South Coast, Serenity & Wildlife

Tour Info

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Duration

11 days

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Tour Type

Nature & Serenity

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Best time to travel

October – March

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Destinations

Colombo, Galle, Yala and Bentota

Overview

Eleven-Day Coastal and Wildlife Tour of Sri Lanka

This eleven-day tour allows you to experience Sri Lanka’s golden sandy beaches, where you can relax and explore the paradise along the Southern and Northern East coast, known for its azure sea life. The tour also offers a glimpse into the country’s amazing wildlife, ensuring a memorable experience.

Begin your adventure in Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic city is perfect for exploration on foot, with its old trading port adorned with Dutch-colonial buildings, mosques, churches, grand mansions, and museums.

Next, head to the turquoise waters of Mirissa for a remarkable whale-watching experience. Continue to Yala National Park, where you can spot elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.

Visit Bentota for the final leg of your journey, where you can explore the turtle hatchery, take a mangrove island tour, and visit the moonstone mine. Conclude your tour in Colombo, the vibrant capital city, for some last-minute shopping and exploration.

Highlights

Discover the charming, walled port city of Galle.
Explore the impressive Galle Dutch Fortress.
Visit Sri Lanka’s most popular and beautiful beach.
Enjoy a safari at Yala National Park to spot Asian elephants and elusive leopards.
Experience whale and dolphin watching during a boat tour off the coast of Mirissa.
Relax on the palm-fringed beaches of Bentota.
Learn the art of Sri Lankan mask painting.
Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Bentota.

Itinerary

Day 01: Welcome to Colombo

Upon your arrival at the airport, our Company Representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to unwind and relax. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 02: Journey to Enchanting Galle

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, set off for the southwestern coast to the charming town of Galle. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare to be enchanted by one of Sri Lanka’s finest colonial-era gems. Galle, with its Dutch-built 17th-century fort, offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Wander through the quaint town, enclosed by massive bastions and ramparts, with narrow streets and charming old villas. As the day draws to a close, be mesmerized by the stunning sunset views across the Indian Ocean. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings of Galle. Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 03: Walking Tour of Old Galle Fort

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll explore the historical treasures of Old Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 17th-century fort, built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past. As you wander through the fort’s narrow streets, you’ll encounter grand colonial-era buildings and massive bastions that provide stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse for panoramic vistas, and explore the Dutch Reformed Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. The National Maritime Museum offers insights into the region’s rich maritime history. Take your time to enjoy the charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries that line the fort’s streets. Engage with the local culture and savor some delicious local delicacies. The fort’s blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty makes it a delightful place to explore on foot. Return to your hotel in the evening, filled with the day’s sights and stories. Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 04: Whale Watching in Mirissa

In the morning, head to Mirissa Fishery’s Harbour for an exhilarating whale watching experience. Set sail and photograph Blue Whales, found in concentrations not seen elsewhere in the world. This is a dream come true for any whale watcher, as these majestic creatures can be observed relatively close to shore during their migration. The narrow continental shelf to the South of Dondra makes this possible. After this awe-inspiring morning at sea, return to Galle in the afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure, reflecting on the unforgettable experience. Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 05: Journey to Yala National Park

After breakfast, drive to Yala National Park, a vast area of forest, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean in southeast Sri Lanka. This park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Explore the ancient Buddhist monastery of Sithulpawwa, where nearby caves house centuries-old rock paintings. Visit Magul Maha Viharaya to see more ancient Buddhist ruins, both important pilgrimage sites. Check into your hotel upon arrival and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Yala.

Day 06: Wildlife Safaris at Yala National Park

Start your day with a morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, traversing diverse terrains of forests, grasslands, and lagoons. The early hours are prime for observing leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. After a midday break, continue with an afternoon jeep safari. The different lighting conditions in the afternoon offer a unique perspective on the park’s stunning landscapes and enhance the chances of encountering elusive wildlife. Yala is renowned for its high density of leopards, making each safari a thrilling experience. These safaris provide an immersive and memorable experience of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. Overnight in Yala.

Day 07: Drive to Bentota

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bentota, a beautiful coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Visit the Turtle Hatchery to learn about sea turtle conservation and witness these incredible creatures up close. Relax on Bentota’s palm-fringed beaches, swim in the warm waters, or simply unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bentota.

Days 08 & 09: Exploring Bentota

Spend your days at leisure in the stunning coastal town of Bentota. Dive into water sports at Bentota Lake, with activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Take a boat safari through the lush mangroves, spotting various wildlife along the way. Alternatively, unwind on the sun-soaked sands of Bentota’s pristine beaches, known to be some of the best in the world. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Bentota offers a perfect blend of both. Overnight stays in Bentota.

Day 10: Drive to Colombo

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely morning. Later, drive to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, explore the bustling markets and modern malls for some last-minute shopping. Colombo offers a fascinating mix of colonial buildings, temples, and contemporary architecture. After a day of exploration and shopping, unwind at your hotel. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 11: Colombo City Tour and Departure

Start your morning with a half-day city tour of Colombo. Embrace the local culture by learning the word ‘Estuti,’ which means thank you in Sinhalese—a small gesture that can go a long way in pleasing the locals. Visit the intricately carved Hindu temple, the historic Dutch Church at Wolfe Dhal from 1749, the Devatgahaha Mosque, and the Gangarama Temple, all of which provide a rich cultural experience. Despite being less touristy compared to other parts of the island, Colombo is vibrant and colorful, offering a unique insight into what makes Sri Lanka tick. Explore the bustling Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah Bazaar, Colombo’s busiest and most traditional market areas. Later, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home, leaving you with sweet memories of your Sri Lanka tour