Safari Holidays – Option X – (Winter) | Wildlife Safaris, Highlands & Coastal Nature Adventure

Name Safari Holidays – Option X – (Winter) | Wildlife Safaris, Highlands & Coastal Nature Adventure
Itinerary Type Adventure, Nature & Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka – Safaris, Hiking & Outdoor Exploration
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Id 48
Price 1,950
Days 16
Nights 15
Show For Public 1
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Priority 0
Created 5/21/20, 2:09 PM

Overview

<p>This winter wildlife safari showcases Sri Lanka’s most iconic ecosystems — from misty highland trails and lush forested valleys to the coastal plains and rich wetlands. Over <span data-start="631" data-end="642">15 days</span>, experience trekking in Horton Plains, wildlife drives in <span data-start="701" data-end="709">Yala</span> and <span data-start="714" data-end="740" style="">Bundala National Parks</span><b>,</b> birdwatching at Kalametiya and forest reserves, whale and dolphin watching at Rekawa and Mirissa, and visits to waterfalls, waterfalls and cultural gems — offering a comprehensive winter nature and safari adventure that blends biodiversity, landscapes, and seasonal wildlife sightings.</p><p><b>What You Will Experience on This Safari?</b></p><p>This extended winter safari immerses you in Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of habitats and wildlife. You’ll trek the cool highlands of Horton Plains for dramatic cliff-top views, explore birdlife and wetland ecosystems at Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, and encounter elephants, leopards, crocodiles and migratory birds on safaris through <span data-start="1453" data-end="1464">Bundala</span> and <span data-start="1469" data-end="1492">Yala National Parks</span>. Along the coast you’ll enjoy <span data-start="1523" data-end="1553">whale and dolphin watching</span> off Mirissa and witness seasonal marine life while also discovering forest trails, river valleys, and scenic waterfalls near Nuwara Eliya. This balanced journey offers a blend of terrestrial, marine, and highland nature experiences tailored to winter travel conditions.</p><p><b>What is the best season for this safari?</b></p><p>This itinerary is designed for the winter season (December–March) when coastal whale watching and wildlife safaris have optimal conditions, and birdlife is active in wetlands.</p><p><b>What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?</b></p><p>You may see elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species in national parks like Yala and Bundala National Parks.</p><p><b>Is whale watching included?</b></p><p>Yes. Whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa and night turtle sightings at Rekawa are included as key coastal highlights.</p><p><b>Are there hiking or nature walks?</b></p><p>Yes. The itinerary includes scenic nature walks and hikes in areas such as Horton Plains and wetland reserves.</p><p><b>Does this safari combine multiple ecosystems?</b></p><p>Absolutely — this adventure includes highland treks, coastal experiences, wetland bird life, and open-plains wildlife safari drives.</p><p><b>Is this experience suitable for families or novice travellers?</b></p><p>Yes. The itinerary mixes guided safaris and moderate nature activities suitable for travellers with general fitness.</p><p><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/15" target="_blank">Yala National Park safari</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/56" target="_blank">Bundala National Park wildlife</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/287" target="_blank">Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fantasiatours.com/locations/view-individual/8" target="_blank">Nuwara Eliya highlands nature</a></p>

Key Highlights

<ul><li>Visit Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains – Yala – Tangalle – Mirissa – Udawalawa – Sinharaja – Bentota</li><li>Bird watching at Kitulgala – Kelani valley forest reserve</li><li>Cycling tour to Belilena</li><li>Participates white water rafting trip&nbsp;</li><li>Visit Aberdeen falls, Devon, and St. Clair waterfalls.</li><li>Visit Galway’s Land national park&nbsp;</li><li>Trekking through Horton Plains national park.</li><li>Explore Buduruwagala rock carvings of Bodhisatva cult&nbsp;</li><li>Safari at Bundala national park</li><li>Full day safari in Yala national park&nbsp;</li><li>Off-road adventure tour to block II, Yala national park</li><li>Boat ride to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary for bird watching&nbsp;</li><li>Hike to explore temple paintings in Mulkirigala temple</li><li>Night turtle watching at Rekawa</li><li>Mirissa Whales and Dolphins watching tour</li><li>Visit Elephant Transit Home</li><li>Safari at Udawalawe national park</li><li>Walking through the bird-watching trail in Sinharaja</li><li>Full-day trekking through hilly virgin Sinharaja rain forest</li><li>Do some watersports in Bentota&nbsp;</li><li>Visit Kalutara Bodhiya and stupa</li><li>Visit Barberyn Island Lighthouse in Beruwala&nbsp;</li><li>Visit Madu Ganga wetland for a boat safari and bird watching&nbsp;</li><li>Visit Lunuganga Estate, the country house of Geoffrey Bawa and&nbsp;</li><li>Explore the Kosgoda Turtle conservation project.</li></ul>

Related Itinerary Day Schedules

Id Itinerary Id Duration Info Accommodation Info Location Id Description Meals Info Hotel Id Image Created Actions
528 48 DAY - 1 (Airport – Kitulgala) 53 <ul><li>At the arrival lounge of Colombo Airport, you will be received by your chauffeur guide who will take care of you for the next 16 Days and transfer you to Kitulgala – approximately 2 and half hours drive.<br></li><li>Kelani River flows through the Kitulgala which makes it, the most famous destination for water-based adventure activities.</li><li>Check in to the hotel and relaxing few hours’ at the hotel.</li><li>Evening bird watching trail at Kitulgala – Kelani valley forest reserve. The trail starts by crossing the Kelani River and goes through the village where many endemic bird species can be seen.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Rafters Retreat Lodge, Kitulgala</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 211 3.jpg 5/21/20, 2:12 PM View Edit
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529 48 DAY - 2 (Kitulgala) 53 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel.<br></li><li>Participates white water rafting trip with experienced guides down to the Kelani River. You would be able to have a relaxing cold water dip on this trip. </li><li>Take part Mountain biking trip through tea estates and rubber estates in kItulgala and to the prehistoric cave “Belilena” which yielded human skeleton of Homo sapiens. There is a waterfall near Belilena and if you wish you can have a shower. </li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Rafters Retreat Lodge, Kitulgala.</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:14 PM View Edit
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530 48 DAY - 3 (Kitulgala - Nuwara Eliya) 8 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel<br></li><li>Transfer you to Nuwara Eliya - approximately 2 and half hours’ drive.</li><li>En-route visit Aberdeen falls and have a small dip on cool water in the pool down the waterfall then explore Devon and St. Clair waterfalls</li><li>Afternoon city tour at Nuwara Eliya or your own.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze, Nuwara Eliya</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 196 WATER-FALLS.jpg 5/21/20, 2:17 PM View Edit
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531 48 DAY - 4 (Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya) 8 <ul><li>Transfer to Horton Plains National Park at 5 am – approximately 1 and half hours’ drive.<br></li><li>The Horton Plains National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Sri Lanka where you will find scenery unlike anywhere in the country. The Horton Plains National Park is at the highest plateau of the country where it comes to a sudden end at the place called “the world’s end” which indeed an amazing sight to behold. This normal circular route covering World’s End and Bakers’ fall which takes 3-4 hours.</li><li>If you are really interested in hiking, hike to Kirigalpotta Mountain one of the best nature trails in Sri Lanka which is a 14Km round hike will take about 6-7 hours.</li><li>Picnic breakfast will be provided before starting the hike or trek.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze, Nuwara Eliya</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 156 HORTON-1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:19 PM View Edit
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532 48 DAY - 5 (Nuwara Eliya – Yala) 13 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel.<br></li><li>Transfer you to Yala. Approximately 4 hours’ drive.</li><li>En-route visit Buduruwagala rock carvings of Bodhisatva cult </li><li>Afternoon Safari at Bundala national park was the 1st “Ramsar” wetland in the country renowned for sightings of the rich aquatic wildlife including migratory birds and rare species of crocodiles. </li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Wild Yala</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 195 1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:21 PM View Edit
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533 48 DAY - 6 (Yala) 13 <ul><li>Full day safari in Yala national park to explore wildlife <br></li><li>You will be pick up from the hotel at 5 am for the full day safari in Yala national park with all picnic meals and refreshments.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Wild Yala</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 195 3.jpg 5/21/20, 2:24 PM View Edit
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534 48 DAY - 7 ( Yala) 13 <ul><li>Off-road adventure tour to block II, Yala national park, to explore hidden historical treasures in Minihagalkanda and surrounding landscape <br></li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Wild Yala</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 195 3.jpg 5/21/20, 2:25 PM View Edit
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535 48 DAY - 8 (Yala - Tangalle) 44 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel.<br></li><li>Transfer you to Tangalle. Approximately 2 and a half hours’ drive.</li><li>Afternoon bird watching excursion at Kalametiya Bird sanctuary. </li><li>Kalametiya, the oldest bird sanctuary in the country occupies a beautiful area between two saltwater lagoons, bordering a mangrove swamp and open plains which supporting breeding colonies of pelicans, herons, egrets and open-billed stork and migratory ducks and shorebirds</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Turtle Bay, Tangalle</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 149 1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:28 PM View Edit
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536 48 DAY - 9 (Tangalle - Mirissa - Tangalle) 44 <ul><li>Early morning transfer to Mirissa for Whales and Dolphins watching tour.<br></li><li>During the months of December to April pods of Dolphins and a large number of sperm and Blue Whales are common, in a few kilometers from the Mirissa beach. Tour will take 4-5 hours.</li><li>Afternoon relaxing at the Tangalle beach.</li><li>In the evening around 6.30 pm went to Rekawa 10 km from Tangalle to see turtles. Between 8 pm to 12 midnight, you can watch the turtles laying eggs or returning to the sea.</li><li>Five marine turtle species including green, loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback can be found at the low season from October to January and high season from April to July in Rekawa. </li><li>Overnight stay at Turtle Bay, Tangalle</li></ul> Bed & Breakfast 149 1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:31 PM View Edit
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537 48 DAY - 10 (Tangalle - Udawalawa) 22 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel<br></li><li>Transfer you to Udawalawe - approximately 2 and half hours’ drive.</li><li>Visit Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned elephants. It is quite amusing that elephants are jostling for the milk.</li><li>Do evening safari at Udawalawe national park.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 215 2.jpg 5/21/20, 2:33 PM View Edit
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538 48 DAY - 11 (Udawalawe - Sinharaja) 57 <ul><li>Do morning safari at Udawalawe national park.<br></li><li>Breakfast at the hotel.</li><li>Transfer you to Sinharaja– approximately 3 hours’ drive.</li><li>Sinharaja the hilly virgin rainforest, the UNESCO World Heritage Site represents a biome that dates back to the Deccan Plate and consists of lowland, mid-elevation, and montane rainforest. Out of a total of 830 indigenous flowering plants on the island, Sinharaja has nearly 500 plants and out of 27 native bird species in the country, 17 species make Sinharaja their home. </li><li>Afternoon walking through the bird watching trail where you will be able to see at least 10 endemic bird species.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Rain Forest Edge, Sinharaja</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 217 BIRD-WATCHING.jpg 5/21/20, 2:37 PM View Edit
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539 48 DAY - 12 (Sinharaja) 57 <ul><li>Early morning around 6.30 am trek will start through hilly virgin rainforest. It will go through striking path and sparkling water streams with the hearing of chirping sounds of endemic birds. <br></li><li>This 14 km teak will provide the best opportunity to observe some most rear birds and butterflies of Sri Lanka, a complex of ancient caves named “Gallen Yaya” and “ Koskuklana Peak”.</li><li>Climbing “Singhagala Peak” would somewhat be challenging but at the summit, view of the surrounding virgin rain forest would be breathtaking. </li><li>The pool down the Kekuna Ella Water Fall is a fantastic place to have a bath and relax after a hard trekking exercise. You should prepare for leeches and your guide will assist you in preparations.</li><li>The entire trek will take 7-9 hours. Picnic meals and drinks will be provided.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Rain Forest Edge, Sinharaja</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 217 3.gif 5/21/20, 2:40 PM View Edit
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540 48 DAY - 13 (Sinharaja - Bentota) 38 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel<br></li><li>Transfer you to Bentota - approximately 2 and half hours’ drive.</li><li>Afternoon do some watersports in Bentota.</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Avani Bentota Resort.</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 206 1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:43 PM View Edit
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541 48 DAY - 14 (Bentota) 38 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel</li><li>Visit Barberyn Island Lighthouse in Beruwala and Kalutara Bodhiya and stupa.<br></li><li>Barberyn Island Lighthouse is one of the 4 international lighthouses in Sri Lanka 10 minutes boat ride from the Beruwala coast. </li><li>The Kalutara stupa with its entirely hollow interior at Gangatilaka Vihara is the only one of its kind in the world, built-in 1960s in the ground where Portuguese built a fort. The vast echoing interior was decorated with the 74 murals depicting various scenes from the Buddhist Jataka stories (early lives of Load Buddha)</li><li>Afternoon relax at the Bentota beach</li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Avani Bentota Resort.</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 206 2.jpg 5/21/20, 2:46 PM View Edit
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542 48 DAY - 15 (Bentota) 38 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel.<br></li><li>Visit Madu Ganga wetland for a boat safari and bird watching located about 17 Km from Bentota.</li><li>En-route visit Lunuganga Estate, the country house of Geoffrey Bawa and Kosgoda Turtle conservation project.</li><li>Madu Ganga River flows into Madu Lake before unleashed into the sea at Balapitiya. Madu Lake is an estuary connected with adjoining Randombe Lake by two narrow channels, forming a coastal wetland ecosystem of 915 ha, of which 770 ha of open water and 145 ha of islands.  Madu Ganga wetland consists of 303 species of plants including 19 endemics and 248 species of the vertebrate fauna of which 20 species are endemic</li><li>The country house of Lunuganga estate belonged to renounced architecture, late Geoffrey Bawa now maintain by the Geoffrey Bawa trust is a fascinating display of Bawa’s architectural vision. The estate was a cinnamon garden at the Dutch period and rubber plantation in the British period. Geoffrey Bawa brought this 15 acres land in 1949 and developed as a tropical version of the European renaissance garden. Bawa was cremated and ashes were buried there.<br></li><li>Dinner and overnight stay at Avani Bentota Resort.</li></ul> Bed and Breakfast 206 1.jpg 5/21/20, 2:48 PM View Edit
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543 48 DAY - 16 (Bentota – Airport) 78 <ul><li>Breakfast at the hotel.<br></li><li>Checkout and proceed to Airport for the departure. Approximately 2 hours’ drive.</li></ul> 3.jpg 5/21/20, 2:50 PM View Edit
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