Travel Kuoni

 Wild Sri Lanka 

Go wild on the isle on this national park-hopping journey through Sri Lanka.

We’ll take you to a bird-watering paradise, an elephant herd hot spot and get you off the beaten track before whisking you down to the island’s poster-child reserve, Yala National Park. There’s also a side of culture for good measure: there’s a fortress-city rock climb, exploration of an ancient Kingdom and time to wander the streets of the walled city of Galle all slotted in between your unforgettable wildlife-seeking adventures.

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Suggested itinerary

Recommended itinerary

Days 1 to 2

Anuradhapura (for Wilpattu)

Your first journey takes you from the airport inland to Anuradhapura, one of the three points of the island’s famed Cultural Triangle. But you’re here as it is close to the wonderful Wilpattu National Park. The park is untamed and vast (it’s the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country) with over 100 villus – or lakes – that draw creatures great, small, spotted and feathered. It’s particularly a haven for leopards with over 115 individuals counted in the most recent survey. We’ve set aside a whole day for your visit to this park as, even though only a quarter of the park is open to visitors, there’s still plenty of ground to cover. Alongside keeping a keen eye out at ground level, raise your eyes to the sky every now and again as the park is also famous for its bird life.

Days 3 to 4

Sigiriya

At the next stop Sigiriya, a Cultural Triangle favourite the focus is split between history and nature. Your trip over from Anuradhapura is an easy one so there’s time to reset with some down time at your hotel before your action-packed full day in the area. You’ll start with an ascent of the iconic Sigirya Rock, a soaring granite rock used by King Kashyapa as his capital. Once you’ve made it to the top, wander around the ruins and take in the views. Then it’s on to Minneriya, a national park that’s known for its massive herds of elephants and the extraordinary elephant gathering that happens from May to October. An afternoon in the company of these beautiful creatures is good for the soul.

Day 5

Kandy

Swap rural for urban and nature for heritage in Kandy, a city with a rich heritage, tranquil tropical gardens and a buzzing and busy vibe. We’ve included a city tour that gives you an introductory insight into what makes the city tick.

Days 6 to 7

Gal Oya

This is the day we take you off the well-trodden path. While most people will head head up to the Hill Country towns from Kandy, you’ll be heading east to Gal Oya National Park. It’s a bit of a hidden gem so this visit gives you some serious bragging rights. You’ll be tracking those classic Sri Lankan species like the Asian elephant and leopard, all with a magnificent backdrop of emerald hills and the huge Senanayaka Samudra reservoir. But the most special thing of all about the park? This is one of just a handful of places on Earth where you may be lucky enough to see elephants swimming. Pure magic.

Days 8 to 10

Yala

We’ve saved Sri Lanka’s most famous reserve for last – Yala National Park. The name alone conjures up images of playing hide and seek with elusive leopards (although they’re less elusive here as the park has one of the world’s highest concentrations); elephants wandering sedately in a family line across the grasslands; and a windswept, untouched coastline. We haven’t skimped on time in the park on this holiday – a full-day safari is included to give you the best chance to seek out as much of the wildlife as Yala has to offer.

Days 11 to 12

Galle

From the southeast to the southwest: the final leg of the trip ends in heritage-packed Galle, a stunning spot with a fortified old city. You can pick a peaceful spot to stay about 10 miles from Galle or be right at the heart of the action by choosing a city bolthole. Either way, there’ll be the chance to completely unwind after your jam-packed holiday. Between chill times, we recommend some easy-going exploring along the streets of Galle Fort which are crammed with character boutiques, cafés and locally owned restaurants.

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