Ultimate Leopard Safari of Sri Lanka
Leopards, elephants, and beaches await
Discover the wild heart of Sri Lanka on this unforgettable holiday, combining bucket-list safari experiences with rich cultural sightseeing and a blissful beach retreat. Track leopards through Yala National Park, watch rescued elephants roam free at the Elephant Transit Home, and explore the colonial charm of Galle, all with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport included.
What's Included
- Return flights to Colombo (CMB)
- Return airport transfers
- 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast & dinner daily at the following hotels:
- 1 night in Colombo at Sofia Colombo City Hotel
- 2 nights in Udawalawe at Centauria Wild
- 2 nights in Tissamaharama at Kithala Resort
- 2 nights in Waskaduwa at Citrus Waskaduwa on an all-inclusive basis, including:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning & afternoon snacks, and unlimited local beverages
- Special candlelit farewell dinner with a decorated private table at Citrus Waskaduwa
- Sightseeing as stated in the itinerary including:
- Colombo city tour
- Entrance to the National Museum of Natural History in Colombo
- One game drive in Udawalawe National Park (shared/standard jeep with local tracker)
- Udawalawe Evening Nature Walk
- Visit to the Elephant Transit Home
- Evening Kataragama Kovil Pooja Ceremony
- One game drive in Yala National Park (shared/standard jeep with local tracker)
- Visit to Handunugoda Tea Plantation
- Galle Dutch Fort Entrance with Museums
- English-speaking national guide throughout the tour
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the itinerary
- All applicable taxes
Please Note: This does not include visas, tips, porterage, any meals not specified, and any services not specified.
If you choose the 10 March departure, you may be confirmed in different hotels than the ones listed, but will be of similar quality and value.ย
Great Ways to Explore
Track leopards on a thrilling Yala National Park game drive.
Watch rescued elephants roam at the Elephant Transit Home.
Explore colonial Galle and its legendary tea plantations.
Unwind on the Indian Ocean coast at an all-inclusive beach resort.
Travel in comfort with a national guide and transport.
Journey through misty national parks in search of leopards and elephants, discover the colonial heritage of Galle, and finish with long, lazy days on the beach at an all-inclusive resort right on the Indian Ocean coast.
The safari section is the centrepiece: a game drive through Udawalawe National Park gives you the chance to spot wild elephants, water buffalo, and crocodiles, while Yala National Park is one of the world's best places to see leopards in the wild. In between, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home offers a rare look at Sri Lanka's conservation efforts up close.
Once the game drives are behind you, the Citrus Waskaduwa resort delivers everything you need to unwind properly, with all meals, drinks, and a special candlelit farewell dinner included for your final nights on the island.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Return flights to Colombo (CMB)
- Return airport transfers
- 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast & dinner daily at the following hotels:
- 1 night in Colombo at Sofia Colombo City Hotel
- 2 nights in Udawalawe at Centauria Wild
- 2 nights in Tissamaharama at Kithala Resort
- 2 nights in Waskaduwa at Citrus Waskaduwa on an all-inclusive basis, including:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning & afternoon snacks, and unlimited local beverages
- Special candlelit farewell dinner with a decorated private table at Citrus Waskaduwa
- Sightseeing as stated in the itinerary including:
- Colombo city tour
- Entrance to the National Museum of Natural History in Colombo
- One game drive in Udawalawe National Park (shared/standard jeep with local tracker)
- Udawalawe Evening Nature Walk
- Visit to the Elephant Transit Home
- Evening Kataragama Kovil Pooja Ceremony
- One game drive in Yala National Park (shared/standard jeep with local tracker)
- Visit to Handunugoda Tea Plantation
- Galle Dutch Fort Entrance with Museums
- English-speaking national guide throughout the tour
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the itinerary
- All applicable taxes
Please Note: This does not include visas, tips, porterage, any meals not specified, and any services not specified.
If you choose the 10 March departure, you may be confirmed in different hotels than the ones listed, but will be of similar quality and value.ย
Track leopards on a thrilling Yala National Park game drive.
Watch rescued elephants roam at the Elephant Transit Home.
Explore colonial Galle and its legendary tea plantations.
Unwind on the Indian Ocean coast at an all-inclusive beach resort.
Travel in comfort with a national guide and transport.
Journey through misty national parks in search of leopards and elephants, discover the colonial heritage of Galle, and finish with long, lazy days on the beach at an all-inclusive resort right on the Indian Ocean coast.
The safari section is the centrepiece: a game drive through Udawalawe National Park gives you the chance to spot wild elephants, water buffalo, and crocodiles, while Yala National Park is one of the world's best places to see leopards in the wild. In between, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home offers a rare look at Sri Lanka's conservation efforts up close.
Once the game drives are behind you, the Citrus Waskaduwa resort delivers everything you need to unwind properly, with all meals, drinks, and a special candlelit farewell dinner included for your final nights on the island.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Number of Nights:
Day 1. Welcome to Sri Lanka
After arriving inย Colombo, take your transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Relax, unpack, and have a delicious dinner.
Transfer from airport to hotel
Check-in - Sofia Colombo City Hotel
Sofia Colombo is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lankaโs vibrant commercial and cultural capital. The hotel provides easy access to key attractions such as Galle Face Green, the Colombo National Museum, and the bustling shopping districts of Colombo City Centre and Odel.ย
The hotel features guestrooms and suites designed with modern elegance and comfort in mind. Each accommodation offers panoramic views, flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and thoughtful amenities including minibars, coffee and tea makers, and spacious work desks. Room service is offered to ensure convenience and privacy throughout the stay.
Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site dining and relaxation options, including Seascape Restaurant, which serves a curated menu of fusion flavors that highlight local and international cuisine.ย
Day 2. Colombo - Udawalawe
Enjoy your tour ofย Colombo today!ย
Overnight inย Udawalawe.
Check-in - Centauria Wild
Centauria Wild is ideally situated near Udawalawe National Park, offering convenient access to one of Sri Lankaโs premier wildlife destinations. The hotelโs location makes it an excellent base for exploring the parkโs rich biodiversity and engaging in safari adventures.ย
Guests can unwind in the hotelโs outdoor swimming pool or rejuvenate at the on-site spa center, which includes a sauna for enhanced relaxation.ย Dining options are available at the hotelโs restaurant, where guests can enjoy meals after a day of exploration.ย
Accommodations feature air conditioning and flat-screen TVs, with select rooms providing a comfortable sitting area. Each room includes a private bathroom equipped with complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers, ensuring a restful and convenient stay.ย
Get a taste of Sri Lankaโs vibrant capital on an engaging 2.5-hour panoramic sightseeing tour. Colombo seamlessly blends its storied colonial heritage with bustling modern energy, offering the perfect introduction to the island's rich history and culture.
Your journey begins along Galle Face Green, the city's iconic oceanfront promenade, where cool sea breezes meet sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Next, step back in time as you explore the historic Fort Districtโonce the nerve centre of Dutch and British colonial ruleโnow featuring grand colonial-era architecture, lively commercial streets, and key national landmarks.
The exploration continues at the tranquil Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colomboโs most revered Buddhist sites, celebrated for its intricate design, peaceful atmosphere, and remarkable collection of religious artefacts. From there, drive through the elegant, leafy streets of Cinnamon Gardens, an upscale neighborhood home to grand colonial mansions, embassies, and leading cultural institutions like the National Museum of Natural History.
The tour finishes with a spectacular look at the future at Colombo Port City, an ambitious waterfront development. Here, marvel at a striking skyline where modern skyscrapers meet the ocean, beautifully illustrating Colomboโs exciting transformation into a dynamic global destination.
Day 3. Udawalawe
Experience yourย game drive in Udawalawe National Park today.
Tonight, enjoy an evening nature walk. Take a leisurely sunset stroll along the Udawalawe Reservoir Dam. This walk offers the perfect chance to spot nesting waterbirds, water buffalo cooling off in the water, and even "Rambo"โa famous wild elephant known to roam the area and swim across the reservoir.
Set out before dawn to experience Udawalawe National Park just as it wakes up. This early morning game drive takes you through one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife sanctuaries during the coolest, most active hours of the day, guiding you across a scenic landscape of open grasslands, dense scrub jungle, and the banks of the vast Udawalawe Reservoir.
Udawalawe is globally celebrated for its thriving population of roughly 500 wild Asian elephants, making it one of the absolute best places in Asia to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. It is incredibly common to cross paths with active herds of 20 to 30 elephants grazing, bathing, and wandering across the plains, with protective mothers keeping their young calves close by.
The park's rich ecosystem extends far beyond its famous giants. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for water buffalo, spotted deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and perhaps even the highly elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Bird lovers will also find paradise here, with frequent sightings of colorful kingfishers, majestic eagles, and vibrant peacocks darting through the trees.
Day 4. Udawalawe - Kataragama - Tissamaharama
Today, visit the Elephant Transit Home!ย
Tonight, experience anย Evening Kataragama Kovil Pooja Ceremony.ย Visit a sacred Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site to witness a traditional evening Pooja (prayer ceremony). Immerse yourself in a deeply spiritual atmosphere filled with rhythmic drumming, ringing bells, and the scent of incense. Watch priests perform age-old rituals as devotees offer flowers, fruit, and coconuts under the glow of flickering oil lampsโoffering a vibrant glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich, multicultural heritage.
Check-in - Kithala Resort
Nestled amid verdant paddy fields, this tranquil resort in Tissa-Yala serves as an ideal gateway to Sri Lankaโs southern wilderness. Located just 25 minutes from Yala National Park and 20 minutes from the sacred town of Kataragama, it offers easy access to renowned wildlife safaris and cultural landmarks.
The resort features well-appointed accommodations, offering private balconies, air conditioning, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Thoughtful in-room amenities and 24-hour room service ensure a restful and convenient stay.
Guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool or savor breakfast at the on-site restaurant. The bar provides a relaxed setting for light snacks and refreshing drinks. Additional facilities include parking, laundry services, a BBQ area, and a 24-hour front desk.
Visit a unique rehabilitation center dedicated to rescuing and preparing orphaned elephant calves for a return to the wild. Unlike traditional sanctuaries, the priority here is conservation with minimal human interaction. Witness the calves during their scheduled milk feedings, observe them playing and socializing as they develop independence, and learn how wildlife experts and veterinarians monitor their progress toward eventual release.
Day 5. Tissamaharama - Yala - Tissamaharama
Enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace. If you are looking for adventure, choose from optional excursions including a visit to Bundala National Park or an additional game drive through Yala National Park.
Later, enjoy your afternoon/evening game drive.ย
Set off on an exciting late-afternoon safari through the iconic Block I of Yala National Park, renowned for one of the world's highest leopard densities. Keep your eyes peeled for the island's legendary wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and wild elephants, as well as spotted deer, mugger crocodiles, and wild boars. With over 200 bird species filling the skies and complimentary chilled water and Coke to keep you cool, itโs an unforgettable adventure.
Day 6. Tissamaharama - Yala - Galle - Waskaduwa
Visit to Handunugoda Tea Plantation today, as well as a guided walk through UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Overnight inย Waskaduwa.
Check-in - Citrus Waskaduwa
Citrus Waskaduwa is a five-star beachfront resort situated on Sri Lankaโs west coast, featuring 400 meters of pristine golden sand along the Indian Ocean. Located approximately 18 miles south of Colombo, the resort offers easy access to the city while providing a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty. Nearby points of interest include the historic town of Negombo, the bustling Colombo city center, and the Bandaranaike International Airport, all reachable within an hourโs drive, making Citrus Waskaduwa an ideal base for exploring the region.
Accommodations at Citrus Waskaduwa feature spacious rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee-makers. Each room is designed to maximize natural light and ocean views, with private balconies or terraces providing a peaceful spot to unwind.
The resort boasts a range of dining options that showcase both Sri Lankan flavors and international cuisine, served in elegant settings with ocean views. Guests can unwind at the on-site bars, enjoy refreshing cocktails, or savor fresh seafood while taking in the coastal breeze. For relaxation, Citron Senses Spa offers signature treatments including massages and wellness therapies. Additional amenities include a fitness center for daily workouts and direct beach access for swimming and water activities.
Please Note
Journey just inland from Sri Lanka's southern coast to the picturesque Handunugoda Tea Estate, one of the island's most distinctive plantations. This unique property is world-famous for producing rare Virgin White Tea, following an ancient tradition where the finest leaves are harvested entirely untouched by human hands.
Your experience begins with an escorted tour through the rolling green hills of the estate, where you can learn about the intricate cultivation process and watch skilled pluckers at work. Afterward, head into the factory to see how fresh leaves are expertly processed into premium-grade teas.
A major highlight of the visit is a guided tasting session featuring over 20 different tea varieties. You will sample everything from delicate whites to robust black teas and aromatic herbal blends, discovering how flavor and aroma profiles differ. If available, you may also have the rare opportunity to meet the estateโs charismatic founder and tea pioneer, Herman Gunaratne.
Step back in time to explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkably preserved colonial fortifications in Asia. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and extensively expanded by the Dutch through the 19th century, this historic stronghold is a living monument to coastal history.
Your immersive 1-hour walking route begins at the main fort entrance, leading you past the Maritime Museum and the iconic lighthouse before guiding you along the ancient stone ramparts. The perfect finale to your exploration is standing atop these historic colonial walls to take in spectacular sunset views over the vast Indian Ocean.
Day 7. Waskaduwa
Day at leisure.ย This evening, celebrate the end of your holiday with a special candle-lit farewell dinner served at a beautifully decorated private table.
Day 8. Depart Sri Lanka
Your incredible holiday has come to an end. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.ย
Transfer from hotel to airport
Fly home
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