12 Days | Wildlife safaris, nature walks, and temples in Sri Lanka
Unearth a region of wild delights and rich biodiversity through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks. With safaris on land, water, and by foot, you’ll have the best chance of spotting some of Sri Lanka's iconic wildlife, including herds of native elephants in their natural habitat, leopards, thousands of birds, slender lorises, monkeys, crocodiles, buffalo, deer and jackals. You’ll also see the epic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, exploring the ruined fortress. Couple these experiences with a cruise on a natural lake, some delicious local food and a night spent in an eco-lodge among the sounds of the forest, and you’ll delight on a wildlife-focused and nature-filled itinerary in one of Asia’s best selections of jungle and forest.
Trip overview
- Start
- Negombo, Sri Lanka
- Finish
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Theme
- Wildlife
- Destinations
- Sri Lanka
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- HPKW
- Head out on multiple safaris in 4WDs through Wilpattu, Minneriya, Gal Oya, Kumuna and Yala National Parks, looking out for herds of native elephants, leopards, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, hundreds of species of birds and more.
- Don infrared night goggles and witness sea turtles coming ashore at Rekawa beach to lay their eggs while hatchlings dash down to the water to start their new life.
- Visit Singharaja Forest Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and spend the night in a nearby lodge in the misty rainforest. Head out on nature walks here, looking out for butterflies, jackals, big cats, wild boars and toque monkeys.
- Explore the biodiverse Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, unique due to its three vastly different ecosystems – the coast, the mangroves and the freshwater tanks.
- See the incredible site of Sigiriya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most famous spots. Discover the ruins among thousands of birds, who thrive in the surrounding forests.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Zero Plastic. Donations help them educate Sri Lankan communities about the impact of plastic on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
- The summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the southwest of the country. Please consider your suitability to the time of year you wish to travel and be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
- The views from the top of Lion Rock in Sigiriya are spectacular, but getting there involves walking up uneven, narrow steps and navigating tight walkways. If you’ve got a fear of heights or conditions that affect mobility you may wish to sit this activity out.
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. Any temple visit in Sri Lanka requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and trousers/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Private vehicle
Permanent Tented Camp (with facilities) (1 night), Eco Lodge (1 night), Hotel (9 nights)
- Wilpattu National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
- Anawilundawa - Bird Sanctuary
- Anuradhapura - Vessagiriya Complex Guided Tour
- Minneriya National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
- Popem’s Arboretum - Evening Nature Walk
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
- Habarana - Cooking Demo & Home Cooked Meal
- Gal Oya National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
- Kumana National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
- Kumana National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- Yala National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari
- Sinharaja Rainforest - Evening Nature Walk
- Rekawa - Turtle Nesting Observation
- Sinharaja Rainforest - Bird & Butterfly Trail Walk
- Galle - Galle Fort Walk
- Yala National Park - Evening 4WD Safari (OPTIONAL) - USD84
- Kataragama - Kataragam Temple (OPTIONAL) - Free
- Mirissa - Whale Watching - USD70
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
Read Essential Trip InformationReviews
Filter by rating