Elephant herds at Udawalawe and leopards in Yala — four days of jeep safaris in Sri Lanka's wild south.
Sri Lanka packs remarkable wildlife into a small area. This private tour heads to the dry southeast, starting at Udawalawe — one of the most reliable places in Asia to watch wild elephants — before moving on to Yala, known for having one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere.
Safaris run in open-top 4×4 jeeps with park trackers, timed for the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Between drives there's time to rest, visit the Elephant Transit Home, and see the evening ceremony at Kataragama.
Airport → Udawalawe → Tissamaharama → Yala
Wild animals are never guaranteed, but these two parks give you some of the best chances in Asia.
01
Herds of mothers, calves and young bulls graze the open grassland around the reservoir, often close to the jeep tracks.
02
A centre that raises orphaned baby elephants and later releases them back into the wild. Visitors watch feeding time from a platform.
03
With no bigger cats to compete with, Sri Lanka's leopard is often seen in daylight — on rocks, in trees or walking along the tracks.
04
A shaggy, shy bear that feeds on termites and fruit — a real prize on any Yala drive.
05
Mugger crocodiles bask by the lagoons while painted storks, peacocks, bee-eaters and eagles gather at the waterholes.
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A pilgrim town honoured by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike. The evening puja is full of drums, fire and offerings.
Udawalawe for elephants and Yala for leopards — two of the best parks in Asia in one short trip.
Drives at dawn and late afternoon, when the animals are most active.
Watch baby elephants come in for milk at the Elephant Transit Home.
Your own jeep and tracker on every safari.
An evening ceremony at one of the most sacred places on the island.
Continue to the south coast beaches or up into the hills at Ella.
A suggested route — every day can be reshuffled, extended or slowed down to match your pace. Drive times are approximate.
Day 1 · Airport → Udawalawe
A morning pickup and a drive south on the expressway to Udawalawe, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon jeep safari.
Welcome and the drive south on the expressway.
Open grassland around the reservoir makes elephants easy to watch at close range.
Painted storks, eagles and kingfishers along the water's edge.
Day 2 · Udawalawe → Tissamaharama
A morning visit to the Elephant Transit Home at feeding time, then the drive to Tissamaharama, the base for Yala. The evening is spent at Kataragama.
Watch orphaned calves at a feeding session from the viewing platform.
An ancient reservoir and stupa at the edge of town.
Drums, fire and offerings at one of the island's most important pilgrim sites.
Day 3 · Yala National Park
Two safaris in Yala: one from first light, when leopards are most active, and a second in the late afternoon. The hottest hours are for resting at your hotel.
The park gates open at dawn — the best time for leopards and sloth bears.
Lunch and a swim through the hottest part of the day.
Elephants, crocodiles and wading birds at the waterholes, with the park's coastal dunes as a backdrop.
Prefer to stay in the park? A full-day safari with a packed breakfast and lunch can be arranged.
Day 4 · Yala → Onward
A free morning — or an optional final safari — before your onward journey. The tour ends with a transfer to the south coast, Ella or Colombo (approx. 4.5–5 h), arranged to suit your plans.
One more chance at a leopard sighting.
Continue to Mirissa, Ella or Colombo with your driver.
The two parks feel very different. Udawalawe is open grassland around a big reservoir — elephants are easy to see in any month, and it is calm and family-friendly.
Yala is thicker scrub jungle, rocks, lagoons and beach. It is the place for leopards and sloth bears, but it is busier and usually closes for a few weeks around September and October. Doing both gives you the best of each.
A wetland park near Yala known for flamingos and migrant birds.
A wild stretch of coast inside the park on a full-day safari.
A huge white stupa beside Tissa Lake, lovely at sunset.
Home-cooked rice and curry near Udawalawe.
Finish with a few days on the beach at Tangalle or Mirissa.
Drive up to Ella for cool air, tea and hiking.
Dry weather and lower vegetation make animals easier to spot, especially around the waterholes.
Yala's main block usually closes for several weeks during the dry spell. Udawalawe stays open all year.
Northeast monsoon rain turns the parks green; birdlife is excellent with migrant species.
Elephant sightings at Udawalawe are reliable in every season.
Best overall: February to July. If you travel in September or October, we can swap Yala for extra time at Udawalawe or Bundala.
Private, air-conditioned vehicle for all 4 days
Dedicated English-speaking driver-guide throughout
Pickup from the airport or your Colombo hotel
A flexible itinerary — pacing and stops can be adjusted as you travel
Hotel suggestions to suit your style, from boutique stays to luxury resorts
Support by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip
Safari jeeps booked on your behalf (jeep hire and park fees not included)
Accommodation — booked to your preferences, ask us for a full quote
Meals and beverages
Safari jeep hire and national park entrance fees
Elephant Transit Home entrance
International flights and visa fees
Travel insurance, personal expenses and tips
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens — leopards are often seen at a distance
Wear neutral colours, a hat and sunscreen; open jeeps get hot and dusty
Keep noise down and stay in the jeep — it gives you the best chance of a sighting
Morning safaris start before 6 am; your hotel can pack breakfast to take along
Carry your passport — it is needed for foreign-visitor park tickets
Half Day / Full Day
Wildlife
A private jeep safari in Sri Lanka's most famous park — leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and over 200 kinds of birds.
Half Day / Full Day
Wildlife
Wild elephant herds on open grassland, the Elephant Transit Home for orphaned calves, water buffalo and painted storks.
5 Days / 4 Nights
South Coast
Bentota's river and beaches, Hikkaduwa's reef, the ramparts of Galle Fort and whale watching from Mirissa, at an unhurried coastal pace.
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Lanka