasgamuwa National Park to enjoy a five night stay at the Wasgamuwa Research Centre. A considerable amount of work is being done at the centre to study and find solutions to resolve the conflict between the local people and wild elephants that exists in Sri Lanka.

Over the next 5 days, the group will engage in various activities and projects undertaken at the research centre including observations and developing the education of local villagers about managing and minimising dangerous conflict with wildlife. One project includes the introduction of crops which elephants find inedible as an alternative source of income for the farmers. Several home gardens in the area have now been replanted with ‘citrus’ crops replacing the sugar cane which used to attracted elephants and cause major devastation to crops and the livelihood of villagers. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to meet with the villagers and share their experiences.  

Day 16 to 18

After saying our goodbyes to Wasgamuwa, our next stop is Kandy the hill - capital of Sri Lanka with an evening visit to the Temple of the much revered Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha. The following day we head to a village located on the outskirts of Kandy where craftsman from all over the country have been relocated and settled with an objective of preserving and ensuring the continuity of traditional crafts. Here you will be able to see how delicate traditional arts and crafts are created out of copper, brass and silver. You may even be able to try your hand at assisting one of these craftsmen! Take a walk through the bustling Kandy town, a perfect way to take in the Kandyan citadel and experience the sunset by the lake as the sun dips below the ring of mountains which surround the town. After leaving Kandy we will spend an afternoon visiting a tea factory to witness the process of turning the raw green leaf into the tasty tea that we all grow to love.

Day 19 to 20

Next we head for Horton Plains for a three hour walk to “Worlds End” and the breathtaking “Bakers Falls” Sri Lanka's highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This is a very scenic region from mountains to grasslands and marshes to streams. Be amazed at the spectacular view from 'Worlds End' where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a sheer drop. For those that want to explore the Udawalawe National Park you will have the opportunity for an optional Jeep Safari in the evening (at own cost).

Day 21

Midday we visit The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Here, injured or orphaned elephants from around the island are brought and given treatment and care. Once the elephants are strong enough and old enough they are relocated in the wild at Udawalawe National Park. In the afternoon there is the opportunity for a second optional jeep safari of the Udawalawe National Park or take an optional excursion to explore the surrounding countryside on a bicycle.

Day 22 to 25

As your Sri Lanka experience draws to an end, it’s time for a few days of pure relaxation. Enjoy the beach resort of Mirissa and relax and enjoy the beach or explore the local area. En route to Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo for your final night, visit Galle and explore the Old Dutch Fort. Your adventure ends on Day 25 with a return transfer back to the airport.