Group Tour
Sri Lanka Wildlife & Highlands Expedition
Colombo to Colombo – 14 Days
Expedition Overview
Explore Sri Lanka’s diverse natural and cultural wonders on this 14-day small group adventure. From the golden shores of Negombo to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Dambulla, you’ll discover sacred temples, royal ruins, and striking rock fortresses. Visit traditional villages, meet indigenous communities, and travel through misty mountains, tea estates, and cloud forests in the scenic Knuckles and Nuwara Eliya highlands.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy thrilling safaris in Wilpattu and Udawalawe National Parks, home to leopards, elephants, and exotic birdlife. Enjoy a scenic train journey through the hill country and unwind by the beaches of Ahangama. Along the way, you’ll hike to panoramic viewpoints, share home-cooked meals with locals, and witness Sri Lanka’s rich cultural traditions. Designed for travellers seeking an active yet immersive experience, this expedition blends heritage, wildlife, nature, and local life — all with expert guidance and comfortable accommodations throughout.
Highlights
WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN WILPATTU AND UDAWALAWE: Explore two of Sri Lanka’s top national parks. Spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife on guided game drives. These safaris offer unforgettable encounters with the country’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitats, combining thrilling adventure with conservation-focused travel in scenic forest and wetland landscapes.
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES AND ANCIENT CITIES: Visit iconic landmarks such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temples, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura. These UNESCO-listed sites reveal Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, royal history, and architectural brilliance — a fascinating journey into the island’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
TEA COUNTRY AND SCENIC HIGHLANDS: Travel through the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya and the Knuckles Range. Enjoy a scenic train ride, hike mountain trails, and visit local tea estates. The landscape shifts from lush plantations to cloud forests, offering fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and peaceful rural charm.
LOCAL ENCOUNTERS AND VILLAGE EXPERIENCES: Connect with communities in Mahiyanganaya, Hiriwadunna, and Dambana. Enjoy traditional meals, learn indigenous customs, and witness everyday Sri Lankan village life. These cultural exchanges offer insight into local traditions and provide authentic experiences beyond typical tourist routes, adding meaning and depth to your journey.
Why Asian Geographical?
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Itinerary
Group Travel
Moderate
Premium
Experience Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture on a 14-day group expedition. Visit ancient cities, hike in the highlands, spot elephants and leopards on safari, and relax by the coast. With local encounters and scenic train rides, this journey offers an unforgettable mix of nature, heritage, and adventure.
DAY 1
Colombo Arrival
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by a local representative and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. This friendly beach town is known for its fishing heritage, relaxed vibe, and colonial architecture. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You may want to take a stroll along the beach or simply unwind at your hotel. It’s the perfect place to relax after your flight and get ready for the exciting journey ahead.
Goldi Sands Hotel – Standard Room
DAY 2
Wilpattu National Park
After breakfast, drive to Wilpattu National Park, one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Arrive at your nature camp and check into a deluxe tent surrounded by the forest. In the evening, head out on a game drive in search of leopards, sloth bears, and wild elephants. Keep an eye out for colourful birdlife as well. Return to camp for a delicious dinner under the stars and listen to the sounds of the forest as night falls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Dambulla
Start with breakfast before heading to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka. Explore sacred sites including towering stupas, ancient water tanks, and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree—believed to be the oldest tree planted by humans. Continue your journey to Dambulla and visit the famous Cave Temple complex, filled with painted murals and statues of Buddha. Afterwards, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Hiriwadunna Village
Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning. Climb to the top to see ancient frescoes and panoramic views from the summit. After descending, head to Hiriwadunna village. Enjoy a tractor ride through the countryside, spot birds and possibly crocodiles near the lake, and take a catamaran ride if conditions allow. Share a traditional lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, you can relax at the hotel or join an optional wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sigiriana Resort – Deluxe Room
DAY 5
Mahiyanganaya
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Mahiyanganaya. The road takes you through beautiful rural landscapes, tea plantations, and forested hills. This quiet part of Sri Lanka offers peace and a slower pace. On arrival, check into your comfortable hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. You may want to take a gentle walk nearby or simply enjoy the quiet surroundings. Prepare for the cultural experiences awaiting you tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kevans Casa – Superior Room
DAY 6
Knuckles
This morning, visit Dambana village to meet the Veddhas, Sri Lanka’s indigenous forest-dwelling people. Learn about their traditional way of life, including ancient hunting methods and herbal medicines. Afterwards, drive through scenic mountain roads towards the Knuckles mountain range. On arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a tasty meal in the cool, fresh mountain air. The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Corbert’s Rest – Standard Room
DAY 7
Kandy
Start early with a packed breakfast and begin your hike in the Knuckles mountain range. Walk through tea plantations, forests, and open meadows, enjoying breathtaking views and spotting local wildlife along the way. After lunch with local villagers, return to your lodge to freshen up before continuing your journey to Kandy. In the evening, check into your hotel and attend a lively cultural show featuring Kandyan drumming and traditional dancing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8
Kandy
Begin with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Walk around Kandy Lake and explore the city’s local markets and colonial buildings. In the evening, visit a local family home where you’ll enjoy a cooking demonstration and help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan dinner. Share the meal together and gain insight into everyday life and food culture in Kandy.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, board the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, known for its rolling hills and tea plantations (subject to availability). Watch as the landscape changes from tropical greenery to misty highlands. Once in Nuwara Eliya, take a short tour of this colonial-era hill town. Visit a tea factory to see how world-famous Ceylon tea is made, and enjoy a tasting session. Relax in the cool mountain air and settle in for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Belihuloya
Wake early and head to Horton Plains National Park. Hike across grasslands and forests to the famous viewpoint at World’s End and the beautiful Baker’s Falls. Enjoy a packed breakfast during the trek. After your hike, travel to Belihuloya, a peaceful hill country village. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. The cooler climate and quiet setting make this a lovely place to unwind.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
Udawalawe National Park
This morning, hike to Ha Gala (Rabbit Rock), a gentle climb through forest and tea estates that offers wide views over the region. With a local guide, learn about the area’s plants and wildlife. After your walk, return to the resort to refresh and have lunch. Then continue your journey to Udawalawe, a national park area known for elephants. On arrival, settle into your hotel and relax.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
Galle
Begin with a morning safari in Udawalawe National Park. Look for elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, and many bird species. Return to the hotel for breakfast or enjoy a packed meal during the game drive. Afterwards, drive south to the historic city of Galle. Explore the colonial Dutch Fort, walk along its walls, and enjoy the charming old town atmosphere. Continue to Ahangama for a relaxing overnight stay by the beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Ahangama
Enjoy a relaxing day by the beach or pool in Ahangama. If you like, join an optional whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa, a nearby town known for its marine life. With luck, you might see blue whales or spinner dolphins. Or simply stay at the resort and enjoy a restful day, reflecting on your journey through Sri Lanka.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 14
Colombo Departure
On your final day, drive to Colombo for a short city tour. Visit a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, and colonial sites such as the Dutch Wolvendaal Church and Town Hall. Take in the mix of old and new in this lively capital. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your time in Sri Lanka.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The story
The inspiration for this unique Sri Lanka tour stems from our love for the island's breathtaking diversity and cultural richness. During our travels, we were enchanted by its seamless blend of history, nature, and vibrant traditions. From climbing the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress to exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the deep connection to the past was palpable. Witnessing the lives of the Veddha people and sharing meals with local families offered a window into traditions that have been preserved through centuries.
Equally compelling were the pristine landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. The serene beauty of Horton Plains and the thrill of spotting elephants and leopards in national parks like Wilpattu and Udawalawe left an indelible mark. We designed this tour to weave together these transformative experiences, creating a journey that captures the soul of Sri Lanka—a perfect balance of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation by the coastal shores.
What To Expect
Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
