Yala safaris, Mirissa whale watching and Galle Fort, strung along the southern coastline.
The South Coast & Wildlife tour links two very different sides of Sri Lanka's south: the laid-back beach towns of Galle, Unawatuna and Mirissa, and the wild, dry-country scrub of Yala National Park. Starting from Colombo, the route hugs the coast, taking in the historic ramparts of Galle Fort before settling into the slower rhythm of beach life at Unawatuna and Mirissa.
From Mirissa, famous for its seasonal blue whale sightings, the tour turns inland to Tissamaharama, the gateway to Yala. Two game drives — timed for the cooler morning and afternoon hours — give you the best chance of spotting Sri Lanka's iconic leopards, elephants and abundant birdlife, before the journey wraps up back on the coast or in Colombo.
A guiding structure for the five days — your driver can adjust pacing and stop order to suit your energy and interests.
Pickup from your Colombo hotel or the airport and a drive down the southern coastal belt. Spend the afternoon exploring Galle Fort's ramparts, lighthouse and colonial streets, then settle into nearby Unawatuna for a relaxed evening by the beach.
A short, scenic drive to Mirissa. Spend the day at leisure on the beach or take an early-morning whale watching boat trip, seasonal sightings permitting, before an evening at one of the coast's laid-back beachfront spots.
Leave the coast behind and head inland to Tissamaharama, the base town for Yala National Park. Settle in by the lake and rest up ahead of the next day's safari drives.
An early-morning jeep safari into Yala for the best chance of spotting leopards, elephants and other wildlife, followed by rest through the midday heat and a second game drive in the cooler afternoon hours.
A relaxed morning before your final transfer back to Colombo, the airport or your onward destination.
Send us your travel dates and group size — we'll help you plan the route, pacing and stops.
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