Journey through Sri Lanka’s wild heart on an unforgettable seven-day photography expedition, where every sunrise brings a new story. From the tranquil lagoons of Negombo to Udawalawe’s magnificent elephants and Yala’s elusive leopards, capture extraordinary wildlife in breathtaking natural settings. Explore vibrant wetlands alive with birds, follow the southern coastline, and venture into the deep blue Indian Ocean in search of majestic blue whales and playful dolphins. Guided by experienced local experts, you’ll discover not only incredible photographic opportunities but also the beauty, culture, and soul of Sri Lanka. Bring your camera, follow the light, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.

Arrival & The Photographer’s Welcome

• You will be welcomed & picked up by our chauffer guide from Colombo International airport & transfer to Negombo for your first night stay
•  Relax at a comfortable boutique property.
• Evening Wildlife Photography Briefing with the Traumland Tours team.
• Introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife, photography ethics, field behavior and the species expected during the expedition.
• Sunset photography by the Negombo lagoon/coast if arrival time permits.
• Overnight in Negombo.

Overnight stay at Villa Hundira, Negombo

Dawn in the Jungle- Elephant Country at Golden Hour

Negombo → Udawalawe

• Early-morning birding and photography in Negombo Lagoon area.
• Breakfast and departure towards Udawalawe.
• Check in to a wildlife hotel/lodge/camp.
• Afternoon rest during the harsh midday light.
• Late-afternoon private photography safari in Udawalawe National Park.
• Concentrate on elephant behavior, raptors, waterbirds and wildlife around the reservoir and grasslands.
• Sunset photography as elephants move through the landscape.

Udawalawe is particularly renowned for reliable elephant sightings and offers a diverse mix of wetlands, forests and grasslands, with substantial bird diversity.

Overnight stay at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Udawalawe

The Leopard Trail

Udawalawe → Yala

After breakfast, travel towards Yala.

• Scenic journey through Sri Lanka’s dry-zone landscapes.
• Optional stop at a suitable birding/wetland location en route.
• Check in near Yala.
• Relax during midday.
• Private afternoon/evening safari in Yala National Park.
• Concentrate on leopard sightings, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, buffalo, crocodiles and birds.
• Golden-hour photography around Yala’s distinctive lagoons and open landscapes.

Yala combines several ecosystems and is recorded as an Important Bird Area, with 215 bird species and 44 recorded mammal species.

Overnight stay at Jetwing Yala Safari Resort, Yala

Leopard Dawn & Predator Country

Yala | Dedicated Photography Safari

This is the expedition’s signature day.

• Very early departure for the park.
• Spend the prime morning hours in search of Sri Lankan leopard in morning safari.
• Allow time to observe animal behavior rather than rushing between sightings.
• Photograph elephants, sloth bears, jackals, mongooses, deer, buffalo and raptors whenever opportunities arise.
• Return to the lodge for breakfast and rest.
• Second late-afternoon Yala safari.
• Sunset photography before returning to the lodge.

Overnight stay at Jetwing Yala Safari Resort, Yala

Leopard Dawn & Predator Country

Wetlands, Birds & Wild Coast

Yala → Bundala/Wetlands → Mirissa- South Coast

Change the photographic environment completely.

• Early departure for the Bundala National Park and the wetland  for bird photography experience.
• Search for herons, egrets, storks, kingfishers, raptors and migratory waterbirds depending on season.
• Landscape photography around lagoons and coastal wetlands.
• Continue towards the southern coast.
• Optional coastal wildlife photography session.
• Sunset photography beside the Indian Ocean.
• Farewell dinner featuring authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
• Overnight on the famous fishing town on south coast- “Mirissa”

Overnight stay at Triple O Six Boutique Hotel, Mirissa

From Jungle to Ocean

Whale Watching & Marine Wildlife Photography

• Early morning visit the Whale Watching Center in Mirissa.
• Embark on a dedicated whale-watching excursion from Mirissa.
• Enjoy opportunities to photograph Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Spinner Dolphins and other marine life, depending on season and sea conditions.
• Capture the dramatic meeting of Sri Lanka’s deep-blue ocean and tropical coastline.
• Return to Mirissa after the excursion and enjoy a relaxing lunch.
• Optional afternoon coastal photography session.
• Sunset photography along the southern coast.
• Farewell dinner featuring authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Overnight stay at Triple O Six Boutique Hotel, Mirissa

Final Frames & Departure

South Coast → Airport

• Optional sunrise coastal photography session.
• Final breakfast.
• Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport according to flight time.