Sri Lanka is a remarkable island. boasting a impressively high rate of endemic species (16% of the fauna and 23% of the flowering plants).
Sri Lanka is a remarkable island measuring just 25,332 square miles, yet boasting a impressively high rate of endemic species (16% of the fauna and 23% of the flowering plants).
With over 120 species of mammals, 171 species of reptiles, 106 species of amphibians, 227 species of birds, and an abundance of our favourite big cat. Sri Lanka has been on our radar for many years, however, we needed to find locations that not only offered great wildlife but also low impact tourism, as far away from the crowds as is possible, which we can now offer.
Small group safaris will first visit Wilpattu National Park with Leopards and Sloth Bears being high on the agenda as well as night drives looking for small cats. We will then visit either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks, with the choice of second location being made closer to the time of travel and dependant on where the large herds of Asian elephants are located. But either National Park is in reach of our lodge.
One of the key factors to our visiting Sri Lanka has been the relationship we have forged with our local partners, who not only have first class vehicles, guides and infrastructure but are also supporters of Leopard Conservation projects on the Island. The Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), a unique subspecies endemic to the island and recorded as the largest sub species of Leopard in the world.
We offer tailor made safaris and also our popular small group safaris that leave on set dates.
DAY 1: Columbo International Airport
We will be met on arrival and transfer to Wilpatu National Park (approximately 4-hour drive).
Located on the north-western coast of Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is one of the country’s oldest and largest national parks. Spanning over 131,693 hectares, it was declared as a National Park in 1938.
Throughout the forest there are white sand brimmed natural lakes known as "Willus" natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater, making this a stunning eco system home to many species of fauna and flora.
A recent study revealed that Wilpattu has a population density of 18 leopards per 100 square km.
The park is also arguably the best place in the world to encounter the Sloth Bear. The Sri Lankan sub species is unique to the island and is seen very regularly feeding on termites and in the month of May and June gorging on the Palu berries along the jeep trails.
Besides Leopards and Bears the park also is home to many species of birds and mammals which you will encounter in beautiful settings as you traverse these forest sandy trails.
We aim to arrive at our lodge (Claughton Wild) in time to settle in before a late lunch and time rest and relax. Claughton Wild has only five rooms making this an ideal intimate and relaxing location from which to explore the National Park.
Meals- Lunch and Dinner
Days 2 - 6: Wilpattu National Park
At Wilpattu National Park we can enjoy all day guided safaris, providing an opportunity to go at our own relaxed pace with the entire day to explore.
The daily routine will be as follows:
5.30 AM tea/coffee at the lodge and venture to the park with a packed breakfast by 5.45 AM to reach the park gates for opening time of 6.00 AM for a full day game drive.
The longer one spends in the park exploring the whole region and back roads the better chances for good wildlife sightings and compelling photography.
A freshly made lunch will be delivered to us in the park at a designated picnic site where there will be time to rest and relax.
After lunch we will continue on our game drive until the appointed exit time at 6.00 PM when we will return to our lodge for dinner.
On two of the days at Wilpattu we will dine early and then take a night safari to traverse the buffer zones in search of small cat species such as the Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat and the rarest of them all the Rusty Spotted Cat.
Hotel – Claughton Wild Wilpattu
Meal Plan – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7- Habarana
After breakfast, we will head towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura for a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area surrounding Habarana is steeped in history with the first Kingdom of Anuradhapura showcasing the engineering and artistic prowess spanning thousands of years, there is also the second Kingdom of Pollonnaruwa and the amazing palace complex of Sigiriya that is locally considered the 8th Wonder of the World.
In this region there are two large man-made lakes built by King Mahasen several thousand years ago for the purpose of providing water to the rice fields which has fed the nation for millennia. The lakes grassy shores are a feeding ground for hundreds of wild elephants in June and July each year as they gather to feed on the succulent green grasses sprouting from the receding waters of the lakes. The Sri Lankan Elephant is a unique sub species with a past census study revealing the island has over 6,000 wild elephants.
Lunch will be at a select restaurant in Anuradhapura.
Thereafter we will proceed towards Habarana to check into the Cinnamon Lodge.
In the late afternoon we will drive to Dambulla where we will venture on a night walk along a forest patch known to be the home of the Grey Slender Loris, a bizarre and intriguing nocturnal primate.
Thereafter we’ll return to our lodge for a late dinner.
Hotel - Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Habaranar
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Sigiriya for a guided tour, returning to our lodge for lunch.
An afternoon safari will visit either to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks (depending on where the herds of elephants are located at the time of travel) to witness the Great Elephant Gathering. Returning at dusk back to our lodge for dinner.
Hotel – Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Habarana
After an early breakfast, we will drive to the second ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa for a guided tour, returning to our lodge for lunch.
An afternoon safari will again visit either to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks to witness the Great Elephant Gathering. However today we will return to the lodge for a quick refresher, before heading out once again towards Sigiriya to another forest patch for a night walk seeking nocturnal mammals including the Slender Loris, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat and if one is truly lucky a Rusty Spotted Cat. Returning our lodge for dinner.
Hotel – Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10: Airport
After breakfast we will head back to Columbo International Airport (approximately 4 hours drive) for onward flights.
Price From £2,725 ppsh
Included:
All activities listed in the itinerary Entrance and guiding fees when visiting parks and sites listed in the itinerary All transfers
Accommodation
Meals (as shown)
Excluded:
International airfare Personal travel insurance
Drinks during the meals
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Wildlife conservationists Will and Carol Fox founded On Track Safaris to give back to nature, offering a range of ethical safari experiences that provide amazing wildlife sightings and quality accommodation, all backed up by On Track Safaris belief in customer service.
