Sri Lankan Wildlife and Whales

Enjoy included UK airport lounge access before you board your overnight flight from London to Colombo.

In the morning, you’ll arrive in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Although now a bustling city, Colombo was originally a small seaport that rose to prominence in the 16th century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505. It later developed into a major harbour under British rule and became the capital in 1815 after the British captured Kandy. Remnants of buildings from these various colonial periods can still be seen throughout the city.

In the afternoon you'll enjoy a city visit of Colombo, during which you will see some fantastic sites. Some of the interesting places you'll visit are Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison; the Goldsmiths's quarters in the heart of Pettah called Sea Street; the Bazaar area; the Kaymans Gate; the Dutch Church of Woldenhaal that dates back to 1749; Kelaniya Buddhist Temple; Davatagaha Mosque; Colombo Museum; and the Natural History Museum. Also make sure to visit the BMICH (Bandarankaike Memorial International Conference Hall), where you will see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the last viable remnant of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rainforest spanning an area of 18,900 acres. Located in the south-western lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is bound by rivers on all three sides – the Napola Dola and Kokulana Ganga to the north, the Maha Dola and Gin Ganga to the south and south-west, and the Kalukandawa Ela and river Kudawa Ganga to the west.

Spend today exploring the rainforest, which is home to a host of rare and endemic trees as well as over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies. As such, you might spot everything from insects to reptiles and rare amphibians. To the east of Sinharaja is an ancient footbath near the Beverly Tea Estate, and by the Denuwa Kanda. 

You'll stay at the Rainforest Eco Lodge, an eco-friendly hotel consisting of sixteen recycled shipping container chalets.

Stay: The Rainforest Eco Lodge (Standard)

After breakfast, leave for Yala National Park, the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It's situated in the south-east region of the country, lying between the Southern and Uva Provinces. The park covers 979 sq km, and is located about 300 km from Colombo. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and, in 1938, became one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka.

The park is best known for its variety of wild animals, and plays a vital role in the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds. Indeed, Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It's also home to an incredible 215 species of birds, including six species endemic to Sri Lanka. It also has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The following day, you'll have the chance to spot some of the wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives.

Stay: Leopard Trails (Deluxe) OR enquire about an upgrade to Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala, Sri Lanka (Deluxe)

In the early morning, a jeep safari provides one final chance to spot some of the local wildlife. Then, after breakfast, you'll embark on a trip to Galle in the south-west of Sri Lanka. Among the city's highlights is its impressive fort. Situated in the Bay of Galle, it was built in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17^th century. A historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, it still retains its polished appearance due to extensive reconstruction work. The site has already been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stay: Fort Bazaar (Superior)

In the early morning, you'll enjoy a whale watching tour, available from mid-November to mid-March. Sri Lanka has become a major destination for watching whales and dolphins, with Dondra Point among the most popular spots for sperm whales and blue whales on their annual migration, which takes place between December and April. Your whale watching tour will last for around three hours, during which you'll also have the chance, with luck, to spot spinner dolphins. Afterwards, drive back to Galle for the final night of your holiday.

Stay: Fort Bazaar (Superior)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to London, before continuing your onward journey home.