Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Colombo
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where a De Silva Travel & Tours representative will greet you warmly
- Your representative will guide you to a private luxury vehicle
- This vehicle will be your dedicated mode of transport for this wildlife photography tour in Sri Lanka
- Your first stop will be in Colombo at the historic Galle Face Hotel
Colombo Exploration:
- The hotel is located in close proximity to malls and other attractions in Colombo
- Feel free to set out and explore the capital city
- Stop at nearby attractions such as Galle Face Green
- Take a stroll along the oceanfront promenade
- Capture some street and cityscape photographs
- Overnight stay in Colombo
Arrival & City:
- Airport arrival scene
- Colombo city skyline and landmarks
Day 2 - Colombo to Udawalawe
- On day 02, you will transfer from Colombo to the wildlife-rich Udawalawe region
- Approximately 4-5 hour drive through scenic lowland landscapes
Elephant Transit Home (Noon arrival):
- Reach the Elephant Transit Home by noon
- This timing coincides with the milk feeding time for baby elephants
- Capture adorable photographs of orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed
- Watch the little ones run to the feeding point when the bell rings
- Excellent opportunity for heartwarming wildlife portraits
Lunch:
- Enjoy lunch before your afternoon safari
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
- Scheduled afternoon jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park
- Get maximum possible photographs of elephants in their natural surroundings
- Safari timing 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (golden hour light)
- Udawalawe is famous for guaranteed elephant sightings
Photography Opportunities:
- Large elephant herds including babies and large tuskers
- Crocodiles basking on reservoir banks
- Water buffalo with impressive curved horns
- Birds in flight during golden hour
Accommodation:
- Check into Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort for overnight stay
Elephant Portraits:
- Udawalawe National Park elephant herd at dusk
- Safari jeep ready for wildlife photography
Day 3 - Udawalawe to Yala
- Early morning encounter with Udawalawe elephants (6:00 AM game drive)
- Capture elephants in the soft morning light
- Best time for photography – golden light, active animals
- Different perspective from afternoon sessions
Morning Safari Highlights:
- Herds moving through grasslands
- Elephants crossing the reservoir
- Crocodiles sunning themselves
- Bird species in flight
Midday Transfer:
- Head towards Yala National Park
- Strategic timing to arrive for afternoon safari
Afternoon Safari – Yala National Park (3:00 PM):
- Jeep safari at Yala National Park
- Capture the park's diverse wildlife
Yala Photography Targets:
- Leopards – highest density in the world (requires patience)
- Sloth bears – elusive and rare
- Elephants – smaller herds than Udawalawe
- Spotted deer, sambar deer, and wild boar
- Water buffalo in open grasslands
- Crocodiles in natural lakes
- Peacocks displaying their feathers
- Golden jackals and mongooses
- Have your camera ready to capture every moment!
- Overnight camping at Leopard Nest in Yala
Leopard Country:
- Yala National Park leopard sighting
- Bird watching at Yala National Park
Day 4 - Yala & Bundala Double Safari Day
- Prepare for an early morning game drive at Yala National Park (6:00 AM)
- Best time for leopard photography – pre-dawn and early morning
- Soft morning light perfect for wildlife portraits
Morning Session Targets:
- Leopards returning from night hunts
- Sloth bears active at dawn
- Elephant families in open areas
- Peacocks displaying on the ground
Midday Break:
- Return to camp for breakfast and rest
- Review your morning photographs
- Change camera batteries and clear memory cards
Afternoon Safari – Bundala National Park:
- Travel to Bundala National Park for afternoon safari (2:30 PM)
- Famous for bird photography – especially waterbirds
Bundala Photography Highlights:
- Flamingos – seasonal, large flocks create stunning compositions
- Painted storks and spoonbills
- Pelicans, herons, and egrets
- Crocodiles in the lagoons
- Sunset over the wetlands – spectacular backdrop
- Return to Leopard Nest for second overnight stay
- Travel to Mirissa on day 05
Double Safari Day:
- Yala leopard in morning light
- Bundala flamingos at golden hour
Day 5 - Yala to Mirissa
- Early morning safari at Yala National Park (6:00 AM) before transfer
- One final opportunity to capture elusive leopards
- Capture any species you may have missed
Midday Travel to Mirissa:
- Journey to the coastal paradise of Mirissa
- Approximately 2.5-3 hour drive
Afternoon:
- Check into Sri Sharavi Beach Villas
- Relax for the rest of the evening
- Enjoy the beachfront surroundings
Optional Evening Photography:
- Sunset over the Indian Ocean
- Stilt fishermen along the coast
- Coconut palms silhouetted against golden sky
- Overnight stay in Mirissa
Coastal Arrival:
- Famous Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa
- Mirissa beach sunset view
Day 6 - Mirissa - Whale & Dolphin Photography
- Early morning activity – whale watching in Mirissa
- Gear up for a challenge to your photography skills
Whale Watching Excursion:
- Depart from Mirissa harbor at approximately 6:00 AM
- 3-4 hour boat excursion in the Indian Ocean
Photography Challenges & Opportunities:
- Blue Whales – largest animals on Earth
- Capture the blow (spout) before the dive
- Wait for the tail fluke as they descend
- Use fast shutter speeds for these massive subjects
- Sperm Whales – massive toothed predators
- Often more predictable than blues
- Great for surface portraits
- Spinner Dolphins
- Capturing acrobatic leaps
- Use continuous shooting mode
- Dolphins often ride the bow wave
Marine Photography Tips:
- Fast shutter speed (1/1000+ for dolphins)
- Steady your camera on the boat (image stabilization)
- Watch for whale blows to anticipate surfacing
- Patience – they can stay under for 10-15 minutes
Afternoon:
- The rest of the day is left for relaxation
- Some unique captures of the gorgeous sunset along the southern coast
- Coconut Tree Hill – iconic photography spot
- Waves crashing on Parrot Rock
- Overnight stay in Mirissa
Marine Photography:
- Whale watching boat with blue whale
- Spinner dolphins leaping offshore
Day 7 - Mirissa to Negombo (via Galle & Kosgoda)
- Set out in the morning from Mirissa to Negombo
- En route stops for cultural and conservation photography
Stop 1 – Galle Dutch Fort:
- Discover the historic Galle Dutch Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Photography opportunities include:
- 17th-century ramparts with ocean views
- Iconic Galle Lighthouse
- Old Dutch Church and colonial buildings
- Cobblestone streets with boutiques and cafes
- Local life within the fort walls
- Fishing boats in the harbor
Stop 2 – Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery:
- Spend time at the turtle conservation center
- Photography opportunities:
- Baby turtles in tanks – macro photography
- Turtle releasing into the ocean (seasonal)
- Different species – Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley
- Conservation activities – egg collection, nest protection
Afternoon – Negombo Arrival:
- Upon reaching Negombo, check into Jetwing Blue
- Evening boat safari at Muthurajawela Marsh
Muthurajawela Photography:
- Wetland and marsh ecosystem
- Waterbirds – herons, egrets, kingfishers
- Monitor lizards and crocodiles
- Mangrove forests
- Golden hour light on the water
- Overnight stay in Negombo
Coastal & Conservation:
- Galle Fort lighthouse and ramparts
- Turtle hatchery conservation
Day 8 - Negombo to BIA Departure
- Last day of your wildlife photography tour in Sri Lanka
Morning (Time Permitting):
- Tour of Negombo town before heading to the airport
- Photography opportunities in Negombo:
- Negombo Beach – morning light
- Dutch Canal – colonial-era waterway
- Fish Market – bustling local life (morning best)
- St. Mary's Church – neoclassical architecture
Airport Transfer:
- Travel to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Approximately 20-30 minutes from Negombo
- Arrive with ample time for check-in
Departure:
- The wildlife photography tour of Sri Lanka now comes to an end
Customization Note:
- This is scheduled as an 8-day tour
- If you have lesser time or would like to spend more time
- Or if you would like to cover different attractions, do let us know
- Our team of consultants is waiting to serve you
- We can prepare a customized itinerary according to your requirements
Farewell:
- Negombo beach morning farewell
- Airport departure with photo memories
