Galle Tours

With the world's highest concentration of leopards, Yala National Park should be on any animal-lovers' holiday wishlist. Add more than 300 elephants and 42 other species of mammals and it becomes a must-visit. Nadeesh, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘They may not be as famous as the leopards, but Yala is home to more than 200 bird varieties including the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, painted stork, and black-capped bulbul. A safari here is so much more than looking for leopards – it is likely to be a highlight of your holiday.'It's a fairly long journey so there's a break en route and a stop for lunch in Tissamaharama. On arrival at Yala, you'll set out on a safari in search of Sri Lanka's ‘big four' – leopards, elephants, sloth bears and buffalo. Touring in a 4x4, enjoy pit stops to observe storks and crocodiles in the wetlands or monkeys in the treetops. The park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, shrublands, forests, and coastal lagoons. This diversity supports the impressive array of flora and fauna.Hopefully, with a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Sri Lankan leopard. There are about 100 of them known to live within Yala National Park, but despite boasting one of the highest concentrations of these magnificent felines on the planet, spotting them is by no means guaranteed. They are solitary animals - notoriously shy and elusive, but with such a wealth of wildlife in Yala you are sure to see some memorable creatures nevertheless.

This adventure-filled two-day tour starts with an unforgettable wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. You'll discover a huge variety of bird species as well as elephants, water buffaloes, and potentially leopards in this natural sanctuary. After the safari, watch baby elephants bathing and feeding at the Elephant Transit Home.Next, you'll head for the hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

In a country as bursting with wildlife as Sri Lanka, it would take something special to stand out from the crowd – but the River Madu estuary does just that. Take an afternoon glide through the mangrove caves and across the sparkling river as the sun starts to set. This protected area is recognized by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands and is home to over 17 species of birds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians.As you drift through mangrove tunnels and under rickety, wooden bridges, keep an eye out for wildlife – it's prime nature-spotting territory. Monkeys tuck into fruit while perched on overhanging branches, and lizards skim through the water. Enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea on one of the islands – you'll visit ones exclusive to TUI – and mingle with locals.Finally, you'll head to a turtle hatchery where you'll get to meet some rescued hatchlings, saved from the sea. These turtle hatcheries are crucial for the conservation of these endangered creatures, providing a safe haven for eggs to hatch and young turtles to grow strong before being released back into the ocean.

Double up on Sri Lankan jewels on this two-day adventure. You'll spend a jam-packed day sightseeing around Kandy, visit a tea and spice plantation, enjoy a scenic train ride through the Central Highlands and end with a look around the town of Nuwara Eliya. What's more, transport and all meals are included, as well as overnight accommodation in either single or shared rooms.Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. After visits to a spice garden, tea factory and the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. You'll end the day with a show and the evening at your disposal.Day two begins with a train ride to Nanuoya, through rolling hill and country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

A thrilling wildlife safari at Yala National Park kicks off your two-day tour of Sri Lanka's highlights. Yala is a sanctuary bursting with wildlife and known for its high density of leopards. Looking for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as you navigate through dense jungles, grasslands, lagoons, and coastal areas is a once in a lifetime experience.Next, you'll head for the idyllic hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

It says a lot that in a country with such a rich variety of flora and fauna, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. That's because as the island's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, it is home to almost two-thirds of its endemic trees.