Sri Lanka7 days
Sri Lanka: Coast, Wildlife & Temple — 7 Days
Galle Fort, Yala National Park safari, and Mulkirigala temple across the southern coast
This seven-day itinerary traces Sri Lanka's southwestern and southern regions, beginning in Colombo before moving through the coastal town of Galle and its preserved Dutch fort. The route includes a cycling tour through lagoons and village terrain, a safari into Yala National Park for wildlife observation, and a visit to Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple complex. The final days rest at the beach settlement of Tangalle. Throughout, accommodation ranges from lakeside Colombo to beachfront properties, with transfers by private vehicle and an English-speaking guide.
Highlights
- Dutch Fort at Galle, the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia
- Lagoon and village cycling tour through mangrove terrain, paddy fields, and coconut mills
- Sea turtle hatchery visit during the transfer to Yala National Park
- Yala National Park safari for leopard, elephant, and other wildlife sightings
- Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara, an archaeological Buddhist temple with ancient origins
Day by day
1Arrival in ColomboColombo International Airport · lake-based property in Colombo · Colombo International Airport to the capital city
Arrival at Colombo International Airport. A representative meets travellers in the arrival lounge and arranges a one-hour transfer to the capital city. Overnight accommodation at a lake-based property in Colombo.
2Galle's Dutch FortGalle · Dutch Fort · Apa Villa
After breakfast, a 2.5-hour drive brings you to Galle, near Sri Lanka's southernmost point. The Dutch Fort, the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia, anchors this walled coastal town. Visit its perimeter walls and historic streets before settling into Apa Villa in nearby Illuketiya.
3Lagoon and Village Cycling Tourlagoon terrain, mangrove areas, local villages, and temple grounds · working coconut mill · Illuketiya
A three-hour cycling tour departs in the morning, routing through main roads and side roads before moving onto gravel paths through lagoon terrain, mangrove areas, local villages, and temple grounds. The route passes a working coconut mill and extends through lush paddy fields and forest patches. The cycling progresses from paved surfaces to more uneven ground, offering a cross-section of the region's agricultural and ecological zones. Overnight in Illuketiya.
4Yala National Park and Wildlife SafariYala National Park · turtle hatchery · safari camp
A four-hour drive south toward Yala includes a stop at a turtle hatchery to observe various sea turtle species in their early growth stages. Arrival at Yala Junction at midday, where travellers transfer into the national park to a safari camp. Following lunch at the camp, an evening game drive takes place, offering the possibility of sighting leopards, elephants, and other wildlife species. Accommodation is on an all-inclusive basis at the camp, with dinner provided.
5Early Game Drive and Transfer to TangalleTangalle · Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara
An early-morning game drive precedes breakfast at the camp. After checkout, a two-hour drive westward leads to Tangalle, a coastal town south of Colombo. En route, Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara is visited—an ancient, archaeological Buddhist temple complex notable for its historical and architectural significance. Overnight accommodation is beachfront in Tangalle.
6Rest Day at Tangalle BeachTangalle Beach
A free day at the beach settlement of Tangalle.
7Return to Colombo and Airport DepartureColombo International Airport
Following breakfast, a four-hour drive north returns travellers to Colombo International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Galle
- 2Yala National Park
- 3turtle hatchery
- 4Tangalle
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 at lake Colombo on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 nights in Apa Villa in Illuketiya on bed and breakfast basis
- 1 night Yala Camping on All inclusive basis
- 2 nights at Amanwella in Tangalle on Room only basis