Enjoy some of the most exciting and insightful wildlife tours Sri Lanka offers with The Big Four and indulge in an experience unlike any other. Embark on exciting safari tours in the island’s most popular national parks and take an epic whale watching tour to witness the majesty of these remarkable creatures.
| day | Location/Route | duration | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival and drive to Negombo | One night in Negombo | Value: Jetwing Sea Signature: Jetwing Beach |
| Day 02 | Negombo to Mirissa | One night in Mirissa | Value: Mandara Resort Signature: Lantern Mirissa |
| Day 03 | Mirissa to Yala | Two nights in Yala | Value: Kulu Safari Signature: Leopard Trails |
| Day 04 | Yala | Last night in Yala | Value: Kulu Safari Signature: Leopard Trails |
| Day 05 | Yala to Udawalawe | One night in Udawalawe | Value: Big Game Signature: Master Campers |
| Day 06 | Udawalawe to Colombo | One night in Colombo | Ramada Colombo Signature Uga Residence |
| Day 07 | Departure |
Needless to say, one of the prime features of the island, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, are its beaches of golden sand that surround the island and have gained popularity over the years with visitors. These include the beaches of Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Pasikudah, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle.
Sri Lanka is an island that is teeming with flora and fauna with a large number of endemic species. This island will truly delight nature lovers. There are currently 61 sanctuaries which include Maduganga, Wilpattu North, Yala, Minneriya, Udawatta Kele and Rummassala.
Galle Dutch Fort is a proud structure that still stands tall and mighty in southern Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, the fort was fortified by the Dutch, upon their invasion of the island. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited and admired by many, all through the year.
Did you know? The waters off Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts are along the annual migration route of the Humpback, Sperm and colossal Blue Whale. Towns such as Mirissa, where our excursion begins, are considered global hotspots for whale sightings. The best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is between December and March.
Set off on your whale watching adventure at 06:00am in the morning with a snack of a selection of nibbles and beverages while you scan the waters for your prize. Keep an eye out for playful Spinner Dolphins, a common sight. You will be out at sea for around four to five hours. An onboard washroom will be available for your use.
Discover the cultural and architectural legacy of Galle, inherited from the Portuguese and Dutch colonialists from centuries past. Familiarise yourself with its streets, as your experienced tour guide narrates intricately woven folktales, that have been passed down through generations. Observe the local practice of stilt fishing and pay a visit to highlights such as the iconic Galle Fort.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the last European-built fortress still standing in southern Asia. Watch with bated breath as daring cliff divers spring themselves off the citadel’s walls and plummet into the waves below. The tour lasts two hours and starts early morning or in the afternoon.
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Ayubowan!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your chauffeur from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet and assist you to your vehicle.
You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come handy during your holiday.
A short drive from the airport will take you to your hotel in Negombo (30 mins).
You will take the picturesque southern expressway from Colombo to Galle. Please speak to the chauffeur if you wish to make a pit stop at the service area at the halfway point of the highway for a snack. En route you will visit the art village in Ambalangoda - watch deft hands weaving intricate lace patterns and the pottery wheels in action.
You may choose to have lunch at one of the trendy cafes in the Galle Dutch Fort followed by a stroll exploring its narrow streets before we depart for Mirissa.
Settle into your hotel, rest and relax from your journey. Dinner to be taken in your hotel or you may choose to dine out.
Breakfast will be served at the main restaurant.
This morning you will set off early on a whale watching expedition to spot the first of Sri Lanka’s Big Four. Look out for the dolphins!
You will then be heading to Yala (3.5 hours). Lunch will be arranged on arrival at the campsite. Embark on your safari early afternoon to the Yala National Park.
Evening: settle into your campsite and spend the evening at leisure.
The campsite will serve dinner.
An early start today with light snacks and tea, before you head into the park. Settle into the campsite for the afternoon where lunch will be arranged for you.
An early start today with light snacks and tea will be required before you head back into the park. If you have been lucky with your sightings the previous day, you could discuss how you would like to spend your morning with the naturalist.
You will return to the camp by noon for a quick refresh before we head on to the next stop, Udawalawe (2.5 hours).
This morning breakfast will be served at the camp.
You will then set off to the Elephant Transit Home in time to watch the feeding.
Return to the camp for a quick refresh before you head to Colombo (3.5 hours) driving through a landscape of rural countryside and towns. Settle into your hotel and rest and relax from your journey.
We will take you to the airport, to arrive two-three hours before your flight home.
If time permits, we recommend a massage either Ayurveda or spa – a perfect finale to your holiday before your flight!
