Travel Kuoni

Wild Sri Lanka

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

We’ll take you to a bird-watering paradise, an elephant herd hot spot and get you off the beaten track before whisking you down to the island’s poster-child reserve, Yala National Park. There’s also a side of culture for good measure: there’s a fortress-city rock climb, exploration of an ancient Kingdom and time to wander the streets of the walled city of Galle all slotted in between your unforgettable wildlife-seeking adventures.

Suggested itinerary

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Wild Sri Lanka

From £4,075 per person

  • tick12 nights
  • tickBoard Basis - Selected Meals
  • tick2 nights Ula Ulagalla - Anuradhpaura (Half Board - complimentary upgrade from Room & Breakfast)
  • tick2 nights Jetwing Vil Uyana - Sigiriya (Room & Breakfast)
  • tick1 night Coffee Bungalow - Kandy (Room & Breakfast)
  • tick2 nights Gal Oya Lodge - Gal Oya (Room & Breakfast)
  • tick3 nights Jetwing Jungle Lodge - Yala (Half Board)
  • tick2 nights Tabula Rasa - Koggala (Room & Breakfast)
  • tick6 experiences included - see itinerary below
  • tickFly with Sri Lanka Airlines from London Heathrow
  • tickFlights available from other UK airports - please contact us for details
  • tickBased on selected September 2025 departures

Itinerary overview

Days 1 to 2

Anuradhapura (for Wilpattu)

Your first journey takes you from the airport inland to Anuradhapura, one of the three points of ...

Days 3 to 4

Sigiriya

At the next stop Sigiriya, a Cultural Triangle favourite the focus is split between history and n...

Day 5

Kandy

Swap rural for urban and nature for heritage in Kandy, a city with a rich heritage, tranquil trop...

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...

Days 8 to 10

Yala

We’ve saved Sri Lanka’s most famous reserve for last – Yala National Park. The name alone conjure...

Days 11 to 12

Galle

From the southeast to the southwest: the final leg of the trip ends in heritage-packed Galle, a s...

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.

Wilpattu 3-hour Jeep Safari

Anuradhapura

Much quieter than Sri Lanka’s other popular national parks, Wilpattu offers a genuine sense of wilderness with scientific research on the bio-diversity of the park still in its infancy. This ‘Land of Lakes’ is dotted with water-basins and hidden in the dense forests you’ll find an array of wildlife from sloth bears and spotted deer to elephants and crocodiles. Little is known of the large population of leopards who reside in the park, but next to Yala in the south. this is the second-best place to spot them in Sri Lanka. With an intimate knowledge of the area, your guide and driver will navigate the day based on their experience giving you the best chance to catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 6am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm
• Daily departures
• between February and October
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Sigiriya

Good to know
Suitable for all, for those staying further afield and those who can’t commit to a day trip, we’d recommend an afternoon visit.

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.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Anuradhapura

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, Sigiriya Rock is a sight to behold, towering 200 metres above the surrounding jungle. Formed from magma of an extinct volcano, the fortress was created over 1500 years ago by King Kashyapa and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, discover the vast history of the plateau at the onsite museum before making the climb up the vertiginous staircases to the summit passing impressive frescoes and the famed Mirror Wall and colossal Lions Platform as you go. From the top, explore the ruins of the ancient civilisation through the remnants of the palace and vast gardens and soak up the panoramic vistas of the jungle covered central plains.

Good to know
For the most pleasurable experience we recommend organising this excursion first thing in the morning or after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day. While suitable for all, the climb to the summit requires a good degree of physical fitness.

Minneriya Jeep Safari

Anuradhapura

If observing elephants in their natural habitat is on your to do list while in Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park should be top of your list. While elephants can be spotted all year round in huge numbers, during the dry season, between April and October, the park plays host to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world: The Great Elephant Gathering. As the Minneriya Tank dries up and gives way to a lush grass plain, 300 or more elephants gather in the late afternoon to feed offering visitors an unforgettable spectacle. Home to a host of other wildlife from two endemic monkey species to the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, the endangered Grey Slender Loris and elusive Sri Lankan Leopard can also occasionally be spotted.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 3pm to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Habarana, Kandalama and Kandy

Good to know
Depending on the time of year, guests may be taken to the Hurulu Eco-park (Jan to May) or Kandulla National Park (Nov to Dec) as elephant migrations interchange between all three parks.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Sri Lanka

Embark on this unforgettable adventure activity and experience the serenity of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle from the sky. Revel at the views as the sun rises and you gently glide across dense forests, ancient ruins and grassy plains, witnessing the stunning landscapes from a whole new perspective. The perfect addition to any honeymoon or those celebrating a special occasion, after landing your flight will be toasted with a glass of champagne or juice.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Time: 5.30am to 7am
• Daily departures
• Operates between November and April
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Kandalama, Dambulla, Habarana and Sigiriya

Good to know
Not suitable for those under 16 years of age, pregnant passengers or those with heart conditions.

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.

Kandy Highlights and Cultural Fire Dance Tour

Kandy & Nuwara Eliya

Whether you’re a history buff hungry for a taster of Sri Lankan heritage or you’re simply looking for a unique experience to sink your teeth into, the Kandy Highlights and Cultural Fire Dance Tour is a must. Explore the aged walls of the Temple of Tooth before wandering the flourishing grounds of the Royal Botanical Garden and sample an authentic slice of Sri Lankan history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates right back to the 14th century, lending an authentic glimpse into times gone by, while the fire dancing ritual has been carefully recreated for an evening performance you’ll never forget. Watch as the fire dancers walk over hot coals and dance among the flames and soak up every second of this jaw-dropping recital.

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.

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.

Yala Full Day Jeep Safari

Yala & Udawalawe

Explore Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and experience the sanctuary’s rich wildlife from the comfort of your own private jeep on this epic full day excursion. As the sun begins to rise and the parks inhabitants begin to emerge from their slumber, your experienced guide will drive you through the grassy plains and light forest in search of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys and more. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and a full day to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures too. A haven for bird watchers, the park is brimming with both migratory and endemic bird species and dotted with important ancient ruins and temples dating back to the 5th century B.C.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round except September – mid-October
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Yala

Good to know
This experience is designed for those staying in close vicinity to the park due to the early start. Please note that during the height of the drought season between September and mid-October, the park will be closed.

Bundala Bird Watching Safari

Yala & Udawalawe

The first wetland to be declared as a RAMSAR site in Sri Lanka, Bundala National Park is a must do for bird enthusiasts. The UNESCO designated biosphere reserve hosts 197 species and is one of the best places to observe both migrant and resident birds which use the parks five shallow lagoons as feeding sites. Delight in the impressive bird song as your personal tracker guides you through the six different types of wetland where you’ll spot the likes of Black Headed Ibis, Painted Storks and Terns along with other small mammals, reptiles and butterflies from the comfort of your own private jeep.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 5.30am to 9am or 2.30pm to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates between October and March
• Private experience
• Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Hambantota, Tangalle, Udawalawe and Yala
• Available for guests staying at hotels in Tangalle and Hambantota

Good to know
Due to the early start time of the morning excursion, we’d recommend an afternoon visit for those staying further afield.

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.

Heritage Galle

Galle

Get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s fascinating past as you wander through Galle’s winding streets. You’ll explore the 17th-Century Dutch-built fort which is enclosed by thick ramparts and bastions, and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean on three sides. Highlight attractions within the walls include the Dutch Reformed Church, Meeran Mosque, the National Maritime Museum and the lighthouse – an icon of Galle. You could dip into boutiques, browse galleries and pause for a lunch at a local restaurant.  

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Begins at 9am
• Operates year-round
• Private experience 

Good to know 
Museums in Galle do not open on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.

Kanneliya Rainforest Trek

Sri Lanka

Venture into the Kanneliya Rainforest on a private tour to explore its flora and fauna. While it’s known as one of South Asia's most floristically abundant areas, the Kanneliya Forest Reserve is also home to fascinating birdlife, including many endemics and an incredible diversity of mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, and reptiles. During your tour, you’ll have the chance to see the Anagimale Falls, an ancient tangled giant creeper and the little waterfall of Narangas Ella. An impressive Nevada tree observation platform provides a great spot to look out over the Reserve.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Daily departures from Galle or Koggala
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Canoe Unawatuna Lagoon

Sri Lanka

Paddle through the mangrove forests of the Unawatuna Lagoon in a canoe. Your adventure begins with a safety introduction and life jackets. You’ll board a canoe and paddle through beautiful rivulets and mangrove forests. You can interact with the local people and watch them catch crabs as you go. An experienced professional guide will assist you throughout the trip, pointing out bird species flocking on the distant trees on a two-hour voyage.

• Daily departures from Galle
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

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