Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Your Sri Lankan adventure begins with a scenic 2.5-hour journey to the stunning south coast. As you approach the charming seaside city of Galle, lush coconut groves and swaying palms give way to breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

We set off for the harbor shortly after sunrise, boarding a privately chartered boat for an unforgettable whale-watching excursion. Accompanied by an expert crew and a knowledgeable naturalist guide, we spend the morning scanning the Indian Ocean for whales and other marine life. Equipped with radar and GPS, our vessel enhances our chances of spotting these magnificent creatures.

The waters here, particularly between November and April, are home to blue whales—the largest animals to have ever lived—reaching up to 100ft (30m) in length and weighing as much as 30 elephants. We may also be fortunate enough to encounter sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and pods of spinner or bottlenose dolphins.

After a morning at sea, we return to the harbor and our hotel in Ahangama. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a guided visit to Galle, exploring its historic fort—a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Dutch in 1663, the fort is a charming maze of cobbled streets lined with boutique shops, inviting cafés, and beautifully restored colonial buildings.

This morning, we journey to Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka’s last remaining undisturbed rainforest and a renowned biodiversity hotspot. Home to several endemic species, its towering canopy trees can reach heights of up to 145ft (45m), while its bird population exceeds 160 species.

Beyond its rich birdlife, the forest is teeming with diverse wildlife, including insects, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as larger mammals such as sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boars. Purple-faced langurs, often seen in groups of 10 or more, are a common sight in the treetops. Though around 15 leopards are known to inhabit the area, sightings are rare due to the dense vegetation.

In the afternoon, we embark on a guided walk through the rainforest, exploring its vibrant ecosystem and encountering some of its fascinating inhabitants with insights from our expert naturalist guide.

Wake up to the soothing sounds of birdsong and prepare for another day of exploration in the forest. Spanning approximately 27,643 acres (11,187ha), Sinharaja is a narrow yet incredibly rich ecosystem, home to 43 percent of all recorded species in Sri Lanka. Led by our expert naturalist guide, we embark on a wildlife walk, venturing along the forest’s many trails to uncover its remarkable biodiversity and hidden wonders.

This morning, we leave the rainforest behind and journey further inland to Udawalawe National Park, located at the meeting point of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones. Renowned as one of the best places in the country to see elephants, the park is home to around 600 elephants, often seen roaming in herds of up to 50—the highest concentration of wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

At the heart of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir, providing a striking contrast to the otherwise lightly vegetated landscape and making wildlife spotting relatively easy. On this afternoon’s game drive, we may witness elephant families grazing in the grasslands, as well as encounters with sambar deer, spotted deer, water buffalos, wild boars, jackals, and mongooses in their natural habitat.

This morning, our 4×4 safari vehicles await to take us back into Udawalawe National Park for a second exhilarating game drive. Lasting around three hours, each drive is led by an expert naturalist guide, enhancing our chances of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, we visit the Elephant Transit Home, located just 3mi (5km) from the park entrance. Operated by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, this facility provides a safe haven for orphaned elephants, nurturing them until they reach around four years old, when they are ready to be released back into the wild. Our visit coincides with feeding time, offering a chance to witness park rangers bottle-feed the young elephants—a lively and heartwarming experience viewed from a designated platform.

We begin the day with a peaceful 3km morning walk through a nearby village, following an irrigation canal rich with birdlife such as kingfishers, storks, and ibises. Along the way, we pass banana and mango groves and may spot wildlife like hornbills, mongooses, and monitor lizards. Midway, we stop at a local shop for tea and fruit, and contribute to a sustainability initiative by distributing fruit trees to villagers.

The walk ends at a riverside farm with a freshly prepared breakfast. Afterward, we return by 4×4 and drive to Tissamaharama and Yala National Park. Upon arrival, we check in and head out on a 3–4 hour afternoon safari in Block 5, a quieter area known for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and more. Split into smaller 4×4 groups with expert guides, we explore Yala’s wilderness before returning to the hotel for dinner.

We start the day with an early morning game drive in Yala National Park’s Block 5, when wildlife activity is at its peak. After a rewarding three-hour safari, we return to the hotel for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Dickwella — one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic beaches. Our resort, set among lush tropical gardens with direct beach access, offers the perfect retreat. Relax by the pool, stroll the quiet shoreline, or enjoy a Balinese-inspired spa treatment for total rejuvenation.

Today is a free day to fully enjoy the Resort & Spa. You might choose to take a leisurely stroll to Turtle Cove, where, true to its name, you’re almost guaranteed to see turtles gliding gracefully through the water right by your feet. Alternatively, simply unwind on the hotel grounds, soaking in the sea view and perhaps cooling off with a refreshing dip in the pool. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

This morning, we check out of the resort and head to Colombo Airport, bringing our incredible adventure to a close. If you’d prefer a more relaxed departure, additional accommodation near the airport can be arranged, allowing you to rest before flying home the next day.