The Big Five
An eight-day wildlife journey from the whales of Mirissa to the elephants of Udawalawe and the leopards of Yala, closing along the south coast.
Airport → Mirissa → Udawalawe → Yala → Galle → Colombo
Tour Highlights
What makes this journey unforgettable.
Blue Whales off Mirissa
A dawn boat trip beyond the continental shelf, where blue whales and dolphin pods feed close to shore.
Coconut Tree Hill & Parrot Rock
Two of the south coast's most photographed landmarks, minutes from your beach hotel.
Elephant Transit Home
Meet the orphaned calves in care at Udawalawe before their gradual return to the wild.
Udawalawe Safari
A full day among elephant herds on the open grasslands of Udawalawe National Park.
Yala Safari
A full day in Yala, one of the finest places on earth to see the Sri Lankan leopard: leopards, elephants and the drama of a dry-zone park at dawn and dusk.
Galle Fort & Madu River
The Dutch fort's ramparts, a sea turtle hatchery and a mangrove boat safari on the Madu Ganga.
Day by Day
The itinerary, day by day.
Day 01Airport → Mirissa
Welcome on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer south to Mirissa, with the rest of the day to relax by the ocean.
Day 02Mirissa
A dawn whale-watching boat beyond the continental shelf in search of blue whales and dolphin pods. An afternoon at Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock.
Day 03Mirissa → Udawalawe
Visit the Elephant Transit Home to see the orphaned calves in care, then check in at your lodge near Udawalawe and relax.
Day 04Udawalawe
A full-day jeep safari across Udawalawe National Park, home to large herds of elephants, water buffalo and rich birdlife around the reservoir.
Day 05Udawalawe → Yala
A leisurely morning before the drive east to Yala, with the afternoon free at your lodge.
Day 06Yala
A full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park, tracking the Sri Lankan leopard through scrub forest, alongside sloth bears, elephants and painted storks.
Day 07Yala → Galle → Colombo
A ramble through the Galle Dutch Fort, a visit to a sea turtle hatchery and a boat safari on the Madu River, then on to Colombo for the night.
Day 08Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Included
What's in your journey.
- Welcome and assistance on arrival and departure
- Accommodation at 3, 4 or 5-star hotels
- Half-board meal basis throughout stay at the hotels, can be changed to full-board, bed & breakfast or another meal plan. Just tell us when we plan your journey.
- Transport in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the stay
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide, travelling in another language? We can arrange a guide who speaks your language, just ask while planning.
- 02 bottles of mineral water (500ml) per day per person
- All entrance tickets to sites
- 24/7 customer care & assistance throughout the tour
Not Included
What's separate.
- Air fares & visa fees to Sri Lanka (apply online at eta.gov.lk)
- Extras of a personal nature: beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic), laundry, drinking water, telephone calls
- Photo & video camera permits at the sites
Ready When You Are
Let's craft your private version of The Big Five.
Every departure is tailored to your dates, pace and interests. Tell us how you'd like to travel and we'll shape the rest.