Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Colombo, a drive of around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief orientation walk or visit the nearby Muthurajawela Wetlands for a serene introduction to Sri Lanka’s birdlife. Take time to unwind and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Drive approximately 5–6 hours north to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Check in to your lodge and enjoy a late afternoon jeep safari that spans 2–3 hours, searching for leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and an array of waterbirds at the park’s characteristic “willus,” natural lakes scattered across the landscape. Witness the sunset over the park’s grassy plains before dinner. Overnight stay near Wilpattu.

Spend the day exploring Wilpattu on a full-day guided jeep safari, starting early in the morning around 6:00 a.m. and concluding at sunset. Discover hidden waterholes teeming with wildlife, observe flocks of endemic birds, and gain insight into the park’s unique dry-zone ecosystem from your experienced guide. Picnic lunch in the park or at your lodge. Return for dinner and overnight stay near Wilpattu.

Drive 2–3 hours to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the island’s first ancient capital. Explore stupas, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and ruins of royal monasteries for around 2–3 hours before continuing 1.5–2 hours to Sigiriya. Check in to your lodge and, if time permits, enjoy a gentle nature walk around the lake or optional canoeing in the nearby water. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Begin early, around 6:00 a.m., to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore the ancient frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views over the Cultural Triangle, which takes about 2–3 hours. After lunch, transfer 30 minutes to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon safari (3 hours) to witness the famous seasonal gathering of wild elephants along the lake shores. Return to Sigiriya for dinner and overnight stay.

Travel 2–3 hours to Wasgamuwa National Park, a lesser-known but ecologically rich sanctuary. Take an afternoon jeep safari or a short guided nature trail of 1–2 hours near your lodge. The park is home to elephants, sambar deer, wild boar, and abundant birdlife. Evening at leisure in the tranquil surroundings. Overnight stay near Wasgamuwa.

Enjoy a morning 2–3 hour safari in Wasgamuwa to spot wildlife in the cooler hours of the day. Later, drive 3–4 hours to Mahiyanganaya, stopping at an indigenous Vedda village for a cultural encounter or visiting a local eco-lodge by a lake. Evening at leisure with dinner and overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya.

Travel approximately 2–3 hours to Gal Oya National Park. Embark on a unique 2–3 hour boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya, where you may see elephants swimming between the islets. Optional short nature walks along the lakeshore allow you to observe birds and small mammals. Overnight stay near Gal Oya.

Spend the day with a naturalist guide on a morning trek through forested areas adjacent to the park, visiting remote villages and learning about local flora and fauna. In the afternoon, opt for a second boat or jeep safari, increasing your chances of spotting elephants and endemic birds. Overnight stay near Gal Oya.

Drive 4–5 hours to Ella through picturesque highland tea country. Stop for photos at scenic viewpoints along the way. Evening at leisure in Ella, with the option to visit Ravana Falls or stroll to Nine Arches Bridge. Enjoy a relaxed dinner with views over the valleys. Overnight stay in Ella.

Journey 4–5 hours south to Yala National Park. On arrival, embark on a sunset safari (2–3 hours) to begin your search for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and the park’s rich birdlife. Dinner at the lodge surrounded by wilderness. Overnight stay near Yala.

Spend a full day (6–7 hours) in Yala National Park with an experienced tracker. Explore diverse habitats, including lagoons, forests, and rocky outcrops. Encounter wildlife such as elephants, sloth bears, peacocks, and, with luck, elusive leopards. Packed lunch in the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay near Yala.

Drive 3–4 hours to Udawalawe National Park, a haven for Asian elephants. Afternoon safari (3 hours) offers sightings of elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, and resident bird species. Optional visit to the Elephant Transit Home to observe baby elephants being rehabilitated. Overnight stay near Udawalawe.

Travel 4–5 hours to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last remaining lowland rainforest and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Evening nature walk or guided birdwatching near your eco-lodge introduces the region’s endemic species. Dinner and overnight stay in Sinharaja.

Spend the day trekking with a forest guide through dense rainforest for 4–6 hours. Spot endemic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and unique plant species. Learn about conservation efforts and local folklore from your guide. Evening at leisure in the lodge. Overnight stay in Sinharaja.

Drive 4–5 hours back to Colombo for your flight. Depending on your schedule, take an optional stop at Muthurajawela Wetlands or a bird sanctuary for a final taste of Sri Lanka’s natural diversity before transfer to the airport.