Long known as Ceylon, the producer of some of the finest black teas in the world, the documented history of Sri Lanka extends back at least 3,000 years. Your stay at Aggressor Safari Lodge will include expeditions to some of the island’s captivating World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Anuradhapura (home of Sigiriya Rock Palace, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”) … and stirring safaris into two of its finest wildlife parks.

The cultural diversity of Sri Lanka will astound. Buddhist and Hindu temples abound, as well as mosques and churches … and each religion has its own colorful rituals. Although currently threatened by encroaching civilization, there remain virgin forests with a profusion of plants & animals. The parks are the well-protected homes of sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, water buffaloes, deer, multitudes of monkeys, mongoose, countless exotic birds, elusive leopards … and a long list of other wildlife.

Underpinning your stay will be the beautiful safari lodge which you will call home. Glamorous tents and a stunning lodge where you can relax and have your meals are all surrounded by jungle and a pool is available for cooling off before or after a hot day on safari ….

The Aggressor Safari Lodge is located on a spacious 6-acre property 20 minutes from the Wilpattu National Park.  The lodge has a reception area, dining tent, an entertainment area with a 54 inch TV … and 8 private, luxury tents for guests.  The property sports a large swimming pool, an outdoor gathering area with a fire pit and beautiful grounds with animal life. The luxury-dining tent, is located at the rear of the outdoor reception and bar area.

All tent chalets offer central air conditioning, hardwood floors, large screened windows with ceiling to floor curtains, en-suite bath with hot & cold water, bathrobes, hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner & lotions, fresh towels, a wardrobe and safe.

King Tented Chalet
chalets #1, 2 & 8    room size: 27′ x 17′
onre king bed: 72″ x 78″

Deluxe Tented Chalet
chalets # 3, 4, 6, & 7     room size: 27′ x 17′
one queen bed 60″ x 78″  … one double bed  53″ x 74″

Family Tented Chalet
chalet #5    room size:  27′ x 17
one queen bed 60″ x 78″  … one twin bed  34″ x 74″  … one roll-away bed

You will wake up to fresh fruits, cereals, juices and hot entrees. Coffee and a continental breakfast is available by 5 am every morning. Lunches are normally picnics packed for the safari or if served at the lodge, feature hot soups, homemade breads, salads and sandwiches and/or entrees. Dinners are served at the lodge each evening at 7:30 pm and will include salads, vegetables, seafood, beef or chicken with a fresh homemade dessert.

A signature amenity of Aggressor is daily in-room morning wake up beverage service with coffee, tea or hot chocolate. A complimentary bar service is provided with non-carbonated beverages, soft drinks, local beer and wine.

Below is a tentative itinerary, which, as always, is subject to change based on weather and conditions.

Take your international flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka.  We recommend at lease one night in Negombo on your own, before pick up by an Aggressor driver who will take you to the Safari Lodge

7 DAY ITINERARY

This is a sample itinerary.  Weather & conditions will always dictate the final tour choices. You will enjoy daily jeep safaris with private guides to Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks & trips in air-conditioned mini-bus to cultural sites.

Day 1 – Wilpattu National Park
Departing from Negombo at 8:00 am, you will travel to the Aggressor Safari Lodge near the Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks. The travel time is several hours.

After check-in and lunch, it’s time to head out on an afternoon safari into Wilpattu National Park with potential to see leopards, elephants, bears, buffalos, deer, crocodiles, jackals and many other animals and birds in their natural, jungle habitat.  Then, back to the Safari Lodge for dinner at night fall & sounds of the jungle.

Day 2 – Sigiriya Rock Palace and Minneriya National Park
You’ll leave the lodge at 7:00 am, after an early breakfast, to travel to the 5th Century AD Sigiriya Rock Palace. The palace and fortress complex takes several hours and you’ll have the opportunity to climb from the bottom to the top for spectacular views and to inspect the oldest parts of the ruins.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you have another afternoon safari adventure, this time into Minneriya National Park. which during dry season hosts the largest known Asian elephant gathering on Earth. Regardless of which season you’re there, you’ll be able to watch (and photograph) safely from your jeep as the huge animals romp & play …snack on the lush green grasses … and refresh themselves in the lake. Dinner follows back at the Safari Lodge.

Day 3 – A day of rest and relaxations at the lodge
You have had long days up to this point, with loads of stimuli.  You deserve a vacation !  However, if you’re up for more excitement, a local guide is available for a village walk or for exploring the flora and fauna on the safari lodge grounds.

Day 4 – Anuradhapura
After breakfast, it’s a 7:30 am roll-call for your transport to the 3rd century BC city in Anuradhapura, which served as the capital city of the country for nearly 1400 years.  Until the 11th century, it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power & urban life in South Asia.

The city houses the Jetavana, the Abhayagiri Dagaba and the Ruwanwelisaya stupas which harbor ancient Buddhist relics and the remains of Buddhist monks and nuns. The 231-foot high Jetavana stupa is the largest stupa in the Buddhist world … in both dimension and mass.  An impressive sight.

After this visit, you’ll be driven to Polonnaruwa where you’ll check into a luxury hotel for lunch and an overnight stay.  At about 6:00 pm, you’ll have the opportunity to set out on a 2-3 hour evening safari to see the elusive and shy Sri Lanka slender loris in its natural jungle habitat, then return to the hotel for a late dinner.

Day 5 – “Monkey Kingdom” Primate Center

Sleep well … as you’ll leave the hotel at 5:30am after an early breakfast.  Today, you’re off to Sri Lanka’s Primate Center for a “monkey excursion”.

Established over 50 years ago, the Primate Center is where Disney Studios filmed the movie “Monkey Kingdom” and it’s home to three species of Sri Lankan monkeys: the Toque macaque, the gray langur and the purple faced langur.

While visiting the monkeys in their natural jungle communities, visitors can observe their complex social interactions. You’re likely to view the primates nurturing young, in courtship & cooperation, and showing dominance and aggression.

Time now to return to the Safari Lodge for lunch and a free afternoon to relax on the grounds or enjoy the swimming pool.

Day 6 – Half Day of rest and relaxation at the lodge / Half Day Wilpattu National Park

You’ll be given the choice of morning or afternoon half day safari in Wilpattu National Park.    Lunch is provided inside the Park in an area frequented by troupes of monkeys.

Again, for your time off at the lodge, a local guide is available for exploring the flora and fauna on the lodge grounds … or you can simply “hang out”.

Day 7 – Early breakfast and a return to Negombo 

We strongly suggest an add-on of several days, before or after your Safari Lodge stay.  We know Sri Lanka well and are always happy to help you with your planning.

General information for getting to Sri Lanka, getting around and getting back home.

Colombo (CMB) airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka and all Aggressor Safari Lodge® guests will fly in and out of Colombo. We recommend that you spend a minimum of one night in Colombo or Negombo before leaving for the Safari Lodge.

Getting There & Transfers To and From Lodge

Airlines That Fly Into Colombo:  Qatar Airways via Doha  … Emirates Airlines via Dubai … Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong … Singapore Airlines via Singapore

Overnight before the Safari Lodge:  Aggressor adventures recommends arriving the day before the trip to Aggressor Safari Lodge with a stay at their host hotel, Jetwing Beach Hotel in Negombo.  Transportation from the airport to the host hotel is not included but can be arranged for you.  Other hotels and guesthouses are available but your morning pick-up will be from Jetwing Beach Hotel.  Pick up time from the Jetwing is 8:00 am.  You will have a 2 ½ hour trip to the safari lodge.

On the last day of your trip, check out is at 11 am so you will be able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing back to Colombo or Negombo.  You will be taken back to the Jetwing Beach Hotel if they are extending your stay in Sri Lanka or to the airport if you are flying home … or onto a liveaboard diving trip in the Maldives.

Practicalities

E-Visa ETA are required for all travelers.   It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and pay for online and is good for a 30 day stay in Sri Lanka. The cost is $35 (subject to change without notice) and most airlines will want to see the printed and approved ETA upon check-in when flying to Sri Lanka. This is the responsibility of each traveler.

Rates:

Per person rates, inclusive of meals & most transportation, are the same for all three types of safari tent   

2024 : $2195
2025 : $2195
2026 : $2195

Included in the rate:

• accommodation in a luxury safari tent
• all meals, snacks & beverages
• transfers from & to Negombo
• all transportation to & from safaris and visit to cultural sites
• use of pool
• access to the lounge with all of its equipment
• guide for village tour & wildlife explanations on property

Extras :

• airfare
• insurance
• entrance frees to World Heritage sites: Sigiriya Rock & Museum …. Anuradhapura Heritage Site … Monkey Primate Center
  all fees will be billed to the guest at the end of their stay and are payable by USD, Visa, MasterCard, and Sri Lanka Rupees

Insurance :

We strongly recommend that each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation & interruption insurance. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness or in the event that unforeseen circumstances occur.