Pearl Tripadvisor

Introduction
”You will come back to them, searching, again & again - and in time will grow within you an intimacy, a love for the jungle which offers sanctuary to fast dwindling and very precious wildlife.”

Sri Lanka is fortunate to be gifted by nature a wealth of animal life & luxuriant vegetation. Today in this small island of 65,610 sq km, approximately 14% is dedicated to sanctuaries and nature reserves. Much of the fauna is of Indian origin, due to the fact that millions of years ago the 2 countries were bridged by a strip of land, remnants which are still visible. However, the period of separation has been sufficient for distinctive indigenous fauna to evolve and 19% are new species, totally endemic to Sri Lanka.

Of the 86 species of mammals, pride of place goes to the majestic Elephant - the second largest terrestrial animal surviving today. While Sri Lanka does not have Lions & Tigers, 4 species of Cats including the Leopard are seen regularly in the wildlife parks. Other exotic species commonly seen are the Sloth Bear and many varieties of Deer, Monkeys including the endemic Macaque, Purple Faced Leaf Monkey and Shaggy Bear Monkey. More common species are Wild boar, Jackals, Mongoose,Porcupines, Giant Squirrels, many species of Rats and Shrews and the aggressive and dangerous Wild Buffalo.

Most lakes and estuaries in the national parks attract many Crocodiles belonging to 2 species endemic to Sri Lanka. 5 species of turtles frequent the shores all over the island to lay eggs.

Legend has it that the world’s first wildlife sanctuary was created in Sri Lanka by a King in the 3rd century BC. It is recorded in the ancient Buddhist scriptures - "The King decreed that all human beings should follow the hallowed Buddhist precept of not harming any form of life".

Our tour covers most of the important national parks in the island and we hope clients will leave enriched by the knowledge gained and leave untouched the legacy for future visitors

Day 01
Arrival at the airport & transfer to Colombo.P.M. City tour.Overnight Intercontinental or similar.

Day 02
Leave for Habarana.P.M. Safari on Elephant Back to the Forest & Village in the area (approx 02 Hours) Overnight The Village or similar.

Day 03
A.M. Excursion to the 12th century AD capital Polonnaruwa.P.M. Excursion to Minneriya Sanctuary.Overnight The Village or similar.

Day 04
A.M. visit Sigiriya rock fortress.P.M. Excursion to Wasgamuwa National Park.Thereafter leave for Kandy visiting a Spice garden & batik factory en-route.Overnight Casamara/Hill Top.

Day 05
Brief sightseeing of Kandy including the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens.Proceed to Nuwara Eliya visiting a Tea plantation and factory .Overnight Grand Hotel or similar.

Day 06
Leave for Tanamalwila, a campsite located in the jungle.Jeep safari of Handapangala. The largest single heard of wild Elephants numbering over 100 are found in this location.Return to the site for a BBQ dinner round the Campfire followed by a night safari.Overnight Campsite.

Day 07
Leave for Udawalawe Park.P.M. Jeep safari of the National Park. Overnight Centuria Tour Inn.

Day 08
Early morning jeep safari of Udawalawe National Park and leave for Yala National Park. Overnight Yala Safari Hotel or similar.

Day 09
Two 1/2 (morning & evening) jeep safaris of the National Park.Overnight Yala Safari Hotel or similar.

Day 10
Leave early for a safari tour of the Bundala sanctuary and return after a late breakfast to Colombo visiting Galle & Hikkaduwa. Also visit a Turtle hatchery at Kosgoda.Overnight Intercontinental or similar.

Day 11
Departure transfer to the airport

Due to the limited accommodation at the campsite the programme is limited to a maximum of 15 pax. Accommodations in first class hotels except at the campsite.

This is a permanent site with large 04 person or 02 person tents, mobile toilets, mess tent, etc, camp beds with pillows, linen and mosquito nets are provided.

Menu at the campsite varies from full American breakfast to buffet, BBQ or 4 course set meals.