Sri Lanka8 days
Sri Lanka: Beach, Whale Watching & Yala Safari — 8 Days
Tangalle coastal stays, Indian Ocean cetacean watching, and full-day game drives in Yala National Park
This eight-day itinerary divides between the southern coast and the dry zone, anchoring the first half at Amanwella in Tangalle and the second around Yala National Park's wildlife drives. The route includes a three-and-a-half-hour transfer south from Colombo, two days of beach time at Tangalle, a day of whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa (seasonal, December to April), and two full days of game drives in Yala targeting elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and wild buffalo. The return to Colombo precedes the final airport transfer. Accommodation splits between a resort on the coast and an all-inclusive safari camp inland.
Highlights
- Beach time at Amanwella, Tangalle — crescent of coconut-fringed sand on the Indian Ocean
- Whale and dolphin watching off Mirissa coast (December–April seasonal window)
- Full-day and evening game drives in Yala National Park for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and wild buffalo
- Viewing of Yala's reservoir wildlife areas — Butuwe and Mahaseelawa for herds, Uraniya for aquatic birds and crocodiles
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to TangalleColombo International Airport · Amanwella Resort · Colombo to Tangalle
Arrival at Colombo International Airport with hotel representative meeting at the lounge. Approximately three-and-a-half-hour drive south to Tangalle, with overnight accommodation at Amanwella Resort.
2Tangalle Beach Rest DayAmanwella
Full day at Amanwella. The resort sits at the end of a winding jungle track, overlooking a crescent bay of golden sand edged with coconut palms and lapped by the Indian Ocean. Overnight at the resort.
3Whale and Dolphin Watching from MirissaMirissa · Amanwella's beach
An early morning transfer takes you to Mirissa, where the whale and dolphin watching season runs from December through April. Local guides arrange boat trips that venture several kilometers offshore, where the waters teem with marine life. Blue whales and sperm whales frequent Sri Lanka's coastline during these months in large numbers, while pods of dolphins regularly accompany boats—sightings are common and reliably rewarding. The experience requires only a boat and experienced local knowledge, both readily available here. Bring sun protection: lotion, a hat or cap, and sunglasses are essential given the exposure on the water. After returning to shore, the afternoon is yours to rest and swim at Amanwella's beach before settling in for the night at the resort in nearby Tangalle.
4Amanwella Beach, TangalleAmanwella
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day at Amanwella, reached by a winding track through jungle. The resort overlooks a crescent of golden sand fringed with coconut palms, lapped by the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Amanwella.
5Transfer to Yala National ParkYala National Park · safari camp · Ruhunu Safari Camping
After breakfast, approximately two-hour drive to Yala National Park, arriving at Yala Junction at midday. Transfer to the safari camp. Lunch at the camp, followed by an evening game drive. Overnight at Ruhunu Safari Camping.
6Full-Day Game Drive in Yala National ParkYala National Park · Butuwe and Mahaseelawa · Uraniya · Yala National Park camp
A full day exploring Yala in search of Sri Lanka's well-known wildlife: elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and wild buffalo. During the dry season, elephant herds gather at small reservoirs like Butuwe and Mahaseelawa, offering reliable sightings. Uraniya attracts aquatic birds, wild buffalo, and both mugger and saltwater crocodiles. The black sloth bear remains elusive—a solitary, nocturnal animal whose sightings are seasonal and unpredictable. The wild buffalo, though often overlooked, commands respect as one of the park's most dangerous inhabitants. Picnic meals sustain you through the day's drives. Evening brings a BBQ dinner at camp, where you'll review the day's encounters before settling in for the night.
7Return to Colombothe camp · Cinnamon Red hotel · the camp to Colombo
Breakfast at the camp. Approximately five-hour drive to Colombo. Overnight at Cinnamon Red hotel.
8Departure from Colombothe hotel · the hotel to Colombo International Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Twenty-minute transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Mirissa
- 2Yala National Park
Included
- 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 Amanwella Resort on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a Premium tent in Ruhunu Safari Camping on all Inclusive Basis
- 1 night in double room at Cinnamon Red on Bed & Breakfast Basis