Sri Lanka Big Five
7 Nights 8 Days | Private Guided Tour
A tour for true wildlife enthusiasts. The opportunity to experience the big 5 mammals of Sri Lanka. A seasonal yet an intimate collection of experiences coupled with the amazing flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.
What to Expect
Sri Lanka’s big five is a must see if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Sri Lanka is well known for her wildlife. The rich flora and fauna the biodiversity calling Sri Lanka home to many endemic wildlife species. Among the unique collection, Sri Lanka is home to 5 well sought mammals; The Sri Lankan Leopard, The Asian Elephant, The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, The Sperm Whale and the Blue Whale.
2 (Leopard and the Sloth Bear) out of the big five species of mammals are endemic to Sri Lanka. While the elephant is an iconic sight in Sri Lanka, not far out in the shore are the beautiful marine giants.
This tour is crafted so you have the chance of experiencing these amazing creatures and more during the Sri Lankan winter season. Even though Sri Lanka doesn’t experience any cold weather, it surely brings a lot of migrant birds and of course a lot of travelers in search of a warm escape.
Your stay will be mostly in Eco-lodges such as the Gal Oya Lodge & the Leopard Trails and a stay in a beach resort while awaiting to see the blue giants. You will be accompanied by experts every step of the way and your secluded wildlife experience. While exploring the glorious big five you will also have the opportunity of learning about local lifestyle specially during your stay in Gal Oya, and visit places such as the Galle Fort which is a must do when visiting Sri Lanka. We also recommend that you speak to our experts to extend your tour with Cultural & Heritage Experiences or a bit of Adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 01 - Airport - Gal Oya
As you land, your chauffer will welcome you to our precious island and take you on a 6 hour drive inland you will arrive in Gal Oya (East Coast) You may take breaks on the way and also rest in the car in comfort. On arrival to Gal oya, relax and spend the rest of the evening free and east.
Note – We recommend taking a flight that lands in the morning, so you can spend this day travelling to Gal Oya with ease and rest. Being on the road at night to reach Gal Oya is not recommended.
Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge • Meals: Dinner
Day 02 - Gal Oya
Today, enjoy an early breakfast, and go on a safari in Gal Oya National Park. Gal Oya National Park is one of the Sri Lanka’s undiscovered natural treasures. Go on a jeep safari through the Nilgala section of the park, once the protectorate of ancient royalty for the abundant medicinal plants and endemic birdlife unique to this ecosystem. This safari is where you first experience Big Five; the Asian Elephant in its wilderness.
Your morning Safari + Walk is couple with an amazing picnic lunch in the jungle. That evening, you will go on Walk of Discovery with the Chief Veddha. Visit one of the last remaining communities of the Veddha, the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka. Discover and learn about local nature as he brings the forest alive.
Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 03 - Gal Oya - Yala
Start your day early with a morning trek to the top of Monkey Mountain. A one and half hour uphill trek with views over the large forested valley is a must do when you’re in Gal Oya. After lunch, check out of the hotel and proceed to Yala.
Check in to your luxury wildlife camping experience bordering the Yala National Park. Wine and dine under the stars. Have an unforgettable dinner in the jungle and sit with a drink by the campfire, swapping stories about the amazing wildlife you have seen.
Hotel: Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safari • Meals: All Inclusive
Day 04 - Yala
Wake up by 5 am for a quick snack and a fresh cup of coffee or tea and leave for your morning game drive by 5:30 am. Widely acknowledged as the Leopard capital of the world, this game drive is your opportunity to experience 2 more mammals from the big five; The Leopard (Panthera Pardus Kotiya) and the Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus). You will return to the camp by 9 am for breakfast and again in the evening go on a second safari. Your tracker will spend quality time with you explaining the habits of the big five and how Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna creates such an amazing vegetation to help nurture and preserve these creatures.
Hotel: Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safari • Meals: All Inclusive
Day 05 - Yala - Galle
Today once again, enjoy one last game drive in the morning. Since sighting leopards and bears are very rare occurances, this final game drive would help cover up what ever you have missed. Do remember to check off the mammals and other wildlife you see on the sightings guides provided by us. Later, check out of the hotel and proceed to the Colonial city of Galle. En-route today, visit the Handungoda Tea Factory and discover the production process of Tea in Sri Lanka.
Hotel: Galle Fort Bazaar • Meals: Breakfast
Day 06 - Galle
Today is your day to relax. During your time staying in the Galle Fort, we recommend walking in and around the Galle Fort. The many cobble-stoned streets with their charming little cafes, street side restaurants are must indulge. We recommend strolling through the National Maritime Museum and also the Galle National Museum. For good cuisine, try Heritage Cafe, Chambers, the Galle Fort Rotti, and other fun cuisine widely available. Don’t forget to visit the renowned Peddlars Inn Cafe for a bite too.
Hotel: Galle Fort Bazaar • Meals: Breakfast
Day 07 - Galle
Final leg of the Big five experience is the whale watching expedition to get a glimpse of the Blue Whale and the Sperm Whale. Just off the coast of south Sri Lanka, the jewel in the Indian Ocean, swims the majestic blue whale, the largest creature on earth. Nowhere in the world is it possible to see these ocean giants so close to shore. Your whale watching guide will talk to you about the whale experience in Sri Lanka, the marine lifestyle, the conservation of the same and help you see these creatures in the wild as they are meant to be seen. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to snorkel or swim with the whales without prior permission. Such can be obtained only on special requests. We are unable to guarantee the approval for this.
Spend the evening leisurely.
Hotel: Galle Fort Bazaar • Meals: Breakfast
Day 08 - Galle - Colombo - Airport
Today’s activities will depend on your departure flight time. We recommend choosing an evening flight out of Colombo so you can experience a bit of Colombo today. If time permits, do a bit of shopping or try out a few restaurants which we could happily recommend.
Meals: Breakfast
Best time to Travel
This trip is not for everyone and certainly not available through out the year. The best months to enjoy this trip perfectly are February, March and May.
Book This Tour
Book this tour as it is or tweak it so it fits your requirement. Our experts are ready to help.