5-Day Nature Itinerary from Chennai to Sri Lanka

  1. Day 1: Yala National Park
    Estimated Travel Time from Chennai: 8 hours (387 km)

    Explore the diverse range of flora and fauna in one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most popular national parks. Here, you can spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, all in their natural habitat.

  2. Day 2: Ella
    Estimated Travel Time from Yala: 4 hours ( 147 km)

    Ella is a charming hill country town surrounded by lush greenery. Start your day with a hike to the top of Little Adam's Peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below. Afterward, take a refreshing dip in Ravana Falls, followed by a visit to the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

  3. Day 3: Horton Plains National Park
    Estimated Travel Time from Ella: 1 hour 30 minutes (49 km)

    Experience the stunning landscape of the Horton Plains National Park, located high up in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Trek through the misty grasslands and witness the picturesque Baker's Falls and World's End viewpoint.

  4. Day 4: Udawalawe National Park
    Estimated Travel Time from Horton Plains: 3 hours 30 minutes (127 km)

    Home to over 500 Asian elephants, Udawalawe National Park offers one of the best elephant watching experiences in the world. Go on a jeep safari and spot other animals like crocodiles, water buffalo, and deer, among others.

  5. Day 5: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
    Estimated Travel Time from Udawalawe: 4 hours (181 km)

    Wrap up your nature-filled journey with a visit to the enchanting Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a vast array of endemic flora and fauna species, including 26 species of birds found only in Sri Lanka.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Yala National Park (Half-day jeep safari): 3-4 hours, $30 per person
  • Ella (Hike to Little Adam's Peak): 2-3 hours, free
  • Ella (Ravana Falls): 1-2 hours, free
  • Horton Plains National Park (Trek to World's End viewpoint): 3-4 hours, $25 per person
  • Udawalawe National Park (Jeep safari): 3-4 hours, $30 per person
  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve (Trekking): 5-6 hours, $20 per person
  • Total Estimated Costs: $125 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, take a detour to Kandy and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth. Alternatively, you could relax at one of Sri Lanka's serene beaches, such as Mirissa. For a shorter trip, skip one of the national parks and spend an extra day in Ella or Kandy instead.

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