Sri Lanka Wildlife Photography Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Yala National Park. En route, you'll pass through the historic town and World Heritage site of Galle, once a bustling trading post between the east and west.

Galle's rich history unfolds as you explore its streets, shaped by Chinese, Persian, Arab, Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Marvel at the blend of colonial buildings, the old fortified quarter, and narrow streets now adorned with trendy cafes and bohemian boutiques.

Venture further into the enchanting city of Galle before making a stop at Handunugoda Tea Estate. Here, the art of tea-making reaches new heights with the production of Virgin White tea – a delicate brew crafted from the tiniest and freshest tea leaves. Led by the resident estate manager, gain insights into the meticulous process of picking Virgin White tea. After a comprehensive tour of the plantation, step inside the factory to witness the tea manufacturing process and indulge in sampling over 20 different teas produced at the estate.

Having absorbed the essence of Galle and experienced the purest tea, continue your journey to Yala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and savor the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Rise with the sun and embark on an early morning Jeep Safari in the captivating Yala National Park, guided by our seasoned wildlife expert. Renowned as one of Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national parks, Yala is a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Sri Lankan sloth bear and elephant. Moreover, it stands out as one of the premier locations to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard in its natural habitat.

Your knowledgeable wildlife guide will not only provide in-depth insights into the park's diverse flora and fauna but will also assist you in capturing breathtaking wildlife photography. Head back to your hotel by mid-morning for a well-deserved breakfast and some leisure time to relax and take advantage of the hotel's facilities.

In the afternoon, embark on your second safari, exploring a different sector of Yala National Park. This presents another golden opportunity to spot leopards, along with the myriad of other mammals and birds that call the park home. Return to your hotel for an early night, preparing for the excitement of tomorrow's safari adventures. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort in Yala.

Prepare for an early start as we embark on a thrilling game drive in Block 1 of Yala National Park. Depart from the hotel at 5:30, anticipating an exciting day dedicated to capturing stunning leopard photographs. The Sri Lankan leopard, a unique subspecies native to this region, showcases a captivating tawny coat adorned with dark spots and close-set rosettes, distinguishing it from its Indian cousin. As the largest cat in Sri Lanka, these majestic leopards fearlessly roam the jungles and open areas of Yala, offering remarkable sightings even in broad daylight.

Return to the hotel by mid-morning for a hearty breakfast and some leisure time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

At 14:30, embark on your final 3-hour game drive in Block 1 of Yala National Park. Seize this opportunity to engage with your guide, delving into discussions about the local flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating history of the area that now houses the modern-day national park. The surroundings of Yala have witnessed the presence of ancient civilizations, with remnants such as those of the Indo-Aryans, and ancient tanks serving as evidence of a well-developed agricultural system in the region's past. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort in Yala.

After breakfast at the resort, leave for Udawalawe. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the heartwarming efforts of wildlife conservation by visiting the Elephant Transit Home. Established in 1995, this facility is dedicated to rehabilitating injured or orphaned elephants, preparing them for a successful return to their natural habitat.

Take a respectful stance as you observe these gentle giants feeding, playing, and regaining their confidence. Remember, this is a genuine rehabilitation centre, so resist the urge to touch the elephants, allowing them the space they need for their journey back to the wild. Meet baby Bhanu, a special orphan elephant sponsored by the Travel Kindly initiative-an animal welfare project initiated by Aitken Spence Travels. Through Travel Kindly, you have the unique opportunity to contribute to Bhanu's care at the Elephant Transit Home until he is strong enough to be released.

After a fulfilling experience, enjoy lunch and proceed to Udawalawe National Park. The park's expansive reservoir, tall grasses, and thriving trees create an ideal environment for elephants, making it a prime location for elephant watching. In addition to elephants, observe other wildlife such as spotted deer, sambar deer, and a myriad of bird species.

Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the resort, embark on a journey to one of Sri Lanka's premier eco-friendly havens, the Rainforest Eco Lodge. This exceptional lodge boasts the prestigious LEED PLATINUM for Sustainable Tourism award and is perched on the outskirts of the Sinharaja rainforest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As the last remaining lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja spans approximately 11,187 hectares, harboring an unparalleled diversity of endemic plant and animal species.

Marvel at the captivating phenomenon of mixed-species foraging flocks of birds as you explore Sinharaja. Some of these flocks can comprise an astounding 48 different bird species, including 12 that are exclusive to Sri Lanka. Look out for endemic avian treasures such as the red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka blue magpie, ashy-headed laughing thrush, white-faced starling, Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush, Serandib scops owl, and the green-billed coucal.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll to immerse yourself in the local surroundings, savouring the refreshing climate that provides a welcome respite from the tropical heat of the day. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Embrace an early start at 5:30 AM for a captivating trek through the Sinharaja Rainforest. This immersive expedition, lasting three to four hours, unveils the wonders of the last surviving primary tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, as acknowledged by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Accompanied by a seasoned biologist, delve into the intricate details of the flora and fauna that inhabit this pristine haven, recognized as one of the world's few remaining untouched forests.

Discover the richness of the rainforest, where over 60% of the trees are endemic, with many classified as rare species. Encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including a symphony of birds, vibrant butterflies like the Ceylon Birdwing, Blue bottle, Tree Nymph, Blue Mormon, and the Red Helen, as well as reptiles such as the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed viper. Keep an eye out for a plethora of amphibians, particularly enchanting tree frogs.

After an enriching morning, return to the lodge for a well-deserved breakfast and some relaxation. Following a satisfying lunch, embark on a second trek through the rainforest, lasting three hours. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast at the lodge, check-out from the lodge and leave for Colombo. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to Colombo airport to board an International flight to home or onward journey.