Safari Holidays – Option VI (European Summer) | Gal Oya Boat Safari & Eastern Wilderness of Sri Lanka

Safari Holidays – Option VI (European Summer) | Gal Oya Boat Safari & Eastern Wilderness of Sri Lanka

Safari Holidays – Option VI is designed for European summer travel to Sri Lanka, offering outstanding wildlife experiences when Europe is at its warmest. This itinerary explores uncrowded national parks, from Wilpattu’s ancient forests to Gal Oya’s rare boat safari with swimming elephants, combining diverse safari styles, cultural depth, and cooler inland landscapes ideal for European summer holidays.

What You Will Experience on This Safari?

This safari is crafted for travelers visiting Sri Lanka during the European summer months, when wildlife activity is high in the island’s dry-zone and eastern regions. Instead of focusing on a single park, you will experience multiple safari formats—jeep safaris, wetland boat safaris, lake safaris, and night wildlife encounters—across a wide geographical range.


You will track wildlife in Wilpattu National Park, observe elephant gatherings in Hurulu Eco Park, explore the cultural landscapes around Sigiriya, and venture into the remote eastern frontier of Gal Oya National Park, famous for elephants swimming between islands. The journey balances wildlife with forest hikes, ancient monuments, indigenous cultural encounters, and scenic reservoirs, making it ideal for European travelers seeking depth and authenticity.

Why is this safari ideal for European summer travel?

The itinerary focuses on Sri Lanka’s dry-zone and eastern regions, which offer excellent wildlife viewing during the European summer period from May to September.

What makes Option VI different from other safari holidays?

Option VI includes Sri Lanka’s unique Gal Oya boat safari, quieter national parks, and a wider mix of safari styles beyond standard jeep safaris.

Will the weather be suitable for wildlife viewing?

Yes. These regions experience drier conditions during European summer, increasing animal visibility around water sources.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors from Europe?

Yes. The itinerary is well-paced, culturally enriching, and avoids overcrowded safari circuits.

How active is this safari holiday?

Moderate. Activities include safaris, short hikes, cultural walks, and boat excursions, all adjustable to guest comfort levels.

Safari Holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Wildlife Safaris

European Summer Holidays in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Cultural Triangle Tours



DAY 1Negombo
DAY 2Wilpattu
DAY 3, 4 & 5 Sigiriya
DAY 6 &  7 Galoya
DAY 8 Udawalawe
DAY 9 Colombo

from USD 1,370

Per person on double sharing basis

Tour Map

Key Highlights

  • Visit Negombo - Wilpattu – Sigiriya – Minneriya – Ritigala - Danigala – Galoya national park - Udawalawe - Colombo
  • Safari at Wilpattu national park
  • Visit the famous Avukana Buddha statue and Dambulla cave temple 
  • Explore Asia’s largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain 
  • Safari in Kaudulla national park for elephants watching
  • Bird watching safari in Sigiriya sanctuary 
  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Safari in Minneriya national park
  • Ritigala mountain hike
  • Night safari in Popham’s Arboretum
  • Walk with Sri Lankan hunter dwellers at Galoya national park
  • A boat safari on Senanayake Samadraya (Reservoir) to witnessing the swimming elephants 
  • Explore Buduruwagala rock carvings, Dambegoda Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva Image and Maligawila Buddha statue
  • Safari in Udawalawa national park
  • Visit Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned elephants
  • Colombo city tour

What's included

  • Accommodation for 9 Nights.
  • 9 Nights’ accommodation sharing Double Room on HB (breakfast and dinner) basis as per itinerary. 
  • Services of TLJ’s English speaking accredited chauffeur-guide accompanying throughout the tour.
  • Travel in a late model mid-sized air-conditioned car.
  • Local transfers
  • Government tax and service charges
  • Entrance and activity charges directly pay at the site as per itinerary 

What's Not included

  • All activities not detailed in inclusions are Pay As You Go. 
  • International airfares.
  • Lunch, snacks & beverages.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guide / driver / assistant
  • Visa fees
  • Expenses of a personal nature.
  • Video camera and still camera fees
  • Permits at some locations
  • Welcome to Sri Lanka. 
  • Transfer you to Negombo
  • Boat safari in Muturajawela Wetland
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  • At the arrival lounge of Colombo Airport, you will be received by your chauffeur guide who will take care of you for the next 10 Days and transfer you to Wilpattu. Approximately 20 min. drive.
  • Check in to the hotel and relax for a few hours. 
  • Afternoon boat safari in Muturajawela Wetland
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Jetwing Thalahena Villas, Negombo
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Available Hotels

Jetwing Thalahena Villas

Jetwing Thalahena Villas

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hive 68 - Hotel and Resorts

Hive 68 - Hotel and Resorts

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Pledge Scape

Pledge Scape

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Villa Hundira

Villa Hundira

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Jetwing Lagoon

Jetwing Lagoon

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Heritance Negambo

Heritance Negambo

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night


  • Transfer you to Wilpattu
  • Wildlife safari in Wilpattu national park
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  • Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer you to Wilpattu. Approximately 3 and half hours' drive.
  • Safari in Wilpattu national park for wildlife and hidden cultural treasures of the ancient port city. 
  • Wilpattu national park, world-renowned for Leopard watching, is featured with 42 natural lakes believe to be formed by the fallen of a meteor. In the western border of the park, the area called “Kudiramalai”, was a famous ancient Port City,  has a unique terrain with red colour soil not been found anywhere in the country is a wonderful sighting. 
  • BBQ dinner around the campfire and overnight stay at The Backwaters Lodge, Wilpattu
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Available Hotels

The Backwaters Lodge

The Backwaters Lodge

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Wilpattu Safari Camp

Wilpattu Safari Camp

US$ 231 + per night


  • Transfer you to Sigiriya
  • En-route visit the famous Avukana Buddha statue, Namal Uyana and Dambulla cave temple
  • Evening safari in Hurulu Eco Park for elephants watching
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Sigiriya. Approximately 2 and half hours’ drive
  • En-route visit the famous Avukana Buddha statue, Namal Uyana, and Dambulla cave temple World heritage site
  • The 5th-century Avukana Buddha statue has carved out of a large rock face and is 12 m in height. 
  • Asia’s largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain is located in Namal Uyana. 
  • Evening Safari in Hurulu Eco Park for elephants watching.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Elephant Lake, Sigiriya
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Available Hotels

Fresco Water Villa

Fresco Water Villa

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Sigiriya Village

Sigiriya Village

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Kaveri Ayurveda Resort

Kaveri Ayurveda Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Aliya Resort and Spa

Aliya Resort and Spa

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Sigiriya King's Resort

Sigiriya King's Resort

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Jetwing Vil Uyana

US$ 231 + per night


  • Morning birdwatching safari in Sigiriya sanctuary 
  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site
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  • Morning bird watching safari in Sigiriya sanctuary with picnic breakfast.
  • Afternoon climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Elephant Lake, Sigiriya
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Available Hotels

Fresco Water Villa

Fresco Water Villa

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Sigiriya Village

Sigiriya Village

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Kaveri Ayurveda Resort

Kaveri Ayurveda Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Aliya Resort and Spa

Aliya Resort and Spa

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Sigiriya King's Resort

Sigiriya King's Resort

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Jetwing Vil Uyana

US$ 231 + per night


  • Ritigala mountain hike
  • Night safari in Popham’s Arboretum
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Ritigala mountain hike. 
  • Ritigala jungle-clad mountain has 70 odd caves. Those caves were inhabited by forest-dwelling monks since ancient times. Though it was famous as a Buddhist monastery Ritigala is a strict nature reserve due to its vegetation. 
  • Night safari in Popham’s Arboretum
  • Popham’s Arboretum is a man-made forest. The natural habitat in this forest is famous for sighting Sri Lanka endemic nocturnal arboreal mammal of the red slender loris (Loris tardigradus) 
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Elephant Lake, Sigiriya
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Available Hotels

Fresco Water Villa

Fresco Water Villa

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Sigiriya Village

Sigiriya Village

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Kaveri Ayurveda Resort

Kaveri Ayurveda Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Aliya Resort and Spa

Aliya Resort and Spa

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Sigiriya King's Resort

Sigiriya King's Resort

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Jetwing Vil Uyana

Jetwing Vil Uyana

US$ 231 + per night


  • Transfer you to Galoya national park 
  • En-route climb Danigala Alien mountain
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Galoya national park. Approximately 4 hours’ drive
  • En-route climb Danigala Alien mountain and visit to explore the giant Maduru Oya reservoir and dam.
  • The people in the area have believed that Danigala mountain has a connection with Aliens. The unique circular shape at the top of the mountain has favoured this belief.
  • Then transfer to Galoya national park. 
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Wild Glamping Gal Oya
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Available Hotels

Wild Glamping Gal Oya

Wild Glamping Gal Oya

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge

US$ 231 + per night


  • Take a walk with Vedda person through the jungles of his ancestors 
  • Afternoon boat safari on Senanayake Samadraya (Reservoir) and witnessing the swimming elephants in Galoya national park
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Take a walk with the Vadda people, Sri Lankan hunter dwellers, at Galoya national park.
  • Afternoon boat safari on Senanayake Samadraya (Reservoir) and witnessing the swimming elephants at Galoya national park.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Wild Glamping Gal Oya
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Available Hotels

Wild Glamping Gal Oya

Wild Glamping Gal Oya

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge

US$ 231 + per night


  • Transfer you to Udawalawe 
  • Explore Buduruwagala rock carvings of Bodhisatva cult, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva Image at Dambegoda and Maligawila Buddha statue
  • Evening  safari in Udawalawa national park
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Udawalawe. Approximately 3 and a half hours’ drive.
  • En-route visit Buduruwagala rock carvings of Bodhisatva cult, Dambegoda Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva Image, and Maligawila Buddha statue.
  • Evening  safari in Udawalawa national park
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
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Available Hotels

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Kottawatta River Bank Resort

Kottawatta River Bank Resort

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Eliyanth Udawalawe

Eliyanth Udawalawe

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Jansen's bungalow sinharaja

Jansen's bungalow sinharaja

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Elephant Trail

Elephant Trail

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Big Game Camp Udawalawe

Big Game Camp Udawalawe

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp

US$ 231 + per night

Explorer by Mahoora

Explorer by Mahoora

US$ 231 + per night


  • Visit Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned elephants at the feeding time 
  • Transfer you to Colombo
  • En-route visit to see Waulpane cave
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Visit Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned elephants. It is quite amusing that elephants are jostling for the milk.
  • Transfer you to Colombo. Approximately 4 hours’ drive.
  • En-route visit to see Waulpane cave. it is home to approximately 500,000 bats of 6 varieties.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Cinnamon Red, Colombo. 
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Available Hotels

Fair View Hotel Colombo

Fair View Hotel Colombo

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Cinnamon Red

Cinnamon Red

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Marino Beach Colombo

Marino Beach Colombo

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Galle Face Hotel

Galle Face Hotel

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night


  • Colombo city tour
  • Transfer you to Airport to say goodbye to Sri Lanka 
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • City tour around the Colombo including Colombo Lighthouse, the lighthouse with clock tower, Galle faces Green, Colombo Townhall 
  • Checkout and proceed to Airport for the departure. Approximately 40 min drive.
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