Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Elephant Orphanage, Hill Country & Yala Safari — 10 Days
From Colombo through tea plantations and white-water rapids to wildlife viewing in Yala National Park
This 10-day journey moves through Sri Lanka's central and southern regions, beginning in Colombo and progressing inland toward the country's cultural heart. The itinerary centers on three distinct landscapes: the lowland zone around Kandy, where the Temple of the Tooth Relic stands at 465 meters above sea level; the hill country near Kitulgala, where the Kelani River offers white-water rafting across five major rapids; and Yala National Park in the southeast, where dry-season conditions concentrate wildlife around shallow reservoirs. The route includes stays at family-run estates and purpose-built properties, with all road transfers by air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver. Accommodations operate on a half-board basis, with daily breakfasts and dinners included.
Highlights
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: observation of approximately 60 resident orphan elephants, located 90 kilometers from Colombo on the route to Kandy
- Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy: the principal Buddhist shrine of Sri Lanka, situated within the cultural capital of the island
- White-water rafting on the Kelani River near Kitulgala: 5-kilometer descent across five major rapids and four minor rapids, with modern equipment and safety instruction provided
- Multi-day stay in the tea plantation region near Hatton and Kitulgala, set within Sri Lanka's historic central highlands
- Full-day wildlife safari at Yala National Park: opportunities to sight elephants, sloth bears, Asian leopards, and wild buffalo across the park's reservoir system and open plains
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to KaleliyaKaleliya · Colombo International Airport · Casa Heliconia
Arrival at Colombo International Airport with hotel representative assistance. Transfer to Kaleliya (approximately one hour by road). Evening at leisure. Accommodation at Casa Heliconia, Half Board Basis.
2Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Kandy CityPinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Kandy City · Kaleliya to Kandy via Pinnawala · Kandy House
Transfer from Kaleliya to Kandy via Pinnawala (approximately two hours). Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located 90 kilometers from Colombo, houses approximately 60 orphaned elephants in its care. Visitors typically observe animals in paddocks and at feeding times, with opportunities to watch staff members providing direct care including bottle-feeding and bathing. The orphanage receives regular tourist visits and the resident animals are accustomed to supervised observation. After the orphanage visit, onward transfer to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, positioned at 465 meters above sea level and 115 kilometers from Colombo. The city serves as the cultural center of the island, known for the Temple of the Tooth Relic and numerous other Buddhist temples and historical sites. Evening exploration of Kandy City on foot. Accommodation at Kandy House, Half Board Basis.
3Leisure Day in KandyKandy House
Full day at leisure in Kandy. Accommodation at Kandy House, Half Board Basis.
4Kandy to the Hill CountryKandy to Hatton · Governor's Mansion
Transfer from Kandy to Hatton in the hill country (tea plantation region). Kandy remains the reference point for understanding Sri Lanka's cultural and religious significance, with the Temple of the Tooth Relic drawing pilgrims and visitors year-round. The transfer moves upland into Sri Lanka's historically significant tea-growing zones. Accommodation at Governor's Mansion, Half Board Basis.
5White-Water Rafting on the Kelani RiverKelani River · Kitulgala · Governor's Mansion
Transfer to Kitulgala and white-water rafting on the Kelani River. The rafting descent covers approximately 5 kilometers, crossing five major rapids and four minor rapids. Modern safety equipment, rafts, and comprehensive safety instruction are provided by rafting instructors before departure. Participation is available to anyone aged 10 years and older. The Kelani River valley and surrounding terrain provide the setting for the descent. Return to accommodation. Dinner with champagne service. Accommodation at Governor's Mansion, Half Board Basis.
6Relaxation in the Tea Estate Regiontea estate region near Governor's Mansion · Governor's Mansion
Day at leisure within the tea estate region near Governor's Mansion. Dinner with champagne service. Accommodation at Governor's Mansion, Half Board Basis.
7Transfer to Yala National ParkYala National Park · hill country to Yala National Park · Uraniya reservoir · Chena Hut
Transfer from the hill country to Yala National Park in the southeastern lowlands (approximately five hours by road). Yala is Sri Lanka's principal wildlife reserve and holds the largest remaining populations of the country's well-known megafauna. The park's ecosystem centers on a series of shallow reservoirs—including Butuwe and Mahaseelawa—where wildlife congregates during dry seasons. Elephant herds move between reservoir systems and can be sighted regularly during low-rainfall months. The park also supports populations of Asian sloth bears (solitary, nocturnal animals with irregular seasonal sighting patterns), Asian leopards (elusive and difficult to sight consistently), and wild buffalo. Uraniya reservoir is known for concentrations of waterbirds, mugger crocodiles, and saltwater crocodiles. Accommodation at Chena Hut, Half Board Basis.
8Full-Day Safari at Yala National ParkYala National Park · Chena Hut
Full-day safari within Yala National Park. Early-morning and late-afternoon game drives conducted by park guides in open-sided vehicles. Dinner with champagne service. Accommodation at Chena Hut, Half Board Basis.
9Return to ColomboYala National Park to Colombo · Cinnamon Red
Transfer from Yala National Park to Colombo (approximately five hours). Accommodation at Cinnamon Red, Half Board Basis.
10Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
Transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure (approximately one hour from the hotel).
Where you go
- 1Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- 2Yala National Park
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 1 night in Pagoda Gold or Temple Angkor at Casa Heliconia on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in Black Rajah at Kandy House on Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Governor’s Suite at Governor’s Mansion on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in a Cabin at Chena hut on Half Board Basis
- 1 night in a Suite room at Cinnamon Red on Half Board Basis