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SRI LANKA WILDLIFE ADVENTURE

15—26 Sept 2025

Unearth Adventure invites you to step off the beaten path and uncover the natural wonders of Sri Lanka. This remarkable island stands as a premier destination for wildlife , offering an tantalising blend of diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Sri Lanka’s verdant rainforests, national parks, and unique ecosystems provide an ideal setting to observe an incredible range of tropical wildlife. Embark on an immersive journey with opportunities to encounter species such as the Sri Lankan leopard, Asian elephant, sloth bear, purple-faced langur, and a multitude of exotic biodiversity. Your Sri Lanka adventure awaits.

  • DURATION

    12 days / 11 nights

  • PRICE

    From $6,199 (AUD) pp.

  • FITNESS

    Moderate

  • COMFORT

    Mid-Range

  • GROUP SIZE

    8 Travellers

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

  • SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE

    SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE

    Representing Sri Lanka's last remaining untouched forest, this reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.

  • YALA NATIONAL PARK

    YALA NATIONAL PARK

    Yala National Park captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, where wild grasslands, serene lagoons, and dense forests teem with vibrant wildlife and natural wonder.

  • KUMANA NATIONAL PARK

    KUMANA NATIONAL PARK

    Kumana National Park enchants visitors with its tranquil wetlands, lush mangroves, and rich birdlife, creating a serene haven where nature thrives in harmony

  • HORTONS PLAINS

    HORTONS PLAINS

    Horton Plains offers a dramatic blend of misty grasslands, lush cloud forests, and sweeping cliff vistas, revealing the raw beauty of Sri Lanka’s highland wilderness.

  • Touch down in Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, where you’ll be greeted by Unearth Adventure’s local team. A brief introduction to the island's wildlife treasures awaits as you unwind after your journey.

    Meals: Dinner

  • Journey to the Runakanda Rainforest Conservation Centre. Immerse yourself in the dense greenery and diverse wildlife as you begin exploring this unique ecosystem.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Spend a full day discovering the endemic species and lush biodiversity that make Runakanda a haven for conservation. Engage with local conservation efforts and experience its thriving rainforest ecosystem.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Travel south to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier destination for big-game wildlife viewing. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for your first exciting encounters with Yala's diverse fauna.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Embark on safari drives to spot leopards, elephants, and a host of other wildlife. Explore Yala’s mix of scrub plains and dense forest in search of its incredible biodiversity.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Travel to Kumana, known for its birdlife and quieter wilderness. Settle into camp before heading out for your first wildlife exploration in this rich, coastal ecosystem.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Take in the variety of bird species and other wildlife in this important wetland and coastal forest region. Explore Kumana’s serene landscapes and enjoy the pristine surroundings.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Continue your wildlife encounters with safari drives, focusing on spotting migratory birds, elephants, and other local wildlife. Unwind in the tranquil setting of the park.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart from Kumana and travel to the highlands of Horton Plains. Experience the change in scenery as you ascend to this unique, misty plateau.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore the grasslands, cloud forests, and waterfalls of Horton Plains. Trek to World’s End, a dramatic cliff with sweeping views over the lowlands.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Spend another day exploring the vast landscapes, looking for sambar deer, purple-faced langur, and birdlife that call this highland area home.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Return to Colombo and reflect on your incredible wildlife adventure, surrounded by the memories of Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes.

DETAILED ITINERARY

YOUR TRIP LEADS

Your trip leads, Nick and Sonny, are seasoned adventurers with a deep passion for exploring and sharing the region’s remarkable biodiversity. With extensive experience in sustainable tourism and an in-depth knowledge of Sri Lanka's wildlife, they will guide you in capturing the beauty of the country’s diverse ecosystems while offering valuable insights along the way. As photographers, Nick and Sonny will ensure you capture the very best Sri Lanka has to offer.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The activity level for this trip is rated as moderate. Much of the wildlife viewing will take place from safari jeeps, allowing safe observation in environments where potentially dangerous animals roam. The itinerary includes short trail hikes, safaris, and some extended periods of walking or standing, depending on the day’s schedule. Designed with wildlife enthusiasts in mind, this itinerary optimises your chances of encountering Sri Lanka’s incredible fauna. Hikes range from 2 to 4 hours (2 to 5 kilometres) on well-formed trails through undulating terrain, often in warm and humid conditions. On non-travel days, guests have the flexibility to participate in or opt out of activities based on their comfort level.

Accommodation

The accommodations for this destination have been chosen based on their location, access, comfort and the unique experience they provide. The lodges range from basic to mid-range ensuring a moderate level of comfort throughout the adventure.
We will spend 2 nights at Runakanda Conservation Centre, 3 nights at Cinnamon Wild, 3 nights at Bay Vista Hotel, and 3 nights at The Plains Green.

Adventure Team

Nick and Sonny will be leading the group for the duration of your adventure. These trip leads are passionate ecologists, nature and wildlife photographers, .
Our local nature guide will be assigned to the group at each destination to further enrich your experience by providing a deeper level of local knowledge and insights into resident wildlife sightings. Our local guides know individual animals by name and live and breathe nature daily.

Transportation

This itinerary will start and finish in Colombo and whilst guests are responsible for their inbound and outbound flights, all overland transport will be included in both the itinerary and pricing. If you wish to arrange additional travel not included in the itinerary, your trip leads will be more than happy to recommend convenient transport options.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) pick-up/drop-off

  • Overland transfers between destinations

  • All accommodation and meals as outlined in the itinerary, including tea, coffee and water

  • Daily guided activities as outlined in the itinerary

  • All park registration, permits and tourism taxes

  • Entry fees to conservation centres

  • Travel with Purpose conservation donation

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

  • Visas if applicable (please ensure you are aware of any visa obligations)

  • Travel insurance and other insurance

  • Optional extra activities not outlined in the itinerary

  • Additional transport outside of itinerary inclusions

  • Drinks other than tea, coffee and water

  • Tips and gratuities for local nature guides and trip leaders

  • Guidebooks and reference material (trip leaders will have various guides for on-trip use)