Whales, Dolphins & Leopards Tailor-made

Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Colombo

Fly from London on direct schedule airlines to Colombo.

Day 2 : Negombo & Kalpitiya

Arrive Colombo; met on arrival & transferred to Kalpitiya. In the waters of the lagoon the local fishermen catch some of the best crab in the world. In recent years, this small sea side community has been put on the map for excellent whale and dolphin sightings. It’s also rapidly becoming a popular spot for kite surfing. Four nights at the Palagama Beach Resort.

Day 3 -4 : Kalpitiya – Dawn Dolphin Boat Trip

The Kalpitiya coast is home to something special - hundreds of dolphins. The waters around the Kalpitiya Peninsula are frequented by pods of several hundred Spinner Dolphins. Wake with the rising sun and head out to sea to wonder at these intelligent, sociable creatures. Best time to see them is when the sea is calm from November to April. The coast of Kalpitiya is also rapidly becoming popular for whale sightings.

Day 5 : Excursion to Wilpattu national park

Reopened in 2010, Wilpattu National Park is the island’s largest national park. It boasts a varied wildlife population with large herds of elephants, water buffalo and spotted deer. There is a high density of leopard, and, an incredibly wide variety of indigenous as well as migratory birds.

Day 6 : To Colombo

Morning drive to Colombo. Afternoon city tour including the Dutch Reform Church and the Hindu Temple at Kochchikade. Overnight Stay at the Galle Face Hotel.

Day 7 : To Yala via Turtle Hatchery and Stilt Fishermen

After breakfast depart for Yala National Park on the east coast of Sri Lanka. En route visit a Turtle Hatchery. Between Unawatuna and Weligama you may come across Stilt Fishermen, balancing on poles firmly embedded in the sea bottom, fishing close to the shore. Three nights at the Cinnamon Wild.

Day 8 : Yala – Morning and Afternoon Leopard Safaris

Morning safari to the Park. Trail leopard - visiting places where they are found regularly in caves and on rock outcrops including: ‘Koti-gala’ and ‘Pandi-Kema.’ Keep the camera ready as the leopards appear to lie languidly- almost posing for the shot - but can disappear before the shutter clicks! Return to the Lodge with time to relax before an afternoon safari once again seeking out the shy leopards.

Day 9 : Yala – Morning and Afternoon safaris

On this morning’s safari look out for elephant, jackal, mongoose and, of course, the leopard. Return to the Lodge for lunch. Final afternoon safari. Birdlife, particularly in the migratory season, abounds in the park and includes babblers, storks, egrets and glorious rainbow coloured kingfishers.

Day 10 : To Mrissa

After breakfast drift via the southern coastline to Mirissa for three nights at the Lantern Mirissa a delightful boutique property right on the beach.

Day 11 : Mirrisa

Day at leisure.

Day 12 : Mirissa – Dawn Whale & Dolphin Boat Trip

Dawn whale and dolphin watching excursion off Dondra. Chances are fairly high that whales will be spotted during the peak months. A blue whale can reach 100 feet, and survives on tiny krill, downing roughly 6 tons per day to keep hunger at bay. It’s a true leviathan, moving with the grace of a prima ballerina! The waters of Sri Lanka are within in the International Commissions Protected zone for whales. Over 26 species are known to live or pass through the waters including the blue and sperm whales.

Day 13 : To Kotugoda

After breakfast depart to Kotugoda stopping to visit the lovely old sea port of Galle with its nostalgic colonial air. Then discover the art of mask making in Ambalangoda. Overnight at the Wallawwa.

Day 14 : To London

Transfer back to the airport for direct scheduled flight back to London.

Looking to extend your holiday ? Contact our consultants today for your options.