Sri Lanka10 days
Sri Lanka: Beaches, Whale Watching & Yala Safari — 10 Days
Tangalle beach base with Mirissa whale watching and Yala National Park game drives
This ten-day itinerary divides its time between the southern coast and Sri Lanka's primary wildlife reserve. The first four days centre on Tangalle, a coastal town 214 kilometres south of Colombo, with a day trip to Mirissa for whale and dolphin watching during the December-to-April season. The second half moves inland to Yala National Park for two full days of game drives in search of elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and wild buffalo. The route includes air-conditioned transfers between locations, accommodation in mid-range resort and camp facilities, and park entrance fees. Yala's dry-season wildlife activity is concentrated around small reservoirs; sightings of individual species—particularly the nocturnal sloth bear—are seasonal and not guaranteed.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa beach during the December–April season
- Full-day Yala National Park game drive with opportunities to sight elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild buffalo
- Evening and morning game drives in Yala's core wildlife zones near Butuwe and Mahaseelawa reservoirs
- Four-night beach stay in Tangalle with direct access to the Indian Ocean
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to TangalleTangalle · Colombo International Airport · Colombo to Tangalle
The journey begins at Colombo International Airport, where a representative meets arrivals. A drive south follows, delivering travellers to Tangalle on the southern coast. The remainder of the day is unscheduled at the hotel.
2Tangalle Beach Rest DayTurtle Bay Resort
A full day at the hotel with beach access. Turtle Bay Resort, the base for the first portion of the trip, sits on the coast near the village of Kalametiya, 214 kilometres from Colombo. The property provides accommodation, meals, and facilities for a rest day.
3Whale and Dolphin Watching from MirissaMirissa · Tangalle
An early transfer moves the group to Mirissa, a fishing village further west along the coast. A boat excursion departs from the beach for waters a few kilometres offshore, where blue and sperm whales appear regularly between December and April. Pods of dolphins accompany boats frequently during these months. Local guides manage boat operations and wildlife observation. The trip requires sun protection—lotion, hat, and sunglasses are essential. Return to Tangalle follows, with the remainder of the afternoon free at the hotel.
4Turtle Bay Resort, TangalleTurtle Bay Resort
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before settling into a full day of relaxation by the beach. Turtle Bay Resort, located in the small village of Kalametiya 214 km south of Colombo, offers responsible luxury—comfortable and functional spaces designed to feel like home while maintaining environmental and social sustainability. Overnight at Turtle Bay Resort.
5Transfer to Yala National Park and Evening Game DriveYala National Park
After breakfast, a 3-hour drive inland leads to Yala National Park in the southeast. An evening game drive follows immediately upon arrival, introducing the reserve's primary wildlife zones.
6Full-Day Yala National Park Game DriveYala National Park · Uraniya Lagoon · Butuwe and Mahaseelawa reservoirs
A complete day is spent on game drives within Yala, with picnic meals provided. The park is managed as several distinct blocks; this itinerary focuses on the core zones. Elephants congregate at small reservoirs—particularly Butuwe and Mahaseelawa—during the dry season. Uraniya Lagoon is known for aquatic birds, wild buffalo, and crocodile sightings. Sloth bears are solitary, nocturnal animals, and their presence is irregular and seasonal. Leopards remain elusive. Wild buffalo are present year-round but are considered dangerous. Morning and evening drives increase sighting probability; midday activity is lower.
7Transfer from Yala to ColomboYala to Colombo · Cinnamon Red
Breakfast precedes a 5-hour drive north back to Colombo. Evening accommodation is at Cinnamon Red in the city centre.
8Departure from ColomboColombo International Airport
A 20-minute transfer to Colombo International Airport concludes the itinerary.
Where you go
- 1Tangalle
- 2Mirissa
- 3Tangalle
- 4Yala 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)
- 5 nights in double room at Turtle Bay Resort on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 2 nights in a Premium tent in Yala Lake Camp on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 1 night in double room at NIldiya Mankada Safari Lodge on Bed & Breakfast Basis
- 1 night in double room at Cinnamon Red on Bed & Breakfast Basis