Sri Lanka
Antiquity, Culture and Wildlife
Sri Lanka Culture & Wildlife Tour
A journey through elephant country, ancient culture, and extraordinary landscapes
Join Saving Ganesh for a 16-day journey combining Sri Lanka’s wildlife, cultural heritage, and meaningful encounters with the people working to protect its elephants.
Explore national parks, discover ancient cities and sacred temples, travel through tea country, and experience local food and traditions. Along the way, learn how conservationists and communities are helping people and elephants coexist.
January 10–25, 2027
16 days / 15 nights • $3,995 per person
What You’ll Experience
Wildlife & National Parks
Enjoy guided wildlife excursions and observe elephants and other native animals in their natural habitats. Possible destinations include Udawalawe, Yala, Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Kumana, with park visits selected according to wildlife activity, seasonal conditions, and our travel route.
Ancient Cities & Sacred Sites
Discover Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage through visits to Anuradhapura, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth. Explore the history, architecture, and living traditions that connect these places to the island’s people.
Tea Country & Scenic Highlands
Journey through mountain villages, tea plantations, and lush landscapes. A scenic train journey through the central highlands offers a memorable way to experience Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Elephant Conservation & Rehabilitation
Meet conservationists, local experts, and community partners working to protect Asian elephants. Learn about elephant behavior, habitat protection, and the challenges of human–elephant coexistence.
A planned visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home offers insight into the care and rehabilitation of orphaned calves before their return to the wild. Saving Ganesh has fostered elephants there and maintains longstanding relationships with the team.
Local Life, Food & Traditions
Enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine, visit villages and markets, and learn about regional customs. Depending on the final itinerary, there may also be opportunities to explore herbal gardens, Ayurvedic traditions, and the island’s coastline.
A Journey Shaped by Your Interests
This tour welcomes wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, conservation supporters, and curious travelers. No veterinary or conservation background is required.
Tell us what interests you most: elephants, other wildlife, birdwatching, photography, temples, historic sites, or local culture. Participants’ interests help us shape portions of the journey.
At selected points, we may offer separate activities so travelers can choose between additional cultural excursions and more time exploring wildlife and conservation. Extended stays may also be arranged for those wishing to experience more of Sri Lanka.
Sample 16-Day Itinerary
January 10 — Day 1
Arrival & Welcome
Arrival, group welcome, and an introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife, culture, and elephant conservation.
January 11–12 — Days 2–3
Anuradhapura & Local Communities
Explore Anuradhapura’s ancient city and sacred sites, with opportunities to meet conservation partners and local communities.
January 13 — Day 4
Sigiriya & Dambulla
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple.
January 14 — Day 5
Kandy & the Central Highlands
Explore Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth and the traditions of the central highlands.
January 15 — Day 6
Tea Country & Scenic Train Journey
Travel through tea country toward Ella, including a scenic train journey, subject to availability.
January 16 — Day 7
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Visit the Elephant Transit Home to learn about orphaned calf rehabilitation and preparation for returning to the wild.
January 17–18 — Days 8–9
Southern Wildlife & Conservation
Explore southern wildlife areas, with guided wildlife viewing and conservation visits.
January 19–20 — Days 10–11
Eastern Sri Lanka & Kumana
Explore eastern Sri Lanka and the Kumana region, with opportunities for birdwatching, coastal scenery, and local cultural experiences.
January 21–22 — Days 12–13
Elephant Habitat & Village Life
Visit elephant habitat and communities working toward human–elephant coexistence, alongside wildlife and village excursions.
January 23–24 — Days 14–15
Wildlife & Cultural Exploration
Enjoy additional wildlife viewing, cultural visits, and activities shaped by group interests.
January 25 — Day 16
Return & Departure
Return toward Colombo and conclude the tour.
This proposed itinerary may change with wildlife activity, weather, local conditions, partner availability, and participants’ interests.Why This Journey Matters
Protecting Sri Lanka’s elephants means protecting their habitats and supporting the communities that share those landscapes.
Saving Ganesh works with conservationists, veterinarians, researchers, community partners, and advocates to support elephant welfare, habitat protection, education, and practical approaches to human–elephant conflict.
Your participation helps support this work while giving you a closer understanding of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and the people dedicated to its future.
Tour Cost & Arrangements
$3,995 per person • 16 days / 15 nights
The tour is designed to include core accommodations, ground transportation, guiding, conservation programming, and organized group experiences. A detailed breakdown of inclusions and exclusions will be provided before booking.
Accommodations: Comfortable, clean lodging, generally based on double occupancy. Single rooms may be available at an additional cost.
Food: Opportunities to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Meal inclusions will be specified in the final tour information.
Transportation: Ground transportation during the organized itinerary is coordinated by Saving Ganesh and our local partners.
International flights, personal expenses, and certain meals, entrance fees, optional activities, or upgrades may be additional. Participants will receive details of expected additional expenses before departure.
Registration & Deposit
Complete the registration form to share your background, interests, contact details, emergency contact, and any information that will help us plan your experience.
A nonrefundable $500 deposit reserves your place. The remaining balance is due according to the payment schedule provided after registration.
Register / Inquire About the Tour
When submitting payment, please include “Sri Lanka Conservation Tour — January 2027” in the payment memo.
Please let us know your preferred activities and whether you would like to discuss an extended stay.
Travel Information
Arrival and departure airport: Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Registered participants will receive recommended arrival times, meeting locations, hotel information, and airport-transfer arrangements. Please confirm these details with us before booking flights.
Participants are responsible for checking current Sri Lankan visa and entry requirements before traveling.
Wi-Fi is available at many accommodations, although reliability varies. A local SIM or eSIM may be useful for mobile data during the journey.
Join Us in Sri Lanka
Experience remarkable wildlife, explore a rich cultural heritage, and connect with the people working to protect elephants and their habitats.
For questions or help planning your trip, contact:
Philip Price
Founder & Executive Director, Saving Ganesh
philip@savingganesh.org
SavingGanesh.org