10-Day Nature Expedition in Sri Lanka

1. Day 1: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
   2 hours (84 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Sinharaja rainforest and its rich biodiversity including a variety of bird species, mammals and insects.

2. Day 2: Udawalawe National Park
   3 hours 45 minutes (172 km) from Sinharaja Forest Reserve

   Marvel at the incredible wildlife on show, including herds of wild elephants which run free in the park, along with water buffalo, various types of deer and leopards among a plethora of animals.

3. Day 3: Yala National Park
   2 hours 30 minutes (102 km) from Udawalawe National Park

   Experience the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, home to a variety of wild animals like elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a diverse range of birdlife.

4. Day 4: Dambulla Cave Temple
   4 hours (214 km) from Yala National Park

   Visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with intricate Buddha statues, murals and stunning architecture. 

5. Day 5: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
   30 minutes (19 km) from Dambulla Cave Temple

   Climb the historic Lion Rock and explore the ancient rock fortress, the gardens and structures which tell an incredible story of the area's history which dates back millennia.

6. Day 6: Knuckles Mountain Range
   3 hours (87 km) from Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   Discover the lush Knuckles Mountain Range, trek to its stunning peaks and enjoy breath-taking views of one of the most picturesque landscapes in Sri Lanka.

7. Day 7: Ella
   4 hours 30 minutes (164 km) from Knuckles Mountain Range

   Experience one of the most popular hill towns in Central Sri Lanka, Ella is often visited for its stunning landscape, hiking trails and visit to the beauty of Ravana Ella Falls.

8. Day 8: Horton Plains National Park
   2 hours 30 minutes (60 km) from Ella

   Head to the picturesque Horton Plains for a magical trek through the misty mountains that will take in beautiful waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, and show off one of the most incredible terrains in Sri Lanka.

9. Day 9: Mirissa
   3 hours 30 minutes (151 km) from Horton Plains National Park

   Visit the coastal town of Mirissa, located along Sri Lanka's southern coastline, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the pristine beaches and watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

10. Day 10: Victoria Park
    2 hours 45 minutes (121 km) from Mirissa

    End your trip surrounded by natural beauty and the flora of Sri Lanka at the Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya. Get to uncover the rare botanical species of the area.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sinharaja Forest Reserve (Half-day, USD10)
• Udawalawe National Park (Full-day, USD25)
• Yala National Park (Full-day, USD30)
• Dambulla Cave Temple (Half-day, USD7)
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Half-day, USD15)
• Knuckles Mountain Range (Full-day, USD20)
• Ella (Full-day, USD10)
• Horton Plains National Park (Half-day, USD20)
• Mirissa (Half-day, USD12)
• Victoria Park (Half-day, USD5)

Total Estimated Costs (per person): USD154 overall plus additional transportation and accommodation costs

Useful Tips

For travellers with less than 10 days, consider foregoing the further away parks like Udawalawe and Yala National Park and balancing your itinerary between suburban escapes within one province. For travellers with extra time, you can add a day to signify a rest day or a day trip elsewhere like Galle and coastal heritage sites.