Discover Sri Lanka's Wildlife, History & Scenic Beauty - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Wilpattu National Park

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Once you touch down in Colombo, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer for four hours to your tented safari camp on the edge of Wilpattu National Park. As the island's largest and second-oldest national park, Wilpattu is renowned for its network of lakes known as "villus," which attract a variety of animals, including the Sri Lankan leopard.

If you're not too tired, set off on a safari through the national park to spot this elusive creature moving stealthily through the underbrush. The cooler afternoon temperatures make wildlife sightings more frequent, so you may also see elephants, sloth bears, and sambar deer. After two hours in the park, transfer back to your luxury camp for a delicious dinner around the campfire. 

Day 2: Enjoy a Free Morning, Afternoon Safari in Wilpattu National Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning at camp, indulging in continental and Sri Lankan dishes for breakfast paired with fresh juice. Then, in the afternoon, you'll set off on another safari, traversing the park's diverse habitats, including expansive grasslands, dense forests, and shimmering villus. While you have a chance to see more mammals like wild boar and water buffalo, don't forget to look up at the trees, as the park is home to over 200 bird species. You may spot the Sri Lankan jungle fowl with its vivid plumage or the elusive purple heron stalking fish in the shallows before returning to camp. 

Day 3: Transfer to Kandy, Guided Tour of the Royal Palace

Say goodbye to Wilpattu National Park this morning as you set off on a 3.5-hour transfer to Kandy, located amid lush hills and verdant tea plantations in Sri Lanka's central highlands. When you arrive, hit the ground running with a guided tour of the Royal Palace, once the residence of the Kandyan kings. Follow your guide through the palace grounds, past an array of well-preserved structures, like the impressive audience hall and the former royal quarters.

Admire the intricate architecture, with its elegant wooden carvings and traditional Kandyan design, before heading inside to discover the array of historical artifacts, royal regalia, and religious relics. One building you can't miss is Sri Dalada Maligawa, a revered temple housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. If you want to enter, make sure you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, and remove your footwear before stepping inside. 

Day 4: Guided Trek in Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Climb Ambuluwawa Tower

Start your day with a trek in Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a verdant forest reserve just 10 minutes outside of the city center. Follow your guide along the well-maintained trails, where you'll be surrounded by a dense canopy of trees, vibrant flora, and the occasional glimpse of elusive wildlife like Sri Lankan monkeys and the rusty-spotted cat. The sanctuary is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including the colorful Sri Lankan blue magpie and the elusive crested hawk eagle. Stop at landmarks like the serene pond, Kodimale (the sanctuary's highest point), Senkanda Cave, and Garrison Cemetery.

As you walk, you'll also come across several Buddhist temples and hermitages, like Senanayake Aranya. After exploring the sanctuary, hop on a tuk-tuk for 15-25 minutes to get to the base of Ambuluwawa Tower, which is part of a multi-religious complex that includes temples, a mosque, and a church. If you can brave the dizzying heights, a 3,567-foot (1,087 m) climb takes you up the narrow, winding staircase, revealing panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. When you're ready, trek back down the tower and ride the tuk-tuk back to your hotel. 

Day 5: Transfer to Gal Oya Valley National Park, Guided Animal Monitoring 

Leave the bustling city behind as you set off on a 3.5-hour transfer to Gal Oya Valley National Park, a less-visited national park offering a more authentic wilderness experience. When you arrive, check in at Gol Oya Lodge on the northern border of the national park. This ecolodge is spread across 20 acres (8 ha) of private jungle, giving you the chance to connect with nature. After settling into your bungalow, you can relax by the pool for a few hours before this evening's animal monitoring walk.

Join the lodge's resident naturalists as they set up camera traps to record and monitor the local population of wildlife. Along the way, you'll learn more about the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving the delicate ecosystems of this remote area. You may even catch a glimpse of a leopard embarking on its nightly hunt or a herd of elephants finding shelter for the night.

Day 6: Hike to the Top of Monkey Mountain, Boat Safari on Sri Lanka's Largest Lake

If you're an early riser, join your guide on a 1.5-hour trek to the summit of Monkey Mountain, named after the playful monkeys you're sure to see on your way up. Although the hike is challenging, it'll be well worth the effort when you reach the top. Feel the cool morning air, listen to the chorus of birdsong, and wait for the first light of dawn to break over the horizon, transforming the sky into a canvas of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and tranquil blues. Take in panoramic views of the valleys and distant peaks bathed in the warm glow before returning to the lodge for a well-earned breakfast.

Since this is the only national park in the country where you can go on a boat safari, that's how you can spend your afternoon if you're not too tired after this morning's hike. Start with a 40-minute transfer to the dock, where you can board a boat and navigate Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka's largest lake, in search of wildlife. You may spot elephants swimming between the islands, sambar deer stopping for a drink, or crocodiles creeping through the water. The park is also home to 150 bird species, including white-bellied sea eagles, crested serpent eagles, and grey-headed fish eagles.

Day 7: Jungle Walk with a Village Chief, Bicycle Ride with a Naturalist Guide

Day 8: Transfer to Yala National Park, Afternoon Safari 

Trade one national park for another this morning as you meet your driver for a 3.5-hour transfer to Yala National Park, known for its high density of leopards. After checking in at your hotel on the southeastern coast, spend the afternoon exploring the national park on a Jeep safari. As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, the park comes alive with activity. In addition to leopards, you may also see herds of elephants, deer, and wild boars, as well as an array of bird species, like the colorful peacock and grey-headed fish eagle. Following the two-hour safari, return to your hotel for a buffet dinner.

Day 9: Morning Safari in Yala National Park

Spend another day exploring Sri Lanka's second-largest national park, covering 378 square miles (978 sq km). Set off before the sun rises to look for nocturnal animals returning from their nightly hunt and diurnal creatures awakening with the rising sun. Traverse the dense forests and open plains in search of the elusive leopard, herds of elephants, sloth bears, and water buffalo. Don't forget to look up, as there may be painted storks, Sri Lankan junglefowl, and spot-billed pelicans flying above. After the safari, return to your hotel to enjoy some free time by the pool. 

Day 10: Transfer to Galle, Guided Tour of Galle Fort

Today, you transfer 3.5 hours to your final destination, Galle, a coastal city known for its colonial-era buildings. After checking in at your hotel, join your guide on a tour of the UNESCO-listed Galle Dutch Fort. Despite its name, the structure was actually built by the Portuguese in 1588 before it was extended to over 90 acres (36 ha) by the Dutch in 1663. Step through the imposing gates and discover the narrow, cobblestone streets within, lined with quaint boutiques, stylish cafés, and galleries featuring local artists.

Then, climb up to the well-preserved walls, passing ancient cannons, watchtowers, and Galle Lighthouse, which still helps guide the incoming boats. From the top of the fort, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding cityscape. Following the tour, your evening is free, so you could grab dinner at a local or international restaurant within the fort. If you choose a local restaurant, indulge in classic Sri Lankan dishes like fish ambul thiyal (a tangy and spicy fish curry) or lamprais (a Dutch-influenced dish of rice, meat, and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf and baked).

Day 11: Transfer to Colombo, Depart

Unfortunately, after 11 days of exploring Sri Lanka and spending time with its wildlife, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you can discover more of Galle at your own pace. Head to the Galle National Museum to learn more about the region's heritage or stroll through the Old Dutch Hospital, a historic building turned shopping and dining precinct. Those who want to soak up the sun can make their way to Unawatuna Beach, just 15 minutes outside of the city, to relax on the soft, golden sand. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer two hours to the airport in Colombo for your flight. Safe travels!

More Great Sri Lanka Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other Sri Lanka itineraries, explore different ways to spend 11 days in Sri Lanka, or discover the best time to visit Sri Lanka