Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Waikkal
- Hello and welcome to Sri Lanka!
- You are now officially onboard with De Silva Travel & Tours Tours to start your most anticipated wildlife journey
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where are welcomed with friendly Sri Lankan hospitality
- Private airport pickup and transfer to the coastal town of Waikkal
- Settle into your hotel and settle in
- Take time to relax and recover from your international flight
- Overnight stay in Waikkal
Tour Kickoff:
- Airport arrival scene
- Kalpitiya (reference image)
Day 2 - Waikkal to Dambulla (via Elephant Freedom Project)
- Travel in the morning from Waikkal to the ancient city of Dambulla
En Route – Elephant Freedom Project (Ethical Elephant Experience):
- You will be able to enjoy a couple of hours with rescued elephants
- This is an ethical sanctuary where elephants are treated with care and respect
Activities with Elephants:
- Elephant Bathing – wade into the river and help scrub these gentle giants
- Elephant Feeding – prepare and offer fresh fruits and leaves
- Elephant Walking – take a stroll alongside your new elephant friend
- Spend quality time observing their natural behaviors
- Learn about elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka
- Educational experience for all ages
Afternoon:
- Continue transfer to Dambulla
- Settle into your hotel and relax after this memorable encounter
- Overnight stay in Dambulla
Elephant Encounter:
- Feeding a baby elephant at the sanctuary
- Deer in Wilpattu National Park (reference)
Day 3 - Dambulla - Village Tour, Sigiriya & Herbal Massage
- Full day of cultural and nature experiences in the Dambulla/Sigiriya region
Morning – Sri Lankan Village Tour:
- Experience an authentic Sri Lankan village tour
- Travel by bullock cart through rural paths
- Cross a scenic lake by traditional catamaran
- Meet local villagers and learn about their daily life
- Participate in traditional cooking demonstration
- Enjoy a delicious village lunch prepared with local ingredients
Afternoon – Sigiriya Lions Rock:
- Exploration of the iconic Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Climb approximately 1,200 steps to the summit
- View the famous frescoes of Sigiriya maidens
- Walk along the mirror wall with ancient inscriptions
- Pass through the lion's paws gateway
- Stunning 360-degree views from the top
Evening Relaxation:
- After the climb, enjoy a rejuvenating herbal foot massage
- Traditional Ayurvedic treatment to soothe tired muscles
- Perfect way to end an active day
- Overnight stay in Dambulla
Cultural & Relaxation:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (reference)
Day 4 - Dambulla to Polonnaruwa (via Minneriya/Kaudulla)
- Morning visit to the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – the largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka
- Five caves with over 150 Buddha statues
- Stunning ceiling murals covering 2,100 square meters
- Easy climb of approximately 400 steps
Afternoon Transfer:
- Travel towards Polonnaruwa – the medieval capital of Sri Lanka
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
- Set out for an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla National Park
- These parks are world-famous for the "Elephant Gathering"
- During the dry season (June-October), hundreds of elephants gather around the reservoirs
- Spot large herds including baby elephants, juveniles, and adult tuskers
- Also look for deer, crocodiles, water buffalo, and abundant bird species
- Professional driver-guide helps spot wildlife
Evening:
- Continue to Polonnaruwa
- Settle into your hotel
- Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa
Temple & Elephants:
- Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
- Minneriya National Park elephant gathering
Day 5 - Polonnaruwa to Wasgamuwa Loop
- Travel in the morning towards Wasgamuwa – a scenic road drive through rural countryside
- Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of paddy fields and forests
En Route Sightseeing – Girithale Tank:
- Stop at the historic Girithale Tank (reservoir)
- Ancient irrigation system dating back to the Polonnaruwa era
- Beautiful spot for photography and wildlife watching
- Often see elephants and birds near the water
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
- Afternoon jeep safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
- Less crowded than other parks – offers a more intimate wildlife experience
- Known for reliable elephant sightings including large males
- Also home to sloth bears, leopards, deer, and wild boar
- Habitat includes dry forests and grasslands
- Professional driver-guide helps identify animals and birds
Evening:
- Return to Polonnaruwa for overnight stay
- Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa
Wilderness Safari:
- Wasgamuwa National Park elephants
- Delft Island Fort (reference)
Day 6 - Polonnaruwa to Gal Oya
- Morning exploration of the ancient Polonnaruwa city by bicycles
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – the medieval capital of Sri Lanka
- Cycle through the sprawling archaeological park
- Stop at key highlights including:
- Royal Palace – once home to 1,000 rooms
- Gal Vihara – magnificent rock Buddha statues
- Sacred Quadrangle – the religious center
- Audience Hall with elephant-carved stone steps
- Lotus Bath – ancient stone swimming pool
- Vatadage – circular relic house
Afternoon Transfer:
- Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Gal Oya
- Approximately 3-4 hours drive through scenic landscapes
- Arrive in the pristine Gal Oya region
Evening:
- Settle into your hotel and relax
- Soak in the peaceful jungle atmosphere
- Overnight stay in Gal Oya
Heritage & Journey:
- Cycling through Polonnaruwa ruins
- Nilaveli Beach (reference)
Day 7 - Gal Oya to Ella (via Boat Safari)
- Morning boat safari on Senanayaka Samudraya – Sri Lanka's largest lake
- Located within Gal Oya National Park
Boat Safari Highlights:
- Cruise across the massive reservoir
- Spot wildlife from the water – a unique perspective
- Watch for elephants swimming between islands or bathing along the shore
- Look for crocodiles, monitor lizards, and water birds
- Painted storks, pelicans, egrets, and herons are common
- Peaceful and quiet experience – unlike jeep safaris
Afternoon Transfer:
- Transfer from Gal Oya to the beautiful hill country town of Ella
- Approximately 3-4 hours drive through scenic mountain roads
Evening – Cooking Experience:
- Enjoy a cooking experience at a typical local place
- Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes
- Traditional techniques and local ingredients
- Follow the cooking demonstration with dinner
- Taste the delicious meal you helped prepare
- Overnight stay in Ella
Lake Safari & Cuisine:
- Gal Oya National Park elephants by water
- Gal Oya reservoir and forest views
Day 8 - Gal Oya Reserve – Second Lake Safari
- Another morning boat safari on Sri Lanka's largest lake – Senanayaka Samudraya
- With a little luck, you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing
- This is a rare and special sight found in very few places worldwide
- Cruise to different parts of the reservoir for varied wildlife encounters
- Professional guide shares knowledge about the ecosystem
Picnic in the National Park:
- Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch within Gal Oya National Park
- Dine surrounded by nature and wildlife sounds
Jungle Drive:
- Experience a jungle drive through a jeep ride
- Explore areas of the park not accessible by boat
- Spot additional wildlife on land
- Stop at different habitat zones within the park
Evening:
- Return to your Gal Oya accommodation
- Unwind and reflect on two days of unique wildlife encounters
- Overnight stay in Gal Oya
Wildlife & Picnic:
- Pigeon Island National Park (reference)
- Dolphins in Trincomalee Sea (reference)
Day 9 - Gal Oya to Udawalawe
- Morning – Enjoy a Walk of Discovery with The Chief (Headman) of the Vedda Village
Indigenous Experience:
- Meet the Chief Vedda (indigenous community) of the Gal Oya region
- Take a guided walk through their ancestral forest
- Learn about traditional hunting and gathering techniques
- Discover medicinal plants used for centuries
- Listen to native songs and folk tales
- Gain insight into one of the world's oldest indigenous cultures
Afternoon Transfer:
- Transfer from Gal Oya to Udawalawe
- Approximately 3-4 hours drive
Late Afternoon – Elephant Transit Home:
- Spend time at the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) in Udawalawe
- This facility rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants
- Watch feeding time – babies run to the feeding point
- See adorable chubby little elephants being bottle-fed
- Learn about the release program – elephants returned to the wild
- Educational and heartwarming experience for all ages
- Check into your Udawalawe hotel
- Overnight stay in Udawalawe
Indigenous & Baby Elephants:
- Udawalawe National Park (reference)
- Veddha indigenous people
Day 10 - Udawalawe - Two Safaris & Sri Lankan Lunch
- Full day dedicated to wildlife in Udawalawe National Park
Morning Safari:
- Early morning safari in Udawalawe National Park
- Depart before sunrise – best time for animal activity
- Udawalawe is famous for its large elephant population
- Guaranteed sightings of wild elephants including babies
- Look for crocodiles, water buffalo, spotted deer, and wild boar
- Excellent for bird watching – eagles, kingfishers, and painted storks
Complimentary Sri Lankan Lunch:
- Enjoy a complimentary traditional Sri Lankan lunch
- Classic rice and curry preparation
- Refuel after your morning wildlife adventure
Afternoon Safari:
- Second safari in Udawalawe National Park in the afternoon
- Different route to spot additional wildlife
- The afternoon light is beautiful for photography
- May see animals coming to water sources
- Another chance to observe elephant herds
- Overnight stay in Udawalawe
Double Safari Day:
- The Bullock Cart in Sri Lanka (reference)
- Anuradhapura (reference)
Day 11 - Udawalawe to Galle
- Travel in the morning from Udawalawe to the historic coastal city of Galle
- Approximately 2.5-3 hours drive through beautiful southern countryside
Afternoon – Exploration of Galle Fort and City:
- Spend time at the iconic Galle Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, expanded by the Dutch
- Walk along the 17th-century ramparts with stunning ocean views
- Discover the charming streets within the fort walls
- Spend time at the iconic lighthouse, old Dutch Church, and colonial buildings
- Discover boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes
Evening:
- Check into your Galle hotel
- Watch the sunset from the fort ramparts
- Enjoy the coastal atmosphere
- Overnight stay in Galle
Coastal Heritage:
- Sigiriya (reference)
- Galle beach shoreline
Day 12 - Galle to BIA Departure
- Final day of your elephant-focused safari tour
Morning:
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your Galle hotel
- Depending on flight time, perhaps take one last walk along Galle beach
- Complete checkout formalities
Airport Transfer:
- Continue by private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Approximately 2-2.5 hours drive north along the coastal highway
- Your chauffeur guide will ensure a comfortable journey
Departure:
- Arrive with ample time for check-in and security
- Bid farewell to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka
- Take home unforgettable elephant and wildlife memories
End of Tour:
- Your Elephant Safari Tour with De Silva Travel & Tours Tours concludes here
- We hope you enjoyed close encounters with Asian elephants in their natural habitat
- Please contact us for any future trips or customizations
Farewell:
- Beach farewell
- Airport departure
