You’ll fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. From there, our team will meet you for the private transfer to Udawalawe, where the adventure begins. The trip ends back in Colombo, making it easy to connect with your outbound international flight.

Accommodation & Meals

• 11 nights’ accommodation in comfortable hotels and guesthouses (double room; single supplement available)
• Daily breakfasts
• Selected lunches and dinners as per itinerary

Transport & Transfers

• Private van with driver for the entire trip
• All airport transfers in Sri Lanka (arrival and departure)
• Train ticket through Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country

Activities & Entrances

• All entrance fees to national parks, monuments, and sites mentioned in the itinerary
• All safaris in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks
• Whale watching excursion in Kalpitiya
• Adam’s Peak guided night climb
• Visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Anuradhapura

Support

• Experienced local guides for key activities
• Esploro Travel trip leader throughout the journey

• International flights to/from Colombo
• Lunches and dinners except where specified
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses 
• Tips/gratuities for drivers, guides, and crew
• Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
• Anything not expressly listed under What’s Included

Moderate

You should be prepared for long travel days in a private van, with some journeys lasting several hours. Two hikes, including the overnight climb of Adam’s Peak, are physically demanding and require good stamina. A moderate level of fitness is essential, but no technical hiking experience is needed.

From December to April, Sri Lanka’s inland and southern/coastal regions experience their dry season, which is generally the best time to travel this route.
Temperature: Expect warm to hot days (25–32 °C / 77–90 °F) in the lowlands and coastal areas, with cooler conditions (10–20 °C / 50–68 °F) in the hill country around Nuwara Eliya and Adam’s Peak — especially atnight and in the early morning.
Rainfall: December through April sees lower rainfall across the southern, western, and central parts of the island, making it ideal for safaris, hiking, and whale watching. Short, localized showers are still possible, especially in the afternoons.
Humidity: Moderate to high, but more comfortable in the hills.
Sea conditions: Generally calm in Kalpitiya during this period, offering good visibility and higher chances for whale sightings.

Clothing & Footwear

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot and humid conditions
• A warm layer (fleece or light down jacket) for cool mornings/evenings in the hill country and during Adam’s Peak climb
• Light long-sleeve shirt and trousers for sun and insect protection
• Waterproof jacket or poncho (for occasional showers)
• Sturdy walking/hiking shoes with good grip
• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for downtime
• Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)

Gear & Accessories

• Sunscreen
• Hat & sunglasses
• Daypack for hikes and daily excursions
• Headlamp (essential for Adam’s Peak night climb, with spare batteries)
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent (preferably DEET-free, for sensitive skin)
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance covering trekking and wildlife activities
• Power plug adapter for Sri Lanka (Type D / Type G sockets)
• Power bank for charging devices on long days

Q: Do I need o be very fit to join?
A: You should be comfortable with long travel days and able to complete a night climb of Adam’s Peak (about 5–6 hours round trip, with many stairs). Moderate fitness is enough, there’s no technical hiking, but a positive attitude towards physical challenges will help you enjoy it fully.

Q: Will we see leopards?
A: Yala National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot leopards, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. That’s part of the adventure: our experienced guides will give you the best possible chance.

Q: What should I wear for temple visits?
A: Modest clothing is required: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. A scarf or sarong can be handy to carry for covering up.

Q: Will there be Wi-Fi?
A: Most hotels and guesthouses have Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary. Mobile data coverage is generally good along the route, and local SIM cards are inexpensive.

Q: Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
A: Most visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Sri Lanka. It’s simple to apply for online—details will be provided upon booking.

Q: What's the food look like?
A: Expect fresh vegetables, rice, curries, tropical fruit, and seafood. Sri Lankan food can be spicy, but milder options are usually available. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for participation. Your policy must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and all activities included in the trip, such as safaris, hiking, and the whale-watching. Proof of coverage will be requested before departure.

Q: Can I extend my trip?
A: Absolutely! We offer optional extensions:

• Kalpitiya Whale Swim – Stay longer to join in-water sperm whale encounters.
• Maldives Tiger Shark Diving – Continue your adventure with a scuba diving extension in the Maldives, including the chance to dive with tiger sharks.