Dolphins in Kalpitiya, and wild safari in Wilpattu
A returning guest wanted something different this time. She’d already seen most of the classic “must-see” sights on her previous tour, so I planned something a little quieter… a little wilder… and definitely more off the beaten track.
This was the route I created for her adventure:
Wilpattu → Kalpitiya → back to our hotel in Hikkaduwa
While planning and booking the trip, I realised something funny…
This was basically my own dream trip too!
So I asked if I could join the tour. Not something I’ve ever done before, but I know this guest well, and I already had appointments for hotel visits in the area. She loved the idea, so it ended up being the three of us: the guest, me, and our most experienced driver & guide: Passan.
And wow… it turned into one of our favourite little escapes! 💛✨
Safari in 🐾 Wilpattu National Park
There’s something truly special about Wilpattu.
It feels calmer, quieter, and somehow more untouched than many other national parks. Long stretches of deep forest, lakes hidden between the trees, and wildlife that appears as silently as it disappears again.
Our safari drives were slow and peaceful – exactly how a safari should be. No chaos, no ten jeeps crowding the same sight. Just us, nature, and the sounds of the jungle.
I foucused on capturing video - watch on Youtube - but Ann-Sophie captured these fantastic photos 📸 :
We sat parked just a few metres from this leopard for more than half an hour… completely mesmerised. He barely acknowledged us — just stretched, lifted his head, and then walked off like a true king of the forest 🐆✨
To the left, a male spotted deer. Then a crocodile lounged quietly in the lake. And all of it wrapped in that lush, beautiful Wilpattu forest… pure, wild magic.
Sri Lanka is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers!
We arrange tours that include all the sights, activities and handpicked hotels. In this area there are several places we can partner with, but this hotel 👆 offers the perfect blend of comfort and serenity 🌿 Tucked deep inside the jungle.
In the evening we joined a night walk to look for the super-rare Slender Loris… and yes, we actually spotted one!
✨ What a moment!
The upcoming youtube video of this trip is something to look forward to!
🌊 Kalpitiya – Dolphins, Wind & Endless Blue
Next stop was Kalpitiya, about 1.5 hours from Wilpattu.
This windy coastline is well-known among kite and windsurfers 🏄♂️💨 But that’s not why we came. We came for DOLPHINS! 🐬💙 And oh my… Kalpitiya did not disappoint.
A short video from the dolphin safari:
When in Kalpitiya, a dolphin safari is honestly a must. We got so excited that I had to mute the audio on my video because all you’d hear is “OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!” over and over again 😂🐬
We honestly had the best time. At one point there were close to hundred spinner dolphins around the boat! Pure magic! ✨
💙 Back to Hikkaduwa
And that wrapped up the tour, and we headed back to Hikkaduwa. Back to work and new tour planning for Merete, and back to a full week of beach bliss at At Ease Beach Hotel for Ann-Sophie.
Morning beach walks and snorkeling with turtles in Hikkaduwa 🐢🌊 the perfect ending to a wild adventure.
If you’re looking for a Sri Lanka road trip that’s a little different and a lot more peaceful, this route might be exactly what you need. A mix of wildlife, ocean adventures, and quiet moments far from the crowds. 💛🌿
👉fill out the form on THE TOUR PAGE to start planning today!
Merete Lund - 2025
