Day 1 - Arrive Galle

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our Akorn Airport Representative and will be introduced to your Chauffeur Guide/Guide. Transfer from airport to your hotel. (Approximately 3 hours/160km)

Check in at your hotel and relax.

Jetwing Lighthouse is the inspired creation of the late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's iconic architect, who was responsible for linking the island’s ancient architecture with modern minimalism. Located on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean, this elegant hotel conveys an immediate sense of Galle’s history. The Portuguese landing at Galle is re-enacted in brass and bronze on the impressive main staircase and an ambitious batik of ancient coats of arms fills the ceiling of the restful main bar. The hotel design demonstrates Bawa’s skill at integrating architecture and landscape. Smart terraces sweep down to a small sandy bay, where a natural reef sometimes allows relatively safe swimming. Large swimming pools and sundecks have clear views of the ocean.

Overnight: Jetwing Lighthouse

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Galle - Mirissa - Galle

This morning before breakfast you could go Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa. (Approximately 45 minutes/40km).The Sea off Mirissa and Dondra are important areas for Whale and Dolphin watching. Dondra and Mirissa are more famous for the sightings of the Blue Whales and Sperm Whales along with the hundreds of Spinner Dolphins.

Note:
The Season for whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April & during the rest of the months whales are not visible. 

Afternoon transfer to Koggala. Evening to see stilt fishing.

Stilt fishermen
You will be able to experience the ever famous stilt fisherman engaging in their daily catch. Stilt fishing is an age old fishing method in Sri Lanka and today remains as a scenic icon in the southern coastal belt. You will notice how carefully balanced that the fishermen position themselves on the thin stilt during the low tide to fish in the rising waters of the high tide, which is a picturesque sight.

Overnight: Jetwing Lighthouse

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 3 - Galle - Yala

After an early breakfast, transfer to Yala. (Approximately 4 hours/175 Km) Check-in at your hotel.

Enjoy a Game Drive in the Yala National Park.

Yala National Park: 
• Yala is considered to be the second largest national park in Southern Sri Lanka that facilitates one of the richest ecosystems in the Island. 
• This National Park is situated in the semi-arid climatic region and receives an annual rainfall ranging between 500–775mm from the North-East monsoon from about November to January. For the rest of the year the park remains dry with average temperatures around 27 C. 
• The park hosts a number of habitats such as monsoon forests, freshwater ecosystems, marine and inland bird ecosystems, dry monsoon forests, thorn forests, grasslands, sand dunes and many more. 
• It is estimated that the Yala National Park is home to around 215 different species of bird, 6 of which are endemic to the region. October to April bring in the large flocks of migratory birds. The park is undoubtedly one of the best bird watching hot spots in Sri Lanka.
It is also thought that the park hosts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world with excellent visibility throughout the year.
• Sloth bears are the next attraction for Yala with excellent visibility during the months of May to July.

Note:
Normally Yala National Park is closed during the month of September as it’s the mating season for most of the animals. So it’s advisable to avoid Yala during that month.

Late evening proceed to your hotel.

Jetwing Yala, opened in 2013, is a stylish and modern 80-bedroom hotel spread across 38 acres of parkland and woodland. The hotel is designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Jetwing Yala offers luxurious accommodation and a tranquil setting. Rise early and set off on a jeep safari in search of wild elephants, sloths, mugger crocodiles and the elusive leopard. Once back at the hotel, relax by the poolside and indulge in authentic local cuisine. Families with children are welcome.

Overnight: Jetwing Yala

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 4 - Yala-Udawalawa-Yala

Early this morning embark on a game drive in the Yala National Park. After the game drive you come back to the hotel and rest for a while.

In the afternoon proceed to Udawalawa for another game drive. (Approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes/62 km)

Optional - Tour with Elephant enthusiast Srilal Miththapala who has an enormous interest in wildlife and the environment, with particular emphasis on Sri Lankan elephants. He has published a book titled ‘Tranquil Footsteps’ which tells a story about a herd of elephants in the Uda Walawe National Park.

Udawalawa National Wild Life Park:
• Established in 1972 as the 5th National Park in Sri Lanka, the Udawalawe National Park spans over an area of 30,820 hectares and consists of a mixture of scrubland and teak forest.
• The park has an annual rainfall of 1,500 mm most of which falls during the months of October to January and March to May. The average annual temperature is about 27–28 °C.
• The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir.
• Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year in their natural habitat.  The park supports approximately five hundred elephants and herds of over 50 individuals are not uncommon.
• Udawalawe is home to many other animals including sambar deer, barking deer, water buffalo, jackals, sloths & the endemic Toque Macaque and Gray Langers.
• This is also a great park for birds, in particular raptors such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Grey Headed Fishing Eagle as well as arid-country specialists including the Malabar Pied Hornbill and Blue-faced Malkoha.
• The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 for the purpose of looking after abandoned elephant calves within the park. A total of nine calves, on two occasions in 1998 and 2000, with another eight calves in 2002, were released in the park when old enough to fend for themselves.

After touring, transfer back to Yala (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes/62 km)

Overnight: Jetwing Yala

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Yala-Sinharaja

After an early breakfast transfer to Sinharaja.  (Approximately 4 hours/150km)

Check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure enjoying the nature friendly environment. 

Rainforest Eco Lodge is a joint effort creating an idyllic holiday retreat that strives to conserve the environment and benefit the village community. It was initiated as a pilot project to be replicated in the future in other parts of the island. Completed in April 2012, the Rainforest Eco Lodge offers a true experience of Sinharaja as well as an enriching tea experience. Rise early and set off on a nature trek into the rainforest; return to rest and unwind in your private chalet housed in a recycled container. By evening, take a stroll along the tea plantation and take in the magnificent sunset and at nightfall, relax with a drink in the lounge and share your bird and animal sighting experiences with the other guests. Rainforest Eco Lodge follows strict eco-friendly policies that aims to re-use, re-design, and recycle and is a LEEDS certified property designed by environmental architect, Sunela Jayawardene. This eco retreat is not recommended for those with mobility difficulties or for families with young children.

Overnight: Rainforest Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 6 - Sinharaja

After breakfast at the hotel proceed on a nature walk in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. 

Sinharaja:
• A global biodiversity hotspot, the islands last extensive search of virgin rainforest, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Sinharaja, which, translated, is the Kingdom of the Lion, provides the perfect jungle experience. 
• With more than 60% of the trees being native - and most of them rare - and with its abundance of native wildlife, the reserve offers a unique experience for nature lovers and the adventurous.
• Something particularly unique to this reserve is the mixed feeding flock of birds. A study of the flocks revealed that an average of 42 individual bird species feed together, making this the world’s largest mixed species flock.
• Of the 26 endemic birds found in Sri Lanka, all 20 rainforest species are found in the Sinharaja reserve, including the elusive but magnificent Red-faced Malkoha, the seldom seen Green-billed Coucal and the lustrous Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Overnight: Rainforest Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 7 - Sinharaja-Colombo-Negombo

After breakfast Transfer to Negombo via Colombo. (Approximately 5 hours/210km)

Colombo:
• The city of Colombo which is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka is a blend of both historic value and modern vibes.
• The history of Colombo dates far back as a trading hub for the Arab, Chinese, Persian& Greek merchants, especially due to the fact that the city was in possession of a natural harbour.
• Consequently the city of Colombo was strongly exposed to the Portuguese, Dutch & British Colonial rule.
• The present day population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese (41%), Sri Lankan Moors (24%) and Tamils (29%).
• Colombo is divided into 15 areas mainly due to postal purposes. 
• One may be surprised to notice the predominant English street names such as York Street, Duke Street & Bristol Street which was a direct result of the British presence on the Island in the 18th Century AD.
• Colonial buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British exist alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Contemporary architectural styles. There are many places of touristic interest that can be visited or enjoyed as a panoramic view.

Afterwards transfer to Negombo. 

Jetwing Lagoon spreads across seven acres of tropical gardens edged by Negombo Lagoon. Originally known as the Blue Lagoon, one of Geoffrey Bawa’s first architectural creations, the hotel went through a complete renovation and reopened in its present guise in May 2012. While retaining its original architectural features, much has been added giving it a contemporary feel. Jetwing Lagoon boasts the longest swimming pool on Sri Lanka's north-west coast, spanning 100 metres. Take in the sun by the poolside or unwind with a massage at the tranquil spa.

Overnight: Jetwing Lagoon

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8 - Depart Negombo

After breakfast at your hotel transfer from Negombo to the airport (Approximately 30 minutes/20km) and connect to your international flight for departure.

Meal Plan: B