Sri Lanka: Coast, Fort & Safari — 3 Days

Galle Fort, whale watching, and two national parks with safari drives

This three-day itinerary moves along Sri Lanka's southern coast and into its interior wildlife reserves. The route begins in Mirissa, incorporates a visit to Galle Fort—a seventeenth-century fortification built by Portuguese colonizers and later occupied by Dutch traders—and includes snorkeling at Hikkaduwa before turning inland. The second and third days pivot toward wildlife observation, with afternoon and morning safari drives in Udawalawe National Park, followed by an evening game drive in Yala National Park. Whale watching in the Indian Ocean and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe provide additional context for Sri Lanka's marine and terrestrial fauna. Accommodation is in mid-range lodges near the parks; all transfers are by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.

Highlights

Snorkeling on the coral reef at Hikkaduwa Beach
Walking the ramparts of Galle Fort, a fortified colonial settlement with seventeenth-century stonework
Whale watching in the Indian Ocean from Mirissa
Afternoon and morning safari drives in Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species
Visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe
Evening safari drive in Yala National Park for leopard, elephant, and bear sightings

Day by day

1Colombo to Mirissa: Hikkaduwa Reef, Turtle Hatchery & Galle FortColombo · Hikkaduwa · turtle hatchery · Galle Fort · Haven Beach Club

Depart Colombo with your driver heading south to Mirissa. En route, pause in Hikkaduwa for optional snorkeling or diving. Next, visit a turtle hatchery to observe various sea turtle species. Walk through Galle Fort, the walled compound built by Portuguese colonizers and later occupied by the Dutch—its ramparts and bastions chronicle centuries of European presence. Settle in at Haven Beach Club in Mirissa for dinner and overnight stay.

2Mirissa to Udawalawe: Whale Watching & Afternoon SafariIndian Ocean · Udawalawe National Park · Nil Diya Mankada Safari Lodge · Mirissa to Udawalawe National Park

Morning whale watching departs from Mirissa into the Indian Ocean. The drive to Udawalawe National Park follows, covering approximately five hours inland. Afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park at 3 PM to see Elephants, Bears and many varieties of birds. Overnight accommodation is at Nil Diya Mankada Safari Lodge.

3Udawalawe Safari, Elephant Transit Home & Yala Evening Game DriveElephant Transit Home · Udawalawe National Park · Yala National Park · Colombo

Start with a morning safari in Udawalawe National Park, then visit the Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned elephants. Transfer to Yala National Park for an afternoon safari at 3 PM, where leopards, elephants, sloth bears and numerous bird species inhabit the reserve. Return to Colombo by evening, a five-hour drive.

Where you go

Map: Sri Lanka: Coast, Fort & Safari — 3 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Colombo
2turtle hatchery
3Galle Fort
4Udawalawe National Park
5Elephant Transit Home
6Udawalawe National Park
7Yala National Park
8Colombo

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)
1 night in Hotel Thilanka on Bed and Breakfast basis
1 night in Glennfall Reach in Nuwara Eliya on Bed and Breakfast basis