🌿 Sri Lanka Wildlife & Heritage Journey – 10-Day Itinerary
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the serene Tamarind Tree Garden Resort—a peaceful retreat just 15 minutes away. Nestled in lush tropical surroundings, it’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after your long-haul flight.
Hotel: Tamarind Tree Garden Resort Meals: — Dinner
🐾 Day 2: Journey to Wilpattu National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, meet your expert local guides and embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Wilpattu National Park, located on Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast.
Wilpattu is the country’s oldest and largest national park, spanning over 131,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Its signature feature is the “Willus”—natural, sand-rimmed lakes that shimmer through the forest, creating a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife.
The park boasts a remarkable leopard density of 18 per 100 square kilometers and is considered one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Sloth Bear, especially during May and June when they feast on Palu berries. In addition to leopards and bears, Wilpattu is home to a dazzling array of birds and mammals, all thriving in its sandy forest trails.
Arrive at Claughton Wild Lodge in time for a late lunch and a chance to relax. This intimate eco-lodge offers a tranquil base for your wildlife adventures.
Hotel: Claughton Wild Wilpattu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🦁 Days 3–6: Safari Immersion in Wilpattu
Spend four exhilarating days exploring Wilpattu National Park at your own relaxed pace with full-day guided safaris.
Typical Safari Day:
5:30 AM: Wake-up tea/coffee at the lodge
5:45 AM: Depart with packed breakfast to reach the park gates by 6:00 AM
Morning and afternoon game drives through remote trails and backroads
Midday: Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch at a scenic site
6:00 PM: Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation
Alternate Days: Every second day, enjoy a split schedule with morning and afternoon safaris, lunch at the lodge, and an early dinner followed by a thrilling night safari. Traverse the buffer zones in search of elusive small cat species such as the Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, and the rare Rusty Spotted Cat.
Hotel: Claughton Wild Wilpattu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏛️ Day 7: Ancient Wonders & Habarana
After breakfast, journey to the sacred city of Anuradhapura for a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at ancient stupas, monastic ruins, and sophisticated irrigation systems that reflect the ingenuity of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom.
Continue to Habarana, a region rich in history and natural beauty. Discover the engineering marvels of the second kingdom of Polonnaruwa and the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress—revered locally as the 8th Wonder of the World.
Visit two ancient man-made lakes built by King Mahasen, where wild elephants gather to graze on lush grasses. Sri Lanka’s unique elephant subspecies thrives here, with over 6,000 individuals recorded across the island.
Enjoy lunch at a handpicked restaurant in Anuradhapura before checking into the Cinnamon Lodge in Habarana. After an early dinner, embark on a guided night safari in the buffer zone.
Hotel: Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🐘 Day 8: Sigiriya & The Elephant Gathering
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to Sigiriya for a guided tour of its iconic rock fortress and frescoes.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then set out on an afternoon safari to either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park—depending on elephant herd movements—to witness the awe-inspiring Elephant Gathering, one of the largest wild elephant congregations in Asia.
Hotel: Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌙 Day 9: Polonnaruwa & Nocturnal Safari
After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing exquisite stone carvings, temples, and royal palaces.
Following lunch at the lodge, enjoy another afternoon safari to Minneriya or Kaudulla. Today, leave the park slightly early and head to a nearby forest patch near Sigiriya for a guided night walk. With luck, you may spot nocturnal creatures such as the Slender Loris, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, and the elusive Rusty Spotted Cat.
Hotel: Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
✈️ Day 10: Departure or Optional Extension
After breakfast, transfer back to Colombo International Airport (approx. 3-hour drive) for your onward flight.
Optional Extension: For those wishing to extend their stay, consider an extra night at the Tamarind Tree Garden Resort with curated excursions to Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches or misty highlands.
Meals: Breakfast
