Sri Lanka: Into the Wild
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Negombo
Today you’ll arrive in Negombo, a modest beach town on the palm-fringed west coast, just 20 minutes from the airport. Your accommodation is within walking distance of the beach and local restaurants, so you could take a gentle stroll or hop in a tuk-tuk to explore the town – it’s completely up to you. It’s a peaceful spot to kick start your Sri Lanka holiday.
Day 2 – Back to nature at The Mudhouse
This morning you’ll depart the coast and travel into rural Sri Lanka. Your destination, and your unique home for the next two nights is The Mudhouse. The property is surrounded by forest and lakes and has been designed to blend harmoniously into the natural environment. The thatched huts are built entirely from natural materials and are open to nature. It’s one for the more adventurous traveller, but a stay here is magical and memorable.
The Mudhouse has a sustainable ethos: they only employ local people, are mindful that the property leaves a minimal footprint on the natural surroundings, and either farm all their own produce or buy it as locally as possible.
Day 3 – Outdoor activities
Wake up to the sounds of nature and a hearty breakfast. There is plenty to keep you busy today and all local activities are included in the price. These don’t need to be pre-booked, so you can play it by ear. Bicycles are available to explore the jungle trails and kayaks to explore the lake. The mysterious Paramakanda Rock Temple is just 2km away and well worth a visit, as is the historical site of Tonigala with its intriguing ancient inscriptions. Foodies can learn how to make authentic Sri Lankan food with the chef in the Mudhouse kitchen. And wildlife lovers can take a guided bird-watching walk along the nature trails.
Day 4 – Spot leopard & sloth bears in Wilpattu National Park
It’s a short journey today from The Mudhouse to the next stop on your wildlife adventure: Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park and one of the oldest, yet it attracts fewer visitors than the country’s other protected areas such as Yala. It’s home to an abundance of wildlife including the elusive leopard, sloth bear, elephant and water buffalo. You’ll have the opportunity to spot the park’s inhabitants on a jeep safari this afternoon. Your accommodation, close to the national park, is a comfortable safari tent that comes complete with a bed and en-suite toilet and shower.
Day 5 – Mihintale & Anuradhapura
The next few days of the itinerary are focused on Sri Lanka’s fascinating history and culture. To escape the midday heat you’ll depart early from Wilpattu to visit Mihintale, a mountain peak and popular pilgrimage site, known for being the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Then continue onto your next hotel.
The afternoon is yours to explore Anuradhapura’s ancient ruins. The city was founded 2500 years ago and was the capital of the country for over 1000 years under the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Walk through the sprawling complex and take in the archaeological wonders, crumbling temples and the old Royal Palace.
Day 6 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress & ancient Polonnaruwa
Today you’ll continue your cultural exploration as you head to Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa. You’ll stop along the way at the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This is where the palace of King Kasyapa once stood. It’s a steep climb to the top of the rock but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the wild green jungle. Then continue onto your hotel where the rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 7 – Polonnaruwa by bike & safari in Minneriya National Park
This morning you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa by bike. The town was once the capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and there are many interesting relics leftover from this period. After you’ve pedalled your way through the ancient ruins, it’s time for lunch in a small authentic restaurant.
To avoid you becoming templed out, in the afternoon, you’ll head into nearby Minneriya National Park on a jeep safari. The park is home to large herds of wild elephants, which are easy to spot and observe, due to the wide, open landscape. Between the drier months of June and September in particular, hundreds of elephants can be seen gathering around the park’s lakes in search of water.
Day 8 – Head to the hills
After breakfast depart Polonnaruwa and travel through lush countryside to Sri Lanka’s hill country. Your destination is the popular, small town of Ella, known for its breathtaking mountain views and endless rolling hills. It’s a beautiful place for nature lovers and hikers. If you’d like to experience a train journey, the section between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is one of the most picturesque in the country. We can incorporate the train into today’s journey – just ask your Travel Specialist.
Day 9 – Explore Ella’s emerald hills
This morning you’ll wake up to the endless mountain views that surround you. We’ve left your time in Ella free for you to explore independently, but there are many walking trails in the area and we’d recommend lacing up your walking boots and heading out on foot to explore. You could take a gentle trek to Little Adam’s Peak, passing through tea plantations and small villages. Or for something more challenging it’s a four hour hike to Ella Rock.
Day 10 – Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforest
Time to swap the mountains for the rainforest as you journey onto Sinharaja. This protected area is Sri Lanka’s last remaining rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and is home to nearly 300 species of bird. You’ll be staying in a small-scale guest house located near the entrance to the park. After checking in, the rest of your day is free.
Day 11 – Explore Sinharaja rainforest
This morning you’ll discover the beauty and diversity of Sinharaja as your explore the rainforest on foot. There are several hike routes to choose from ranging from 4 to 14 km and the local guides will help you pick the best one for you. The guides are very experienced and so finely attuned to the sounds of the rainforest that they seem to sense whenever a creature is nearby. As you walk through the tropical surroundings, you’ll quickly realise how much life there is here from small, carnivorous plants to 50m high trees that soar in to the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for the colourful lizards. In the afternoon you’ll return to your accommodation where you can shower and freshen up after your jungle adventure.
Day 12 – R&R in Mirissa
Time for some R&R! It’s a three hour drive (approx) from Sinharaja to the south coast seaside town of Mirissa. Time to relax, soak up the sunshine and reflect on your Sri Lankan adventure. We’ve included two nights in Mirissa, but if you want to stay longer, let your Travel Specialist know and they will add more beach time into your travel plan.
Day 13 – Whale watching
Between the months of November and April, Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. These mighty marine giants are drawn to the sea trench just off the coast to feed, making your chances of spotting them particularly high. Early this morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to Mirissa port where you’ll embark on a half-day whale watching trip with a small group of other international travellers. As well as whales (blue whales in particular), pods of dolphins are also attracted to these warm waters, so fingers crossed for you. Once you’re back on dry land you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.
Day 14 – Colombo: Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital
Today you’ll leave the coast behind and your driver will take you from Mirissa to Colombo, a journey of around 3.5 hours. This afternoon (or tomorrow morning depending on your preference and flight time), you’ll be picked up by a local guide who’ll take you on a unique city tour by tuk-tuk! It’s an exhilarating way to explore the city and get the true feel for what the capital’s all about.
Day 15 – Time to depart
The time has come to fly home. We’re confident that you will have ticked off an incredible list of animal sightings over the last two weeks, and made some memorable holiday memories. Your driver will take you to the airport in time for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Into The Wild - In Style
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative accommodation options available. Our In Style options are more comfortable, they may offer something unique or extra special – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
