Sri Lanka’s wildlife ranges from wild elephants and leopards to sea
turtles and a vast variety of birds. Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park
is known to have the highest density of leopards in the world.
National parks and bird sanctuaries, particularly in the southern
and central zones, have the best opportunities to see animals in
their natural habitat. Our tours include many possibilities for
wildlife watching and birding.
Touristic Places
Day 01
Airport to Pinnawala
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Lily Tours
Representative. After proceed Airport to Pinnawala. It is one of
the most popular tourist destination, since it's inception back in
1975. It's a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with
the elephants, which makes for a memorable experience. The two
main attractions for visitors is the bottle feeding session which
is followed by the bathing time.
Overnight in Pinnawala
Day 02
Dambulla | Kandalama | Habarana
Early morning we depart to Dambulla, a hub which has been
treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon
in the face of Sri Lanka Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the
most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples
flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely
cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of
Lord Buddha.
Then we depart to Kandalama. A trip in the hot air balloon
provides the ultimate views over Kandalama lake and the
surrounding landscape. If you could find a couple of days off,
Kandalama is a destination waiting to be explored by ultimate
lovers of nature and adventure. Don't be surprised if a wild
elephant crosses your path en route to Kandalama, just sit back
and take a good look because you are just within the borders of
the 'big foot' kingdom. After lunch we proceed to Habarana. This
small town isn't a destination in itself, but it serves as a good
base for safaris to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.
Overnight
in Habarana
Day 03
Sigiriya
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya. Sigiriya, ancient Sri Lankan
engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be
one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the
gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens
below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated
this rock fortress. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall'
embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic
hundred meters laminated with graffiti.
Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 04
Nuwara Eliya | Horton Plains
Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea
bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the
range of the renowned British colonial. Nuwara Eliya Augmented by
an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light - once
governed by English & Scottish planters - is still studded
with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole
golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and
red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing
countryside hamlet. Hop into a rattling train smoking and hissing
its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by
endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in
bright-colored saris.
Then proceed to Horton Plains. Horton Plains, UNESCO World
Heritage Site & Eco-tourism hideout in the heart of the isle,
painted with unending stretches of green pastures marks one of the
healthiest wet montane evergreen forests in Sri Lanka. With an
altitude above 7000ft, the plateau sweeps to a robust 3169
hectares sheltering flora and fauna varieties that may be found no
where else on earth. As the tributary of Belihul Oya - Bakers
Falls - thunders down rocks head off the beaten track - across
frost-covered grass - to feel the icy-cold wind against your face.
You may even gaze down World's End, a head-spinning 3700ft drop
towards the Southern end or drive carefully through herds of
sambar deer, shy to human touch & bird life chirping across
the plains.
Overnight in Horton Plains
Day 05
Yala
After breakfast proceed to Yala. Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2,
Yala - with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs,
tanks and dunes - rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri
Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you
are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the
country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during
the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its
usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear,
jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest
density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one
of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as
your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for
an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness
under the tropical sun.
Overnight in Yala
Day 06
Galle
Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where
classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a
vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets
listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how
European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today
flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original
ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a
heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries.
Overnight in Galle
Day 07
Sinharaja
In the morning, we proceed to Sinharaja Rain forest. Sinharaja
Rain Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the last viable
remnant of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rain forest spanning an
area of 18900 acres. Sinharaja is bounded by rivers on three
sides. On the north, Sinharaja is bounded by the Napola Dola and
Koskulana Ganga. On the south and south-west are the rivers Maha
Dola and Gin Ganga. On the west are the river Kalukandawa Ela and
river Kudawa Ganga. To the east of Sinharaja is an ancient
footpath near Beverley Tea Estate and by the Denuwa Kanda.
Sinharaja Forest reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s
endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds
of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. The two main nature
trails of Sinharaja Rain Forest are those lead to the peak of
Moulawella and the peak of Sinhagala. Both of these nature trails
begins at Kudawa Conservation Centre (KCC) are equally enjoyable
and enlightening. The forest is densly crowded with tall trees
growing in close proximity, but winding trails make the trekking.
Small streams of crystal-clear cool water, that is home to a
variety of fish, toads and crabs, crisscross the trails. And the
mixed species of birds are seen in the canopy of woods.
Overnight in Sinharaja
Day 08
Bentota | Airport
Bentota, undoubtedly has some of the best stretches of clean sandy
beaches in the country boasting of numerous romantic settings
carved by both the river & sea. This unique experience leads
to nothing, but an enchanted gateway to bliss. Float into the
ocean for some deep sea fishing or get wet with some serious
rumble on the water with jet skiing, surfing, diving or body
boarding. Finally, cherish the golden sun sink into the horizon as
you sit back gently under a shady palm tree.
