Sri Lanka Wildlife Adventure
An 8-Day Safari & Marine Expedition
Welcome to your wild Sri Lankan escape, curated by Nanda Tours for the adventurous spirit. This tour is an action-packed journey into the island’s most spectacular national parks and vibrant marine ecosystems. Forget the beaches for a moment (we’ll get to those!), and prepare for heart-pounding jeep safaris in Yala and Udawalawe, witness the awe-inspiring “Gathering” of elephants in Minneriya, and venture out onto the ocean in Mirissa for a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching trip. Our expert driver-guides and dedicated safari trackers will use their local knowledge to maximize your wildlife sightings, ensuring your adventure is not just exciting, but also safe and deeply informative.
Tour Highlights
Witness
“The Gathering”
See the world’s largest meeting of Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park during the dry season (July-Oct)
Leopard Spotting in Yala
Go on a thrilling safari in Yala National Park, home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world
Udawalawe Elephants
Explore Udawalawe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and the incredible Elephant Transit Home
Blue Whale Watching
Set sail from Mirissa for a morning boat trip to see magnificent blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins
Relax in Galle Fort
After your adventures, unwind in the historic, coastal charm of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Itinerary
- You will be warmly greeted at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) by your Nanda Tours driver-guide.
- We’ll begin our journey towards the north-central province, to a hotel near Habarana or Minneriya (approx. 4–5-hour drive).
- After checking in and relaxing, your guide will brief you on the exciting safaris ahead. In the evening, enjoy the serene sounds of the nearby wilderness.
- Overnight: Habarana/Minneriya.
- Rise early for an exhilarating morning jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
- Depending on the season, you’ll witness the famous “Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants come to the Minneriya tank to drink, bathe, and socialize. It’s a spectacular sight of elephant behavior. You’ll also be on the lookout for sambar deer, leopards (if you’re very lucky!), and a huge variety of birds.
- Return to your hotel for a late breakfast and a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
- Overnight: Habarana/Minneriya.
- After breakfast, we head south to Udawalawe (approx. 4–5-hour drive). The landscape changes as we travel towards the dry plains of the south.
- After checking into your hotel and having lunch, we’ll embark on an afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. This Park is renowned for its large, easily spotted herds of elephants. The open plains make for excellent game viewing and photography.
- Overnight: Udawalawe.
- This morning, we visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. This is a fantastic conservation facility where orphaned baby elephants are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. The morning feeding time is a heartwarming experience.
- Afterwards, we take a short drive to the area around Yala National Park (approx. 2–3-hour drive), our base for the next two nights.
- Check into your hotel, perhaps a safari-style tented camp for a more immersive experience.
- Overnight: Yala/Tissamaharama.
- Today is dedicated to Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. We’ll embark on two safaris for the best chances of sightings: one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon when the animals are most active.
- Yala National Park is famous for its leopard population, and our expert tracker will work hard to find one. The Park is also home to sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, and countless bird species.
- The diverse landscape of light forest, scrubland, and lagoons makes every safari a unique adventure.
- Overnight: Yala/Tissamaharama.
- After a final morning safari or a leisurely breakfast, we drive to the beautiful south coast (approx. 2–3-hour drive).
- Arrive in Mirissa, a stunning beach paradise famous for its whale watching. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sand, swimming in the turquoise water, or enjoying a fresh seafood lunch at a beachside cafe.
- Overnight: Mirissa.
- An early start today! We’ll head to the harbor around 6:00 AM for your whale and dolphin watching boat trip.
- Venture out into the deep blue waters of the continental shelf, where you have a very high chance of spotting magnificent blue whales (the largest animal on earth), sperm whales, and large pods of playful dolphins. The trip usually lasts 3-5 hours.
- Note: If you are prone to seasickness, please take medication beforehand.
- After returning to shore and having lunch, we take a short drive up the coast to Galle (approx. 1 hour).
- In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the historic Galle Fort, exploring its Dutch-era streets, ramparts, and charming boutiques.
- Overnight: Galle.
- Enjoy a final leisurely Sri Lankan breakfast. You can spend the morning exploring more of Galle Fort or relaxing at your hotel.
- Depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you back to the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure (approx. 2.5-3-hour drive), filled with incredible memories of your Sri Lankan wildlife adventure.
- End of Tour.
What’s Included
What’s Excluded
Packing List
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Will I definitely see a leopard and a blue whale? While sightings are never 100% guaranteed in the wild, our chosen locations and timing offer some of the best chances in the world. Yala has a high leopard density, and Mirissa is one of the top spots for blue whales. Our expert guides significantly increase your chances.
- How comfortable are the safari jeeps? We use specially modified 4×4 jeeps designed for wildlife viewing. They are open-sided for unobstructed views and photography. While the ride can be bumpy on park trails, it is all part of the authentic safari experience.
- Is it safe to go on safari and the whale watching trip? Absolutely. Your safety is our top priority. We use only government-licensed, experienced drivers and trackers for safaris and reputable, safety-certified boat operators for whale watching.
- What happens if the whale watching trip is cancelled due to bad weather? The boat operator will typically offer a partial refund or the option to rebook for the next day, depending on your schedule. Nanda Tours will assist in managing this situation.