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Wild Sri Lanka
Go wild on the isle on this national park-hopping journey through Sri Lanka.



Go wild on this national park-hopping journey of Sri Lanka. We’ll take you to a bird-watering paradise, an elephant herd hot spot and get you off the beaten track. You’ll see the highlights of Sigiriya and Kandy, plus the less-visited National Parks of Wilpattu and Gal Oya, where you’ll feel truly cut off from the world. You’ll stay near Yala, the island's poster-child nature reserve, and the only place where you’ll be able to see the sea and go on safari at the same time. Finish in Galle for some well-earned chill time in one of our favourite forested boutique bolt-holes, and wander the streets of the walled city of Galle, coffee (or cocktail) in hand.
Itinerary overview
Highlights of trip
Days 1 to 2
Anuradhapura (for Wilpattu)
Your first journey takes you from the airport inland to Anuradhapura, one of the three points of the island’s famed Cultural Triangle. But you’re here as it is close to the wonderful Wilpattu National Park. The park is untamed and vast (it’s the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country) with over 100 villus – or lakes – that draw creatures great, small, spotted and feathered. It’s particularly a haven for leopards with over 115 individuals counted in the most recent survey. We’ve set aside a whole day for your visit to this park as, even though only a quarter of the park is open to visitors, there’s still plenty of ground to cover. Alongside keeping a keen eye out at ground level, raise your eyes to the sky every now and again as the park is also famous for its bird life.


Recommended Hotel

Days 3 to 4
Sigiriya
At the next stop Sigiriya, a Cultural Triangle favourite the focus is split between history and nature. Your trip over from Anuradhapura is an easy one so there’s time to reset with some down time at your hotel before your action-packed full day in the area. You’ll start with an ascent of the iconic Sigirya Rock, a soaring granite rock used by King Kashyapa as his capital. Once you’ve made it to the top, wander around the ruins and take in the views. Then it’s on to Minneriya, a national park that’s known for its massive herds of elephants and the extraordinary elephant gathering that happens from May to October. An afternoon in the company of these beautiful creatures is good for the soul.

Things to do



Recommended Hotels

Jetwing Vil Uyana
A headlining eco-resort inspired by the London Wetlands Centre, this boutique retreat offers style and serenity.

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Explore the Cultural Triangle from this tranquil lakeside lodge set in extensive wildlife-filled grounds.

Water Garden Sigiriya
This boutique hotel has villa accommodation, picture-perfect gardens and Sigiriya views.
Day 5
Kandy
Swap rural for urban and nature for heritage in Kandy, a city with a rich heritage, tranquil tropical gardens and a buzzing and busy vibe. We’ve included a city tour that gives you an introductory insight into what makes the city tick.


Recommended Hotels


Jetwing Kandy Gallery
Step into a world of private butlers and luxury accommodations for a memorable riverside stay.

Kings Pavilion
Slip away to this under-the-radar pocket of Kandy, surrounded by tropical gardens where birds and butterflies flutter in the trees.
Days 6 to 7
Gal Oya
This is the day we take you off the well-trodden path. While most people will head head up to the Hill Country towns from Kandy, you’ll be heading east to Gal Oya National Park. It’s a bit of a hidden gem so this visit gives you some serious bragging rights. You’ll be tracking those classic Sri Lankan species like the Asian elephant and leopard, all with a magnificent backdrop of emerald hills and the huge Senanayaka Samudra reservoir. But the most special thing of all about the park? This is one of just a handful of places on Earth where you may be lucky enough to see elephants swimming. Pure magic.


Recommended Hotels

Gal Oya Lodge
This is the holiday you shouldn’t miss in one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched places. Adventure, space and the possibility of watching elephants swimming.

Wild Glamping Gal Oya
An out of the ordinary travel experience made extraordinarily easy. On the edge of wilderness, this is off-grid glamping for adventurous souls who want to leave just a gent...
Days 8 to 10
Yala
We’ve saved Sri Lanka’s most famous reserve for last – Yala National Park. The name alone conjures up images of playing hide and seek with elusive leopards (although they’re less elusive here as the park has one of the world’s highest concentrations); elephants wandering sedately in a family line across the grasslands; and a windswept, untouched coastline. We haven’t skimped on time in the park on this holiday – a full-day safari is included to give you the best chance to seek out as much of the wildlife as Yala has to offer.

Things to do


Recommended Hotels

Jetwing Yala
With its spectacular coastal setting, the chic and eco-friendly Jetwing Yala is the epitome of contemporary barefoot luxury.

Cinnamon Wild Yala
Wild by name, wild by nature… this Cinnamon property is secluded and perfectly placed for wildlife adventures.

Uga Chena Huts
A unique and luxurious property that combines local influences with the traditional décor of an African safari lodge.
Days 11 to 12
Galle
From the southeast to the southwest: the final leg of the trip ends in heritage-packed Galle, a stunning spot with a fortified old city. You can pick a peaceful spot to stay about 10 miles from Galle or be right at the heart of the action by choosing a city bolthole. Either way, there’ll be the chance to completely unwind after your jam-packed holiday. Between chill times, we recommend some easy-going exploring along the streets of Galle Fort which are crammed with character boutiques, cafés and locally owned restaurants.

Things to do



Recommended Hotels

Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
Feel gently removed from the rest of the world at this canopy-skimming Dutch-owned boutique hotel up in the hills. Welcome to the jungle.

The Fortress Resort & Spa
A fusion of Dutch and Portuguese styles, The Fortress is stylish, luxurious and right on the beach.

Fort Bazaar
A former merchant’s house turned charming boutique hotel, arranged around a lovely open-air central courtyard.
Extend your holiday
Option 1: Galle
Not ready to leave Sri Lanka just yet? Why not extend your holiday with a few extra nights in Galle. Fishing boats moored on sandy coves, coconuts balanced on bicycles and roadside stalls stocked with Maldivian fish; there are plenty of things to see and do here. Unawatutu’s golden sands and the evergreen forest set in Handunugoda Tea Estate are also within easy reach. Or simply just take some time to relax and savour the sights and flavours of Sri Lanka for a little longer before heading home.

Recommended Hotels

Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa
Feel gently removed from the rest of the world at this canopy-skimming Dutch-owned boutique hotel up in the hills. Welcome to the jungle.

The Fortress Resort & Spa
A fusion of Dutch and Portuguese styles, The Fortress is stylish, luxurious and right on the beach.

Jetwing Lighthouse
A distinctively designed eco-friendly hotel offering guests a glorious waterfront setting and welcoming service.
Extend your holiday
Option 2: Maldives
The Maldives is a short hop (aka a 90-minute flight) from Colombo so is the perfect beach bliss destination to add on to your Sri Lanka adventure. We feature over 35 islands resorts so there'll be one to suit your budget and tastes, just have a chat with one of our experts - they know them like the back of their hands.

Recommended Hotels

LUX* South Ari Atoll
With homemade bubblegum ice cream and a beach club vibe, expect a whimsical time on these paradise shores.


Diamonds Athuruga
With classic Maldivian beaches and beautiful water villas, Athuruga is authentic yet cosmopolitan.