Discover The Sri Lankan Biodiversity: Elephants, Birds, Leopards and Whales
LSR Sri Lanka
Explore The Rich Biodiversity of Sri Lanka on This 14-Day Tour
Day 01
Arrival, welcome by a representative of LCC LSR Sri Lanka and transfer to Dambulla.
Relax
Spend the afternoon birding in the vicinity of the hotel.
Overnight stay at the Rangiri Dambulla Resort, Dambulla
Day 02
After breakfast climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya , a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD built by King Kasyapa ,contemporary with the paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India , highlights being the Frescoes , Mirror Wall and the Lion's Paw, considered as the 8th Wonder of the modern world , thought to be equivalent to the "Alakamanda" - Celestial Palace of God Kuvera.
Sigiriya - a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD - stark and forbidding, haunted by an epic story of murder and betrayal is attributed to King Kasyapa who found hiding here after killing his father more fruitful than meeting the wrath of the people who loved King Dhatusena much more before meeting his rival - Prince Mugalan who had fled to India seeking reinforcements of his Army. This unique Rock Fortress or "castle in the sky" - a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600 ft above ground , derived the name "Lion Rock" as the entrance to the climb to the summit is reached between the paws of a lion .
Also explore the Sigiriya Sanctuary for birds.
Spend the afternoon exploring the wetlands in the area.
Overnight stay at the Rangiri Dambulla Resort, Dambulla
Day 03
After breakfast leave for Kandy - the Hill Capital birding en route.
Kandy - literally the "City on the Hills" so named as it was protected by the nature - water , rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before falling to the British in 1815 AD which is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures vision of splendour of magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The centre of attraction is the golden roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha .The Kandy Lake built by the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 holds a prominent view of the City. It is a City for arts and crafts as well culture and history.
Walk in to a Spice Garden and take part in a conducted tour to get some knowledge about the growth and use of spices in the day-to-day life. In this garden you will find all Spices that grow in Sri Lanka including Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper, Nutmeg, Vanilla etc in the form of trees, plants, creepers. Visitors will be taken round by a competent person explaining each specie’ name , identity, growth, use in food/medicinal/curative values. All products are displayed in a shop from which those interested could by them although not mandatory to do so as this will mainly be a technical visit for educative purposes.
Leave for a City Tour including the Upper Lake Drive - a place where one could have a bird's eye view of the city below, the Royal Botanical Gardens - one of the best of its kind in Asia with more than 5000 species of different varieties of flora which incidentally was the Headquarters of Lord Louise Mountbatten - the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during the 2nd World War and the Udawattakele Sanctuary.
In the evening watch a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including devotional" Fire Walking" and walk across in the star lit night to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha - by far the most important place of worship for Buddhist’s world over.
Overnight stay at the Thilanka Hotel, Kandy
Day 04
After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya - "Little England" through the Ramboda Pass surrounded by "Green Carpets"- hills covered with Tea and cascading Water Falls amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes
Nuwara Eliya… nestled in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala Sri Lanka’s highest peak, this region at 6,183ft above sea-level has a cool, crisp climate unknown elsewhere in Sri Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town seems like a piece of the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds and animals thrive here besides natural feature like waterfalls and caves. Tea, the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along with neat rows of green, cloak ridges and valleys providing a lasting impression of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The golf course – one of the finest and most picturesque in Asia – the serene Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, beautiful parks and well-kept lawns and hedges give the place an air of nostalgia.
En route visit a Tea Factory and a Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world famous" Ceylon Tea" and to taste a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea before being sent to the Tea Auctions in Colombo leading to Export.
Evening is free for walks /tour around the city - the important places being the Victoria Park for birding , Gregory Lake , Golf Course, Market etc.-20km
Overnight stay at the Heaven Seven Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Day 05
A pre-dawn starts to reach Horton Plains National Park – a part of newly declared World Heritage Site of Central Highlands of Sri Lanka , which is the island’s most isolated plateau situated 1860 meters above sea level at first light.
Have picnic breakfast during the morning birding session in Horton Plains.
Horton Plains - The only National Park situated in the Hill Country is Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau at an elevation of more than 2000 metres and is located in the District of Nuwara Eliya. This 3,162- hectare National Park is a natural playground without rival in Sri Lanka and . is a watershed of tremendous importance containing the second and third highest mountains in Sri Lanka with in its precincts. It’s widely spread Patna grass-covered plains are the haunt of many species of flora and fauna among which are found leopards, sambar, deer, Slender Loris, purple monkeys, eagles and some 247 species of butterflies, rare orchids, rhododendron trees and exotic mosses. Bridle paths through the plains lead to the precipice known as World’s End, a sheer drop of 1,050 meters and the much famous Baker’s Falls.
Start hiking to visit the World's End - a sheer precipice of more than 1050 metres , lucky if you can have a clear vision and proceed to visit the Baker’s Falls Water Falls , named after the person who discovered it.
In the afternoon visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens for birding.
Overnight stay at the Heaven Seven Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Day 06
After breakfast proceed to Kitulgala.
Spend the afternoon birding in Kitulgala Village area/Forest Reserve.
Overnight stay at the Kitulgala Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala
Day 07
After breakfast leave for the Sinharaja Rain Forest ,a World Heritage Site
Sinharaja Rain Forest - declared as a World Heritage Site in 1989 ,Sinharaja – Sri Lanka’s last remaining primeval rain forest is classified as a Tropical Rain Forest or a Wet Evergreen Forest. Considering the fact that 75 – 92% of the tree cover consists of endemic plant species and that 8 out of 12 mammals, 18 out of 20 birds, 21 out of 72 reptiles, 10 out of 19 amphibians , Sinharaja no doubt is considered as a haven for endemism , both fauna and flora. Picturesque Sinharaja is not only a place for a paradise for nature lovers but a
laboratory for scientific and educational research but in view of its unique eco systems and genetic resources.
Hike around to enjoy nature at its best.
After lunch at the hotel spend the rest of the day enjoying the nature , birding and the numerous mammals.
Overnight stay at the Blue Magpie Lodge, Weddagala
Day 08
After breakfast leave for Uda Walawe.
Visit the Uda Walawe National Park which is home to a large number of herds of Elephants. Also visit the Elephant Transit Home – where stranded babies are being looked after with the objective of sending them back in to the jungles – as an effort for conservation.
Uda Walawe National Park - It is situated around a reservoir of the same name in the south eastern area of the island. This Park comprises Grasslands, Thorny Shrubs and many valuable species of trees. Large herds of Elephants, species of Deer, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo and Jackals are some of the wild animals found, along with a variety of Avifauna that abounds the park. It is well known as a place where a fruitful visit could be made at any time of the day.
Elephant Transit Home - Located just outside the Uda Walawe National Park in the Southwestern Part of Sri Lanka , opened its doors to baby elephants in need in 1995 The babies are well looked after fed and groomed to integrate back into a jungle environment. After a stay of approximately four years .This has turned out to be a successful conservation exercise where interested elephant conservation enthusiasts can become foster parents for these baby pachyderms until they are weaned away from milk and learn to eat other types of food for a reasonable fee.
Overnight stay at the Grand Uda Walawe Safari Hotel, Uda Walawe
Day 09
After breakfast proceed to Tissamaharama.
Have lunch at the hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the wetlands of Tissamaharama.
Overnight stay at the Chaarya Hotel, Tissamaharama
Day 10
With picnic breakfast leave for Yala
Yala National Park - having an added bonus of a scenic ocean frontage, the terrain is varied — flat plains alternating with rocky out-crops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle creating contrasting eco systems and habitats. This has resulted in producing a high bio-diversity among the plant and animal-life at YALA. With a bit of luck, one could sight the big four: Elephant, Leopard, Bear and Buffalo. In addition, other mammals such as sambhur, spotted deer, jackal, mongoose and several species of monkeys could be sighted very frequently. The bird life at YALA is also very vivid and rich in numbers, especially during the months November to April when thousands of migratory birds arrive in Sri Lanka.
Break journey at the Ella Grand Motel with a picturesque view to have a refreshing Cup of Tea.
Undertake a Jeep safari of the Yala (Ruhunu) National Park which has the highest concentration of Leopards in Sri Lanka.
Picnic lunch in the park.
Spend the full day inside Yala National Park looking for birds and mammals including the Sri Lanka Leopard.
Overnight stay at the Chaarya Hotel, Tissamaharama
Day 11
Do a morning jeep safari in Bundala National Park with picnic breakfast.
Afterward proceed to Mirissa having lunch on the way.
Overnight stay at the Mandara Resort, Weligama
Day 12
Do a morning Whale Watching Excursion with picnic breakfast.
Have a relaxing afternoon by the beach.
Overnight stay at the Mandara Resort, Weligama
Day 13
After breakfast leave for Colombo
Break journey to enjoy a Boat Cruise along the picturesque Madu River.
In Colombo have a City Tour
Shopping
Overnight stay at the Radisson Colombo Hotel, Colombo
Day 14
Transfer to the Airport for departure
Tour includes
1. Transport in an A/C Vehicle with an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide from/to Airport as per itinerary except free times who is knowledgeable about wild life
2. Accommodation sharing Double / Twin basis with Breakfast in Hotels as specified above.
3. Whale watching Expedition
4. Other local assistance
5. All Taxes as of now
Tour excludes
1. Lunch & Dinner
2. Entrance Fees/Jeep Hires
3. All Beverages, Tips and Portages.
4. Compulsory Supplements (Christmas & New Year’ Eve Gala Dinners Supplement / Kandy Perahera Room Supplement)
5. All expenses of personal nature such as Telephone Calls, Laundry and Tipping etc.
6. Any supplements that may incur due to events / matches / sports activities taking place in those localities
6. Additional transfers other than the itinerary will be charged locally. Mileage will be calculated from office to office
Lufthansa City Center