Elephant Camps Sri Lanka

ELEPHANT CAMPS IN SRI LANKA GUIDED TOUR (6n/7d)

Interact with elephants in a safe and responsible way for both the person and elephant. This special Wildlife / Nature Tour will provide you with a personal experience second to none. Unique elephant experiences combined with rainforest trekking and optional rafting. Suitable for all ages.
HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bath an elephant in the river
• Feed baby elephants
• Optional shower whilst standing next to elephant
• Bare back elephant riding
• Optional white water rafting
• and much more...

Please find the detailed Tour Itinerary below:

DAY 1: Your driver/guide will meet you at the airport and check you into your first hotel in Negombo Beach (15 minutes by car). Negombo is known for spectacular sunsets and the ideal place to acclimatize with its long stretched beach and the beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Depending on your arrival time and mood you also can embark on a sightseeing tour of the historical town center and Sri Lanka's second biggest fishing harbor.
Overnight at the Camelot Beach Hotel, Negombo

DAY 2: Visit the first of the Sri Lanka Elephant Camps (NOT the elephant orphanage in Pinawella) where you can enjoy the most interactive way to see domestic elephants in Sri Lanka. If you don't like bare back elephant riding you have the opportunity of an 'Elephant Walk', strolling casually behind the elephants enjoying watching their every move and admiring the sheer size of these beautiful animals. Every question you might have will be answered by an accompanying expert. After you have seen elephant families feeding, bathing and playing in their natural environment it's time to visit the Elephant Museum and the Elephant Dung Paper Factory.
Overnight at the Suisse Hotel, Kandy

DAY 3: In the morning you will be leaving for Sigiriya - a 'must-see' for every Sri Lanka visitor. Rising dramatically from the central plains, Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa.
On your way back to Kandy you will have the opportunity to stop at the former Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its collection of orchids. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.
Optional cultural show of the famous Kandy Dancing in the evening.
Overnight at the Suisse Hotel, Kandy

DAY 4: Time for some outstanding nature experience. In Kithulgala' Rainforest you can see over 50 rare species of birds in the wild. This is perfect for nature lovers, who will be able to spot rainforest bird species such as the Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Spot-winged Thrush and Green-billed coucal.
Optional activities are hiking through stunning scenery. Enjoy hikes through the verdant forests around Kithulgala, where you can climb up and be spellbound by stunning views of the Kelani River valley, the jungle and the rocky hills of the Hill Country. Or explore all that Kithulgala has to offer is by biking through the jungles, tea and rubber estates and past the rivers. There are many mountain cycling tracks that cover several scenic locations around Kithulgala, which is a great way to visualize the local village lifestyles. Last not least there is white water rafting. Intermediate to advanced kayakers will enjoy white water kayaking along the Kelani River and surrounding rivers, which offer exciting kayaking in the countryside amidst steep mountains, thick jungle and tea and rubber plantations. The Kelani River has seven distinct challenging Class II and III rapids over 7 km, which lets you surf a few waves while watching out for the next horizon line. The upper section of the Kelani River, with five world-class Class IV rapids over a 7 km run, offers a more thrilling experience.
Overnight at the Rafter Retreat Eco Lodge, Kithulgala

Day 5: Today you continue your journey through the scenic hill country passing tea plantations breathtaking viewpoints and majestic waterfalls. The destination is Ella, Sri Lanka's 'highest village'. Ella itself is a small laid-back town surrounded by the beautiful greens of tea. Ella has a comfortable climate where the nights are cool and the daytime around 28 degrees. If you like hiking you will be rewarded with beautiful sprawling views of the Sri Lankan country side. Hikes start at the town and can be done without a guide. Or just enjoy the lavish comforts of your nature-friendly boutique hotel in Ella. Located amidst a fairytale atmosphere comprising lush greenery, gorgeous tea plantations, chilly misty climate, crystal clear waterfalls and hillside hideaways; Morning Dew is the ideal for those seeking a magical experience in Sri Lanka's hill country.
Overnight at the Morning Dew Boutique Hotel, Ella

DAY 6: The second Elephant Camp next to the Udawalawe National Park is dedicated to orphaned baby elephants. Here you can feed, bath or play with baby elephants that looked after until they are able enough to be released back to the wild. The Elephant Transit Home has been recognized as one of best wild animal rehabilitation centers in the world. The elephant calves have no boundaries in the area and have freedom to roam wherever they want. Similarly wild elephants also visit the premises. Seasonal fluctuating water level of the reservoir creates a diverse environment for both the baby elephants and wild elephants.
In the afternoon (or the next morning) you can go on an optional 4x4 Jeep Safari at the Yala National Park.
Overnight at the Elephant Reach Hotel, Yala

DAY 7: Depending on your next destination (you can book a beach extension with us) and/or your departure time, you can enjoy an optional 4x4 Morning Jeep Safari at the Yala National Park.
The Sri Lanka Elephant Camps Guided Tour ends once you have reached your next destination and/or the airport

RATES:
The shown rates include private transportation by a/c luxury limousine or Japanese Mini Van with driver / guide, accommodation in mentioned Hotels, excluding the optional entry fees.
Accommodation in double room (sharing), on half-board basis.
US$ 550 (per person)