Day 7 Kandy to Yala This morning , enjoy more mountain scenery on the way to Ella Gap , where the mountains dramatically drop down to the plains of the south and towards the south east coastline of the island . This nature resort is located in ten acres of jungle bordering the entrance of Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean . A variety of wild animals are seen in the grounds , such as monkeys , wild boar , and the occasional elephant . Yala is most famous for its leopards and has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world , offering the best chance to see them in the wild . This is a very dry terrain with little shade , bordered by a beautiful coastline and interspersed with watering holes . Daytime temperatures reach around 30c , so it is a dry heat with little rainfall .
Day 8Yala Safari Begin early this morning with a wildlife safari by jeep . Elephants , sloth bear , sambhur , and buffaloes are amongst the animals also seen in the park . You will see that Sri Lanka is blessed to have the opportunity to showcase a huge amount of fascinating wildlife , all of which you will experience during your safaris . Because of the high density of leopards in Yala and the lack of other carnivores , the leopard is the top predator , so adults and cubs can be remarkably relaxed during the day . Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the jeep , which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities . On an afternoon safari , look out for crocodiles basking in the evening sun .
Day 9 Yala to Galle After breakfast , you will depart for Galle ( 3 to 4 hours ). Visit the historic Galle Fort and Galle cricket stadium . There are myriad narrow streets to explore within the city walls and some lovely small shops selling crafts , jewellery and antiques . It is also possible to visit low country tea estates , take a river boat trip or visit the Kottawa and Hiyare Rainforests or Samakanda organic farm . A whale and dolphin watching trip could also be arranged from Mirissa ( December to April ).
Days 10 to 13 Galle to Bentota Drive north along the coast and spend four relaxing nights on the beach in Bentota . Along the way , you will stop at Ambalangoda where wooden mask carvings are made , and see the traditional methods of creating these masks . Bentota itself is best known for its long , picturesque stretches of sandy beach , and whilst here , visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery or enjoy the water sports of Bentota . Boat trips on the river are increasingly popular ; take a raft to enjoy the silence of the mangrove swamps . The town , which straddles along the main road from Colombo to Galle , offers a fantastic insight into local life . There is a modern shopping centre , a post office , a marketplace , and a handicraft centre on the roadside south of the town .
Day 14 Departure from Colombo Transfer to the airport ( 1.5 hours ) for your departure .
PRICE INFORMATION Prices from £ 2730 per person value option , and from £ 2920 per person luxury option .
OUR PRICE INCLUDES
• Return scheduled flights with British Airways or Sri Lankan Airlines to
Colombo in economy class
• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
• Private English-speaking chauffeurguide in an air-conditioned Japanese car
throughout the itinerary
• Entrance fees to the monuments listed above
OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Visas Meals , except as specified above
• Drinks , gratuities and personal expenses
Camera fees where applicable
• Insurance
HOTEL LIST FOR THE ABOVE ITINERARY This holiday can include a range of hotels . To make things simple , we suggest a Luxury and a Value option . Each has been tried and tested , but other options are available .
Luxury Option Negombo , Jetwing Blue Habarana , Cultural Triangle , Cinnamon Lodge Kandy , Mahaweli Reach Yala , Jetwing Yala Galle , 41 Lighthouse Street Bentota , Vivanta by Taj
Value Option Negombo , Jetwing Sea Habarana , Cultural Triangle , Habarana Village Kandy , Cinnamon Citadel Yala , Cinnamon Wild Galle , the Fort Printers Bentota , Bentota Beach
Yala National Park
FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL OUR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS ON 01392 441224 21