Sri Lanka Elephant Odyssey Tour July 2027

Itinerary 15 – 24 July 2027
*Subject to change due to local conditions.

Day 1: January 15 – Arrival in Negombo: A Coastal Welcome
Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by a private vehicle for a smooth transfer to the coastal town of Negombo. This short, approximately 20-30 minute drive, offers your first glimpse of Sri Lanka’s tropical beauty. Settle into your hotel, at the elegant Jetwing Beach hotel Negombo, where the soothing rhythm of the Indian Ocean provides a perfect start to your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, you may get to enjoy seeing the sun as it begins its descent, casting a golden hue over the water, take a leisurely stroll along the beach before enjoying a delectable dinner. Negombo is renowned for its fresh foods, ensuring a memorable first culinary experience. The remainder of the evening is yours to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. We shall arrange a meeting time this evening for a tour briefing.

• Accommodation: Jetwing Beach Hotel 
• Meals: Nil

Day 2: January 16 – Negombo to Wilpattu: Immersion in the Wild
This morning, your journey transitions from the tranquil coast to the untamed wilderness of Wilpattu National Park. After an early breakfast, we will embark on a three-hour scenic drive. Upon arrival, you’ll have a chance to settle in and enjoy a satisfying lunch before heading out on an exhilarating afternoon safari.

Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest national park, celebrated for its unique “willu” (natural lakes) and its diverse wildlife, including a healthy population of leopards, sloth bears, and elephants. The safari offers a chance for an unforgettable encounter with nature. In the evening, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the day’s sightings.

• Accommodation: Claughton Wild Lodge 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: January 17 – Wilpattu to Habarana/Sigiriya: Ancient Kingdoms and Panoramic Vistas
Rise early for a pre-dawn jeep safari. As the sun rises, you’ll witness the wilderness awakening, a truly magical experience. After the safari, return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and beginning the drive to Habarana, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours.

In the afternoon, you will experience the breathtaking Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient marvel, also known as Lion Rock, rises dramatically from the plains. The climb to the summit takes approximately 2-3 hours and is well worth the effort, rewarding you with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and the meticulously designed water gardens below.

• Accommodation: Cinnamon Habarana 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 – 18 July: Sigiriya & Minneriya National Park & Kandy
Dawn safari. Witness majestic elephants gathering at Minneriya National Park’s reservoir. It’s a truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Enjoy a delicious local lunch and have the option for another safari or some relaxation at your comfortable lodge. Embark on a thrilling 4wd jeep safari through Minneriya. Witness the spectacle of elephants congregating around the park’s reservoir, a sight that will leave you speechless.

Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast and checkout before driving to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.

Later we head to Kandy with lunch along the way (approximately a three-hour drive), you’ll check into your hotel. In the afternoon you’ll visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, a significant Buddhist site that houses a sacred tooth of the Buddha. 

• Accommodation: Cinnamon Kandy 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – 19 July: Kandy to Udawalawe
Today we leave the mountains and head to the wonderful Udawalawe National Park where you will spend the next 3 nights. We will stop at visit one of the famous tea factories and have a tasty Sri Lankan lunch along the way. 

Upon arrival in Udawalawe, you will check into the well renowned Kalu’s Hideaway 

• Accommodation: Kalu’s Hideaway 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – 20 July: Udawalawe National Park – Close Encounters with Giants
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Udawalawe National Park, a key location for elephant conservation. You will have a unique opportunity to spend the full day with the dedicated team from our conservation partner, EFFECT, gaining valuable insights into their crucial work.

An exhilarating afternoon and evening safari will take you deep into the park, which is home to one of the world’s largest resident populations of Asian elephants. The open grasslands and watering holes provide excellent viewing opportunities. The option to do two safaris is available for a more in-depth exploration.

• Accommodation: Kalu’s Hideaway & Eliyanth
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – 21 July: Udawalawe: Conservation Insights
Begin your final day in Udawalawe with a morning safari to witness the elephants and other wildlife in a different light. This provides a final chance to appreciate the beauty and significance of this special place.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, the afternoon will be spent visiting other local projects with our NGO partners, providing further understanding of the vital conservation efforts in the region.

• Accommodation: Kalu’s Hideaway & Eliyanth
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – 22 July: Udawalawe to Galle/Mirissa: Coastal Charms & History
Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast and perhaps a final meeting with the incredible team at EFFECT. In the late morning, you will depart for Galle, with a scenic drive along the picturesque southern coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at idyllic beaches and witness the iconic stilt fishermen, a unique Sri Lankan tradition.

In the afternoon, explore the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort’s narrow, cobbled streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll, revealing charming colonial architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. It’s also an excellent place for souvenir shopping.

• Accommodation: Thaproban Pavilion Waves
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – 23 July: Galle to Colombo: City Sights and Farewell
Enjoy a final relaxing morning in Galle. Perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply enjoy the hotel’s amenities. In the mid-afternoon, you will be transferred to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital.

Your time in Colombo will include a scenic drive through the city, offering a glimpse into its modern pulse and colonial past. You’ll enjoy a farewell dinner by the water, savoring the rich and diverse flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine for the last time on this journey.

• Accommodation: Jetwing Colombo7 Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – 24 July: Departure from Colombo
After a final Sri Lankan breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure home. You will leave with cherished memories of a truly unforgettable adventure, filled with wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

• Meals: Breakfast