A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Sri Lanka’s Astounding Nature and Wildlife Explore the natural treasures of this compact yet incredibly diverse island nation. Enjoy Asia’s best leopard viewing, close up primate viewing, a private cruise to spot blue whales, plus the chance to observe scores of tropical bird species. With a good road network, comfortable accommodation, and warm welcomes, Sri Lanka offers a compact and easily explored nature experience. A global biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka has a great variety of endemic flora and fauna to impress the avid naturalist! A Walk on the Wild Side | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01 Negombo Arrive 02-03 Sigiriya Observing primates 04-05 Nuwara Eliya Birding at World’s End 06-08 Yala Spotting leopard, elephant, and water buffalo 09-10 Sinharaja Hiking in the virgin rain forest 11-12 Mirissa Watching for Blue Whale 13 Colombo Departure www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01 By the sea Negombo Upon arrival in Colombo, the traditional gateway to the orient and the capital of Sri Lanka, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred right away to your hotel by the ocean in nearby Negombo. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 4 Day 02-03 Observing primates Sigiriya Set off for the centre of the island and the imposing granite outcrop of Lion Rock, rising over 500ft from the surrounding jungle. The 5th century King Kashyapa I built a vast fortress on the summit – the views from the top are magnificent. All around the fortress you’ll find many of Sri Lanka’s 33 endemic bird species, along with a variety of small reptiles and butterflies, within the Sigiriya Reserve. The next day head out to well-preserved ruins of the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa. As you walk through the vast site, observe three species of monkeys – toque macaque, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and gray langurs. At the Hurulu Forest Reserve search for small herds of Asian elephants and many of the Sri Lanka’s magnificent birds including the Indian Roller and blue-tailed bee-eaters. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 5 Day 04-05 Birder’s Paradise Nuwara Eliya Enjoy a leisurely start with walk in the forest before heading for the green hills of tea country. Your route takes you to the pretty town of Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, housing the country’s most important Buddhist relic. Spend two nights in the peaceful ambience of the subtropical highlands surrounded by the dazzling green of the tea plants. The next day observe a fantastic array of bird life on the walk to ‘World’s End’ across the Horton Plains. Keep your eyes peeled for the five endemic bird species found here plus Bear Monkeys and Rhino-Horned Lizards. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 6 Day 06-08 Sri Lanka’s Big Three Yala During your three-night stay at a tranquil wildlife lodge or in comfortable safari tents in the park, spend your days on safari drives with the seasoned resident naturalists on the lookout for leopards, elephants, and water buffalo as well as sloth bear, sambar, toque macaque, and a huge variety of bird life. Yala’s boulder-strewn parklands resemble Africa’s bushveldt and make for good wildlife spotting conditions. At nearby Bundala N. P. spot crocodiles and rare indigenous birds in the wetlands. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 7 Day 09-10 The mystical rainforest Sinharaja Forest Reserve The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve and Sri Lanka’s last surviving expanse of virgin rainforest. It is home to over 120 bird species including the Blue Magpie as well as smaller mammals such as the Purple-Faced Leaf Monkey and the Giant Squirrel. Enjoy guided treks here amidst the thick growth of flora and fauna. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 8 Day 11-12 Blue whale spectacular Mirissa Bid the rainforest goodbye and head out to the coast at the beach town of Mirissa where the majestic blue whale, the largest mammal on earth, inhabits the Indian Ocean. Set our early on a private boat trip to see the blue whales in their natural environment. Along the way you’re like to see sperm whales, pods of spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and vast array of marine life. Note that whale watching is recommended from November to April. Meals: Breakfast Day 13 International departure Colombo www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 9 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 12 nights • Breakfast daily • Full board at Yala and Sinharaja • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Sigiriya: Half day jeep excursion in Minneriya National Park o Sigiriya: Half day tour to the Rock Fortress o Sigiriya: Full day tour to the Polonnaruwa and Hurulu o Kandy: Half day tour of the Temple of the Tooth and palace o Nuwara Eliya: Half day excursion to Horton Plains or hike to Adam’s Peak o Yala National Park: Four jeep safaris in the park with expert naturalists o Sinharaja National Park: Two jeep safaris in the park with expert naturalists o Mirissa: Private half day whale watching excursion • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 10 ACCOMMODATIONS City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate Negombo 1 N Jetwing Lagoon Jetwing Beach/Blue The Wallawwa Sigiriya 2 N Water Garden Sigiriya Wild Grass Resort Sigiriya Cinnamon Lodge Habarana Nuwara Eliya 2 N Grand Hotel Jetwing Warwick Garden Jetwing Warwick Garden Yala 3 N Cinnamon Wild Ceylon Wild Safaris Wild Coast Lodge Sinharaja 2 N Ranforest Ecolodge Ranforest Ecolodge Ranforest Ecolodge Mirissa 2 N www.alaya-travels.com A Walk on the Wild Side | 11.