Highlights
- Catch a glimpse of an acrobatic spinner dolphins on a boat cruise off Kalpitiya
- Stay in a luxury camp on the eastern border of Wilpattu National Park
- Look for elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, and even leopards on safari
- Visit historic churches and temples in seaside Negombo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kalpitiya | Kalpitiya |
| Day 2 | Dolphin Watching Cruise, Learn How to Kitesurf | Kalpitiya |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Wilpattu National Park, Wildlife Safari | Wilpattu |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Negombo, Guided City Tour, Sunset Boat Cruise | Negombo |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kalpitiya
Welcome to Sri Lanka's bustling capital, Colombo! Meet your driver outside the airport for your three-hour transfer north along the coast to Kalpitiya, a charming town known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life. As you leave the cityscape behind, watch the scenery shift to lush green fields and rural landscapes. When you arrive, head straight to your hotel to check in and rest after the flight and long drive. Your hotel has its own restaurant offering delicious Sri Lankan food with vegan and gluten-free options, so you don't even need to leave the premises.
Day 2: Dolphin Watching Cruise, Learn How to Kitesurf
Spend your morning searching for dolphins on a boat cruise across the Kalpitiya Lagoon and Indian Ocean. You can spot dolphins here year-round, but you may have a better chance from November to April when the water is calmer. Keep your cameras ready as you cut through the waves because you never know when you'll spot groups of spinner dolphins leaping and twirling into the air. Depending on the time of year, you may also catch a glimpse of Indo-Pacific dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, or even a blue whale, the largest animal in the world.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Transfer to Wilpattu National Park, Wildlife Safari
Say goodbye to Kalpitiya and the coast this morning as you set off on a two-hour transfer inland to Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka. The drive takes you through rural areas and small towns, giving you a glimpse into local life. When you arrive, check into a luxury safari camp on the eastern border of the park.
Settle into your tent and get ready for a two-hour safari through the national park, home to over 30 mammal species, including sloth bears, elephants, and spotted deer. There are also plenty of bird species, like white ibis, painted storks, Sri Lankan junglefowl, and Asian koel. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a Sri Lankan leopard, which is smaller than its African and Indian counterparts. After the safari, return to camp for a delicious dinner under the stars, uninterrupted by city lights.
Day 4: Transfer to Negombo, Guided City Tour, Sunset Boat Cruise
After a restful night at camp, return to the coast on a two-hour transfer to Negombo, a bustling seaside city known for its picturesque beaches, lively fish markets, and colonial-era architecture. When you arrive, join your guide on a short tour of the area, starting at the Old Dutch Fort, built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century and later fortified by the Dutch. Walk along the fort's sturdy walls and explore its well-preserved structures, including the iconic gate and bastions. Don't miss the on-site museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits about the past inhabitants.
Discover a selection of centuries-old churches next, such as the 18th-century St. Sebastian's Church, dedicated to the town's patron saint. Leave the coast and its charming fishing villages behind as you head inland to some of the area's temples, like Angurukaramulla, home to an enormous, seated Buddha statue. End the day with an optional sunset boat tour in the tranquil Negombo Lagoon. Watch the prawn fishermen casting their nets in the fading light as you glide past lush mangroves. After two hours on the water, return to the dock as darkness falls.
Day 5: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
After just five days in Sri Lanka, it's time to say goodbye. If you have a later flight, you can explore more of Negombo on your own. Head to Negombo Beach to soak up the sun or go for a leisurely walk along the Hamilton Canal. Better known as the "Dutch Canal," it was originally built as a transportation route by the Dutch in the 17th century. Keep an eye on the clock so you can make it back to the hotel in time to meet your driver and transfer 45 minutes to the airport in Colombo for your flight home. Safe travels!
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