Wildlife of Sri Lanka & The Maldives Safari

Experience fantastic wildlife encounters and camp in the jungles of Sri Lanka before relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Maldives on this adventurous safari.

This immersive 19-day safari takes you to the best spots for wildlife sightings in Sri Lanka; camp in the jungles of Wilpattu National Park as you track the elusive Asian leopard, get off the beaten track on a boat safari in Gal Oya, and enjoy fantastic wildlife encounters in Yala National Park. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka, including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and the towering monument of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, before setting off to the beautiful beaches of the Maldives for some well-earned relaxation.

Upon your arrival into Colombo you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax.

After an early start you will journey up the western coast of Sri Lanka, through fishing towns and villages, to Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu is the oldest and largest park in Sri Lanka, having been designated a protected area in 1905, and has one of the highest population densities of leopards in the world. Famed for its leopards, Wilpattu is home to over 30 recorded species of mammal, including Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, and the rare Sri Lankan sloth bear, as well as many wetland bird species. In the evenings, relax with a drink at your campsite and enjoy a sumptuous BBQ surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

After your morning game drive you will head to Sigiriya, stopping en-route for a visit to the archaeological site of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anuradhapura was the former capital of the island, and is the site of many palaces, temples with ornate moonstones, and a sacred Bo Tree said to be a sapling from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. You will then continue on to Sigiriya and check into your hotel.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Rising nearly 700 feet above one of Asia's most well-preserved ancient landscaped gardens, this giant granite monolith is an unforgettable site. Later in the day you will be driven to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city which originates from as far back as the 4th century and is the most intact of Sri Lanka's ancient cities.

Transfer to the city of Kandy, stopping on the way to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Once a pleasure garden for the last Queen of Kandy, these now comprise some of the best botanical gardens in the world and are known for the Orchid House, containing over 300 varieties of orchid, and spice garden.

Depart for Gal Oya National Park, a hidden gem where elephants swim from island to island in Sri Lanka's largest lake, Senansyake Sumdraya Lake. This is the only park in the country that offers boat safaris and due to its remote location receives very few visitors so you will feel like you have the park all to yourself. Check into your lodge and, time permitting, head out on a boat safari or walk from the lodge.

Explore the town of Ella. Visit the ancient Dova Temple, Ravana Caves and Ravana Falls, which are associated with the ancient epic Indian poem The Ramayana. If you would like to travel slightly further afield, there are a number of scenic waterfalls to the south, and the colonial Adisham Benedictine Monastery is an interesting half-day excursion.

Explore Yala National Park. Covering an area of 1300 square kilometres, Yala encompasses a variety of landscapes including jungles, scrub plains, freshwater lakes and beaches, and is one of the best places to see a variety of Sri Lankan wildlife.

You will be met and driven to Colombo International Airport for your flight to Male in the Maldives. After a short boat ride you will arrive at your resort, where the rest of the day is yours to relax; enjoy the tranquility of the resort, take a dip in the ocean and watch the sunset. Spend your days relaxing on the beautiful white sands of the Maldives, sunbathing, snorkelling, diving or enjoying the facilities at your resort.

The Wallawwa

The Wallawwa is a restored old Manor House; originally built over 200 years ago it maintains its old charm and incorporates a stylish design with luxurious comforts. Despite being just 20 minutes away from the International Airport, there is not a plane in sight. The boutique style hotel is hidden gem, tucked away from the main road, but within an easy distance of the beach town of Negombo and Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city.

Gal Oya Lodge

Situated in the relatively unexplored east province of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya Lodge is a paradise for wildlife-lovers looking to explore on foot, in jeeps and even by boat on Sri Lanka’s only boat safari. Stay in sumptuous eco-friendly accommodation with a combination of traditional and modern features and spectacular views of the mountainous region.