From Colombo's vibrant streets to Minneriya's elephant gathering and Yala's legendary leopards; nine days moving through Sri Lanka's wild heart, guided by its rhythms and rewarded by its extraordinary wildlife.
A warm welcome awaits at Bandaranaike International Airport. Your private chauffeur guide transfers you comfortably into Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital.
Depending on your flight time, explore the energy of Colombo's streets, its colonial architecture, bustling markets and waterfront. Rest and relax after arrival.
After breakfast at the hotel overlooking the bustling city of Colombo, proceed to Minneriya and check in at the resort. Vil Uyana is a tranquil eco retreat near Sigiriya, set among restored wetlands, reed beds, paddy fields and forest. Its private dwellings blend naturally into the landscape, offering refined comfort, abundant wildlife and a peaceful base from which to explore Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
As the afternoon heat softens by 3pm, Minneriya comes alive in golden light. Journey across open grasslands and along the ancient reservoir, watching for elephants emerging from the forest, grazing herds, playful calves and abundant birdlife; a beautiful encounter with Sri Lanka's wild heart.
After breakfast at the resort, explore the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa by cycle. Sri Lanka's second ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa reveals a remarkable era of royal ambition, spiritual devotion and sophisticated engineering. Explore the remains of grand palaces, sacred temples and beautifully carved stone statues, set beside the vast Parakrama Samudraya, a timeless landscape where the splendour of a medieval capital still endures.
In the evening, you have the option to visit Dambulla Cave Temple; climb into the sacred caves where centuries of devotion are preserved through ancient murals and more than 150 statues of the Buddha. Set high above the surrounding plains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site brings together remarkable artistry, spiritual stillness and sweeping views across Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
After dark, join Vil Uyana's naturalist for a loris watching night walk through the wetlands and forest surrounding the retreat.
After an early breakfast, check out and proceed to Yala. Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's most celebrated wildlife sanctuary, where dry forests, open grasslands, wetlands and coastal lagoons create a remarkably diverse landscape. Best known for its leopards, the park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and abundant birdlife, offering an unforgettable safari experience in the island's untamed southeast.
Arrive at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, an extraordinary safari retreat where Yala's untamed wilderness meets the Indian Ocean. Its cocoon shaped suites blend beautifully into the landscape, offering refined comfort, exceptional dining and expertly guided wildlife experiences in one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular natural settings.
Spend the evening at leisure. An optional flight from Sigiriya to Yala is available for those who prefer to arrive by air.
With packed breakfast, enter Yala as the wilderness awakens in the soft morning light by 6am. The cooler hours often bring greater wildlife activity, offering opportunities to observe elephants, deer, crocodiles, monkeys and abundant birdlife. With patience and a little luck, you may also catch sight of Yala's elusive leopard moving through the forest or resting among the rocks.
Relax the afternoon at leisure.
Return to Yala as the afternoon heat begins to soften by 3pm and the park takes on a warm golden glow. Travel across dry forest, open grassland and tranquil lagoons while watching for elephants emerging near water, peacocks displaying their colours and other wildlife becoming active before dusk. The safari concludes as the sun sets over the wilderness, creating a memorable end to the day.
After breakfast at the resort, visit Birds Park Hambantota, home to a remarkable collection of birds from Sri Lanka and beyond. Wander through lush landscaped habitats, encounter vibrant species at close range and enjoy an engaging nature experience. A buggy ride with a specialist birding guide is highly recommended to make the most of the visit.
Return to the resort and spend the evening at leisure. You may enjoy a bush walk with the resort's naturalist as dusk descends over the wilderness.
With packed breakfast, proceed to explore the peaceful wetlands of Bundala National Park, where lagoons, salt pans and coastal scrub create a sanctuary for remarkable birdlife. Watch for flamingos, pelicans, painted storks and migratory birds, alongside elephants, crocodiles and other wildlife; an ideal experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
To enhance wildlife encounters, an additional evening safari at Yala National Park is suggested. As the afternoon heat softens by 3pm, animals often become more active, creating further opportunities to observe elephants, deer, crocodiles and, with patience and luck, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. As all wildlife moves freely within its natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Spend the day at leisure. You have the option to visit Yala National Park for both a morning and evening safari, or simply relax and enjoy the resort's setting on the edge of the wilderness. Visit the beach, try out some of Sri Lanka's culinary arts or spend quiet hours watching the park from within the retreat. This day is kept as a moment of rest before the journey home.
After breakfast at the resort, check out and begin the private journey to Bandaranaike International Airport. Travel comfortably along the Southern Expressway, with the departure time planned according to the international flight schedule and recommended airport check in time. Sri Lanka's wild southeast recedes behind you as you carry home the sightings, stillness and extraordinary encounters of the past nine days.
Every Exemplary Voyages itinerary is tailored before departure. Different properties, different pacing, additional days or a completely new direction; we design around you, not around a catalogue. Tell us who you are and how you travel, and we will build something that belongs only to you.