Skip to content
  • Discover Sri Lanka, from misty tea country and ancient cities to golden southern beaches
  • Explore the world with tailor-made international tour packages planned around you
  • Create unforgettable memories with wildlife safaris, cultural journeys and scenic train rides
  • Get expert travel assistance from our local team, before you leave and throughout your trip
  • Book flights and get help with visa applications, all in one place
  • Plan your perfect journey with Summit Lanka Travels, and message us on WhatsApp for a free itinerary
  • Travel beyond expectations with private drivers, handpicked hotels and flexible itineraries
Summit Lanka Travels
A leopard resting on a rock in golden light
Elephants gathering at Minneriya
Elephants in Udawalawe
A leopard on a rock in Yala
The ocean off Mirissa
A leopard in the scrub

10 Days • 9 Nights

The Big Four of Ceylon: Leopards, Elephants & Whales

Wildlife & Safari

Leopards, wild elephant herds and blue whales off the south coast

Curated Daily Narrative

Day-by-Day Journey

Ten days in pursuit of Sri Lanka's great wildlife, from the elephant gatherings to the whales of the southern shelf.

Colombo | Arrival

Arrive and rest in Colombo before heading into the wild.

The Colombo skyline at dusk

Curated Activities

  • Private airport welcome
  • Wildlife briefing with your naturalist
  • Welcome dinner
Accommodation
City Waterfront Hotel (5★)
Meal Plan
Dinner
Travel Time
Airport to Colombo – approx. 45 Minutes
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Habarana | Into Elephant Country

Drive north to the dry-zone jungles around Habarana.

Elephants on a lakeshore at sunset

Curated Activities

  • Scenic drive north
  • Village lake canoe ride
  • Night walk with a naturalist
Accommodation
Jungle Eco-Lodge (5★)
Meal Plan
Half Board
Travel Time
Colombo to Habarana – approx. 4 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Minneriya | The Gathering

Watch wild elephant herds gather at the Minneriya and Kaudulla reservoirs.

Elephants gathering at Minneriya

Curated Activities

  • Afternoon elephant safari
  • Herd behaviour briefing
  • Sundowners by the reservoir
Accommodation
Jungle Eco-Lodge (5★)
Meal Plan
Half Board
Travel Time
Habarana to Minneriya – approx. 30 Minutes
Transport Mode
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep

Across the Hills | To the South

A long scenic drive south through the hill country towards Udawalawe.

Mist-covered tea hills

Curated Activities

  • Tea estate stop with tasting
  • Lunch with hill-country views
  • Evening at a riverside lodge
Accommodation
Riverside Safari Lodge (4★)
Meal Plan
Half Board
Travel Time
Habarana to Udawalawe – approx. 6 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Udawalawe | Elephant Rescue

Safari in Udawalawe and learn about orphaned elephant rehabilitation.

Elephants in Udawalawe

Curated Activities

  • Morning safari in Udawalawe
  • Elephant Transit Home rehabilitation talk
  • Feeding-time visit
Accommodation
Riverside Safari Lodge (4★)
Meal Plan
Half Board
Travel Time
Local excursions
Transport Mode
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep

Yala | Leopard Tracking

Transfer to Yala for your first leopard tracking drive with a veteran tracker.

A leopard on a rock in Yala

Curated Activities

  • Afternoon private safari
  • Sundowner at a waterhole
  • Bush dinner at camp
Accommodation
Luxury Safari Tented Camp (5★)
Meal Plan
Full Board
Travel Time
Udawalawe to Yala – approx. 2 Hours
Transport Mode
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep

Yala | A Full Day in the Park

Spend a full day in the park with a picnic lunch, following the tracks of the resident leopards.

A leopard in the scrub

Curated Activities

  • Full-day safari with picnic
  • Sloth bear and crocodile spotting
  • Photography session at golden hour
Accommodation
Luxury Safari Tented Camp (5★)
Meal Plan
Full Board
Travel Time
In the park
Transport Mode
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep

Mirissa | To the Coast

Drive west along the coast to Mirissa, base for whale watching on the continental shelf.

The ocean off Mirissa

Curated Activities

  • Dawn safari before departure
  • Stilt fishermen en route
  • Beach dinner
Accommodation
Beachfront Boutique Villa (5★)
Meal Plan
Half Board
Travel Time
Yala to Mirissa – approx. 3 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Mirissa | Blue Whales

Set out on a private chartered yacht in search of blue whales and spinner dolphins (seasonal).

The south coast at sunset

Curated Activities

  • Private yacht whale-watching charter
  • Marine biologist commentary
  • Farewell seafood dinner
Accommodation
Beachfront Boutique Villa (5★)
Meal Plan
Half Board
Travel Time
At sea
Transport Mode
Private Yacht

Departure | Farewell to the Wild

Transfer via the Southern Expressway to the airport.

A passenger airplane at golden hour

Curated Activities

  • Breakfast at leisure
  • Private transfer to the airport
  • Fast-track departure assistance on request
Accommodation
—
Meal Plan
Breakfast
Travel Time
Mirissa to Airport – approx. 3 Hours
Transport Mode
Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Dispatches From Our Guests

Traveler Chronicles

Reflections from couples, families, and solo explorers who journeyed with Summit Lanka across the years.

“Summit Lanka organized our 14-day family journey across Ceylon Tea Trails and Yala. Our private chauffeur, Mohan, was phenomenal—his historical knowledge and warmth made this the best journey our family has taken anywhere in Asia.”

Charles Wright London, United Kingdom

“The seamless combination of a private safari bungalow in Wilpattu followed by three days in an overwater villa in the Maldives was perfection. Truly effortless luxury without the usual booking friction.”

Jean-Marc Geneva, Switzerland

“Summit Lanka's diplomatic visa desk made our spontaneous travel transition from Dubai into Sri Lanka painless. The curated stays in Galle Fort were unforgettable architectural masterpieces.”

Ayesha Al-Sabah Dubai, UAE

Essential Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before embarking on this 10-day Ceylon expedition.

Can this 10-day itinerary be reversed or modified?

Yes. Every journey is tailor-made, so we can reverse the route, add or remove nights, upgrade stays or swap experiences to suit your dates and interests. Your curator will confirm availability before anything is booked.

What visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is needed?

Most visitors need a Sri Lankan ETA before they fly, applied for online. Our visa desk can prepare and track the application for you; always confirm the current rules for your nationality.

What attire should I pack for both tea mountains and tropical beaches?

Pack light, breathable clothing for the coast and lowlands, plus a warm layer for cool highland evenings. Bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits.

How do payment schedules, deposits, and cancellation policies operate?

A deposit secures your booking, with the balance due before travel. Exact amounts, dates and cancellation terms are set out in your confirmation folio and in our Terms & Conditions.

Direct Concierge Dispatch

Ready to Compose Your Sri Lankan Journey?

Share your envisioned island experience with our Senior Ceylon Itinerary Curators. Receive a customized day-by-day blueprint and exact quote within 24 hours.

Free cancellation • No automated spam • Response within 24 hours

Begin Your Chapter

Ready to Design Your Bespoke Ceylon or
Global Expedition?

Our senior travel designers will listen to your pace, preferences, and personal style to craft an unhurried, private travel itinerary made just for you.

Commence Custom Itinerary Design Speak With A Senior Concierge
Chat with us!