Leopard | Yala National Park | Sri Lanka
FROM: USD $1,785 pp

WILDLIFE TOUR: Go wild in Sri Lanka animal spotting in Yala, Udawalawe and Bandula national parks. Add to this whale watching in Mirissa and most of the country's famed cultural triangle and you've got the best of Sri Lanka in 10 days!

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID Safe Guide
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Udawalawe National Park - Go in search of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, home to the nation's largest herd of Asian Elephants
Bundala National Park - Spot colourful birds and Asian elephants in this picturesque coastal National Park
Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Old Fort area and impressive Gangaramaya Temple
Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th century Lion Rock fortress and see the Heavenly Maidens
Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family
Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy including the famous Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride, tour the Giragama Tea Factory and watch a cultural performance
Take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing waterfalls and lush tea plantations en route
Yala National Park - Safari in search of Asian Elephants, Sri Lankan krait, crocodiles and elusive leopards
Mirissa/Galle - Go whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Mirissa (01 Nov - 30 Apr) or visit Galle with its impressive fortress (01 May - 31 Oct)
Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon
Dambulla - Discover over 150 images of Buddha in the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple
Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs and spices at the spice gardens in Matale
Nuwara Eliya - Spend a night in this highland community, referred to as 'Little England', surrounded by Central Sri Lanka's picturesque tea country hills

Included

Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Kandy, Yala, Bandula and Colombo
Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and Tuk Tuk trips
Whale and dolphin watching boat cruise in Mirissa (01 Nov-30 April, approx $35pp to pay locally). Visit to the Dutch Fort at Galle (01 May-31 Oct)
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
9 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
3 Jeep safari/game drives in Udawalawe NP, Yala NP and Bandula NP
Escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 10

Not Included

International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: USD$160-$190pp, paid in local currency
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$60-$80pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Colombo

Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival transfer and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Our start hotel is located on the seafront and a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset over the Laccodive Sea.
Overnight: Colombo

Day 2

Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock Temple is an incredible ancient complex of caves which dates back to the 1st Century BC. The five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre carved statue.

After exploring this ancient site, we continue to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, we return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Dambulla  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Sigiriya & Spice Garden

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.

From Sigiriya, we take a bullock cart ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more. En route to Kandy, we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Overnight: Kandy  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

Kandy & Tuk Tuks

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Our first stop will be the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After driving around the Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, we visit the local bazaar and a gem museum, we then take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills. This afternoon we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy and was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Overnight: Kandy  |  Breakfast

Day 5

Nuwara Eliya & tea plantations

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time before transferring to the railway station for a scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea.

This afternoon we take a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya on a beautiful drive through 'Little England'.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya  |  Breakfast

Day 6

Udawalawe National Park jeep safari

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. We enjoy an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel.
Overnight: Udawalawe National Park   |  Breakfast

Day 7

Yala National Park - Elephant spotting

Udawalawe National Park - Yala National Park. This morning we depart for Yala National Park - the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. This afternoon, we take a jeep safari of the park. The park also has one of the highest concentrations of Asian elephants in the world - and about 350 live here. Also present are sloth bears, golden palm civets, Sri Lankan krait, crocodiles and some of the biggest numbers of leopards. The coastline around the park is visited by leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles.
Overnight: Yala National Park  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Bundala National Park

Yala National Park - Bundala National Park - Mirissa. This morning we depart Yala for coastal Bundala National Park. This fantastic labyrinth of waterways, dunes and lagoons is the home to thousands of brightly coloured birds, over 200 species. It is also home to the magnificent greater flamingo and has a decent amount of Asian elephants that call the park home. We take a jeep safari here before transferring to the coastal town of Mirissa for the night.
Overnight: Mirissa  |  Breakfast

Day 9

Colombo city tour

Mirissa - Colombo. This morning (if travelling between 01 Nov - 30 April) its an early start as we transfer to the boat pier for our whale and dolphin watching boat cruise (cost approx $35pp paid locally, and weather dependant). During this time of year fin whales, bryde's whales, sperm whales, blue whales - the largest creatures on earth, whale sharks, orcas and dolphins are very often seen just a few kilometres off Sri Lanka's southern coast. The round trip may last anywhere between 2-6 hours with an average of 4 hours depending on how far out at sea the mammals are located.

If travelling between 01 May - 31 Oct the morning is spent visiting UNESCO World Heritage Listed Galle fortress - first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588, then expanded and extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century.

Our final stop today, is Colombo and the bustling city centre for a guided tour. We explore the Fort area in the north of the city, famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. Taking a stroll along Galle Face Green and watching locals play cricket before heading over to stunning Gangarama Temple.
Overnight: Colombo  |  Breakfast

Day 10

Goodbye Sri Lanka

Monday. Our tour concludes today with an onward departure transfer to the airport.

Alternatively, consider spending some extra time exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful tropical coastline or simply relax and soak up the sun with a good book. Extend your stay by a day, a week or even two! We offer a variety of properties for you to choose from. Browse our best places to visit and Sri Lanka's best beaches pages for suggestions on what to see and do on your holiday. Alternatively, head to India to spot more wildlife! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.
Breakfast

Upgrade to a private tour

We now offer a private version of Wild About Sri Lanka. Experience our most popular Sri Lanka wildlife tour, travelling in the comfort of your own bubble, surrounded by family or friends. Our Sri Lanka Highlights & Wildlife private tour can depart any day of the week, with a minimum of two travellers.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

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Easter departure, book early!
Easter Departure
Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas Departure
Available
Contact us to book
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2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,785
USD $2,605
16 Apr - 25 Apr Easter departure, book early!
Easter departure, book early!
USD $1,785
USD $2,605
USD $1,785
USD $2,605
USD $1,785
USD $2,605
USD $1,785
USD $2,605
USD $1,785
USD $2,605
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
USD $1,875
USD $2,715
24 Dec - 02 Jan Christmas departure - book early!
Christmas departure - book early!
USD $1,935
USD $2,835

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Colombo
USD $95
USD $165
Post-Tour Accommodation - Colombo
USD $95
USD $165

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

OZO Colombo, Colombo

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

OZO Colombo is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness center and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. OZO is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.

Jetwing Lake, Dambulla

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

The Jetwing Lake hotel is a brand new property with spacious and comfortable rooms that enjoy a contemporary design blended with splashes of Eastern influenced decor. The ensuite facilities are magnificent and in keeping with the luxurious feel of the property as a whole. Each room also comes with a balcony, from which guests can get some fresh air and enjoy the spectacular views. Within the complex there is a pool, spa and fitness centre, where guests can while away their free time. There is also a restaurant, which serves sumptuous meals.

OZO Kandy Hotel, Kandy

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The stylish OZO Kandy prides itself on its smart facilities and stunning mountain surrounds. Its highlight being the rooftop pool and BOMMU Bar where you can soak up panoramic views over Kandy whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves a tasty array of Asian and international cuisine using only fresh and handpicked produce. Other amenities include a fitness centre and complimentary WiFi, with guestrooms boasting signature soft beds and rain showers.

Jetwing St Andrew's, Nuwara Eliya

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Jetwing St. Andrew's is a unique colonial retreat set in a former country house and surrounded by landscaped gardens. All the spacious rooms are classically furnished with elegant wood and offer free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The grounds of the hotel give a great feel of colonial splendour and guests can wake up to a typical English breakfast and enjoy a stiff brandy at the bar later in the day. Fine dining is offered at the Old Course Restaurant and the hotel also boasts an antique snooker table, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Udawalawe National Park

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated on 7 acres of land, the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is the only hotel of its class in the area. Rooms are spacious with beautiful hard wood flooring and artwork depicting the wildlife of Udawalawe. Food here is delicious and plentiful with an extensive breakfast menu. The outdoor pool is a great place to relax by and enjoy a refreshing splash in after a good day on safari. Well located just a few minutes drive from Udawalawe National Park.

Jetwing Yala, Yala National Park

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Right next to Yala National Park, Jetwing Yala offers superb accommodation in a spectacular location. Guest rooms are beautifully decorated and all come with private balconies and contemporary en suites. The hotel also benefits from a stunning out door pool, a desirable beachside location and a number of excellent restaurants. Choose from elegant dining at the Dining Room or tapas at the Lounge. Perfectly located on the outskirts of Yala National Park.

Mandara Resort, Weligama & Mirissa

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Overlooking the famous Red Cliff Mountains, Mandara Resort is one of Sri Lanka's newest boutique hotels. Guest rooms are spacious and well presented with beautiful wooden flooring and idyllic seaside views. Guests can take advantage of a stunning out door pool, full gym facilities and an on site ayurveda spa. Meals are served at the main restaurant, which dishes up a fantastic array of local and international cuisine. The resort is well located on the beach front of Mirissa and Weligama.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.79 out of 5 based on 14 recent reviews

1  |  2

Great experience - Brilliant tour of Sri Lanka, taking in national parks, UNESCO treasures, tea plantation and packing/sorting factory, mountain climbing, ocean picnic, boat, superbly organised by guide Manoj - oh and wonderful hotels!

• Submitted 11 Mar 2020
Tour
Guide
Country

We arrived in Sri Lanka on the 20th April this year and headed out on the tour on 21st April missing the Easter Sunday hotel bombings in Colombo. Despite our obvious shock at the attacks, our group decided to continue with the tour. Manoj was able to give us updates on everything happening regularly and answered our questions as honestly and clearly as he could. He made us feel that our safety was the first priority both of himself and On The Go tours.

We were always given options if there was any doubt about a destination and he was always willing to be guided by our thoughts. He was warm, caring and helpful.

I understand that additional On The Go staff were also visiting our accommodations prior to our arrival and making sure that all was OK- a great service appreciated by us all.

Unfortunately it was quite difficult to get the full picture of the real daily life of Sri Lankans but we certainly got a taste of the beautiful country and many of the things it had to offer. My daughter and I would especially like to thank On the Go tours for changing our Colombo accommodation from the Ozo Hotel to the Cinnamon Bay for the final stay at the end of the tour.

My only suggestion- we continued with a small group to complete the Wild about Sri Lanka tour. Being a biologist and lover of nature I think it would have been great if our guide Deeptee had been able to provide a couple of pairs of binoculars for game and bird viewing, it would have made our experience richer.

We were also very appreciative of his willingness to add in a couple of small tours that was of interest to the group. We loved the turtle hatchery and boat tour. The whole experience was really well run and professional.

Thank you On The Go, and we send everyone in the Sri Lanka team our very best wishes.

• Submitted 11 May 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

The tour was great. It was a really varied itinerary which included all of the highlights I was hoping to see. Akhtar was a fantastic guide, great fun and organised everything superbly. It would not have been nearly as good without him

• Submitted 15 Jan 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

The tour and tour guide were both very good, covering a good range of places, historical sites, wildlife etc.

On the tour, we specifically enjoyed Sigriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Train ride from Kandy to N.E, Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks, Village tour with home cooked food and Galle Fort.

The tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and ran a good tour. He helped us to get the best from the experience and kept us on track.

• Submitted 13 Jan 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

Aktar is a very good tour leader. He is very helpful and knowledgeable, as well as being a very nice person. If he does have a fault it is that sometimes he talks a bit too much. As a result, sometimes people 'turn off; and may miss a significant announcement. But overall he is one of the best tour leaders that I have encountered.

• Submitted 10 Aug 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the tour of Sri Lanka. Everything provided on the tour was excellent - the bus, the hotels, the driver and assistant, and especially the guide. Akthar was so friendly, knowledgable and helpful the whole tour and we really missed him the last few days when we went in a different direction.

I do have some comments which I didn't include on the feedback forms that I wanted to share with you, but overall I loved the trip - best holiday ever!

My thoughts were:

On arrival/start at the hotel it would be good to be advised of the arranged time to meet the guide for the introduction session. I was concerned that I wouldn’t get the message if I was out, and although it worked out fine, it would been reassuring.

Sigiriya - climbing in the morning was great. The main part of the climb was in the shade at that time.

Mirissa - the hotel was comfortable although there were some small issues with the room such as the kettle was broken. As we weren’t whale watching there was nothing to do in the town or hotel. I personally would have preferred to stay near Galle to explore more of the town and fort rather than stay in Mirissa. After sitting a lot with the train, driving and safaris for the few previous days i would have liked to be able to walk and explore somewhere rather than sitting around the hotel.

• Submitted 19 Jul 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Akthar was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. He considered each guests requests and preferences personally and catered to them with no fuss. We found Akthar extremely polite, knowledgeable, interesting and also had our best interests at heart. We felt that we travelled as first class guests from start to finish. Akhtar kept us all amused during the coach journeys with his humour, knowledge of local people and surroundings. When we were in Akhtar's company we knew we didn't have a worry in the world. He went the extra mile every day from dawn to dust and was always around late into the evening just in case we needed anything but was never intrusive. We believe Akhtar made our trip extra special. Thank you 'On The Go Tours' and the biggest and most sincere thank you to Akhtar.

• Submitted 19 Apr 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Hi Mark

Just a note to say thank you for helping us organise an amazing trip to Sri Lanka, we have now been back a few weeks and have had time to reflect, and would just like to say a big thank you to our tour guide, who showed us everything that was on the itinerary, but interpreted in his own way. This made for a very interesting and fluid trip with our guide reacting from the group, rather than sticking to a rigid script, which I can speak for everyone in our group made for a great time.

Thanks again Mark and will definitely recommend yourself and your company in the future.

• Submitted 26 Mar 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Sri Lanka is so beautiful! Thanks to On the Go Tour, you have organised a route that is just perfect! I joined the ‘Wild about Sri Lanka 10 tours’ We had two tour guides our young Richard and the very wise and knowledgeable Akhtar, both have us a great experience about Sri Lanka! I like say thank you to Akhtar is so considering, we were so lucky for his advise we got up early to the earliest tour in Yala National Park and WE SAW THE LEOPARD!!!! Akhtar give us very accurate and helpful information.

• Submitted 02 Mar 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

Very enjoyable tour - there is a lot packed in to each day with early starts and typically not getting to the next hotel until around 6pm. The traffic in Sri Lanka meant we missed lunch on a few days. the our guide was great - he had a demanding group with some of the individuals however he always tried to over deliver and was highly knowledgeable. Yala Jetwing was excellent!!

• Submitted 09 Jan 2018
Tour
Guide
Country
1  |  2

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Colombo
Ends
Colombo
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4-5 star & heritage hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 1
Visiting
Kandy, Colombo, Dambulla, Udawalawe National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Weligama & Mirissa, Polonnaruwa, Bundala National Park
Countries
A stupa in one of the Dambulla caves
The ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa
Elephants in the long grass of Udwalawe National Park
Leopard staring in to the camera in Yala National Park
Stunning sunset staining the sky purple and orange at the beach in Weligama
Cannon pointing towards the sea in Colombo

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Amari Galle Hotel Deluxe Ocean View Room | Sri Lanka
USD $ 645 / 4 days

Extra Tour Info

The Cultural Triangle
Our guide to visiting Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Updated
2nd June 2020

Great experience - Brilliant tour of Sri Lanka, taking in national parks, UNESCO treasures, tea plantation and packing/sorting factory, mountain climbing, ocean picnic, boat, superbly organised by guide Manoj - oh and wonderful hotels!

Linda Wickman
OTG001622Wild About Sri Lanka - 10 daysIndian SubcontinentSignatureIndian Subcontinentfalse0Sri Lankahttps://www.onthegotours.com/Sri-Lanka/Wild-About-Sri-Lanka-10-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Leopard-in-Yala--Sri-Lanka-Tours--On-The-Go-Tours-258641427108861_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgGroup_Tours