Wild Lakes & Secret Lagoons Embark on a journey where the wild whispers of Sri Lanka call your name. From the elusive leopards prowling the forests of Wilpattu to the playful spinner dolphins leaping through Kalpitiya’s sparkling waters, this 10-day adventure is designed for couples, friends, or families seeking a blend of serenity and thrill. Traverse landscapes alive with elephants, birds, and other wildlife; wander through lush forests, serene lakes, and shimmering lagoons; and experience Wilpattu National Park from multiple perspectives, uncovering its hidden corners and secret wonders. This private tour has been designed to maximise opportunities without too much travel time. Easy to budget for, with many meals included in the tour price. Take this adventure as a private tour for 2. Or you can also take the trip as a family adventure (it even just fits into a UK half-term if you start your tour with an overnight flight on a Friday). This trip is 'Tell Tale light' i.e. less immersive/does not include a stay in a private home which many of our itineraries include. Best taken November to May (due to the boat trip on the western coast). Day 1 (could be Friday)Fly to Colombo with a choice of airports throughout the UK. If you can fly from Heathrow, there is an overnight direct flight with Sri Lankan Airlines. Day 2 Land at Colombo airport where you will be greeted by one of our drivers holding a sign with the Tell Tale 'pink peacock' logo. A short drive north brings you to the tranquil shores near Negombo. Check into Jetwing Sea, a spacious haven where the gentle hum of the ocean and the soft rustle of palm fronds set the tone for relaxation. A good swim in the pool will blow the travel cobwebs away! After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along the beach to witness local fisher folk hauling in their day's catch, followed by a breathtaking sunset. For dinner, venture out to nearby Negombo for a choice of restaurants.
Day 4 breakfast, lunch (packed), dinner Up early! You'll be picked up in a jeep to explore Wilpattu national park. The 'villus' (lakes) attract an incredible array of beautiful birds. Wilpattu is also famed for its leopards, however, the jungle is rather dense so it's not as easy to spot animals as in other parks, but so far visitor numbers are still lower here so you shouldn't be crowded as you'd be if you spotted a leopard elsewhere! Day 5 breakfast, dinner Day at leisure. Relax in nature, the forest has plenty of wildlife. If you are feeling more active, go for a walk, a cycle or perhaps back to Wilpattu, you could do a half-day or full day safari safari (can be arranged locally at extra cost). Day 6 breakfast, dinner Please be packed this morning. Early start, head east to Anuradhapura to meet our expert local guide for a morning of 'classic sightseeing'. Dating back to at least the 4th century BC, the ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the cradle of Theravada Buddhism (as practised by Sinhalese people, Thai people, and some other countries but not Nepal, Tibet etc). It was hidden away for many years by dense jungle. Pride of place is the sacred bodhi tree, here since the 3rd century BC, it was grown from a sapling of the tree in India under which according to legend, the Buddha reached enlightenment. You'll be driven west to Kalpitiya, a peninsula to the north of Colombo. Unlike most of the landscapes in Sri Lanka, the weather here is more dry and less humid than the famous south west (and it is certainly much less developed). You'll be staying in a laidback resort by the sea. Settle in. Rest of day at leisure to enjoy the lovely pool or have a dip in the sea. Day 7 breakfast, dinnerYou'll be picked up early this morning in local transport and taken for a boat trip to see dolphins. Kalpitiya is famed for hundreds of spinner dolphins (although until comparatively recently not known except by sea faring folk). Their antics will make you chuckle. You may also luck out and see a whale/s. You'll be with people from the local community. Kalpitiya is still very much developing. And note boat trip may need to be changed to another day, dependent on sea conditions on the day. Video by Matt Wedge, taken on a Tell Tale trip. Rest of day at leisure to enjoy the pool, watch out for the visiting monkeys. Or have a dip in the sea. Day 8 breakfast, dinner Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will be taken to a lagoon (again most likely by tuk tuk) and taken on a boat trip through hidden channels at the edge of the Wilpattu national park. Look for birds in the serene mangroves and if you are very lucky, a wild elephant. You'll get off the boat at a 'tree of life', this baobab tree hundreds of years old and is fun to climb if you are inclined! Day 9 breakfast, dinnerSpend the day relaxing, look for wildlife in the trees or enjoy the lovely pool. If you are feeling more active, you could take a tuk tuk to Kalpitiya town. Day 10 breakfastPrivate transfer to Colombo airport. Time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. If you flew out of the UK on a Friday night, Day 10 falls on Sunday and the direct flight with Sri Lankan Airlines from Colombo to London Heathrow lands back today. Excluding flights, this private tour costs from £1,100 per person for 2 people, or for a minimum of 4 travelling £1,000 per person. Including flights, this 10-day private tour costs from £1,700 per person for 2 people. Or for a minimum of 4 travelling,from £1,600 per adult (there will be airline fare and/or tax discounts for under 16s). Prices include flights from the UK, accommodation, activities/excursions, most meals and private transfers. This tour does not have a dedicated driver throughout the tour as we like to use local drivers where we can. We can arrange a dedicated driver if you prefer, at extra cost. Please allow approximately £40 per person for site entrance fees payable at the office on the day. If you are taking the Anuradhaphura excursion, allow an extra approximate £27. **Price applies as advertised on most bookings if booked sufficiently in advance, but travelling at certain times, particularly Christmas, may involve extra costs. Contact us for a quote**
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