Sri Lanka9 days
Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography: Elephants, Leopards & Whales — 9 Days
Three national parks and Indian Ocean waters; photograph Asian elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, resident and migratory birds, and blue whales across nine days
This nine-day itinerary moves between Sri Lanka's three principal wildlife reserves and the southern coast, built around extended safari time in each location. Udawalawe National Park holds one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants in the region; Yala, the country's most visited park, is known for leopard sightings alongside elephants, bears, spotted deer, and crocodiles. Bundala serves as a significant waypoint for both resident and migratory bird populations. The final two days shift to the Indian Ocean off Weligama, where blue whales appear seasonally on the south coast. Accommodation ranges from resort-based lodges in Negombo and Weligama to safari camps within or immediately adjacent to the parks themselves. Transfers are conducted by English-speaking drivers; park entry fees, meals as specified, and all named activities are included.
Highlights
- Afternoon and morning safaris in Udawalawe National Park photographing large herds of Asian elephants
- Two full-day safaris in Yala National Park, where leopard density is highest; elephants, bears, spotted deer, and crocodiles also present
- Early morning bird-watching safari in Bundala National Park, home to resident, endemic, and migratory bird species
- Two boat trips departing at dawn from Weligama to photograph blue whales in the Indian Ocean
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to NegomboColombo International Airport · Jetwing Blue Hotel · Colombo to Negombo
Arrival at Colombo International Airport. A representative meets the group for transfer north to Negombo, approximately 20 minutes by car. Overnight accommodation at Jetwing Blue Hotel on a half-board basis.
2Udawalawe National Park: Afternoon Elephant SafariUdawalawe National Park · Negombo · Kalu's Hideaway Resort
After breakfast, transfer from Negombo to Udawalawe National Park, approximately four hours by car. Afternoon safari from 3 to 6 PM offers opportunities to photograph Asian elephants. Overnight at Kalu's Hideaway Resort in Udawalawe on a half-board basis.
3Udawalawe to Yala: Morning Safari and TransitionUdawalawe · Yala Safari Camp · Udawalawe to Yala National Park
Morning safari in Udawalawe from 6 to 10 AM for elephant photography. Breakfast follows at the hotel. Transfer to Yala National Park takes approximately three hours by car. Afternoon gathering at Yala Camp includes refreshments. Overnight at Yala Safari Camp on an all-inclusive basis.
4Yala National Park: Full-Day SafariYala National Park · Yala Safari Camp
Full-day safari from 6 AM to 6 PM within Yala National Park. Wildlife present includes leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles, and bird species. Picnic breakfast and lunch are provided in the field. Overnight at Yala Safari Camp on an all-inclusive basis.
5Yala National Park: Second Full-Day SafariYala National Park · Yala Safari Camp
Second full-day safari from 6 AM to 6 PM in Yala. Extended time in the park increases opportunities for wildlife observation including leopards, elephants, bears, spotted deer, crocodiles, and resident birds. Picnic breakfast and lunch provided. Overnight at Yala Safari Camp on an all-inclusive basis.
6Bundala National Park: Morning Bird-Watching and Coastal TransferBundala National Park · the camp · Weligama Bay Resort · Bundala National Park to Weligama
Morning safari in Bundala National Park from 6 to 10 AM. The park hosts resident, endemic, and migratory bird populations alongside elephants, spotted deer, and crocodiles. Breakfast follows at the camp. Transfer to Weligama on the south coast takes approximately three hours by car. Overnight at Weligama Bay Resort on a half-board basis.
7Indian Ocean: Blue Whale Boat TripIndian Ocean · Weligama Bay Resort
Boat departure at 6:30 AM for marine wildlife observation with picnic breakfast aboard. Return to shore typically by noon. Overnight at Weligama Bay Resort on a half-board basis.
8Indian Ocean: Second Whale-Watching Trip and Return to NegomboIndian Ocean · Jetwing Blue Hotel · Weligama to Negombo
Second boat trip at 6:30 AM with picnic breakfast; return expected by noon. Transfer from Weligama back to Negombo follows, approximately three hours by car. Overnight at Jetwing Blue Hotel in Negombo on a half-board basis.
9Departure from Colombothe hotel · the hotel to Colombo International Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Colombo International Airport, approximately 20 minutes by car, for departure.
Where you go
- 1Udawalawe National Park
- 2Negombo
- 3Yala National Park
- 4Bundala 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 at Jetwing Blue in Negombo on half board basis
- 1 night at Kalus Hideaway in Udawalawe on half board basis
- 3 nights Yala Camping on all inclusive basis
- 2 nights at Weligama Bay Resort in Weligama on half board basis
- 1 night at Jetwing Blue in Negombo on half board basis