A 7-Day Sri Lanka Safari and Colombo City Tour Itinerary

Author: Nidhi Sood on Jan 27,2023

Explore the natural beauty of Sri Lanka on a 7-day safari tour that takes you to some of the most popular national parks and wildlife reserves. Along with your safari experience, you'll also get to discover the rich history and culture of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. This itinerary includes visits to famous landmarks and destinations such as Bundala National Park, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, and Viharamahadevi Park.

A tour at a glance

Tour Price

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

Start Planning your trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your private guide, who will escort you to your hotel in Colombo. Head to the local market, and enjoy various delicious local food while roaming the city's vibrant streets. Return to your hotel and take some time to rest and relax before you begin our exciting safari adventure tomorrow. 

Day 2: Bundala National Park Safari

Get ready for an early start as you head to Bundala National Park, about a 3-hour drive from Colombo. As soon as you enter the park, embark on a jeep safari to explore the diverse range of wildlife that calls Bundala home. You'll have the opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the greater flamingo and the painted stork. After a morning of adventure, you'll return to the hotel for lunch and some leisure time in the afternoon. Next, set out to explore Colombo's nightlife. Enjoy live music at a rooftop bar with a city view, and have a lavish dinner.  

Day 3: Visiting Udawalawe National Park

Today,  head to Udawalawe National Park, about a 4-hour drive from Colombo. This park is famous for its large elephant population, and you'll have the chance to see them up close and personal on our jeep safari. Along with elephants, you will also have the chance to spot water buffalo, sambar deer, and other wildlife. Return to the hotel late evening for a high tea and dinner.

Day 4: Cultural and Heritage Tour

Today, take a break from the safaris and explore the rich culture and heritage of Sri Lanka. Start with a visit to the ancient city of Sigiriya, also known as the "Lion's Rock." This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a massive rock fortress built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD. After climbing to the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and the rock fortress. Spend the morning here and then head to a local restaurant for lunch. The travel time from your accommodation to Sigiriya will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Next, you will spend the afternoon visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple comprises five cave temples dating back to the 1st century BC and adorned with intricate frescoes and statues of Buddha. After exploring the temple, then, head back to the hotel. The travel time from Sigiriya to Dambulla will take around 1 hour. Return to your hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 5: Exploring Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Viharamahadevi Park

After breakfast, head to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, about a 2.5-hour drive from Colombo. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high degree of endemism and biodiversity.  Embark on a hike through the jungle to see a variety of bird and mammal species, including monkeys, hornbills, and leopards. After a morning of adventure, return to the hotel for lunch. In the evening, visit Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo's largest park, stroll through the lush gardens, relax on the shady lawns, and admire the beautiful flowers and fountains that adorn the park. The park also features a wide variety of plant and flower species and is a great place to spot local birds and butterflies. Visit the Viharamahadevi Park Open Air Theatre to enjoy a cultural performance in the evening before heading to your hotel for dinner. 

Day 6: Visit Gal Oya, National Park

Today you will be heading to Gal Oya National Park, about a 6-hour drive from Colombo. The park is known for its elephants, leopards, and various bird species. Embark on a jeep safari to explore the park and see the animals up close and personal. After a morning of adventure,  return to the hotel for lunch and some leisure time in the evening. 

Day 7: Departure

It's time to bid farewell to the beautiful land of Sri Lanka. After breakfast, get a private transfer to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey. 

Learn more about leisure plans

Signup for Exclusive Deals

Exclusive access to private sales, customized specials & more

Book Now