Sri Lanka6 days
Sri Lanka: Whales, Safari & Elephant Transit — 6 Days
Mirissa, Yala, Udawalawe, and Colombo via private transport and guided wildlife encounters
This six-day itinerary moves through Sri Lanka's primary wildlife zones, beginning on the southern coast at Mirissa and moving inland through two major national parks before concluding in the capital. The route centers on three signature wildlife encounters: cetacean observation from a working fishing harbor, safari-based leopard and sloth bear sightings across Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, and close observation of young elephants at the Elephant Transit Home. Transport throughout is private and air-conditioned, with English-speaking guides. Accommodations are mid-range, located within walking distance of or adjacent to activity hubs. The itinerary assumes moderate pace and does not require trekking or specialized fitness.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa Harbour, including blue whales and sperm whales
- Afternoon game drive in Yala National Park, home to leopards and endemic wildlife
- Morning safari in Udawalawe National Park observing free-roaming Asian elephants
- Elephant Transit Home visit to observe rescued young elephants during feeding
- Hambantota Bird Park stop en route to Yala, featuring regional and migratory species
- Evening leisure time in Colombo with optional city-center visits
Day by day
1Arrival at MirissaMirissa · beachfront hotel
Airport transfer delivers travelers to Mirissa on the southern coast. Check-in occurs in the early afternoon at a beachfront hotel. Mirissa is a working fishing harbor with direct beach access. The afternoon is unscheduled, allowing rest after travel and informal orientation to the beach and immediate surroundings.
2Whale and Dolphin Watching from Mirissa HarbourMirissa Harbour · the beach
An early morning departure from Mirissa Harbour begins the day's main activity. Blue whales and sperm whales are observed during the boating expedition, along with dolphins. The afternoon returns to the beach for rest and swimming. Evening remains free.
3Mirissa to Yala National Park via HambantotaYala National Park · Hambantota Bird Park · Yala-area accommodation
A scenic transfer to Yala begins with a stop at Hambantota Bird Park to view regional and migratory bird species. Check-in at Yala-area accommodation follows. An afternoon game drive through Yala National Park commences in late afternoon, targeting leopards and other fauna present in the park's dry-zone habitat. Yala National Park is home to leopards and other wildlife.
4Yala Safari and Transfer to UdawalaweYala · Udawalawe · Elephant Transit Home
A morning game drive in Yala continues the previous day's safari work, with attention to sloth bears, peacocks, and large herbivores. Continue to Udawalawe and visit the Elephant Transit Home, where you can watch young elephants being fed and playing. The Elephant Transit Home visit occurs in late afternoon, where rescued young elephants are observed during feeding and play. The facility functions as a rehabilitation center for orphaned animals prior to their eventual return to protected reserves.
5Udawalawe Safari and Transfer to ColomboUdawalawe National Park · Colombo City Center · Udawalawe National Park to Colombo
A morning jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park focuses on Asian elephant populations in their natural habitat. Enjoy a morning jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, where elephants roam freely. Midday transfer to Colombo, the capital city, concludes by late afternoon. Evening hours remain available for rest or optional visits to Colombo City Center.
6Colombo to Bandaranaike Airport – Farewell to Sri LankaColombo to Bandaranaike Airport
A morning transfer takes you to the airport, bringing your Sri Lankan adventure to a close. Reflect on the wildlife encounters and family moments that defined your journey as you depart.
Where you go
- 1Mirissa
- 2beachfront hotel
- 3Mirissa Harbour
- 4Yala National Park
- 5Hambantota Bird Park
- 6Yala
- 7Elephant Transit Home
- 8Udawalawe National Park
Included
- Welcome and assistance at the airport
- Welcome bags on arrival and Gift at the departure
- Accommodation in a double room sharing basis
- Daily breakfast
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide (Included their accommodation and meals)
- Check-in is from noon and checkout is before noon.
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle including all transfers and excursions suggested in your travel plan
- Vehicle insurance covering passengers
- Entrance fees /tickets to monuments, sites & visits suggested in your given travel plan
- All the services proposed in your travel plan
- All the government taxes applicable to date
- Best possible option /decision in the event of unexpected breakdowns or an emergency
- 24/07 emergency contact
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Single room supplement (price per single person travelling individually)
- Airport taxes
- Visas fees
- Travel /medical insurances
- Lunches and dinners that are not in your travel plan
- Beverages
- Tips & porter charges
- Personal expenses
- Services not proposed in your travel plan
- Other mode of transport not mentioned in the travel plan