Sri Lanka8 days
Sri Lanka: Beach, Mangroves & Wildlife — 8 Days
Southwest coast relaxation and Yala National Park safaris across 8 days, featuring whale watching and leopard tracking
This eight-day tour divides cleanly between the southwest coast and the island's largest national park. The first four days centre on Bentota, a beach resort town on the Indian Ocean where guests spend mornings and afternoons by the water, with a full day devoted to whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa, a fishing village approximately two hours south. The route then turns inland for three days at Yala National Park, where morning and afternoon game drives target the region's large mammals—leopard, wild elephant, sloth bear, and water buffalo—across dry-season grassland and reservoir systems. Return transport to Colombo allows for final-night lodging before airport transfer on day eight. Throughout the tour, air-conditioned road transfers connect each location, and all park fees and activity arrangements are included.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin watching from boats off Mirissa beach during the December-to-April season, when blue and sperm whales frequent the Indian Ocean coastline
- Yala National Park game drives targeting leopard, elephant herds, sloth bear, and wild buffalo across grassland and reservoir systems
- Mangrove-forest boat excursions through Bentota's waterways
- Overnight accommodation at Yala Lake Camp within the park boundary
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to BentotaColombo International Airport · Avani Bentota · Colombo to Bentota
Meet our representative at Colombo International Airport and transfer south to Bentota, a two-hour drive. Check in at Avani Bentota and settle in for the evening.
2Bentota Beach & Mangrove ExcursionBentota Beach · Bentota's mangrove forests · a Dutch fort at Galle · Avani Bentota
The day is unscheduled, allowing guests full use of the resort's beachfront. Optional activities include a boat excursion through Bentota's mangrove forests, a nearby excursion to a Dutch fort at Galle, or continued seaside rest. The resort's dining options feature local Sri Lankan dishes alongside international fare. Overnight at Avani Bentota.
3Whale & Dolphin Watching from MirissaMirissa · boat dock · Avani Bentota · Bentota to Mirissa
An early-morning transfer departs Bentota for Mirissa for a boat departure for whale and dolphin watching. The whale-watching season runs from December through April, when blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphin pods frequent the waters a few kilometers offshore. Local boat operators and guides provide the excursion; dolphin sightings are common throughout the season, while whale encounters vary. Guests return to the boat dock by late afternoon and are transferred back to Bentota for the evening. Overnight at Avani Bentota.
4Bentota Beach & Mangrove CruisingAvani Bentota Resort & Spa · the mangroves
Breakfast at the hotel precedes a leisurely day at Avani Bentota Resort & Spa, where contemporary style meets the southwest coast. Soak up sun and colonial charm—Galle lies nearby for those inclined to wander. In the afternoon, drift gently through the mangroves on a relaxing boat excursion. Evening brings local flavours at the resort. Overnight at Avani Bentota.
5Yala National Park Game DriveYala National Park · Yala Lake Camp
After breakfast, a three-hour drive takes you to Yala National Park. An evening game drive follows before settling at Yala Lake Camp for the night.
6Full-Day Yala National Park Game DrivesYala's grassland, scrub forest, and network of seasonal reservoirs · designated camp area · Yala Lake Camp
Two game drives—morning and afternoon—visit Yala's grassland, scrub forest, and network of seasonal reservoirs where wildlife congregates during the dry season. The park's signature mammals include Asian elephant herds (visible at small reservoirs such as Butuwe and Mahaseelawa), wild buffalo, sloth bear (nocturnal and difficult to sight), and the Indian leopard, which roams the park's interior. Secondary wildlife includes mugger and salt-water crocodiles, spotted eagle-owls, and painted storks frequenting the water systems. Picnic meals are served at a designated camp area during the midday break. Overnight at Yala Lake Camp.
7Transfer to ColomboCinnamon Red hotel · camp to Colombo
After breakfast at the camp, the route returns to Colombo via a five-hour drive. Overnight accommodation at Cinnamon Red hotel in central Colombo.
8Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
A final breakfast is followed by a 20-minute transfer to Colombo International Airport for international departure.
Where you go
- 1Mirissa
- 2Yala National Park
Included
- The Beach and Wildlife Tour of Sri Lanka (Standard) Option I - 7 nights rate will include,
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 4 nights in double room at Avani Bentota on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a Premium tent in Yala Lake Camp on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 1 night in double room at Cinnamon Red on Bed & Breakfast Basis