Example Itinerary

Wildlife Exploration in Sri Lanka and Abu Dhabi

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
With Kids, Wildlife, Glamping
Destinations
UAE, Sri Lanka

Embark on a 14-day-long adventure that is sure to leave the whole family with enough incredible memories to last a lifetime. Start at Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, exploring the famed Dambulla Caves, climbing Sigiriya Rock, and floating above the landscape in a hot-air balloon. Witness the wonder of hundreds of wild elephants gathering at Minneriya National Park. Hop on a helicopter and land in the middle of tea country amongst verdant hills. Head to the shores to search for the elusive leopards, then to the waters to spot whales and dolphins. Abu Dhabi, a great city known for its opulence, is home to the lesser known Sir Bani Yas, an island dominated by free roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. Spend time getting close to the wildlife and nature through fun activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Jungle Safari: Game drives through Minneriya and Yala National Parks offer encounters with wild elephants, monkeys, deer, leopards, and sloth bears.

• Marine Life: Snorkel the reefs around Sir Bani Yas Island, learn about sea turtle conservation on the shores of Koggala, get PADI-certified in Weligama, then watch whales and dolphins breech the waters off the Sri Lankan coast.

• Desert Wilds: Swapping the jungle for the desert, travelers will get an education in Emirati falconry in Abu Dhabi; kayak mangroves and lagoons at Sir Bani Yas; then meet oryx, sand gazelle, and urial in the island's Arabian Wildlife Park.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

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Colombo

Touchdown at the airport in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. You’ll be greeted by your guide and escorted to your private vehicle and transferred to your hotel. Check in to your luxury hotel, whether at the centrally-located Tintagel or lakeside Uga Residence. Relax for the remainder of the day ahead of your adventure. Those eager for action have the option to delve right into the nighttime Colombo scene with a guided food tour to witness the hustle and bustle of local markets, spot iconic sites and local hangouts, and of course, sample Colombo’s unique mix of Sinhala, Muslim, Tamil, and Malay cuisines.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Since the late 19th century, this elegant townhouse has welcomed dignitaries, governors and nobility from all over the world.

Location: Set on leafy Park Street in central Colombo, Uga Residence is an urban oasis.

Service: With years of experience, the hotel’s team is on hand to advise on city excursions, onward travel and anything else that’s required.

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Uga Residence Preferred Hotel

Day 2

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Sigiriya

Set off this morning for Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle,” starting with Dambulla, a town two hours away famed for its rock cave temple. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage designated Dambulla caves and marvel at its ancient frescoes and sculptures depicting Buddha’’s life. Drive onward to nearby Sigiriya. Start with the Sigiriya Museum to learn about the ancient civilization, before ascending the ancient rock fortress known as the ‘Lion’s Rock,’ a UNESCO site with the rare distinction of being both a natural and manmade wonder of the world. The rock formation was carved into a small city fortress complete with palace residences, fountains, and employed a sophisticated hydraulic technology. Reach the top just in time to watch the sunset. 

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst reed beds and paddy fields on top of a man-made lake lies Jetwing Vil Uyana, a premier luxury eco resort in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Hailed by Harper's Bazaar as the "best eco luxury hotel in Sri Lanka," this one-of-a-kind resort comprises 36 dwellings that merge sophisticated modern comforts with ecological rural simplicity.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located just six kilometers away from the historic Sigiriya Rock, Water Garden Sigiriya resort provides visitors to Sri Lanka with world-class comfort and second to none service. With one and two bedroom options, the resort's 30 villas are chicly designed, spacious, and imbued with an air of mystique thanks to their secret gardens and private plunge pools.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Sigiriya
Sigiriya

Day 3

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Bogawantalawa Valley

Earlybirds wishing to see Sigiriya and the landscape from a unique perspective may opt to take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride which drifts effortlessly over the treetops, wildlife, lakes & rivers, and local homesteads. After breakfast, check out and drive to Minneriya National Park, home to many animals including endemic monkeys, deer, leopards, sloth bears. Travelers in September may witness hundreds of elephants that have traveled across the region to the Minneriya reservoir, known as the famous annual ’Elephant Gathering.’ Take a helicopter from Sigiriya and head to the nation's tea country. Check into your bungalow at Ceylon Tea Trails, a property owned by the famous Dilmah Tea company, the most recognized international brand of tea from Sri Lanka. Enjoy fresh crumpets with a cup of afternoon tea and relax for the rest of the day.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel enjoys a stunning and unique location, nestled high in the hills of Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Tea region, bordering the World Heritage Central Highlands.

Service: Each room and suite comes with a personal butler, who serves guests Bed Tea in the morning and draws them a bath.

History: The world’s first-ever tea bungalow resort, this hotel celebrates the historic tea plants of Ceylon, first discovered over a century ago.

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Ceylon Tea Trails Preferred Hotel

Day 4

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Bogawantalawa Valley

The day is yours to leisurely explore the surrounding areas, hike the many routes across the hills, learn about the tea-making process, enjoy a game of croquet or tennis, and indulge in afternoon tea. Adventurous types can take on mountain biking, white-water rafting, and hiking more rigorous trails like Adam’s Peak.

Day 5

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Yala National Park

Wake up with the finest cup of tea and fresh crumpets and spend the morning relishing sublime mountain tranquility. At noon, get on another seaplane and fly towards the southern coast to Yala National Park just in time for lunch and the afternoon jeep safari. Choose between Leopard Trails or Wild Coast Tented Lodge, both quality camps that offer the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the elusive big cat. Yala is home to one of the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Guests are treated to private safaris in jeeps with a ranger, driver, and set of binoculars.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Modeled on safari camps of the past, Leopard Trails tented camp recalls the adventurous days of 19th century explorers like Samuel L. Baker.

Location: The two camps are located in the heart of Yala and Wilpattu national parks.

Service: Guests receive every attention, from a welcome coconut to freshly prepared meals and unsurpassed local knowledge.

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Leopard Trails Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Design: Beautiful “colonial expedition chic” accommodations and facilities are meticulously designed to produce the resort’s unforgettable aesthetics.

Location: A short distance from the renowned Yala National Park, the resort borders a pristine beachline, ensuring a multitude of stunning sights for guests to see.

Environmentally Friendly: 40% of the resort’s energy is supplied by solar power, water is recycled, and all organic waste is composted.

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Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala Preferred Hotel
Yala National Park
Yala National Park

Day 6

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Weligama

Start the morning with another safari and chance to spot the leopards, as well as elephants, monkeys, peacocks, and a wide range of birds. Take a seaplane flight along the turquoise coastline to Koggala and drive a short way to your beach escape, Cape Weligama Resort. Freshen up and change into swimwear before your afternoon experience with Sri Lanka’s iconic fishermen who fish while perched on poles planted in the sea. Learn the technique, then climb onto a stilt and try your hand at this unique skill. Return to your resort to enjoy fresh seafood and dramatic shoreline views at sunset.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Perched on the very southern tip of Sri Lanka, the views here are nothing short of superb, stretching across the dramatic coastline and into the vast Indian Ocean.

History: Having recently opened in 2014, this much-talked-about resort overlooks the same waters that carried explorers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta around the southern edge of the island.

Service: Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality and things are no different at this highly recommended hotel, with a helpful 24-hour reception desk to satisfy even the most challenging of requests.

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Cape Weligama Resort Preferred Hotel

Day 7

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Weligama

Take an early morning private cruise out to sea for whale and dolphin watching. The plankton-rich waters is home to a thriving population of marine life. Keep an eye out for breaching blue whales and jumping bottle-nose and spinner dolphins. Return to your resort for lunch and to spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Choose amongst a variety of activities such as a pampering spa treatment, cocktails by the pool, or getting PADI-certified at the hotel and diving off the shore.

Day 8

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Galle

Soak up more sun and beach before checking out at noon and departing for the historic town of Galle, just an hour away. Midway, stop at the sea turtle hatchery to learn about these cute yet hardy marine animals that lay their eggs on the protected Koggala shores and ongoing conservation efforts. Upon arrival at the UNESCO-designated port town, check in to Amangalla which was the Dutch Governor’s residence. Then, take to the fort town by foot and spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the byzantine streets’ old spice warehouses, cafes and restaurants, jewelry shops, and historic ramparts.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Heritage: The hotel is housed in a well-preserved 150-year old landmark hotel.

Rooms: Generous rooms with antique furniture, teak timber flooring, original art work and pleasant views.

Society and Environment: Amangalla uses recycling methods and tries to sources as much as possible locally, including food, furnishings and staff.

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Amangalla Preferred Hotel
Galle
Galle

Day 9

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Abu Dhabi

Depart from the picturesque southern coast as you drive back to Colombo. Have lunch and spend time visiting the iconic sites such as Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malaka water temple by the lake, Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, and the Clock Tower which was initially used as a lighthouse. Transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight, touching down in Abu Dhabi in the late evening. Meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to your palatial hotel, the Emirates Palace.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:A beautiful palace situated on its own stretch of private beach, the façade of the building is simply breath-taking and close to everything you could need.

History: One of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, the gold and marble design embraces the rich culture and colourful traditions of this region.

Service:Personalized registration in the privacy of your suite, 24-hour butler service, luxury bathroom amenities, daily newspaper, fresh flower arrangements, evening turndown service, it’s hard not to be impressed by the flawless five-star luxury services offered.

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Emirates Palace Preferred Hotel

Day 10

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Abu Dhabi

Get ready for a full day of cultural exploration, starting with the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to learn about the local culture of falconry, about the care and treatment of these magnificent birds, and get a photo with one perched on your arm. Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, the Heritage Village is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village providing an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past. Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum. Take in world-class art at the Lourve before ending the day with a visit to the beautiful Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Day 11

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Sir Bani Yas Island

Take a morning water taxi to Sir Bani Yas island and check in to Anantara’s Al Sahel Villas, an oasis in the middle of the island’s Arabian Wildlife Park. Put on comfortable shoes and explore the island for the rest of the day such as self-guided or ranger-led wildlife walks around the savannah and mangrove lagoon for close-up encounters with the free-roaming animals.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History:This modern, eco-friendly resort is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and salt-domed hilltops that began to form as long as 600 million years ago during the Cambrian Period and can still be admired today.

Location:Situated on the beautiful island of Sir Bani Yas and surrounded by the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf, this unique resort sits in the center of a 4,100 hectare Arabian Wildlife Park.

Service:An impeccable five-star service is offered throughout each guest’s stay from the moment they arrive to their departure as well as exclusive access to all luxury amenities within the resort.

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Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel

Day 12

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Sir Bani Yas Island

Take more wildlife walks or partake in archery and mountain biking in the morning. At noon, check out and move to Anantara’s Al Yamm Villa for a change of scenery and wildlife. Here, guests are taken on game drives. The park houses about 13,000 animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula, including endangered species such as sand gazelles, Urial and Barbary sheep and Arabian Oryx. There are also free-roaming giraffes, flamingos, and ostriches, as well as predators and scavengers such as the Sudan cheetah and striped hyena.

Day 13

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Sir Bani Yas Island

Spend your final day communing with nature on game drives, kayaking through mangrove forests, or snorkeling around the beautiful reefs.

Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island

Day 14

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Departure

Watch gazelles graze in front of your villa over breakfast before checking out and transferring to the airport for your flight home.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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