Luxury Wildlife 6-Day Safari Tour

Yala National Park is famous for its leopards, yet the real pleasure of a safari here is the whole landscape: lagoons patrolled by painted storks, crocodiles basking beside waterholes, sloth bears foraging in the fruiting season and the Indian Ocean surf breaking just beyond the scrub. No sighting is ever guaranteed, which is why this trip allows several game drives rather than one.

Between drives there is time for Bundala, a Ramsar-listed wetland where flamingos and other migratory birds often spend the northern winter, and for Kataragama, a sacred town revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike. The ancient rock monastery of Sithulpawwa adds a quieter, contemplative stop. The final stage moves to Udawalawe, where open grassland around the reservoir usually offers good chances to watch wild elephants, and the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned calves before they are returned to the wild.

Yala usually closes for part of September and October, so the timing of the trip is planned around the park calendar.

Days can be added, removed or reordered, hotels are chosen to suit your style and budget, and nothing is booked until you confirm.

Day 1 – Yala: Arrive in the Tissamaharama area and head out on an afternoon jeep safari in Yala.
Day 2 – Yala: A morning game drive from first light, rest through the heat, then dusk at Tissa Wewa reservoir.
Day 3 – Bundala: Explore Bundala National Park by jeep, about 45 minutes away, for wading birds, crocodiles and lagoon scenery.
Day 4 – Sithulpawwa & Kataragama: Visit the Sithulpawwa rock monastery, then attend the evening puja at Kataragama.
Day 5 – Udawalawe: Drive about two hours to Udawalawe for an afternoon safari across the grasslands.
Day 6 – Udawalawe: Visit the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time before the tour concludes.