Negombo Trip Overview
This is an excellent introduction to both the Wildlife & Nature experiences with beautiful scenery of Sri Lanka.
The best way to catch a glimpse of wildlife and nature is from the country’s National Parks; Yala is famed for its leopard sighting, whilst Udawalawe National Park, is undoubtedly one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year.
Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated before being released.
Travel from the Negombo and explore Sinharaja Rain forest which is the largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. This Unesco-listed, richly bio-diverse habitat, bordered by rivers, is rich in wildlife, including rare mammals and many endemic birds.
Explore Ella which is a paradise of hills with stunning views & Train journey.
Another trying hike is the holy mountain of Adam’s Peak to see sunrise.
Enjoy some extra unique activities such as White Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, Kitulagala.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 days
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Negombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Negombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This is an excellent introduction to both the Wildlife & Nature experiences with beautiful scenery of Sri Lanka.
The best way to catch a glimpse of wildlife and nature is from the country’s National Parks; Yala is famed for its leopard sighting, whilst Udawalawe National Park, is undoubtedly one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year.
Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated before being released.
Travel from the Negombo and explore Sinharaja Rain forest which is the largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. This Unesco-listed, richly bio-diverse habitat, bordered by rivers, is rich in wildlife, including rare mammals and many endemic birds.
Explore Ella which is a paradise of hills with stunning views & Train journey.
Another trying hike is the holy mountain of Adam’s Peak to see sunrise.
Enjoy some extra unique activities such as White Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, Kitulagala.
Itinerary
Day 1: COLOMBO AIR PORT – NEGOMBO
Stop At: Negombo, Negombo, Western Province
Highlights: Negombo city, Fish market, dutch fort, fishermans bay, St. Mary’s Church, Dutch Canal, Fishes drying on the beach
Negombo, “Little Rome” is an exciting city in the western coastal belt which defines a multicultural society. From the people living to the architectural appearance, Negombo has always homed multi nationalities and religions for people of all types.
Aged monuments built during the Dutch Colonial period stands to date. The coast of the city had once been a Fort to the Dutch. The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers and a canal.
The lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds including cormorants, herons, egrets, gulls, terns and other shorebirds. A wide range of seafood cuisines are demanding along the hotels near the beach.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Goldi Sands Hotel,Negombo, a 4* hotel or similar
Day 2: NEGOMBO- SINHARAJA
Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Entrance, Sinharaja Access Road Viharahena, Deniyaya 81500 Sri Lanka
Sinharaja vergin Rain Forest was declared as a Man and Biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1989 and spread over 11000 hectares.
Altitude is ranging from 270m above the sea level. This Unesco-listed, richly biodiverse habitat, bordered by rivers, is rich in wildlife, including rare mammals and many endemic birds. Unlike most Sri Lankan national parks, access to the forest is only on foot, along slippery trails, pointing out the wealth of stunning plant, bird and animal life, accompanied by a ranger or guide.
There are nearly 200 species of of birds are to be seen ans 22 species of them are endemic to Sri Lanka. Blue Macpie & Serendb Scope Owl are among them.
The forest boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. You might see monkeys, snakes, chameleons, extensive bird life and a vast range of tropical trees, plants and flowers and a beautiful waterfall.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Jansen’s Bungalow, Weddagala, Sinharaja( Double Room with HB- Dinner & Breakfast) OR similar
Day 3: SINHARAJA
Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Early morning, 06.00hrs visit Sinharaja Rain Forest (picnic breakfast packets)
Trekking for half day or full day.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is introduced as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and this tropical rain forest believed to be home for almost 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic wildlife. In this tour you can explore the lifestyle of the creatures. The high diversity of vegetation within the reserve has made it a favorable sanctuary for various species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fish, amphibians and plant life; all co-existing within the ecosystem. Explore this world heritage site at least one time in your lifespan.
Because the forest is so dense, wildlife-spotting is not as easy here as it is in many other Sri Lankan reserves and parks.
The forest boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. You might see monkeys, snakes, chameleons, extensive bird life and a vast range of tropical trees, plants and flowers and a beautiful waterfall.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Jansen’s Bungalow, Weddagala, Sinharaja( Double Room with HB- Dinner & Breakfast) – OR similar
Day 4: SINHARAJA – UDAWALAWE
Stop At: Elephant Transit Home (ETH), 5km west of the Uda Walawe National Park entrance, Udawalawe National Park Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast proceed to the hotel, Udawalawe (2 ½ hrs drive)
And visit Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawe.
Afternoon is at leisure.
The first stop is the Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawe. Although you won’t get to interact with the elephants, this short visit is a great opportunity to see the animals and discover the work that’s done to get them back into the wild. Here, orphaned and injured elephants are treated and prepared to be released back into the wild with minimal human contact
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Centauria Wild Hotel, Udawalawe or similar (Double Room with Breakfast) – 2 nights
Day 5: UDAWALAWE
Stop At: Visit Udawalawe National Park, No. 04 Ekamuthugama, Thanamalwila Road, Udawalawe National Park 70250 Sri Lanka
Early morning, 05.30 hrs, visit Udawalawe NP by Jeep safari and back to hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon, at 14.00 hrs visit Udawalawe NP by Jeep safari and back to hotel.
Not to be missed, Udawalawe National Park, is undoubtedly one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year. You may spot other animals in the park including water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, sambur deer, jackal, samber, black-naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, the endemic toque macaque and gray langers
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Centauria Wild Hotel, Udawalawe or similar (Double Room with breakfast)
Day 6: UDAWALAWE- TISSAMAHARAMA-YALA
Stop At: Yala National Park Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, proceed to hotel at Tissamaharama (2 ½ hrs drive) and
Afternoon, visit Yala NP by Jeep safari, Enjoy a safari jeep ride while exploring all the exotic plants and animals.
Yala is an important and most popular and second largest wild safari in Sri Lanka and is located in the south eastern region, forming of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons.
Among its more famous residents is the world biggest concentration of leopards, Sri Lankan elephants, as well as many other animals including sloth bears, sambar deer, wild boar, water buffalo, junglefowl, Jackal, and eagles etc.
Sri Lankan leopards are said to be a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbors.
Yala National Park is rich in birdlife and around 130 species have been recorded. Raptors include crested serpent eagle and white bellied sea eagle. Among the water birds attracted to the lagoons are Lesser Flamingo, Pelicon, Spoonbill, painted stork, rare black necked Stork, grey heron, purple heron, night heron and Darter.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Chaarya Resort & Spa, Tissamaharama or Similar (Double Room with Breakfast)
Day 7: TISSAMAHARAMA-YALA
Stop At: Yala National Park Sri Lanka
Morning 05.30 hrs, proceed to Yala (picnic breakfast packets can be arranged) and visit Yala NP by Jeep safari.
Afternoon is at leisure
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Chaarya Resort & Spa, Tissamaharama or Similar (Double Room with Breakfast)
Day 8: TISSAMAHARAMA-BUDURUWAGALA-ELLA
Stop At: Buduruwagala Temple, Wellawaya Town, Wellawaya 91200 Sri Lanka
Morning, proceed to Ella. En route visit, Buduruwagala Temple (1 1/2 hrs drive)
Buduruwagala Temple – The beautiful, 1000-year-old, rock-cut Buddha figures of Buduruwagala are the region’s biggest attraction. The gigantic standing Buddha (at 15m, it is the tallest on the island) here still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe.
The name Buduruwagala is derived from the words for Buddha (Budu), images (ruva) and stone (gala). The figures are thought to date from around the 10th century and belong to the Mahayana Buddhist school, which enjoyed a brief heyday in Sri Lanka during this time.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ravana Ella Falls, Ella-Wellawaya Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Stop at Rawana Ella Water walls and proceed to Ella.
The 19m-high Rawana Ella Falls are about 6km down Ella Gap towards Wellawaya. During rainy months, the water comes leaping down the mountainside in what is claimed to be the ‘wildest-looking’ fall in Sri Lanka, but during the dry season it may not flow at all.
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Ella Gap Panorama Hotel, Ella or Similar (Double Room with Breakfast)- 2 Nights
Day 9: ELLA
Stop At: Little Adam’s Peak, Passara Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, visit Little Adams Peak And Nine Arch Bridge.
Ella is a famous mountain village & a paradise of hills with stunning views. The view of Ella gap is the main attraction which can be best witnessed from the top of Ella Rock or Little Adams peak. This easygoing walk through tea plantations to temples, waterfalls and viewpoints will tell you all about the natural beauty of Ella. During your day, you will get the experience of Ella gap form the top of both Ella rock and Little Adams peak & visit 9 Arch Bridge, one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka.
Little Adam’s Peak – Begin the climb with a gentle stroll through a sloping tea field, passing endless neat rows of terraced tea plants, before ascending a short stretch of winding steps up to the top of the peak. From the top, there is a spectacular panorama featuring Ella Rock, rolling tea fields and the Ella gap, a deep gorge that leads all the way down to the southern valleys. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast with the ocean glimmering on the horizon.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Sri Lanka
Stop at : Nine Arch Bridge – Located in Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Sri Lanka and is a stunning example of the incredible engineering prowess behind the island’s railway system. First constructed in the 19th century during the British colonial period, Sri Lanka’s railway line remains the easiest and most picturesque way to access the hill country. Built in 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge is a 30-metre-high viaduct with dramatic, high arches, a beautiful piece of architecture which stands in testament to the exceptional engineering skills of the British.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Ella Gap Panorama Hotel, Ella or Similar (Double Room with Breakfast)
Day 10: ELLA- NANUOYA -NUWARA ELIYA- ADAMS PEAK
Stop At: Nanu Oya railway station, Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Morning After breakfast, Ella to Nanu Oya – Train journey (2 ½ hrs), then Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya sight scenes and proceed to Adams Peak.
Train journey:
Ella is considered as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Beautiful landscaping, Scenic beauty of the country, waterfalls and tea estates etc adding so much colors to this unforgettable ride and goes through a beautiful landscape of tea plantations.
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
Stop At: Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Stop at: Nuwara Eliya city Tour
Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s premier hill resort with a fine bracing mountain climate, Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, producing some of the world’s best tea. The mountain slopes and valleys area carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling water falls. Red or green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes and hotels with lovely flower gardens, a fine 18 hole golf course and a race course gives Nuwara Eliya a decidedly British character.
Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as ‘Little England’ for the quirky relics from the British colonial period. Built by English tea growers, it remained their favorite hill station during colonial times. Nuwara Eliya boasts the best golf course in Sri Lanka.
visit Golf Course,Race Course, Lake Gregory, Grand Hotel
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: St Clair’s Falls, Hatton-Talawakele Highway, Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Stop at : St Clair’s is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and called the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. It is a strikingly beautiful waterfall, which is approximately 80 meters in height and 50 meters in width. This waterfall runs over a rock ridge, splitting into three cascades, and drops into a pool.
The falls are located along the Kotmale River, running through an enchanting green valley. The waterfalls consist of two falls called “Maha Ella” and “Kuda Ella”.
This majestic waterfall falls down between magnificent green hills in the midst of tea plantations in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country and it got the name after the Saint Clair Tea Estate which it runs through and it’s Falls is the 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Devon Falls, Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Stop at: Devon Water Falls
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: St.Clair’s Tea Center, A7, Sri Lanka
Stop at : St.Clair’s Tea Center
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at White House Hotel, Adams Peak, (Double Room with Dinner & Breakfast- HB)
Day 11: ADAMS PEAK- KITULGALA
Stop At: Adam’s Peak (Sri pada), 22070 Sri Lanka
At 01.00 hrs start climbing Adams peak to see Sun Rise and back to hotel in the morning around 08.00hrs back to hotel and proceed to Kitulgala.
Adams Peak: Adams Peak (Sri Pada)
Located in a beautiful area of the southern Hill Country, this lofty peak has sparked the imagination for centuries and been a focus for pilgrimage for more than 1000 years.
It’s variously known as Adam’s Peak (the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven), Sri Pada (Sacred Footprint, left by the Buddha as he headed towards paradise), or perhaps most poetically as Samanalakande (Butterfly Mountain; where butterflies go to die). Legends attribute the huge ‘footprint’ crowning the peak to St Thomas, the early apostle of India, or even Lord Shiva.
The pilgrimage season begins on poya day in December and runs until the Vesak festival in May. In season, pilgrims and tourists alike make the climb up the countless steps to the top. At other times, the summit’s temple can be unused, and is often obscured by clouds.
Afternoon- leisure
Duration: 7 hours
Stop At: Adventure LK white water rafting kitulgala, ginigathena road Yatiberiya kitulgala, Kitulgala 71720, Sri Lanka
White Water Rafting – Boasting about adventure sporting, Kitulagala is a town located in West of the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. It’s a town located in amid tickly forest hills. It has been once a filming place for the David Lean’s 1957 Oscar-winning epic “Bridge on the River Kwai” on the banks of Kelani River.
The Kitulgala’s main attraction is White water rafting where you can ride the tides of Kelani River. Other than that it’s popular for sports like confidence jump, Stream Sliding, Waterfall abseiling, Jungle trekking. Bird watching and cave exploration and last but not least river trips and expeditions
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Royal River Resort, Kitulgala (Double Room with Dinner & Breakfast)
Day 12: KITULGALA
Stop At: Kitulgala, Kitulgala, Sabaragamuwa Province
Morning White Water rafting
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Kitulgala, Kitulgala, Sabaragamuwa Province
Nature Walk (Bird watching)
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Royal River Resort, Kitulgala (Double Room with Dinner & Breakfast)
Day 13: KITULGALA – BENTOTA (DOWN SOUTH)
Pass By: Bentota, Bentota, Galle District, Southern Province
After breakfast,check out from the hotel and proceed to Bentota.
Drop at Bentota (2 1/2 hrs drive)
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
