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Big Five Safari Circuit
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Big Five Safari Circuit

Leopards at Yala, elephants at Minneriya, sloth bears at Wilpattu — Sri Lanka's three greatest national parks in one loop.

5 days860 kmBest: Feb – OctWildlife enthusiasts, photographers
Route

BIA → Wilpattu → Minneriya → Yala → BIA

Highlights

  • Wilpattu leopards & sloth bears
  • Minneriya Elephant Gathering
  • Yala Block 1 — world's highest leopard density
  • Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
  • Bundala flamingos

Day by day

Timings are flexible. We shape each day around your pace.

Day 1BIA to Wilpattu

  • Drive to Wilpattu (175 km)
  • Afternoon jeep safari — leopards, sloth bears, painted storks in lake-dotted wilderness
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 2Minneriya Elephant Gathering

  • Morning drive to Habarana (120 km)
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress view from Pidurangala (optional)
  • Evening jeep safari at Minneriya — up to 400+ elephants gathering at the reservoir
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 3Drive to Udawalawe

  • Drive to Udawalawe (240 km)
  • Elephant Transit Home — rehabilitation & feeding visit
  • Afternoon Udawalawe jeep safari — elephant herds, crocodiles, water buffalo
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 4Yala National Park

  • Yala Block 1 — highest density of wild leopards on earth
  • Full-day safari with lunch in the park
  • Evening at Yala coastal fringe — stunning sunset over jungle
Open route on Google Maps ↗

Day 5Bundala & Return

  • Bundala Ramsar Wetland — flamingos, painted storks, migratory birds
  • Drive back to BIA (280 km)
Open route on Google Maps ↗
IncludedPrivate driver · fuel · tolls · parking
Not includedHotels · meals · jeep hire at park gates · park entrance fees

🏨 Suggested stays: Wilpattu area · Habarana · Udawalawe · Yala

Choosing a vehicleThink about your head count and how much luggage you carry. Sedan suits small groups with light bags. Mini van and KDH van give more room for people and baggage. Not sure? We'll help you pick.

Good to know

  • This is an estimate. We give the exact price after we talk it through.
  • The price covers city-to-city travel only. Short side trips and nearby spots are not included, but you can add them. Just ask.
  • Hotels are not included. Book your own, or we can find and book them for you.

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