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7-Day Big 5 Animal Exploration

Customisable Itinerary
5.0 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Sri Lanka is an island reminiscent of paradise, steeped in culture, history, exotic wildlife and beautiful beaches, and this 7-day itinerary covers it all!

You'll start your wildlife tour in Sri Lanka on the island's coastal belt where you'll be in awe at the schools of whales as they swim past you. You'll venture out on safaris in major national parks where you will hope to spot the elusive leopard, Sri Lankan elephants and exotic water birds.

This is the perfect trip to explore the wilderness of Sri Lanka and all of the incredible native wildlife that is encompassed in it.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts

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Itinerary

Day 1

Begin Your Wildlife Tour in Sri Lanka!

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Begin Your Wildlife Tour in Sri Lanka!

Once you arrive at Colombo International Airport, you will be met by your designated chauffeur guide. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned car and proceed to Mirissa, which will take around 2 to 3 hours. A suggestion for lunch is the cosmopolitan beach bar of Zephyr which is popular with travellers for its beachfront views and delicious food. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish, perhaps exploring, snorkelling or relaxing on Mirissa Beach.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Mandara Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mirissa Beach

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Bandaranaike International Airport to Mandara Resort Mirissa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Southern Province

    Mirissa

Day 2

Whale Watching in Mirissa

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Whale Watching in Mirissa

Today, you'll be up early to go on a whale watching tour which gives you the opportunity to see the biggest mammals on earth - whales, in their natural habitat. You will be in awe as you observe blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales in a responsible way. After lunch, you will visit the historical and equally beautiful city of Galle, visiting the old Dutch fort and the lighthouse. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Mandara Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whale Watching in Mirissa

    Galle Dutch Fort

    Galle Lighthouse

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Mandara Resort Mirissa to Galle Dutch Fort

    Private Driver from Galle Dutch Fort to Mandara Resort Mirissa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Southern Province

    Mirissa

    Galle

Day 3

Bundala National Park

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Bundala National Park

After breakfast, you'll depart from Mirissa to visit Bundala National Park having lunch en route. The park was declared the first Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, now a UNESCO biosphere reserve site. Watch the giant flocks of greater flamingos that visit Bundala and gain insight into the many other species of migratory waterbirds that winter here. You'll explore the seven terrestrial habitat types and six wetland types within the park and learn more about them. Dinner will be served at your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Kithala Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bundala National Park

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Mandara Resort Mirissa to Bundala National park

    Private Driver from Bundala National Park to Kithala Resort

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Southern Province

    Tangalle

    Mahasenpura

Day 4

Safari in Yala National Park

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Safari in Yala National Park

Today you will embark on an exciting safari int Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. You'll get chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bears and large herds of Sri Lankan elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. You'll be out for the whole day and will return to the hotel for dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Kithala Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Yala National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mahasenpura

    Southern Province

Day 5

Safari at Udawalawe National Park

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Safari at Udawalawe National Park

Today you'll venture out into Udawalawe National Park on a three-hour safari that will give you the chance to see the famed Sri Lankan elephants and many other mammals. You'll travel through the marshes, forests and grasslands of the park that was created as a sanctuary for wildlife in the 1970s. You'll also see the water birds which have made the park famous as well as many other birds, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. You'll enjoy dinner at the hotel in the evening.

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    Accommodation

    Centauria Wild4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Udawalawe National Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kithala Resort to Ice Burge Family Restaurant

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mahasenpura

    Uva Province

Day 6

The Capital of Sri Lanka

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The Capital of Sri Lanka

Today, you'll leave Udawalawe behind and head towards the colourful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Once you arrive in Colombo you'll venture out on a city tour to visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more.

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    Accommodation

    OZO Colombo4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Colombo City

    Independence Square

    Galle Face Green

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Centauria Wild to OZO Colombo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Uva Province

    Colombo

Day 7

Goodbye Sri Lanka!

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Goodbye Sri Lanka!

This morning, you'll check out from the hotel and proceed to the airport after enjoying a memorable wildlife tour in Sri Lanka. Your guide and driver will help you with any formalities at the airport before wishing you a safe and pleasant onward journey.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from OZO Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Colombo

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What’s included?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 9 activities
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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