Touch down in Sri Lanka and begin your journey with a short 20‑minute drive (15 km) to Negombo, a coastal town celebrated for its easygoing vibe and deep‑rooted fishing traditions. It’s the ideal place to shake off the flight—feel the tropical breeze, breathe in the salty air, and perhaps enjoy a cold Lion beer by the beach.

Negombo’s character is shaped by its colonial past and cultural diversity, with Catholic churches standing alongside Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines. The town buzzes with life yet retains a relaxed charm, offering warm hospitality, bustling markets, and a welcoming atmosphere. In November, expect balmy days around 86°F and evenings near 77°F, with tropical humidity, occasional showers, and lush greenery—coconut palms, mangroves, and frangipani trees lining the coast.

Spend the day unwinding at your own pace. Wander along the Dutch canal, savor freshly caught seafood by the lagoon, or simply soak in the rhythm of coastal life. Today is about acclimating to the island’s pace; tomorrow, the adventure truly begins.

Overnight stay in Negombo

After breakfast, head north on a 170 km drive (about 4 hours) to Wilpattu National Park. As Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest reserve, Wilpattu is renowned for its leopard sightings, sloth bears, and distinctive “villus”—natural sand‑rimmed lakes that draw an incredible variety of wildlife.

Expect warm days around 86°F, with dry‑zone vegetation such as palu, weera, and satinwood trees shaping the scenery. The park’s mix of dense scrub and open glades sets the stage for thrilling jeep safaris, where elusive predators may reveal themselves against the wild backdrop.

Later, continue 45 km (around 1 hour) to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, sacred stupas and centuries‑old fig trees create a tranquil atmosphere for your overnight stay. Rest well—the elephants await tomorrow.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura

After breakfast, check out and embark on a scenic 105 km drive (around 2.5 hours) eastward, passing rice paddies and forested landscapes en route to Polonnaruwa—Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating blend of ancient ruins and serene lakeside vistas, where history and nature meet in harmony.

By late afternoon, continue a short 20 km journey (about 30 minutes) to Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating jeep safari. Here, you’ll witness one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles—the great elephant gathering. During the dry season, hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya tank to graze, bathe, and interact in herds, creating a breathtaking scene of raw natural wonder.

As evening falls, return to your hotel in Polonnaruwa. Relax under the starlit sky, reflecting on the day’s cultural discoveries and unforgettable encounters with nature.

Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa

Rise early and set out for Wasgamuwa National Park, located about 90 km (roughly 1.5 hours) from Polonnaruwa. This hidden gem of a reserve is tranquil, uncrowded, and brimming with wildlife. Elephants wander freely across its plains, while purple‑faced langurs swing through the trees. Water buffalo graze along the wetlands, and with luck, you may even spot the elusive sloth bear. The park’s quiet trails and open landscapes create an ideal setting for an immersive safari.

After your wildlife adventure, continue to Mahiyanganaya (around 60 km, 1.5 hours) for a rare cultural encounter. Share a traditional meal with the Weddha tribe, Sri Lanka’s indigenous forest‑dwellers. Learn about their hunting traditions, hear stories of the jungle, and gain a deeper appreciation for a way of life rooted in harmony with nature.

As evening falls, settle into your hotel in Mahiyanganaya and reflect on a day that blended wilderness exploration with cultural discovery.

Overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya

Wake before dawn for a tranquil birdwatching excursion at Sorabora Wewa, a serene lake fringed by forest. Drift across the still waters by boat while enjoying a scenic breakfast, spotting painted storks, grey‑headed fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants. As the morning mist rises and birdsong echoes across the lake, it’s a peaceful and enchanting start to the day.

Later in the morning, check out and journey to Gal Oya (approx. 100 km / 2.5 hours). This untouched wilderness is home to Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir and dense jungle landscapes. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and spend the evening at leisure—perhaps gathered around a bonfire or simply soaking in the symphony of the forest.

Overnight stay in Gal Oya

Begin the morning at leisure—relish the charm of your lodge, take in sweeping views, and embrace the stillness of the forest. Later, embark on a boat safari across Senanayake Samudraya, where you may witness one of Sri Lanka’s rarest and most extraordinary wildlife spectacles: elephants swimming gracefully between islands. With trunks raised and bodies gliding through the water, they move with a remarkable blend of strength and elegance—an unforgettable sight.

As evening approaches, return to your lodge and let the jungle envelop you. Gal Oya remains one of Sri Lanka’s last great wildernesses—untamed, remote, and profoundly moving.

Overnight stay in Gal Oya

After breakfast, check out and travel south to Yala National Park—a 220 km drive (around 5.5 hours) through landscapes that gradually shift from lush jungle valleys to arid plains. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, famed for its remarkable leopard population and also home to elephants, crocodiles, and vibrant peacocks strutting across the scrubland.

On arrival, settle into your safari lodge and unwind for the evening. Whether you gather for a bush‑style dinner or simply sit beneath the stars, the wilderness feels ever‑present, surrounding you with its untamed energy.

Overnight stay in Yala

Spend a relaxed morning at ease—sleep in, savor the comforts of your lodge, or take a gentle stroll through the surrounding nature. In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari timed for golden hour, when Yala’s wilderness truly awakens. Leopards are most active at this time, and with luck, you may glimpse one slipping through the brush or basking on a sun‑drenched rock.

The park’s landscapes unfold in striking variety, from coastal lagoons to rocky outcrops and open plains. Mongoose dart across sandy tracks, jackals patrol the scrub, herds of spotted deer graze peacefully, and Malabar pied hornbills flash their bold plumage overhead. Every turn of the trail brings a new surprise, a reminder of nature’s raw unpredictability.

As dusk settles, return to your lodge and unwind. The thrill of tracking big cats and hearing the jungle stir as night falls is an experience that lingers long after.

Overnight stay in Yala

After breakfast, check out and travel west to Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Sri Lanka’s last great expanse of primary rainforest. The 200 km drive (about 5 hours) winds through charming villages, rolling tea estates, and mist‑draped hills. As you draw closer, the vegetation thickens—towering hardwoods, tangled lianas, delicate orchids, and rare medicinal plants found nowhere else on Earth.

Arrive at your eco‑lodge and spend the evening at leisure. The forest hums with life—frogs croak, cicadas sing, and leaves whisper in the twilight. Tomorrow, you’ll step into one of South Asia’s richest ecosystems, a living sanctuary of biodiversity.

Overnight stay in Sinharaja

Rise early for a guided birdwatching trek beneath Sinharaja’s emerald canopy. Keep an eye out for rare endemics such as the Sri Lanka blue magpie, red‑faced malkoha, green‑billed coucal, and the Sri Lanka junglefowl. The rainforest is alive with calls, flashes of color, and constant movement—each step revealing a new wonder.

The trek is moderately challenging, with uneven terrain and slippery paths, so sturdy footwear and a spirit of adventure are essential. Sinharaja’s biodiversity is staggering, with more than 147 bird species, alongside countless reptiles, insects, and amphibians forming a living symphony all around you.

After lunch, check out and drive to Mirissa (approx. 150 km / 3.5 hours). On arrival, settle into your accommodation and spend the evening at leisure—perhaps strolling along the beach at sunset or savoring a seafood dinner by the ocean.

Overnight stay in Mirissa

You’ve tracked leopards in Yala, watched elephants gather in Minneriya, spotted sloth bears in Wilpattu, met crocodiles in Gal Oya, and birded through Sinharaja. Now comes the final member of Sri Lanka’s Big Five—the mighty blue whale, the largest creature ever to roam the Earth.

Rise early and head to Mirissa Harbour for a whale‑watching cruise (approx. 3–5 hours). The waters off Mirissa rank among the world’s finest for spotting blue whales and sperm whales, especially between November and April. Blue whales can reach up to 30 meters in length and weigh as much as 200 tons, while sperm whales—deep‑diving giants with massive heads—are famed for their haunting clicks. These ocean titans are not only majestic but also vital ecosystem engineers, fertilizing phytoplankton and helping regulate the planet’s carbon cycle.

In the evening, unwind by the coast. Stroll along the beach or settle into one of Mirissa’s vibrant hotspots such as Zephyr Restaurant & Bar, Papa Mango, or Salt Mirissa. Whether it’s fresh seafood, a tropical cocktail, or simply toes in the sand, tonight is about celebrating the wild, the waves, and the wonder of Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay in Mirissa

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport—a journey of about 110 km (approx. 2 hours, depending on your beach location). As you depart, bid farewell to the island that has offered jungle treks, river adventures, sacred rituals, and coastal serenity.

Carry with you the stories, flavors, and adrenaline of Sri Lanka’s wild heart. Whether you return one day or inspire others to explore, one truth remains: adventure thrives here.

Meal: Breakfast