Private Cultural Performances
An exclusive traditional dance performance staged in the comfort of your hotel.
Curated Private Journey
A Private Wildlife Week in Sri Lanka
7 curated days across Sigiriya’s elephant corridor and Yala’s big-cat country
Last updated 19 January 2026
- Duration
- 7 days | 2 bases | 6 private safaris
- From
- Price on requestper person, all-inclusive
Why we curated it
The signature
- We treat wildlife with respect; no tricks, no chasing, just careful, quiet watching.
- We plan our drives to avoid crowds, entering before the rush and switching parks or blocks when it helps.
- A sharp naturalist leads the way, with the option to add a published wildlife photographer.
- just two bases, field time at dawn and dusk, and restful middays.
Day by Day
Suggested Itinerary
A starting point. We tweak, swap, or redesign every day around you.
- Journey PhaseDay 01
Arrive Colombo, check-in & reset
BIA to Shangri-La Colombo · 45 to 60 minOn landingPrivate pickup inside arrivals
Your host meets you inside the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), no queues and no waiting outside.
AfternoonPrivate drive into the city
Forty five to sixty minutes to the hotel, depending on traffic.
Early evening6:00 pm
Galle Face promenade
An optional sunset stroll along the ocean front, if you feel like moving.
Night8:00 pm
Dinner at the hotel
A light dinner and an early night to reset your body clock before the drive north.
Your host meets you inside the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and escorts you by private vehicle to Shangri-La Colombo. Shower, room service, maybe a sunset stroll on the Galle Face promenade, nothing strenuous.
- Journey PhaseDay 02
Colombo to Sigiriya, settle & brief
Colombo to Sigiriya · ~4 to 4.5hMorning7:30 am
Early departure north
Breakfast at the hotel, then four to four and a half hours by private vehicle.
Late morning11:30 am
Arrive the villa
Lunch, a shower and a short rest before the first safari.
Mid-afternoon3:00 pm
Private jeep to Minneriya
One PM safari with a ranger and a naturalist in your own jeep.
Evening6:00 pm
What you look for
Elephant herds, raptors and water-edge behaviour, plus buffalo, brahminy kites and bee-eaters, with the occasional jackal or mongoose.
An early start from Shangri-La after breakfast, arriving at Water Garden Sigiriya by late morning. Lunch, a shower and a short rest, then your private jeep heads to Minneriya for the afternoon.
- Journey PhaseDay 03
Sigiriya day: rock, ruins & rest
Sigiriya · guided visit and restMorning6:30 am
Sigiriya Rock, or Pidurangala
A licensed guided visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress from 6:30 am to 9:00 am, or the Pidurangala sunrise hike from 5:30 am to 8:00 am. You pick one.
Late morning9:30 am
Breakfast, rest, optional spa
Back at the villa with nothing scheduled and the pool to yourself.
Afternoon3:00 pm
Museum or lake village
The Sigiriya Museum or a 60 to 90 minute village lake walk or cycle, kept deliberately light.
Evening6:30 pm
Early dinner and pack
Bags organised for tomorrow's transfer south. Private vehicle on standby, licensed guide and chilled water are included throughout.
A light culture-and-rest day. An early start at the rock, then a slow return to the villa so you stay fresh for the southern transfer and the big-cat days ahead. Hydration and sun protection matter here, and heritage sites ask for modest dress.
- Journey PhaseDay 04
Sigiriya to the Yala coast + evening safari
Sigiriya to Yala · ~5.5 to 6h via A6 and A2Morning8:30 am
Drive south
Minimal stops en route, with a brief Ella lookout only if the timing allows.
Mid-afternoon2:30 pm
Quick check-in at Hilton Yala
Bags in, cameras out, straight back to the vehicle.
Afternoon3:30 pm
Private evening safari
Block 1 or Block 5, chosen on the day for traffic and sightings. Leopard, elephants, crocodiles, peafowl and bee-eaters, engines off at sightings.
Evening6:30 pm
Blue-hour return
An unhurried drive back to the lodge, dinner and an early night. Safari count: 2.
Check out after breakfast and drive south to Yala, roughly five and a half to six hours via the A6 and A2. Arrive mid-afternoon, check in quickly, then head straight into the park for a private evening safari.
- Journey PhaseDay 05
Yala big-cat day (AM + PM safari)
Yala · 2 private safarisDawn5:15 am
AM safari in Yala
Out until 9:15 am, leopard priority, plus elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer and raptors.
Late morning9:45 am
Brunch and rest
The middle of the day belongs to you, not to hard light.
Afternoon3:30 pm
PM safari, golden light
Back in the park until 6:15 pm with the block chosen for fewer vehicles.
Evening7:00 pm
Dinner at the lodge
Safari count: 3 and 4.
A pre-dawn start for a private AM safari in Yala, back for brunch and rest, then a PM safari timed for golden light. We pick the block on the day for better sightings and fewer vehicles, keep engines off at stops, and move unhurried.
- Journey PhaseDay 06
Kumana National Park (AM + PM safari)
Kumana National Park · 2 private safarisDawn5:15 am
AM safari in Kumana
Out until 9:15 am, leopard priority, plus elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer and raptors.
Late morning9:45 am
Brunch and rest
A slow middle of the day before the light softens again.
Afternoon3:30 pm
PM safari, golden light
Back out until 6:15 pm, engines off at sightings, no rushing between them.
Evening7:00 pm
Last night on the coast
Dinner at the lodge. Safari count: 2 for the day.
A pre-dawn start for a private AM safari in Kumana National Park, back for brunch and rest, then a PM safari timed for golden light. Same rhythm as Yala, quieter tracks and richer birdlife.
- Journey PhaseDay 07
Yala to Colombo, transfer to the airport
Yala to Colombo and on to BIADawn6:30 am
One final tea
Taken outside, with the hills doing the talking.
Morning8:00 am
Light breakfast
Unhurried, with time to repack cameras properly.
MiddayPrivate transfer to BIA
Back to Colombo and on to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for your departure flight, timed around your check-in.
Wake early if you wish. One final tea overlooking the hills, a light breakfast, then the private transfer back to Colombo and on to the airport, timed around your check-in.
Where You'll Stay
Handpicked lodges on this journey
Every stay is curated and pre-inspected by our team. Swap or upgrade any lodge to match your taste.
1 night
Shangri-La Colombo, Galle Face
Colombo arrival, Galle Face
View the sanctuary →
3 nights
Hilton Yala Resort Sri Lanka
Base for Yala big-cat days
View the sanctuary →
Alternative
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Alternative Yala lodge
View the sanctuary →
2 nights
Water Garden Sigiriya
Sigiriya elephant corridor
View the sanctuary →
1 night
Tintagel Colombo
Colombo arrival & departure
View the sanctuary →
Everything included
What's in your journey
One transparent price. No upsells in the jeep, no surprise bills at check-out.
- Private naturalist-guide throughout
- 6 private safaris across 3 national parks
- All-inclusive: meals, transfers, park fees, tips
- Airport meet & greet with fast-track service
- 24/7 concierge on WhatsApp during your trip
Reserve your dates
Ready to lock this journey in?
Journeys of this scale run on availability, private lodges, ranger permits and photographers all book weeks in advance. Share your dates and we'll hold your slot within 24 hours.
- Fully private & tailored, no group departures.
- Local concierge on WhatsApp throughout your stay.
- Flexible design, swap any lodge, day or region.
Your Ceylon Concierge
Nishmi Sawanika
International Digital & Web Experience Lead · Kyoto, Japan · International Guest Experience
EN/JP bilingual specialist with 7+ years across global hospitality and tourism, bridging Sri Lanka and Japan for our international guests
Frequently asked questions
+How long is the A Private Wildlife Week in Sri Lanka journey?
A Private Wildlife Week in Sri Lanka runs 7 days across a 7-day itinerary. Because every Lux Ceylon journey is private, we can shorten or extend it around your flights.
+Is A Private Wildlife Week in Sri Lanka a private tour or a group departure?
It is entirely private. You travel with your own chauffeur-guide and vehicle, on your own schedule, with a Colombo-based concierge reachable 24/7 for the whole trip.
+What is included in A Private Wildlife Week in Sri Lanka?
Included: Private naturalist-guide throughout; 6 private safaris across 3 national parks; All-inclusive: meals, transfers, park fees, tips; Airport meet & greet with fast-track service; 24/7 concierge on WhatsApp during your trip. International flights, visas and travel insurance are not included.
+When is the best time to do this journey?
December to March suits the south and west coasts and the cultural triangle, while May to September is better for the east. Tell us your dates and we will route the journey to the right side of the island.
+How do I book A Private Wildlife Week in Sri Lanka?
Share your dates and travel style through our enquiry form, WhatsApp or concierge@luxceylon.com. A travel designer replies with a personalised proposal, usually within 24 hours.
Bespoke Extras
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Indulge in bespoke luxury with our personalised experiences tailored to your every desire. From private butler services to customised itineraries, we ensure every moment of your journey is crafted to perfection.
Helicopter Tours
Aerial hops over the southern coast or Sigiriya, saving road time and delivering wow shots.
Private Gem Collection Viewing
Appointment-only visits for certified Ceylon sapphires with independent guidance.
Destination Wedding Planning
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Private Photography
From social-ready edits to bespoke albums and framed prints, by our in-house team.
Destination Event Coordination
Milestone birthdays, private dinners and corporate off-sites, staged across the island.
Comfortable Private Transport
Chauffeured SUVs and luxury sedans across the island, quiet, air-conditioned, at your pace.
Gold Route Fast-Track Arrival
Fast-track immigration, private lounges and porterage on arrival and departure.