Sri Lanka “Big-Five” Weekender (leopard, elephant, sloth bear + seasonal blue whales)
Pick your right season (so you see more)
- Nov–Apr (South & West best): Add blue-whale watching from Mirissa, combine with Yala (leopards) and Udawalawe (elephants).
- May–Oct (Cultural Triangle & East): Swap coast for Minneriya/Kaudulla (huge elephant gatherings some months) + Wilpattu or Yala for leopards.
5-Day Wildlife Sprint (two versions)
A) Nov–Apr (Whale season)
Day 1 – Arrive CMB → Galle/Mirissa
Beach check-in; evening stroll by the ramparts (Galle).
Day 2 – Blue Whales (AM) → Yala (PM transfer)
Early boat for whales/dolphins (weather permitting). Drive to Yala; sunset pool + early night.
Day 3 – Yala National Park (AM/PM safaris)
Leopards, crocs, deer, birds. Aim for sunrise and golden-hour drives.
Day 4 – Udawalawe (AM safari) → Hill-Country chill
Elephants almost guaranteed; visit the transit home (release-focused). Transfer to Ella or back toward the coast.
Day 5 – Free morning → Return
Optional short hike (Nine Arches/Ella) or beach time; transfer to airport.
B) May–Oct (Elephant gathering + big cats)
Day 1 – Arrive CMB → Sigiriya
Sunset at the rock or Pidurangala viewpoint.
Day 2 – Minneriya/Kaudulla (PM safari)
Mass elephant herds when conditions align.
Day 3 – Wilpattu or Yala (transfer + PM safari)
Quieter wilderness feel (Wilpattu) or higher leopard odds (Yala).
Day 4 – AM safari → Scenic route to coast/hills
Choose a river lodge or tea-country guesthouse.
Day 5 – Free morning → Return
Craft markets, café stops, airport.
What it costs (ballpark, to plan)
- Shared jeep safaris: ~US$25–60 pp per drive (park fees & vehicle share cost).
- Private jeep: ~US$90–140 per drive (good for families/photographers).
- Whale-watch boats: ~US$35–70 pp.
- Guides & tips: Reward sharp spotters; they make the moments.
- your cost may vary
Where to stay (by goal)
- Leopard focus: Lodges close to Yala gates (ask which block they use).
- Elephants, easy odds: Udawalawe for all-ages sightings; Minneriya/Kaudulla in season for herds.
- Whales + beach: Mirissa/Weligama base.
- Photographers: Consider 2-night stays at each park to catch the best light.
Family & ethical notes
- Drive length: 2–3h transfers keep kids happy; pack snacks & motion bands.
- Boat ethics: Choose operators who approach whales slowly and avoid crowding.
- Safari etiquette: No feeding, no loud calls; keep distance so animals behave naturally.
Add-on ideas
- Maldives wind-down: Finish with 3–4 lagoon days (easy flights CMB ↔ MLE).
- Ella/Tea Country: Waterfalls, short hikes, Insta-friendly bridges.
- Old forts & cafés: A night in Galle breaks up drives nicely.
Packing list (quick)
Binoculars, long lens or great phone zoom, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, light scarf for dust, reusable bottle, small first-aid, motion comfort.