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Jungle to the beautiful coastlines with memories to last a lifetime.
Unearth a region of wild delights on this expedition through the depths of Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks. Spend 12 days from Negombo traversing the thickets of Kumuna National Park to the dry evergreen forests of elephant-rich Wasgamuwa National Park. Discover the lofty mountains of Gal Oya National Park and the misty Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and on the way, gain an insight into local farming industries before lazing on the shores of Arugam Bay. A delight on a wildlife-focused and nature-filled itinerary in one of Asia’s best selections of jungle and forest!
Itinerary (Customized itineraries available upon request)
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to Bandaranaike International Airport. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until an important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is also ideal to be explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception. Better yet, book into a local Urban Adventure like Spirit of Negombo. First, check out the sights on foot and then take a leisurely boat tour, all while soaking up some epic views and learning all about the history and culture of Negombo.
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There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It is especially important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Spend the day learning about the complex relationship between some farmers and wild elephants in Sri Lanka, and what one organization is doing to ease the conflict. Project Orange Elephant is run by Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, a local non-government organization. For Sri Lankans who rely on subsistence or commercial farming, elephant populations can be incredibly destructive. Crop raiding by elephants is commonplace, and farmers who have had their livelihood destroyed often retaliate with violence. With support from The Intrepid Foundation, SLWCS encourages more sustainable farming practices – particularly of crops like oranges that elephants do not eat – to help wildlife and humans coexist peacefully. Take the opportunity to meet some of the local farmers and learn about life for both the elephant and human inhabitants that live in the area.
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Make the 4-hour drive to Ampara and enter the unspoiled splendor of Gal Oya National Park, home to elephants, axis deer, muntjacs, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles, and more than 150 species of birds. Unlike the dry forest and low mountain ranges of Wasgamuwa National Park, Gal Oya is set against the massive Senanayake Samudraya Lake and is framed by mountains that reach an elevation of over 900 meters. Arrive and spend some time exploring this lush environment, and in the evening, take a cruise to a part of the lake where elephants come for their nightly splash.
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Rise and shine for a morning boat ride on Senanayake Samudraya Lake – Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir. Cruise over serene waters, watching morning light illuminate the tiny islands that dot the water, and keep an eye out for elephants, storks, and hornbills. Get back on land and transfer to Arugam Bay (approximately 2 hours). After three days in the wilderness, the sight of palm-lined beaches is a welcome change of scenery! Spend some time soaking up the laid-back vibes of this surf town and, in the evening, embark on a jeep safari through nearby Kumana National Park (formerly known as Yala East National Park). With fewer crowds than some of Sri Lanka’s other parks and a diverse range of wildlife, Kumana is the perfect place to search for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and white cobras. Bird enthusiasts will be happy to know it is common to spot wild peacocks and a wide variety of storks.
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Today, you have got planned a morning and evening safari drive through Kumuna National Park – both chances to spot animals along the many waterways that thread through the landscape. You will even have the chance to stop by Arugam Bay Lagoon or Panama Lake to spot some crocodiles! During the middle of the day, you can do as you please. Perhaps soak up some sunshine along the sandy coast or stroll through this quaint town. There are plenty of local restaurants serving up both Sri Lankan and international cuisine your group leader will have some delicious recommendations.
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Transfer to Udawalawe (approximately 3.5 hours). Spend some time relaxing in Udawalawe town before an evening safari, where you are bound to spot elephant families on the move. Udawalawe National Park has an amazing array of animal and birdlife, with more herds of wild elephant than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Other wildlife regularly spotted here include macaques, monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles, and sometimes even leopards!
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Make the 2-hour drive to Sinharaja Forest Reserve and settle into the Rainforest Eco Lodge – your accommodation for this evening. Set among the misty rainforest, these eco-lodges are set on stilts for optimum harmony with the natural environment. Spend the day as you please, either getting a feel for the grounds of the lodge with a walk or simply relaxing at the bar or restaurant on site. In the evening, enjoy a nature walk through the World Heritage-listed forest, enjoying the tropical surroundings and looking out for beasts like jackals, big cats, wild boars, and toque monkeys.
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Wake up with a morning walk through the rainforest, keeping a lookout for butterflies, multi-colored blue magpies, squirrels, mongoose, and more! Afterwards, make the 2.5-hour drive to Galle. Head to Galle Fort-the fortified city with plenty of Portuguese and Dutch colonial charm, narrow laneways, and stunning promenades. Galle Fort is a wanderer’s & paradise, and you will spend some time exploring it on foot and taking in structures that date from between the 16th and 19th centuries. With plenty of eclectic cafes and bars, Galle Fort is also the perfect place to grab a Sri Lankan meal with a contemporary twist.
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From November to April, there will be the opportunity to join a morning whale watching tour. In the offseason – or if you simply prefer to stay close to shore – perhaps begin your day with a dip in the ocean. There is plenty to occupy you in this charming town, from historical sites like the 17th-century Dutch Reformed Church and the Fort Gates to cute vintage shops, quirky boutiques, and art galleries. In the evening, why not grab a beer and a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants and watch the sunset over the ocean.
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Spend another day at your leisure in Galle Fort before transferring to Colombo (approximately 3 hours). For your evening, perhaps head out to sample some of the city’s renowned street food. Local delicacies include crispy vegetable samosas, hoppers, and kotthu – a tasty dish of sliced roti, vegetables, and eggs, or meat. It is caused for celebration with your travel crew to reminisce on the wildlife expeditions you have enjoyed the most.
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Today your Sri Lankan Wilderness and Wildlife trip come to an end. But it does not have to be the end of your adventure! A great way to see the city is by tuk-tuk tours such as the one offered by Urban Adventures, which gives you the chance to navigate narrow streets and hit the mains sights with a local guide. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/Colombo-tours.
Optional Activities
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Jeep, Boat
Accommodation
Hotel (11 nights)
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