Wildnights

We'll do some leisurely birding in the daytime before taking a night stroll at the area of Anawilundawa RAMSAR Sanctuary. Highlights include, Asian Open-bill, Black-headed Ibis, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Purple Swamphen, Changeable Hawk Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Pied, Stork-billed, and White-breasted Kingfishers, and Lesser Whistling Duck. We will go on a night stroll in the evening to look for Fishing Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Grey Slender Loris, and Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel. Accommodation – Ananthaya Resort & Spa

Your travel from Chilaw will lead you to the lovely wild site of Wilpattu. After breakfast, leave the hotel and follow your guide through the little towns to the Wilpattu. After the dinner, go on a guided night drive through Wilpattu National Parks buffer zone in search of Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Jackal & Indian nightjar Accommodation – Thamaravila

The action-packed day begins. Let's spend the day exploring the Wilpattu National Park with a full day safari. Wilpattu National Park is located on Sri Lanka's Northwest coast lowland dry zone. It consists of a one-of-a-kind series of lakes known as Villus, which are natural basins filled with rainfall and bordered by wide grassy plains situated inside deep scrub vegetation. A plethora of sandy trails wind around the park and open up into these big natural lakes. The pristine and scenic Wilpattu National Park is one of Sri Lankas largest and oldest national parks. Leopards and Sloth bears are the most popular attractions in Wilpattu. Along with these, Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Asiatic Buffalo, and Mugger Crocodiles can be found. In riverine settings, endemic birds include Ceylon Junglefowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike, and Black-capped Bulbul. Wilpattu National Park has the highest density of Muntjac or Barking Deer of any national park. Butterflies seen include the Great Eggfly, Great Orange Tip, Glad-eye Bushbrown, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Common Rose, and Crimson Rose. Accommodation – Thamaravila

You travel from the jungle to Sigiriya, which is famous for its old rock castle, a historical and archaeological site dominated by a gigantic rock column about 200 meters high. There will be some downtime before another late-night jeep tour of the Pidurangala forest and settlement. Again, this location will increase our chances of seeing some of the more difficult mammals that we may not have seen before. We will work especially hard to find Indian Pangolin, which our local guides have recently found. Accommodation – Jetwing Vil Uyana

After breakfast, ascend the fortified palace erected by King Kasyappa in the 5th century AD, but thought to have been used by Mahayana Buddhists for decades before. The rock is an inselberg that dominates the terrain and served as both a military and an artistic retreat for the monarch, who was a patron of the arts. The remaining paintings of the bare breasted heavenly maidens are a portion of a band that may have held around 500 figures. In Arthur C Clarke's science fiction novel & The Fountains of Paradise, the monarch blinds the architect so he cannot build another heaven on Earth. Afternoon at leisure. Join a local naturalist late in the day at the loris conservation site to witness the grey slender loris. This property's own biosphere is home to the mysterious Grey Slender Loris, a nocturnal monkey concealed in the scrublands. The loris, known for its prominent eyes and quick limbs, forages for insects and berries above the treetops on a nighttime trail specially planned to allow you to watch the uncommon species in its native habitat. A tranquil nighttime walk through the streams and bamboo bridges of this lush forest eco-system leads to the Loris Information Centre and Conservation Site, accompanied by the hotel's staff naturalist. Equipped with non-lethal red light generating headlamps that reflect off the distinctive eyes of our local loris population. Accommodation – Jetwing Vil Uyana

From the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka your next stop takes you to the lesser-known wildlife location of Gal Oya. Gal Oya is a lesser-known wildlife location in Sri Lanka, yet it is rich in animal sightings. Wildlife enthusiasts gather to Gal Oya to observe the Senanayake Samudraya swimming elephants. Your lodge is a one-of-a-kind Sri Lanka Eco resort built on 20 acres of private woodland, featuring unique bungalows that do not have air conditioning but do have fans. Every bungalow is snuggled in the forest, carefully placed to minimize its impact on the land while framing the greatest views imaginable. Afternoon take a boat ride at Senanayake Samudraya. Enjoy the only opportunity to see animals in Sri Lanka from the water. It's a one-of-a-kind way to immersing oneself in animal environments. If you're lucky, you might witness elephants swimming between islands or bathing by the lake. A 2-3 hour boat safari is great for exploring the national park and nearby settlements, including a pleasant 40-minute cruise from the lodge to the lake. Accommodation – Gal Oya Lodge

Take a jeep safari in the morning to explore the beautiful Gal Oya national park from the Nilgala sector. There are three bird species that can only be found in this area of Sri Lanka. We'll be looking for Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Painted Francolin, and Jungle Bush Quail. Afternoon at leisure. Accommodation – Gal Oya Lodge

Continue the journey to Wellawaya. Wellawaya is ideal for those seeking calm and serene experiences, as culture, agriculture, and environment are all found nestled together. After dinner, take another intriguing night walk around the neighborhood. Let's go look for some flying squirrels. Accommodation – Jetwing Kaduruketha

The hotel grounds and adjacent surroundings are a paradise for birds and bird watchers alike, thanks to solid agricultural methods and an emphasis on environmental protection. Grab your binoculars and set out to witness the endemic Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, and Sri Lanka Small Barbet. A little pause before you walk out to explore the surrounding village. Here you can encounter folks going about their daily lives, not to mention the pleasant and welcoming demeanor of the community. The highlight of the village visit is a home-cooked supper rich of traditional Sri Lankan flavors, followed by hot tea and pastries. Evening of well-deserved relaxation as the adventure continues Accommodation – Jetwing Kaduruketha

Begin your day with a scenic journey through the rich green hills of Tea Country to Diyaluma Waterfall. Afterwards leave for the historical town of Galle. Afternoon guided tour at Galle dutch fort. Accommodation – The Fort PrintersAccommodation – Jetwing Kaduruketha

Morning at leisure. After the lunch time, lets travel 1.5 hours to reach Kanneliya rain forest. Apart from the famous Sinharaja Forest, this is one of the few big remaining rainforest areas in Sri Lanka. Our primary reason for visiting this area is to look for the rare Red Slender Loris. Accommodation – The Fort Printers

After the breakfast leave for Negombo for your final night. Afternoon visit Dikkele forest reserve. Accommodation – Villa Hundira

Though saying goodbye will be difficult, all good things must come to an end. Your Sri Lankan naturalist will meet you in the hotel lobby on time to take you to the international airport for your departure aircraft and a safe journey home.