Jaytee Kanwal
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kotugoda
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, your private driver and guide will warmly welcome you at the Gold Route Lounge. As you wait for your luggage, enjoy a complimentary hot beverage and snacks. Your accommodation for the evening is a short distance from the airport, providing a retreat after your journey.
Overnight The Wallawwa
Day 2
Wilpattu
Your driver will accompany you on the scenic drive to Wilpattu this morning. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the team at Leopard Trails and settle in at the campsite.
Following a delicious lunch, the team will take you on an exciting evening safari, venturing into the wilderness until dusk. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing sundowner at the jungle bar and dinner at a location specially chosen for you.
Overnight Leopard Trails
Day 3 - 4
Wilpattu
Set out from the campsite early this morning for a full-day safari at Wilpattu National Park with breakfast and lunch packed to take with you.
Known for its diverse forests and rich heritage, Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is home to over 30 mammalian species, including leopards, sloth bears, Sri Lankan elephants, and spotted deer. The park also boasts a variety of wetland bird species, such as the pin tail, the white ibis, and the whistling teal spoonbill. Wilpattu is renowned for being a premier safari destination due to its population of elusive leopards and the dense population of highly threatened Sri Lankan sloth bears.
After returning from your safari, you can look forward to a relaxing cup of tea and a delicious dinner by a crackling campfire. To top off your day, take a night walk along the park's borders for a chance to encounter some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive Slender Loris!
Overnight Leopard Trails
Day 5
Sigiriya
Begin your day with a leisurely morning stroll to a nearby lake that is a haven for various bird species. A knowledgeable camp naturalist will accompany you, offering guidance as you capture some wonderful photos of the birds.
Following breakfast, your driver will take you to Sigiriya, where you will check in to your accommodation.
After a few hours of relaxation, your guide will escort you to the remarkable Sigiriya Rock Fortress, considered one of the most remarkable architectural marvels in Sri Lanka. This giant granite monolith rises nearly 700 feet above one of Asia’s best-preserved ancient landscaped gardens.
Overnight Jetwing Vil Uyana
Day 6
Minneiya
This afternoon, make the journey to Priyamali Gedara, a village home in Polonnaruwa, and indulge in an authentic meal. Learn how to prepare a variety of dishes local to the area and enjoy these specialties together.
Following lunch, set out on an exciting evening game drive at Minneriya National Park, a protected wildlife reserve in the heart of Sri Lanka's Dry Zone. Its main attraction is the Minneriya Reservoir, the largest of 16 reservoirs built in the 3rd Century AD by King Mahasena. The ‘Elephant Gathering’ is one of the most stunning natural events in the world. During the dry months of August and September, elephants from the park and the surrounding area, including the Wasgamuwa National Park, gather in large numbers at the reservoir to quench their thirst.
Later in the evening, your driver will take you on a short drive to Dambulla Kandalama for a night walk at Sam Popham’s Arboretum, home to an incredible variety of trees, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals. You’ll be instantly immersed in the depths of nature as you walk along the winding footpaths through lush greenery while listening to the melody of bird calls. The main highlight the Arboretum is its ‘Night Safari’, where you’ll search for the rare slender Loris in the wilderness.
Overnight Jetwing Vil Uyana
Day 7
Gal Oya
Take the drive this morning from Sigiriya to Gal Oya Lodge, where you’ll stay for the night. Once you've checked in, you can join a resident naturalist for a leisurely walk around the property, to admire the surroundings. The walk offers various possible routes through the trees and around the nearby lake, allowing you to observe various bird species, such as kingfishers, eagles, kites, and many aquatic birds.
Overnight Gal Oya Lodge
Day 8 - 9
Gal Oya
This morning, set off for a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park, the only national park in Sri Lanka offering this remarkable boating experience. With a bit of luck, you’ll witness Asian elephants in their natural habitat, swimming from island to island and socializing at the water's edge.
During your stay at Gal Oya Lodge, you are welcome to join one of the naturalists for a relaxed bike ride in the evening. You can take the shorter off-road trail to the charming Kiri Oruwa Lake, known for its diverse bird species, or ride along the longer main road that runs through the national park, leading to the stunning Namal Oya Reservoir.
You may prefer to join the resident naturalists for a night walk in the forests surrounding the lodge to possibly encounter some of the nocturnal wildlife that emerge at night, such as the peculiar-looking frog mouth bird, or you might even see the endangered thick-tailed Pangolin.
Overnight Gal Oya Lodge
Day 10
Ella
After breakfast, check out from the hotel, and your driver will take you on the scenic journey to Ella, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Upon reaching Ella, settle into your hotel and delight in the stunning views from your room.
Overnight Nine Skies
Day 11
Ella
Today, your guide will lead you on short drives to see Ella’s most fascinating locations, such as Mini Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge. Mini Adam’s Peak offers breathtaking views of the highlands after a relatively easy hike on a well-maintained path.
A visit to the Nine Arch Bridge is a must-do in Ella, surrounded by picturesque tea fields and lush jungle. Besides its natural allure, the area has excellent hiking opportunities. The bridge is conveniently situated near Ella's main town and can be easily accessed by tuktuk and a brief stroll to the vantage point.
Overnight Nine Skies
Day 12
Galle
This morning, your driver will take you to one of the most stunning beach areas in Sri Lanka – Galle. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and set out on a walking tour of Galle Fort. This "living" UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be the ancient Tarshish mentioned in the Bible, where King Solomon acquired gems and spices. It was initially established by the Portuguese in 1505 and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries, allowing the city to retain its charming Dutch essence to this day.
Overnight Fort Bazaar
Day 13
Mirissa
Wake early for a private boat trip to whale-watch on the south coast of Sri Lanka, one of the best places to see blue whales as the season is longer than anywhere else. In addition to blue whales, you can also spot Sperm Whales and other fascinating cetacean species. This experience is only available from November to April.
Overnight Fort Bazaar
Day 14
Departure Day
Start your day with one final breakfast at the hotel before the 2-hour journey to the airport for your international flight back home.
