Wilpattu, Sigiriya & Uga Bay: Discover Sri Lanka’s Secret Side

On this 10 night trip, you’ll discover the hidden side to the exotic island of Sri Lanka as we take you north of Colombo to travel west to east from the wildlife of Wilpattu, through the ancient culture of Sigiriya and onto the palm-fringed beaches of Uga Bay. Packed full of everything we love best about this teardrop nation in the heart of the Indian Ocean, you’ll come out the other side besotted with Sri Lanka. Far from the madding crowds to the south of the island, this promises to be a trip where you can relax and discover in equal measure. So back your binoculars, snorkels and hiking boots and let the adventure begin.

Wild Beginnings

After flying into Colombo, you’ll begin the journey north to Wilpattu National Park. Forget the bustling plain of Yala, for Wilpattu is real leopard country. You’ll spend your first three nights at the luxurious Taru Villas Villu, fully immersed in the wildlife that surrounds you. Bounded to the North and South by the Modara Gamaru and Kala Oya Rivers and peppered with large lakes, known as ‘villus’, Wilpattu provides the perfect setting for spotting wildlife, even in times of drought. But it’s not just leopards that you’ll be spying and you should also keep your eyes peeled for sloth bears, barking deer and Asian elephants. Join expert guides as you head out onto the plains in search of fauna – but also listen in as they unveil the great archaeological and historical importance of the park.

The next day, you’ll set off on a kayaking adventure on the Uppu Aru River. Running along the edge of the park, bounded by mangroves and riverine forest, exploring by kayak is one of the quieter ways to get close to the wildlife along its banks. Keep your eyes peeled for herons and egrets, as well as grey langurs and toque macaques as they move through the trees above, and marsh crocodiles and water monitors drift through the backwaters below. In the afternoon, you’ll slow the place and put down the paddle as you stick to the river but this time explore
the stunning landscapes of the Kala Oya River, the local fishing village of Gangewadiya, and the tranquil Dutch Bay Lagoon. Guided by a naturalist guide, and stopping on the banks for a scenic picnic, it’s a peaceful spot to end the day.

Culture on Top

From Wilpattu, you’ll continue east to reach your next top at the foot of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle; Sigiriya. Hole up at the beautiful Water Garden; a peaceful retreat set amid landscaped gardens and with stunning views onto Sigiriya’s star attraction and one of country’s oldest historic monuments; The Rock. Spend tomorrow with a private guide visiting the unseen village of Hiriwadunna before continuing onto the ancient site of Sigiriya and climbing your way to the top, past ancient wall paintings, to reach views that extend all the way into the horizon over dense jungle mingled with scorched desert. Dust off each day with a dip in the pool, a massage at the spa and a moonlit gourmet dinner.

Unwind at Uga Bay

After a cultural few days, a final drive east will take you to your final stop on the coast where you can hole up at the stylish Uga Bay Resort. On your way, stop by UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient capital, Polonnaruwa for a cycle tour back through time. From there, it’s onto the beach. Lie back on the perfect white sands of Uga Bay and dip your feet into the warm Indian Ocean. Four nights stay means plenty of time to indulge in a local Ayurvedic massage where you can listen to the calming ocean waves within Uga Bay’s beachfront spa.

Finally, before returning home, stop over in Colombo for a night at the hidden oasis of The Wallawwa – a colonial manor hotel ideally located close to the airport, but far enough to forget those last day blues. Here, you can enjoy your last few bites of the freshest fusion in Asian cuisine whilst overlooking its exquisite gardens. Authentic and chic, the rooms offer a lovely last slice of luxury so you can sleep soundly on your last night in Sri Lankan paradise.