Sinharaja

After being received by our representative at the airport, you will head directly to Sinharaja. On arrival at the hotel where you will be staying, relax and unwind from your long flight into Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja is a forest which was recognised as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. In English 'Sinharaja' translates to Lion (Sinha) King (Raja) alluding to a popular belief that the origin of the Sinhala people is from the union of a princess and the lion king who once lived in this forest. Your dinner and overnight stay will be arranged at a hotel near Sinharaja Forest.

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of Sri Lanka’s most prized natural possessions. It is believed to be the most biologically diverse area in the country, and features a range of wildlife – flora and fauna – that is not seen anywhere else in the world, let alone the country. The half day trek begins in the morning after a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Although this is not a hard trail by any measure, you should be prepared to ascend and descend some rugged terrain, surrounded by amazing flora and fauna, as well as the sounds of nature – the calls of exotic birds and animals and the rumbling of the waters in the distance.

Once the trek is complete, you will be taken to your accommodation in Belihuloya where you will spend the night.

This is perhaps the most tiring, and most rewarding day of the entire tour. Starting at your accommodation in Belihuloya after breakfast, you begin a 20 km long trek to Duwili Ella via some rough terrain through riverine forest. The area is very much alive with all kinds of flora and fauna, including: deer, giant squirrels, flying squirrels, and primates. Lunch will be taken at the halfway point at Hulan Ella, and the trek will continue towards Duwili Ella. Ella in the local Sinhalese language means waterfall, and both these waterfalls (Hulan Ella and Duwili Ella) are formed by tributaries of the Walawe River. The beautiful Duwili Ella gets its name (Duwili means ‘Dust’) from the water spray resembling a cloud of dust.

At the conclusion of the long trail, you will be transferred to Udawalawe for the next leg of the tour. Dinner and spending the night will be at Big Game Camp in Udawalawe

On Day 4, relaxing on the Belihuloya Hotel is emphasised.

After breakfast you will be transfer from Belihuloya to Udawalawe.The highlight is the Late Afternoon Safari in Udawalawe National Park where you will get to travel deep into the National Park, to see the wildlife up close. The Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. It is not uncommon to see a whole herd of elephants at a watering hole during your visit. An afternoon / evening Safari tour will give you the chance to see elephants and many other animals, such as water buffalo, water monitor lizards, saltwater crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and even the occasional leopard. The Park is also ideal for bird enthusiasts.

there is something exciting lined up: a 1½ - 2 hour trek through the borderlands of the Udawalawe National Park offers a fascinating look at the wilderness of Udawalawe. This guided trek offers some great photo opportunities, and you can get to experience nature in its element, not confined to a safari jeep. Return to the camp and be surprised too mong!

The next morning, you will be transferred to the Yala National Park. This Park is the most visited and second largest National Park in Sri Lanka. Made up of five areas – known as blocks – of which two are now open to the public. Situated in the south-eastern dry zone of Sri Lanka, it is famously known as the best place in the world, to see leopards in the wild. Wildlife Tours Sri Lanka promises the best leopard safari experience, as our experienced naturalists and guides will take you to the areas known for leopard activity. Leopards are nocturnal, so the best chance of seeing one in the wild is either at dawn or at dusk. Taking an Evening Safari will certainly lend to the prospect of seeing leopard as they come out of their daytime slumber. Leopards may be the star attraction at Yala, but elephants, sloth bears, deer, jackals, wild boar, and a few hundred varieties of birds can also be sighted throughout the National Park.

You will get to see Yala National Park from a different view, with a morning Safari Jeep ride. Thereafter you will be taken to the airport after breakfast, for your departure from the island.